ACOL Two Bid

An ACOL Two Bid is a strong 2, 2 or 2 opening bid. It shows 8-9 playing tricks, with a good suit or occasionally a two-suited hand. However, it promises less values than an ACOL 2 opening bid, which is game-forcing.

Examples:

Open 2:
AJT
A98
AKQT43
5

Open 2:
AK
KQJT94
KQ5
76
Open 2:
AQJT9
K
AKJT4
93

ACOL Two Bids are forcing for one round. The conventional responses are:

New suit 5+ card suit, 8+ points and game-forcing.

2NT The negative response, showing 0-7 points.

Single raise 3+ card support, with 5+ points. Game-forcing.

Double raise Weaker than a single raise. Usually represents a weak hand with at least 4-card support.

3NT Natural, balanced, 8-11 points.

Other Considerations

After hearing a 2NT negative response, opener's rebids are natural and non-forcing unless he makes a reverse, e.g. 2 : 2NT, 3.

See also the Herbert Negative convention for responding to an ACOL Two Bid.

New suit	5+ card suit, 8+ points and game-forcing.
2NT	The negative response, showing 0-7 points.
Single raise	3+ card support, with 5+ points. Game-forcing.
Double raise	Weaker than a single raise. Usually represents a weak hand with at least 4-card support.
3NT	Natural, balanced, 8-11 points.