In response to the 1♦ Opening, partner bids along the following lines:-
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One Diamond Opening & ResponsesThe 1♦ Opening is a catch-all opening for any hand in the 11-15 point range that is not catered for by one of the other Intermediate Openings (1♥, 1♠, 1NT, and 2♣ in this system). As such it specifically denies the following holdings:
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In practice this means that the 1♦ Opening will always show one of the following hand-types:
- Balanced or semi-balanced hands in the 11-12 point range
- 11-15 points and any 4441 shape
- Note: Standard Precision uses a 2♦ Opening to show 11-15 points and 4414 shape (Singleton Diamond). This Precision system does not follow that method and the 2♦ Opening is used to show 16-23 points hands with any 4441 shape
- 11-15 points with a weak 6-card club suit unsuitable for a 2♣ Opening
- 11-15 point hands with any 5-card or longer Diamond suit not covered by another opening (ie: not semi-balanced, not with a 6-card Club suit and not with a 5-card Major
Initial Responses
General Tactics
It will be seen from the above that Opener may have only a singleton diamond (may be 4414 shape or have short diamonds with a weak 6-card club suit). Despite this, Responder should not be afraid to pass with a weak hand and short diamonds. It will be rare that opps can and will be prepared to pass out the Opening when they have the balance of the points and stronger diamonds. If the Opening is doubled, at least one of the partnership will have a chance to rescue.
In the natural sequences above (particularly those starting with 1♦ -1♥/♠), the emphasis is usually on reaching a workable fit at as low a level as possible. It will often be profitable to accept a low-level Moysian (4-3) fit in a Major if the hand with the 3-card suit has a ruffing value.
Please note that a sequence such as 1♦-1x-2♣ does not promise a Minor 2-suiter. It does guarantee 5+ Clubs and will normally have 4-card Diamonds as well, but might be a weak 6-card Club suit, so Responder should be wary of supporting Diamonds above the level of 3NT until a 4-5 or 4-6 Minor 2-suiter is confirmed.
Lebensohl
Opportunities for Lebensohl in 3-suited sequences and after a reverse do occur over a 1♦ Opening. What you have to remember is that 1♦ does not show a Diamond suit of itself, but in a sequence such as 1♦-1♠-2♥ a 5-card or longer Diamond suit has explicitly been shown by the reverse into Hearts, so this is a 3-suited unopposed sequence, not to mention the reverse, so Lebensohl applies. Thus over 1♦-1♠-2♥
- 3♣ is 4th-suit Forcing (a general rather than a specific 4SF here, as a slow 4SF in Clubs not possible)
- 3♦ is constructive and forcing.
- 2NT-3♣-3♦ is "to play"
- 4♣ shows a Heart shortage, 3/4-card Diamond support, 5-card Spades and about 14-15 points
- 3♠ is strong and forcing in Spades
- 3♥ is forcing, agreeing Hearts.
- 2NT-3♣-3♥ is invitational in Hearts
