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Theory

Beginner and above

Context  -  Acol bidding - opening at the two-level - combining the bids.

One strong bid


A basic version of this method has already been considered under standard methods.


On that page a game-forcing bid of 2♣ based on twenty three or more points was teamed up with single-suited weak twos in the other three suits.


The game-forcing strong bid as defined above is a very occasional performer.

Better is to extend the range of hands which qualify for this bid as discussed under ‘game-forcing openings’.


Alternatively replace it with my ‘almost game-forcing’ bid.  In effect this bid covers all game-going hands ,and also invitational single-suited hands.  Invitational hands with 5-4 shape will have to follow a slower route, but that is not nearly such a loss as you might at first think.  (Note that those of you who are used to something like Benji will be used to opening many hands with a Benji bid which really do not need to be opened with a forcing bid.)


With either of these adaptation this system becomes my recommended method from beginner to a good intermediate standard.


Variations


Variations in the detail of the other bids is possible.


The weak two openings


may be varied by partnership agreement.

Some will play a different range or suit-quality requirement.

Others will stretch their requirements according to the vulnerabilities and their position at the table.


Such matters are discussed on the pages ‘single-suited weak twos’.


2NT


The exact range for your opening bid of 2NT is also a matter for partnership choice.


Each of ‘19-20’, ‘20-21’ and ‘21-22’ has its following.


The modified range may have to be accompanied by a revised way of showing other ranges.

There is a fuller discussion on the page ‘opening a strong 2NT’.


System changes


Even within the context of ‘one strong bid’ further choices of method are still possible.


The system as outlined above includes the relatively ineffective weak 2♥, although this is the case in the vast majority of standard systems.


If you want to try something just a little different then try replacing it with a 2♥ version of ‘Flannery’ or an ‘assumed fit weak 2♥’.

This page last revised 9th Jul 2019