M J Bridge
♦
♠
♥
♣
Bidding
Context -
Tartan two-
This is an advanced convention. It has much to commend it for partnerships with serious tournament aspirations.
With this convention an opening bid of 2♥ is either strong (unlimited one-
An opening bid of 2♠ is similar, showing either a strong hand with spades, or a two-
Some pairs allow the two-
Either or both of these bids might also include a strong no trump range, although it is more likely that 2♥ will include such a meaning rather than 2♠ (when there is very little space for the continuations).
There are a number of possibilities in the continuing auction which will be considered in due course, but in its basic form responder will make a relay bid of 2♠ over 2♥ or 2NT over 2♠. Opener can then rebid his major to show the strong single-
♠
♥
♦
♣
6 3
K Q J 8 5 3
A Q 4
A K
Eight and a half playing tricks in a single-
Open 2♥.
Partner will relay with 2♠ and you will rebid 3♥.
♠
♥
♦
♣
Q J 6 3
K Q 5 3
A Q 4
A K
Twenty one points in a balanced hand.
Open 2♥.
If partner relays with 2♠ then rebid 2NT (if this is in the agreed range).
♠
♥
♦
♣
Q J T 6 3
Q J 5 3
Q 9 4
6 2
Eight points with five spades and four hearts.
Open 2♠.
If partner relays with 2NT then rebid 3♥ to show the weak two-
♠
♥
♦
♣
K Q J 6 3
4
K Q J 5 3
A 7
Nine playing tricks in a strong two-
Open 2♠.
If partner relays with 2NT then rebid 4♦ to show the strong two-
I quite like this convention.
It will usually be played in combination with a standard multi 2♦ and frequently with a weak 2NT, thereby creating the possibility of showing a tremendous variety of weak preemptive hands. Add to this the capability of showing some strong two-
As partner will have to make a decision at the three-
However, not everyone is a great fan of this method.
Leaving aside those who feel that any artificial convention is a form of cheating (although they might somehow approve of Stayman and Blackwood) there are others who fire serious warning shots -
The main point is to realise that all sequences (except one strong balanced range) take the bidding to the three-
With this point in mind it is recommended that with one of the weak holdings you should stick very closely to a basic requirement of minimum 5-
Keeping a weather eye on the vulnerability is also to be recommended.
These requirements may limit the occasions on which you can use the bids, but things can get expensive otherwise.
If you are looking to build these bids into your system then you will have to put some work into other possible continuations.
You will also have to put some considerable thought into your actions following vigorous enemy intervention.
But, if you are a serious partnership looking for an expert method, then this is certainly worthy of serious consideration.
Advanced
This page last revised 18th Mar 2018
Opener |
Overcaller |
Responder |
Advancer |
Opener's rebid |
Overcaller's rebid and beyond |
Responder's rebid and beyond |
The continuing auction |