An Unassuming Club (AUC)
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Open
1C with 18+ balanced or any 19+
Open 1C with a 16-18 club one-suiter
Open 1C with 15-17 balanced, < 4 diamonds
Open 1C with 13-18 4=4=1=4
Open 1C with 13-18, 5+ clubs and a 4cM
The minimum openers all have clubs. The balanced 15-18-point hands all
have at least two clubs.
Responder bids 1D with < 10 HCP, or < 6 HCP and a 4cM. Over the 1D
response, bidding will often be artificial, although the
1S and
1N rebids are
natural, and the
2C rebid shows clubs and hearts.
Responding to a 1C opening with 5-8 high-card points and a good
6-card major suit (that is, the equivalent of a good 6-9 points), bid the
suit at the two-level. Opener will treat this as a weak two-bid and use
your regular methods of responding to a weak two.
With a 6+ HCP and a 4+cM,
respond 1M . Any response other than 1M or 2M
denies a 4+cM.
With 10-15 HCP, a balanced hand, and no 4cM (or 5cm toward the top of the range),
respond 1N . This response is forcing but not necessarily to game. Opener bids a
relatively natural 2C with 13-14 points and responder will bid again only with 12+
points. All of opener's other rebids are GF. 2D is an artificial catchall.
2H , 2S , 3C , and 3D show the 19-plus-point hands. 3N is to play. 2N is
stronger than 3N. 3H and 3S show shortness.
With 16+HCP, a balanced hand, and no 4cM or 5cm,
respond 2N . Continuations are
like after 1N only a level higher, and the bidding is forced to 4N.
2C and
2D show 10+ HCP, 5+ cards. If in the 10-12-point range, the hand will
be unbalanced or will have a concentration of strength in the suit bid. 2D
guarantees at least five diamonds, but 2C may be bid on a very good four.
Occasionally responder may bid 3C with the right preemptive hand. Over 2C , opener's
2D shows 13-14 points; over 2D , opener's 2N shows 13-14 points.
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The 1D opening shows 4+ diamonds and 13-18 points. All hands in the 13-18-point range
not suitable for 1N with 4 diamonds and 5 clubs are opened 1D . It is common for clubs
to be longer than diamonds. The
2C response shows either a natural GF or a 1-suited invite
or an invite with 5+ clubs and 4 diamonds. The
2D inverted raise shows 4+ diamonds, 9+
points, and denies a 4cM. 2M responses are
Soloway strong jump shifts.
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5+, 12-18, could have longer minor. 2/1 except for bid and rebid by responder. 2M is the
catchall rebid; 2N shows 15-17, as we freely open 12-14 balanced with 5cM 1N . Reverses
and jump shifts by opener show extras, but are NF.
2N response is a natural, balanced
GF, while the cheapest jump response is a
Jacoby raise variant . Next two jump responses
are Bergen raises, and the jump raise is preemptive.
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Any 12-14 balanced, any 5cM and weak 6-card minors allowed, but typically not 5422 hands.
We play the complete
Keri structure over the 1N opening.
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2C shows 10-14 HCP, 6+ clubs, denies a 4cM, may have 4 diamonds. Any bid other than P
shows invitational or better values. Responder's 2D and 2H are transfers; 2N is natural
and invitational -- 3C rejects, 3 other shows shortness and is CoG. 2N tends to deny a
fit for clubs. 2S is an artificial inquiry, and tends to show a fit for clubs.
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The 2N opening is not an essential part of the system. In fact, only the
1-level bids and 2C are needed in a constructive sense, as in Standard
American. Note that all hands of 19 or more points are opened 1C, so 2N is
not needed for a strong balanced hand. We use it for at least 5-5 in the minors,
weak-two strength, varying somewhat by vulnerability and table position.
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7. Other agreements
U/U, U/Mike, Leaping Michaels
Transfer advances of simple overcalls at the 1, 2, and 3 levels
Exclusion RKC when obvious :)
Last train
Lackwood
Fit-showing jumps by passed hand or in competition
2-way reverse drury, on if at least 2D available
Reverse Lebensohl over strong 3-suit reverses
4SGF
3N gambling (any suit)
CRASH / 1C strong
DONT/ strong NT, natural/ weak NT
Over a natural ...2m, a leap to 4m is GF, natural, and asks for control bidding in
a hand unsuitable for RKC. A leap to 4 of the other minor is RKC.
===================================================================================
1 The 1C Opening
1. 18+ HCP, balanced or 19+ any distribution. The hand should 5- losers and 5+
controls, and 16+ HCP.
2. 16-18 with a club one-suiter.
3. 15-17 HCP, balanced with <4 diamonds.
4. 13-18, 4=4=1=4.
5. 13-18, 5+ clubs and a 4cM.
1.0 Responses
1D: <10 HCP, <6 points if has a 4+cM. With 6+ points and a 4+cM, respond 1M.
1M: 6+ points, 4+ cards in the suit bid, may have longer minor.
1N: 10-15 HCP, no 4cM, no 5cm or good 4-card club suit when toward a maximum (13-15).
2C: 10+ points, no 4cM, 4+ good clubs or any 5+ clubs
2D: 10+ points, no 4cM, 5+ diamonds.
2M: 5-8 HCP, and a good 6-card suit (1 of top 2). By a passed hand, a bad 6-card suit.
2N: 16+ HCP, balanced.
3C: 6+ clubs, 3-6 HCP.
===================================================================================
1.1 1C-1D
1H: Almost any 19+ points, or 18+ balanced; but NOT an unbalanced one-suiter
unless game-forcing values, and NOT a minor two-suiter. That is, any strong
hand that doesn't qualify for 2D or 2M or 2N .
1S: 5+ clubs, 4 spades or 4-4-1-4, any strength within 13-18 (natural, limited)
1N: 15-17 points balanced, <4 D.
2C: 5+ clubs and 4 hearts, 13-18 points (natural, limited, denies 4 spades).
2D: 27-28 HCP, balanced; or a minor one-suiter not quite worth a game force;
or a very strong minor two-suiter. Forcing.
2M: A good 6-card suit in a hand not quite worth a game force, without a
side 4- card major or strong 4-card minor. Not forcing but seldom passed.
Responder's bid of the next step is a second negative,
showing very bad hand. The single raise is stronger than
the double raise, and is forcing. To make a nonforcing
raise go through the Herbert second negative. Over
the Herbert negative, with a better than minimum hand
(4 losers) opener should bid a side concentration of
strength. Thus, 1C-1D; 2H-2S; 3C shows a concentration of
strength in clubs, perhaps KQx. Responder with something
useful should avoid rebidding 3M , which opener will almost
always pass. Responder may pass 3C in this auction.
2N: 21-22 points balanced. Puppet Stayman and transfers are on.
3C: 16-18 club one-suiter. Responder's bids are constructive, presumably stoppers
for notrump. With a weak hand responder can pass.
3D: 1430 in diamonds.
3M: 1430 in M.
4C: 1430 in clubs.
3N: Specific Aces. 4C denies one; 5C shows the club Ace; and 4N
shows two Aces. 5C over 4N asks which two; responder bids CRASH.
Over any of these bids, the next step similarly asks for specific Kings.
