Names: Karen Pryor EBU No. 400332
Malcolm Pryor EBU No. 065457
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BIDDING METHODS
ACOL, 11-14 NO TRUMP, WEAK 2S IN , ,
1NT OPENINGS AND RESPONSES
Strength 11-14 Tick if artificial and provide details below
Can have good 5 card major or bad 6 card minor. Shape constraints Tick if may have singleton Will have at least 5 cards in majors 9 Non promissory/ garbage Stayman 2. then 3m is sign off Responses 2. Transfer to hearts1 Transfer to spades1 2 2 1 1 2 Transfer to clubs 2NT Transfer to diamonds
3. = 5 card puppet stayman4 3// natural slam tries; 4. = 5/5+ majors slam Others interest (4/4 = interest, 4 = no interest (relay to 4 for pass or correct)); 4 = 5/5+ majors no slam interest
5 Action after opponents double Helvic 11 Lebensohl whenever game is possible Action after other interference TWO-LEVEL OPENINGS AND RESPONSES
Meaning Responses
2 relay bid. Continuations: 2 = Kokish12 Game forcing or semi-balanced 20-21 3/3 sets suit (responses note 30) 2. (may contain singleton honour) 2/ = to play opposite 20-21 After interference see note 31 2NT inquiry2 including over interference Subsequent new suit = cue agreeing Weak in seats 1-2 (5-9, 6+ V, 5+ NV) 2 opener’s suit Weak with leeway in 3rd (up to 12 Immediate new suit forcing (inv. Over
2 points, 5+ cards) interference)
2 th24 New suit from opener then shortage & Int. in 4 support
Jump in new suit = splinter (except 2-4) 3. = 5 card puppet stayman4 Red suit transfers13 22-bad25 points semi-balanced 2NT 3 both minors slam try (at least 5/4, good May contain singleton honour suits) 29 Last updated 27.8.18 4 suit = transfer slam tries
. COMPETITIVE AUCTIONS
Agreements after opening of one of a suit and overcall by opponents
Level to which negative doubles apply 7 New Suit= simple forcing 5+cds , Cue = sound Special meaning of bids raise, Jump in unbid suit = fit16, Jump in opponents suit = splinter15
After 1.-(1),1/1 can be 4 card and X Exceptions / other agreements promises at least 4/4 Agreements after opponents double for takeout
New Jump in Double jump XX 9+ Nat, F1 Fit Splinter suit new suit in new suit
Jump Pre- Good 2NT 1NT 8-10 raise emptive Raise
Other agreements concerning doubles and redoubles
See note 23
OTHER CONVENTIONS
Long suit trial bids Checkback over 1NT rebid (=15-17)6 17 Fourth suit forcing Wolfend over 1x-1y-2NT (18-19) or 1x-(1y)-X-(P)-2NT (18-19)25 21 4NT = Specific Ace ask Gambling 3NT20
th rd Jump in 4 suit = splinter agreeing 3 suit
SUPPLEMENTARY DETAILS
36. Competitive Auctions ● When we make a simple raise and opponents then protect or pre-protect , e.g. 1-(P)- 2-(P)/P-(?) OPENING LEADS ● X = only 3 card support, maximum, defensive values ● 3 = to play (For all the card combinations shown, clearly mark the (Hatch over this box if using ● 2NT = 2 places to play (e.g. 2-3-4-4 or 1-3-5-4) or maximum with 4 hearts. Partner bids lowest 3 card normally led if different from the underlined card). non-standard leads). card minor in response with only 4 of M. Subsequent heart raise is then maximum with 4 hearts ● 3m = 6 card suit and only 3 of major A K A K x K Q 10 K Q x K J 10 K 10 9 Q J 10 ● After 1M-(2NT) showing minors ● 3. is GF with other major (6 card or good 5 card suit) and 3 is a UCB. Q J x J 10 x 10 x x 10 9 x 9 8 7 x 10 x x x H x x
● Supporting 3M is a stretch raise and 3otherM is 6+ suit NF. v. suit ● In general, when opponent’s intervene with 2-suited bids, the higher ranking cue bid is UCB and contracts H x x x H x x x x H x x x x x x x x x x x x x x lower ranking cue bid is artificial GF ● Pass then X is takeout with 4 of other major, or bad 5 card suit, X then X is penalties A K x (x) A J 10 x K Q 10 K Q x K J 10 K 10 9 Q J 10 ● If opponents make an opening bid at the 2 level to show both majors, all bids including of majors are Q J x J 10 x 10 x x 10 9 x 9 8 7 x 10 x x x H x x
