MEL’S RULE OF 2 — THE REAL LESSON

Mel didn’t just teach a rule. He taught courage.

When the auction goes:

1NT – Pass – Pass – ?

Most players think:
“I only have 8 or 9 points. I guess we’re done.”

Mel thought:
“Wait a second. What does the shape tell me?”

What You Should Be Thinking in the Balancing Seat

After 1NT – Pass – Pass – YOU:

1. How many shortness points do I have?
   • Void = 2
   • Singleton = 1
   • Two doubletons = 2
2. Is my hand shapely or flat?
   • 4333 → Probably pass.
   • 5422, 6322, 5332 with a singleton → Now we’re talking.
3. Where are the points sitting?
   If RHO opened 1NT (15–17), the deck is compressed:
   • Your partner has values.
   • The opponents don’t have everything.
4. What happens if I pass?
   They play 1NT—quietly, comfortably, unpressured.
   Mel hated that.

Why Shape Matters More Than Points

• In direct seat, you need real strength.
• In balancing seat, the math changes.
• Your bid gives partner a second chance.

When the auction dies low, both sides often have something.

Your shortness suggests:

• There is a fit somewhere.
• Partner has length opposite your shortness.
• Competing is often right even with light HCP.

This isn’t recklessness. It’s probability.

What Partner Should Remember After You Balance

After 1NT – Pass – Pass – 2♣ (for example):

• You are balancing.
• You are not showing full values.
• Your hand is distributional.
• Partner must adjust.

Partner’s Adjustments

Balancing bids are “borrowed strength.” Partner must compete more freely.

If you balance 2♥ and partner has:

• 3-card support
• 6–9 HCP

Partner should usually raise—because you might have only 8–11.

• Aces/Kings go up.
• Queens/Jacks in their suit go down.
• Shortness opposite partner’s suit becomes gold.

• At IMPs: compete aggressively.
• At matchpoints: protect the partscore.

When You Should NOT Balance

• 4333 shape
• No shortness
• Scattered values
• Defensive hand sitting over declarer

Flat hands defend better. Shapely hands compete better.

The Real Philosophy

Mel’s Rule of 2 was about:

• Understanding pressure
• Refusing to be passive
• Forcing opponents to guess

The side that applies pressure more often wins more often.

Advanced Thought

When balancing over 1NT, ask:

• Which suit would declarer least want me to lead?
• Where is opener short?
• Does my bid improve partner’s opening lead?

Balancing affects the contract, the lead, the defense, and the scoring battle.

Final Thought

Mel’s Rule of 2 isn’t wild. It’s recognizing when the auction is lying to you.

When it goes:
1NT – Pass – Pass – ?
Sometimes the bravest, smartest word at the table is:
“Two.”

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