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Standard American Lesson 8

2-Level Openings

♠   Opening   2NT

The 2NT opening bid is similar to the 1NT opening, only much stronger- 20-22.

It’s not forcing. The responder normally chooses the final contract immediately.

Open 2NT on all of the hands above. Responder simply calculates the total point count and decides whether or not to bid game and also whether to play the hand in a suit contract or notrumps.

Responses to 2NT

These are similar to other notrump bids, recognizing that 4 TP is enough for game. Bid 3NT directly with a balanced hand; bid 4 ♥ , 4♠ directly with a 6-card major and bid 3 ♥ , 3♠ with a 5-card major.

♠   Opening 2 ♦,2♥,2♠

Weak hands at the 2-level

The 2♦, 2♠, 2♥ openings are weak pre-emptive bids showing at least 6 cards and fewer than 13 TP. You promise at least 2 honors in your suit..

Unless partner makes a forcing bid, you should not bid again.

Responses to Weak 2 Openings

The only forcing responses are

• A new suit response
• 2NT response

If partner changes suit, support that suit if possible.

If partner bids 2NT, bid game in your suit if you are maximum (8-9) or a minimum rebid with less.

♥  Opening 2♣

2♣ opening is an artificial bid. It shows 23+ TP and is forcing to game. Partner must keep bidding until game is reached, even with no points at all.

Open 2 ♣ on all of these hands. All you are saying is that you have an extremely strong hand. You say nothing about clubs.

If your partner opens 2♣, you can warn partner that you have a weak hand by responding 2♦ which shows 0-7 TP.   It is an artificial bid and you don’t promise any diamonds. You’ve still got to keep bidding to game but at least your partner won’t be expecting anything from you.

Partner opens 2♣. What do you respond?

Opening Bids  at   the 2-level