How Should I Respond

[eagles123]

In the club today, LHO opened 1 club and p responded 2 clubs (which I alerted as michaels) RHO asked for the point range and I explained that it would be either weak (i.e. under 10) or strong (i.e. over 16) as that is what we had been taught. the hand was played out with no problems in some minor part score but after I noticed P had made her bid on 13 points. I asked P about it afterwards but didn't really get much of a clear response lol :)

 

A few hands later, a very similar thing happened, LHO opened 1D p bid 2D and I was asked about the point range. How should I respond?

 

Thanks,

 

Eagles

[TylerE]

It doesn't sound like you actually have an agreement. I'd just say it shows both majors, any count.

[barmar]

And if you plan on playing with this partner on any kind of regular basis, you should discuss this detail so you'll be on the same page in the future. It's not just good for disclosure, but it means you can bid more accurately.

[Zelandakh]

"We have not discussed it" or "We have no agreement about that" is often the correct response when playing with a new partner. That said, here are some possible agreements - ask your new partner to choose one:-

 

1. Any. Very popular on BBF and championed by Justin.

2. Split range - weak or strong. An overcall followed by a new suit shows extras and handles the intermediate hands. If you do use split range then the strong range should probably be the same as your "double then bid" range.

3. Split range + tactical - as above but you allow the 2-suited call to also be made with the in-between range for tactical reasons.

4. Strong - your 2-suited calls are intermediate or better (say 10+). With a weaker hand that wants to compete you make a simple overcall.

5. Variable 1 - split range (or #3) not vulnerable; strong vulnerable.

6. Variable 2 - any range not vulnerable; strong vulnerable.

 

I also learned it as split range and still use #3 in practise. However, I strongly suspect that #4 is better when vulnerable and would happily switch to #5. Even if you do play #2 or #3, you should make sure your vulnerable 2-suited bids have something and raise the upper limit of "weak" a little.

[CamHenry]

One option is to say something like "I had thought it was weak or strong, but partner bid it recently on a 13-count and we haven't had time to discuss a firm agreement". That could confuse oppo unnecessarily, but is at least complete and true.