McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

(2¥)-P-(2•)-X: on ( Lebensohl - See Sec­ tion 461). Double is cards, but primarily takeout of •'s (somewhat penalty of 2•). Other than some • length, no spe­ cific shape is promised. Later doubles by both sides are pen­ alty. (2¥)-X-(P)-3¥: GF. REMEMBER. We cannot stop below game after a 3-level Q-bid when no fit has been found.

Responding to {2X)-4Y: Similar to (3X)-4Q. (See #861.) Responder bids 4NT with 2 useful cards + fit; takes NF preference with less. NO BLACKWOOD BY RESPONDER. New suit is to play (or WMP if either of partner's suits is unknown). Overcaller can bid BW. Overcaller responds RKC to responder's 4NT if interested, thus, 4NT can function as BW when both sides are interested. Specifically: Preference: NF. To play. 4NT: Too good to risk a pass of preference. 2 workers + fit. (Prime cards, Queen.) Source of tricks is relevant. Overcaller responds RKC (6KC) if interested. 4Q: Virtual slam drive. Overcaller MUST respond RKC (6KC). Re­ sponder may play in a suit which is NOT one of overcaller's. Therefore, in effect, 4Q = BW. New Suit: To play (or WMP if applicable) at any-level.

829 THEY OPEN 2+

Defense follows the general pattern with a few modifications. (See 886.)

We don't try to play in •'s in any development. We can't bid natural •'s below 3• on the first round.

Double: Strong NT with a leaning towards defense (may be shaded). • No force created by double. • Responder leans towards passing the double if possible. • Further doubles by both sides are penalty (we know their suits). 2NT: Strong NT with tricks. Respond WMP. No transfers and no Stayman. 2 •: Takeout of •' s 2•: Minors. REMEMBER. Changed 5/9.:: 3•: Asks for stopper. 3•: Natural, Intermediate. Not stopper asking because opener is

38 Mcca11um/sanborn Novrmber 1999 nEFENsEs.soo

presumed to have only four •'s. (Following the principle that they can steal our suit at the 2-level, but not at the 3-level)

After Double, double by responder is Penalty. No responsive or negative doubles. • If we can't pass the double we can actually use effectively a combination of "Lebensohl" principles and "System On" as if partner had overcalled 2NT, o 2• response is natural, o 2• is Q-bid (but rarely used - we'd either pass, or use NT structure) . o 2NT is Lebensohlish - usually trying to play 3~, but may follow with a Q-bid to show a GF with a stopper in that suit o System On at the 3-level, as if partner had overcalled a strong NT (i.e. K3 4-suit transfers) - but occasionally a bid will be illogical (we don't try to play in •'s) - in which case we don't use the bid for anything at all.

(2+)-X-(P)-2NT: Lebensohlish. Relay to 3~ to play, or for re­ sponder to show stoppers with GF hand. Probably •'s since we'd pass the double of 2+ with most good hands. (2+) -X- (2•) -X: Penalty. (2+)-X-(P)-3•: Transfer to •'s (system on as if partner had overcalled 2NT) . (2+)-X-(P)-3•: Transfer to •'s. (2+)-X-(P)-4•: The bid makes no sense in our methods. 4• is de­ fined as S.A. Texas (trans to •'s) since we don't need a transfer to +'s (3~ transfers to +'s), but we don't try to play in •'s. The bid does not exist for the time being - there are so few players using Flannery that it's not worth worrying about it. (2+)-4•: Minors (analogous to 2•-4•) (2+)-4•: Natural . Start with 3• (stopper ask) to show strong 4• . (2+)-4NT: Specific Ace Blackwood. Pass followed by 2NT: Just , general t/o with leaning towards minors, but not enough length for direct 2• takeout. PASS&DOUBLE: Takeout (we know their suits) DOUBLE&DOUBLE: Penalty {we know their suits) PASS&BID: Primary •'s. GF. (RHO's suit, choice is for the one we are more likely to want to play) In any development, a later • bid by us is a natural call, while

39 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

a • bid is NOT. We CANNOT show natural •'s on the 1st round below 3•. REMEMBER: This is a change to long-standing structure (5/95). Doesn't realy cause much trouble. With •'s, overcaller can • "PASS&BID" - bidding another suit after pass is strong with primary •'s. GF. • Pass~hope to bid •'s later (not strong) • Bid 2¥, takeout of ¥'s, then bid •'s later (intermediate) • Jump to 4•, weak • Jump to 3•, intermediate

Same general approach applies in passout seat, if 3rd hand re­ sponds 2¥.

829A THEY OPEN FLANNERY 2+ (5• AND 4¥)

As above (See 829) EXCEPT that 2• is takeout of •'s and 2¥ is minors. Resulting inferences regarding later • and • bids are reversed accordingly.

830 THEY OPEN MULTI 2+ (OR ANY 2+ PROMISING AT LEAST 5-CDS IN AN UNKNOWN MAJOR - Germany)

(Follows General Pattern & Basic Partnership Principles, with one deviation - See 886)

The same defense is used against all Multi 2+ conventions, whether or not they might have a stronger hand in their structure. We assume it's a major-suit weak 2-bid.

