Defensive and Competitive Bidding Leads and Signals See Space for “Special Doubles” (Style, response; ½ level, reopening) Opening Leads Style WBF 8-15 pts. may be 4 cards at 1 level. Single Jump Lead In partner’s suit = Intermediate. 2 level usually 10+ hcp Suit 4th best Top xxx, low wth honour 3+ Responses: Raises - weak Cue-bid 1 rd Country Trinidad and Tobago force, new suit =signoff, jump shift = forcing, dbl Nt 4th best Subseq As reqrd Player Kalifa Howard /Alana Xavier jump shift = splinter Other Leads System Summary Transfer advances Lead Vs suit Vs notrump In the reopening position: Same General Approach and Style 1nt (2nd/4th live, Responses, reopening) Ace AKx(x) AKx(x) 2nd pos. 16-19 HCP, good stopper King AK, KQx(x) AK, KQx(x) Natural System featuring 5 card spade, weak nt, intermediate two bids. Other elements are Responses: Stayman, red transfers, texas Queen QJxx QJ9x 4th pos. 8-15 HCP. intermediate jump overcalls, limit raises of partner's opening bid. Advanced features include: Responses: 2♣ Stayman, red transfers Jack J10xx J10xx swiss convention, delayed splinters, 2♦ and Jump Overcall (style, responses, unusual nt) 10 10x, 109(x) 10x, 109(x) specialized 2nt opening bid. Intermediate. At least a six card suit 9 9x, 98x, 9xx 9x, 98x, 9xx 2nt Overcall =Suggests 2 lower unbid suits Special bids That May Require Defense Responses:- Natural. Hi x xx xx Openings Description Direct and jump cue bids (Style, responses, Lo x K,Q,J,10xxx K,Q,J,10xxx 1) 2♣ 5+ QT or more QT than losers reopen) 2) 2♦ multicoloured 2♦* Style: Michaels. Signals in order of priority 3) 2♥/♠ 8 playing tricks Responses: Natural Partner’s Dclrer’s Discarding 4) 2nt Strong or minors lead lead Vs NT (Strong or Weak Nt reopening) 5) 3nt Solid minor & little outside Suit 1st Attitude Attitude Attitude : Cansino natural 6) swiss response. to 1♥/♠ 2nd Count Count Count Vs Doubles, cue bids;jumps;nt bids) *weak 2 in either major, strong 2 in either minor, 3rd Suit pref Suit pref Suit pref Overcall sugg a fair 1-suited hand. Double is for st balanced 20-22 takeout. 3nt is to play. NT 1 Attitude Attitude Attitude nd Cue Bids- Michaels 2 Count Count Count Jump Overcall-Intermediate. Suggests six card V s artificial Strong Openings 3rd Suit pref Suit pref Suit pref or longer suit, 6-7 probable playing tricks 1♣ or 2♣:-Howard's defence Signals (including trumps) Michaels. echo suggs odd number. Usually can Cansino over nt Howard's over artificial 1 club Over Opponents :- Doubles Takeout double (style, responses, reopening) New Suit 1 round force. Direct support weak. Special sequences 10+ HCP, short in opponent’s suit & 3+ suit Redouble suggests no support and 11+ HCP. 2nt DOPI after 5 level Interference Bids support = limit raise Jump shift weak* Special, Artificial and Competitive Dbles Rspses: Min response - 0-7 HCP; 1nt =7- Light penalty doubles, DSIP Doubles 9 HCP & stopper in opp suit. Jump-= 7-11 points. Psychics, rare Cue = force.

Reopening; 9+ points and same as above

Responses: jumps sugg opening values

Openi Art # Description Neg Responses (including modifications Subsequent Auction Modifications in Competition ng tru over competition) ♣/♦ 3 10 - 19 HCP 1 over 1 = 6+ pts and 4+ cards 1nt= balanced 15-17 Raises are preemptive. 2nt 1nt suggests 6-10 hcp without a 4 2nt after 2 over 1 response = suggests value raise to 3 with 4+ card major. balanced 15-17 card support Single raise suggests jump to 2n = balanced 18-19 Free bids suggest five + cards 9 losers or 6-9 support Suit bid unlimited pts Jump in new suit suggests good 2♣ over 1♦ suggests 10-15 hcp or a hand improved by with 5 card suit. Jump shift partner’s bid suggests 16+ hcp and 5+ cards jump to 3nt suggests long, solid (interest in slam) suit 18-19 2nt = balanced 10-12 hcp dble raise is limit 3nt = bal 13-15 hcp. (may be gambling)

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Openi Art # Description Neg Responses (including modifications Subsequent Auction Modifications in Competition ng tru over competition) 1♥ 4 10 - 19 points 1 over 1 = 5/6+ hcp and 4+ cards Rebid of Raises are preemptive. 2nt 1nt suggests 6-9 hcp without a 1nt= balanced 12-17 suggests value raise to 3 with 4+ biddable 4 card major. 2nt= balanced 18-19 card support Single raise suggests 9 losers or Suit bid undefined Free bids suggest five + cards 6-9 support pts Jump in new suit suggests good two suiter or a hand improved by 2♣/♦ suggests 8-15 hcp with 4+ partner’s bid card suit and no biddable major or Jump to game suggests seven a long minor (may conceal major if winners (usually solid suit) and fit strong) with partner 2♥ over 1S suggests 5+ cards. Jump shift suggests 16+ points, 5+ cards and an interest in slam 2nt = balanced 10/11-12 HCP dble raise is limit (preemptive in competition) double jump shift = splinter Super Swiss over 1H, 3S= Splinter in some undefined suit. over 1S 3Nt= Splinter in some undefined suit. over a minor, 3nt = bal 14-15 hcp. (may be gambling) 4C= balanced raise with primary support, poor trumps and 5+ controls 4D= balanced raise with primary support, good trumps and 4+ controls ♠ 5+ 10 - 19 points 1nt suggests 6-15 pts (forcing) New suit over limit raise = cue 2 over 1 suggests 10+ hcp bid. After forcing 1nt response Double raise is a limit bid opener bids a 2nd 4 card + suit or Splinter bids & Swiss convention bids 3m, a rebid of the same suit suggest 14-15 hcp suggests 6+ cards. New suit over single raise = long suit .

