The 1D-2C sequence, a bridge teacher's nightmare

The sequence 1 Diamond-2 Club is known to be very difficult. It is generally focused on finding the 3NT contract. But a major fit 44 is not to be excluded, and it is difficult to detect when it exists, with classic systems.

In addition, with or without a major fit, the system must be able to handle both cases where game or even slam must be requested, and cases when bidding must be stopped to a partial contract.

As a champion said: The sequence 1Diamond - 2Club is a bridge teacher's nightmare

And yet there is a solution that we present, based on the following simple principle:
After the response 2, it is essential and necessary that the opener immediately makes a bid that formally guarantees a 4° major if he has one, and conversely makes another that also formally denies it.

And for that, nothing is simpler and more natural:
If he names a major, it is 4°
Any other bid denies a 4° major

This presentation returns to some preconceived ideas.

The opener's rebid after 2 Clubs from responder

1 - The responder has a 4° major

The responder has fit in opener's major

Following the response 2, the opener names his 4° major, even with only 12-13HCP. In this particular context, it is not an expensive bid, but is only a forcing bid to search for a major fit. If the opener has a 4° major and at least 18HCP, he has all the time to say so. So responder should neither hope nor assume more than 12HCP in opener' hand.

The responder has fit in opener's major

After the bid 2 or 2 by opener, if responder has the 4th major fit, no problem: He supports opener's major at the 3 level with 11-12HCP, and at the 4 level with at least 13HCP.

But with a good major fit and at least 18HCP, responder names the opposite major to opener's at the 3 level, i.e. he says 3 after 2 from opener, and 3 after 2 from opener (in the manner of opener's strong and fitted rebids after a Stayman. SEF Convention 2012)

The responder has no fit in opener's major

After the bid 2 or 2 by opener, if responder does not have the 4th fit, the major named by opener acts as a guard or control.

Responder's bids simply become:
- 3 with 6 and a minimum hand
- 2NT with 11HCP and guard in the other major, or 4 cards
- 3NT with at least 12HCP, with guard in the other major, or in the 2 majors
- 2 with 4 (without 4) forcing in case of a 2 rebid by opener *

* In case when opener would have 4 and 4
If opener has no fit he bids 2NT. If he has fit he bids 3 or 4.
After opener' answer 2, if the responder has 4 and at least 18HCP he bids 3 (as above).

Without guard in othe major but with a weak minor two-suiter without guard in othe major 5/6 4 or 5 5 without major guard, the responder also has the no-forcing response 3 at his disposal. For this reason, it is recommended to only open 1 with at least 4. This is also necessary if you play the inverted minor system.

But with an irregular hand and a very strong minor two-suiter of at least 18HCP, responder would make a bid with a jump of 4 forcing for the game or the slam to . Or much better, if he plays the IMS (inverted minor system, instead of his first response 2 he would make the economical response and forcing 2.

2 - The opener has no major 4°

After answer 2 by responder, the opener has 2 main forcing redemands at his disposal * :
- The forcing response of 2NT (min max) with at least 13HCP and major guards.
- The forcing response of 2

* And exceptionally 3 with at least 18HCP and a long and strong suiter

Opener's forcing response 2NT (min max)

Following this forcing 2NT (min max) from the opener who promises a guard in each major, the responder will bid 3 if he is mini, otherwise 3NT. On 3NT from the responder the opener must bid 4NT with at least 18HCP.

Opener's forcing 2 rebid

It absolutely does not guarantee 6. It is a bid that asks responder to describe his play.

Responder's responses to opener's 2

- 3 with 6 with minimum hand and nothing in majors
- 2NT with 12HCP wihout guard in any major *
- 2 with guard or 4 cards at and 11HCP
- 2 with guard or 4 cards at and 11HCP
- 3NT with at least 12HCP and guard in other major or in 2 majors

* Hand of 12HCP without major guard which does not allow the direct response of 2NT For example with regular hand 5332 of which 5 too strong for response 2NT, too weak for response 3NT, or semi regular 6322 of which 6

Opener's responses after 2 followed by 2 or 2 or 2NT from responder

- 3 with 6 with mini hand and nothing in majors
- 2NT with 12HCP with guard in the other major or in 2 majors *
- 3NT with at least 13HCP with guard in the other major **

* After this 2NT the responder passes wjth 11HCP but bids 3NT with at least 12HCP
** Had the apener 13HCP and guard in each major, after the responder's 2 bid he would have bidded direct 3NT mini maxi.

NB : A minimum total of 25HCPL (strength and length points) in the line is necessary for the game 3NT. Due to that at least a 5/6 cards minor suiter is in the line , a total of 24 real HCP is legitimate.

The opener also has the non-forcing response and without major guard of 3.

But with irregular hand and very strong two-suited minor of at least 18HCP the opener would make a jump bid of 4 forcing for the game or the slam at .

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contact : maubird@orange.fr