Ekrens 2by Bjorn Olav Ekren

This convention was made by Bjorn Olav Ekren, Norway, and has become very popular here in Norway. The Ekrens 2 opening promises at least 4-4 in the major suits and 3-10 HCP. Ekrens is basically a pempt convention, but it should be used with care if you don't meet with these restrictions:

You should have your HCPs concentrated mostly in the major suits, you shold have maximum 5-5, and with 4-4 you should not have an invitational hand against 1NT opening. (These restrictions are my personal opinion based on experience.)

Responses to 2:

• 2: To play.
• 2: To play.
• 2NT: Forcing (Relay).
• 3: To play.
• 3: Invitational with 3-3 in the major suits.
• 3: preempt.
• 3: preempt.

Rebids after 2-2NT:

• 3: Minimum.
• 3: 5-5 in the major suits.
• 3: Maximum with 5 Hearts and 4 Spades.
• 3: Maximum with 5 Spades and 4 Hearts.
• 3NT: Maximum with 4-4.

Responses after 2-2NT-3:

• 3: Repeated relay.
• 3: Invitational.
• 3: Invitational.

Rebids after 2-2NT-3-3:

• 3: 5 Hearts & 4 Spades.
• 3: 5 Spades & 4 Hearts.
• 3NT: 4-4 in the major suit.

Note that after 2-2NT(relay)-3(5-5), 3/3 is slam invitational: