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 shown or implied by partner's bid, generally when the partnership expects to establish the final contract in one of these suits.

The partner can simply bid the lower suit for the partner to either pass or correct. Alternatively, if the partner has a fit for that lower suit, the partner bids the other suit. Therein lies the paradox. Although a call of the lower suit with support for the higher may also be paradoxical, this case is trivial. Using a Paradox bid generally forces the partnership one level higher, but this is accomplished only with a good fit. Two examples follow:

Opener		Responder		Meaning
2		2
		J5 A853 K4 AQ732		Usually the opener will pass. However, game is possible, if the opener has Hearts.

Opener		Responder		Meaning
2		3
		J54 A853 9 Q10732		It is apparent that the opponents have game. But a Paradoxical Preempt of 3 makes and also is totally obstructive for the opponents to reach their contract successfully. Play in 3, or in 4.

General Inquiry Fundamentals

South		North		Meaning
2		2 NT		General enquiry, usually with 15+ HCPs or a good 9+ HCPs and both Major suits
3				This shows a No Trump balanced holding with 22-24 HCPs.
		3		Stayman
3				Either a poor 2 opening or good 2 opening. The Pivot Bid.
		3		Alternative Relay Bid. This response to 3 may be passed.
		3		Alternative Relay Bid. This response to 3 if forcing.
3				Good Weak Two in Hearts.
		3		Asking for the splinter after a 3 rebid by the opener.
3				Poor Weak Two in Spades.
		3 NT		To play.
		4 any		Cuebid.
3 NT				Shows 6-3-3-2 distribution and enough entries to run the Major suit.
4				Natural and strong.
4				Natural and strong
4				A rare hand unsuited for 3 level preempt.
4				A rare hand unsuited for 3 level preempt.

Presented also is a defense mechanism called Dixon and which is generally used in the United Kingdom, also presented on the Internet by Mr. David Stevenson. Using this method, the position of the Seat is of great importance and must be taken under consideration. It must also be reiterated that the use of all the guidelines presented below are recommendations and that several of the features are completely optional for the partnership agreement.

Defense features employed in Second Position:

Opener		2. Position		Meaning
2		Double		Either 12-16 HCPs, balanced or any 20+ HCPs hand.
		2		Takeout of Spades with at least four Hearts, non-forcing.
		2		Takeout of Hearts with at least four Hearts, non-forcing.
		2 NT		17-20 HCPs, balanced distribution.
		3 suit		12-16 HCPs and a good 6-card suit.
		3 NT		To play.
		4		Strong Major-Minor two-suiter.
		4		Strong Major two-suiter.
		4		To play.
		4		To play.
		4 NT		Strong Minor two-suiter.
		5		To play.
		5		To play.

In responding to a double of a Multi 2 Diamonds opening, the responder may bid:

Opener	Overcaller	Partner	Responder	Meaning
2	Double	Pass	2 NT	Lebensohl

The overcaller, however, rebids naturally to show a balanced holding of 20 plus high card points, generally the cheapest available rebid, but can be any suit.

Opener	Overcaller	Partner	Responder	Meaning
2	Double	Pass	2 /	Natural
Pass	3 any suit			20+ HCPs, balanced

In the following bidding sequence, the overcaller can also show a 20 plus high card points holding even after his partner passes:

Opener	Overcaller	Partner	Responder	Meaning
2	Double	2 /	Pass
Pass	3 any suit			20+ HCPs, balanced

If the overcaller bids a higher-ranking suit, the responses suggested are:

Opener	Overcaller	Partner	Responder	Meaning
2	2 /	Pass	2 NT	Lebensohl

If the bidding sequence is as follows, then the partner of the overcaller has several options:

North	East	South
2	2	Anything

West:		Meaning
Double:		Penalty Double
2 :		Weak and natural
2 NT:		Shows both Minor suits
3 :		Shows Clubs and Spades
3 :		Shows Diamonds and Spades
3 :		Shows 17-20HCPs, good 6-card Minor suit and possible void in Hearts
3 :		Shows 17-20HCPs, good 6-card Spade suit
3 NT:		Shows 17-20HCPs, good 6-card Minor suit and good Hearts

If the bidding sequence is as follows, then the partner of the overcaller has several options:

	North	East	South
	2	2	2
or:	2	2	Any other suit

then West has several options:

West:		Meaning
Double:		Penalty Double
2 :		Weak and natural
2 NT:		Shows both Minor suits
3 :		Shows Clubs and Hearts
3 :		Shows Diamonds and Hearts
3 :		Shows 17-20 HCPs and a good 6-card Heart suit
3 :		Shows 17-20HCPs, good 6-card Minor suit and possible void in Spades
3 NT:		Shows 17-20HCPs, good 6-card Minor suit and good Spades

Defense features employed in Fourth Position:

Opener	Overcaller	Partner	Responder	Meaning
2	Pass	2	Double	Takeout Double of Hearts
			Any other bid	Natural