natural if one major can be 4 card v. NT ● If opponents make a bid to show both minors, clubs at lowest level is at least 4/5 in majors with better contracts H x x x H x x x x H x x x x x x x x x x x x x x hearts, diamonds is at least 5/4 in majors with longer/better spades ● If we have agreed a minor and opponents have bid 2 suits, a cue bid shows a stop ● Raise to 5 level in major suit asks for 2nd round control of unbid suit in uninterrupted auction, and asks Other agreements in leading, e.g. high level contracts, partnership suits:- nd for 2 round control of opponents suit in a contested auction. A asks for reverse count on initial lead, otherwise reverse attitude ● (2H)- P-(P)- X / (P)- 2NT = Lebensohl if doubler is not a passed hand 2 places to play if doubler is a passed hand A for unblock against no-trumps ● After (1.)-P-(t/fer) or similar auction then X shows bid suit and bid of suit shown by responder is CARDING METHODS takeout of that suit ● After (1.)-P-(1) showing 1NT bid or denying a 4 card major or similar then X shows takeout of Primary method v suit contracts Primary method v NT contracts clubs ● In auctions where we have not made an available takeout X, X is penalties e.g. 1X-(1Y)-P-(2Y)/P-(P)-X On Partner’s lead Reverse count (*) Reverse count (*)
On Declarer’s lead Reverse count Reverse count When discarding Reverse count (**) Reverse count (**)
Other carding agreements, including secondary methods (state when applicable) and exceptions to above
(*) Reverse attitude on initial lead except on lead of Ace or obvious suit preference situations
(**) First discard = Reverse Attitude
Trump peter for a ruff (or can sometimes be suit preference)
Occasional suit preference SUPPLEMENTARY DETAILS (continued)
Count is always current except in suit led
32. Defence to NT by passed hand OTHER OPENING BIDS X - majors, minors or diamonds, 8+points (responder bids better minor) 2. - .s and a major (2 then natural, 2 to pass or correct) HCP Min CONVENTIONAL SPECIAL MEANING RESPONSES 2 - s and a major (2 to pass or correct) Splinters15 2M/3m – natural Strong jump shifts14 1./ 10-22 4 Can be weak in 3rd 2NT=GF with minor support no 33. Responses and continuations after a protective 1NT (11-16) 4cM, or slam try in minor 2. = Staymanic range ask 2 = 11-12 no 4 card major 15 Splinters (incl. 1- 4) 2/2 = 11-12 natural (4+) 14 1/ 10-22 4 Can be weak in 3rd Strong jump shifts 2NT = 13-14 any hand (3. then stayman re-inquiry) 3 2NT Game Force 3X = 15-16 natural (5 cards if minor) – not compulsory to show a suit
Weak in seats 1-2 New suit F1, then.. rd 35. Other agreements: 3 bids 0-14 6 Wide in 3 (up to 12, 6+) New suit by opener is shortage th24 ● With 5 clubs and 5 spades, open 1 if weak and 1. if strong Int. in 4 agreeing responders suit ● Cue bids can be first or second round control Over 4./; 4/ shows slam 4 bids 5-15 7 4./ = SAT27 ● Principle of Fast Arrival (eg: after Jacoby 2NT, after 2.-2-2M) interest ● 4-4-4-1 hands (any singleton) (a) 15+ points, open lower major (b) 12-14 points open higher minor DEFENSIVE METHODS AFTER OPPONENTS OPEN ● 5NT = grand slam force. If trump suit is minor, 7m = 2 of 3 honours, 6m otherwise. If trump suit is major, 7M = 2 of 3 honours, 6M = 0, 6. = either A or K, 6 = Q only. Over 6., 6 asks for extra OPPONENTS OPEN CONVENTIONAL SPECIAL length NATURAL 1-SUIT MEANING RESPONSES ● 1-1NT-2 = 5+/4+ n.f. ● 1-1NT-3 = 5+/5+ inv. ● 1-1NT-3. = 5+/4+ & forcing After 1-1NT-3., 3 = inquiry. Responses: New Suit F1; 1NT=10-12 Simple overcall Natural; can be 4 cards at 1 level ● 3 = 5+/5 ● 3 = 6+/4 ● 3NT = 5/4 2NT = 13-15; 3NT = 16+; UCBs System on after (1.)