Bridge

2♣

bid
2♣
2♣
promises
  • 22+ HCP balanced, OR any hand with 9+ playing tricks
conditions
22+ HCP, notes(1)
why

2♣ is the only forcing opening in SAYC. It creates a guaranteed second round of bidding so the strongest hands can describe themselves without being passed out below game.

what happens next

Partner's default response is 2♦ (waiting). You then rebid your suit, or jump in NT (2NT = 22-24 balanced, 3NT = 25-27).