San Diego Bridge Academy
Two Diamonds Waiting
Most players use one of three responses to a 2♣ opener.
- Two diamonds waiting Unless responder has a positive response such as a good suit or balanced notrump hand, the bid is 2♦.
- Controls Responder counts one for a king and two for an ace. A useful set of responses is
- 2♦: 0 - 1 controls with lower minor indicating a second negative.
- 2♥: shows 2 controls.
- 2♠: shows 3 controls (Ace and king in the same suit)
- 2NT: 3 controls (3 kings or an ace and a king in separate suits.
- 3♣: 4 controls.
- 3♦: we probably belong in a grand slam. (5 controls)
- Two hearts negative 2♦ now becomes a game force.
Two diamonds waiting is simple but requires some agreements. Contracts tend to be right-sided and the bidding kept at a low level. For minors suits and two suiters, signing-off might be unclear but with some good agreements, you can improve your chances of getting to the right contract. Start with the first link below.
Inside The Strong Two-Club Opening Bid
Introductory Ideas
Guidelines
No-trump Power Hands
Major Suit Power Hands
Minor Suit Power Hands
Two Suited Power Hands
96 Sample Power Hands (Best viewed in a different tab or window on your browser. Alternatively you could print the hands)