Hackett Defence Against Weak Two Bids

This defence method was devised and developed by Mr. Paul Hackett of England.

It is a defence to Weak Two bids of pre-emptive nature, especially opening bids.

 

Systems that employ such weak 2s include

Acol (with 3 weak twos)

Benjaminised Acol.

Reverse Benjaminised Acol

Multi 2D.

Lucas 2s

Most modern American systems.

Some Precision methods.

 

The defence bids and calls are shown below, and they follow a pre-emptive opening, and possibly overcall, of a Weak Two bid. Whether or not they may also be employed in the pass out seat becomes a partnership understanding.

Bid

Meaning

Double:

A double is for penalty.

2 NT:

This bid is natural and promises a balanced holding of 16-18 high card points.

3 http://www.bridgeguys.com/graphics/c.gif:

This overcall is for Takeout and promises values between opening values and maximum 16 high card points.

3 http://www.bridgeguys.com/graphics/d.gif:

This overcall is for Takeout and promises values of more than 17 high card points.

A bid of 2S is natural and to play

This particular approach permits the partnership to overcall with an immediate exchange of information about the strength of the holding. All continuances are a matter of partnership agreement. This particular defence method is used against partnerships, who have agreed that an opening of 2http://www.bridgeguys.com/graphics/c.gif is a strong, artificial bid and is therefore not included in the list of Weak Two bids.