In the original version, Mr. Charles Henry Goren, born March 4, 1901 and died April 3, 1991, proposed that any raise to the three level is absolutely game forcing and that all two level openings should also be game forcing and contain at least a 5-card suit of that denomination.

However, a first response after a two level opening of 2 No Trump is a negative response and the contract may end as a partscore. Invitational bids are first accomplished by the responder bidding another suit and then raising the opening suit, which became known as a delayed raise.

These opening bids are also based on the Acol bidding system, whereby a 4-card Major could be opened. The revised version, not shown here, represented a Major suit opening with at least a 5-card suit, a strong No Trump opening, and all openings on the two level became Weak Two bids showing 6-12 points and at least a 6-card suit, although the 2 Clubs opening remained unchanged in values but could show any shape and distribution.

Note: The bridge student should be aware that Mr. Charles Goren proposed many such opening bid structures, which varied slightly, but which also maintained a certain fundamental identity. Any additional contributions from readers of such opening bids would be appreciated. The promotion of the game of bridge was his priority, his goal, and his accomplishment.

Opening Bids Only

Bid		Stregnth		Meaning
1 :		13-22 high card points		Shows a 3-card plus Club suit.
1 :		13-22 high card points		Shows a 4-card plus Diamond suit.
1 :		13-22 high card points		Shows a 4-card plus Heart suit.
1 :		13-22 high card points		Shows a 4-card plus Spade suit.
1 NT:		16-18 high card points		Shows balanced shape.
2 :		23+ high card points		Shows a 5-card plus Club suit.
2 :		23+ high card points		Shows a 5-card plus Diamond suit.
2 :		23+ high card points		Shows a 5-card plus Heart suit.
2 :		23+ high card points		Shows a 5-card plus Spade suit.
2 NT:		22-24 high card points		Shows balanced shape.

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.