Opening 2-bids

Points

Meaning

2♣

23+

Conventional. Game forcing, except 2♣ – 2♦ – 2NT, which shows 23-24 balanced points.  

2♦

N/A

Eight playing tricks. Either a

2♥

one-suited or two-suited hand.

2♠

Forcing for one round.

2NT

20-22

Balanced hand. Limit bid.

Over 2♣ the negative is 2♦.

Over 2♦/2♥/2♠  the negative is 2NT.