Systems over 2 Clubs

[VM1973]

As far as I know most people play 2♦ over 2♣ as waiting, but some people use 2♦ as negative. A partner I used to play with said that you should use step responses, instead. Aces are 2 controls and kings are 1. Accordingly:

2♦ = 0-1 controls

2♥ = 2 controls (ace or 2 kings)

2♠ = 3 controls

2NT = 4 controls

etc.

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each treament?

[whereagles]

If you play that a 2♣ opener is made with REALLY big hands (i.e. just about game in hand), there might be a case for using control-showing responses. Otherwise you're better off with a response scheme that puts emphasis on what's more important, i.e. shape and strength.

 

The most usual method, in the latter case, is

 

- 2♦ = waiting, neutral with respect to strength. It can be followed later by 3♣, which is a 2nd negative, i.e. a hand that's likely to pass pard's rebid.

- 2/3x = natural, game forcing, decent suit

 

My favorite method is

 

- 2♦ = waiting, but game forcing

- 2♥ = immediate 2nd negative (opener now uses some relay or transfers)

- 2NT = heart suit, GF

- else = nat, GF

[mgoetze]

You can find a previous thread on 2♣ response structures on my systems index at http://bridge.mgoetze.net/bbf.html . It doesn't really contain a discussion of control responses because hardly any experts play them nowadays (though I know some intermediate-advanced players who do).

 

My personal advice to beginner/intermediate players is not to worry about this too much. Pick something you can remember even if it only comes up every other year and stick with it.