In this series, world-famous author and player Larry Cohen guides readers through the ACBL convention card to create a simple yet effective bidding system, based on 2/1.
The full card is available through our convention card editor. Click on Suggested Starting Points so you can view, or print the card for your partnerships.
I'm not a big Flannery fan. I like weak 2-bids in diamonds (as well as in the majors, of course).
The range shown is 5-11. I am big on partnership discussion of style. The vulnerability and suit quality are crucial. I would not open with this 5-count at any vulnerability: ♠J65432 ♥KJ ♦432 ♣76. I would open 2♠ with this 5-count if not vulnerable: ♠AJ10983 ♥4 ♦765 ♣642. I would open this 11-count with 2♠: ♠KQ9874 ♥42 ♦KJ2 ♣Q2.
Any partnership needs to know the style of each player. In LC STANDARD, a side (poor) four-card major is possible, but not likely. A side ace or side void is also possible if the hand is in the 5-11 range.
New suits are forcing as is 2NT (which asks for a Feature). Show a Feature only if opener isn't minimum. A Feature is usually an ace or king, but could be made with other holdings if stuck. A Feature is never a void or a small singleton.
A raise is not forcing--and can be quite weak. Raising from two to three is a Following the LAW of Total Tricks bid, typically based on three-card support.
If the opponents overcall our weak 2-bid, double is for pure penalties (a rare situation where double actually means business).
There are many fancy gadgets and options available after the opponents make a takeout double, but none are part of LC Standard.
Next week, the "Other Conventional Calls" section of the card.
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