Moderate hands which would like to overcall in a major are nec­ essarily difficult to bid after Multi 2+. It's not safe to enter with most such hands, so we gear our methods to other hands. We tend to start with pass, or with double, with these marginal hands with 5-card majors.

40 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

Structure: 2•/S: Takeout of that suit (Resp nd Lebensohl) 3m: Natural 3•/S: Natural, Intermediate. One-Suited. NF. Good suit. (Strong Major One-suiter usually pass s and bids on the 2nd round if too good to overcall direct 3 intermediate. Cannot overcall 4M immediately. REMEMBER. 4m: Natural + One Major. 2-suite (5/5+}. Creates force. 4•: Both majors. REMEMBER. ~·: Both minors. REMEMBER. Double: Good Weak NT +, prefere ce for defense. {Respond Leben- sohl.) • Frequently pass the double, EXCEPT at UF. Pass says nothing about +'s (but shows values) - responder expects to do at least as well defending as on offense. However, if 2+ opener suggests +'s, or if responder promises +'s when he passes, then our pass promises +'s. • Later Doubles are takeout by both sides until the weak hand shows values - thereafter penalty by both sides. "DOUBLE&DOUBLE:" Takeout by both sides until weak hand shows values, and penalty thereafter (within the context of the auction} . 2NT: Strong NT with tricks. (High O/D ratio.) Respond WMP. No Stayman or transfers. 3NT: Natural. Respond Slam Try Transfer Structure. - no Stayman. 4NT: Specific Ace Blackwood. "PASS&DOUBLE:" PENALTY. Usually trumps; but may be hand which got trapped. REMEMBER. We need a way to make a Penalty Double in case Multi 2+ opener turns up with the unexpected Major. "PASS&BID" • Pass Followed By a Voluntary 2NT: Natural with primary length in the other major. REMEMBE~. Does not apply to 2NT balance (follows normal principles}. • Pass Followed By Minor-Suit Bid: Natural, Primary length in other major. Good hand. "PASS~BID" usually implies 2 places to play. • Pass Followed By Major-Suit Bid: Natural, not strong (less than intermediate. NOT a "PASS~BID" sequence. Pass Followed By Q-Bid: Asks stopper. Usually very strong one­ suiter. Might choose this auction in favor of 3-level jump overcall in order to get to game. Pass Followed By JS Into Other Major: Strong one-suiter. GF. As above, could choose this approach in order to get to game.

41 Mccallum/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

Some General Observations: • We can't bid a hand with both minors, unless very strong (4• over 2+). Weaker hands with both minors have to overcall in one suit or the other, or pass and hope to be able to balance. A later "direct" seat 2NT will show the other major and a strong hand - so we may get stuck. • 3M in 4th seat is rarely natural (usually stopper ask) . But ... o •'s over • 's is always natural. • We rely on them to tell us what their suit is in many situa­ tions (i.e., our doubles are 2-way) • PASS~BID sequences are modified from our normal approach - they show length in the OTHER major. • If we need a Q-bid, cheapest minor is used (nearly always 3~). o We assume that we may want to play in a major, even when partner has shown a takeout of that major. Hence, an auction like (2 +) -2¥(takeoutJ- (P) -3¥ is natural and forcing (Lebensohl principles) . o 3M' is used as the Q-bid after a double of 2M, of course; • No K3 transfers after Multi because we don't know their suit, and would, therefore, have no way to bid Stayman. Of course, if an auction occurs where we do know the opening bidder's suit, and we are responding to a strong 2NT, then K3 transfers would apply. • If an auction is not specifically covered by our agreements, and we are in doubt about the meaning of a later major-suit bid, presume it is natural unless the opponents are known to hold the suit.

Initial Approach In Direct Seat With A Major One-Suiter, tend to stretch to make jump overcall. Or "Pass and Q" (ostensibly asking for NT stopper) with stronger hand. A Very Strong Major One-Suiter that is too good for the interme­ diate jump overcall will usually pass on the 1st round, then bid a minor(or Q-bid) on the 2nd round. With 2-Suiter (Usually 6/4) Including One Major (primary suit) "PASS&BID" the minor later (assuming that opener shows the other major} . NOT analogous to our normal "PASS&BID" auc­ tions. but similar. Here, "PASS&BID" shows primary length in the major NOT held by the opponents, since this is the one we are more likely to want to play. If opponents should happen to show the major we are planning to bid, we double (PENALTY) or pass. Cannot bid the 2nd suit. With 2-Suiter With Primary Length In A Minor And A Side 4-Cd Ma­ jor, we tend to overcall in the minor. Might Pass and Q-bid, but this is risky. E.g., with 4261, you bid 3+ (natural) or