- 1-(P)-1NT ● 1x-1NT-2y-2NT = good raise in y. 1x-1NT-2y-3y = pre-emptive raise in y; 1M-1NT-2M-2NT = Weak; 2 of top 3 honours if partner 2 Jump overcall not passed 2NT inquiry minors Wide opposite passed hand ● 1x-1M-2M-2/3y shows exactly 4 of M ● Reverses Cue bid UCB; The following reverses are game forcing: Michaels (weak or strong) Note 10 All reverses by responder 1NT Direct: 15½-18 As for opening 1NT All 3 level reverses Protective 11-16 Note 33 All jump reverses 10 The following reverses are forcing for 1 round only 2NT Direct: Unusual (weak or strong) Natural 17 Protective 19-21 As for opening 2NT Reverses at the 2 level (Ingberman applies)
OPPONENTS DEFENSIVE OPEN WITH METHODS Strong 1. See note 28
Precision 1 2= Michaels, 3= Weak Short 1./1 Cue = Michaels, 3./= Weak
ASPTRO7, both majors = anchor to shorter. Weak / Strong 1NT For passed hand defence see note 32. Always X weak NT with 15+ points then see note 23 Dbl = takeout + Lebensohl8 Weak 2 Cue asks for stop
2NT = 15½-18 Balanced
Weak 3 Dbl = takeout 22 Defence to gambling 3NT 4./ Dbl = takeout 4 4NT=minors, X=values & spade tolerance 4 X = penalties, 4NT = takeout
Multi 2 Note 16
27. South African Texas: SLAM CONVENTIONS ● 4. = either 8 hearts headed by the AKQ with no outside Ace, or 7 hearts headed by AKQJ, with exactly 1 outside Ace or 8 hearts missing 1 top honour with 1 outside Ace Name Meaning of Responses Action over interference ● 4 = either 8 spades headed by the AKQ with no outside Ace, or 7 spades headed by AKQJ, with RKCB & Exclusion Blackwood See notes 18-19 See notes 18-19 exactly 1 outside Ace or 8 spades missing 1 top honour with 1 outside Ace Responder bids 1 suit up = inquiry with slam interest. Responses: ● Bid trump suit = no outside Ace ● New suit = Ace of bid suit
28. Defence to Strong Club: SUPPLEMENTARY DETAILS X = hearts (5+) 1 = spades (5+) 1. 4 suit transfers. Break as follows: 1 = 2 suits of the same colour (5/5 opening hand) Can break major suit transfers with 4+ in suit, as follows: 1 = 2 suits of the same rank (5/5 opening hand) ● 3M = minimum ● 2NT = maximum, no weak doubleton 1NT = 2 suits of different colour and rank (5/5 opening hand) ● Other = maximum, weak doubleton 2 suit = either weak 2 in that suit, or weak with 2 suits above (5/5) Break minor suit transfers without Qxx or better by bidding intervening suit After Strong Club and 1 response: New suit at 3 level after transfer is forcing to game and natural (4+) X = a 5 card major Minor at 4 level after transfer to major is cue self-agreeing major Other responses unchanged New suit at 2 level after transfer is forcing for one round and natural (4+) Transfer to spades then jump to 4 is natural 29. Transfer slam tries over 2NT Responses: 4. - slam try in s ● New suit = cue, If opponents double our 2 (transfer to clubs) 4 - slam try in s ● 4NT = Key card if major shown, sign off if minor shown ● Pass = exactly 2 clubs ● 2NT shows 3+ clubs, Jxx or worse 4 - slam try in .s ● Game in suit = no interest ● Redouble shows 5 spades ● 3. shows 3+ clubs, Qxx or better 4 - slam try in s If opponents double our transfer to a major 30. Over 2.-2; 3M sets suit. Responses show controls as follows: ● Pass = exactly 2 of major ● 2M shows 3 of major ● 4M = no aces and no kings (a) ● New suit = Ace (b) ● 4NT = 2 Aces (c) ● 3M = minimum with 4 of major ● 2NT = maximum with 4 of major, no weak doubleton ● 3NT = no aces, at least 1 king (d) ● Other suit = maximum, weak doubleton, 4 of major (a) Over 2.-2-3M-4M, 4NT asks for non-trump queens. Responses: cue bid lowest Queen ● Redouble shows 5 of transfer suit, denies 4 of partners major
