TWO CLUB OPENING
In the Universal Club bidding system, origin unknown, the opening bid of 2 Clubs has been assigned a specific meaning, which is that it shows a three-suited holding, generally a distribution of 4-4-1-4, with values between 12 and 17 high card points. A minimum and a maximum point count is known and also the short suit, which is Diamonds. However, the opening of 2 Clubs, using the Universal Club bidding system, is not considered to be a forcing bid. The partner may pass the opening of 2 Clubs. The following example illustrates this point.
West East
AK87 QJ43 5 AQ63
654 652 K83 10975 2 Pass
East realizes that West, the opener of 2 Clubs, has a distribution of 4-4-1-4 and between 12 and 17 high card points. The distribution of East is not qualified to support neither of the two Major suits, and East therefore passes. The generally acceptable point range of East is considered to be between 0 and 8/9 high card points, which would make a pass the more logical call.
However, if East holds the following:
West East
AK87 QJ43 5 AQ63
Q654 K652 873 75 2 2
then East would first respond 2 Hearts, in this case up the line when holding both Major suits. This first response is a sign-off and West, the opener, must pass. East has shown a 4-card Major suit, a known fit with West, and less than 8/9 high card points, and game is not possible. Depending on the point count, East should raise the level if there is interference or pass and defend.
The partner of the opener has only one specific first bid to show additional values, game inclination and a Major suit fit. This is outlined below.
West East
AK87 QJ43 5 AQ63
QJ654 AK65 87 75 2 2
With an artificial first response of 2 Diamonds, East promises a fit in one of the Major suits, and at least a 10 high card point hand. The opener is then required to describe his holding further. The opening range for a 2 Club opening is between 12 and 17 high card points. The Universal Club bidding system narrows this range in descriptive bids by the opener, which are outlined below.
Opener Responder Meaning 2 2 Forcing 2 Narrows point count to: 12-13 HCPs 2 Narrows point count to: 14-15 HCPs 2 NT Narrows point count to: 16-17 HCPs
Once East discovers the approximate point count of West, then East can determine the level of the final contract. The second response by East determines the contract and West must pass, unless the next response is Ace-asking. Depending on the point count of East and counting the possible losers, and the knowledge of the known singleton, East can make the determination for either a partscore in a Major suit, a game in a Major suit, or continue the bidding to explore the possibility of a slam.
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.