42 Mccallum/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

2• (takeout of •'s). Equal-level conversion of •'s to +'s ap­ plies here as in all other low-level takeout auctions. 2-Suiter (Strong) With A Major And A Minor (5/5+) bids 4m di­ rectly. 2-Suiter With Both Majors bids 4•. REMEMBER 2-Suiter With Both Minors bids 4•. REMEMBER

Unusual Situations: Pass Followed By A Jump To 4m may be either of two hands, de­ pending upon context. • If bidder is in passout seat, he must jump to show primary length in the other major and secondary length in minor. 3m in passout seat is merely balancing. • However, if bidder is in direct seat then a voluntary 3m shows this hand and 4m is used to show hands which are awk­ ward on the first round. 5/5 with the other major, but the major is weak - bidder was afraid to suggest it on 1st round for fear it might be opener's suit, decided to wait and see where they were going' before committing himself.

4th seat 4th Seat Actions are similar - follow general pattern (See 886). (2+)-X-(2M)-X: 2-way. REMEMBER. Either penalty of M' (5+ length) or Takeout of M' (may be willingness to defend anywhere). We rely on them to tell us which since the 2+ opener cannot af­ ford not to correct to his real suit. (2+)-X-(2any)-X: Negative. No force created. All further doubles are penalty. (~~)-X~_ _D_§l:!!:Y)~: As above, but now competitive force is created. (2+)-P-(2¥)-2•: Natural. (2+)-P-(2M)-2NT: Strong NT. (Stayman and 4-suit transfers - no K3 structure because no Q-bid - we don't know their suit.) (2+) -P-(2¥)-2NT; (P)-3•-(X)-3¥; (X): Redouble=Penalty. Pass= three •'s (as always) (2+)-P-(2M)-4m: Natural+ one major. (2+)-P-(2¥)-P; (2•)-P-(P)-X: Takeout of •'s, balancing. Not "PASS&DOUBLE." Average to good hands act directly in 4th seat.

3M in 4th seat is rarely natural: (2+)-P-(2¥)-3M: Asks stopper. With length in •'s, start with 3¥-asking for stopper, and convert, or start with double (penalty or takeout). With length in ¥'s start with double (2-way) REMEMBER. Similarly, after (2+)-X-(2•): 4th seat jump to 3M asks for a

43 Mccallum/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

stopper. (We can bid natural •'sat the 2-level or either ma­ jor at the 3-level via Lebensohl.) REMEMBER. Otherwise, 4th seat major-suit responses are natura~. (2+)-P-(2•)-3¥: Natural. (¥'s over •'s always natural). REMEMBER. (2+)-P-(3X)-X: Any good hand. 2-way. We guess when 2+ opener commits himself. (2+)-P-(3X)-3NT: Natural. Respond Slam Try Transfers - no Stay­ man. (2+)-P-(P)-X: In general, we treat the auction as if 3rd seat had opened 2+ and all weak-2 defense is on. But double is merely balancing. More or less forced (but, see #800 above for proviso) . May be balanced and very weak since partner was forced to pass many of his good hands. Follows our gen­ eral principles of reopening aggressively when an artificial bid is passed out by the opponents. (2+)-P-(P)-2X: Natural. (2+)-P-(P)-2NT: Strong NT. Primarily Offense. With defense "bal­ ance" with double: • Maybe partner can pass • Maybe they will run. (2+)-3m-(3M)-X: 2-way (assuming 3M Pass or Correct)

6th Seat (2+)-P-(2¥)-P; (P)-2•: Natural, balancing. NOT strong. Must act aggressively with good hand (i.e., if originally planning a "PASS&BID" sequence) (2+)-P-(2¥)-P; (P)-3•: Natural. NOT Primary •'s with secondary •'s. This is a balancing auction, NOT a "PASS&BID." • ~ that balancing with a jump to 3• must have a minor since we failed to bid 3• immediately. (2+)-P-(2M)-P; (P)-X: PENALTY. NOT balancing. REMEMBER (2+)-P-(2¥)-P; (2•)-2NT: Natural with 5+ ¥'s (Strong) But, (2+)-P-(2¥)-P; (P)-2NT: Minors (balancing), • With •'s and a strong hand, if 2• is passed around, we must take some strong action since both 2• and 2NT are simply balancing bids. Normally must bid 3¥or 3•, since any other call, including 3m, is simply a balance. • BUT, we could choose to "balance" with 2NT (ostensibly showing the minors, balancing), then follow partner's 3m preference with 3•, to suggest a strong NT with 5 •'s and a • stopper.

44 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

Responding to 4m overcall (natural with a major): (2+)-4•; 4+: asks for major (2+)-4•; 4M: natural (2+)-4+: respond WMP (2+)-4+; 4•: pass or correct (to 4•). (2+)-4+; 4•: slam interest facing +'sand ¥'s (WMP)

830A VS. MULTI 2+ VARIATIONS

If BOTH MINORS is a possible hand: Our 4m shows both majors and focuses on the better major (Astro-linked) .

831 THEY OPEN STRONG 2+

ARTIFICIAL: (Canada, Germany): RC-CRASH as over 2•. Everything up one step. (See 810 and 825.)

