Drury is a convention used by the responder after his partner has opened 1 or 1 in 3rd or 4th seat.
The conventional bid (see end of article for variations) is 2 to show a good raise, for example,
|
|
or,
|
|
In all cases, the 2 bid is artificial (says nothing about clubs). It shows support for the major (at least 3 cards) and a good raise. "Good" means more than a single raise to the 2-level. So, instead of 6-9, this raise is showing 10+ (counting distribution). Of course, it can't be too strong a hand, since the player bidding 2 has already passed. Here are some examples of hands that would bid 2, Drury, after a third- (or fourth-) seat 1 opening:
2
Q 8 3
A 8 7 6 5
K J 4 2
, or K J 2
K Q 5 2
J 8 7 6
3 2
, or A 2
A Q 2
8 7 6 5 3
6 5 2
.
After a third-or fourth-seat 1 opener, a Drury bidder might hold:
A K 3
8 7
J 5 4 3 2
Q 7 3
, or K Q J 2
A 2
7 6 5 4
10 4 3
, or 9 8 7
A K
K 7 6 2
10 8 7 6
.
After the Drury 2 bid, the opener can sign-off in 2-of-the agreed major by bidding it, for example:
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
Pass | Pass | 1 | Pass |
2 | Pass | 2 | Pass |
Pass | Pass |
If opener is interested in game, he can bid game, or make some bid other than 2 of his major.
Why use this convention? A player who opens in 3rd or 4th seat is often on the light side. The 2 response (rather than a limit-raise to the 3-level) has the advantage of keeping the partnership at the 2 level when the opening bid was made on say, an 11- or 12-count.
Notes:
> As described here (opener bids 2 of his major to sign off), this method is technically called "Reverse_Drury." However, "everyone" plays it this way, so it is really normal Drury these days.
> Some pairs use 2-way Drury. This entails a 2 Drury bid which promises exactly (only) 3-card support. With 4+ card support, the Drury bid is an artificial 2. As long as you can remember it, this isn't a bad idea.
> When playing Drury, you lose the ability to respond with a natural 2 (and a natural 2 if playing 2-way).
> It is not a good idea to use Drury over interference. If the opponents double (or overcall) after the major-suit opening, you should just play "natural."
> To play this convention, make sure you can remember it, have discussed which way you play it (I suggest as above), and if you are using 2-way. Also, of course, discuss that it is OFF in competition.
>If opener wants to be in game after hearing the Drury bid, he should just jump to 4-of-the-major and not give away information. [Example: P P 1 P; 2 P ?? -- Jump to 4 with: A Q 2
A Q J 8 7 6
3
Q 10 4
.
> This convention is not on my top-12 list -- but does make the next grade -- not a bad one.
Drury is alertable.
Last updated: June, 2012