Ekren 2d

[mpu]

Cannot really find the topic on forum that would answer my concerns.

 

Playing ekren 2d (weak majors, at least 4-4) how to go into slam bidding?

 

For example:

2d - 2nt (asking)

3s (5s-4h) - ?

 

Now how do I agree hearts as suit and start cuebidding? Maybe I shouldn't bid 2nt if I wanted to agree hearts regardless of the opener's shape?

 

M.

[wclass___]

I think that those who play Flannery typically play 4♣ = ♥ slam try and 4♦ as ♠ slam try, over that : openers +1 = last train.

 

What does 2♦-4m mean for you? Simple way would be RKCB with ♥/♠.

 

There ain't magic answer, spend some time thinking what you think is best.

[Zelandakh]

I believe the common usage for 2♦ - 4♣/♦ is as a good raise in hearts/spades respectively. Therefore, if you have a slam try with 4 hearts you should probably have responded 4♣ instead of 2NT.

[fromageGB]

Maybe it depends on what your 2♦ 3minor means.

 

The trouble with 4m as a slam going hand (the same trouble as when starting 2NT) is that it leaves no room for cue bidding. I am thinking that it may be better to use 3m as the possibly slamming hand response. Over this opener can bid 3M in the agreed major with a weaker hand (still allowing a slamming responder to start a cue bidding sequence) and a stronger opener can make an immediate cue bid.

 

Of course you may prefer the stronger hand to make the first cue bid, eg when playing one-under denial cues, so a weaker opener can bid the major and a stronger opener bid the next step.

 

Do you really need 3m for anything else?

[Zelandakh]

Do you really need 3m for anything else?

3♣ is usually to play, without a fit in a major, although I have seen other suggestions. In true Ekrens 2♦ - 3♦ shows 3-3 majors and invitational values. Others playing assumed fit methods, especially if the opening is 2♥ rather than 2♦, sometimes use this 3♦ response differently.

[fromageGB]

3♣ is usually to play, without a fit in a major, although I have seen other suggestions.

It's a rare hand that wants to play 3♣, so I prefer the slam-seeking heart fit. Probably equally rare, but more beneficial when it happens !

 

In true Ekrens 2♦ - 3♦ shows 3-3 majors and invitational values.

I can't see that this gives you anything that 2NT doesn't achieve, as your responses will not be higher than 3♥ with a weaker hand, and if opener is a weak 44xx you have missed a 2NT contract with either method.

[Zelandakh]

And if Opener has a weak (45)xx hand?

[hrothgar]

The following URL describes the response structure that I use over a Frelling 2D opening.

I genuinely believe that the response structure works quite well and gives a lot of options with invitational hands.

 

http://www.chrisryall.net/bridge/weak.two/frelling.htm

 

Might give you some ideas

[Zelandakh]

The difference with Frelling is that the suits are unknown. The 2♥ opening (hearts and a black suit) is arguably closer to Ekrens than the 2♦ opening (diamonds and a major).

[fromageGB]

And if Opener has a weak (45)xx hand?

I play a 3♣ response to 2NT as any weak hand not 55xx (which bids 3♦). Over 3♣, 3♦ says "no preference - bid your 5 or best 4". So you end in 3M regardless of whether your invitation is 3♦ Ekren style or 2NT my style.

[fromageGB]

The following URL describes the response structure that I use over a Frelling 2D opening.

I genuinely believe that the response structure works quite well and gives a lot of options with invitational hands.

OK with invitational hands, but too complicated for me - but of course necessitated by the fact that suits are unknown. I like simplicity and the ability to get in immediately with a preempt in either suit.

 

And I hate the "pass or correct" where you end at the 3 level when you have no good fit.