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Openi Art # Description Neg Responses (including modifications Subsequent Auction Modifications in Competition ng tru over competition) nt 11/12-14 hcp balanced 2♣=Stayman (asking for 4 card 1nt-2♣-2♦-2♥/♠ suggests 5 card Rubennsohl. 3nt is natural and to hand major) suit & both majors (signoff) play 2 of a suit to 2 ♠ = transfer after transfer, new suit = 1 rd 2nt = natural, invitational force 3 of a suit = forcing us slam interest 3nt= limit bid 2♣ √ 0 5+ Quick tricks or more 2♦ is a negative response After 2♦ response:−opener’s suit Over an overcall, a positive QT than losers suggesting less than 11/2 QT. Suit rebid institutes a game force. response may be shaded. 2nt rebid = 23-24 HCP in a Double by opener or responder responses suggest 11/2 QT. 2nt balanced or semi- balanced is for penalties suggests balanced 8-10 hand (limit bid) A jump bid in a

suit is game forcing and suggests a good suit. 3nt suggests a balanced 25-27 HCP. A double jump in a suit sets the trump suit and asks for cue bids of aces 2 ♦/ √ 0 Multicoloured. See note 2 ♥/♠ 5 Usually 6+cards and 16 2 nt weak, single raise suggests at New suit forcing, requests Double by responder =penalties. + hcp. Always = 8 least one ace. Double raise no preference. suggests that game is not “on” or playing tricks aces but 11-12 HCP. Suit penalty profit greater. responses suggest fair values and at least 1 QT 2nt √ conventional* strong 3♣ seeks definition preempt or minors 3♦ requests a pass with diamonds or minors 3 ♣ 6 Preemptive 3 ♦ 6 Preemptive. 3 ♥ 6 Preemptive. 3 ♠ 6 Preemptive. 3 nt √ Gambling* See notes 4 ♣/♦ 0 Transfer sound preempt in H/S, with DISCUSS outside high card 4♥/♠ 7 Weak, Preemptive *(solid minor, little outside strength)

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SLAM APPROACH AND CONVENTIONS (INCLUDING ALL SLAM INTEREST BIDS) suggests 1st or 2nd round control.(1st given preference) Blackwood 5C shows 0 or4 Six of a suit shows an ace and a in that suit. Six of the trump suit shows a void in a higher 5D shows 1 ranking suit and one ace 5♥ shows 2 aces 5♠ shows 3 aces 5nt = 2 aces and a void Roman Key card 5C/D shows 0 or 3 5♠ shows 2 aces and one key king Blackwood - aces/1 or 4 5nt = 2 aces and 2 key kings 5♥ shows 2 aces

See Roman Key Card above. Not as good as Culbertson, but it works. Slam approach and conventions (including all slam interest bids)

Swiss Convention over 1H/S, 4C= balanced raise with primary support, poor trumps and 5+ controls Opener will usually cue bid now. over 1H/S, 4D= balanced raise with primary support, good trumps and 4+ controls Delayed Splinters over 1H/S, 3S/nt= Splinter in some undefined suit. Opener can now ask by a After relay, responder shows singleton. (May (Herbert convention) show suit below singleton instead) Discuss

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Constructive Bids Defined

Multicoloured 2♦ Openi Art # Description Responses (including modifications over Subsequent Auction Modifications in Competition ng Neg tru competition) 2♦ √ *weak 2 in either major, 2 ♥ =signoff if opener has weak 2 in hearts. After 2nt, opener bids 3C/D, good weak 2 strong 2 in either minor, 2 ♠ =signoff if opener has weak 2 in spades, but game invitational facing in H/S or balanced 20-22 weak 2 in hearts 3H/S, poor weak 2, 3nt =20-21 balanced 2nt seeks definition of bid. 4C/D =weak2 bid in C/D

11.2 Responses after opponent passes 2D 2H: no interest if opener has weak 2H 2S: signoff if opener has weak 2S, game interest if weak 2H 2NT: conventional, game interest, possibly a bluff intending to sign off in 3H or 3S 3C/3D: forcing with strong 6-card suit. Opener bids his suit if a weak 2. 3H/3S: invitational with good 7-card suit 2D-2H. Opener: Pass: weak 2H 2S: weak 2S 2NT: balanced 20-22 3C/3D: Acol 2 in that suit 2D-2S. Opener: Pass: Weak 2S 2NT/3C/3D: as in 2D-2H 3H: Weak 2H, declining invitation 3S: Weak 2H, upper range, transfer to 4H 2D-2NT. Opener: 3C/3D: weak 2H/2S, upper ranger 3H/3S: weak 2H/2S, lower ranger 3NT: Balanced 20-22 4C/4D: Acol 2 in that suit If opener shows a weak 2, responder's rebid is natural at the 3-level but a cue bid at the 4-level. 11.3 Responses in competition S W 2D Dbl North: Pass: no interest in either major Redouble: content, 4 good diamonds and some top tricks.

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Other: as if West had passed, but since a pass is available, 2H implies willingness to compete in spades S W 2D bid North: double: for penalties 2NT/3C/3D: as if West had passed 2S: competing, assumes South has a weak 2S If the overcall is in a minor, any heart bid asks for pass or correction to spades; likewise 3S asks for pass or correction to 4H, with implied support.

The Two Notrump Opening Bid 2nt strong preempt in diamonds, hearts or 3♣ seeks definition After 3C, opener names his suit or bids 3nt to spades or fair hand with the minors 3♦ requests a pass with diamonds or minors show minors suggests a SOLID suit with outside 3H/S forcing; usually with good hand and after 3H/S, opener raises, cue bids, or denies king or one loser suit with outside ace shortage or weakness in that suit (then strong with 3nt. Now responder can ask with 4C hand is concealed)

Transfer Avances

After partner overcalls, advancer Transfer Advances apply after any second-seat non-jump suit overcall at the one, two or three level. Next, which bids become transfers? Here is the basic premise: Bids between a simple cue-bid and a simple raise are conventional (rotated). Thus, a transfer into overcaller's suit now becomes the sound raise.

