Opening 2C : Bridge Online
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All strong hands, which don't fit into the definition of a 2NT opening, are opened 2♣. It is unconditionally forcing to game.
Opening 2♣
• 23+
• any shape
• game forcing
An opening bid of 2♣ shows at least 23 HCP. It does not say anything about your club suit. This is a completely artificial bid.
Your message to partner is that you have a very strong hand indeed. Partner knows that you don't necessarily have a club suit. After you open 2♣, we must keep the bidding open until game, even if I, as responder, have no TP at all.
| | South | West | North | East |
| | 2♣ | P | 2♦ | P |
| | 2♥ |
The opening bid shows your strength. After partner's bid, you can start to show your shape on the second round. 2♥ promises 5 hearts.
| | South | West | North | East |
| | 2♣ | P | 2♦ | P |
| | 2NT |
This is too strong to open 2NT. You must start with 2♣ before bidding notrumps. Partner is not allowed to pass, so you are safe.
Responses to 2♣
• 2♦ = 0-7
• 2NT = 8+ balanced
• 2♥/♠,2NT,3♣/♦ = 8+ and 5+ card suit
Responder to 2♣ should make the negative bid of 2♦ with less than 8 HCP. 2♦ doesn't say anything about your diamond suit. It is purely a negative response. You are denying interest in bidding slam.
Even though you have 6 spades, you must bid 2♦ first to tell me you have a weak hand.
| | North | East | South | West |
| | 2♣ | P | 2♦ | P |
| | 2♥ | P | 2♠ |
2♦ is forcing, so you won't be left you there as you may not have any diamonds. You will have a chance to show the spades with your second bid.
| | North | East | South | West |
| | 2♣ | P | 2NT |
With 8+ TP, you have enough for a positive response. This is forcing to game or slam. With 8+ TP, and a balanced hand, bid 2NT. This suggests to partner that you might have the combined values for slam (approximately 33).
This time you have 8 HCP and a 5-card major, so bid those spades. I'll know you have 5 of them otherwise you would have bid notrumps. Remember you are forcing to game after a positive bid, so there is no hurry.
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