Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
January 2001
2
OPENING BIDS
1♣ Forcing, could be 16 balanced 1-2 NV
1♦ 11-15, 2+ ♦
1♥/♠ 11-15, in principle 5+ cards. Exception: KQJx xx xx AQxxx
Usually open the major, even with a longer minor
1NT 13+-16, 10-13 (1-2 NV) avoid 5-card major, can be 2245 with 5m
2♣ 11-15, 6+ ♣, could be 5♣ in 3rd seat
2♦ 11-15, short ♦, weak two in 3rd seat
2♥/♠ Weak two
2NT 21-22
3♣ /♦/♥/♠ Normal pre-empts, rule of 2/3/4
3NT 1st/2nd seat: Broken 7-8 card minor.
3rd/4th seat: Gambling; partner should not remove.
4♣ /♦ 1st/2nd/4th seat: NAMYATS – 8 to 8.5 tricks in major (9-9.5 in 4th)
3rd seat: Natural and preemptive
4♥/♠ Natural, NAMYATS in 1st/2nd seat (< 8 tricks)
4NT Good 5 of a minor opening (ex Ax x x KQJ10xxxxx = 9 tricks)
5♣ /♦ Pre-emptive five-level minor suit opening
5♥/♠ Solid hand missing AK of trumps
Can open very light in 3rd seat NV. Example: KQxx xx Kxx xxxx
In 1st and 2nd, opening bids of 1♦/♥/♠ should promise at least 3 controls
3
Responses to 1♣
1♣ -1♦
1♣ -1♦-1♥/♠
1♣ -1♦-2♣ /♦
Responder’s new suits = NF, show 4-7 pts, 5+ cards
Responder’s 2N = 5-7 pts
Responder’s jump = splinter
1♣ -1♦-2m-2N-3M = shortness
1♣ -1♦-2m-2M … nothing is forcing by opener
1♣ -1♦-2♥
Artificial, demands relay to 2♠, and then …
1♣ -1♦-2♠
Unspecified strong (20+) 3-suiter … 2N by responder asks for strength and singleton.
After the 2N ask …
3♣ 20-23. 4-4-1-4
3♦ 20-23. 4-1-4-4
3♥ 20-23. 1-4-4-4
3♠ 20-23. 4-4-4-1
3NT 24-26. 4-4-4-1 NF
4♣ 24-26. 4-4-1-4 F
4♦ 24-26. 4-1-4-4 F
4♥ 24-26. 1-4-4-4 NF
Always bid suit below singleton. Then, responder bids the singleton as a relay to the next
suit, to sign off somewhere. Bidding a suit directly is a mild slam try.
If they interfere over 2NT, opener doubles to show shortness or passes to force
responder's double with length.
7
1♣ -1♦-2N
3♥=Four spades
3♠=Four hearts
4♦=Both majors
Deduct the number of cover cards expected from partner from your modified loser count
(use adjustment for controls and Qxx=2.5) to determine whether or not to invite/bid
game/slam.
With 19-20 HCP partner is expected to have 6 cover cards if a nine-card fit is exists.
With 21-22 HCP partner is expected to have 6-7 cover cards if a nine-card fit exists.
With 23-24 HCP partner is expected to have 7 cover cards if a nine-card fit exists.
With 25-27 HCP partner is expected to have 8 cover cards if a nine-card fit exists.
If a nine-card fit is not known to exist add 1 loser or use the lower estimate before
investigating game or slam.
8
1♣ -1♥
1♣ -1♥-1♠-1NT
2♣ Relay
2♦ 14+, any except 3=3=3=4 2♥ = Relay
1♣ -1♥-1♠-1NT-2♣ -2♥-2♠
2NT 4 spades 3♣ =relay for residual (steps 2-3 / 3-2)
3♣ 4 clubs 3♦=relay for residual (steps 2-3 / 3-2)
3♦ 4 diamonds 3♥ =relay for residual (steps 2-3 / 3-2)
3♥ 3=4=3=3 3♠=CRASH
3♠ 2=4=2=5 3NT is to play; 4♣ =CRASH
3NT 2=4=5=2 4♣ =CRASH
1♣ -1♥-1♠-1NT-2♣ -2♠-2NT
3♣ 4 clubs 3♦=relay for residual (steps 2-3 / 3-2)
3♦ 4 diamonds 3♥ =relay for residual (steps 2-3 / 3-2)
3♥ 4=3=3=3 3♠ =CRASH
3♠ 4=2=2=5 3NT is to play; 4♣ =CRASH
3NT 4=2=5=2 4♣ =CRASH
1♣ -1♥-1♠-1NT-2♣ -2NT-3♣
3♦ 3=3=4=3 3♥ =CRASH
3♥ 2=3=4=4 3♠ =CRASH
3♠ 3=2=4=4 3NT is to play; 4♣ is CRASH
3NT 3=3=3=4 4♣ =CRASH
10
1♣ -1♥-1♠-1NT-2♣ -2♦-2♥
1♣ -1♠
2♥ trump ask, 1NT control ask, other bids support asks and as above.
