<P> In most early bidding systems, opening bids of two of a suit signified a very strong hand and were referred to as strong two bids . However, pioneer bridge inventors like Pierre Albarran and David Burnstine saw that the frequency of such bids is fairly low, and that a 2 ♣ bid can be used for all strong hands, leaving other two - level opening bids for other purposes (for example, weak two bids). </P> <P> The strength requirements for the 2 ♣ bid differ slightly in different systems . In all cases they show a hand which is close to game forcing . For balanced hands, a 2 ♣ bid shows 22 or more points in Standard American (Yellow Card), and 23 or more points in standard Acol . For unbalanced hands, the typical strength is about 9 or more playing tricks, or 3 losers or less if using Losing - Trick Count . </P> <P> With "natural" responses, which is the most commonly used treatment, the 2 bid is artificial and very weak (up to 6 HCP). All other bids are natural and positive . </P> <P> Some players alter or reverse the order of natural responses in order to preserve bidding space and allow for more accuracy in later bidding . There are several treatments in circulation: </P>

How to respond to 2 clubs in bridge