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This is the second of the ACBL's two recommended defenses against a Multi 2D opening bid. It's the same as Option 1, except for the meanings of double and a 2H overcall.

Note that it is geared toward defending a weak two, the most common hand type shown by a Multi opening.


In Direct Seat

When RHO makes a Multi 2 opening, the conventional overcalls are as follows.

Call Meaning
PassMAY want to make a takeout double of hearts or spades, but must pass because Double shows general strength (below). Reopen with a double in the next round.
DoubleBalanced, 13-15 HCP or strong, 16+ HCP with any distribution.
2Natural, 5+ hearts, non-forcing.
2SNatural, 5+ spades, non-forcing.
2NT16-18 HCP, balanced. System "on" (Stayman, Jacoby transfers...).
3CNatural, 6+ clubs, non-forcing.
3DNatural, 6+ diamond, non-forcing.
3HNatural, 6+ hearts, non-forcing. Stronger than a simple overcall.
3SNatural, 6+ spades, non-forcing. Stronger than a simple overcall. A 4H response is a cuebid.
4Leaping Michaels, showing 5+ clubs and a 5+ card major.
4Leaping Michaels, showing 5+ diamonds and a 5+ card major.


After 2D - Pass - 2H/S

Bid Meaning
DoubleTakeout double.
2SOver an enemy 2H bid, this is natural, 5+ spades, non-forcing.
2NT15-18 HCP, balanced. System "on".
3CNatural, 6+ clubs, non-forcing.
3DNatural, 6+ diamond, non-forcing.
3HNatural, 6+ hearts, non-forcing.
3SNatural, 6+ spades, non-forcing. Stronger than a simple overcall. A 4H response is a cuebid.
4Leaping Michaels, showing 5+ clubs and a 5+ card major.
4Leaping Michaels, showing 5+ diamonds and a 5+ card major.


After 2D - Pass - Pass

Bid Meaning
DoubleTakeout double of diamonds.

The bidding should be treated as if the opponents opened a weak two-bid in diamonds.


After 2D - Pass - 2H - Dbl - 2S

This sequence occurs after partner makes a takeout double of hearts, but opener corrects to spades.

Bid Meaning
DoubleFor penalties.
3HNatural, 6+ hearts, non-forcing.
3SArtificial, asking for a spade stopper. Without one, partner should bid his cheapest long suit.


After 2D - Pass - 2H - Pass - 2S - Pass - Pass

Bid Meaning
DoubleTakeout double of spades.

See also