Defending against Ekrens

[Bende]

Against Ekren's 2♦ showing a weak hand with at least 4-4 in the majors, several sources suggest using dbl as a strong notrump (15+) and 2NT as takeout for the minors. After (2♦) - dbl - (pass), do you think 2NT is best used as natural or as Lebensohl (or perhaps something else)? Does it change if

 

a) if the opening bid is 2♥ showing both majors?

b) if opener promises at least 5-4 in the majors?

[hrothgar]

Hey there

 

I agree that double should be penalty oriented

 

First and foremost, using a 2NT advanced as natural is nonsensical.

Partner has shown a penalty double. If you have a balanced hand with values you want to be doubling the opponents and NOT declaring 2N or 3N

 

The key in determining your defense is to understand what the pass of 2♦ double showed. There will typically be some inferences available about RHO's major suit holding. (Whatever this bid shows, it almost never shows a desire to declare 2♦X)

[Bende]

That makes sense. What about after (2♦) - dbl - (2♥)?

[BillHiggin]

A suggestion that I hope is not too hairbrained:

 

If your partnership is discussing a defense to Ekrens, look at what your defense is to opps bids over your 1N that show both majors (such a Capp 2♦ or Landy 2♣). A simple extension to Ekrens is to use the same defense while pretending -partner opened a 7-9 HCP 1N in front of their bid. Maybe adjust that pretend range if you want to be more aggressive. At least, you will not need to devote extra memory cells to the issue.

[skjaeran]

The most favoured defence vs Ekrens 2♦ here in Norway is that double shows an opening hand, with at least 3-3 in the majors if near minimum. And 2NT as a natural, but minour suit oriented 15-18 hand - 22(45) (or (23)44 with most of the strength in the minors).

 

Later doubles from both hands are then for penalties.

[MFA]

In Denmark it's popular to defend Ekren along the same lines as defending multi.

 

X 13-16 bal or 17+ any

2NT 17-19

All overcalls natural. Some play 2♥ (and perhaps also 2♠) for the minors though, I don't.

 

Then Lebensohl, second double from our side is for take-out in all sequences. Pass then X is also take-out.

 

Not so bloodthursty a defense but getting in early with 13+ protects against being stolen from. And converting take-out doubles to penalty does happen. ;)

 

Incidently, I think every time I have faced 2♦-X-pass, the agreement has been 'to play'. Which is also the most sensible one in my opinion. XX to get partner's longer major.

 

Against that Lebensohl still applies for us - subsequent diamond bids are cuebids.