Forum Question 32 – Dealing with unusual opening 2 bids
Forum Question 32 - Dealing with unusual opening 2 bids
This question was asked to: Julian Pottage
Question
Hi Julian,
I’d be grateful if you could give me bidding advice on the following hand in a standard online club session where the opponents’ systems were unusual as far as my partner and I were concerned.
South opened the bidding with 3D. - explained as “Weak with both majors at least 5-5”
West passed with 12 points and 5 spades
North bid 3H
East passed with 16 points and 5 hearts and the board was then passed out.
What should we do? Should West double the 3H? At the time it seemed that if he did partner would have to respond in a minor at the 4 level given South’s initial bid and North’s 3H response. At nearly all other tables the final contract was 3NT. Obviously the 3H bid went off but, as it was not doubled, we got a very poor score
Board is typed out below. Thanks very much for looking!
Answer
You are right - this an unusual opening. i have come across 2D or 2H used as a weak hands with both majors but not 3D. Because the 3D opening is most unlikely to end the auction, you can use a double to show an opening hand. If West doubled 3D then East could bid 3NT (East would really like to make a penalty double of 3H but i think double would be for takeout).
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