Opener	Overcaller	Partner	Responder	Meaning
2	Pass	2	Double	Takeout Double of Spades
			Any other bid	Natural

Opener	Overcaller	Partner	Responder	Meaning
2	2	2	Double	Takeout Double of Spades
			Any other bid	Natural

There is another version/variation of the Dixon method also employed against a Multi 2 Diamonds opening, and is presented below:

Opener	Overcaller		Meaning
2	Double		Either 12-16 HCPs and balanced or any 20+ HCPs holding
	2		Natural
	2		Natural
	2 NT		17-20 HCPs and balanced
	3 any suit		12-16 HCPs and a 6-card suit in the bid suit
	Any game bid		To play

Once the partner of the overcaller is able to respond, then:

Opener	Overcaller	Partner	Responder	Meaning
2	Double	Pass	2 NT	Lebensohl

The overcaller, however, rebids naturally to show a balanced holding of 20 plus high card points, generally the cheapest available rebid, but can be any suit.

Opener	Overcaller	Partner	Responder	Meaning
2	Double	Pass	2 /	Natural
Pass	3 any suit			20+ HCPs, balanced

If the bidding sequence is as follows, then the partner of the overcaller has several options:

	North	East	South
	2	2	Pass
or:	2	2	2
or:	2	2	Pass

then West has several options:

West:		Meaning
Double:		Weak Takeout Double
2 :		Weak and natural
2 NT:		Shows both Minor suits
3 :		Strong Takeout Double

This version/variation of the Dixon method employed against a Multi 2 Diamonds opening can be altered, reversed and/or modified according to the desires of the individual partnership.

Also in the Fourth Position, a different version/variation of the Dixon method is employed by partnerships, which is perhaps more convenient in its employment against a Multi 2 Diamonds opening.

North		East		South		West		Meaning
2		2		Suit bid		Double		Promises Hearts
						3		Weak Takeout of Hearts
						3		Strong Takeout of Hearts
						Others		Natural

North		East		South		West		Meaning
2		2		Suit bid		Double		Promises Spades
						3		Weak Takeout of Spades
						3		Strong Takeout of Spades
						Others		Natural

North		East		South		West		Meaning
2		2		2		Double		Promises Spades
						3		Weak Takeout of Spades
						3		Strong Takeout of Spades
						Others		Natural

It may be of importance to the individual partnership to review the Conditions of Contest 1998 for the Cavendish Invitational Pairs. Included is only the pertinent paragraphs regarding the use of Multi 2 Diamonds openings and their place during the Cavendish Invitational Pairs.

Cavendish

Invitational Pairs
Conditions of Contest 1998

1. There are 60 pairs entered in this event. Each pair will play 2 boards against every other pair during the course of the three days (118 boards total). The boards will be played simultaneously, barometer style.

2. It is expected that all players will conform to the Proprieties of Bridge, specifically in the tempo of card play. It is strongly recommended that at trick one, declarer take about 15 seconds before playing to the opening lead and that the player in third seat take some 10 seconds before playing. Thereafter, significant breaks in tempo before selecting small cards will be strongly discouraged. The Directors and Tournament Committee intend to enforce these provisions closely and strictly.

3. The tournament will be played in five sessions: four sessions of 24 boards each and one session of 22 boards. Starting time for the first session on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is 12:30 pm. Other starting times will be announced from the floor. The tournament site is the Montego Room (Convention Center) at the Mirage.

13. In general, any convention or treatment that is familiar to the average tournament player, or can be explained to the average player within 10 seconds, is allowed. Methods of destructive nature are not authorized, nor are the following:

* Forcing or strong pass systems;
* Multi 2 Diamonds and similar conventional bids;
* Two/suited weak two/three-bid openings which specify only one (or none) of the suits held;
* Preemptive bids that do not specify which suit is held;
* Artificial bids or sequences that require a lengthy explanation;
* Canape style overcalls or opening bids if the first-bid suit may be shorter than four cards;
* Comic notrump overcall;
* Any system, convention or treatment that would require a pre-alert and written suggested defenses.
* Transfer openings, transfer responses.

It is apparent to the reader that the Multi 2 Diamonds opening can be effective once the partnership comes to a certain understanding. The responses can be multi-interpreted and multi-varied, but the object is to attain a definite partnership agreement as to the meanings of the responses. The second objective is for the opener to communicate to his partner the type of holding he has. In some variations, the type of holding shown is limited, and therefore the exact type of holding must be clarified through the ensuing bidding process. To cover all of the existing partnership understandings is beyond our scope in presenting a general guideline by which this is accomplished. It is left to the individual partnership.

Defense methods fall within the same category and must be decided and agreed upon by the individual partnership. This also includes certain bidding sequences which should be analyzed separately, and which could disrupt the continuity of the line of communication of the defenders.

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.