The origin of this conventional method is unknown. The concept is that one player opens 2 Diamonds, indicating either a Weak Two bid in either Hearts or Spades. The idea is to obstruct the opponents as much as possible and have them conceivably play in an incorrect final contract.
Outline of the Concept
The following chart is by no means a representation of all of the possible bidding sequences possible when employing this conventional method. Much is dependent on whether the partnership is vulnerable, whether the partner has poor, moderate, or even excellent to game values.
The consequential valuation of whether to open such a holding has proven to be nine of fewer losing tricks.
| Opener |
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LHO |
|
Partner |
|
RHO |
|
Meaning |
2  |
|
Pass |
|
Pass |
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If the partner first passes, partner is showing some values in both Major suits. |
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Double |
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This is a balancing double to compete in the auction. |
| 1) Pass |
|
2  |
|
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Partner knows that the suit is Spades. |
| 2) Pass |
|
2  |
|
|
|
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Partner knows that the suit is Hearts. |
| 3) Pass |
|
3  |
|
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Partner does not know which Major suit. |
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1) 2 |
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Partner bids the other Major held by opener. |
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2) 3 |
|
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Partner bids the other Major held by opener. |
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3) Pass |
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The opponents are in a Minor suit contract. |
This conventional method has also been known to have an abusive character in that the partner, after the double by the RHO intentionally passes in front of the opener. The partner is then barred from the auction for one round, but the opener is allowed to bid.
The opener consequently bids the wrong Major suit. If the auction is passed out, then the partnership could achieve a poorer score than planned due to a lack of sufficient trumps. If, however, the opponents decide to continue bidding, then the partner is aware of which Major suit is meant with the opening two Diamonds, and can make certain calls accordingly.
This is an intentionally deceptive manner and is quite unsportsmanlike and will not be condoned once established.
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.