Lebensohl Over Weak Twos April 2, 2009
Posted by justinlall in Blog.Tags: Bidding, Convention
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Eugene Hung has posted some excellent and thorough notes about Lebensohl over weak twos. In fact, they are the most complete set I have seen on the subject.
This convention applies when the opponents open a weak two and partner makes a takeout double. The key feature is an artificial 2N response, asking partner to bid 3C. The major benefit is distinguishing between hands the very weak and medium strength hands. However, there are huge gains on game forcing hands as well which most people are not utilizing. Hopefully now that problem will be fixed!
While using the jump to 3S after 2H x p as a slam try has value with the right hand, it goes against my theory of “bid the best game before exploring for slam.” I think it is far more useful to use that bid as invitational with a 5+ card suit and the slow 3S (2H x p 2N p 3C p 3S) to show exactly a 4 card suit. I feel this distinction is more valuable in getting to the most likely game to make and that is more important then trying for a slam.
Its pretty rare I disagree with you, but I feel compelled to speak up here.
You also have 2N followed by 4S to show a slam try. (2H x p 2N p 3C p 4S) I realize that its not very specific but again I think its more important to bid the most accurate game.
I strongly agree with playing the jump to 4m as 4-6 (4 cards in the unbid major and 6+ cards in the bid m, FG) 2H x p 4C. In fact, I think the rest of the structure is excellent!
FWIW I actually find it more natural to reverse 2H X p 3S and 2H X p 2N p 3C p 3S from the way he wrote it.
That being said I think it’s huge to have a lower level slam try with spades available, and think that’s better than having 2 ways to invite. I guess we’ll agree to disagree
FWIW, I’ve always played it the way Kevin described. Because you (often) make a TO double with three in the other major, it’s important for repsonder to be able to make the distinction.