Other bids are unaffected, but here is a sound set of principles that works effectively:

Bids in other suits are natural and forcing

Bids of NT are natural

Raises of overcaller's suit are always pre-emptive

Jumps in new suits are fit-showing

Jumps in opener's suit are splinters To recap, we established last month that transfers could be used by switching the meaning of the bids between a cue-bid raise and the bid immediately below a simple raise. Thus: RHO You LHO Partner

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1 1 Pass ?

Standard methods: 2 Sound spade raise 2 Natural (weak, invitational or forcing - choose one only) 2 Natural (weak, invitational or forcing - choose one only) 2 Competitive-only raise Using Transfer Advances: 2 Transfer to diamonds (may be weak, invitational or strong, with or without a spade fit) 2 Transfer to hearts (may be weak, invitational or strong, with or without a spade fit) 2 Transfer to spades (sound spade raise) 2 Competitive-only raise Note: Any hands that you could have shown using standard methods can still be shown using transfers. The advantage is that so too can many of the hand types that could not be described using standard methods. OK, so how does partner respond to your transfer? In most cases, he simply accepts the transfer. RHO You LHO Partner 1 1 Pass 2 * Pass 2 Partner should always remember that you might have a very weak hand - something like: 4 Q 7 2 K J 10 7 6 4 2 9 5

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Competitive Bidding; They Open, We Compete Michaels OPENING BID DEFENSIVE Meaning Responses Subsequent Auction BIDS 1♣ 2♣ Majors Simple suit bids = signoff, Jumps are preemptive. 2♦ Asks for better major 1♦ 2♦ Majors Simple suit bids = signoff, Jumps are preemptive. 2♥ Asks for better major 1♥ 2♥ 5 spades and near opening New suit = 1 rd force hand 1♠ 2♠ 5 hearts and 5 card minor 2nt requests minor. New suit = 1 rd force

Cansino Sharples 2♣ and 2♦ OPENING BID DEFENSIVE Meaning Responses Subsequent Auction BIDS 1nt [weak] Double Penalty takeout suggests long suit in a weak, distributional hand. Not constructive 2♣ ♣ and 2 others responder passes or bids up the line. 2nt seeks better major (forcing) 2♦ 5/4 in the majors 2♥/♠,2nt natural and nonforcing. 3♦ seeks better major (forcing) 2♥/♠ natural 2nt 2 suiter other than major 3♣ seeks better definition 1nt [strong] Double Major or minor 2 suiter 1♦ seeks better definition 2♣ ♣ and 2 others 2 ♦,♥ & ♠ natural and nonforcing. 2nt seeks better major 2♦   2♥/♠, signoff, 2nt natural. 3♣ seeks better major 2♥/♠ natural raise mildly invitational 2nt 2 suiter not expressed by 3♣ seeks better definition double

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Howard's Defense OPENING BID DEFENSIVE BIDS Meaning Responses Subsequent Auction 1♣/2♣ x Majors 1 of a suit natural, may conceal fair values 1nt Minors 2♣ H & C 2♦ S & D 2♥ H & D 2♠ S & C 3 suit natural & weak

Note Minimum bids suggest limited responding hand or poor fit. Jumps suggest a good fit.

Competitive Bidding. We Open, They compete 6 Defending Multi 2 Diamonds

Multi definition Backgound: The multi-coloured 2D convention - commonly known simply as the "multi" is a combination weak two preempt showing one or other from the following menu: A mainstream weak two (style of your choice) in hearts A mainstream weak two (style of your choice) in spades A strong hand (the licence rules demand reasonable frequency) NB: Some jurisdictions including ACBL allow simply either major, weak Commonly further strong options may be bundled in to suit one's system .. Within this framework there are many Multi combinations possible, but your main task is to defend the weak two. General defensive principles Much of the multi's early success was that opponents tended to gawp at the unfamiliar opening, and perhaps fearing a strong flavour .. pass. Then they tried to catch up at the next round of bidding. As a responder holding cards in both majors could advance the pre-empt (Paradox methods recommended!) this doesn't always work. In the case of 4th hand after 2D* - 2H* you may never get another bid! In practice 95% of multis are weak twos and the key to success is to get into the auction and to express your hand type. Several approaches are listed below Do discuss what to do if 3rd hand jumps to the three or four level after partner's pass or call over a multi; and also the possibility of 3rd hand psyching a 2NT "strong" enquiry with card in both majors. The latter is not uncommon. Don't forget to include pathways to defending a juicy two level doubled contract. If all your calls simply move towards finding your own fit or 3NT your opponents could, and should preempt on garbage with impunity. Take out doubles with a penalty conversion, or simply a double of 2D* showing good cards, work well here.

6 Competitive Bidding. We Open, They compete 7

http://www.cavendish.demon.co.uk/bridge/defend-multi-2d.htm#dixon My informant particularly enjoyed the 3 level minor overcalls which http://www.cavendish.demon.co.uk/bridge/defend-multi-2d.htm#multi may inform partner (who might say bid 3NT) or divert a strong 3rd The use of Rubensohl after Multi defence hand from his well rehearsed 2NT enquiry to decode opener's multi. All these methods can be refined by use of the Rubensohl 2NT Wat leuk! convention. The rationale of this is that starting at 2M level we havel Transfers will get pre-empted where you have a , but lost the space needed in approach forcing to show weakness, probably no great loss there. If you have a suit you will have shown invitation or game going values. Rubensohl was invented to defend it. overcalls of our 1NT (where partner is much better defined), but has http://www.cavendish.demon.co.uk/bridge/defend-multi- broad application in many sequences where someone has just bid 2d.htm#dutch 2H or 2S Multi against Multi! There are many possible variations on this and you should agree One of my pet bridge theories is that an artificial method (or variant sound, generally applicable and ideally simple rules within your thereof) is often a powerful defence against itself. I heard this idea partnership to avoid mishaps. from an note in rec.games.bridge.okbridge in 1997 although there www.cavendish.demon.co.uk/bridge/defend-multi-2d.htm are earlier references. I've developed it further and written up Multi versus multi on a separate page. DSIP Doubles Doubles over opponents overcall of our notrump opener is card showing, usually without an honour in the suit.

