The 2C, 2D opening bids
The 2C opening bid
This is one of the bids that is a radical departure from Standard American. Since the 1C bid is reserved for strong hands we need another bid to show a hand with a club suit.
If the opener’s hand contains 5C but is otherwise balanced, then opener bids 1NT.
If the opener’s hand contains 5C and 4+D and no 4 card major, then opener bids 1D.
That leaves us with those hands that contain 5C and a 4M, or 6+C. Opener bids 2C.
2C: 11-15 HCP and either 5C+4M or 6+C.
These are tricky hands. Opener’s hand is unbalanced with a long club suit. If Responder has a fit for C, and if Responder has enough HCP, then a game in C is possible. But first efforts should be made to see if partnership has a game in NT or the possible major.
If Responder is weak (<10 points) but has support for C, the Responder passes or raises to 3C.
If Responder is weak and has no support for C but has a 6 card major, then Responder bids 2 of the major. Opener usually passes that response unless opener has support for the named major and 14-15 HCP. In that case opener can raise the major to invite Responder to consider game in the major.
If Responder has 10+ HCP, then Responder bids 2D (alertable) to ask opener to name his 4 card major if opener has one. This is where it gets interesting:
- Opener bids 2M with 4M and min range
- Opener bids 2NT with no 4M and min range (implies 6+C)
- Opener bids 3C with no 4M and max range (implies 6+C)
- Opener bids 3M with 4M and max range
Responder now bids final contract with strong preference for 3NT and 4M if justified.
If opener’s LHO interferes, then systems are off and subsequent bidding is natural.
If opener’s RHO interferes after the 2D convention is started, opener’s rebid is considered a continuation of the convention. If opener cannot make their rebid, then opener passes and further bidding is natural. Most opponents do not interfere with the 2C sequence, probably because they are intimidated by the Standard American 2C opening bid.
The 2D Opening Bid
This is the 2nd bid that is a radical departure from Standard American. The 2D bid is a rare bid and exists to handle one specific hand pattern that would cause problems for the rest of the system if not handled separately.
2D: 11-15 HCP and a 4414 distribution.
In other words, a singleton D and 4 cards in each of the other suits. You will notice that opener cannot open 1NT, 1S, 1H, 1D, or 2C with this hand. So 2D has been allocated to handle this special case.
As Responder you now know almost everything you need to know to place the final contract. If you have a good D suit with stoppers you can bid NT. If you have 4+ cards in one of the other suits you know opener has 4 card support. You know that opener has a singleton D, so you can adjust for ruffing tricks. The only thing you don’t know is where in the range 11-15 opener lies.
If Responder is weak then Responder bids the cheapest bid in the desired suit (not NT). Opener should pass.
If Responder wants to invite, the Responder bids 1 less than game in the desired suit or NT. If opener has the max range, opener bids game. Otherwse Responder bids game or starts a slam investigation sequence.
Interference bids are ignorable for the most part. Responder already has all of the information needed. If an opponent is foolish enough to overcall, they may very well find themselves facing 8 trumps in defense hands with a known short suit (D).