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1.1.0 The Strong 1H Rebid
1C-1D ;1H
Opener has 18+ points balanced or 19+ points with almost any distribution;
but not an invitational 1-suiter or a minor 2-suiter, and balanced 21-22
is excluded -- that hand jumps to 2N over the 1D response.
1S: Second negative; 0-5
1N: 18-20 balanced -- see
system after 1C-1D-1N for followups
2C: Artificial GF (includes 25-26 balanced)
2D: Third negative - no A, K, or QQ
2N: catchall
2D: Unbalanced, looking for 4-4 major fit
2M: 4cM
2N: catchall
3m: decent 5-card suit
2M: Natural, flexible hand unsuitable 2M the previous round, NF
2N: 23-24 balanced
3N: to play, usually a running suit plus stoppers
1N: 6-9, no 5+cm, no 4+cM (so usually balanced)
2C: 6-9, 5+ clubs
2D: 6-9, 5+ diamonds
2M: 0-4 HCP, 6+
3m, 3m: 0-4 HCP, 7+
The responses from 2H up are treated as if they were opening preempts. New
suits are forcing and 2N asks for a feature in a non-minimum hand.
After 1C-1D ; 1H-1N or 1C-1D ; 1H-2m, 3N is 18-20, and 2N is stronger.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.1.1 Spades And Clubs
1C-1D-1S
13-18, 4+clubs and 4 spades
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.1.2 Strong NT
1C-1D-1N
15-17 balanced, < 4 diamonds, no 5cM, 2-3 diamonds, 2+ clubs
opposite any 0-5 or 6-9 without a 4cM
Hand types that don't want to play 1N:
1) Balanced invitation (2N)
2) Good 6-card minor (2 of top 3) (looking for 3 quicks + 1 fitting honors) (3m)
3) Weak 1-suiter (2M or 2C-2D or 2C-2D-3C)
4) Weak 2-suiter (2C-2D-2H majors, 2C-2D-2S spades + minor, 2D 2-suiter w/o spades)
5) Invitational minor 2-suiter (2C-2D-2N)
System below also applies in the 1C-1D-1H-1S-1N auction (18-20 balanced)
2C: forces 2D
2D: forced
P: to play
2H: weak with both majors (could be 4-4)
2S: spades and a minor
3C: prefers minor to spades
3D: to play (pointed suits)
2N: both minors, invitational
3C: to play
2D: weak 2-suiter without spades; if minors, could be invitational
2H: to play unless responder has both minors
P: hearts and an unkown minor
2N: both minors, invitational
3C: both minors, weak
2S: natural, prefers minor to hearts
P: tolerance for spades (at least Qx)
2N: both minors, invitational
3C: pass or correct, no tolerance for spades
2N: prefers minor to hearts, accepts opposite invitation
3C: pass or correct
P: to play
3D: to play
3N: to play, max with both minors
3C: prefers minor to hearts, rejects opposite invitation
3D: to play (red suits)
2H: 0-4, 6 hearts
2S: 0-4, 6 spades
2N: balanced invitation
3C: invitational 1-suiter
3D: invitational 1-suiter
Mnemonics:
1) Direct bids of 2H or higher are natural; 2N or higher is also invitational
2) 2C-2D is the route for weak 1-suited minors and invitational 2-suited minors
3) 2D shows a weak 2-suiter without spades, and pass-or-correct applies
4) Major-minor 2-suiters can always play at the two level in the major
5) Responder never bids 2N without an invitational hand; if not directly over 1N, it shows both minors
6) Other than 2C-2D, opener's bids are always natural (may be pass-or-correct)
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1.1.3 Hearts And Clubs
1C-1D-2C
13-18, 5+clubs and 4 hearts
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1.1.4 Minors In Principle
1C-1D-2D
Opener may have 27-28 HCP, balanced; or a minor one-suiter not quite worth
a game force; or any strong minor two-suiter.
2H: 0-5 HCP, any distribution.
2S: 6-9 HCP, as usual no four-card major, but not three Kings.
2N: Our friends the Magi; three Kings.
Over 2M, rebids 3N with 27-28 points balanced;
2N: both minors
3m: sets the suit
3S: artificial GF
4m: NF
3m: one-suiter
3H: 3 hearts and both minors
Over 2N, bid 3m with the limited one-suiter, 3M with a minor two-suiter
and the appropriate fragment, 3N with a minor two suiter and no fragment.
With the monster balanced hand:
4C: Gerber
4N: Baron, asking for 4 or 5-card minor
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1.1.5 Acol Twos In The Majors
1C 1D 2M
One-suited major, not quite GF, 5+ctrls, <=5 LTC, 16+ HCP.
P: A hand very unlikely to take a trick.
2M +1: Second negative. Either a hand with a fit and some possibility of taking
a trick or a substantial misfit that may be a little stronger.
2N /2H: Scattered values, suggesting a notrump game.
3m: Some values and a decent suit, usually without substantial
support. Not forcing but opener will usually bid again.
3M: Forcing. Almost always 3-card support since it's difficult for
responder to have a hand worth suggesting slam with less than 6 points.
4M: Distributional raise. Opener will pass.
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1.1.6 Strong balanced
1C-1D-2N
21-22 balanced
3C: Puppet Stayman
3D: transfer
3H: transfer
3S: one or both minors, max values
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1.1.7 The Intermediate Club One-Suiter
1C-1D-3C
16-18 club one-suiter (may have 4 diamonds, no 4cM)
Responder's bids other than raises and game bids are forcing.
Three-level bids will usually be stoppers for notrump.
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1.1.8 The RKC Rebids:
3D, 3H, 3S, and 4C; 3N = specfic Aces (better if it's to play)
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1.1.9 The 4M rebids
1C-1D-4M should differ from hands that go through 1H
=============================================================================
1.2 Bidding Over a Major-Suit Response
1C-1M
6+, 4+cards, may have a longer minor
1S: 13-15, natural
1N: 15-17 HCP, balanced, denies 4-card support
2C: 19+, any shape except bad 19-20 balanced with support for M.
2M: 13-16, 3 or 4 card support (16 will have 3 cards).
2N: 18 HCP, balanced.
3C: 16-18, club one-suiter.
3D: Mini-splinter with 16-18 value. 3M and 4M are to play, 3N is Serious.
3M: 16-18, 3 or 4 card support (16 will have 4 cards).
3S /1H: Mini-splinter, same as 3D bid.
3N: Asks specific aces, as in the previous section.
4C: 4-card support + good 6-card club suit.
4M: A raise worth about 19 support points but with no singleton, and not
well suited to slam. The alternative is to bid 2C and then 2M or 3M as
required. That would show a stronger hand. This rebid is usually a balanced
18- point hand that has been upgraded. Splinter raises go through 2C .
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1.2.0 After The 1S Rebid
1C-1H-1S
4 spades, 4+ clubs, 13-15
P: 6-7, 3 spades
1N: 6-9
2C: natural, NF
2C: 6-9 points
2D: directionless force
2H: 4315 15-16
2S: 4315 17-18
2N: 17-18
3C: 16-18 unbalanced, usually short hearts
2D: 4SF, 10+ unbalanced or 15+ balanced
2H: 6-8, 6 cards
2S: 6-9, 4-card support
2N: 10-11 points balanced.
