~Responding to Partner’s Weak Two Bid Opener

North
S J
H QJT632
D K32
C Q84

West
S A8642
H 85
D A974
C Q8

South
S KQT
H K94
D QT6
C K972

East
S 9753
H A7
D J85
C AT53

North should open 2H, a Weak Two Bid showing 5-11 HCP (inclusive) and a 6-card heart suit. An opening two-bid as a strong opener has not been played by the better bridge players since the mid-1960s due to its infrequency of occurrence. As a weak bid showing a long suit, the Weak Two Bid occurs much more frequently and has greater value as a preemptive bid, as it reduces the bidding room of the opposition.

The phrase, “preempting partner” has little validity if the partnership has a means of showing fits and strengths–or misfits.
~If there is a misfit in partner’s suit–a singleton or a void, responder may bid his own long suit at the cheapest level to suggest a misfit and a weak or medium hand (no game interest).
~To show a misfit but a strong hand, responder may bid 2NT and then bid his own suit to invite game.
~Alternately, responder can jump in his own suit if the jump bid can be made at the three-level.
~With a strong hand and a major-suit fit of 2+ cards, responder can bid 2NT to ask opener for additional information. See the Rule of 17.
~With a strong hand and a minor-suit fit of 2+ diamonds, use the Rule of 20 to determine whether to pursue game.