MULTI TWO DIAMONDS

The Multi 2 Diamonds opening was devised in the 1960s by Mr. Terence Reese and Mr. Jeremy Flint (* see following insert), assisted by fellow bridge partners Mr. Robert Sheehan, Mr. Jonathan Cansino and Mr. Irving Rose. The concept behind this opening is to make the interference by the opponents difficult and to obstruct their line of communication by an opening on the Two Level. Another reason for the 2 Diamonds opening is to prevent the opponents from immediately discovering which Major suit is designated by the opening. A line of defense then becomes more difficult, since the suit is unknown as well as the general strength of the opener.

x
Contributed by Mr. Brendan Conlon

The Dreaded Multi
Bridge by Tom Gibson

During the early 60s the late John Grummit of Hollywood Co. Down (Northern Ireland) was unknown to H M Government, engaged in secret research into a deadly new weapon. As the project neared completion he called for the technical assistance of Jimmy Clarke and after some modification he had invented the Hollywood Two Diamonds bid. Sometime around 1964/5 John wrote to Terence Reese about his new bid.

Reese liked it, gave it great publicity and in the process renamed it the Multicoloured Two Diamonds. Thus Reese has generally been credited with its discovery but now you know better. Naturally, with a name like Reese behind it the bid quickly became very popular. It can show three different types of hand, either a weak two in a major a strong balanced hand or any 4-4-4-1 or 5-4-4-0 shape 17-24 points.

For a long time opponents did not know how to cope with it as they were unsure whether a weak or strong hand was lurking behind it. This inability to compete effectively meant that proponents of the Multi obtained a disproportionate amount of good results, adding to its allure. In order to outline a defence we must first of all examine its basic mechanics.

Nowadays, most Acol players here use the Multi to show either a weak (Benjamin) two in a major or a strong 4-4-4-1 shape. Responses are geared to the assumption that it is a weak two, and there is no logical reason why a defence should not be geared similarly. Responder's usual actions opposite a 2D opening are:

2H - sign-off if a partner has a weak two in hearts
2S - ditto if partner has Spades but game-invitational if he has Hearts
2NT-forcing, asks opener to describe his hand.

The following is the defence used by many senior partnerships. It is both fairly natural and easy to follow. Remember the Multi is only effective if you and your partner have no agreed defence to it. Once you have this it becomes a paper tiger.

1. 2D is opened on your right

a. 2H/S - shows the suit bid plus the minors (i.e. the equivalent to a take-out double of the other major)
b. 3C/D - natural
c. 2NT - balanced hand, 17-19 points
d. dbl - ditto 12-16 points

2. After 2D-P-2H-?

a. Double - shows a good hand with hearts
b. 2S - natural
c. 2NT - as above
d. 3C - take-out, showing hearts

3. After 2D-P-2S-?

a. Double shows a good hand with Spades
b. 2NT - as above
c. 3C - take-out showing short Spades

4. After 2D-P-2H-P-P-? or 2D-P-2S-P-P-?
In the first auction opener has a weak two in hearts and in the second one he has a weak two in spades.

a. Double is for penalties
b. 2NT - shows the minors
c. 3C/D - shows the suit bid plus the unbid major (5/5)

The Multi 2 Diamonds opening promises either a:

1. Weak Two Bid in either of the two Major suits
2. or a balanced hand with enormous values
3. or a strong 4-4-4-1 distribution
4. or a strong Two Bid in a Minor suit

A distinct disadvantage of the Multi 2 Diamonds opening is that the partner sometimes is unable also to choose the best immediate line of response, such as in making a preemptive raise, if weak, of the intended Major suit, which is still unknown to the partner after the opening. Based on the assumption that the opener could have a balanced holding and/or distributional holding with strong values, the partner is forced to make a compromising, artificial bid to await further information. This compromising, artificial bid allows the opponents to enter the bidding process.

