2 Club Opening (Strong)

Rev: July 31, 2000

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Requirements For Opening 2C

You have more quick tricks than losers.

You are within one trick of game in your own hand.

You would be sick to your stomach if partner passed your one-bid.

With 22+ HCP always open 2C. (Some play 21+ or even 20+ HCP)

With a 1-suiter and 9+ tricks, open 2C.

With a 2-suiter or 1 ½- suiter and 8+ tricks

Not Preferred: Some open 2C

Preferred: Others will not open 2C (unless 22 HCP) but, rather, bid the first suit then jump shift in the second suit in order to show both suits.

If 22-24 HCP and balanced, open 2C then rebid 2NT

If 25-27 HCP and balanced, open 2C then rebid 3NT

Most players open 3NT as the "Gambling 3NT".

If 28-30 HCP and balanced, open 2C then rebid 4NT.

Simplified Responses - 2D Waiting

Preferred

2D = 4+ HCP (usually one control of an A or K)

2H = less than 4 HCP (a "double negative")

Other bids are positive and show a great suit (with a big balanced hand use 2D Waiting)

Long and strong:

2S = spades

2NT = hearts

3C = clubs

3D = diamonds

When RHO overcalls

Double = no values (less that 4 HCP, same as "double negative")

Pass = some values (4+ HCP with at least an A or K, same as 2D waiting)

Bidding a suit = long and strong

Regular Responses - 2D Waiting

Not Preferred

2D is waiting. May have anywhere from nothing up to a great hand.

Responder’s rebids of a “second negative” or “cheapest minor rebid” show 0 - 4 HCP:

3C over opener’s 2H/2S

3D over opener’s 3C

3NT over opener’s 3D

Any non-jump rebid by the responder that isn’t a “second negative” shows 4+ - 8 HCP.

A positive response shows 1 ½ quick tricks or 8+ HCP. Usually having a hand with values for a positive response, it is better to first bid 2D, then show positive response. This allows opener to show his suit at the two-level.

After a 2D response, a jump rebid by responder shows a positive response.

It is best to not bid 2D and instead make a positive response on the first bid if: (1) a very good suit like KQJxxx or better, or (2) a 2-suiter. Otherwise bid 2D first.

If responder’s first bid is not 2D, responder is showing a positive response.

Control Responses

Not Preferred

In response to opener’s strong 2C bid responder bids controls using step responses.

Controls: Ace = 2; King = 1

Responses to 2C:

	2D = 0 or 1 (less than 6 points)
	2H = 0 or 1 (6+ points)
	2S = 2
	2NT = 3 (three Kings)
	3C = 3 (one Ace and one King)
	3D = 4
	3H = 5

If LHO Overcalls at Two Level:

	Doubling the opponent’s overcall is for penalty. Passing the overcall is a negative response (0 or 1 control with less than 6 points).
	Passing, then, is the first of a series of step responses to show controls.
	The cheapest bid which includes 2NT would then show 0 or 1 control (6+ points)
	The next cheapest bid would then show 2 controls, etc.

If LHO Overcalls at Three Level or Higher:

	Showing controls are off:
	Double = no values (less that 4 HCP)
	Pass = some values (4+ HCP with at least an A or K)

Showing 2nd Negative

Responder’s rebids of a “second negative” or “cheapest minor rebid” show 0 - 4 HCP:

3C over opener’s 2H/2S

3D over opener’s 3C

3NT over opener’s 3D