3C: 10-12, 4+ clubs
3D: 8-11, 4-6 in the reds, invitational
3M: 10-11, 4-card support or 6-card suit
3N: 12-14, to play
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1.2.1 After The 1N Rebid
1C 1M 1N
15-17 balanced
2C: Two-way checkback (puppet to 2D)
2D: Two-way checkback
2M: to play
2H /1S: to play
2S /1H: invitational
2N: Baron, slam invitational, asks for 4-card suits up the line.
3C: To play
3D /3H /3S: invitational, pure hand
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1.2.2 After The 2C Rebid
Opener shows 19 or more points, not necessarily all in high cards, with any
distribution. This rebid establishes a game force; in general other rebids
are not even 1-round forces.
1C 1M 2C
2D: Artificial 6-9 HCP.
Other: Natural, 10+ HCP
2M: 5+ cards
2H /1S: 5-4
2S /1H: 4-4
2N: catchall
3m: 5+ cards
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1.2.3 After the 2D Rebid
1C-1H-2D
Strong black suit reverse
15+-18, 4 spades, 5+ clubs -- Reverse Lebensohl applies
P: to play, weak 4=6 in the reds
2H: to play
2S: to play
2N: GF, most 10+ hands
3C: to play
3D: to play, weak 4=7 in the reds
3H: to play, weak 7 or 8-carder
3S: undefined, maybe weak 5=6 in the majors?
3N: to play, but discouraging (club wastage, min values)
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1.2.4 After the 2D Rebid
1C 1S 2D
Weak round suit reverse
13-15-, 4 hearts, 5+ clubs -- No Lebensohl
P: to play
2H: to play
2S: to play, opener may bid again with a maximum
2N: Invitational
3C: Club fit, about 6-11 points. Opener may bid. Clumsy, but rare.
3D: Artificial GF
3H: Invitational
3S: Invitational
3N: To play.
4C: Invitational, very good clubs.
4D: Splinter in support of hearts.
4H: To play. 3D followed by 4H would be stronger.
4S: To play.
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1.2.4 After the 2H rebid over 1S
1C 1S 2H
Strong round suit reverse
15+-18, 4 hearts, 5+ clubs, forcing -- Reverse Lebensohl applies
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1.2.6 The Single Raise
1C 1M 2M
13-16 points, 3 or 4 card support
2N: Forcing, but usually invitational with only four cards in M. Now opener rebids
3C with a minimum and 3-card support (and incidentally at least 5 clubs),
3M with a minimum and 4-card support, usually 4M with a maximum and 4- card
support, and something else (typically a stopper) with a maximum and 3-card
support. 3N will usually be a balanced 15 HCP with a small doubleton,
counting on partner for a stopper. New suits may be bid with either 3- or
4-card support. An unbalanced maximum will be very unusual.
3C: Constructive game try with only four in the major but at least 3-card
club support. Opener will pass with a minimum and 3-card support, bid
3M with a minimum and 4-card support, bid 4M with a maximum and 4- card
support, and as usual do something else with a maximum and 3-card support;
3N if balanced. Unbalanced maximum 3-card support is unlikely.
Other: If 3M or below, a natural forcing game try with at least 5 cards
in M. If above 3M, a slam try; usually a splinter; except 3N is to play
opposite 3- card support. Opener should correct to 4M with 4. With no
singleton and slam-invitational values, try 2N to get more information.
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1.2.7 The Marvelous Toy
1C 1H 2S
2S: An unbalanced four-card raise of hearts, worth about 17-18 support
points, OR the BWDH (6 clubs, 3-card heart support, 16-18 value)
2N: asks
3C: BWDH
3D: asks shortness
3H: diamonds (substitution)
3S: spades
3N: no shortness
3H: to play
3S: control bid for hearts, or RKC for hearts?
3N: to play
4C: sets clubs, or RKC for clubs?
3D: 0-1 diamonds, 4 hearts, 4+ clubs
3H: 0-1 spades, 4 hearts, 4+ clubs
3C: to play opposite BWDH
3H: unbalanced raise
3D: to play opposite BWDH
3H: unbalanced raise
3H: to play
4H: to play
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1.2.8 The 2N Rebid
1C 1M 2N
Opener shows 18 HCP, balanced. If bid over 1H, opener will have 4 spades
only with exactly 4-3-3-3 distribution. Opener will not have 4-card support
but will often have 3-card support; and of course less than four diamonds.
A weak doubleton is unlikely but possible, since the raise to 3M requires
4-card support. Checkback or New Minor Forcing buys very little in this
auction and loses a useful natural bid. Therefore:
3m, 3M: Natural GF
3N: To play
4C: Gerber
4M: To play
4N: Natural, invitational
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1.2.9 Deja Vu
1C 1M 3C
As before, opener has a hand too strong to be opened 2C but not strong
enough for a 2C rebid, at least 6 clubs, and no four-card or longer major.
If responder bid 1H, opener denies as many as 3 hearts (else 2D). Responder
bids exactly as in
section 1.1.7 : any bid over 3C other than a game bid or
raise is forcing, since 3C must be assumed playable. Because responder is
unlimited, bidding a new suit and then 4C is forcing as well. As usual,
3-level bids may be stoppers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.2.10 Mini Splinters
1C 1M 3D
1C 1H 3S
16-18 points, 4-card support, shortness in the bid suit
3M and 4M to play, 3N is serious.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.2.11 The Game Raise
1C 1M 4M
Opener has 18 or occasionally 19 HCP with a doubleton, or 19 point 4333.
Stronger hands including game-forcing splinters go through the 2C rebid.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.3 After the Wide-Ranging 1N Response
1C 1N
10-15 balanced, no 4cM, no good 5cm
2C: Natural, NF
2D: natural, forcing through 2N
2M: stopper showing, forcing through 2N
2N: invitational (11-12)
3C: natural, GF
3D /3H /3S: GF values, weakness for NT
3N: to play
2D: Artificial GF -- could be 17-19 balanced (rebid 3N) or a clubs plus
4cM hand of at least medium strength
2M: Natural, 19+
2N: Slam try with length in both minors. Responder will usually bid 3m
with a preference, 3M with 4-4 and a control in the suit bid.
3C: The usual strong club 1-suiter. May be the first move with a 19+ point
hand with primary clubs. Responder's 3-level bids are assumed initially to
be solid stoppers for notrump. Natural bidding follows.
3D: 19+ points, 5+ diamonds
3M: Shortness
3N: 14-16 balanced, although may be slightly weaker with 5C422.
4C: Gerber
4N: 20-21 balanced, slam invitational
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.4 The "Inverted" Raise
1C 2C
Responder has 10 or more points, at least four good clubs, and no 4-card
major. Unlimited. Either partner may show a minimum or identify stoppers.
2D: Herbert negative, 11-14 with clubs and at least one 4cM
2M: GF, stopper-showing
2N: invitational (11-12)
3C/ P: signoff
3D/ 3H/ 3S: stoppers
3C: signoff
3D /3H /3S: GF, splinter
3N: to play
2M: 19+, 5+ card, GF.
2N: 15-17 notrump, or 18-20 notrump with an unstopped major
3C: 16+, club one-suiter or 15+, clubs and a major, GF.
