Strong Openings

4 Loser ( or better ) hands


There are 2 strong opening bids available 2C and 2D.  

2C shows a semi-balanced 4 loser hand.  

2D shows a unbalanced 4 loser hand with limited defensive strength.  This can either be a single suited or 2 suited hand.

The 2D bid is new.

Strong 2D:

2D shows 11+ HCP; 4 losers; 1 or 2 suited and limited defensive strength.  The rebids will show the shape of the hand.

Responses to 2D bid:


2D
          2H  ( waiting, 1+ winner or balanced with 0 winners )
          2S   ( void ask, 3+ winners )
          3 level bids show 0 winners unless contract played in responders suit ( ex. J10xxxx )

After the 2H response showing 1+ winner or 0 winners and balanced:

2D -  2H

2S  shows 2 suited and 2nd suit is 4 cards long ( 6-4, 7-4, 8-4 or 9-4 )  1st suit must be at least 6 cards long.
2N shows 2 suited and 2nd suit is 5+ cards long ( 5-5, 6-5, 7-5, 6-6 or 7-6 )
3 level bids show a single suited ( 6+ ) hand.


2 suited responses:


After the opener shows a 2 suited hand the next ranking bid ask opener for their long suit:

2D - 2H
2S - 2N
3C  ( 6+ clubs )

After the long suit is shown, the next ranking bid will ask for 2nd suit

2D - 2H
2S - 2N
3C - 3D  ( what is your 2nd suit? )

Void Ask response to 2D:

The void ask response shows 3 winners and slam interest.  Slam is not guaranteed due to the unbalanced nature of the openers hand.  Opener  will bid void suit at the 3 level.  2NT shows no void.  

2D - 2S
3C  ( club void )

2D - 2S
2NT  ( no void )

After the void ask response, the responder does not know if opener has a 1 or 2 suited hand.  The next ranking suit bid will ask opener to show his longest suit.   A ranking suit bid after this response will ask for 2nd suit ( if existing )

2D - 2S
2NT - 3C
3H  -  3S
4H

Here,
3C = please bid your long suit
3H = 6+ hearts
3S = got another?
4H = single suited.

Opener can show a single suited, 3 loser hand by a jump to the 4 level after the asking bid:

2D  -  2S
3C - 3D
4H

Here,
3C = club void
3D = please bid your long suit
4H = single suited, 3 losers