As continuations, 2 and 2 are artificial relays. These minor relays are powerful both in their use and non-use, and underpin the whole neutral auction structure:

  • 2 is invitational
  • 2 is forcing to 3NT, either directly or opposite a 2 relay
  • both relays deny a major suit if they skip past any major at the one-level.
WestNorthEastSouth
1pass
2
Artificial, forcing to 3NT, and denying four cards in both majors.

There is a neutral window consisting of all bids from 2 to 3 inclusive. Bids within the window have significance in two types of neutral sequence:

  • If either hand bids within the window without either hand having first bid a minor relay, the auction becomes disturbed (and if the bid is natural, it shows a minimum hand and is not forcing)
  • If one hand bids 2 invitational but the other responds within the window, the invitation is declined and a scramble is started in which all bids are natural and non-forcing.
WestNorthEastSouth
1pass1pass
1NTpass2pass
2
2 is an invitational relay, suggesting about 7-8 points opposite partner's minimum strong club hand. 2 declines the invitation and starts a scramble in which all subsequent bids are natural and to play. Opener has a dead minimum hand with five hearts (with six hearts, he might have bid 2 instead of 1NT). Responder may pass, rebid his spades, show his long minor for the first time or raise 2 to 3, essentially repeating the game invitation on the basis of a newly found 5-3 fit.
WestNorthEastSouth
1pass2pass
3
Opener has gone beyond the window, so 3 is forcing and has its normal meaning.
WestNorthEastSouth
1pass
3
3 skips past both the minor relays but is within the window, so it disturbs the auction and is to play: responder will have a minimum hand with at least six clubs, and opener will probably pass unless he has an exceptional fit.

2 and 2 as openings are considered in the neutral openings section.

NEXT: neutral two of a major

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