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Responding to a Strong Club Opening

When your partner opens 2C and its a strong bid, they first want to know if Slam is possible. As responder it's your first duty to inform them of the possibility of slam, then if that's not an option to decide the game.

Definition

When you have eight or more points and partner has opened 2C you will need to communicate that Game or even Slam is possible. A series of Artificial and natural bids are used for this purpose. You can warn partner that you have a weak hand by responding 2♦. You’ve still got to keep bidding going until game but at least your partner won’t be expecting anything from you.

Responses After Partners 2C Opener

  • Bid 2♦ which shows 0-7 TP (or up to 6 HCP), a negative artificial bid showing 0-7 points and no higher than game interest
  • Bid 2 Spades (with 5 card spades) and 2-7 points - natural and positive no higher than game interest
  • Bid 2 Hearts(with 5 card hearts) and 2-7 points - natural and positive no higher than game interest
  • Bid 2NT showing 8+ plus points, possible slam interest

Instant Progress Quiz - Check all correct answers


 

   Pass

   3C

   2H

   3H

   2NT

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
Your Hand
  • ♠ A 8 4
  • ♥ Q J 8 4
  • ♦ 10 7 6 5
  • ♣ J 4

Answer: Bid 2NT. This shows partner that you have more than 8 TP and you may have a slam contract

Practice This Lesson

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Extra for Experts

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

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