1♣ -1NT
1♣ -2♣
Similar to 1♣ -1NT
1♣ -2♦
New Suit Support ask
2NT Shape ask
3♣ No major, then 3♦ asks for stoppers
3♦ Both majors, then 3M is jack ask
3♥/♠ Responder bids the major he doesn’t have
3NT No major 4-3-3-3
1♣ -2♥
After 1♣ -2♥ 2♠= Relay
2NT 4 diamonds + 5 clubs, 8-11 HCP 3♣ =relay for residual (2-2 / 1-3 / 3-1 / 0-4 / 4-0)
3♣ 5 diamonds + 4 clubs, 8-11 HCP 3♦=relay for residual (2-2 / 1-3 / 3-1 / 0-4 /
4-0)
3♦ 4 diamonds + 5 clubs, 12+ HCP 3♥=relay for residual (2-2 / 1-3 / 3-1 / 0-4 / 4-0)
3♥ 5 diamonds + 4 clubs, 12+ HCP 3♠=relay for residual (2-2 / 1-3 / 3-1 / 0-4 / 4-0)
12
1♣ -2♠
After 1♣ -2♠ 2NT = relay
After the relay over a 3X response, residual is shown in steps, as follows: 1st step
shows a minimum hand with 8-11 HCP, 2nd and further steps are 2-2, 1-3, 3-1, 0-4, 4-
0. Skipping the first step shows the residual distribution with extra values, e.g. (12+
HCP). If responder is a paseed hand, ne can skip minimum step and go directly to
distribution.
In this and other contexts, the suits are counted the way we would describe them from
the top down, i.e. 1-3 means a singleton in the higher ranking side suit and 3 of the
lower ranking suit. After the first step (minimum) response, the 1C hand uses the
next step other than 3NT as a further relay for the rest of the steps, i.e. starting with 2-
2, 1-3, etc.
After a 3NT response and a 4♣ relay, the step responses show 1-2, 2-1, 0-3, 3-0.
13
3♦ 8-11 HCP 3♥=relay for residual (steps 1-2, 2-1, 0-3, 3-0)
3♥ 5=5=1=2 12+ HCP 3♠=CRASH
3♠ 5=5=2=1 12+ HCP 3NT=natural, 4♣ =CRASH
3NT 5=5=0=3 12+ HCP 4♣ =CRASH
4♣ 5=5=3=0 12+ HCP 4♦=CRASH
1♣ -3♣ 3♦ asks which singleton … 3♥: 4=4=4=1; 3♠: 1=4=4=4. 4♣ /4♦ RKC.
1♣ -3♦3♥ asks which singleton … 3♠: 4=4=1=4; 3NT: 4=1=4=4. 4♣ /4♦ RKC.
3NT Nonforcing
4♣ asks for the solid suit. Responses natural. If followed by 4NT,
asks for outside aces.
4♦ “I know your suit” … make a natural Q-bid of A, K, stiff, or void
4NT Plain Blackwood outside of suit, followed by back on track specific King
ask, if possible.
14
Interference over 1♣
After any overcall, new suit is 9+ natural (5+cards) GF. If overcall was 1♦ and
advancer does not bid then all systems are on.
Interference over 1♣
Asking Bids
AK-control Ask
The AK-control ask applies in the sequence 1♣-1♥/♠-1NT and 1♣ -1♥-1♠-2any-2NT.
After either use of the AK-control ask, bidding responder’s known major below the
level of game is a TAB.
After opener determines the number of controls, opener’s rebid of NT at the minimum
level is forcing and asks for responder’s distribution. Responder bids naturally. He
shows a second suit if he has one, rebids a 6-card or major, or bids NT with 5-3-3-2
distribution. With 6-4 show 4-card suit first.
After the AK-ask, 3M by opener asks for shortness with void responses.
After 1♣-1♥-1NT, a 3♠ response to the 2NT shape ask shows 6+ ♠.
