219
Opening Weak Two Bidding System
Different to Strong two's, in a weak 2 system all the 2 level bids are not weak. This system
combines weak 2's in the major suits and diamonds with strong 2's 2 Club and 2NT openers. Partners must discuss
which systems they are using otherwise costly mistakes can occur. Weak 2 opening bids are useful for showing your
partner your weak but long holding and importantly... interfering with the opposition finding their own best
contract.
Weak Two Opening bids are a preemptive bid. Weak Two bids tell your partner that you have at least a
6-card suit and 6-10 HCP with two or more high-cards in the bid suit. Generally bidding Weak Twos does not
exclude a 4 card side-suit holding in another suit. Weak 2's have strong bids as well so there is much more
use for a systems that covers a large variety of hands and is much adopted by more advanced players although
not always.
Guidelines for Weak 2 Bids
1. If the preemptive bid is a Major suit, then you are usually telling partner that you don't have any interest in the other Major suit2. A preempt as an overcall after oppositions opening on the one level should be at least one level higher and in a higher-ranking suit than the opening bid.
3. If the preemptive bid is an overcall after after oppositions opening bid on the one level is in a lower-ranking suit, then the preemptive bid should be at least two levels higher.
4. You are showing that you do not have an opening hand.
5. When deciding to make a Preempt the vulnerable or non-vulnerable, and counting the number of winning/losing tricks should be carefully considered.
| Examples of Weak 2 Opening bids | |
|---|---|
| 2D | = 6-10 points and a 6 card diamond suit |
| 2H | = 6-10 points and a 6 card heart suit |
| 2S | = 6-10 points and a 6 card spade suit |
Instant Progress Quiz - Check all correct answers
What should you open this hand?
- ♠A Q 10 9 6 4
- ♥ 7 3
- ♦ J 5 3 2
- ♣4
Answer: Your bid is 2♠. With only 7 HCP your hand is not strong enough to open at the 1 level, but with your 5 winning tricks and 3 tricks from your partner (not vul) you will interfere with the bidding of the opposition.
Extra for Experts
A different game on the same subject as this lesson, with questions for community discussion in the comments area below.
PLAY