NATURAL (Australia): No special defense necessary. Double is takeout of +'s. Any action has a save or preempt orientation. (Jumps to 4-level: Natural, NOT 2- suited.)

832 THEY OPEN 2+ SHOWING ANY 2-SUITER

Defense follows the general pattern with a few modifications. (See 886.)

Jumps to the 4-level are Counter-Crash (2- suited) 4m natural with a major 4¥ = majors 4• = minors 3+ is the only Q after a t/o X. Cheapest minor after o/c = Q T/O X Lebensohl Strong (i.e., intermediate) one-suiters bid 3X. GF one-suiters pass {PASS&BID) .

45 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

832 THEY OPEN 2+ SHOWING BOTH MAJORS (WEAK)

Defense follows the general pattern with a few modifications. (See 886.)

Double indicates desire to defend (we know their suits). May be major one-suiter. 2¥ is takeout with at least some game interest (good opening hand or better) . Respond 2• if interested. 2• is takeout, merely competitive. Jumps to 3M are natural and intermediate if they may have a four-card suit. If they promise 5/5 jumps to 3M are stopper asking. Jump to 4m is natural with a major. Jump to 4M is natural preempt. Cheapest minor is Q after O/C. 3+ is Q after double. PASS&DOUBLE is light takeout. We know their suits.

833 THEY OPEN 2¥ SHOWING BOTH MAJORS

Somewhat Off the General Pattern: i.e. NOT treated as a Weak 2 in ¥'s (because we know both of their suits, and because it is not at all unlikely that we may wish to play the hand in one of their "suits")

Double = desire to defend, i.e. normal approach vs. 2 known suits (balanced wk NT+, major-suit oriented, but may be a ma­ jor one-suiter) 2•: takeout, minor-suit oriented 2NT: strong NT with tricks Respond WMP. 3m = natural 3M = asks stopper. But 3• may be natural and intermediate (if they may have four •'s) 4M = natural 4m = natural with strong playable major "DOUBLE&DOUBLE" = PENALTY (we know their suits) . Watch out for 4-cd majors - some pairs open 2• with 4-4 and may be xxxx xxxx. ASK! If we have an unbiddable major one-suiter, or two-suiter, we can bid as follows:

46 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

• Double = Penalty, may be a major one-suiter. Later major­ suit bids are natural. This is the most likely route we'd take. • 4m = natural with a strong playable major. Useful for GF 2-suiters. • 4M = natural. Not as strong a hand as double followed by 4M. Just playing tricks. Hands with full values, and/or slam interest, start with double.

833 THEY OPEN FLANNERY 2¥

Somewhat Off the General Pattern: i.e. NOT treated as a Weak 2 in ¥'s (because we know both of their suits)

X: Strong Ntish (they show an opening bid). Desire to defend (may be • one-suiter) . • Responder normally passes the double. • Respond K3 transfers and Stayman as if doubler had over­ called a strong NT. o We assume that ¥'sis their suit (i.e., transfers to •'s are meant to play in •'s, transfer to •'s is both mi­ nors. 3•-3+-3• is our Stayman sequence.) 2•: takeout, minor-suit oriented 2NT: strong NT with tricks Respond WMP. 3m natural 3¥ asks stopper 3• Natural and intermediate (unless they promise five •'s, in which case 3• is stopper ask) 4M = natural 4m = natural with strong playable major (presumably •'s since we don't try to play in opener's known five-card suit) 11 DOUBLE&DOUBLE 11 = PENALTY (we know their suits) . "PASS&DOUBLE" is takeout (we know their suits) Later • bids by either of us are natural.

834 THEY OPEN STRONG 2¥ (NATURAL) (AUSTRALIA)

No special defense necessary. Double is takeout of ¥'s. Any ac­ tion has a save or preempt orientation. (Jumps to 4-level are preemptive, NOT 2-suited.)

47 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

835 THEY OPEN 2• MULTI

Generally follows standard defense (See 830 & 886.)

There is one unusual aspect of Multi-2• which affects our de­ fense: 2• is often passed by 3rd hand. Therefore, we tend to be aggressive in direct seat with marginal hands. As always, we cannot pass out 2• (in theory) since partner may have a strong hand with a major, waiting to see where they are headed. (But, see #800 above for proviso.)

Deviations From Standard Multi Defense: With only one takeout call available (2•) we can't define the hands as well as we do after 2+ Multi. Therefore, 2• is merely defined as takeout with a minor-suit orientation. Most good hands with 4+ in a major start with double (good weak NT or better.) This may not be much of a change in practice from the Multi 2+ defense, so much as a change in wording. As vs. Multi 2+, moderate hands which would like to overcall a major are difficult. It's not safe to enter, so we gear our methods to other hands, and pass (or double) with these mar­ ginal hands. With a normal 2• overcall we will either start with double, or more likely, pass and wait to see where they land (we may get back to 2• this way, since partner will balance with a dou­ ble). Pass followed by a voluntary bid will work out well if hand is strong enough, and only 5 •' s. ( 11 PASS&BID 11 shows primary length in the major they don't have.) Six-card ma- jors can start with 3•/• if good. Otherwise pass and hope to balance.