A second disadvantage is the fact that the opponents also have a more successful chance to enter the auction if the opener first bids a Multi 2 Diamonds, than had the opener opened the auction with a weak 2 Hearts or 2 Spades bid, forcing the opponents to enter the auction perhaps on the Three Level.

However, there are definite advantages to the concept behind a Multi 2 Diamonds opening. If the holding is weak and the opener does indeed have a Weak Two Bid in one of the Major suits, then the opponents do not have the opportunity to cuebid any Major suit, since the Major suit of the opener is unknown. If the responder has a strong holding, it is quite possible that the responder may become declarer, who may be able to protect a tenace or a side suit King-small.

Another advantage is that the contract could be played in Diamonds, if the responder considers Diamonds the better suit than a Major suit. The opener may not employ Multi Two Diamonds with a Diamond void. Using Multi 2 Diamonds frees the opening bids and/or the bids of 2 Hearts and 2 Spades, which become idle bids after agreeing to play Multi 2 Diamonds and which may be used for other purposes, such as Acol Two-Bids. These idle bids could also be assigned, for example, an opening of 2 Hearts as meaning Flannery 2 Diamonds, and a 2 Spades opening could be used to describe a two-suited holding in both Minor suits and only distributional values. Remember, these examples of employing the idle bids of 2 Hearts and 2 Spades are only examples, not guidelines.

Since the original version of the Multi 2 Diamonds method underwent refinements almost immediately after its original version was made known, there have arisen many variations on the responses by the responder and rebids by the opener to communicate additional information within the partnership. It is impossible to represent all variations on this method, either for a tailored individual partnership or for a tailored national partnership understanding. Many variations are based entirely on a partnership understanding and these vary from country to country.

The following outlines represent only guidelines of partnership understandings, which have arisen to create a foundation for the employment of a Multi 2 Diamonds opening. They are not rules etched in stone, and the individual partnership must decide for itself the advantages and disadvantages of any chosen variation and/or variants of the concept.

After opening a Multi 2 Diamonds bid, the responder realizes that there can be generally 4 different types of hands that the opener, his partner, may have. The responder generally assumes that his partner has a Weak Two Bid in either of the Major suits and responds according to the assumption that his partner is weak.

Opener

 

Responder

2

 

2

A response of 2 Hearts can communicate several different meanings:

1. A response of 2 Hearts indicates the desire to play in Hearts opposite a Weak Two bid in that suit, which the responder does not know is the suit the opener desires, but this response shows good Heart support.

2. A response of 2 Hearts indicates that the responder is interested in keeping the auction alive and is awaiting further rebids by his partner. If the opener reveals a Weak Two bid, then the responder can determine, based upon the strength of his holding, the final contract, which may even be a slam contract.

3. A response of 2 Hearts may indicate a strong hand and shortness in Hearts, the holding of which will be revealed during the auction. It is important that the opener first describe his reason for opening.

4. A response of 2 Hearts can also indicate a weak to moderate holding containing support in both Major suits. The ensuing auction will reveal this, mainly through a pass rebid by the responder after the opener shows weakness. The desire in this case is not to exceed the Level possible for a successful contract.

Opener

 

Responder

2

 

2

1. A response of 2 Spades indicates the desire to stop the auction with the partner holding a Weak Two bid in Spades. His holding, however, can sustain a rebid by the opener of 3 Hearts, if Hearts is the suit of the opener. This response of 2 Spades mildly suggests a shortage in Spades and more length in Hearts, which is a key element in the case that the partnership ends up defending a contract and/or if the responder becomes declarer.

Opener

 

Responder

2

 

2 NT

1. A response of 2 No Trump is forcing as it also is opposite a standard Weak Two opening bid. The opener is then required to communicate not only his suit but also his strength, revealing his reason to open:

1. Weak Two Bid in either of the two Major suits
2. or a balanced hand with enormous values
3. or a strong 4-4-4-1 distribution
4. or a strong Two Bid in a Minor suit

The responder holds sufficient values to reach the Three Level, even opposite a Weak Two holding in either of the two Major suits. A response of 2 No Trump may also be entirely a tool of obstruction in the auction aimed at the defenders, who may wish to enter the auction, but will have to do so on the Three Level.