7 Competitive Bidding. We Open, They compete 8 1NT & D.S.I.P. Doubles PITBULLS: When the opponents pre-empt at the 3 level over your INT, it is best to play negative doubles. Doubling them for penalty with their long suits is just not “cost effective”. It is better to find a major fit or get to your 3NT contract. For years, a double of a natural bid at the two level was penalty. The modern trend is to play them as negative with strict suit requirements. I disagree with that treatment. I prefer the double to show cards 7 HCP and upward and no clear cut action available. If they are vulnerable and we are not the double is old fashioned penalty. In other words a D.S.I.P. double most of the time. A trump stack double is shown by passing or bidding your 3NT game. The D.S.I.P. double in these auctions conveys the meaning of “I do not what to do” so over to you for your input. This understanding changes your Rubensohl treatments. A direct jump to 3NT now shows a stopper. Without a stopper you double their suit and if the HCP’s warrant it, pull partners suit to 3NT. Partner now knows you do not have a stopper and bids accordingly. If the opponents bid is systemic but natural ( maybe showing a second suit ), the double is still D.S.I.P. and shows “cards”, If their bid is artificial, the double means they took my bid away. D.S.I.P. doubles include the hands that fit the requirement for negative doubles but are all inclusive in that there is no specific suit requirement for the double. The only exception to this treatment is the trump stack double without compensating HCP’s. You just pass and hope partner re-opens. With their suit and HCP’s you might just choose to bid a vulnerable 3NT rather then passing. The only downside to this system is the requirement for partner to re-open after bidding 1NT. He should double with shortness in their suit or otherwise pass. If responder has a trump stack double and the 1NT bidder passes at least a plus is picked up. The only downside to this system is the requirement for partner to re-open after bidding 1NT. Do not over use the D.S.I.P. double if you have a safe alternative bid. I had a hand tonight AJxx 109x Q10 J10xx and partner opened a strong NT and RHO overcalled 2♥. What do you do? You can pass or bid 2♠ to compete. Playing D.S.I.P. doubles you can double and you hit partner with 17 HCP’s and AJxx of hearts! Just 800 for your side against a partial making your way. A bad bidder just got caught speeding when you might have rescued them. Say you had xx AJx KQxx Qxxx and partner opens a NT with RHO bidding 2♠. Without a D.S.I.P. double in your arsenal you would leap to 3NT to show you do not have a stopper. Here you can get the best of both worlds. If partner has spades, they play it there doubled for a huge number. If partner does not have a spade stopper you find your fit at a low level and maybe get to a magic 5 of a minor game or a 4 heart game. If partner has a spade stopper, you get to your 3NT game. Win, win and win. Unless he wants to convert for penalty, partner should always bid 2NT with a stopper in these auctions after a D.S.I.P. double. Otherwise he scrambles and bids his lower ranking 4 card suit or a 5 card minor if dealt that. You may find your 4-4 fit by scrambling but if partner has a major and game going values he may have chosen an initial Q bid as Stayman rather then doubling. In D.S.I.P. auctions we are probably just scrambling for a safe partial resting spot. Do not over use the D.S.I.P. double if you have a safe alternative bid. Action after a D.S.I.P. double is pretty straight forward. Partner bids game if he feels its there and the rest of the time we are just trying to find a suitable resting spot. Converting for penalty is also a frequent option. The D.S.I.P. double is handy when your side overcalls 1NT and they interfere. Tom Gandolfo had a hand that shows this bid in action. xx Kx xxxxx Axxx and they open 1♠ nv and vulnerable partner overcalls 1NT. RHO bids 2♠ so now what? You could be cold for 3NT or a partial or you could extract a +300 penalty. A D.S.I.P. double to the rescue ! You double and partner has 17 or 18 HCP he will probably opt for a vulnerable game. 2NT is not invitational by the 1NT overcaller after a D.S.I.P. double as that is redundant (the D.S.I.P. double is already invitational) so the 2NT says pick a suit and lets play a partial. A new suit by the 1NT overcaller also suggests a partial. I had a minimum with 5♥, so I bid 3♥ and we collect +140. If they compete to 3♠, they are in –300 to –500 territory. If the opponents bid a new suit after a 1NT overcall a double is still D.S.I.P. It just means I have cards and do not know what to do. It is surprising how frequent these auctions come up. Good players like bidding on nothing in these auctions and the D.S.I.P. double can give you lots of options. As usual in D.S.I.P. theory, the double replaces the old fashioned invitational 2NT bid. The 2NT bid is always Rubensohl even if they are raising partner or switching suits. The D.S.I.P. double removes the ambiguity in these auctions.

8 Competitive Bidding. We Open, They compete 9 The sandwich position is where D.S.I.P. doubles can really assist the auction. Nick & Judy shows the confusion that can arise with “traditional” penalty double thinking. Nick held ♠AK9x ♥KJxx ♦Qx ♣10xx and opened a weak NT. Tom passed and Judy bid 2♣ which is non forcing Stayman in their system. I bid 3♠ and Nick can not make a penalty double as the 2♣ bidder may hold nothing. [If the 2♣ bidder holds nothing, (s)he will have 4 spades, I would double. Oh, and why did Judy bid 2♣? I must be missing something] Around to Judy and she holds ♠x ♥10xx ♦K10xx ♣AKJxx. She is maximum as she can be for not making a forcing 2♦ call. She is in front of the spade bidder so a trump stack double is unlikely. A D.S.I.P. double is probably the most flexible bid. Judy at the table bid 4♣ and went 1 down when 3♠X goes for 500. ♠♥♦♣ ♠♥♦♣ ♠♥♦♣ The article below purports to clarify DSIP theory. To my mind, he obfuscates more than clarifies. But I include it so you can choose to read it. Before I finish editing it. I do agree with him that a name change is in order. And his suggestion is not bad. Yet “checkback doubles” does not REALLY capture the concept. “Reopening” is much closer to the truth. But his wandering about and vague references do not help. And his ranting about “unilateral trump stack doubles” is disturbing. I sa “trump stack double” after an opponent overcalls your partner’s 1N opening bid really “unilateral”? Perhaps he should begin where he ended. JAH I would call them “check back doubles”. You are checking back with partner to get the OK to compete again. Bob Crosby

