This concept of opening with a bid of 2 Diamonds was devised by Mr. Neill Currie, who is the co-developer of the Currified Precision system together with Mr. Tony Melucci. These two bridge personalities also conceived of MACE, which is an alternative defense method after a strong, artificial Club opening by the opponents as presented by Mr. Tony Melucci and developed in association with Mr. Neill Currie in his description of the Currified Precision system.

Note: This information has also only been preserved and archived on this site for future reference. The source of this conventional method is bridgebum.com of Mr. Jeff Tang. The reader should seek first this information from the original source presented online.

Note: Any additional information about the biographical data of Mr. Neill Currie would be greatly appreciated as would any photographic material.

Concepts of Comparison

The 2 Diamonds opening bid has been employed often in the game of bridge and the definitions are considerably different. The student of the game of bridge should acquaint him/herself with such openings in order to understand the differences, the dissimilarities, and their features of deviation. Following are short descriptions of several more applicable and generally acceptable definitions:

Ekren 2 :	This represents a weak opening promising 4-4 or longer distribution in both Major suits.
Flannery 2 :	This opening bid promises a 5-4 distribution in Hearts and Spades with minimum values between 9 and 11 points.
Multi 2 :	This is an artificial opening bid promising either an unspecified Major suit preempt or a strong 4-4-4-1 distribution.
Roman 2 :	This is an strong, artificial opening bid promising either a distribution of 4-4-4-1 or 5-4-4-0.

There are other systems, approaches, and/or treatments, which employ the 2 Diamonds opening bid. The student of the game of bridge should acquaint oneself with these.

Note: The bridge student must bear in mind that the Fighting Irish 2 Diamonds opening bid has been designated as a Brown Sticker convention under the Conditions of Contest by the World Bridge Federation and must be made known to the sponsoring organization before the commencement of any tournament.

Basics of the Concept

Opener		Responder		Meaning
2				The Fighting Irish opening bid is an artificial opening bid and promises a range of 5-10 high card points with a distribution of either 4-4 or 4-3 in both Major suits.
		2		This first response is a so-called sign-off, that requests partner to pass, that denies any additional values, and is intended to close the auction for the partnership.
		2		This first response is a so-called sign-off, that requests partner to pass, that denies any additional values, and is intended to close the auction for the partnership.
		2 NT		This response is natural, but also invitational to any continuations. The opener may correct to 3 Clubs with a 4-4-0-5 or a 4-4-5-0 distribution.
		3		Natural, non-forcing, and promises 6 plus Clubs.
		3		This is a strong, artificial inquiry as to the distribution of the opener. The opening must continue to describe the holding. Continuations are included below.
		3		This response shows weak values and is preemptive.
		3		This response shows weak values and is preemptive.
		3 NT		To play.

As explained in the definitions of the bids of the responder, the definition of a 3 Diamonds response is that the bid is strong and artificial. The opener may not pass, but is forced to continue describing the holding. The continuations by the opener are as follows according to the concept of the Fighting Irish concept.

Opener		Responder		Meaning
2				The Fighting Irish opening bid is an artificial opening bid and promises a range of 5-10 high card points with a distribution of either 4-4 or 4-3 in both Major suits.
		3		This is a strong, artificial inquiry as to the distribution of the opener. The opening must continue to describe the holding. Continuations are included below.
3				By rebidding 3 Hearts the opener shows 3 Hearts and 4 Spades. (Note that the the distribution of 3-4 is the minimum. This bid only shows that the Spades constitute a longer suit.)
3				By rebidding 3 Spades the opener shows 4 Spades and 3 Hearts. (Note that the the distribution of 4-3 is the minimum. This bid only shows that the Spades constitute a longer suit.)
3 NT				Promises a distribution of 4-4 in both Major suits, values ranging between 5-10 high card points, and no void in any Minor suit.
4				Promises a distribution of 4-4-0-5, meaning that the holding contains a void in Diamonds.
4				Promises a distribution of 4-4-5-0, meaning that the holding contains a void in Clubs.

 

 

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.