Report this Page
222

Responding to a Strong Club Opening

When your partner opens 2C they want to know in the first instance if Slam is possible. As responder it's your duty to inform them of the possibility of slam, then if that's not an option to decide which game or part-game your partnership should be in.

Definition

Bid either 2 diamonds, a negative artificial bid showing 0-7 points and no higher than game interest, or 2 Spades (with 5 card spades), 2 Hearts(with 5 card hearts) or 2NT showing 9+ plus points, possible slam interest in response to a strong 2 Club opening bid. If 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. You’ve still got to keep bidding going until game but at least your partner won’t be expecting anything 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
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
♠ A 9 8 7 6
♥ K 8 7
♦ 8
♣ J 7 6 4
Your Bid
2 ♠ Shows your partner your 5 card major suit AND that you have more than 7 TP

Instant Progress Quiz - Check all correct answers


 

   Pass

   3C

   2H

   3H

   2D



Your partner Opens 2♣, what is your response?

  • ♠ K Q J T 5
  • ♥ T 9 7 5
  • ♦
  • ♣ J T 3 2
Answer: Bid 2D. This shows partner that you have 7 or less TP and denies a slam contract. shape

Practice This Lesson

Bid to game or slam if you dare - how many tricks can you make and be careful with your entries to your hand

PLAY

Extra for Experts

A different game on the same subject as this lesson, with questions for community discussion in the comments area below.

PLAY