836 THEY OPEN 2• TARTAN

Treat as Weak-2 in •'s (See 828 and 885)

837 THEY OPEN 2• PRECISION

3-Suiter, Short +'s. (See 822)

48 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

838 THEY OPEN 2• CRASH

Standard CRASH Defense. (See 847.)

Bids are takeout of that suit. If 2• shows Colors, Double is a defensive hand (weak NT or bet­ ter). 4m is CounterCrash: 2-suited, 4• = blacks, 4+ = reds. If 2¥ shows Major/Minor, 4m is natural with a major. Off pat­ tern.

839 THEY OPEN 2• - WEAK 2 IN EITHER MINOR

(Follows Pattern & Basic Partnership Principles - See 886)

Major-suit are natural. 3m: Takeout for majors (3• is stronger) Double is oriented towards defense, as always, but not 100% pen­ alty (wk NT+) "DOUBLE&DOUBLE" is takeout until weak hand has shown values, and penalty thereafter (we don't know their suit). "PASS&BID" shows primary length in the other minor. "PASS&DOUBLE" = PENALTY (we don't know their suit)

As always, if we have penalty double of either minor, we Pass&Double. With penalty double of one minor, we double im­ mediately, enlisting partner's cooperation.

840 THEY OPEN 2• TARTAN

Treat as Weak-2 in •' s. (See 828 and 885.)

841 THEY OPEN 2• CRASH

Standard CRASH Defense. (See 84 7.) Bids at 3-level are takeout of that suit. CounterCrash at 4-level. • If 2• shows Majors or Minors: 4• = minors. 4+ majors.

49 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

841.5 THEY OPEN 2• - BOTH MAJORS OR ONE MINOR PREEMPT (Brazil)

Defense Generally Follows Pattern & Basic Partnership Principles - See 886)

Treat as both majors.

Special needs:

Tendency to start with double, as oppposed to overcall, with any marginally defensive hand, since we have no idea what RHO has.

3m: Natural 3M: Natural Double: Weak NT+. Preference for defense. At least 2 •'s (the suit doubled) . 4m: Both minors. 4• is weaker. ~EMEMBER. Off pattern. (Need to be able to correct to 4+ to get out of the auction)

842 THEY OPEN 2• - WEAK PREEMPT IN EITHER MINOR

Standard defense. (Generally Follows Pattern & Basic Partnership Principles - See 886)

Special needs:

3M is natural. 3m: Major takeout (3• stronger than 3+) Tendency to start with double with 5431 shape (short major) rather than overcalling at 3-level with poor suit. "PASS&BID:" Primary length in other minor "PASS&DOUBLE:" PENALTY (we don't know their suit) 4m: Both majors. Focus on better major (Astro-linked). In all sequences, responder bids cheapest minor as Q-bid ( or slam try) .

50 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

843 THEY OPEN 2• - 5/5 MINORS

Standard defense. (Generally Follows Pattern & Basic Partnership Principles - See 886)

Special needs:

3M is natural. 3m: Major takeout (focus on better major, Astro-linked) Double: Desire to defend. (Normal) Tend to start with double with 5431 shape (short major) rather than overcalling at 3- level with poor suit. "DOUBLE&DOUBLE:" Penalty by both sides (we know their suits). "PASS&BID:" Balancing. (NOT PRIMARY LENGTH IN A MINOR) "i

844 THEY OPEN 2• - RANDOM PREEMPT

Follows pattern and Basic Partnership Principles (See 886) with a number of modifications.

Because the bidder may have any suit there are some special needs here:

• We try to keep as many of our bids natural as possible • A direct-seat double must have at least three •'s (or compen­ sating high-card strength), since (2•)-X-(P) is an expected development. • Hands with •'s can be a problem for a number of reasons o 3• overcall is getting pretty high o They may pass 2• opening without •' s o "PASS&DOUBLE" or "PASS&BID" sequences do not show •' s (since opener doesn't show •'s) • Therefore, with real •'s we try to overcall 3• immediately, or start with double. • In direct seat, we may pass with a penalty double of 2•. 4th hand is expected to reopen with double aggres-

51 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

sively (i.e., we are in a standard weak 2-bid auc­ tion) . • Since we have no clear Q-bid, cheapest-minor is used whenever we need one