17
Trump Ask
When partner has shown 5+ trumps, responses to the ask are:
1st step: no top honor
2nd step: 1 top honor, 5 cards
3rd step: 2 top honors, 5 cards
4th step: 1 top honor, 6+ cards
5th step: 2 top honors, 6+ cards
6th step: all 3 top honors
When partner has shown 6+ trumps, responses to the ask are:
1st step: no top honor
2nd step: 1 top honor, 6 cards
3rd step: 2 top honors, 6 cards
4th step: 1 top honor, 7+ cards
5th step: 2 top honors, 7+ cards
6th step: all 3 top honors
New suit bids are now CAB
These are on including the 3-level in case of interference.
After the 1st or 6th step, a direct rebid of the trump suit (non-game if 1st step) asks for
length.
When partner may or may not have support, responses to the ask are:
1st step: <3-card support, no extras
2nd step: <3-card support, extras
3rd step: 3-card support, no extras
4th step: 3-card support, extras
If opener doesn't get support and reverts to responder's suit, it is a trump ask. If no
support, other calls are natural.
CAB
After any kind of trump ask, a new suit is a control ask. Responses are:
1st step: no control
2nd step: 2nd round control
3rd step: 1st round control
4th step: AK
A re-bid of the CAB “suit” asks whether the control is length (1st step) or high-card (2nd
step). If that distinction is already known, then a re-bid of the “suit” asks for the next
level of control (cheapest step = no).
Other sequences where control asks apply:
New suits after a 4♥/♠ opening or NAMYATS 4♣/♦ opening.
If they double a CAB ask, P=1st step, XX=natural, otherwise step on up.
If they bid over any ask, P = 1st step, X=penalty, otherwise step on up.
19
1♦
1♥/♠ 3+ cards. Responder will “always” bid, even with a weak hand.
1NT (after 1♥) usually denies 4♠
2♣ promises both minors
2♦ = 5+ ♦
3♣ by responder is game force
1♦-1♠-2♦-2♥ = invitational
1♦-1♠-2♦-3♥ = forcing
Jump reverse to 3-level = good 6-5
1♦-1♠-1NT-2♥ = pass or correct (at least 5-5)
1♦-1♠-1NT-3♥ = Slam invite, at least 5-5 with good suits
1♦-1♥-1♠-3♣ = weak
1♦-1♠-2♣-2♥ = GF (4sF)
1♦-1♠-2♥ = natural, OR 3♠ with max
2NT asks, 2♠= P/C, 3♣ = ♦inv+, 3♦= NF, 3NT = bar bid
After 2NT ask, 3♣ = ♥, 3♦= ♠,
3♥ = ♠+♥ feature, 3♠ = ♠+♣ feature
1♦-1♥-2♠ = 3♥, max, 5+ ♦ … 2NT is natural + forcing, 3♣ = ♦inv+
2Raise 4-card support or 3 with a singleton
2NT (or 2♠ over ♥) is an asking bid using the Garozzo 5-step
responses
Other steps are natural short suit tries
1♦-1♠-2♠-2NT-any-3♠ = NF
1♦-1♥-2♥-2NT is SSGT in spades
If any comp after raise, then 2NT is natural.
Responder’s 4-level jump = length slam try (w/5 in major)
2NT = 6♦, no 3-card support (then 3♦=NF, 3M=GF, 4♦=RKC)
3♣ = 5-5 NF (then 3M=F, 4♦=♣RKC, 4♥=♦RKC)
3♦ = 6♦, with 3-card support, NF (then 3M=GF)
3Raise guarantees side stiff/void
Next step asks: S1 = void somewhere
S2 = stiff ♣
S3 = stiff other major
3NT = long diamonds, gambling
Higher Jumps super splinter raise, promising void
After 1♦-1X-1Y, responders jumps in an already bid suit (or 3♥, but not 3♣ )
are slam invitational either a 6-card suit (responder repeats his suit) with at
most one loser, or 5-5 in two suits with at least 2 of the top 3 honors in each
suit.
20
1♦
1NT 0-6 to “less than enough to make game opposite balanced max”
2♥/♠ Natural, extras, NF
3♣ 5-5 NF
3♥/♠ Shortness
2♣ Natural GF
2♦ Most hands with 5+♦
2♥/♠ Not specifically 4-4 in ♦+M. Any 4-card major is shown.
We must assume diamonds are unstopped.
