Strawberry Ekren 2♣
Ekren is an artificial preempt showing 4+ cards in each major. It is originally at 2♦. Polish Club 2020: Expert moves it to 2♣ to replace Precision 2♣ and leaves space for Multi.
As invitational 54(xx) over-qualifies 1♠-1NT-2♥ but is insufficient for 1♣, Ting-Yu Ye (TpKotoba) suggests that Ekren 2♣ incorporate these hands. The strong variant denies 5 hearts. These hands are good for 1♥-1NT-2♠ or 1♠-1NT-3♥ in Polish Club.
| Variant | HCP | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| PRE | 4–10 | 4+♠, 4+♥ |
| STR | 15–17 | 5–6♠, 4=♥ |
| 2♣- | 4+♠, 4+♥ |
|---|---|
| 2♦! | (R), 8+, maybe any INV |
| 2♥ | COMP, 2+♥ |
| 2♠ | COMP, 3+♠ |
| 2NT! | TRF, 6+♦ |
| 3♣ | NAT F |
| 3♦ | NAT F |
| 3♥♠ | COMP, 8–15, 4+# |
| 4♣! | STR choice of games |
| 4♦! | PRE choice of games |
The 2♦ relay asks for distribution or parks any invitation. The step for 6+♠ is moved down to 2NT, so responder can still invite 4♥ with 3♥.
| 2♣-2♦ | (R), 8+ |
|---|---|
| 2♥ | PRE, 4–10, ♥ ≥ ♠ |
| 2♠ | PRE, 4–10, ♠ > ♥ |
| 2NT! | PRE, 4–10, 6+♠ |
| 3♣! | SPL, 7–10, 0–1♣, 5+♠, 5+♥ |
| 3♦! | SPL, 7–10, 0–1♦, 5+♠, 5+♥ |
| 3♥ | PRE, 4–10, 6+♥ |
| 3♠ | FG, 15–17, 64(xx) |
| 3NT | FG, 15–17, 54(xx) |
Opener’s lowest rebids to 2♥ are reversed because 54(xx) needs more space.
| 2♣-2♥ | COMP, 2+♥ |
|---|---|
| 2♠! | STR, 15–17 |
| 2NT! | PRE, 4–10, 6+♠, usually 4=♥ |
Opener immediately accepts diamond transfer with the strong variant. This agreement probably right-sides diamond contracts.
| 2♣-2NT | TRF, 6+♦ |
|---|---|
| 3♣! | 4–10 |
| 3♦! | 15–17 |
There are two kinds of choice of games:
- 4♣ by strength
- 4♦ by distribution
Such distinction helps judging how to react to interference. Besides, 4♣ lets the strong hand declare. On the other hand, 4♦ closes the auction ASAP.
| 2♣-4♣ | STR choice of games |
|---|---|
| 4♦! | TRF, ♥ ≥ ♠ |
| 4♥! | TRF, ♠ > ♥ |
| 2♣-4♦ | PRE choice of games |
|---|---|
| 4M | To play |