Beginners Lessons Opening the Bidding Strong Hands (Lessons by Allan & Claire Whiteford)

2C Opening

An opening bid of 2C has a special meaning and must be alerted. It shows one of the following:

• at least 16 HCP and 8 or 9 tricks in a major
• at least 16 HCP and 9 tricks in a minor
• a balanced hand of 23-24 HCP
• a balanced hand of 27-28 HCP

Initially your partner will not know which one of these you have and your partner will normally bid 2D to allow you to describe your hand. This 2D bid is a "relay" bid, it says nothing about partners hand and must be alerted.

Partner must never pass even with no points
(Remember the 2C opening bid does not necessarily show a club suit).

Opener will then bid either:

• 2H/S - showing 8/9 tricks in hearts or spades
• 2NT - showing 23 -24 HCP and a balanced hand
• 3C/D - showing 9 tricks in clubs or diamonds
• 3NT - showing 27-28 HCP and a balanced hand

Responders next bid:

After opener has rebid 2H/S responder can bid:

• Pass - showing you have no tricks in your hand
• 2NT - this is an artificial bid which shows you have probably only one trick for partner.
• 3H/S - this says you can support your partners major (2 cards is enough), that you have enough tricks for game and that you have at least 1 Ace. You are inviting your partner to investigate a possible slam.
• 4H/S - showing 2 tricks in your hand and not enough to bid for a slam. This bid always ends the auction.

After opener has rebid 2NT responder can bid:

• Pass - with a very weak hand
• 3NT - this is an artificial bid which shows you have probably only one trick for partner.
• New Suit - you must have 5+ cards, this bid is forcing.
• 3C - Stayman.
• Slam - if you have at least 33 HCP between you.

After opener has rebid 3NT responder can bid:

• Pass - as you are already in game
• 3NT - this is an artificial bid which shows you have probably only one trick for partner.
• Game in a New Suit
• Slam - if you have at least 33 HCP between you.