Bridge: Two level openings Two hearts as "assumed fit" preempt	|    |    |
Weak: both majors, 4/4 or better

This early page was updated in January 2004 to reflect my own methods.

In assumed fit preempting one opens at the two level with two 4+ suits,and trust in the Almighty - together with the probability (60-70%) that you can scramble an 8 card fit, or that opponents might fail to double you. The "both majors" style I like is usually opened as one or other red suit.

In its 2 version, international Bridge rules won't let statutory authorities ban openings that are considered "natural". That is to say you have 4+ cards in the suit and are willing to play there! So this style should be playable virtually anywhere. Albeit that ACBLland seems to make up its own rules.

The related 2={both majors} opening is known as Ekren or Ekrens after the Norwegian grand master who invented it. Bjørn Olaf Ekren prefers the 2 incarnation should not bear his name. He points out that 2 may be passed out by responder with no major fit and a long diamond suit. Thus with major holdings 2nd hand has to act. I might counter that 2 may be passed too, but Bjørn has massive experience of his own opening.

There are several response styles, as well as other preempts on my assumed fit page, but I like to play ..

Responding to 2 hearts

2 - pass/2 simple preference 2 - 2NT* artificial relay with responses .. 3 = 5/4 poor - 3? then asks the longer suit, allwong play at 3 level 3 = 4/4 poor hand 3/ = 5/4 good (bid the longer suit) 3NT = 4/4, a good hand 4/4 = splinter, majors 5/5 good hand 4 = 5/5 majors, poor hand, pass/correct 2 - 3/ is to play 2 - 3/ tempo raises 2 - 4/ to play, obviously. What is "good" here? We are allowed a 5 point range in general UK competition but fair HCP adjustment is tolerated here. Our top limit varies with vulnerability but the hand would never be worth an opening. Not vulnerable, a mini no-trump is preferred if balanced and in range. As ever, more latitude is used in 3rd hand. This is not a bid for 4th hand and we revert to a natural 11-15 or so 2 bid - to play.

This simple approach seems to work. Beware the 3 level on 4 card support vulnerable! I find "game" bids generally do well whether strong or weak, and we have had a couple of nice slams.

There seems a case for combining a true "Lucas" two for 5 spades four hearts. When opposite 2 bid with equal length in the suits you can pass, knowing that hearts are at least as long as spades. But I prefer Dutch style 2 = Spades+minor.

Although this style abandons the 2 standard weak two, this really is no great loss. It is by far the weakest of the set. In fact 2 is far more slippery to defend at the table. Or you can play the Multi.

In defence you should not be scared of 5/3 major fits (but play them properly!). 4/4 major fits will tend to fail to the known bad break. You will gain occasionally staying out of marginal major games.With 15+ points and at least 2 in each major - double seeking a seeking a nice penalty. more in the Archive

Essentially the assumed fit preemptor is betting that he will settle into an 8 card fit at the 2 level - and therefore you won't get rich. The odds are 2:1 in his favour.

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