3D /3H /3S: stoppers
3N: to play
4C: RKC for clubs
4D /4H /4S: splinter raise of clubs
3D: 19+, 6+ card, GF.
3M: Splinter raise of clubs (4-card support)
3N: 18-20 with majors stopped
4C: RKC for clubs
4D /4H /4S: Splinter raise of clubs (5-card support, 4D may only have 4)
4N: 21-22 balanced, slam invitational
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.5 The Diamond Positive
1C 2D
10+ HCP, 5+ diamonds, no 4cM
2M: 19+, 5+ card, GF.
2N: Herbert negative, 13-15 with clubs and at least one 4cM, non-forcing
3C: signoff with a club fit
3D: signoff with 6+ diamonds, opener can continue with a fit
3M: extra values, stopper for NT
3N: to play
3C: 16+, club one-suiter or 15+, clubs and a major, GF.
3D: natural, no fit for clubs
3M: stopper-showing
3N: to play
4C: RKC for clubs
4D: RKC for diamonds
4M: splinter raise of clubs
3D: 15-17 notrump, or 18-20 notrump with an unstopped major
3M: Splinter raise of diamonds (3-card support)
3N: 18-20 with majors stopped
4C: RKC for clubs
4D: RKC for diamonds
4M: Splinter raise of diamonds (4-card support)
4N: 21-22 balanced, slam invitational
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.6 The Major Semi-Positives
1C 2M
Responder has about 5-8 HCP, and a good 6-card suit. If responder is a
passed hand, a topless or bad 6-card suit, since a good one with one of
the top 2 honors would have been opened a weak 2-bid.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.7 The 2N Response
1C 2N
Responder shows 16+ HCP, balanced, with no 4-card major. If four
clubs, they aren't particularly good, else 2C . Bidding proceeds pretty much
as over 1N, a level higher, except of course that 3C is forcing.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.8 The Weak Double Raise
1C 3C
Responder has less than about 6 points and long clubs. Tend to use the 1D
negative with a useful hand. Opener will almost always pass. Any bid at the
3-level should be assumed initially to be a stopper for notrump, but may
turn out to be natural by the logic of the auction.
===============================================================================
1.9 Dealing With Interference
It's at least as important to know how to bid in contested auctions as it
is in uncontested ones. Opponents tend to bid a lot, and the 1C opening is
sufficiently ambiguous that interference causes some embarassing problems.
Agreements are essential.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.9.1 Immediate Interference
1C (interference) ?
Responder must be prepared to deal with interference. At the 1-level,
because opener's hand is poorly defined, we strain to define responder's as
quickly as possible. At the 2-level we have been hurt, at least a little,
and try to fight back by doubling the opponents when it's appropriate.
At the 3-level we revert to negative doubles and hope to hold our own in the
usual ways.
When the usual methods must be abandoned, 2N may be used
as an artificial strong bid by either partner. Opener's 1N rebid after
either a negative response or a pass shows about 17-20 points balanced,
with appropriate stoppers, and a cuebid shows support or a good hand with
no stopper, depending on context.
1C-(X) ?
P: 0-5
XX: Club positive
1D: Diamond semi-positive
2C: Club semi-positive
Other: Unchanged
1C-(1D) ? (We assume the interference is natural. If not, double with
length in the suit.)
P: 0-5, or diamond positive
X: Diamond semi-positive
1N: 8-10 balanced, diamond stopper, denies 4cM
2C: Club semi-positive
2D: Club positive or 10-15 balanced without a diamond stopper
2N: 11-12 balanced with a diamond stopper
Other: Unchanged
1C-(1H) ?
P: 0-5 or 10+ with hearts
X: Minor-suit positive
1N: 8-10 balanced, heart stopper, denies 4S
2C: Club semi-positive
2D: Diamond semi-positive
2H: Club positive or 10-15 balanced without a heart stopper
2N: 11-12 points balanced, less than 4 spades, good stopper.
Other: Unchanged
1C (1S) ?
P: 0-5 or 10+ with spades
X: Heart semi-positive (akin to a normal negative double)
1N: 8-10 balanced, spade stopper, denies 4H
2C: Club semi-positive
2D: Diamond semi-positive
2H: 10+, 5+ hearts
2S: Club positive or 10-15 balanced without a spade stopper
2N: 11-12 points balanced, less than 4 spades, good stopper.
Other: Unchanged
Summary: 2C is always a club semipositive. 1N is 8-10 with a stopper; 2N is
11-12 with a stopper (except over X). Cheapest diamond bid is diamond
semipositive (except cuebid). P is 0-5, or trap pass. Club positive shown
by the cuebid (or XX). Should change X to be negative: 1C-(1D)-X =both majors,
6+ points; 1C-(1H)-X = denies 4 spades, shows 6+ points; 1C-(1S)-X = hearts,
6+ points. Only need have the diamond semipositive pass or bid 1N after
1C-(1D).
1C-(1N)
If this is a balanced hand of somewhere in the range of 14-19 points,
use normal methods. Responder should double with nearly any hand of 9
or more points, and a lot of 8-point hands. 2N is artificial and strong,
and very distributional (usually a strong 2-suiter). Other bids are
limited by the failure to double. The double is forcing to 3C .
If it's something like a weak takeout double (part of "Overcall
Structure"), X should require a little more: a good 10-11 points,
usually balanced. Again, you may not pass out the opponents undoubled in a
contract below 3C . This is more like a redouble than the penalty-oriented
double of a natural 1N overcall. The extra values required are because
this double often helps the opponents wriggle out.
If it's both minors, Unusual over Unusual applies
1C-(2m /2M) ?
X: Penalty double opposite a 15-18-point 1N opening. With 7-9 HCP,
consider doubling with a balanced or semibalanced hand with 3 to an honor.
Nearly always double with 7-9 and 4 cards. Sometimes double with 6 points
and 4 good trumps. Be careful with 10 points or more, but consider doubling.
Opener should pass the double with any strong notrump or other suitable
hand. Cue with game values opposite a minimum double. Bid a new suit at
the 2-level with 4. 3C may conceal a 4-card suit that can't be bid at
the 2-level. Opener's 2N is artificial, showing a strong hand, as is
responder's over a 2-level pull. Opener's 3-level bids are invitational
opposite a typical double, i.e., maximum non-strong 1C openings, except
that 3C shows a minimum.
2N: Hand worth a GF opposite a strong notrump. Opener rebids 3C with a
minimum, which responder may pass. (Opener always has real clubs when
minimum.) 3D may be bid either with diamonds or a directionless hand;
higher bids show 19+ points, except 3N, which is natural.
2m /2M: Not forcing, but some reason to bid. Natural.
3m /3M: Constructive, invitational opposite a strong notrump.
1C-(3m /3M) ?
X: Negative. Shows values to be at the 3-level; will often be passed.
Exception: a double of 3C is penalty. Opener will almost always have long
clubs or good defense (i.e., a strong notrump).
Other: Non-game bids are forcing, essentially to game.
Responder will pass with quite a few hands; opener is not forced to reopen
with shortness, but often will. If the reopening bid X , it is for
takeout, but responder will often pass.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.9.2 Delayed Interference
It matters a good deal what responder bids. If the response was a positive,
you are on pretty firm ground. Use whatever methods you are used to,
although I believe when using a weak notrump the double of a fourth-hand
overcall should show a strong notrump with less than 3 cards in partner's
suit, and you should raise very freely on 3-card support, i.e. no support
doubles. The key situation is when responder has bid 1D, the negative.
