Defending against Weak Twos - Useful Conventions

CONSTRUCTIVE bidding can be hard enough when it starts at the one level, but clearly gets much tougher when the bidding starts at higher levels. Since it is relatively uncommon to pick up a hand suitable for a Strong Two opening, many duplicate players prefer to increase the frequency of pre-empting by employing Weak Two bids in the majors, with a good number also playing a Weak Two bid in diamonds. These bids classically show a six-card suit and around 5-10 HCP, though many pairs will open more aggressively, especially at favourable vulnerability (nonvulnerable vs vulnerable).

How should one defend against Weak Two openings?

Once an opponent has opened a Weak Two, the next player will have three positive options: bidding a suit, bidding no-trumps, or doubling.

Read full bridge article by David Bakhshi

The Landy defence to a 1NT opening - Useful Conventions

IN this article, I will look at an effective yet relatively straightforward convention: Landy. Originally the idea of Alvin Landy, it is a convention which allows an over - caller to show a two-suited hand following an opening bid of 1NT. In a nutshell, by bidding 2♣ over the opening 1NT, the overcaller shows that he holds both majors.

Why is it useful to play a conventional defence to an opening bid of 1NT?

The main disadvantages in playing a natural defence lie in the frequency with which one can disrupt the auction as an overcaller, and the ability to find the best fit available.

Read full bridge article by David Bakhshi

The Michaels Cue Bid - Useful Conventions

THIS convention was the brainchild of an American, Mike Michaels, and it lends itself to being played in a fairly simple way.

Why is it useful to make two-suited overcalls?

When the opponents open the bidding, it is a winning strategy to try to make their lives as difficult as possible, either pushing them higher than they would prefer to be, or just stopping them from declaring. While this can be effective with one-suited hands, there is even greater potential when holding a two-suited hand since there is now a much better chance of finding a fit in at least one of the long suits. It is also helpful to show the two-suited nature of the hand as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Read full article by David Bakhshi