Defense to Opening Two Club Bids

Defense? It may seem strange to talk of defense to a hand that has advertised more than half the points in the deck, but there is no reason not to bid -- with something to say. As you will only be at the two level, how much harm can come if you are doubled ? If you had dealt, you would have opened a Weak Two, no?

Inserting a bid like this may disrupt opponents' communications, too -- a legal tactic in Duplicate. Your risk is getting doubled and hammered, of course. But, White against Red especially, you're in little danger there.

N        E         S
2§       2ª     ???

East Hand

ª AKxxxx
© Qx
¨ xxx
§ xx

Think Ahead. If you end up on lead, you will lead Spades anyway, so you haven't given away much. But, if partner is on lead, he may lead his singleton and you get two Spade tricks and a ruff.  If you get doubled, how much harm can come to you, compared to the probable Game the opener has?

2§ - P - 2¨ - 2ª with the same hand in fourth seat.

Be Smart. As you will give away the location of missing values with these calls, don't make them with finesseable cards and hand your opponents their correct line of play.

N	E	S	W
2§	P	2¨	P

 West Hand

ª KJ9xxx     A poor hand for a 2 Spade overcall,
© Kxx            because both missing Kings can
¨ xx              be placed in your hand and finessed.
§ xx              You might beat their slam by being quiet.