Lebensohl vs. Weak 2 Bids
Answers
LHO Partner
2♥ X Pass ?
1. 2♠. You have less than game invitational values.
2. 3♠. Invitational.
3. 2NT, then 3♥ (cue-bid), showing a heart stopper and forcing to game.
4. 3♥. Game-forcing cue-bid with no heart stopper.
5. 3♥. Game-forcing cue-bid. Does not promise four spades.
6. 3♦. Showing some useful values.
7. 2N, then 3♦, signoff.
8. 2N, then 3♠ (forcing). Shows a heart stopper and five spades – Choice of games.
LHO Partner
2♠ X Pass ?
9. 2N, then 3♠ (cue-bid). Shows a spade stopper and implies four hearts. Too good for 3♥ constructive.
10. 2N, then pass partner’s 3♣. This is a pretty good hand for a sign-off. If there is a chance of game, partner will break the transfer.
11. 4♦. Highly invitational. This is a borderline hand between an invitational 4♦ and the game-forcing 3♠ (cue-bid). 3♠ would be okay if partner promises not to bid 4♥!
12. 4♥. Sign-off. Based on shape, not high cards. With the high-card strength to force to game you should start with a cue-bid.
13. 2N, then 3♠ (cue-bid). A slight overbid, the texture made you do it!
14. 5♦. Sign-off.
LHO Partner
2♠ X Pass 3♣
Pass ?
15. Pass. Partner has some values, but he has a maximum of 10 points.
16. 3♠. If partner bids 3NT or 4♣, then you will pass. Anything else, bid game.
17. 3N. Your KQx of clubs are GREAT working cards…where there is 8 tricks, there must be 9!