1♦-2♣ -2♥-2♠ may be a probe, so after 3♠, 3NT is to play
2NT Natural, no 4-card major, thus 4+♦
3♦ Natural, semi-solid suit or better, sets trumps
3♥/♠ Splinter, without 4 cards in other major
By PH, 2♣ =NF, natural follow-ups
1♦
2-way checkback
These also apply to 1♥-1♠-1NT and 1♦-1♥-1♠
1♦-1♥/1♠-1NT-2♣ Forces opener to bid 2♦; either invitational or weak with ♦
1♦-1♥/1♠-1NT-2♦ GF
opener makes the cheapest possible rebid that would show any of the following
holdings: 3-card support, 4-cards in the other major, or a 5-card minor
2NT shows (2-3)-4-4 and responder can bid up-the-line for a 4-4 minor suit fit.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
After opener raises responder's response, the relay asks for info about opener's hand, in 5
steps:
1) 4-card raise, UNBAL then relay 1/2 steps = MIN, hi/lo sing 3/4 steps = MAX, hi/lo
sing
2) 3-card raise, MIN
3) 3-card raise, MAX
4) 4-card raise, No Sing, MIN (always the trump suit)
5) 4-card raise, No Sing, MAX
1♥/♠
3Raise Preemptive
1♥/♠
1♥-1N-2♦-3♦ Now 3♥and 4♥ are natural and nonforcing; to keycard one must
cuebid first.
1♠-1NT-2♣ … (BART)
Responder can also differentiate between a weak or strong raise to 3♣. A direct raise
shows a minimum raise to 3♣. Bidding 2♦ and then over 2♥ bidding 2NT or 3♣ cancels
showing five hearts and shows the strongest possible raise to 3♣. Since opener might
have only two clubs, responder bids 2NT with a four-card or five-card (weak suit) raise.
With a five-card (strong suit) or six-card raise, responder bids 3♣.
Jacoby 2NT
3♣ All minimums (then after sign-off it shows void)
3♦ then asks:
3♥ = shortness somewhere; 3♠ natural void ask (show even if no room)
3♠ = any 5-4-2-2; 3NT asks natural for 4-card suit
3NT = 6-3-2-2 minimum
4X = second 5-card suit (Kxxxx minimum)
4M = medium 5-3-3-2 (minimum but 4+ controls)
3♥and higher = CAB
3♥ Non-minimum, 5-4-2-2
3♠ natural asks for 4-card suit
3NT and higher = CAB
1♥-(1♠)-1NT transfer to 2♣
1♥-(1♠)-2♣ transfer to 2♦
1♥-(1♠)-3♣ /♦ fit-showing
1♥-(1♠)-4♣ /♦ splinter
1♥- (2♣ ) - X transfer to 2♦, to play or natural rebids showing inv+ values.
1♥-(2♣)-X-2♦-2♥ show 2 hearts, invitational
2♠ values for a 2NT call without a stopper, or values for 3NT but
would like to give opener a chance to declare the hand.
Higher bids by responder are normal. 3♣ would presumably guarantee 4-card support.
29
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2NT Natural
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3♥ non-constructive raise to 3♥
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30
1♠- (2♣ ) - X transfer to 2♦, to play or natural rebids showing inv+ values.
2♠
2NT 11-13 HCP, no ♥ support, no stopper guarantee
3♣ 14-15 HCP, no ♥ support, no ♣ stopper
3♦ 11-15 HCP, no ♥ support, 5+ ♦
3♥ 11-13 HCP with ♥ support
3♠
3NT 14-15 HCP, no support, ♣ stopper
4X 14-15 HCP fragment, 5-4-3-1 with support
4♥ 14-15 HCP with support, 5-4-2-2
2♠ (!) values for a 2NT call without a stopper, or values for 3NT but
would like to give opener a chance to declare the hand.
2NT Natural
Higher bids by responder are normal. 3♣ would presumably guarantee 4-card support.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1♠- (2♦) - X transfer to 2♥, to play or natural rebids showing inv+ values.
2NT Natural
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2NT Natural
After a support double, responder’s actions (except Q-bid) are never forcing … a new
suit is an attempt to play there.
Misc Auctions
1♠ (P) 2♠ (X)
XX Forcing to double or 3♠ (but not if we’ve passes 2♠ response)
(1♥) P (1any) X
(2♥) X Penalty
General rule: opener’s 2NT is natural, potentially weak hand’s 2NT is takeout.