(b) Over 2.-2-3M-NewSuit, 2. 2NT after Weak 2 opener or overcall is an inquiry. OGUST responses: 4NT asks for non-trump kings. Responses cue lowest king New suit asks partner to cue kings above this level ● 3. = minimum hand, poor suit ● 3 = minimum hand, good suit Subsequent 5NT asks for non-trump queens. Responses: cue bid lowest Queen ● 3 = maximum hand, poor suit ● 3 = maximum hand, good suit ● 3NT = AKQxx(x) (c) Over 2.-2-3M –4NT, 5. asks for cue of Kings. New suit asks for cue of lowest non-trump king above that level. Rebid trump suit with none. If 2NT overcalled 3.; Dbl = abs. minimum, Pass = 3. response, other responses unaltered by overcall (d) Over 2.-2-3M –3NT, 4. asks for Kings. Responses: If 2NT overcalled 3; Dbl = 3. response, Pass = 3 response, other responses unaltered by overcall ● 4/4/4 = King of bid suit (if not trumps) ●4M = club King ● 4NT = 2 Kings If 2NT overcalled 3; Dble = 3. or 3 response, Pass shows 3 response, 3 shows 3 response 31. If opponents bid over 2. opener, responses as follows If 2NT overcalled 3; Dble = minimum, Pass = maximum. If 2NT is doubled: XX = abs. minimum, other responses unaltered by X ● X = penalties if partner is balanced (weak hand) ● Pass = Neutral ● 2/2 NF
● 3./ 3 = weak 6+ cards ● 2NT = weak, at least 5/5 in minors 3. 1M, 2NT = game forcing in major. Responses: After 2.- (2//) - P- (P) opener rebids as follows: ● New suit = natural, non-minimum ● Jump in new suit = splinter, non-minimum ● X = semi balanced with no stop ● 2NT = semi balanced with stop ● 3NT = 15+ points and 4 card suit ● 3 level in suit = non-minimum, 5 card suit, no shortage All continuations as if bidding over 2NT ● Game bid = minimum hand If opponents double 2. opener, responses as follows ● XX = club stop + Kokish12 ● Pass = half club stop+ Kokish12 ● 2= no club stop + Kokish12 By a passed hand, 1M, 2NT = 7 losers in major. Responses: ● 2/2 NF ● New suit = natural, non-minimum ● Jump in new suit = splinter, non-minimum After 2. - (P) - 2- (X) opener rebids as follows ● 3NT = 15+ points and 4 card suit ● 3 level in suit = minimum to play ● XX = semi balanced with no stop ● 2NT = semi balanced with stop ● Game bid = to play ● Pass = semi balanced with ½ stop. Continuations: Continuations above 2NT as if auction was 2. -2- 2NT uninterrupted If 2NT is doubled: After 2. (P) - 2- (2/) opener rebids as follows: ● XX = 15+ points and poor 4 card suit ● 3NT = 15+ points and good 4 card suit ● X = semi balanced with no stop ● 2NT = semi balanced with stop ● Pass = 5-3-3-2 with defensive values ● Pass = semi balanced with ½ stop. Continuations: Other bids unchanged Continuations above 2NT as if auction was 2. -2- 2NT uninterrupted
4. In response to 1NT or 2NT, 3. = 5 card puppet stayman. Responses: Support Double Situations 3. - 5 card stayman. Responses: ● Support doubles only in auctions 3 = No 5 card M, better than 2-3 in M. Responses: (a) 1m/M – (PorX) – 1M – (non-jump) – X. or (b) 1. – (1) – 1M – (2) – X 3 = denies 4 hearts 3NT = 4-4 in majors ● Support redoubles only in auction 1m/M – (PorX) – 1M – (X) – XX 3 = 4 hearts, denies 4 spades but may have 5 4./ natural slam try (5+) ● 1. – (PorX) – 1 – (1) – X = 4 hearts 3/ = 5 card natural ● 1. – (PorX) – 1 – (1) – X = takeout (no clear bid or extras, may or may not have 4 spades) 3NT = 2-3 or worse in majors Over 1/2NT - 3. - 3 - 3/ - 3NT : 4./4 are natural slam tries with a 5+ card suit Special Agreements After we have made