Opener

 

Responder

2

 

3 /

Either of these responses are considered invitational and/or forcing depending upon the partnership agreement. Both responses shows sufficient values to enter the Three Level and at least a 4-card suit in the suit bid.

Opener

 

Responder

2

 

3 /

In the Multi 2 Diamonds method, any response of 3 Hearts and/or 3 Spades are considered to be bids, which the opener can correct. The opener can correct the response by 1. passing the bid suit or corrects to the other suit with a minimum values, or 2. can correct, for example, by jumping to game in Spades with maximum values after a 3 Hearts response. These responses are not to be considered preemptive in nature.

Opener

 

Responder

2

 

3 NT

1. A response of 3 No Trump is to play in the more modern version of Multi 2 Diamonds.

2. In the original version, devised by Mr. Terence Reese and Mr. Jeremy Flint, a response of 3 No Trump promised a strong two-suited holding in the Minor suits and approximately four losers in total.

Opener

 

Responder

2

 

4

4

 

4

1. A response of 4 Clubs is a Transfer bid by the responder, in order that the responder become the declarer. The opener is required to bid one suit higher so that the responder can rebid Hearts. If the responder first bids 4 Diamonds, then the opener is required to rebid 4 Hearts and the responder rebids 4 Spades, his suit. The reason behind this transfer is that the defenders may find it more difficult to find the correct lead. It also shows moderate to sufficient values in the intended Major suit, which may not equal enough for a safe and secure contract.

Opener

 

Responder

2

 

4

1. A response of 4 Diamonds requests the opener to rebid his suit on the Four Level, which is game level. The responder has sufficient values to reach game and indicates that the opener is better equipped to be the declarer.

Opener

 

Responder

2

 

4 /

1. A game level response in either of the Major suits indicates sufficient values for game and the responder decides who is to become the declarer.


DEFENSE - See also: Liberty Double

Any defense to a Multi 2 Diamonds opening becomes a matter of partnership agreement and must be based on the principle of which seat and/or position at the table decides to defend and/or enter the auction. This element is paramount in deciding the significance of any overcall. Any defense mechanism is also a matter of partnership agreement, but the partnership should determine whether an initial pass in the immediate seat, in order to discover the suit of the opener, followed by a bid equals a valid bid or an act of balancing. Also, the partnership must determine in advance the meanings of any 1. double, 2. the bid of any unbid suit plus No Trump, and 3. the significance of any overcall on the Three Level. Several operable defense options are listed below and may serve as the foundation for a partnership understanding.

1. Any Double of a Multi 2 Diamonds opening by the First Seat is a Takeout Double.

South

 

West

   Meaning

2

 

Double

   Takeout Double

 

 

2

  The same as a Takeout Double of a weak 2 opening

 

 

2

  Natural and shows a 5-card Spade suit

 

 

2 NT

   Balanced distribution and 16-19 HCPs

 

 

3

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

3

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

3

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

3

  Natural and indicates more values than 2

 

 

3 NT

   To play; possibly a good Minor trick-taking suit

 

 

4

  Strong values with 5-card Heart suit and 5-card Club suit *

 

 

4

  Strong values with 5-card Heart suit and 5-card Diamond suit *

 

 

4

  Natural and shows a 5-card Heart suit; stronger values than 3

 

 

4

  Natural and shows a 5-card Spade suit; stronger values than 3

 

 

4 NT

   Promises a strong two-suited holding with both Minor suits **

* With a 5-card Spade suit and a 5-card Spade suit, the recommendation is to Pass first, followed by a first bid of 4 Clubs, if possible.

** With lesser values, an immediate overcall of 3 Diamonds, followed by a rebid of 4 Clubs, if possible, should be understood to mean the same thing, a two-suiter in both Minor suits.