1C-(P)-1D-(X)
XX: Strong balanced hand without a diamond stopper, assuming the
double shows diamonds.
Other: Same as in uncontested auctions, except that all notrump bids show a
diamond stopper. Treat diamonds as the enemy suit for cuebidding.
1C-(P)-1D-(1H)
P: Usually long hearts, either 4-4-1-4 or 4 hearts with 5 clubs.
X: Takeout, 15+ points. Usually 4-1-3-5 or 4-2-3-4, but may be nearly any
hand of 19 or more points, or occasionally 3-1-3-6.
1S: 11-14, natural
1N: 17-20 with stopper, strong notrump systems on
Other: Same as without intereference, except cuebid is strong balanced hand
without a stopper and notrump bids show a heart stopper. 2C is strong.
1C-(P)-1D-(1S)
P: Long spades; or minimum hand with nothing better to bid; may be up to
16 points balanced.
Other: Same as above
Over higher-level interference, opener's direct bids are usually the strong
hands, except that 3C will often be natural. 2N will usually show a strong
hand, with the inference that other bids show hands not so strong. X
is not well defined, since it will often be the only available call. The
general idea is to keep as much as possible of the original system. Since
the 1H rebid will often be unavailable, the 2C rebid must handle a variety
of strong hands.
================================================================================
2 The 1D Opening
13-18, 4+ diamonds. Opener cannot force to game, or usually even the 3-level,
without a fit. Opener's natural jump-shift rebids and reverses are NF. A
5-card club suit may often be held.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.1 1D-1M
May conceal longer minor even when GF.
1D-1M-1N
15-17 HCP. Over 1H, denies a 4-card spade suit; in any case denies 4-card
support. With 3-card support and a small doubleton or two unstopped suits,
consider 2M . Continue as after a 1C opening: 2C is an invitational puppet
and 2D is game-forcing checkback. 18+ balanced is opened 1C . That allows
1D-1M /1N-2C
Minimum 5-5, or 5-4 either way, or even 4-4 in certain cases. Opener
will seldom have more than about 15 points. Responder need not strain
to bid with a weak hand. The preference is nonforcing, as is a rebid of
responder's suit.
1D-1M-2D
P: to play
2S /1H: 5+ spades, 4+ hearts, forcing
2H /1S: 4 spades, 5+ hearts, forcing
2M: 6+ M, NF
2N: invitational
3C: Artificial GF -- either show 3-card support (bidding 3M, or 4C or higher),
or deny 3-card support and show stoppers up the line, with
diamonds substituting for clubs:
3D: club stop, no stop in unbid major
3H /1S: heart stop, no club stop
3S /1H: spade stop, no club stop
3M: 3-card support, no shortness, at least A or K of diamonds
3N: stoppers in both unbid suits
4C: 3-card support, club shortness
4D: 3-card support, solid diamonds (may have shortness)
4H /1S: 3-card support, heart shortness
4S /1H: undefined
4M: 3-card support, no shortness, bad diamonds (no A or K)
3D: invitational
3H /1S: 5+ spades, 5+ hearts, GF, slammish
3S /1H: splinter supporting diamonds
3M: 6+ M, invitational (GF one suiters either go through 1D-2M, or 1D-1M-2D-3C-3D-3M)
3N: to play
4C: RKC for diamonds
4D: GF, sets suit, unsuitable for RKC or spade splinter
4H /1S: 6=5 or 6=6 majors, no slam interest
4S /1H: XKC for diamonds
4M: to play
4N: bid slam with solid diamonds (RKC for M is 1D-2M-??-3M-??-4N)
1D-1S-2H
This can be passed, but only with partial support (xxx or better). As in
the similar auction after 1C, Revese Lebensohl applies.
1D-1H-2S
"Marvelous toy" redux
An unbalanced four-card raise of hearts,
worth about 17-18 support points, OR the BWDH
(6 diamonds, 3-card heart support, 16-18 value)
2N: asks
3C: BWDH
3D: asks shortness
3H: lower (clubs)
3S: higher (spades)
3N: no shortness
3H: to play
3S: control bid for hearts?
3N: to play
4C: control bid for hearts?
4D: sets diamonds?
3D: 0-1 clubs, 4 hearts, 4+ diamonds
3H: 0-1 spades, 4 hearts, 4+ diamonds
3H: To play
4H: To play
1D-1S-3H
Any unbalanced raise to 3S, so that the regular raise shows a
balanced hand. Now 3N is Serious and 4C asks for shortness;
opener's 4D shows club shortness and 4H shows heart shortness.
1D-1M-2N
This shows the minor-suit reverse. Opener has longer clubs than diamonds
and a maximum. 3C /3D /3M are nonforcing. 3OM asks for a stopper or 3-card support.
1D-1M-3C
As with all of opener's jump-shift rebids, this is not forcing. It shows at
least 16 points (not necessarily all in high cards) and at least 5 diamonds
and 4 clubs. Diamonds will always be at least as long as clubs; responder
should give a preference with equal length. The preference and rebid of
responder's suit are nonforcing; 3OM is the generic force.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.2 1D-2C
GF, or invitational 1-suiter, or invitational 5 clubs, 4 diamonds.
2D: 5+ D's, forcing, 4M possible
2H: natural, GF
3H: sets suit
4H: picture bid
2S: natural, GF
3S: sets suit
4S: picture bid
2N: invitational with diamond fit
3C: GF, double fit
3D: to play
3M: extras, stopper-showing
3N: to play
3C: invitational, long C's
3D: to play
3M: extras, stopper-showing
3N: to play
3D: natural, GF (to invite with diamonds, bid 2N)
3M: stopper-showing
3N: to play
3M: splinter for diamonds
3S: control bid
3N: to play, not Serious
4C: RKC for diamonds
4D: neutral
3N: to play
4C: sets clubs, slam try
4D: RKC for clubs
2H: 4=4=4=1 or 4=4=5=0, any strength
2S: GF, asks pattern and strength
2N: minimum 4441
3x: sets suit (even clubs)
3N: to play
3C: 15-17 4450
3x: sets suit
3N: to play
3D: minimum 4450
3x: sets suit
3N: to play
3N: 15-17 4441, forcing to 4N
4x: sets suit, forcing even if game
4N: invitational
2N: invitational with diamond fit
3C: natural, invitational
3D: natural GF
3M: natural, GF
3N: to play
2S: unbalanced GF with 3 clubs, 6+D, no 4cM
2N: asks shortness
3C: major suit void
3D: where?
