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Responding to a Weak 2 opening bid
You need 3‐card support, and 15+ points to support partner's weak two opening bid.
When your partner opens a weak 2 bid having a minimum opening hand is not as helpful
as you would hope. You need a maximum opening point count and a 'fit' to be bidding game. If the maximum points
you have between you is 24 that is not enough to be in game.
If you don't have at least 3‐card support, and you have less than 15 HCP you should pass partner's weak two opening bid. With 4 trumps, raise the bidding to the 4‐level. With 16 points to invite partner to game responder bids 2NT asking opener if he is minimum 6-7 points, or maximum 9-10 points. Opener just rebids his suit at the lowest level with a minimum weak two opening bid and bids game with maximum values. Vulnerability is one of the important considerations so be more cautious if you are vulnerable
.
If you don't have at least 3‐card support, and you have less than 15 HCP you should pass partner's weak two opening bid. With 4 trumps, raise the bidding to the 4‐level. With 16 points to invite partner to game responder bids 2NT asking opener if he is minimum 6-7 points, or maximum 9-10 points. Opener just rebids his suit at the lowest level with a minimum weak two opening bid and bids game with maximum values. Vulnerability is one of the important considerations so be more cautious if you are vulnerable
.
When partner opens a weak two-bid:
- With enough strength that it is likely the partnership can make a game contract: Bid Game.
- Make a forcing bid (e.g. change suit 2NT) asking for more information.
- If it’s unlikely there is enough strength for game, compete to the level of the number of trumps held by the partnership (as in the Law of Total Tricks)
- 0-2 trumps Pass (8 combined trumps so stay at the 2 level)
- 3 trumps Raise to the three level (9 trumps combined so raise to the 3 level)
- 4+ trumps Raise to the game level
Instant Progress Quiz - Check all the correct answers
Your partner opens 2 spades, what do you respond with this hand?
Your Hand
- ♠3 2
- ♥A Q J 10
- ♦A J 10 9
- ♣K Q J
You have a 'fit' with your 2 spade cards and your partners 6 card suit, with your 18 HCP you should bid
4♠
Extra for Experts
A different game on the same subject as this lesson, with questions for community discussion in the comments area below.
PLAY