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Now I am one of those guys who like to have their cake and eat it (perhaps explains my weight?). I certainly like to be able to open a weak two in the majors, but I also like strong Acol type twos in the majors. Fortunately, this was all solved by Albert Benjamin. Playing Benjamin twos, the traditional 2♣ opening (23+ or a game forcing hand) is replaced by 2♦ . This then leaves 2♣ free to show a strong two in either major (partner normally relays with 2♦ and you then bid 2♥/♠ ). Now there are numerous variants as to exactly what the 2♣ and 2♦ opening bids (and subsequent rebids) mean. I shall simply describe my preferred Benjamin variation etc. |
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| 2♣ |
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Strong but not game forcing. Either 8-9 playing tricks in an unspecified suit or a balanced 23-24. |
| 2♦ |
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Game forcing, 25+ if balanced. |
| 2♥/♠ |
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weak, 6 card suit, 6-10. |
| 2NT |
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20-22 balanced. |
| 3NT |
= |
pre-emptive (gambling 3NT); long solid minor, nothing outside. |
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After a 2♣/♦ opening, I prefer an automatic relay of 2♦/ . Rebids then mean: - |
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| 2♣ - 2♦ - 2♥/♠ |
8 playing tricks – non-forcing (but rarely passed). |
| 2♣ - 2♦ - 3♥/♠ |
9 playing tricks – non-forcing (but very rarely passed). |
| 2♣ - 2♦ - 3♣/♦ |
9 playing tricks – non-forcing (generally an unbalanced hand). |
| 2♣ - 2♦ - 2NT |
23-24, balanced – non-forcing. |
| 2♦ - 2♥ - 2NT |
25+, balanced, game forcing. |
| 2♦ - 2♥ - any suit |
natural, game forcing. |
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As I said, there are numerous variants of Benjamin twos, but I prefer this one because you never have to bid 3NT (this leaves partner the option of Stayman and transfers etc. when he is bust and you are 25+). There is a rather better/more complex variant based on this scheme which also includes 4441 type hands. |
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Note that a 2♦ opening is always game forcing. |
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Note also that an Acol two is normally forcing. Playing this version of Benjamin the sequence 2♣ - 2♦ - 2♥/♠ is not forcing (but is rarely passed) as a stronger opening hand would rebid at the 3 level. |
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The reason that this 2♥/♠ should rarely be passed is that responder needs very little to make game. Now you may think that he needs two tricks for game to make - but that is not so! It is all explained in 'Playing tricks' in section 3 of the conventions page. Make sure to read the chapter on 'the problem with playing tricks'. |
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Incidentally, Benjamin twos are normally associated with Acol – but there really is no dependence. You can play any variation of Benjamin twos with Standard American, 2/1or any natural system. In fact I recommend it. |
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Pattaya Bridge Club - |
www.pattayabridge.com |
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