Double: Normal (weak NT+), with at least three •'s 3•: Takeout (major-suit oriented), unbalanced or semi-balanced (direct seat only) 3+: Natural. REMEMBET. We can't afford to give up both minors when RHO's suit is completely unknown. 3M: Natural Cheaper minor by responder is always Q-bid, even 6th seat. (2•) -P- (2N) -34"; {3•) -4+: Q "PASS&BID:" Primary 4t's {the suit we lost). "PASS&DOUBLE: PENALTY {we don't know their suit) (2•)-P-{3•)-X: {where 3• is pass or correct): Some good hand - cards {2•)-X-(2N)-34": Natural. Start with double with all good hands. (2•) -X- {2N) -3•: (P) -3+: Q-bid {cheapest minor) Ask at the table about inferences available when they bid: <2•) -P- {P); {2•) -x- (P) i {2•) -x- (34"); or (2•) -x- (2NT). No force created by {2•)-X-(P)-P (2•) -X- (P) -3•: Q {2•)-X-{P)-34": Natural, constructive (Lebensohl). No Q needed, since 3• available. (2•) -x- (34") -44" (where 3"'° is "pass or correct"): Q-bid. Double with 4"' s. C2•)-X-(3X)-X: Negative. All further doubles are penalty. {Dou­ ble creates a force - we're doubling for takeout at the 3- level.) {2•)-X-(2NT)-X: Card-showing: Creates a one-round force. All further doubles are penalty by both sides. {2•)-X-(4•)-X: Any good hand - cards. {2•)-P-(P)-X: 2-Way - Penalty or Takeout. All else analogous to weak-2 defense as if RHO has weak 2 in •'s. (2•)-P-(P)-4+: •'sand +'s, etc. {2•)-P-(P)-2NT: Strong NT {Respond K3 transfers and Stayman, as­ suming that •'s is responder's suit - but be careful. We may want to play in •'s. Perhaps we should play Staymand and normal transfers, instead of K3, since we may belong in •'s - DISCUSS) (2•)-P-(P)-3•: Natural. REMEMBER. 3• is takeout in direct seat, but natural in 4th seat.

52 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

845 THEY OPEN TRANSFER PREEMPT

Use general approach. (See 886.) Unlikely that any specific defense is necessary. Their real suit is our Q-bid {for takeout), and double is a good weak NT or better, as always.

846 THEY OPEN 2-UNDER (TRANSFER) PREEMPT

Defense Follows the General Pattern. (See 886.)

Double: Desire to Defend. (Weak NT or better) "PASS&DOUBLE:" Takeout {we know their suit). "DOUBLE&DOUBLE:" PENALTY {we know their suit) "PASS&BID:" Strong with primary length in the "suit" opened Q-bid is takeout at 2-level Q-bid asks for stopper at 3-level. Etc.

847 THEY OPEN CRASH (2-SUITED, EITHER/OR)

Defense Follows the General Pattern with one deviation. (See 886.)

Any bid at the 2-level is takeout of that suit. REMEMBER.

3-level overcalls are natural - one-suited. 3M = intermediate. Double is Weak NT+ (unless they promise opening bid values, then double is Strong NT+.) No Force is created. Further doubles by both hands are takeout until weak hand shows values. Respond Lebensohl. Cannot pass the double aggressively, since opener may have the suit he opened. 2NT is a Strong NT with tricks. {Respond WMP) 4m: Counter Crash - we have what they have. If they show minors or majors, 4• is minors, 4+ is majors. {or... 4•: Blacks or Rounded's, 4+: Reds or Pointed's; linked by color or shape.) "PASS&DOUBLE" is PENALTY {we don't know their suits). Make our light takeouts immediately if possible. "PASS&BID" is primary length in the "suit" opened. Bid-suit is secondary suit. "DOUBLE&DOUBLE" is takeout (by both sides), until the weak hand shows values, and penalty thereafter.

53 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

848 THEY OPEN 2-WAY 2-BID (Either 2-Bid or Weak 2-Bid In The Next Suit)

We assume they have a weak 2-bid and all our normal methods ap­ ply. The next suit (Q-bid) is our take-out double, double is a good weak NT or better and does not create a force. 2NT is tricks. (Since they gave us a Q-bid for a takeout double we take advantage of the opportunity to double them when we have a strong NT.) Applies to any 2-way 2-bid where one of the possibilites is a weak-2.

850 THEY OPEN 2NT (NATURAL)

Cole: Double is a one-suiter (but not •'s). A bid is natural and is the lowest of 2 suits held by the bidder. 3• is a natural one-suiter. In a rare case, with an extremely distributional hand (7-4, 8-4, we might use this to maneuver with four •'s - if we don't mind playing our long suit at the 4-level. Could double show- ing a one-suiter (not •'s) then bid 3•. Shows 4 •'sand a 7 or 8-cd suit on the side. (With a 6-4, we'd presumably just show a 2-suiter or a one-suiter in the normal way.)

851 THEY OPEN 2NT - BOTH MINORS

Follows the General Pattern with modifications as needed. (See 886.)