a takeout double ● Jump bid = 8-10 ● Double jump bid = pre-emptive After 1/2NT – (P) – 3. - (3) ● Cue bid of oppo’s minor = both majors 8-10 or any 11+. Responses: X = No 5 card M, better than 2-3 in M. Continuations same as after 1/2NT – 3. / 3 ● 2/2 = better major & minimum. Responder’s rebid: 3NT = 2-3 or worse in majors, diamond stop ● 2 (after 2) =exactly 4 spades, forcing for 1 round P = 2-3 or worse in majors, no stop ● 2NT = natural, invitational, less good stop than immediate 2NT 3/ = 5 card natural ● 3 of other minor= natural and forcing ● 3 of opponent’s minor= asking for half a stop, game forcing After 1/2NT – (P) – 3. - (X) ● 3 of partner’s major = invitational P = 2-3 or worse in majors, no club stop ● 3 of other major = natural, forcing and sets suit. Asks partner to cue bid 3NT = 2-3 or worse in majors, club stop ● 3NT = natural, asks partner to remove if unsuitable 3 = No 5 card M, better than 2-3 in M, no stop. Cont’s same as after 1/2NT – 3. / 3 ● 3/3 = better major & invitational XX = No 5 card M, better than 2-3 in M, stop. Cont’s same as after 1/2NT – 3. / 3 ● 2NT = exactly 1 major & game forcing 3/ = 5 card natural ● 3 of opponents minor = 4/4 in the majors, game forcing
● 3 of other minor = natural and forcing After 1/2NT – (P) – 3. - (3M) ●Cue bid of oppo’s major = both minors 8-10 or any 11+ P = not 4 cards in other major, no stop X = 4 cards in other major 24. Jump bids are intermediate in 4th 3NT = not 4 cards in other major, stop ● 10-14 points 3/ = 5 card natural ● 2+ defensive tricks ● <4 spades if spades is not bid suit Responses 5. After opponents double immediately over 1NT open or overcall; Helvic responses: Raises = pre-emptive ● 2.// = at least 4-4 in bid suit and suit above 2NT asks for partner’s side suit values ● 2 = at least 5 spades New suit = trial bid ● Redouble = single suited hand. Opener relays to 2.. ● Pass forces redouble by partner. Subsequent suit bids show: 25. 1X-1Y-2NT = 18-19. 1X – (1Y) – X – (P) – 2NT = 18-19. Continuations: Wolfend: ● 2. = at least 4 clubs and at least 4 of a major or 4-3-3-3. Responses: ● 3.= relay to 3, then weak if rebid suit, or slam invitational in NT if rebid 3NT ● 2 = natural (5+), 2 clubs ● 3= major suit inquiry ● 2 = pass or correct ● 3 = slam try in opener’s suit ● 3 = slam try in responder’s suit ● P = 3+ clubs, not 4-4 in majors. If this is doubled, XX by responder = 4-3-3-3 without 4 clubs 26. No-trump rebid ranges ● 2 = at least 4 diamonds and at least 4 spades After 1 level response in uninterrupted auction: ● 1NT = 15-17 + checkback3 ● 2NT rebid = 18-19 + Wolfend25 ● 3NT = running minor After opponents double indirectly over 1NT open or overcall After 1X-2m or 1X – (1/2Y) – 2m – (P): ● 2./// by partner of 1NT bidder= natural, at least 5 ● 2NT rebid is 15-19 GF ●3NT rebid is 15-16 with 4 card support ● Redouble by responder = weak hand, no 5 card suit After 1 -2 in uninterrupted auction or 1X – (2Y) – 2 – (P): ● Redouble by 1NT opener = 5 card suit ● 2NT rebid is 15-19 GF ●3NT rebid is 15-16 with 3 hearts and 4-3-3-3 After 1X – (1Y) – X – (P) or 1X – (1Y) – 1Z – (P) 6. 1NT rebid = 15-17. ● 1NT = 15-17 + checkback6 ● 2NT rebid = 18-19 + Wolfend25 ● 3NT = running minor 2. = checkback. Responses: After 1X – (2Y) – X – (P) ● 2 = no extra length in majors, minimum ● 2NT = no extra length in majors, non-minimum ● 2NT = 15-17 points n.f. ● 3NT = 18-19 points ● 2 = extra length in hearts, minimum ● 3 = extra length in hearts, non-minimum After (1X) – P – (P) – X / (P) – 1Y – (P) ● 2 = extra length in spades, minimum ● 3 = extra length in spades, non-minimum ● 1NT = 15-18 points n.f. ● 2NT = 22-24 ● 3NT = 25+ After 2. checkback, bids up to 2 are always non forcing After (1X) – P – (P) – X / (P) – 2Y(non-jump) – (P) 3of partner’s or own suit = natural, invitational ● 2NT = 17-18 points n.f. ● 3NT = 22+
