The articles by Andy Robson on bidding responses to Weak 2 bids are particularly interesting. There is a very well defined structure, which I will explore in the next few quizzes. For instance, after a weak 2 bid, say 2♠ 2NT is normally played as Ogust. Andy suggests the following bids, by the weak 2 bidder, in response to 2NT. Note 2NT is generally a strong forcing bid.

Upper Range

3♣ or 3♦ either shows a feature in the suit, i.e. Kx or Qxx, or possibly a singleton or doubleton

i.e. the better minor.

3♥ shows a 4 card major.

3NT shows 2 of the top 3 honours (AK AQ AKQ or KQ) in your 6 card suit.

Lower Range

3♠ shows exactly what you would expect - a poor 5-8 points.

How do you determine the range of your weak 2 bid?

You add the points in your hand, to the number of honours in the suit. If the answer is 9 or less, you are lower range; If 10 or more, you are upper range.

i.e. holding ♠A K 7 5 4 2   ♥Q 7   ♦ 6 4 2   ♣ 6 2 You have 9 hcp's, and 2 honours, so this hand is upper range.
Over 2NT you would bid 3♣ - the better minor (based on shortage).

What order to apply for an Upper Range?

If you have a secondary 4 card major, you bid this as priority i.e. ♠ A K 7 5 4 2   ♥ Q 7 4 2   ♦ 4 2   ♣5   Bid 3♥.

Note, this is a change from my lessons, since you can now safely have a secondary Major)

If you have 2 of the top honours, then, you would show this. ♠ A K 7 5 4 2    ♥ Q 7 4   ♦ 4 2   ♣ 5   Bid 3NT.
If you have neither of the above, then bid a minor (3♣ or 3♦). ♠ A J 7 5 4 2    ♥ K4    ♦ 4 3 2    ♣ 5 2   Bid 3♣

2 quizzes below to illustrate this lesson, Quiz 4 vulnerability immaterial and Quiz 5 all vulnerable.

Quiz 4 - with answers added 3/9/20

Bid the following hands: (West dealer, Vulnerability immaterial for all 4 hands)

Quiz 5 - With Answers added 29/09/20!

Bid the following hands: (West dealer, All Vulnerable for all 5 hands)

If you enjoyed this, or want further information, please feel free to contact me Robin or 01785 661059; also, do tell Robin by email whether they are useful, please!