BRIDGE BASICS TWO CLUB CONVENTION We continue our look at Conventions that are used when your side opens 2K. Some of these agreements are widely used, some are not. But they are here for you and your partner to be aware of, and decide if they are for you.
3. When 4th hand intervenes. Let’s say that the bidding starts 2K-Pass-2L - .
WHEN THE OPPONENTS INTERVENE
• If RHO overcalls: » Double – Balanced hand, no stopper in bid suit. » New suit – one or two suiter. » 2NT – Balanced 22-24 with stopper. » Pass – Either wants to penalize, or shows a three suiter. Responder is forced to reopen with a double. The strong hand will either pass or bid the cheapest of their three suits.
It is important to have agreements when the distribution or vulnerability allows the opponents to disrupt your communication. Here is a fairly easy and comprehensive system: 1. After the opponents double. • Pass shows a weak hand, less than 3 HCPs. After a pass, opener can bid a new suit (one round force), 2NT (passable), redouble to play, or bid 3K asking partner to bid 3NT with a club stopper. • Redouble shows 4+ HCPs and is game forcing. 2. After the opponents overcall. • Double is positive (as redouble above). • Pass is weakest hand, as above in #1. • New suit shows 5+ cards, 2 of the top 3 honours.
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This is the 22nd article in a New Player Bridge Canada series. Some of these concepts may be a review for you, but this series will also cover more advanced techniques and ideas.
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• If RHO doubles, then redouble is to play, and all other bids retain their normal meanings.
RAISING AGREEMENTS A two club leaves less room to investigate fits and controls, so It is important to have clear agreements in a couple of specific areas: Splinters – If you have a fit and shortness it is almost always right to splinter. Therefore a simple raise usually denies shortness. Game level raises – when a suit is raised at the game level it is natural and not necessarily a sign off. In fact it is best played forcing in most auctions.
