Weak two-bids show a six-card suit of reasonable quality and 5-11 HCP.
On rare occasions it may be a very good five-card suit. It is possible
to open a weak two with a poor seven-card suit (not good enough to
open with at the three level). It should normally not be used if hand
also contains 4 cards (or more) in a major side suit. Responses:
- A 2NT response is forcing, showing game interest. (This applies
also if the opponents intervene with a double or a bid.) Opener
rebids his suit with a minimum weak two (5-8 points). With a
maximum hand opener bids another suit to show a "feature" (ace or
king in that suit); lacking a feature he raises to 3NT and lets
responder place the contract. With a maximum hand and a side
4 or 5 card minor suit (headed at least by Q) opener should bid
4 of that minor suit.
- Any raise of opener's suit is to play and could be preemptive. A
3NT response is also to play.
- "RONF" on the card means "Raise Only Non-Force." A new suit
response is forcing one round and shows at least a five-card suit.
Opener should raise a major suit response with a three-card fit, or
perhaps with a doubleton honor.
- With no fit for responder's suit, opener rebids:
- With a minimum weak two-bid (5-8 points), rebid the suit at the
cheapest level.
- With a maximum weak two-bid, name a new suit or bid notrump.
An alternative popular convention over weak twos is Oghust. Playing Oghust responder's 2NT is a a forcing inquiry but instead of showing a feature opener rebids artificially to show the strength and suit quality of the weak two.
| 2♦, 2♥, 2♠ | 2NT | Oghust Convention |
| 3♣ | | Weak Hand and Weak Suit |
| 3♦ | | Weak Hand and Strong Suit |
| 3♥ | | Strong Hand and Weak Suit |
| 3♠ | | Strong Hand and Strong Suit |
