Study 3K81 Main
Pavlicek Weak Two-Bids
by Richard PavlicekStudy 3K81 Main |
| by Richard Pavlicek |
Almost all duplicate players use weak two-bids, but few take full advantage of the opportunities. It is widely accepted that bridge is a “bidder’s game,” and the weak two-bid provides a means for increasing your activity. Getting into the bidding first, and often, is a winning strategy.
I have long been an advocate of undisciplined (but sensible) weak two-bids. The main drawback was that partner would sometimes bid a hopeless game or slam. Therefore, I devised a responding structure to cater to this aggressive style.
Responses & RebidsAfter any weak two-bid, the basic responses are:
| Response | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 2 NT | Artificial; only force |
| New suit | Natural; constructive |
| Raise | Obstructive |
After a 2 NT response to a major, opener rebids as follows:
| Rebid | Meaning |
|---|---|
3  | 5 card opening |
3  | Average or max |
| Same major | Worst hand |
| Other major | Natural; 4 cards |
| 3 NT | A-K-Q or A-K-J |
After a 2 NT response to 2 , the rebids are slightly different:
| Rebid | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5 card opening |
| 3 | Worst hand |
3  / | Stopper in major bid |
| 3 NT | No major-suit stopper |
| Study 3K81 Main |  | Top Pavlicek Weak Two-Bids |
ExamplesBelow are eight examples of the responding structure. Vulnerability is stated when significant.
1.  | None Vul | |
| Q 8 6 5 4 3 2 8 6 2 K 6 2 | 
| K J 2 A 8 6 3 Q 5 3 A Q 7 |
| 2 3 | Pass Pass | 2 NT Pass | Pass |
The 2 bid is acceptable nonvulnerable. The 3 rebid shows “the worst” (implying most wouldn’t even open) so responder is warned not to bid a terrible game.
| 2. | ||
| 4 3 A Q 9 7 6 5 6 2 J 9 6 | 
| A K 8 2 J 3 A K 8 3 7 4 3 |
| 2 3 Pass | Pass Pass | 2 NT 3 | Pass Pass |
Opener’s 3 shows a typical (or better) weak two-bid. The return to 3 allows opener to bid again with the best hand; but here he has nothing extra.
| 3. | ||
| K J 10 7 6 4 3 4 3 A J 4 3 |
| Q 3 A J 4 A K 7 5 10 8 5 2 |
| 2 3 4 | Pass Pass | 2 NT 3 | Pass Pass |
This time opener has a maximum so he continues to game over 3 . Note how the structure allows responder to cater to three ranges: worst, average and best.
| 4. | ||
| 4 K 9 4 A J 10 9 8 4 8 5 4 |
| A J 10 8 2 10 6 K 7 3 A K 2 |
| 2 3 | Pass Pass | 2 NT 3 NT | Pass |
Opener shows a respectable hand with a heart stopper, leading to the obvious game. Had opener shown a spade stopper, responder should bid 4 to play.
| 5. | ||
| 4 3 9 2 K Q 8 7 5 4 A 7 2 |
| 9 2 A J 7 3 A J 2 K Q J 5 |
| 2 3 NT | Pass Pass | 2 NT 5 | Pass |
When opener shows no major stopper, responder wisely removes 3 NT. Note that opener is marked for the A, else he would have rebid 3 .
| 6. | None Vul | |
| 9 7 4 2 A Q J 9 4 10 8 7 2 |
| A 8 6 3 A K Q 8 5 K 3 4 3 |
| 2 3 3 NT | Pass Pass Pass | 2 NT 3 Pass | Pass Pass |
Opener shows a 5 card diamond suit, and 3 is natural and forcing. Opener returns to 3 NT to deny support (switch opener’s majors and he would raise to 4 ).
| 7. | None Vul | |
| Q J 10 8 7 5 3 A 7 5 2 4 2 |
| A 4 A K 9 6 K 8 3 A J 8 7 |
| 2 3 | Pass Pass | 2 NT 3 NT | Pass |
When opener shows only a 5 card spade suit, responder is able to reach the normal contract, as others will do quite easily after an original pass. Examples 6 and 7 are borderline openings vulnerable; personally I would open Hand 6 but pass Hand 7.
| 8. | ||
| Q 4 A K 8 7 6 3 8 5 4 2 3 |
| A J 10 8 6 5 2 A K 9 3 8 7 |
| 2 3 | Pass Pass | 2 4 | Pass |
The 2 response is nonforcing, though opener should bid again with his useful hand. If opener’s spades and clubs were switched, he should pass 2 .
Alert!
On your convention card you should describe weak two-bids as “5+ cards, 5-10 HCP.” Also, you must alert the special rebids (not the 2 NT response).
| Study 3K81 Main | | Top Pavlicek Weak Two-Bids |
After a 2 NT response to a major weak two-bid and a 3 rebid to show a 5-card opening, 3 is artificial. Opener must bid three of his major with a minimum (5-7 HCP).
| 9. | ||
| 7 K Q J 9 4 8 5 2 Q 10 4 2 |
| A 6 5 10 8 5 A K 7 6 K J 7 |
| 2 3 3 NT | Pass Pass Pass | 2 NT 3 4 | Pass Pass |
Responder’s 3 is artificial and opener bids 3 NT to show he is not minimum. Without the Q opener would bid 3 and responder would pass.
| Study 3K81 Main | | Top Pavlicek Weak Two-Bids |
In CompetitionIf the weak two-bid is overcalled or doubled for takeout, the same basic structure applies insofar as it is possible.
| 10. | ||
| 4 2 A K J 10 7 2 4 3 2 10 2 |
| K 7 3 Q 8 3 A J 6 A 9 8 7 |
| 2 3 NT | 2 Pass | 2 NT Pass | Pass |
Responder’s 2 NT is the same as without the 2 overcall (stopper is coincidental) and opener shows a strong 6-carder, A-K-J or better. Responder can count 9 tricks in notrump with a spade lead, so he leaves it there. (Note that 4 is likely to fail.)
| 11. | ||
| K J 10 9 8 4 3 K 10 2 7 6 5 |
| Q 6 2 A 8 4 2 9 3 A K 4 2 |
| 2 3 Pass | Dbl Pass | 2 NT 3 | Pass Pass |
The double is virtually ignored. Opener shows an average to maximum opening (good judgment not to consider it “worst”) and responder returns to 3 to leave an out. With a maximum, opener would continue to game.
If an opponent bids after the 2 NT response, the structure is off. Basically, opener should pass with all bad hands. With a sound opening bid naturally with offensive values (shapely or short in enemy suit) or double with defensive values.
| 12. | ||
| 8 2 A Q 10 8 7 6 K 9 2 4 3 |
| A 9 3 K 2 A Q 8 7 3 J 5 2 |
| 2 Dbl | Pass Pass | 2 NT 4 | 3 |
Opener’s double shows a good opening (not penalty) and responder bids the sensible game. (Without the double responder should sell out to 3 .)
| Study 3K81 Main | | Top Pavlicek Weak Two-Bids |
© 2012 Richard Pavlicek