1NT (10-13)
Try to avoid opening 1NT with a 5-card major
2♣ NF Stayman With some simple game forcing hands, we might use 2♣ if it is less
likely to be doubled than 2♦.
2♦ No major
2M Invitational
3m Invitational with a major
3M Invitational (probably w/4 in other major)
2♦ GF Stayman
2♥
4 hearts 2♠=relay for additional distribution
2♠ 4 spades, denies hearts 2NT=relay for additional distribution
2NT no 4-card M or 5-card m 3♣ =relay for additional distribution
3♣ 5332 hand with 5 clubs 3♦=relay for short suit (natural)
3♦ 5332 hand with 5 diamonds 3♥=relay for short suit (natural)
3♥ 2=2=4=5 3♠= CRASH for Aces
3♠ 2=2=5=4 3NT is to play, 4♣ =CRASH For Aces
After 1NT-2♦-2♥-2♠
After 1NT-2♦-2♠-2NT
After 1NT-2♦-2NT-3♣
3♦ 3=3=4=3 3♥ =CRASH
3♥ 2=3=4=4 3♠ =CRASH
3♠ 3=2=4=4 3NT is to play; 4♣ is CRASH
36
3NT 3=3=3=4 4♣ =CRASH
1NT (10-13)
After 1N (penalty X), pass forces XX to show cheapest of 2 suits (or to play).
Direct bids are natural
XX = business, sets up FP, but responder’s new suit is NF
2NT = 5-5 any 2 suits
1N (P) P (X) P (P) … now DONT style for responder’s bids and XX
2♠ 4 or 5♠, denies 4♥
2NT Invitational, may or may not have 4 hearts
3♣ GF, 4 hearts with longer clubs
3♦ This and all higher bids are same as over 2♥ response
Over 3♥ showing shortness, there is room to show voids
2♦ Transfer to ♥
2♥ Opener can super-accept with 4 hearts and maximum
2♠ 5-5 invitational
3m Natural GF (but NF by PH or after 1♣ -1♦)
Jump to 4M = fast arrival (weaker)
3♠/4m Splinter
4♥ Balanced slam try, 6+♥
4NT Balanced slam try
2♠/3m Super-accept with a worthless doubleton in the suit
38
+
1NT (13 -16)
2♥ Transfer to ♠… same structure as 2♦ above
Transfer followed by 3♥ is 5-5 GF
Transfer followed by 4♥ is splinter
4♣ Gerber
4♦/♥ Texas transfers, initiates FP.
If responder bids on at 5-level it is a void slam try
39
1NT (13+-16)
Weissberger by PH: 1NT-2♣ -2♦-3♦ is 5-5 majors invitational. So, transfer to ♠
and then 3♥ by PH is forcing. Transfer to major and then 3m by PH is NF.
If they double Stayman, fast denies a club stopper. Slow following XX (re-ask)
shows stopper. Opener’s direct XX is penalty. If we overcalled a 1C opening
earlier, we have a stopper, so a direct 2♦ shows 5♦.
If they double Transfer: XX = attempt to play (by opener only)
Pass = <3 trumps, then:
Responder’s bid of his suit = invitational
XX by responder is retransfer (then new suit is F)
Direct actions (no retransfer) are NF
Acceptance = 3 trumps
Other bids = normal meaning
If they double a re-transfer: redouble shows ace, pass shows king, accepting
transfer shows neither.
If they overcall Stayman: opener bids 2NT with a stopper in their suit or
passes without.
40
2♣
When in doubt, open 1♣with a hand on the strong side, as responder is more likely to
pass the 2♣ opening than any other (Rigal). “Lean towards 10 HCP, not 16” (B-C).
Shows 6 cards, but could often have 5 in 3rd seat.
IF THEY DOUBLE 2♣
XX They are in trouble (FP)
2♦ Still artificial ask
2M Natural, forcing
2NT Good raise (suit/lead)
3♣ Raise, could be very light
3X Fit-showing
4♣ Preemptive
4M To play
43
2♣ -2♦
2♦ Artificial ask … if followed by 3♣ = NF
If followed by 4♣ =GF except after 2♣ -2♦-3♦
Interference
If they double after 2♣ -2♦, XX ix business, otherwise system on
If they bid a suit over any asks, P=1st step, X=business, then step on up
If they double over asks, XX= business, pass = S1, etc.
