Author: Larry Cohen
Date of publish: 07/01/2012
Level: All Levels
I'm not a big Flannery fan. I like weak 2-bids in diamonds (as well as in the majors, of course).
The range shown is 5-11. I am big on partnership discussion of style. The vulnerability and suit-quality are crucial. I would not open with this 5-count at any colors: 
J 6 5 4 3 2
K J
4 3 2
7 6
. I would open 2 with this 5-count if not vulnerable: A J 10 9 8 3
4
7 6 5
6 4 2.
I would open this 10-count with 2: K Q 9 8 7 4
4 2
K 9 2
Q 2.
Any partnership needs to know the style of each player. In LC STANDARD, a side (poor) four-card major is possible, but not likely. A side ace or side void is also possible if the hand is in the 5-11 range.
New suits are forcing as is 2NT (which asks for a Feature). Show a Feature only if opener isn't minimum. A Feature is usually an ace or king, but could be made with other holdings if stuck. A Feature is never a void or a small singleton.
A raise is not forcing--and can be quite weak. Raising from two to three is just a LAW of Total Tricks bid, typically based on three-card support.
If the opponents overcall our weak 2-bid, double is for pure penalties (a rare part of the game where double actually means business).
There are many fancy gadgets and options available after the opponents make a takeout double, but none are part of LC Standard.
For a complete LC Standard card and a prettier version of this series, see Bridge Winners.
Additional Reading:
What Should We Play
