Continuing my diversion from fleshing out the 1NT opening responses, it seems a good time now to begin to describe the weak range openings. One of the reasons I feel able to do this now is that I am able to conduct some useful simulations using Andrews’ deal software to see the potential effectiveness. However, for the 1st and 2nd seat weak range openings, my ideas haven’t altered for some time.
The 1st/2nd seat 2S opening is the simplest. It is a sort of weak two, 6.0 to 9.8 fpc, except
- It guarantees exactly 5 spades
- It guarantees at least 2 cards in the other three suits
- It cannot contain 4 hearts
The above conditions should ensure the obvious
- Spade fit can be accurately gauged
- 4-4 heart fits shouldn’t be missed
- Escaping from when in trouble is relatively easy (except, of course, with 1444)
The 1st/2nd seat 2D and 2H openings are inspired by a (May 2005 I think) Bridge World article by Doug Bennion. Some 20 years ago, in pairs, I played a somewhat similar method (2D = any 3-suiter, including 5431’s) but this was before assumed-fit theory had even been thought of. Here is a link to where you can find a copy of that original article now
http://www.bridgebuff.com/jammer.html
Once you have read this article, you will know what I mean when I say that
- 2D:: Long pointed, short round, Jammer, 6.0 to 9.8 fpc
- 2H:: Long round, short pointed, Jammer, 6.0 to 9.8 fpc
An additional constraint for each of the above is that they show at least four cards in the guaranteed major. This (with the fairly tight range) ensures the openings serve a constructive as well as pre-emptive purpose. There are some other subtle differences (for example 5530’s are allowed in DIP’s version). So, to clarify the shape possibilities above
- 2D:: 4-5S, 3-5D, 3-5H & 0-2C OR 4-5S, 3-5D, 3-5C & 0-2H
- 2H:: 4-5H, 3-5C, 3-5S & 0-2D OR 4-5H, 3-5C, 3-5D & 0-2S
In a recent blog, I mused that the 3rd seat openings may remain the same as the 1st/2nd seat ones (we have discussed the 4th seat ones previously). I have changed my mind on this – possibly aided by the ability to run some simulations. In 3rd seat, then
- 2D:: Long diamond Jammer, 0.0 to 10.8 fpc: Note: 3+, not 4+ diamonds, guaranteed
- 2H:: “Weak Two” H, 0.0 to 10.8 fpc: shapes similar to 1st/2nd seat 2S except 6H322’s also allowed
- 2S:: “Weak Two” S, 0.0 to 10.8 fpc: shapes as per 1st/2nd seat 2S except 6S322’s also allowed and the prohibition against exactly 5422 removed
As you can see, we are playing somewhat faster and looser in 3rd seat now, but some key structural integrity points remain
- Escaping from the Weak Two’s, if in trouble, needs to be supported, so the 2+ cards in side-suits rule needs to remain, and
- The 2D opening guarantees 3+ diamonds. This is important IMO – I don’t like giving the opponents two shots when I am showing a weak hand type. Having 2D showing D “length” prevents this.
I hope to update the system front page shortly.
Regards, DipBridge