Our free bid in comp = 1-round force on 2-level, GF on 3-level
If we make negative double, opener’s 2NT could be minimum with a stopper
2♣ -(2♥)-4♦ is splinter
Passed Hand
2♦ As above
2M Natural, NF
2NT Natural
3♣ NF
3X Fit, decent hand
45
2♦
In 1st,2nd,4th seat: 3-suiter with short ♦; in 3rd seat, Weak 2
After the 3♣ response to 2NT, all bids other than 3♦are NF. No 4♣ /4♦ RKC.
After the 3♦ re-ask and answer on 3-level (3-4-1-5 or 4-3-1-5), we play 4♣ /4♦ RKC.
After a 3♦ response, 3M = GF. But RKC is on 4-level.
After a 3M response, we always play 4♣ /4♦ RKC.
Over double, pass = diamonds, playable.
XX = they are in trouble, willing to play 2♦XX, sets up FP.
Other bids = same as if no double
If 2♦ opener is on lead, none of the suits are “his” as bid suits
2♦-(P)-2NT-(3♦)... then pass shows all minimums and X by responder is a re-ask.
Double by opener replaces 3♦bid.
46
Weak 2- Bids
Theory: Do not open a weak two with trash in 1st/2nd seat. Three-level preempt can be
real garbage if NV. Being 6-4 does not determine whether it’s a 2- or 3- level opener; the
strength does. Good hands don’t open 3 when NV.
All new suits NF if White, forcing if Red, but, all new suits forcing over 3+ level.
2NT asks feature (A/K with at least a middling hand), followed by next step (not NT or
suit opened) asks for shortness:
trump suit = no short; otherwise, natural shortness
2♥-2NT-3♥-3♠ asks
2NT followed by 4♣ = preempt keycard
Higher Preempts
After a 3-level preempt and response, a new-suit rebid by opener shows shortness with
support for responder's suit. Ex: 3D-3S-4C.
3C-3D asks for a 3-card major.
4NT over a preempt is plain Blackwood.
3NT = 4 of a minor opening in 1st/2nd seat … any minor suit bid is P/C
4M = to play
4NT = preempt keycard
Over double Pass is to play opposite ace or king
Redouble is business
Bids are all pass/correct
3NT = gambling in 3rd/4th seat with no restrictions … never run from this
4♣ = good 4♥ opening
4♦ = good 4♠ opening
In between step shows slam interest
One over trump suit is RKC
Must play in opener’s suit
NAMYATS sets up forcing pass
Other bids = asking for control (none, 2nd, 1st) (exception to 5♣ rule)
Ask with substitution (4♣-4NT = ♠ ask)
We play above asking bids over 4M opening – can’t play in new suit
Do not play above asking bids after our 4M overcall – new suit is natural cuebid/slam try
(But one over is still RKC)
4NT-5NT is pick-a-slam
48
Suit/Lead
A) On after 1M opener gets doubled:
1♠ over 1♥ = natural
1NT = ♣
2♣ = ♦
through 2 of suit (raise = garbage, one under = good raise, maybe 3 cards and
limit +)
On after our weak two bids are doubled (or 2♥ with 2♠ overcall)
2M (X) XX = any good hand
Raise via one under = invitational
Forcing Passes
Vulnerability is irrelevant
If the game bid was a non-jump bid in competition, we are never in a force
If the opponents bid 5m, we are in a force only if we have shown game
invitational values
If the opponents bid to 4M, we are in a force only if we have shown game
invitational values and have established a fit
If the opponents bid to below 4M, but above 3 of our primary suit, we are never in
a force
Otherwise, passes are forcing if we have shown game invitational strength but not
forcing if we have not shown game invitational strength
Ruben’s advances apply. All bids between/including the cue-bid of their suit
and one less than our suit are transfers. Transfer to our suit shows at least a
good raise (about 3 cover cards). Transfer followed by a bid of our suit
shows 5+ cards in the suit transferred to and two-card support. Ruben’s
advances also apply when we have overcalled in the balancing position and
opener passes.
52
(By PH or UPH)
Double = 1 suit (if spades, good hand) (if they bid, double asks for our suit if 2♥
or lower was their bid)
All other bids show that suit plus a higher suit
2NT = big major/minor 2-suiter
3NT = big hand, both majors
In response to 2♠ overcall, 2NT = good raise, new suits are also raises with values
They open 1NT and we’ve made a 2-suited overcall … responder’s new non-touching
suit is to play (unless he is PH). Responder’s double at any level asks for other suit.
Responder’s bids are non-convertible.
If opener doubles and then shows his suit, advancer’s new suit bids are game try fits, and
2NT is a good raise.