9 non-forcing, while bids of Two Notrump through three of the suit RUBENSHOL: TRANSFER BIDS below the opponents' suit are transfers. Note that the highest of By (damien) modified by Joseph Howard these bids will be a transfer cue-bid. Playing , you will encounter difficulty with the hands below. So, taking the three hands above after the auction: None vulnerable , playing imps, your hand is: L Pd R U Hand A Hand B Hand

You LHO Pard RHO H H ♠S A Q 9 1NT 2♠ 2NT 3♠ O O ♥ H K Q 7 3 ? 1n 2♠ ? ♠ 4 ♠ 10 ♠ 4

♦D 6 2 ♥ J 6 2 ♥ J 6 2 ♥ J 8 6 5 4 2 ♣C Q 10 8 4

You open a 12-14 1 NT. Over LHO's two spade overcall partner bids ♦ ♦ ♦ 2 NT, Lebensohl, showing a wish to compete in one of the other A 10 5 K J 7 5 4 A J 10 5 three suits or some kind of strong hand. 3 ♣ ♣ ♣ What do you now bid over RHO's three spades? K J 7 6 5 A 9 3 K 3 The answer is that you probably pass and hope that partner’s long 2 suit is diamonds. Partner might have any of the following hands . With Hand A we bid 2 NT (transfer to clubs -- competitive strength upwards), with Hand B we bid three clubs (transfer to diamonds), Hand A Hand B Hand and with Hand C we bid three diamonds (transfer to hearts -- note  4 ♠ 10 ♠ 4 that this should be at least invitational). If LHO passes and partner  J 6 2 ♥ J 6 2 ♥ J 8 6 5 4 2 completes the transfer opposite Hands A and B we will Pass having A 10 5 ♦ K J 7 5 4 3 ♦ A J 10 5 reached what we judge to be our best spot. Holding the original K J 7 6 5 2 ♣ A 9 3 ♣ K 3 notrump opening, partner will bid four hearts over our three diamond If partner has Hand A, we want to compete to at least four clubs as it transfer and we will have reached an excellent game. is unlikely we can beat nine tricks in spades. Even if we save in five How you continue with a good hand after an initial transfer is fairly clubs doubled over four spades -100 will not be a disaster. straightforward. Here are some fast examples: Facing Hand B, we clearly want to defend three spades, which will Opener Responder Ope LHO Resp RHO almost certainly go down and may go as many as three light while we may be unable to make even nine tricks in diamonds. ner ond Opposite Hand C, we want to bid four hearts, which has ten er comfortable tricks, while the opponents will probably make eight or ♠ J 7 3 ♠ 8 4 1NT 2♠ 3♣ Pass nine in spades. The underlying principle of Lebensohl is that with unbalanced hands ♥ K 6 ♥ A 9 4 3♦ Pass 3♠ Pass we show our strength immediately -- a at the three level with a game-going hand and the 2 NT relay with competitive values ♦ K 8 4 ♦ A Q J 7 5 2 4♦ Pass 5♦ All only. Pass Using transfers, these priorities are reversed -- we first show our suit ♣ A Q 8 5 2 ♣ K 7 and then divulge extra values if we have them later. This is a much Opener completes the transfer to diamonds, but responder with more flexible approach. If the opposition competes further, we can game values can cue bid to ask for a spade stop. When opener fails now utilize a second round double to show game going values If they to provide one, responder knows there are two spade losers (ruling do not, then we can either pass partner's completion of the transfer out any chance of slam) and raises to game. when we only wish to compete, or we can make a further descriptive bid with game going values. Opener Responder Opr LHO Rsp RHO There are numerous transfer methods available for this situation, but ♠ J 7 4 ♠ 6 1NT 2♠ 3♣ Pass in the easiest style to understand, two-level suit bids are natural and

♥ A 8 3 ♥ K 7 3♦ Pass 3♠ Pass single-suited hand with no stop in the opponents' suit, you should ♦ K 6 ♦ A J 9 8 5 2 4♣ Pass 4♦ Pass show your minor enroute to asking for a stopper so that opener is ♣ K Q 10 8 4 ♣ A J 7 2 4♥ Pass 6♣ All aware of the options should he have only a tenuous stopper or none Pass at all. Six Clubs is an excellent contract, and is quite playable even without However, if you show a minor and then bid 3NT yourself, your the King of Hearts. It will not always make, but it is still where you partnership might well decide this is best played as showing would like to be. Note that opener does not know exactly where mild slam interest since with game interest only you would normally responder is going, but with a suitable hand he should cue bid the decide to shoot out 3NT and hope it makes. Heart Ace to cater for responder having slam interest as here. I'll begin filling in the blanks above with a look at the transfer cue-bid Later we will see how we can use the transfer cue bid to both locate (3♦ in the above auction) since the principles involved remain both stops in the opponents' suit and to find four-four major suit fits, constant whether RHO overcalled Clubs, Diamonds or Hearts. This and how the system works against artificial overcalls. We will then bid is best described as "Stop-Asking Stayman" as it is used both to move on to consider other similar competitive situations in which the find out whether we have a stop in the opponents' suit and to locate same methods can be used when partner has shown or implied a a 4-4 major suit fit. balanced hand. This bid is best described as "Stop-Asking Note that opener does Stayman" as it is used both to find out responder is going, but with a suitable hand whether we have a stop he should cue bid thenot Heart know Ace exactly to cater where for and to locate a 4- responder having slam Using transfers, -- responder shows game values and asks opener to We looked at how we could use transfers to bid competitive one- describe his hand. in the opponents' suit suited hands and game-going one and two-suiters after the In response to the Transfer Cue-bid,4 major the first suit thing fit. opener does is opponents had overcalled our 1NT opening. We now consider how show whether he has a stopper in the opponents' suit. to handle balanced hands now that the interest2NT bid is asbeing here. used as a Without a stopper, he simply completes the transfer to clubs. Let us start by looking at the methods established above. To transfer. When opener do illustrate, let us assume the auction has started: opponent's suit, he Partner RHO You 1NT 2♥ ? descriptive bid beyond completing the makeses thehave lowest a stop in the 2♠ natural, competitive, (non forcing) Without atransfer. stopper, he simply completes the transfer. Responder can 2NT transfer to clubs. May be competitive only (responder now initiate Baron or 5/4 minors by bidding a suit. will pass opener's 3C bid) or game forcing, in which After the auction begins: case responder will either bid a second suit, bid 3NT Opener LHO Responder RHO with a heart stopper, or cue bid to ask for a stopper. 1NT 2♥ 3♦* Pass 3♣ transfer to diamonds (continuations as above) 3♥* Pass ? 3♦ ? Responder has three options: 3♥ ? Œ Bid 3♠ ♠ ? 3 Œ Bid 3NT. Using the bids detailed above, we are able to deal with any hand that Œ Bid 4♣ wants to compete in its own suit, or with game-going hands on which you want to show a . Note that with a decent minor and a