3M: here
3M: singleton
3C: sets suit
3D: sets suit
3N: to play
2N: GF, 15-17 balanced, 2 or 3 clubs
3C: sets clubs, slam try
3D: natural, 4=5+ in the minors
3M: natural
3N: to play
4C: Gerber
4D: RKC for clubs
4N: invitational
3C: NF, club-fit
P: to play
3D: GF, natural, double fit
3M: stopper-showing
3N: to play
3D: GF, 15-17, 6+ D's, no 4cM
3M: stopper-showing
3N: to play
4C: RKC for clubs
4D: RKC for diamonds
3M: GF, splinter, 4+ clubs
3S: control bid
3N: to play, not Serious
3N: CoG, 15-17 balanced, 4 or 5 clubs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.3 1D 2D
4+ diamonds, no 4cM, 9+ points
2M: stopper, extra values
2N: 15-17 balanced
3C: natural, 5+ clubs, extra values
3D: any minimum including 4441
3M: GF, splinter
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.4 1D 2M Strong Jump Shift (Soloway style)
5+cM, either 19+ balanced, or 4+ diamonds, or long major missing at most one top
honor. The type will be clarified by the rebid. Opener should raise the major with
any hand that has one of the top three honors, even if it's singleton; otherwise,
bid the cheapest concentration of values (AK, KQ, or AQ); otherwise bid 2N.
1D-2H:
2S: spade concentration, no H honor
2N: 19+ balanced
3C: long strong hearts, club control
3D: 4+ diamonds along with 5+ hearts, sets diamonds
3H: long strong hearts, no club control
3S: undefined, but not a suit
3N: 19+ balanced, somehow different from 2N
2N: no concentration, no H honor
3C: long strong hearts, club control
3D: 4+ diamonds along with 5+ hearts, sets diamonds
3H: long strong hearts
3S: undefined, but not a suit
3N: 19+ balanced
3C: club concentration, no spade concentration, no H honor
3D: 4+ diamonds along with 5+ hearts, sets diamonds
3H: long strong hearts
3S: undefined, but not a suit
3N: 19+ balanced
3D: diamond concentration, no spade or club concentration, no H honor
3H: long strong hearts
3S: undefined, but not a suit
3N: 19+ balanced
4D: 4+ diamonds along with 5+ hearts, sets diamonds
3H: H honor, may be singleton
3S: long strong hearts, spade control
3N: 19+ balanced
4C: long strong hearts, club control, denies spade control
4D: 4+ diamonds along with 5+ hearts, sets diamonds
4H: long strong hearts, denies club or spade control
1D-2S:
2N: no concentration, no S honor
3C: long strong spades, club control
3D: 4+ diamonds along with 5+ spades, sets diamonds
3H: long strong spades, heart control, no club control
3S: long strong spades, no heart or club control
3N: 19+ balanced
3C: club concentration, no spade concentration, no H honor
3D: 4+ diamonds along with 5+ spades, sets diamonds
3H: long strong spades, heart control
3S: long strong spades, no heart control
3N: 19+ balanced
3D: diamond concentration, no spade or club concentration, no H honor
3H: long strong spades, heart control
3S: long strong spades, no heart control
3N: 19+ balanced
4D: 4+ diamonds along with 5+ spades, sets diamonds
3H: heart concentration, no diamonds or club concentration, no H honor
3S: long strong spades
3N: 19+ balanced
4C: undefined, but not a suit
4D: 4+ diamonds along with 5+ spades, sets diamonds
3S: S honor, may be singleton
3N: 19+ balanced
4C: long strong spades, club control
4D: 4+ diamonds along with 5+ spades, sets diamonds
4H: long strong spades, heart control, no club control
4S: long strong spades, no heart or club controls
===========================================================================
3 The Major-Suit Openings
13-18, 5cM. Reverses and jump shifts NF.
Cheapest jump shift in a suit is
Gitelman. Bergen raises by UPH, 2N natural and forcing.
2/1 is GF except if responder rebids the 2/1 suit.
1M-2m-2M is a catchall with minimum value hands, not guaranteeing a
sixth card; 1M-2m-2N is natural and GF.
1M-2m-3m is GF, as is any rebid by opener at the 3-level. So the only
way to stop short of game is 1M-2m-2any-3m .
1M-2C-(2D/2H )-2M may be a 2-card preference, or 3 cards with other
possible strains in mind; 1M-2C- (2D/2H )-3M is
3 (or 4) card support, sets the suit, and asks for control bidding.
Serious 3N applies. 1M-2C- (2D/2H )-4M is a
picture bid -- no controls outside of clubs and the major, and good
trumps (usually 4). Similar considerations apply
over 1S-2D-2H . 1S-2H-2S-3H is NF, but no other sequence starting
with 2H is NF (although I would be willing to make
an exception for the 2N rebid).
1H-1S-2H
A problem auction, so we use Lebensohl:
2N: requests opener to bid 3C, after which
P: to play (weak 4-6 or 5-5)
3D: to play (weak 4-6 or 5-5)
3M: invitational
3N: to play (at most 15, but may be stretching as a NT invite is now unavailable)
4m: splinter with 3-card heart support, denies 2 of top 3 spades
4M: to play, denies 2 of top 3
Opener can bypass the 3C bid to bid 3H with 7 hearts, or to bid 3S
with 3 spades and club shortness.
Direct bids are all GF, and stronger than their counterparts after 2N:
3m, 3M: natural GF
3N: 16-18, singleton or weak doubleton heart, NF
4m: splinter with 3-card heart support, 2 of top 3 spades
4M: to play, good trumps in context
1M-2N
13-15 balanced (or 18-19), 3-card support possible
1H-2S /1S-3C
Gitelman version of Jacoby
1H-2S: GF heart raise
2N:
3C: Most minimum hands
3D: asks
3H: 6+ trumps, unbalanced
3S: asks (substitution)
3N: spade shortness
4C: club shortness
4D: diamond shortness
3S: 5 trumps, spade shortness
3N: 5 or 6 trumps, balanced, some control outside hearts
4C: 5 trumps, club shortness
4D: 5 trumps, diamond shortness
4H: 5 trumps, no controls outside hearts
3D: 5 trumps, extras, unbalanced
3H: asks shortness
3S: a void somewhere
3N: asks (substitution)
4C: club void
4D: diamond void
4H: spade void
3N: club singleton
4C: diamond singleton
4D: spade singleton
3H: 6+ trumps, extras, balanced
3S: 6+ trumps, extras, spade shortness
3N: 5 trumps, extras, balanced
4C: 6+ trumps, extras, club shortness
4D: 6+ trumps, extras, diamond shortness
4H: 6+ trumps, minimum, no controls outside hearts
1S-3C: GF spade raise
3D: Most minimum hands
3H: asks
3S: 6+ trumps, unbalanced
3N: asks
4C: club shortness
4D: diamond shortness
4H: heart shortness
3N: 5 or 6 trumps, balanced, some control outside spades
4C: 5 trumps, club shortness
4D: 5 trumps, diamond shortness
4H: 5 trumps, heart shortness
4S: 5 trumps, no controls outside spades
3H: 5 trumps, extras, unbalanced
3S: asks shortness
3N: a void somewhere
4C: asks (substitution)
4D: diamond void
4H: heart void
4S: club void
4C: club singleton
4D: diamond singleton
4H: heart singleton
3S: 6+ trumps, extras, balanced
3N: 5 trumps, extras, balanced
4C: 6+ trumps, extras, club shortness
4D: 6+ trumps, extras, diamond shortness
4H: 6+ trumps, extras, heart shortness
4S: 6+ trumps, minimum, no controls outside spades
The following rules should make it pretty easy to remember the above. I think that if
you learn the first 2 rules, the entire structure follows naturally from there.