(1NT) X (P) now FOC – but opener can reject transfers or bid 2NT with 17-19 (then
FOC) … doubler’s new suit jump after a transfer is forcing.
Advancer’s direct bids could be yarboroughs … 2♣ = any scramble, semi-natural
Transfer and new 3-level suit = NF … pass=values
If their pass forces redouble, then our pass=values and sets up penalty doubles
If they business redouble, DONT bids by advancer and pass forces 2♣ with
1-suiter
All jumps in competition after we have doubled are forcing
After (1NT) X (any): X by either side is penalty … other actions are FOC but pass is
forcing below 2♠.
Vs. 2♦
2NT = 15+ to 18 (FOC; 2NT responses)
3♦ = majors (not GF) … 4♣/4♦ tying slam try raises
3M = intermediate NF (FP if they bid to 5-level) (3M=weak over 11-15)
3NT = to play … 4♦/4♥ transfers, 4♠ natural slam invite
4♣ = ♣+major, GF … 4♦ asks major, 4M = own suit
4♦ = majors, good hand
4NT = natural, stronger than 3NT
Vs. 2♥
2NT = 15+ to 18 (FOC) … x-fer to their major = inv in other major
3♥ = asks for stopper (long minor)
3♠ = intermediate
3NT = to play … 4♥ transfer, 4♠ natural slam invite
4♣ = ♣+♠, GF … 4♦ = good ♠, 4♥ = good ♣
4♦ = ♦+♠, GF … 4♥ = good ♠, 5♣ = good ♦
4♥ = minors GF
4NT = natural, stronger than 3NT
Vs. 2♠
2NT = 15+ to 18 (FOC) … x-fer to their major = inv in other major
3♠ = asks for stopper (long minor)
3NT = to play … 4♦ transfer, 4♥ natural slam invite
4♣ = ♣+♥, GF
4♦ = ♦+♥, GF
4♠ = minors GF
4NT = natural, stronger than 3NT
They open 3♦
4♣ = natural
4♦ = any 2 suits
4NT = natural
They open 3M
4m = natural
4Qbid = any 2 suits
4NT = natural
They open 4♠
4NT = takeout
X = takeout, but flatter
Passing then bidding over 1♣ shows good hand (except in OBAR situations).
Versus strong artificial 2♣, we use CRASH direct and over 2♦ response
Versus Flannery
Double = cards
2♥ = 3-suit takeout
2♠ = natural
2NT = natural, playing tricks, over this 3m=NF
3m = natural
58
Vs. Multi 2♦
Double = 13-15 (Jump by advancer after their responder acts is GF)
2M = natural
All other bids = natural (FOC after 2NT overcall)
If we overcall in a major, bid of other major is Q-bid
Jump to 3M = good hand, natural, NF
Balancing doubles are light takeout
(2♦) X (2M) X = cards
(2♦) X (2M) 2NT = minors
(2♦) P (2M) X = penalty OR takeout … also applies if they bid 3M or 4M
Vs. Splinters
Double by us asks for lead of highest suit
BUT if only 1 other suit in picture it asks for lead of splinter suit
Double of 3♠ splinter suggests sacrifice, if we had no chance to mention spades
(1♠) 2♥ (4♥) X = save suggest
Double of artificial shortness-showing bid asks for lead of that suit
Vs. NAMYATS
Double = light takeout
Pass then double = stronger takeout
Q-bid = 2-suit takeout
59
Slam Conventions
Kickback RKC Note: Using 1430 Responses
General: try to cuebid to set the suit before bidding kickback, or it may be taken as
natural or something else.
When hearts are agreed, 4♠ is always kickback and 4NT is a spade cue-bid. This applies
to (1m)-2m-(3m)-4m-4H-4S.
In auctions involving hearts and diamonds, 4D is RKC for diamonds and 4H is natural.
If we are on 3-level, with agreed trump suit, jump to 4NT is never ace asking … must Q-
bid and then bid 4NT. Immediate jump to 4NT is quant.
If one player voluntarily bypasses BW, he can no longer bid BW … his BW sounding
bids become replacement cuebids or D-I.
Six of unplayable suit after KCB asks for 3rd round control for grand.
Fake queen ask, followed by one over, is very serious try for seven (failure to fake ask for
queen is just a “courtesy” try)
With clubs trump, after 4♦ Kickback, 4NT is a queen ask unless there is another
available.
Over (0,1)/(3,4) responses and signoff, responder must bid on with 3 or 4 (except 2NT
opening).
