Benji ACOL - A Outline.

The basic concept of the Weak Two is that it provides a means of describing a single-suited major hand with limited Pts.   This can deprive the opponents of valuable biddin space.

The Basic System.

a.     With 6-10 Pts and at least 6 cards in Hearts or Spades, open 2♥ or 2♠.   With less than a good hand (or equivalent) partenr may pass or bid a competitive 3♥ or 3♠ at the correct vulnerability to set up a possible sacrifice position.    With good opening Pts responder should bid 2N/T (OGUST) to ask opener to define the opener hand.   The opener responds as below.

3C    6-8 (Poor) Pts, less than 5 Pts in the bid suit.   A Poor 8 Pts would have the other Pts scattered. 

3D    6-8 (Poor) Pts, 5 Pts or more in the bid suit.

3H    8-10 Pts  Less than 5 Pts in bid suit.

3S    8-10 Pts.   5 or more Pts in bid suit.

3N/T  AKQxxx in bid suit.

Responder will decide the final contract.

b.    With 11 Pts or more bid 1♥ or 1♠ as usual and employ your usual system.    ACOL.

c.    Open 2 N/T = (19-20 Pts).   Stayman applies.   Transfers Applies.

d.    With 8 Playing Tricks.   Open 2♣.    With fewer than 8 Pts (0-7Pts)  partner responds 2♦ with 8 or more Pts and with a Four card major the responder responds 2H/S other wise 2 N/T (no mater the shape)

Over 2♦ (negative the opener bids 2N/T = 21-22 Pts.  

Over a two bid of a major by the responder the opener will bid 2N/T = 21=22 Pts with a balanced hand and with either little or no support for the responder bid suit.   The opener will bid an immediate 3H/S (Suit Agreed) this will allow Cue Bidding to begin

e.     With 23+ Pts or 10 Playing Tricks open 2♦.    2♥ is the Negative.   2N/T a positive response.   2♠ positive with 5 or more Spades.   A rebid of 2N/T by the opener equals 23-24 Pts.   Opener continues as thought they had opened 2♣ ACOL.

Some advice to defence against the Weak Two's.

1.   Be Sensible.    Because the most underused defence to the Weak Two's is PASS.    Only compete against the Weak Two's with a fair expectation of achieveing a superior score.

2.   Be Practical.     You enter the auction under uncertainty, with little bidding room left.   Remember you will probably have to bid at the three level.

3.    Be Caring.   Look after partner as they are under pressure too.    After a pre-empt your partnership has to guess the best contract, so whenever you see you are better placed to decide the final contract bid it and take the strain of your partner.

4.   Be Cautious.   If in doubt, err on the side of caution.    Pre-empt opening's announce likely bad breaks in other hands.

So grab the nettle and talk this system with your partner and then decide where you wish to go.  

If you decide on a defensive system make sure that you and your partner are compatible.

I've not given a defensive system as there are to many to contemplate.