Opening strong hands

Our system only has one strong opening bids:

• 2C - this shows a balanced 23-24 points OR any hand that is game forcing. It is rare that a hand is passed out and you will normally survive if you open many hands at the one-level and show strength on the second round. In particular most three-suited hands and some two-suited hands are difficult to start with 2C.

The ONLY sequence that can be passed is 2C-2D-2NT, where 2NT shows 23-24 balanced. All of auctions MUST end in game or higher.

Do not open 2C if you cannot make game when partner has nothing.

Responses to 2C

• 2D - this is a negative response (any hand that cannot make a positive, it shows nothing about diamonds) or a stronger hand that does not have a suitable call available
• 2H, 2S, 3C, 3D - these responses are natural, promise 8+ points, show a 5+ suit and two of the three top honours. Continuations are natural
• 2NT - very rare response, showing a balanced hand and 10+ points. It is FORCING to SLAM because you have at least 33 points (or equivalent).