If responder has a void, he may only show it if Blackwooder will know where it is.
He shows a void by making his normal response 1 level higher … next step is then an
invitation to 7.
Slam Conventions
After NT, in competition, 4♣ is Gerber if they bid 2NT or lower, otherwise 5♣ is Gerber.
Preempt Keycard
4♣ after preempts except 4♦after 3♣, 4NT after 3NT.
STEP 1 0 keycards
STEP 2 1 keycard, no trump queen
STEP 3 1 keycard, trump queen
STEP 4 2 keycards, no trump queen
STEP 5 2 keycards, trump queen
After which one over the trump suit is “back on track” for king ask.
Not on in any competition.
Exclusion BW
Must be a jump above game, or any ace-asking bid by the person who voluntarily made a
splinter bid as his previous call and heard a sign-off. If the splinter bidder hears
encouragement, his ace-asking bid is not exclusion.
4NT replaces Kickback calls as Exclusion: 1D-2C-2D-4N is Exclusion keycard in hearts.
Responses are 0,1,2 keycards … no queen. Why?
4NT Quantitative
Bids over this are forcing to at least 5NT … if 4NT’ers next bid is 5NT that’s pick-a-
slam. Bids over 4NT are natural … 5X then 6X shows 5 cards, 6X directly shows 6
cards.
Slam Conventions
Our Jumps to 5-level
Jump to new suit above game is exclusion RKC
Jump to 5 of trump suit asks for control in unbid suit
5NT = guarded king
6 of trump suit = stiff
other responses show 1st round control and show #KC outside asked suit
(0-3, 1-4, 2)
Nonjump raise from 4 to 5 shows worry about their suit
4♣/4♦ RKC
1st step 1 or 4
2nd step 0 or 3
3rd step 2, same color
4th step 2, same rank (i.e. majors or minors)
5th step 2, same shape (i.e. ♣ + ♥, or ♦ + ♠)
63
Slam Conventions
Not playing Serious 3NT
Cuebidding
Never bypass a control when cue-bidding at the 4-level or higher. If a suit is bypassed,
partner will sign off when lacking a control in that suit. If we do bypass and then bid
again, the focus is on the first suit cue-bid.
Cuebids of their suits when it is definitely our hand:
Usual priority is assumed to be stopper search for 3NT
If in a GF, do not make advance cuebids … just raise the suit immediately
If in a GF, the “advance” cuebid followed by support denies primary support … it
shows a “futzing around” type of hand.
In GF fit situations, cuebid your cheapest A or K (not shortness). Later cuebids in a suit,
if available, can show the shortness.
In the middle of a cue-bidding sequence, when 4NT is obviously not blackwood, 4NT
is D-I meaning continue cue-bidding as cheaply as possible.
Other
Jumps to 4M in auctions where we have already bid the major are always fast arrival,
denying slam interest.
64
Asking Bids
Trump Asking Bids
Only in big club auctions:
1♣-1M-2M (on in comp as long as opener got to raise 1M to 2M)
S1=5-6/0, S2=5/1, S3=5/2, S4=6/1, S5=6/2, S6=5-6/3
1♣-1NT-2♣-2♦/♥ or 2♣-2♦-2♥-2♠-3♦/♥ … JACK ASK when suit bid
S1=0/3, S2=1/3, S3=1/3 + J, S4=2/3, S5=2/3 + J, S6=3/3, S7=3/3+J
Other
1H-1S-3D-4C is a cuebid in support of diamonds (no new trump suits at 4-level).
1H-1S-3D-4D is keycard because no other unambiguous ask.
65
Defensive Carding
Upside down count, attitude and suit preference.
First discard odd-even, subsequent discards current count.
Low odd is most encouraging, low even more encouraging than high even.
When splitting honors, play lowest unless trying to send unusual message.
In middle of hand, give upside down attitude, except on shifts to the king in cashout
situations give upside down count.
In middle of hand shift to current 3rd and 5th.
Leads vs. NT
4th best
Rusinow honor leads, including from interior sequence
Trick 1 vs. NT
Always give upside down count except:
On lead of Aor K give upside down suit preference
On lead of 3rd hand’s “suit” give upside down suit preference
If dummy has suit triple stopped give upside down suit preference
First Discard
When in doubt, odd-even prevails. Even if holding is already known, we use total
odd-even principles. An odd discard in a suit that is known to be “worthless” just
says there is no real preference between the other suits.