[dcohio]

My partner and I are playing a 2/1 system, and would like to find a new opening 2D bid. Neither of us are that big of fans of the weak 2D as the preemptive value of that hand is pretty low, most opponents will compete right over it.

We're considering Flannery or Mini-Roman. Which of these two come up more often or are more useful overall? I'm leaning towards mini-roman.

This is for ACBL club play, so general convention chart rules apply.

Thanks!

[jdaming]

I would advise Mini-Roman. That is what we play and it seems to work well especially against newer players and occasionally against others.

Other option is to play a Multi 2D without the strong component and make 2♥ and 2♠ show a minor also

[blackshoe]

There are a lot of options for 2♦. Any unusual (ie, non-weak two) meaning is likely to work well against newer players, as they simply haven't given thought to such possibilities.

You do need to look at the convention regs in play - the mini-multi (ie, weak 2M only) is MidChart in North America, I believe.

I like Mexican 2♦ myself. It relieves some of the strain on the 2♣ opening by taking out GF hands with primary diamonds, and gives another rung in the opener's NT ladder, which helps with big balanced hands.

[jdonn]

You are grossly underestimating the preemptive value of a natural 2♦.

If you want something artificial, I strongly recommend flannery. There are a lot of benefits.
- You can respond 1NT to 1♥ with four spades if you choose, hiding information and allowing more judgment.
- If you play a forcing notrump you don't have rebid problems after 1♥ - 1NT - with 4522 any more. You also reduce the frequency a minor suit rebid is three cards by eliminating 4531 and 4513.
- It's hard to defend against. Most people overcall 2♥ as takeout of hearts, and then if responder had a penalty pass or is long in hearts with no other suits he is screwed. They are also a level higher than the field.
- You can play 1♥ - 2♣/2♦ - 2♠ shows extras. Whether you previously bid 2♥ or 2♠ on minimum 4-5 hands before, you eliminate a hand type and help clear up those bids.
- Opener can freely raise after 1♥ - 1♠ - with three spades since responder has either 5 or a good 4. That means he can rebid 1NT with a singleton if he wants and not worry responder will pull to a 5 card spade suit.

Mini Roman is one of my least favorite conventions. Every time my opponents open it I defend really well. Every time I opened it (I used to play it a little) I belonged in 1NT. Against good opponents there is also a huge risk of going for a number since they can start with an almost free double.

[Phil]

Please don't suggest mini-roman. It is a (one of these).

[gwnn]

Mexican 2d! but you need some discussion on what 1m-1M, 2N shows/the followups.

[kenrexford]

So many options...

I'd add a few unusual ones that people might not normally think of:

1. At least 5-4 (either longer) in the minors and intermediate (maybe 14-16?). I have a proposed response/rebid structure, if interested. The gainer is that 1♦...2♣ is weaker and that you are under less stress with the very strong minor hands.

2. 4-5 diamonds, 5 spades, 11-15. Strange reason. Allows 1♠-P-1NT-P-2♥ to show a promising hand with both majors and 1♠-P-1NT-P-2♦ to show either very weak with both majors (Responder expected to pick) or 16+ with spades-diamonds. Also other neat things. I have a proposed follow up.

3. 4-5 hearts, 5♠, weak (10-13). Solves similar main problem to 2. Similar to "Reverse Flannery."

4. Part of a two-way strong structure. My preference is roughly 2♦ as 4+ spades, 2♣ almost always 0-3 spades.

[Jlall]

Flannery is great as long as you don't play a forcing 1N. Bidding 1H-1N-p frequently combined with them having no idea about your spade situation is great. I think people underrate how good that is.

Bidding 1H-1S showing 5 or 4 very strong ones (ie a hand that is eager to play a 4-3 spade fit) is also useful.

Flannery itself when it comes up is great because you almost never wrong side it and they will have no idea what responders hand looks like (even if he tries for game/slam, usually he just keeps asking). An auction like 2D-4H-p is way tougher to defend against that a normal auction. Just make sure you have a good set of responses.

Overall I love both a weak 2D and a flannery opener, I'm not sure which I prefer but they are both really good and underrated imo.