BENJAMIN
CONVENTION

The Benjamin convention was devised by Mr. Albert Benjamin of Scotland. Mr. Albert Benjamin liked the Weak Two Bid so much, that he decided to alter it somewhat. He grew up using the Acol System, which is standard in British tournament play and widely used in other parts of the world. The Benjamin convention has become a feature of the Acol System, especially when dealing with minimal Weak Two Bids.

Opening Bid
2		Artificial strong opening, forcing to 2 No Trump
2		Weak Two Bid showing both Majors. The Heart Suit is better. Must be at least 5HCPs. The top range is unspecified, but less than opening.
2		Weak Two Bid showing both Major suits. The Spade Suit is better. Must be at least 5 HCPs. The top range is unspecified, but less than opening.

When an Acol bridge player opens with 2 Clubs, this is a one-round forcing bid, since it is artificial and strong, showing an unspecified suit and 8 Quick Tricks. The negative response to this opening by the partner is 2 Diamonds. Any other bid by the partner is considered a positive response, and is forcing to Game. As with all Weak Two bids, both partners should be aware of the Position and Vulnerability. Both elements should be self-explanatory.

The Benjamin convention differs from the Weak Two Bid used in American 5-Card Standard, in that the 2 Diamonds is no longer used as a Weak Two Bid, but rather as an Artificial Strong Two Bid. If you wish to employ this version of the Weak Two Bid, then it must be made known to your opponents at the bridge table by entering it in the appropriate place on your Convention Chart. Above all else, there must be a Partnership Agreement established before using the Benjamin Convention.

Reverse Benjamin
A version of ACOL, where 2 Clubs is game-forcing, 2 Diamonds shows an ACOL Two Bid, and 2 Hearts/Spades are weak.

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.