Bid 3♠ looking for a 4-4 fit (if the overcall was in a minor, then opener With Hand A, we have no stopper and Hand A bids his lower 4-card major and responder either raises or continues A J 64 thus we simply complete the transfer to Baron-style). ♦ K Q 6 3 3 . Hopefully, responder will now show With a fit, opener raises, and without one he can bid 3NT, having a four-card major and we can raise to 8 4 2 already denied a stopper. Responder will either pass with a stop or game. J7 pull to a minor. Similarly, with Hand B we again bid 3♦. Bid 3NT. This denies a four-card major and shows a half-stopper in the Hand B A 9 6 If responder has a four-card heart suit opponents' suit. Opener passes with a half stop or removes himself to ♥ K 10 6 3 then we will be able to raise 3 to a minor with no help. Note that responder almost certainly has two game, but if partner bypasses hearts four-card minors for this sequence -- with 3-3-(34) and a strong hand J 4 and bids 3♠ then we can bid 3NT responder would have doubled the overcall rather than look for a KJ82 safely having already denied a diamond dubious game. stop. If responder also has no stop then Bid 4♣ showing both minors (4-4) or 4♦ (5-4) and nothing in the he will bid on and we will either play 5♣ opponents suit. in a 4-4 fit or try our hand at 4♠ in the When opener does have a stop in the opponent's suit, he makes the Moysian (4-3 fit). lowest descriptive bid beyond completing the transfer. After a 2♥ On Hands C and D, we have a solid overcall, there are only two options -- 3♠ with a four-card suit in case Hand C Hand D diamond holding and thus we must do responder was looking for a spade fit, and 3NT without four spades. K J 9 6 A 8 6 something other than simply complete If the overcall was in a minor, then opener would bid his lower four- 10 6 Q 6 the transfer. With Hand C we bid a card major (or 3NT with no major). K Q 4 A K 4 natural 3♠ (denying a four-card heart K864 98643 Using Lebensohl, we saw suit) while on Hand D we will bid 3NT, denying either major. different sequences to sh The exception to the two way nature of these transfer cue-bids is hand types -- hands with or without an unbid when the opponents have overcalled 2♠. We cannot use a 3♥ bid that we needed four both to ask for a spade stop and to find a 4-4 heart fit. four-card major and ha So, in this situation 3♥ is Stayman (showing a four-card heart suit). ow the four possible Opener raises with four-card support. Without heart support, opener Playing anvalues 11-13 NT, and we asks might haveopener opened one on any of these can bid three spades with no stopper and 3NT with a suitable spade hands: holding. Without a four-card heart suit, responder simply asks for a nds with or game ♠ Hand A Hand B Hand C Hand D stopper by bidding 3 , or shows a stop himself by jumping to the A J 64 A 9 6 K J 9 6 to Adescribe 8 6 his hand. notrump game. K Q 6 3 K 10 6 3 10 6 Q 6 All that remains now is to decide on the meaning of jump bids and 8 4 2 J 4 K Q 4 A K 4 the direct cue-bid. As usual when the opponents have rudely J 7 K J 82 K 8 6 4 9 8 6 4 3 interfered in our auction, we find that we do not have sufficient room ♦ to show everything we would like. This time the opponents overcall a natural 2 . ♥ After the auction, Returning to the original auction -- 1NT-(2 )-? -- there are three hand types left to show -- a game-forcing hand with five or more Opener LHO Responder RHO spades either with or without a heart stopper, and an invitational 1NT 2♦ 3♣* Pass hand with a six-card spade suit. Since there are only two bids ? available -- 3♥ and 3♠-- you must decide where to place your focus. II would forego the invitational sequence, meaning that responder decides whether to simply compete with 2♠ or to bid game. Now both 3♥ and 3♠ are forcing with at least a 5-card spade suit. For

ease of memory it makes sense that the cue-bid should deny a stop, although you can play it either way around. If the overcall is 3♦, then now you have three bids, but two suits to show. I will leave you to work out with your regular partner exactly what each bid should show. One option is for 3♦ to show an unspecified five-card major without a diamond stop (opener bids his lowest three-card major in response) and for three of a major to be natural and forcing with a stop in the opponents' suit. Returning to our original table, we can now flesh out the details: After 1NT - (2♥) - ? Bid Description 2♠ natural, competitive, non forcing 2NT transfer to clubs (competitive or game forcing) 3♣ transfer to diamonds (competitive or game forcing) 3♦ Staymanic Stop-Ask, game force 3♥ transfer to spades without a heart stop, game force 3♠ 5+ spades and heart stop, game force 3NT natural and to play

