Structure 7G75 Main

Weak Two-Bid Structure

by Richard Pavlicek

In a Nutshell

I like to play aggressive (but sensible) weak two-bids, often with just a 5-card suit, but this can create problems when partner is the one with a good hand. Therefore, after a forcing 2 NT response, I use opener’s 3 rebid to mean one thing: My suit is only 5 cards! Responder then can inquire further with 3 to determine min/max.

When opener has a 6-card major, another innovation is to define the hand in three gradients, rather than the usual two. With a dog (you know what I mean) opener rebids his major. With an average or maximum hand, opener bids 3 ; then responder can return to three of the major to mean: Pass with average, continue with max.

In Detail

An opening bid of 2 , 2 or 2 shows 5-10 HCP. Style is undisciplined but sensible. Good 5-card suits (typically 3 of top 5 cards) are acceptable at any vulnerability, and decent 5-card suits when nonvulnerable.

2 Pass ?
analogous for 2 or 2 opening

2 2
2 NT
3
3 4 5
3 3
3 NT
4
4 4 5

•
12-17, 6+ cards (rare 5), NF
15+, AF
12-17, 6+ cards, NF
blocking, NF
self-sufficient suit, I
natural, NF
trump ask
sign-off

2
? Pass 2 NT Pass*

3
3
3 3
3 NT
4 4

only 5 diamonds, AF
minimum
stopper in bid, max
no major stopper, max
natural, extreme shape

2
? Pass 2 NT Pass*

3
3
3
3
3 NT
4 4
4

only 5 hearts, AF
average or max, AF
worst hand
4 spades
A-K-J-x-x-x or better
natural, at least 6-4
self-sufficient suit

2
? Pass 2 NT Pass*

3
3
Other

4 hearts
worst hand
analogous to above

*If opponent doubles: 3 = 5-carder with 4 clubs; pass (min) or redouble (max) = 5-carder without 4 clubs.

Rebids by responder

2
3 Pass
Pass 2 NT
? Pass
analogous for 2 opening

3
3 3 NT
3 4
4
4 4 5 m

•
AF, asks if min/max*
sign-off
5+ cards, F
trump ask
sign-off

*opener returns to his suit if minimum

2
3 Pass
Pass 2 NT
? Pass
analogous for 2 opening

3
3 4
3 NT
4
4 4 5 m

•
natural, I*
5+ cards, F
game sign-off, opener may bid 4
trump ask
sign-off

*opener passes with average, accepts with max

2
3 Pass
Pass 2 NT
? Pass
same after 3 rebid
(less 3 option)

3
3 3
3 NT
4
4
4 4 5 m

•

sign-off
5+ cards, F
sign-off
trump ask
good fit, I
sign-off

Competitive agreements

2 Dbl ?
analogous for 2 or 2 opening

Pass*
Rdbl
New suit
Other

0+ (unlimited)
strong, creates force
natural, may be weak, NF
unchanged

*if followed by double below 3 NT it is cooperative

2 2 ?
analogous for similar sequences

Dbl
Cue
Other

penalty
control, ST
unchanged

2
? Pass 2 NT 3
analogous for similar sequences

Pass
Dbl
Bid

minimum
reasonable defense
natural, offense oriented

Structure 7G75 Main Top Weak Two-Bid Structure