The original concept is designated as Control Showing Responses (also Step Responses) to a strong, artificial 2 Clubs opening bid. These original responses should be viewed first and then the variation and/or version as suggested by Mr. Lars Blakset and Mr. Soren Christiansen of Denmark.
Definition of the Concept
The responses of these two experienced bridge players of Denmark show not only the number of controls, but also the length of suits. They also include in several first responses the information that these particular suits are headed by two of the top honors. Continuances are per partnership agreement.
The foundation of the conventional method is to count each Ace as 2 Controls and each King as 1 Control.
The first responses after a strong, artificial 2 Clubs opening by partner are as follows:
| Opener |
|
Responder |
|
Meaning |
2  |
|
|
|
A strong, artificial 2 Clubs opening bid promising practically game values. |
| |
|
2  |
|
Shows 0-1 control. |
| |
|
2  |
|
Shows 2 controls. |
| |
|
2  |
|
Shows 3 controls. |
| |
|
2 NT |
|
Shows 4 controls. |
| |
|
3 |
|
Shows 5 or more controls. |
| |
|
3 |
|
Shows at least a 6-card Diamond suit headed by two of the top honors. No outside control. |
| |
|
3 |
|
Shows at least a 6-card Heart suit headed by two of the top honors. No outside control. |
| |
|
3 |
|
Shows at least a 6-card Spade suit headed by two of the top honors. No outside control. |
| |
|
3 NT |
|
Shows at least a 6-card Club suit headed by two of the top honors. No outside control. |
| |
|
4 |
|
Shows at least a 6-card Club headed by Ace, King, and Queen. No outside control. |
| |
|
4 |
|
Shows at least a 6-card Diamond headed by Ace, King, and Queen. No outside control. |
| |
|
4 |
|
Shows at least a 6-card Heart headed by Ace, King, and Queen. No outside control. |
| |
|
4 |
|
Shows at least a 6-card Spade headed by Ace, King, and Queen. No outside control. |
The suit bids on the four level always promise at least three playing tricks, since the bid suit is headed by three top honors. If this is the first response by the responder, then a rebid by the opener of 5 No Trump becomes a Grand Slam Force requesting the responder to bid the grand slam if holding the Jack of the suit or an 8-card suit.
If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.