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From letter In NONE of these cases can the issue of An even more critical reality is that two widely bidding space remotely be a cause for concern. different hands should not be described using The method that I suggested has been used the same bid. and recommended by the following authors Bear in mind these facts, A Conventions were created to help with hands If I may digress, therefore, these two hands CC Wei that CANNOT be described by natural bidding CANNOT be bid the same way Goren B The 2D opening bid was created to plug a Terence Reese hole in the system and eliminate the need to A 96 107 AKQ8754 A8 Jannersten open 1D on a singleton. B Q63 107 AJ9754 A8 numerous other authors. C Precision was conceived as a NATURAL Hand A has eight certain tricks. Hand B has 5-6 system. probable tricks. On hand A, I would open 1C to Berkowitz and numerous other believers in the D After the opening 2D bid, responder will maximize my chance of reaching 3nt facing space theory, as exemplified by the 2/1 system, place the contract in the first round over 75% of J1032 A9653 95 75 After all, there is NO bid believe that saving bidding space is an end in the time. that properly describes the hand after a ONE itself. In this case, as in so many others, the A bit of history may be useful here. In the old level opening bid. Playing ACOL, the System issue of saving space is quite subservient to days, I tested a few systems bid is 2D, 8 playing tricks with diamonds as getting relevant information. A trumps. Consider these three hands. B Shenkin C Roth Stone Anyway, back to the Precision 2D. A) A6 KQ1062 109432 A6 D Kaplan Sheinwold The original convention is simple, B) A6 109432 KQ1062 A6 E Simple precision as presented by straightforward, played by almost all players C) A65 109 KQ106 A984 1 Goren and works. Berkowitz' FIRST recommendation 2 CC Wei (summary) is Hardly original. It was presented by one of the Partner opens the bidding, 2D (precision). 3 Kathleen Wei and Ron Anderson (Match above authors in 1972. It works, but has the You respond 2n on hand A. If partner bids 4D, Point Precision) disadvantage of not distinguishing between you settle for 7H. 4 Jannersten (both the early part and the minimum and maximum hands, which If he fails to cooperate by bidding 4C, you bid Super Precision part) information is sometimes of value. 6H. True, 7 may be cold, but he COULD hold a 5 Reese (Precision bidding and Precision As to his second recommendation, there is little few hands that will produce only 12 tricks. Play) I can say without causing offence. First, he If he responds 3n, you can bid 5H 6 Acol makes no allowance for a 4405 minimum. If he bids anything else, the odds favour a bid of Second, the response to show four SPADES 6H. Except for the "Super Precision" part of (4315) makes it impossible to stop in 3H. There Jannersten's book, where 2D showed any of 7 are many hands where game is likely on a nine Holding hand 2, you bid 4H. True, 3n may work distributions with at least 4/4 in the majors, the card "fit" and a bad proposition on an 8 card for you, but why torture yourself and yoiur authors who presented the Precision System "fit". The difference could easily be 2 or 3 tricks. partner? Remember, partner’s strength is used the indicated responses to 2D (with some concentrated in the MAJOR suits, so the odds slight variation). And for the hundreds of hands Three points. greatly favour the suit contract. that came up in various tournaments in the USA, and when I played precision in Trinidad, First, I have a strong preference for playing a Facing hand C, again, no problem exists. You these was NEVER the slightest problem. natural system with a weak notrump. cannot make more than 3n, and you cannot bid less. In and form of the game. There is a well known saying in ACOL "bid what Second, I have the nasty habit of believing my you think you can make." This philosopy partner. If partner has a bid available that pervades all natural bidding. suggests 7 probable playing tricks and instead

makes one that COULD be based on a hand * 3C= 3-4-1-5 * 3D= 4-3-1-5 * 3H= 4- with 5 or 6 playing tricks, I will PASS! or fail to 4-1-4 * 3S= 4-4-0-5 * 3NT= 4-4-1-4 with reach game or slam. The STANDARD either AD or KD and a maximum. American 2/1 philosophy does not work in The other is as follows: precision. It doesn't even work in Standard • 3C= any minimum; 3D by responder American 2/1. asks and responder replies 3H= 4Hs, Third, we need to be sure that our definition of 3S= 4Ss and 3NT= 4-4-1-4 * the meaning of BASIC bids (whatever system) • 3D= 4-4-1-4 maximum * 3H= 3-4-1-5 is the same. e.g. maximum * 3S= 4-3-1-5 maximum 1D p 1S p * 3NT= 4-4-0-5 maximum. 2H He appears to recommend the second, in A S4 HKQ106 DA1074 CKQ106 which, if responder is interested in exploring B SK4 HKQ106 DAQ1063 C5 slam, he next bids 3D which asks for controls. Which hand is suitable for that sequence? 3H by opener says 0-2, 3S says 3 etc, with A=2 Also controls and K=1. 1D p 1S p Please let me know what you think. 3H See you on Monday afternoon. shows What hand? Thomas

A B AND, quite frankly, the entire area of competitive bidding needs attention, not the responses to 2D.

