Conventions

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M J Bridge

Bidding

Hands

Theory

Strong and non-forcing


Typically such bids show a hand of about nineteen to twenty two points based on at least a five-card suit (you can specify six-card if you prefer).


They belong to a style of bidding which is all about points with very little attention shown to shape.


Typically they will be played alongside an opening bid of 2 to cover any hand of twenty three points and a twenty to twenty two point 2NT.  As a corollary, any hand which opens one of a suit and rebids anything other than 3NT will be limited to a maximum of eighteen points.

There is a certain charming simplicity about the approach, but it leaves you woefully short of options on hands which feature extreme shape, and with the 2 opening you can sometimes reach a high level very quickly whilst still attempting to show the nature of the hand.


The method, in my opinion, belongs to an earlier period of bidding.

It will still be encountered in club play, and its advocates include some excellent club players, but it is all but unknown beyond that point.


I include it here mainly so that I may consider defensive measures against it in due course.

I shall be giving such openings only the minimum of consideration as I look further into the continuations for the opening side.

Not recommended

Context  -  The opening bid - natural strong twos