Double Club System
Two Over One Responses
A two-level response in a new suit to an opening bid of 1
or 1
is in principle game-forcing.
However, a light or minimum opener can put the brakes on and cancel the game force by rebidding 2NT.
Only a few specific bidding sequences allow the bidding to stop short of game
and these are enumerated here.
For sound tactical reasons, the Double Club System permits light opening bids.
But there are absolutely no reasons why responder should ever make a light two-over-one response.
Responder is expected to have 12+ hcp if he responds at the two-level.
With less than 12+ hcp (indeed, even with a poor 12 hcp),
responder should bid 1NT (which is forcing over a major suit opening).
Responder has 3-card support with 7 losers
This is the only hand allowed to make a two-level response with less than 12 hcp.
Responder is not likely to be far short of the expected 12 hcp
if he has just 3-card support and 7 losers
and, as a fit is guaranteed, there are no special problems in the subsequent auction.
After a Two Over One Response
Opener has a 5-card suit in a balanced hand
If opener is balanced he must be weaker than the 1NT opening bid,
so he will have a decent 5-card suit and 10-12 hcp.
He will have either 7 or 8 losers.
Opener shows this hand by bidding a non-forcing 2NT.
Any other rebid is forcing to game.
Opener is light with a second suit
If opener has a second 4-card or longer suit and is light, having less than 12 hcp,
he should nevertheless have 7 losers at most (otherwise he should have passed).
There should thus be a game if a fit exists but there may not be sufficient high cards if no fit exists.
Opener bids as follows:
-
With 4-card or longer support for responder (or 3-card support if hearts),
he raises responder's suit.
The auction is forcing to game, or to four of a minor, since a fit has been found.
-
In all other cases, opener must rebid his first suit.
The auction is forcing to game unless opener next rebids his suit a second time.
Author: Chris Burton
Gravesend Bridge Club