The Acol Two-Bid is an intermediate bid and is forcing for one-round,
because it represents a strong and forcing bid. It is either an opening bid in First,
Second, Third or Fourth Seat. In Third and Fourth Seat, the partner has already relayed
the information that he is weak. The following examples should clarify the holding
for an Acol Two-Bid.
In the Example 1, the Acol Two-Bid can be made with only one suit containing 8 playing tricks. In the second example, the Acol Two-Bid can be made with two suits, each with a minimum length of 5-card suits, and again 8 playing tricks. The trick-taking ability of the holding is the foundation of the Acol Two-Bid.
The partner usually responded with 2 No Trump to signal a weak hand, however this has been replaced by some partnerships with the bid of the next highest suit. In the first example, the partner would respond 3
instead of 2 No Trump.
| Example 1 |
 |
AKQ8753 |
 |
AJ |
 |
AJ5 |
|
3 |
|
|
| Example 2 |
|
7 |
|
AQJ1054 |
|
AK984 |
|
8 |
|
| 2 |
|
2 |
Herbert Negative Bid
In the Example 2, the partner would respond 2 instead of 2 No Trump. This is known as a Herbert Negative bid.
Note: The bridge student should compare this Herbert Negative bid to the Herbert Negative bid following a Takeout Double by partner, which are also known as Herbert Negative bids or as Herbert Negatives.
After the partner responds with a Herbert Negative bid, any rebid by the partner of a suit or a rebid of a lower-ranking suit is considered non-forcing. However, a suit takeout response is equivalent to a standard Two-Over-One Takeout, and can be weaker while the auction is still on the two level.
A one level raise is considered to be constructive and supportive, and suggests slam possibilities, but shows fewer than 10 supportive points. A two level raise would indicate also slam possibilities and more than 10 supportive points, but no Ace or first-round control.
The responder may have moderate strength to support opener, but may be lacking in appropriate distribution, and conclude that no slam possibilities exist. The responder then will make a negative response and settle for game only.
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.