20. Gambling 3NT = running minor with no outside A, K or void. Responses: 7. ASPTRO. 2. = hearts and another, 2 = spades and another, anchor to the shorter with both majors. ● 4. = pass or correct Responses: ● 4= singleton inquiry. Responses: ● One suit up denies 3 of anchor suit ● Jump in anchor suit is pre-emptive ● 4/4 = singleton in bid suit ● 4NT = no singleton ● 3. = general force ● 3 = unassuming cue bid in anchor suit ● 5. = singleton diamond ● 5 = singleton club ● 2NT = 11-13, balanced ● Delayed 2NT = asking for 2nd suit
21. 4NT opening asks for specific Aces If opponents double our ASPTRO bid of 2. ● 5. = no aces ● 5NT = 2 aces ● 5/5/5/6. = ace of bid suit only ● Pass denies 3 hearts, club tolerance (3+) ● 2 = at least 5 diamonds, <3 hearts Over interference: ● 3. = general force ● 3 = unassuming cue bid in anchor suit P = no aces, suit at 4 level = that Ace, 5NT = 2 aces, 6. = Ace in suit below opponents bid suit ● rdbl = take out to other suit, denies 3. or 3
22. If opponents open gambling 3NT (or 2NT showing pre-empt in either minor): If opponents double our ASPTRO bid of 2 ● X = strong and balanced (16+) ● Pass denies 3 spades, diamond tolerance (3+) ● 2 = at least 5 hearts, <3 spades ● 4.(3.) = takeout of diamonds ● 4(3) = takeout of clubs ● 3. = general force ● 3 = unassuming cue bid in anchor suit If 3NT converted to 4./4 ● rdbl = take out to other suit, denies 3 or 3 ● X = takeout if neither hand has doubled 3NT ● X = penalties if either hand has doubled 3NT If opponents bid over our ASPTRO bid ● X asks for other suit ● New Suit = Natural (6+) 23. Doubles and Redoubles ● Cue bid = UCB in anchor suit ● Bid of anchor suit = pre-emptive ● Negative doubles to 7. Both majors when both minors have been bid at 1 level, otherwise tolerance (3+) ● 2NT = Natural (11-13 and stop in opponents suit) for any unbid suit or a strong hand. For no-trump ranges following partner’s negative double, see note 26 ● Responsive doubles to 7. If there is only one unbid major, then it denies 4, if both majors are unbid it 8. When we double a weak 2 (2M)- X –(P) or single raise of a major (1M)-P-(2M)-X, Lebensohl responses if shows equal length game values are possible: ● Lead directing doubles 2 level bid = 0-8 non-forcing ● Double of no-trumps when we have both bid asks partner to lead his own suit Non-jump 3 level bid = 9-12 non-forcing ● Lightner doubles Cue bid = 4 of a major and stop in overcalled suit ● Double of opponents stayman/transfer = penalty double of 1NT 3NT = stop in opponents suit & to play ● Double of a pre-empt in an unspecified suit = 16+ in 2nd and takeout in 4th (does not apply to multi) 2NT = relay to 3. (partner responds 3 if he was going to convert 3. to 3 using equal level ● Doubles are penalties when we have pre-empted conversion) ● Rosenkranz redoubles (over negative double, XX shows Ax, Kx or Qx in partner’s suit) Cue bid = 4 of other major and no stop ● Game try doubles when no other bid available 3NT = game values, no stop, no 4 card major ● If opponents double our control or splinter bid, Bids below opponents suit = 0-8 non-forcing ● Pass = no control ● XX = 1st round control ● Bid = 2nd round control Bids above opponents suit = 9-12 non-forcing ● If opponents double our FSF or stop asking bid, XX shows a stop; pass = no stop; 3NT = ½ stop ● If opponents double / bid over 2. opener, see note 31 If game values are not possible, 2NT = (at least) 2 places to play ● Equal level conversion. After lebensohl, with a hand that was going to pull 3. to 3 to show diamonds and other major, respond 3 9. Stayman Subsequent doubles after penalty double of 1NT 1NT - (P) - 2. - (P) - 2M ● When we have doubled 1NT for penalties (with any 15+ if 1NT is weak), they cannot play in 2./ Other major = invitational and natural (4 card) and forcing for 1 round undoubled. A forcing pass shows values (4+) 3m = sign off ● X of a natural suit bid is takeout with values (4+). Future Xs are penalties 4m = cue bid agreeing partners 4 card major ● X of artificial or 2 suited bid is takeout with values (4+) and subsequent doubles are penalties. Bidding other suit is takeout with 0-3 points. 2. Can be 4/4 in majors and weak. After 1NT - 2. / 2- 2 opener will convert to 2 if 3/2 e.g. (1NT) – X – (2. showing .&) – 2 = takeout with 0-3 points e.g. (1NT) – X – (2. showing .&) – X = takeout with 4+ points If opponents double our 2. stayman bid ● X after partner passed 2 suited bid including the suit, and the other hand bids is penalties ● 2/ = 4/5 card ● 2 = natural 5+ good suit E.g. (1NT) – X – (2. = clubs and another suit) – P / (2Y) – X = penalties ● Pass = nothing to show ● XX = natural 5+ good suit ● X after partner passed 2 suited bid not showing the suit, and the other hand bids is values, and subsequent doubles are penalties 10. If opponents bid 1. - 1 E.g. (1NT) – X – (2. = e.g. staymen or transfer) – P / (2) – X = values ● 2. = Michaels with longer hearts ● (1NT) – X – (2. = e.g. staymen or transfer) – P / (P!) – X = a hand that would have passed a ● 2 = Michaels with longer spades penalty X of 2. ● 2NT = 5/5 or 6/6 ● Omitting to make a takeout double then pulling partner’s takeout X is forcing to explicit suit agreement or If opponents bid (1M) – P – (2M) 2NT. E.g. (1NT) – X – (2) – P / (P) – X – (P) - 2 is forcing ● 2NT = minors over hearts, 2 suiter over spades ● 3M = stop asking for NT
11. When our 1NT is overcalled with a non-jump bid, 1NT-(2B) or (1B)-1NT-(2B) 16. Defence to multi: X of natural bid = takeout & lebensohl if game values are possible (*), subsequent doubles are ● Dbl = t/o of spades penalties ● (2)-X-(P)-2 = a hand that would have passed a takeout X of 2 X of artificial then X from either side is penalties ● (2)-X-(2)-2 = a hand that would have passed a takeout X of 2 X of bid showing specified 2-suiter including bid suit = takeout of bid suit. Bids of all suits ● (2)-X-(2)-X = defensive values, penalty oriented excepts bid suit are natural even if suit shown by overcall ● 2 = t/o of hearts ● 2NT = 15½-18 balanced Pass of artificial bid followed by X is takeout, and then all subsequent Xs are penalties ● 4./4= hearts and the minor (5+/5+) ● Pass initially then 4./4= spades and the minor (same after (2)-P-(3)-P-(P)) (*) After a takeout X, when game values are possible, Lebensohl applies: After (2)-P-(4)-P-(P) then 4 = spades and a minor. Resp: 4NT = RKCB, 5. = P/C ● After (2)-P-(2M) then X is either pure penalties or pure takeout. Partner assumes t/o if in doubt 2 level bid = 0-8 non-forcing ● After (2)-P-(2M)-P-(P) then X is takeout Non-jump 3 level bid = 9-12 non-forcing Cue bid = 4 of a major and stop in overcalled suit All bids as for weak 2 after suit established, including (2)-P-(P) then X is takeout of 3NT = stop in opponents suit & to play 2NT = relay to 3. (partner responds 3 if he was going to convert 3. to 3 using equal 17. Fourth Suit Forcing level conversion) ● Fourth suit is forcing to game except for: Cue bid = 4 of other major and no stop ● 1.-1-1-1-1NT = 12-14, non-forcing (but continuations are game forcing) 3NT = game values, no stop, no 4 card major ● 1.-1-1-1-2 = non-forcing (but continuations are game forcing) ● Raise of 4th suit shows four cards if possible, otherwise extra values and no more to show Bids below opponents suit = 0-8 non-forcing th Bids above opponents suit = 9-12 non-forcing ● After a 2 level reverse, Ingberman (lower of 2NT and 4 suit is a negative <8 points). Anything else is game forcing except bids below both 4th suit and 2NT, e.g. 1-1/2-2