Double: Desire to defend {good Weak NT or better, with emphasis on minors.) As usual, may be 5431 with short major. No nega­ tive doubles. All further doubles by both sides are PENALTY (we know their suits) . 3m: Takeout for majors, 3• stronger, 3+ only competitive, usu­ ally 5/4 or maybe even 4/4, but emphasis is on the majors (as opposed to double which puts more emphasis on minor-suit holdings) . 3M: Natural 4m: Both majors 5/5 +. Creates force. Focus on better major (As­ tro-linked). "DOUBLE&DOUBLE:" PENALTY. We know their suits. "PASS&DOUBLE:" Light takeout, balancing. (We know their suit (s))

54 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

"PASS&BID:" Just balancing. Not Strong. We don't show primary length in a minor when they show both minors. Cheapest Minor-suit Bid by responder is a Q-bid when needed. 4th Seat Action: Follows the general pattern. Double is any good hand.

851 THEY OPEN 2NT - ANY PREEMPT, OR MINOR-SUIT PREEMPT

(Follows Pattern & Basic Partnership Principles - See 886)

We don't know their suit, therefore: "DOUBLE&DOUBLE:" Takeout "PASS&DOUBLE:" PENALTY 3•: the only takeout All else at 3-level = natural 4m: Natural with one major 4¥: Majors 4•: Minors 3NT: Natural with ST Transfers - no Stayman Cheapest Minor by responder is Q when needed.

852 THEY OPEN 2NT - BOTH MAJORS

(Follows Pattern & Basic Partnership Principles - See 886)

Special Needs: 3m: Natural 3M: Asks stopper Double: Weak NT+ 4m: Both minors. 4• is weaker. REMEMBER. Off pattern. (Need to be able to correct to 4+ to get out of the auction)

853 THEY OPEN 2NT - CRASH

Standard Crash Defense {See 847.)

Any bid is takeout of that suit. Double is desire to defend (Good Weak NT+) . 4m is CounterCrash. "PASS&DOUBLE" is PENALTY (we don't know their suits) "PASS&BID" is good hand with 2 places to play - waiting on first-round for them to clarify.

55 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

854 THEY OPEN NATURAL 3•

(Follows Pattern&Basic Partnership Principles with some modifi­ cations- See 886)

We have room to utilize a portion of the jump overcall structure used vs. weak 2-bids. Therefore, (3•)-4+: +'sand an unknown major. Creates force. Respond as to any other two-suited jump (see #828 & #861) .

After (3•)-X-(P), we respond with a variety of "Lebehsohl." (3•)-X-(P): 3M is constructive, some interest in a game. (3•)-X-(P)-3+: Artificial relay (forcing) - normally the start of a sign-off (presumably, but not necessarily, in 3M).

• Doubler normally rebids 3¥, to play in responder's hoped­ for major, (unless he has a plan of his own)

3+ relay can also be utilized to start some COG sequences, and to define some slam sequences. If 3+ bidder follows with any bid above 3• (other than 4+), he is suggesting alternative contracts and/or slam interest . ... 3• -3•: 3NT: COG, doubt about NT, suitability for other strains. 4•: COG, majors, no slam interest (Direct 4• is slammish, flexible hand) 4+: Forcing (4• over the double is invitational) 4M: Slammish one-suiter (direct 4M is no slam-interest).

Structure applies to 6th seat responses as well, after 3~-P-P-X.

855 THEY OPEN 3• - BOTH MINORS

Standard defense (See #886) with necessary adjustments: 3+: Majors 4m: Majors, focus on better major (Astro-linked).

56 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

~56 THEY OPEN 3M - NATURAL

qm overca~~s are Lwo-suiLea, naLura~ witn Lne oLner maJor. (3M)-4m creates a force. Good suits (2 of top 3) except at r vorable where we may push for a save. \But noLe tnac we .;:;L still in a force, even at favorable.) We have no natural 4m overcall. must bid 3NT or 5rn. REMEMBER. Recent change (07/00)

856 THEY OPEN 3M - NATURAL OR SOLID MINOR

Treat as major preempt. 11 PASS&DOUBLE" if they land in 3NT is penalty (Penalty Double of Gambling 3NT) . Also penalty if they land in 4M or higher. Light takeout if they land in 4m. (Similar to defense to Gambling 3NT - see #857 below.)

856 THEY OPEN 3• - SOLID MINOR

Same as defense to Gambling 3NT - see #857 below - with one ad­ justment.

3NT: Takeout - two-suited. One of the rare exceptions to our normal rule (i.e., that 3NT is always natural), since we can hardly want to play in 3NT knowing they have a solid suit out against us.

857 THEY OPEN GAMBLING 3NT

Defense Is Off the General Pattern in Several Areas (deviations noted). Similar approach to the one we use when WE overcall 3NT, with some modifications (See 2NTCOMP.470).

Double: Some good hand. Emphasis on defense. NOT heavily Major­ suit oriented. Penalty. Creates force. 4~: Takeout: Clear Major-Suit Orientation. 4+: Unspecified slam try "transfer. 11 REMEMBER. Does NOT follow pattern. Respond WMP.

4• thru 5+ = natural overcall, no slam interest 11 DOUBLE&DOUBLE:" Penalty. {We don't know their suit) "PASS&DOUBLE" (of 4m) : Light takeout {not good enough for 1st round action). Perhaps, Axxx Kx.xxx Ax xx. REMEMBER. Off­ pattern. {Normally PASS&DOUBLE is penalty when we don't know their suits.)