Joseph

Letter from partner: Joe I have been doing a review of the subject item, and I have some concern in respect of your suggested approach after the 2NT response. The bidding up to 4D takes up a lot of space and, more importantly, may get the bidding past 3NT and that may be on if responder has Ds double-stopped. Berkowitz, with Kathie Wei's support, shows the response up to 4D as an option, but also suggests 2 other alternatives, and I believe we should try one of them. In the first one, he suggests the following:

3S shows a raise to 3N without a stopper. diamonds unstopped (responder bids 3H to ask *Rubensohl 3N promises a stopper. for a heart stop) and 3H with a diamond stop If the opponents interfere over our 1N opening If available, a cue-bid of opponents' suit at the and hearts unstopped. The bidding can die in bid, we have the following agreements: 2-level (e.g. 1N-2C(Astro)-2H) is a weak 4C if 3N is unplayable. takeout, ostensibly 3-suited. 3D= Raise to 3N with no H stop. May or may Over direct doubles: Two-suited overcalls, both suits are known (e.g. not have a diamond stop. Denies four spades. New suit bids are natural and weakish, showing 2H, Landy): Opener bids 3H with a H stop and no D stop, 5-card suits. The structure is similar,with the following and 3N with both suits stopped. A pass suggests opener run, by bidding a 5- modifications: 3H= Transfer to spades, invitational or better. card suit or redoubling with none. If there is one cue-bid available at the 2-level 3S= Raise to 3N, H stop, no D stop. Redouble shows that it is our hand. We will (e.g. 1N-2H(Brozel)-2S), it is a weak takeout for 3N= signoff double them or declare. If the opponents run the other 2 suits. 4C= Gerber and we can't double, If there are two cue-bids available, (e.g. 1N- 4H= Texas Rubensohl is on. 2C(Landy)-2H or 2S), the cheapest is a weak 2N is game-forcing and very unbalanced. takeout, the other is the equivalent of a natural raise to 2N. If opponents double in the passout seat, a There will be two "transfer cue-bids" at 2N or When opponents have shown one or both redouble by opener shows 4 spades. Redouble higher. minors (e.g, 2m natural, 2C=minors, 2C=clubs by responder is SOS. The cheapest is game-forcing "Stayman". and another suit), there might be some With no fit, opener bids 3N with both enemy problems when responder has one major, suits stopped, otherwise cue-bids the cheapest opener the other, and stoppers in the enemy Simple natural overcalls, or two-suited overcalls suit in which he lacks a stopper. If he makes the suit(s) are not specified. We use the following where only one suit is known (e.g. Brozel 2S, cheapest cue-bid, responder counter cue-bids structure: Astro 2C): to promise a stopper in the cheap suit, deny one 1N (2x-showing clubs) 2N: Double is penalty-oriented. Texas transfers are in the expensive suit. on. All bids through 2S (except a cue-bid of their The other transfer cue-bid is a raise to 3N 3C= no club stop, may or may not have a 4- suit, if available) are natural signoffs. Bids from lacking a stop in the expensive suit. Opener card major; bid 4-card majors up the line. 2N to 3H are transfers to the next suit. If the accepts the transfer holding a stop, and denying 3N by opener is neutral, just showing no major transfered-to suit could have been named at the a stop in the cheap suit. He bids 3N with both fit. 2-level (e.g. 1N-2D-3D) responder shows suits stopped. 3N by responder shows a club stop. invitational or better values and opener should 3S is a raise to 3N promising a stop in the If no fit is found, the 3D= club stop, no diamond take positive action with a maximum or a big fit. expensive suit and denying a stop in the cheap stop. Now bid 4-card majors up the line, with the suit. obvious provisions. 3N shows stops in both enemy suits. Other bids= as above, show stops in both When opener accepts the transfer: minors. New suits are natural and forcing. An example: After 1N-2D (red suits) Other special agreements: 3N tends to show a stopper and is choice of Over 2C=1 mystery suit (as in Cappelletti): games. A transfer to opponents' suit is game- double= penalty double=Stayman, system on. forcing Stayman. If opener does not have a fit, 2H= weak takeout for the blacks Over transfer overcalls: he accepts the transfer without a stopper, and 2S= signoff double: values, no clear direction. bids NT with a stop. If no stop is ascertained, 2N= transfer to 3C bid their suit: weak takeout. the bidding can stop in 4m. If opponent's suit is 3C= Forcing Stayman. Without 4 spades, pass, then double the accept: penalties. a minor, there are some complications. opener bids 3N with the reds stopped, 3D with

All the rest of Rubensohl is on, as if they had bid their suit naturally. Over Crash double: system on Over Crash 2C: double is Stayman, system on. Over Crash 2D: double: Stayman. 2H,2S: signoffs.

2N shows clubs, 3C shows diamonds. 3D and 3H are transfers, invitational or better. 3S is Minor Suit Stayman. bidding can stop at 4D. 3D= 1/2 club stop; now bid 4-card majors up the line. 3M,3N= natural, show a club stop 4m= both majors, maximum, concentration of strength. 4H= both majors, maximum, no concentration of strength in the minors.

1N (2x-showing diamonds) 3C: 3D= no diamond stop, now bid 4-card majors up the line. other bids from 3H to 4H= as above. 1N (2x-showing minors) 2N

3C= no club stop. 3D = club stop, no diam stop. Now bid 4-card majors up the line. 3N by opener shows a diam stop. 3N by responder is neutral. 3M= natural, no club stop or both minors stopped (bid 3N later if no fit is found) Source: Paul Glick [email protected]

Modified Rubensohl A more modern version of Rubensohl. After a 1nt opening bid and a natural 2♥ or 2♠ overcall. (Also playable if the overcall shows the bid suit along with an unknown minor.) North East South (you) 1NT 2♥ ? Double= D.S.I.P. (competitive) 2♠= Natural, not forcing. 2NT= Transfer to 3♣ 3♣ = Transfer to 3♦ 3♦ = ( transfer to their suit ) Stayman or 3NT without a stopper 3♥ = transfer to 3♠ 3♠ = both minors x xx AQxxx KJxxx 3NT= Natural with a heart stopper 4♣ = Gerber (for aces only) 4♥ = Transfer to 4S (If followed by 4NT, Keycard Blackwood) 4NT = Natural After a 2NT transfer to 3♣ you can: (1) Pass (2) Bid 3♦ or 3♠, natural, showing 6-4 with six clubs, forcing. (3) Bid 3NT slam try in clubs After a 3♣ transfer to 3♦, you can: (1) Pass (2) Bid 3♠ or 4♣ to show six diamonds and four of the bid suit. (3) Bid 3NT, a slam try in diamonds. After a 3♥ transfer to 3♠, you can 1. Bid 3NT and give partner a choice of game contracts. 2.3 BidRaise a newto 4♠ suit ( slam natural try as probably you did 5not- 5bid )