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PLAY practice game for this lesson
Responding to a Strong Club Opening
What do I reply to my partners strong 2C?
Definition
Bid either 2 diamonds, a negative artificial bid showing 0-7 points and no higher than game interest, or 2 Spades (with 5 card spades), 2 Hearts(with 5 card hearts) or 2NT showing 9+ plus points, possible slam interest in response to a strong 2 Club opening bid. If your partner opens 2♣, you can warn partner that you have a weak hand by responding 2♦ which shows 0-7 TP (or up to 6 HCP).The 2♦ bid is artificial and very weak. All other bids are natural and positive. You’ve still got to keep bidding going until game but at least your partner won’t be expecting anything from you.
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
♠ 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.
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
♠ 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
2 ♠ Shows your partner your 5 card major suit AND that you have more than 7 TP
Hand 3 .
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 7 TP and your hand has a balanced shape