TWO HEARTS AND TWO SPADES
OPENING
The Universal Club bidding system has relegated special, if not specific, information in the opening bid of either 2 Hearts or 2 Spades. Either of these two openings promise at least a 5-card card, or longer, and a second, unspecified second suit, also a 5-card suit, or longer. The point range is a minimum of 14 high card points and the upper range is unlimited. Therefore, these two opening bids are forcing for one round. They are not considered to be absolutely game-forcing in nature. A typical minimum opening of 2 Spades is illustrated in the chart below.
AQJ64 74 AK842 7
The responses are shown in the schmatic below with the individual meanings, and are based on the above example holding:
Opener Responder Meaning 2 3 Single Raise;
Responder holds at least a 3-card support in Spades;
Point count is 0-6 points.4 Jump to 4 Clubs;
Responder has a good fit for Spades, at least 3/4 Spades with an honor;
Point count is 7-12 points;
Game-forcing and slam invitational.3 /
/
Any independent first response promises a 6-card suit in the suit named;
Point count is unknown, but should be 6 HCPs plus;
If the second suit of the opener is bid by the responder, then opener should raise.3 NT A 3 No Trump first response promises an unknown solid one-suiter
of at least a 6-card length and 6-7 winners or 6-7 losers;
This response does not promise a second stopper in another suit,
and is therefore considered to be a gamble.2 NT This is a catch-all first response in case the responder can not
make any of the above first responses and asks for the second
suit of the opener. Rebids by opener follow below.3 Opener rebids, in response to 2 NT, the second suit;
This limits the holding to 9 or less winners and/or playing tricks;
This rebid is considered non-forcing in nature. Partner may pass.3 NT A first rebid of 3 NT promises, in response to 2 NT, at least
10 winners and/or playing tricks.
This rebid is game-forcing and requires responder to bid 4 Clubs.4 Forced rebid after a 3 NT rebid by opener. 4 Opener rebids the second 5-card suit. Either Diamonds or Hearts. 4 If the opener rebids the original suit on the four level, then this
artificial rebid establishes Clubs as the second suit.
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.