1. The cheapest suit bid shows any minimum except a balanced minimum with extra trump
length (bid 4 of the major with that). All other bids show extra values.
2. The next cheapest suit bid shows 5 trumps and extra values in an unbalanced hand.
3. The cheapest no trump bid shows 5 trumps and extra values in a balanced hand.
4. Rebidding your major at the 3 level shows extra values, extra trump length, and no
shortness.
5. Jumps in new suits (or bidding 3 when hearts was opened) show shortness in the suit
bid (like splinters), but also show extra values and extra trump length.
===================================================================================
4 The 1N Opening
12-14 HCP, 5-card majors common
2C: Puppet to 2D
2D: forced
2H: invitational, 4+ hearts, may be 4=5 in the majors
P: Minimum, 3 hearts, or 4 hearts in 4-3-3-3 (or 4-4-3-2 with wasted values)
2S: Minimum, 4-5 spades, 2 hearts
2N: Minimum, not 3 hearts or 4 spades
3C, 3D: 5 cards, to play (opener must have at least 3)
3C: Minimum, 4-4-3-2 with 4 hearts and good values
3D: Maximum, 4-3-3-3
3H: inquiry
3N: not 4 hearts
4H: 4 hearts
3H: maximum, exactly 3 hearts and a doubleton somewhere
3S: Maximum, 4-5 spades, 2 hearts
3N: Maximum, not 3 hearts or 4 spades
4H: Maximum, 4-4-3-2 with 4 hearts
2S: invitational, 5+ spades, not 4 hearts
P: Minimum, 3-4 spades
2N: Minimum, 2 spades
3C, 3D: 5 cards, to play
3C: Minimum, 4 spades, good values
3D, 3H: game try
3S, 4S: to play
3D: Maximum, 4-3-3-3
3H: Maximum, 5 hearts
3S: 5 spades
3S: Maximum, 3 spades and a doubleton somewhere
3N: Maximum, 2 spades
4S: Maximum, 4 spades and a doubleton somewhere
2N: GF inquiry, usually balanced; may have cards in the majors
3C: no 5-card major, not 4-3-3-3
3D: asks for a 4cM
3H: 4 hearts, maybe 4 spades
3S: 4 spades, either slam interest or desire to declare
3N: 4 spades, no slam interest
3S: 4 spades, not 4 hearts
3N: no 4cM
3H: 5+
3S: control bid with heart support
3N: 2 hearts only
3S: 5+
3N: 2 spades only
3D: any 4-3-3-3
3H: 4 hearts, desire for a suit contract
3S: 4 spades, ditto
3N: to play
3H: 5 hearts
3S: 5 spades, looking for 3-card support
3N: to play
4C, 4D: control bids agreeing hearts
4H: to play
4N: RKC for hearts
3S: 5 spades, 3 hearts
3N: to play
4C, 4D: control bids agreeing spades
4H: to play with a good 5+ heart suit
4S: to play
4N: RKC for spades
3N: 5 spades, 2 hearts (so probably 5=2=3=3)
3C: invitational with 6+ clubs
3D, 3H, 3S: stoppers
3N: to play
3D: invitational with 6+ diamonds
3H, 3S: stoppers
3N: to play
3H: GF with 4 hearts and 5+ diamonds
3S: GF with 4 spades and 5+ diamonds
3N: 5+ diamonds, balanced slam try
4C: ?? RKC for diamonds (or could be XKC)
4D: ?? (or could be RKC for diamonds)
4H: ?? XKC
4S: ?? XKC
4N: Quantitative
5C: ?? XKC
2D: Transfer to hearts, usually 5+ but sometimes only 4; may have 4+ spades also.
2H: no heart superaccept
2S: invitational, 4-4 or better in the majors, except for 4=5
P: Minimum, 3-4 spades
2N: Minimum, 2=3 majors
3H: Minimum, 4 hearts
3S: Maximum, 4 spades
3N: Maximum, 2=3 majors
2N: GF, 5 hearts and an unspecified 4cm
3C: 2 hearts, responder now shows shortness
3D: 0-1 diamonds, 4 clubs
3H: 0-1 clubs, 4 diamonds
3S: 0-1 spades
over these:
3N: to play
4m: 5 cards in the minor
3N: 5-4-2-2, no slam interest
4C: club support, doesn't like 3N
4D: 4 diamonds, 2 clubs
4C: 4 clubs, 5-4-2-2, slam interest
4D: 4 diamonds, 5-4-2-2, slam interest
over these:
control bid with minor-suit support;
4H to play (poor hand, no fit);
4N with a good hand but no suit fit
3D: heart support, inquiry about slam interest
3H: 4 clubs, slam interest
3S: shortness ask
3N: spade shortness, usually 1 sp 3 d
4C: no shortness, 2=2 in sp & d
4D: diamond shortness, usually 3 sp 1 d
3S: 4 diamonds, spade (high) shortness, maybe 4 clubs
3N: 4 diamonds, no shortness (2=5=4=2)
4C: 4 diamonds, club (low) shortness
4H: to play
4S: spade void, XKC
4N: RKC for hearts
5C: club void, XKC
5D: 4 clubs, diamond void, XKC
3H: Maximum, heart support, no 4cm
3S: 2 hearts, 5 spades
4H: Minimum, heart support, no 4cm
3C: 5 hearts, 5 clubs, GF
3D, 3S: control bid for clubs, 2 hearts only
3H: strong heart preference, good support for both suits
3N: 2 hearts only, pointed-suit values
3D: 5 hearts, 5 diamonds, GF
3H: strong heart preference, good support for both suits
3S: control bid for diamonds, 2 hearts only
3N: 2 hearts only, black-suit values
3H: 6 hearts, invitational values
3S: 5+ hearts, 4+ spades, GF (emphasis on hearts)
3N: no support for majors
4C: good heart support
4D: good spade support
4H: weak heart support
4S: weak spade support
3N: 5 hearts, weak suit (Qxxxx or worse), 5-3-3-2 shape
4m: splinter, slam try
4H: to play
4S: ?? XKC
4N: Quantitative
5C: ?? XKC
Superaccepts:
2S: 4-card heart support, spade stopper; 1 top honor in hearts, 2.5-3 quick tricks outside
2N: 4-card heart support, 2 of the top 3; 2 quick tricks outside
3C: 4-card heart support, 1 of the top 3; club stopper, no spade stopper; 2.5-3 quick tricks
3D: " ; AKQ of diamonds, nothing in the black suits
3H: 5-card heart support
2H: transfer to spades, 5+ spades
2S: no spade superaccept
2N: GF, 5 spades and an unspecified 4cm
3C: 2 spades, responder shows shortness
3D: 0-1 diamonds, 4 clubs
3H: 0-1 clubs, 4 diamonds
3S: 0-1 spades
over these:
3N: to play
4m: 5 cards in the minor
3N: 5-4-2-2, no slam interest
4C: club support, doesn't like 3N
4D: 4 diamonds, 2 clubs
4C: 4 clubs, 5-4-2-2, slam interest
4D: 4 diamonds, 5-4-2-2, slam interest
over these:
minor-suit support control bids
4S to play (poor hand, no fit)
4N with a good hand but no suit fit
3D: spade support, inquiry about slam interest
3H: 4 clubs, slam interest
3S: shortness ask
3N: heart shortness, usually 1 ht 3 d
4C: no shortness, 2=2 in reds
4D: diamond shortness, usually 3 ht 1 d
3S: 4 diamonds, heart shortness, maybe 4 clubs
3N: 5=2=4=2