When game values are not possible, 2NT = two places to play and suit bids non-forcing 18. After a suit is agreed, except for situations explicitly agreed otherwise, 4NT asks for number of If 1NT is opened opposite a passed hand, game values are assumed not possible key cards. Responses:
5. = 1 or 4 5 = 0 or 3 5 = 2 – Q 5 = 2 + Q 12. Kokish 5NT = even number & working void 6. = odd number & working void 2. - 2 - 2NT = 25+ semi-balanced If responder shows 1 or 4 with 4, or shows 0 or 3 with 3 and inquirer signs off, he continues as follows: 2. - 2 - 2 = s (6+), s and another (5+/4+) or 20-21 semi-balanced. Responses: ● New suit = king of that suit and no Q of trumps ● 2NT = 5+/5+ in minors, no game interest ● 3m = 7+ card suit, no game interest ● 5NT = Q trumps ● 2 = relay to find partners hand type. Responses: ● 6 trumps = no queen of trumps & no kings 2NT = 20-21+ semi-balanced. Responses as for 2NT opener Over interference: 3 = single suited game forcing hand in hearts (6+ cds) Over Dble: responses unchanged. Rdbl = penalties Anything else = two suited game forcing hand with hearts (5+) and bid suit (4+) Over 5./: Dble = 1/4, Pass = 0/3; Over 5/: Dble = Even, Pass = Odd
13. Over 2NT, 3 is a transfer to hearts After key-card responses, next suit up asks for Queen of trumps. Responses: Opener breaks the transfer to a cue with 3+ hearts and a slam suitable hand ● Rebid trump suit denies Queen Opener breaks the transfer to 3NT with <3 hearts and 5 spades ● Jump in trump suit shows Queen and no non-trump Kings Over 2NT, 3 is a transfer to spades ● New suit = trump Queen & King in bid suit Opener breaks the transfer to 3NT with <3 spades and 5 hearts ● 5NT = trump Queen & 2 non-trump kings Opener breaks the transfer to a cue with 3+ spades and a slam suitable hand After key-card responses, 5NT asks for Kings. Responses: 14. Jump shifts in non-competitive auctions by a non-passed hand are strong. Either: ● Suit bid is that king or other 2 ● Sign off in 6 of trump suit = no side suit kings ● Solid suit 6+ or ● 6NT = all 3 side suit kings ● Good support for partner’s suit and values in bid suit Responder rebids: 19. Jump to the 5 level after a suit is agreed asks for number of key cards excluding the bid suit. Responses: ● Rebid suit = Solid suit 6+ & sets the suit. 1 - 3 / 3 - 4 = forcing Step 1 = 0 or 3 Step 2 = 1 or 4 Step 3 = 2 – Q ● New suit = cue bid agreeing openers suit Step 4= 2 + Q Step 5 = 2 & working void Over interference: Jump shifts in competitive auctions and in non-competitive auctions by a passed hand are fit bids showing a Over Dble: responses unchanged. Rdbl = penalties good suit of 5+ cards, 2/3 honours and 4 card trump support (min Qxxx or 5 low) Over 5./: Dble = 0/3, Pass = 1/4; Over 5/: Dble = Even, Pass = Odd After (exclusion) key-card responses, 5NT asks for non-trump (non excluded suit) Kings. Responses: 15. Splinters ● Rebid trump suit = no kings ● Splinters at the 4 level are 11-15 points, exactly 7 losers ● Non trump suit bid is king of bid suit ● Bids 1 level higher than a force are splinters with the exception of 1NT-2/ 2 / 4 ● 6NT = 2 kings After responses to exclusion key card, rebid excluded suit asks for cue bid of lowest king.