Drury

Quick Summary

Drury is a 2♣ response after partner opens a major in third or fourth seat, asking “Do you have a real opening bid?”

The Problem

In third seat, many players open lighter than normal. Partner opens 1♠ after two passes:

♠KJ74 ♥A83 ♦Q92 ♣K64

With 13 points and 4-card support, you’d normally bid 4♠. But if partner opened light with 10 points, you’re too high!

Drury checks first.

The Basics

After (Pass) – (Pass) – 1♥/1♠:

Response Meaning

2♣ Drury: 3+ support, 10-12 points

Opener’s rebids: | Rebid | Meaning | |——-|———| | 2♦ | Real opener (12+ points) | | 2♥/2♠ | Light opener, sign off |

Example Auctions

Opener Has Real Values

(P) - (P) - 1♠ - (P) 2♣ - (P) - 2♦ - (P) 3♠ - (P) - 4♠

Opener shows real values (2♦). Responder invites, opener accepts.

Opener Was Light

(P) - (P) - 1♠ - (P) 2♣ - (P) - 2♠ Pass

Opener signs off in 2♠. Responder passes — disaster avoided!

Example Hands

Responder Uses Drury

♠Q962 ♥K84 ♦AJ5 ♣Q74

After (P)-(P)-1♠: Bid 2♣ — 4-card support, 12 points. Ask first.

Opener Has Real Opening

♠AK874 ♥Q5 ♦K72 ♣J83

After 2♣: Bid 2♦ — 13 points, real opener.

Opener Was Light

♠KQ974 ♥J5 ♦Q72 ♣K83

After 2♣: Bid 2♠ — Only 10 points. Sign off.

Reverse Drury

Most experts play Reverse Drury where the meanings are swapped:

Rebid Regular Drury Reverse Drury

2♦ Light opener Real opener

2M Real opener Light opener

Reverse Drury is more common because 2M (light) ends the auction cleanly.

Two-Way Drury

Some partnerships add a distinction:

Response Meaning

2♣ 3-card support, limit raise

2♦ 4+ card support, limit raise

This helps opener evaluate game chances.

When Drury Applies

Drury only applies when: – Partner opened in 3rd or 4th seat (after passes) – Partner opened 1♥ or 1♠ – You’re an unpassed hand… wait, no!

Actually, YOU must be the passed hand. Drury is used by responder who previously passed.

Without Drury

Without the convention: – 2♣ would be natural (showing clubs) – You’d have to guess whether to invite or bid game

Key Takeaways

• 2♣ = “Real opener?” — After 3rd/4th seat major

• 2♦ = Yes, real opener — Continue bidding

• 2M = No, light, Stop here

• Reverse Drury is standard, 2M = light

• Only after passed partner opens, Not in 1st/2nd seat

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See also: Reverse Drury (detailed version), Bergen Raises (alternative support bids)