4C: 4 diamonds, club shortness
4H: heart void, XKC
4S: to play
4N: RKC for spades
5C: club void, XKC
5D: diamond void, XKC
3H: 2 spades, 5 hearts
3S: Maximum, spade support, no 4cm
4S: Minimum, spade support, no 4cm
3C: 5-5 in the blacks, GF
3D, 3H: control bids for clubs, 2 spades only
3S: strong spade preference, double fit
3N: 2 spades only, red-suit values
3D: 5-5 in spades and diamonds, GF
3H: control bid for diamonds, 2 spades only
3S: strong spade preference, double fit
3N: 2 spades only, round-suit values
3H: 5+ spades, 4+ hearts, GF (emphasis on spades)
3S: strong preference for spades
3N: no support for either major
4C: control bid agreeing hearts
4D: control bid agreeing hearts
4H: Minimum, heart preference
4S: Minimum, spade preference
3S: 6+ spades, invitational
3N: 5 spades, weak suit (Qxxxx or worse), 5-3-3-2
4m: splinter, slam try
4H: ?? XKC
4S: to play
4N: Quantitative
5C: ?? XKC
Superaccepts:
2N: 4-card spade support, 2 of the top 3; 2 quick tricks outside
3C: 4-card spade support, 1 of the top 3; 2.5-3 quick tricks outside; club stopper
3D: " ; " ; diamond stop, no club stop
3H: " ; AKQ of hearts, nothing in minors
3S: 5-card spade support
2S: range inquiry, usually no 4cM
2N: Minimum
P: to play
3C,3D,3H,3S: slam-going 1-suiter, no void; opener replies RKC
3N: to play, no longer interested in slam
3C: Maximum
3D,3H,3S,4C: slam-going 1-suiter, no void; opener replies RKC
3N: to play
2N: transfer to clubs, either GF or to play
3C: forced
P: to play
3D: GF 5-4 or better in minors, maybe only 4 clubs
3H, 3S: stoppers
3N: to play
3H: GF 5+ clubs, 4 hearts
3S: control bid agreeing hearts
3N: to play
4C: strong club support, not 4 hearts
4D: control bid agreeing hearts
4H: to play
3S: GF 5+ clubs, 4 spades
3N: to play
4C: strong club support, not 4 spades
4D, 4H: control bids agreeing spades
4S: to play
3N: 5+clubs, balanced slam try
3C,3D,3H,3S: shortness in the next suit up (spades -> clubs), either
GF 3-suiter or a 6+-card minor wanting to decided between 3N and 5m
3N: to play
4C: Gerber
4D: Undefined
4H: to play
4S: to play
4N: Quantitative
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.2 Dealing With Interference
1N-(X): penalty double
XX: 10+ HCP, forcing to 2N or suit agreement if they run, all doubles penalty
P: <10 HCP, forces XX if advancer passes
XX: forced
P: 8-9 HCP, forcing to 2N if they run, all doubles penalty
2C: 4cm + higher 4-card suit, or any 4333
2D: 4 diamonds and a 4-card major
2H: 4=4 in the majors
2S: 5 spades
2C /2D /2H: 5-card suit
2S: 6 spades
2N: 5=5 minors
3m /3M: preemptive
=============================================================================
5 The 2C Opening
2C is 11-14 HCP, 6+ clubs, no 4cM
2D: 5+ hearts, constructive or better
2H: any minimum with heart tolerance (2 or 3)
P: to play
2S: asks
2N: 3 hearts, min, spade shortness (substitution scheme)
3C: 2 hearts, denies running clubs
3D: 3 hearts, min, diamond shortness
3H: 3 hearts, min, no shortness
3N: 2 hearts, running clubs
2N: invitational opposite good 12-13
3C: to play
3D: natural, forcing
3H: natural invitational
3N: CoG
2S: 3 hearts, max, spade shortness
2N: maximum with heart shortness
3C: minimum with heart shortness
3D: 3 hearts, max, diamond shortness
3H: 3 hearts, max, no shortness
3N: maximum with exactly 2 hearts
2H: 5+ spades, constructive or better
2S: any minimum with spade tolerance (2 or 3)
P: to play
2N: asks
3C: 2 spades, denies running clubs
3D: 3 spades, min, diamond shortness
3H: 3 spades, min, heart shortness
3S: 3 spades, min, no shortness
3N: 2 spades, running clubs
3C: to play
3D: natural, forcing
3H: natural, forcing
3S: natural invitational
3N: CoG
2N: maximum with spade shortness
3C: minimum with spade shortness
3D: 3 spades, max, diamond shortness
3H: 3 spades, max, heart shortness
3S: 3 spades, max, no shortness
3N: maximum with exactly 2 spades
2S: Artificial, usually looking for 3N
2N: Minimum, two stoppers. Now responder's 3C is a signoff; 3D asks for the unstopped suit; and higher bids are forcing and presumed natural.
3C: Minimum, 1 stopper. Now pass is the signoff (!) and 3D asks for the stopped suit. (3N shows diamonds stopped.)
3D: Maximum, diamond stopper, one or both majors unstopped. Responder will usually bid a stopped major if one is held, or 3N with both.
3H: Maximum, no diamond stopper, maybe a spade stopper. With both spades and diamonds stopped responder will usually bid 3N. 3S shows a diamond stopper and denies a spade stopper. A moment's reflection will confirm that this the only meaning that makes sense.
3S: Maximum, spade stopper, no red-suit stopper
3N: Maximum, all side suits stopped, therefore rather weak clubs
2N: Natural, invitational, tends to deny club fit (else go through 2S).
3C: Not constructive. For opener to bid over this requires a 7-card suit.
3D /3H /3S: Forcing, usually a 6-card suit, although 3D will often be only 5.
3N: To play.
4C: To play.
4D: RKC for clubs.
Other: To play.
Doubles are penalty and free bids are forcing for one round. After
a takeout double, responder should redouble with a hand suitable to
penalizing the opponents, otherwise ignore the double.
============================================================================
6 The 2N Opening
4-8 NV, 8-12 V, 5-5 in the minors
3m: To play
3H: Artificial inquiry; see below.
3S: Natural, invitational (is weak better?)
3N: to play
4m: preemptive
4N: Forces opener to choose a minor.
Other: To play.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.1 The Artificial Inquiry
2N 3H
3S: Minimum 2-1-5-5 or 1-2-5-5. Responder's 3N rebid is to play.
3N: Maximum 2-1-5-5 or 1-2-5-5.
4C: Any other minimum.
4D: Asks
4H: 0=3=5=5
4S: 3=0=5=5
4N: 6-6 minors
4H: max, 0=3=5=5
4S: max, 3=0=5=5
4N: max, 6-6 minors
Berkowitz's suggestion:
3S: 5-5 min
3N: 5-5 max
4C: 5=6 min
4D: 6=5 min
4H: 5=6 max
4S: 6=5 max
4N: 6=6