2. Any Double of a Multi 2 Diamonds opening by the First Seat promises a strong No Trump.

South

 

West

   Meaning

2

 

Double

   Shows a strong No Trump of 16-18 HCPs

 

 

2

  The same as a Takeout Double of a weak 2 opening

 

 

2

  The same as a Takeout Double of a weak 2 opening

 

 

2 NT

   Promises a two-suited holding with both Minor suits

 

 

3

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

3

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

3

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

3

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

3 NT

   To play; possibly a good Minor trick-taking suit

 

 

4

  Strong values with 5-card Major suit and 5-card Club suit

 

 

4

  Strong values with 5-card Major suit and 5-card Diamond suit

3. Any Double of a Multi 2 Diamonds opening by the First Seat is a Two-Way.

South

 

West

   Meaning

2

 

Double

   Shows a No Trump range of 13-16 HCPs or

 

 

Double

   Shows a holding of 19 HCPs plus, any shape

 

 

2

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

2

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

2 NT

   Shows a No Trump range of 16-18 HCPs

 

 

3

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

3

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

3

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

3

  Natural and indicates an opening bid

 

 

3 NT

   To play; possibly a good Minor trick-taking suit

 

 

4

  Strong values with 5-card Major suit and 5-card Club suit

 

 

4

  Strong values with 5-card Major suit and 5-card Diamond suit


If the following sequence occurs:

North

West

South

East

2

Pass

2

 

 

or: 2

East, in the Fourth Seat, must realize from the responses by South that these responses indicate that South has most likely bid the shorter Major in his holding, especially if South responds 2 Hearts. Any defense mechanism, initiated in the Fourth Seat and/or partnership understanding must consider this response based on this almost certainty. It is recommended that if Fourth Seat enters the auction, then all suit bids should be considered natural as well as any No Trump bid. A Double should be considered to be a Two-Way, either 1. as a Takeout Double, or 2. as Penalty. The point count should be near a standard opening bid and the shape should be considerably unbalanced as in a three-suited hand with at least a 3-card suit in the suits not determined by the Multi 2 Diamonds opener. If the opener clarifies his holding either by passing or correcting, then the partner of the player in Fourth Seat will immediately become aware of the intended suits, especially the Major suit. After this realization the partner of the Fourth Seat player can easily determine whether the double is for Takeout or for Penalty.


If the following sequence occurs:

North

West

South

East

2

Pass

2

Pass

 

or: 2

 

Pass

?

 

 

it is apparent that West is in the Balancing Position. It is also apparent that North and South are satisfied to play the contract on the Two Level in either one of the two Major suits. This also carries the information that both North and South hold weak to moderately weak hands and/or values. The possibility remains that West is in a position to balance. If this is the case, then most balancing bids are to be considered as natural. There are several specific bids possible as illustrated below:

North

West

South

East

  

2

Pass

2

Pass

  

Pass

2 NT

 

 

 Shows a Limited Minor Two-suited holding

 

3

 

 

 Shows a Two-suiter with Clubs and Spades

 

3

 

Shows a Two-suiter with Diamonds and Spades

whereas in the following bidding sequence:

North

West

South

East

  

2

Pass

2

Pass

  

Pass

2 NT

 

 

 Shows a Limited Minor Two-suited holding

 

3

 

 

 Shows a Two-suiter with Clubs and Hearts

 

3

 

Shows a Two-suiter with Diamonds and Hearts

There are more features, however not fundamental, to the defense strategy, but they are mainly a consideration of partnership agreement and should be considered under this aspect.


As mentioned earlier, these responses may be interpreted by other partnership agreements to indicate different and/or alternative information. A distinctive alternative Multi 2 Diamonds version from The Netherlands is presented below.


The foundation of the Multi 2 Diamonds is that this opening bid can represent either of the following choices.

