Bridge: The Multi 2D opening

	Bridge: Two level openings The Multi 2 diamonds	\| \| \|
Weak 6+ in a major - or various strong types

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This early page was updated in January 2004 to reflect my own methods.

Under UK rules a Multi must express ambiguously a hand taken from at least 3 of the following hand types:

compulsory Weak two in hearts in a style of your choice
compulsory Weak two in spades in a style of your choice
NB: a Multi showing (eg) hearts only is not acceptable here
Strong (19+) and balanced
Strong (rule of 23+) in a minor
Strong (rule of 23+) in a major
Strong (16+ points) three suited hand

Furthermore your one (or more) stong options must be "reasonably frequent", and partner is "expected to explore game" with values. He may pass 2 only with a long line of diamonds. English players are specifically forbidden from psyching this opening in general level competition.

My own Multi style does not include the italicised strong major or three suited types. I prefer to express these via a 2 club opening. I also like the majors to be 6 card. Both decisions anticipate opponent competition. Opener's reopening double is then always big and balanced, and a minor suit natural and strong. A 4441 strong inclusion would cause particular problems in this situation.

Responding to - or Advancing a Multi

Playing 2

as Muiderberg our weak majors are (importantly) always 6 card suits ..

2* - pass .. rarely .. at your own risk .. with long diamands .. few points!
2* - 2*/2*
Weaker hands simply call 2 = pass/correct. When worth a game try in only one major - you call the other! Partner will bid 3-4 over your 2. Or you may raise his 2 to three, invitating game.
Note: This is the "original" of the paradox advance concept. I just extended the concept into other situations.
Opener holding a big hand type should just rebid naturally - 2NT or 3/
2* - 2NT enquiry. You'll need to agree coded responses. I once used something motre complex than this, but we get older ..
- 3/ = "poor" in hearts/spades respectively
- 3/ = "sound" in this major (I have it this way for commonality with other system stuff / memory)
- 3NT = 22-24 balanced - you should pre-agree some system over this one!
- 4/ = 9 - 9½ trick minor hand - new suit now a cue bid.
2* - 3/3 natural and forcing
2* - 3*/3* - this section isn't standard and should be agreed with partner
ParadoX advances: Assume partner is weak with a 6 card major. You should have no more than about 8 points yourself (although you may discount major queens). For example with 4 hearts and 3 spades you call 3 - forcing the 4 level if partner has hearts. (I have not come unstuck doing this on Qx xxxx). Again opener's 3NT/4/ rebids would be natural and strong.
2* - NT/4/4 - this section isn't standard either
Further preempt extensions with 4+ in both majors. The minor bids show 5+ in hearts or spades respectivly. The reason for this complexity is to allow opener to make judgements if he holds a big NT or minor hand. Otherwise your opponents start at the four level!
Alternatively you might play 4 as 4/4 majors and the other's as some alternative. There's not much use for a natural 3NT in this bit of bridge?
2* - 4*/ = important to play these as natural

I have played more complex methods in the past, but at my age the above generates fewer errors.

When opponents intervene

You must discuss what to do over opponent's action! Most double with values and it is sensible to redouble with diamonds and values, but otherwise full system on.

(2 of a major) double!

Over major overcall a double for takeout is best. Partner will convert with six (it happens!) or leap to the 4 level holding the other major. Either way you are in control.

Bidding up in the other major works in practice, but you might become very unstuck and it can get like poker. Over higher level overcalls a simple penalty double can be profitable.

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Bridge: Two level openings

The Multi 2 diamonds

Weak 6+ in a major - or various strong types

Responding to - or Advancing a Multi

When opponents intervene