Justin Lall

I feel like the theory behind bidding as a passed hand is largely unexplored and strangely ignored by bridge literature.

For example, take the simple auction;

P (P) 1 (P)
2

What does 2 show? Should you always pull with a stiff? If so, how do you bid flawed preempts like x Jxxxxxx AJ Kxx (if this is a 1 opener for you adjust it slightly)? If not, how do you bid hands like Kx AQJxx xxx xxx? What about 2 suited hands like x Axxxx xx KQxxx?

The possible hand types for the 2 bid are just too numerous, so there can’t really be accurate bidding over it.

That is why I suggest having 2 bids to show hearts, 2 and 2. 2 is reserved for hands with 5 hearts, and 2 shows a flawed preempt with 6 or 7 hearts.

The bids over the 2 bid are natural, except for 2 being a relay.

Over 2 responder bids 2 with a doubleton, 3 of a minor with 56, or 2 otherwise. After a 2 bid, 2 asks again, and responder bids 2N with 15(43), and 3m with with 5 of the minor.

Over p 1 2 2 2, 2N relays and responder bids 3m with 5 of the minor. This way you always get to the right fit in the major, and always know the degree of the fit. If necessary you can find out about responder’s shape for game and slam purposes.

Over p 1 2 everything is forcing except 2. 2N is a general ask, and responder can show a side minor or a doubleton spade, or a seventh heart. Again, you almost always find the right fit.

You don’t lose drury completely by playing this, it is just 2 instead of 2. This is not a huge loss since you still have an in between bid of 2 to show some interest.

You do lose a natural 2 bid, but as is often the theme in this blog, we see that majors are much more important than minors.