1. Weak Two Bid in either of the two Major suits
2. a strong holding with 20 plus high card points
3. a 3-suited holding of 4-4-4-1 or 5-4-4-0 shape

The continuing auction appears below with the corresponding alternative communication.

Opener

 

Responder

   Meaning

2

 

2

  Relay response

 

 

2

  Invitation to game opposite a good Weak Two in Hearts

 

 

2 NT

   Relay, 14+HCPs, asking

Opener

 

Responder

   Meaning

2

 

2

  Relay response

2

 

 

   Weak Two in Spade

Pass

 

 

   Weak Two in Hearts

3

 

 

   3-suited holding with singleton Club or void

3

 

 

   3-suited holding with singleton Diamond or void

3

 

 

   3-suited holding with singleton Heart or void

3

 

  3-suited holding with singleton Spade or void

Opener

 

Responder

   Meaning

2

 

2 NT

   Relay, 14+HCPs, asking

3

 

 

   Poor Weak Two in Hearts

3

 

 

   Poor Weak Two in Spades

3

 

 

   Moderate Weak Two in Spades

3

 

 

   Moderate Weak Two in Hearts

4

 

 

   3-suited holding with singleton Club or void

4

 

 

   3-suited holding with singleton Diamond or void

4

 

 

   3-suited holding with singleton Heart or void

4

 

  3-suited holding with singleton Spade or void

Recommended defense against a Multi 2 Diamonds opening is presented below:

South   West   Meaning
2   Double   Informative double showing 12+ HCPs
    2   Natural, 5-card Heart suit and 12+ HCPs
    2   Natural, 5-card Spade suit and 12+ HCPs
    2 NT   Transfer to Clubs
    3   Transfer to Diamonds
    3   Transfer to Hearts
    3   Transfer to Spades


Another method of responding has been suggested by Mr. Barry Rigal and Mr. Chris Ryall of England. This method can be viewed at: http://www.cavendish.demon.co.uk/bridge/paradox.htm. It is also the recommendation of Mr. Barry Rigal and Mr. Chris Ryall that the individual partnership must discuss what to do over opponents doubles and overcalls. The premise of this method is that the opener have one of the following holdings:

Poor Weak Twos in the Major suits
Sound Weak Twos in the Major suits, 8-9 high card points
Sound Weak Twos with a side suit splinter
Sound Weak Twos, balanced with a fluently running suit
A strong (e.g. 22-24) balanced hand with 22-24 high card points
A pure Acol Two in a Minor suit

The problem, as noticed by Mr. Barry Rigal and Mr. Chris Ryall, was that there appears to be insufficient bidding space on the Levels available after a Multi 2 Diamonds opening to reach the optimal contract, especially if that contract should be 3 No Trump. Using this method, which specifically states that a Multi 2 Diamonds opening should be:

2 :

   shows 5-9 high card points by favorable vulnerability

2 :

   shows 7-11 high card points by unfavorable vulnerability

The concept behind the method, in the case that a contract of 3 No Trump is the optional contract, is to ignore the Major suits and to employ a Two-Way 3 Diamonds response to 2 No Trump. Other response include:

Opener

 

Responder

   Meaning

2

 

2

   To play or may pass/raise 2

 

 

2

   To play or interest in game in Hearts using standard Paradox Principle *

 

 

2 NT

   General Inquiry ** with 15+ or 9+ with both Major suits

 

 

3

  Natural, strong and forcing.

 

 

3

  Natural, strong and forcing.

 

 

3

  Paradox-based Preemptive Raises.

 

 

3

  Paradox-based Preemptive Raises.

 

 

3 NT

   4-card Preemptive Raise in either Major suit, 0 to a bad 9 HCPs.

 

 

4

  The same as 3 No Trump but with 5+ Hearts.

 

 

4

  The same as 3 No Trump but with 5+ Spades.

 

 

4

  Natural and to play.

 

 

4

  Natural and to play.

* A Paradox bid is a call of the suit you do not hold when the length in one of two suits has been s