Tartan Two-Bids
These two-bids were conceived by Mr. Hugh Kelsey and Mr. Tom Culbertson. The essence of the concept is: 2 Hearts and 2 Diamonds are Multi openings, which become clear after a series of relay responses. See the following chart for the general partnership understanding, which has been varied over the years:
| Opener | Responder | Meaning |
2 |
The meaning is yet to be determined | |
2 |
Relay or cheapest bid | |
| 2NT | Shows 21-22 high card points and balanced holding | |
3 |
Shows normally 5-5 in Hearts and Clubs | |
| 3 |
Shows normally 5-5 in Hearts and Diamonds | |
| 3 |
This rebid by the opener and all higher rebids are considered Acol Two bids showing Hearts (16+HCP) | |
| 2 |
The meaning is yet to be determined | |
| 2NT | Relay or cheapest bid | |
| 3 |
Shows Spades and Clubs, 5-5 distribution, and 6-10 high card points | |
3 |
Shows Spades and Diamonds, 5-5 distribution, and 6-10 high card points | |
| 3 |
Shows Spades and Hearts, 5-5 distribution, and 6-10 high card points | |
| 3 |
This rebid by the opener and all higher rebids are considered Acol Two bids (16+HCP) |
Some partnerships have the understanding that an opening also of 2 Hearts is understood to show also a 5-card Heart suit and an unnamed (not unspecified) 5-card Minor suit, an unbalanced holding, and only 6 to 10 high card points as with the 2 Spades opening. This is by partnership agreement.
It is also possible that a 2 Diamonds opening could be Roman Two Diamonds showing a strong three-suiter, but this is by partnership agreement.