Ekrens 2 by Bjorn Olav Ekren

This convention was made by Bjorn Olav Ekren, Norway, and has become very popular here in Norway. The Ekrens 2 opening promises at least 4-4 in the major suits and 3-10 HCP. Ekrens is basically a preempt convention, but it should be used with care if you don't meet with these restrictions:

You should have your HCPs concentrated mostly in the major suits, you should have maximum 5-5, and with 4-4 you should not have an invitational hand against 1NT opening. (These restrictions are my personal opinion based on experience.)

Responses to 2:

• 2: To play.
• 2: To play.
• 2NT: Forcing (Relay).
• 3: To play.
• 3: Invitational with 3-3 in the major suits.
• 3: preempt.
• 3: preempt.

Rebids after 2 - 2NT:

• 3: Minimum.
• 3: 5-5 in the major suits.
• 3: Maximum with 5 Hearts and 4 Spades.
• 3: Maximum with 5 Spades and 4 Hearts.
• 3NT: Maximum with 4-4.

Responses after 2 - 2NT - 3:

• 3: Repeated relay.
• 3: Invitational.
• 3: Invitational.

Rebids after 2 - 2NT - 3 - 3:

• 3: 5 Hearts & 4 Spades.
• 3: 5 Spades & 4 Hearts.
• 3NT: 4-4 in the major suit.

Note:

2	Pass	2NT*	Pass
3**	Pass	3/***

* Relay, ** 5-5, *** slam invitational