X = 2 suits of the same color (reds or blacks)
2C = 2 suits of the same rank (majors or minors)
2D = 2 suits of the same shape (D and S or C and H)
2M or 3m = natural
A bidding convention is an agreement between two players on a different meaning of a bid in the card game bridge. These agreements are made so that partners can more quickly determine which contract, with both their cards, they can win together. Often, conventions are forged together into one, which is then called a bidding system.