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Opening Weak Two Bids
Different to Strong two's, in a weak 2 system all the 2 level bids are not weak. This
system combines weak 2's in the major suits and diamonds with strong 2's 2 Club and 2NT openers. Partners must
discuss which systems they are using otherwise costly mistakes can occur. Weak 2 opening bids are useful for
showing your partner your weak but long holding and importantly... interfering with the opposition finding their
own best contract.
Weak Two Opening bids are a preemptive bid. Weak Two bids tell your partner that you have at least a
6-card suit and 6-10 HCP with two or more high-cards in the bid suit. Generally bidding Weak Twos
does not exclude a 4 card side-suit holding in another suit. Weak 2's have strong bids as well so
there is much more use for a systems that covers a large variety of hands and is much adopted by
more advanced players although not always.
Guidelines for Weak 2 Bids
If the preemptive bid is a Major suit, then you are usually telling partner that you don't have any
interest in the other Major suit
2. A preempt as an overcall after oppositions opening on the one level should be at least one level higher and in a higher-ranking suit than the opening bid.
3. If the preemptive bid is an overcall after after oppositions opening bid on the one level is in a lower-ranking suit, then the preemptive bid should be at least two levels higher.
4. You are showing that you do not have an opening hand.
5. When deciding to make a pre-emptive bid (weak) your vulnerability and the number of winning/losing tricks in your hand should be considered.
2. A preempt as an overcall after oppositions opening on the one level should be at least one level higher and in a higher-ranking suit than the opening bid.
3. If the preemptive bid is an overcall after after oppositions opening bid on the one level is in a lower-ranking suit, then the preemptive bid should be at least two levels higher.
4. You are showing that you do not have an opening hand.
5. When deciding to make a pre-emptive bid (weak) your vulnerability and the number of winning/losing tricks in your hand should be considered.
| The Weak 2 Opening Bidding System | |
|---|---|
| 2D | Holding 6-10 points and a 6 card diamond suit |
| 2H | Holding 6-10 points and a 6 card heart suit |
| 2S | Holding 6-10 points and a 6 card spade suit |
| With the Weak Two Bidding System You Still Have Strong Bids | |
| 2C | Holding 23+ points a game force opening bid |
| 2NT | Holding 20-22 points and a balanced hand |
Instant Progress Quiz - Check all the correct answers
Exercise: What should you open this hand?
Your Hand
- ♠A Q 10 9 6
- ♥ 7 3
- ♦ J 5 3 2
- ♣4
Answer: Your bid is 2♠. With only 7 HCP your hand is not strong enough
to open at the 1 level, but with your 5 winning tricks and 3 tricks from your partner (not vul) you
will interfere with the bidding of the opposition.
Extra for Experts
A different game on the same subject as this lesson, with questions for community discussion in the comments area below.
PLAY