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Responding to a Strong Club Opening
When your partner opens 2C and its a strong bid, they first want to know if Slam is
possible. As responder it's your first duty to inform them of the possibility of slam, then if that's not an
option to decide the game.
Definition
Responder bids 2 diamonds, a negative artificial bid showing 0-7 points and no higher than game interest.When your partner opens 2♣, you can warn partner that you have a weak hand by responding 2♦ which shows 0-7 TP (or up to 6 HCP).
The 2♦ bid is artificial and very weak. All other bids are natural and positive.
Even with your 2D respnse you must keep the bidding going until game is reached by you or your partner but at least your partner won’t be expecting any points or strength from you.
Exercise: Your partner Opens 2♣, what do you respond with the following hands?
Hand 1 .
Your Hand
♠ 6 5 4 3
♥ 6 4 3
♦ 3 2
♣ 6 5 4 3
♠ 6 5 4 3
♥ 6 4 3
♦ 3 2
♣ 6 5 4 3
Your Bid
2 ♦ - You are only saying to your partner that you have less than 7 TP but it says
nothing about your suit holding.
Hand 2.
Your Hand
♠ J 9 8 7 6
♥ K 8 7
♦ 8
♣ J 7 6 4
♠ J 9 8 7 6
♥ K 8 7
♦ 8
♣ J 7 6 4
Your Bid
2 ♦ - Yes you have a 5 card major suit but you have less than 7 TP
Your Hand
- ♠ A 8 4
- ♥ Q J 8 4
- ♦ 10 7 6 5
- ♣ J 4
Answer: Bid 2NT. This shows partner that you have more than 7 TP and your hand has a balanced
shape
Extra for Experts
A different game on the same subject as this lesson, with questions for community discussion in the comments area below.
PLAY