Roman 2D

Ancient Times. In the original Roman system, a 2D opening showed any 4441 hand with 17-20 hcp. The responses were the same as in their mini-Roman 2C opening: new suits were signoffs (opener runs if that suit is their singleton), and 2N is their strong inquiry (opener rebids their singleton).

Modern Adjustments. Today, most players play that a 2D opening shows any 4441 hand with 16-20 hcp. Some include 5440 hands, where the five carder is a minor. Also, some players have decided that after the inquiry: 2D - 2N; opener rebids in the suit below their singleton: 3C (diamond), 3D (heart), 3H (spade), 3S (club).

The Blue Club system uses the 2D opening to show any 4441 hand with 17-24 hcp.

• 2S is an attempted signoff
• 2N shows any bad six card suit
• 3 of a suit shows a good six carder (headed by at least AJ).
• 2H is used an inquiry; the rebids are:
  • 2S : 17-20, either major singleton
  • 2N : 17-20, club singleton
  • 3C : 17-20, diamond singleton
  • 3D/3H/3S/3N : 21-24, singleton in next suit (3N = clubs)

After the inquiry, responder can signoff at any time except in the relay suit (opener's short suit, except 2N over 2D-2H; 2S is considered the relay). For 17-20 hands, (except for the 2D-2H; 2S auction... see below) The first relay ask asks for the range:

• first step 17-18
• second step 19-20

The second relay asks for controls:

• first step 3
• second step 4
• third step 5, etc.

The third relay asks for the number of queens:

• first step 0
• second step 1
• third step 2

For 21-24 hands, The first relay asks for the number of controls:

• first step 5
• second step 6
• third step 7, etc

The second relay asks for the number of queens.

Over the 2S rebid, 2N is used as a further inquiry: 2D - 2H; 2S - 2N

• 3C : 17-20, heart singleton. 3H is used as a further inquiry into the strength:
  • 3S (17-28)
  • 3N (19-20)
• 3D : 17-18, spade singleton
• 3H : 19-20, spade singleton

Over these response, the next relay asks for controls; then another relay asks for number of queens.