57 Mccallum/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

"PASS&DOUBLE" (of 4M or higher): Penalty. But, less than a Strong NT, and therefore somewhat cooperative by definition. REMEMBER. Does NOT follow pattern. "PASS&BID" (Voluntary): Primary •'s (unable to act over 3NT be­ cause 4• is artificial) . 4th seat: Same approach, EXCEPT that double may be balancing, possibly with majors. (They have passed 3NT; therefore, they may have cards. 4• is not safe with a light majors hand. Bet­ ter to let them play 3NT doubled.) 4th seat cannot make a 100% PENALTY double. After double, partner's double is responsive (both majors). REMEMBER. Off pattern. 2nd double by doubler shows preference for defense. (Normal) Other doubles are takeout or balancing. The same defense applies to a 3NT opening which is defined as a 4m preempt.

858 THEY OPEN 3NT - 4-minor PREEMPT

Defense is the same as that used against Gambling 3NT. (See #857.)

858.5 THEY OPEN 3NT - SOLID MAJOR (Great Britain)

Defense is the same as that used against Gambling 3NT, with the following modifications:

No bid shows emphasis on majors, of course. If anything, bids which emphasize majors vs. Gambling 3NT will emphasize minors vs. this 3NT opening. Double is still good flexible hand, but no clear emphasis, or lack of same. Just shows more interest in defense than of­ fense. 4• is still t/o, with strong preference for offense. Probably 2- suited, without •'s (i.e. +'s + major by default). (Hands with •'s take a "PASS&BID" sequence or start with double.)

859 THEY OPEN 3NT - BOTH Minors

4m: Majors. (4• stronger, maybe our hand even if they show strength). 4m creates force only if they are defined as having shown a pre­ empt.

58 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

860 THEY OPEN 3-LEVEL PREEMPT

(Follows Pattern & Basic Partne ship Principles - See 886}

3NT: To play. • Respond 4-Suit Slam-Try Tr nsfers. No Stayman. 4•= Slam try somewhere (3NT bidder resp nds WMP} . All other transfers are to play - no slam inte est. 4Q: 2-suited (unspecified}. {Se #861 below for follow-up.} 4NT: Specific-Ace BW, as always Jump to 4M: Ambiguous. Not pree pt but not slam try. Not under­ bidding. Double Followed by Jump to 4M: lammish. (Rare for us to use this "standard" treatment - ut we have no option when they start at the 3-level.} Double Followed by Non-jump 4M: Flexible hand, NOT slam-try. Double Followed by 3NT: Flexibl hand. NOT extra strength. Doubt about 3NT. Shaky stopper, or balanced with stopper and ma- jor(s}. {Not off-shape, so promises major support.} (3X}-P-{3Y)-Dbl: PENALTY. {Probable takeout of X, promises some length in Y. ) We pretty much give up on getting to slam after a 3-level pre­ empt in order to achieve accuracy in COG. Bid only the straightforward slams. New suit responses to our overcalls are forcing.

861 AFTER OUR 4Q - UNSPECIFIED 2-SUITER

Definition: 2-suiter, strong enough to expect partner to drive to the 5-level with 2 prime cards and a fair fit. Game-force. (4m is NOT game.)

Responder initially assumes the lower two suits and takes a non­ forcing preference. Preference may be simple bid or invita­ tional jump. • NOTE: {3•)-4•-{P)-4+ is forcing.) Responder bids highest remaining suit with self-sufficient suit of his own. Responder bids 4NT when he is too good to risk a pass of a pref­ erence {two useful prime cards plus a fit). Asks for 2 suits. Q-bidder responds CRASH. Responder bids 5Q with first round control and slam drive.

59 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

Q-Bidder's Rebids after Preference: • Pass: Content • Cheapest Correction: You missed my suits. No slam interest. • High Correction: Slam-Try. This suit, plus the suit you bid. o EXCEPTION: (3•)-4•-(P)-4+; (P)-4•: High Correction, therefore +'sand •'s. But NOT Slam-Try. No Slam-Try be­

low 4NT. 4• is only COG. I • Cheapest NT: Slam Try with other possibility (suit you bid plus cheaper of other 2) • SQ: Slam Try, other 2 suits. ("You missed.")

NO BLACKWOOD BY EITHER SIDE after (3X)-4X start. REMEMBER.

862 THEY OPEN 4-minor - NATURAL PREEMPT OR SOLID MAJOR

Treat as natural preempt. "PASS&DOUBLE" of 4m or 4M: PENALTY. (We don't know their suit)

863 THEY OPEN

This Defense is new as of Beijing, 9/95 - DOES NOT FOLLOW THE GENERAL PATTERN.

Some of our normal agreements are reversed for 2 reasons:

1. The artificial opening gives us a basically "free" double, since the opponents pretty much cannot play there - REMEMBER 2. We know their suit, but the level is such that we need the flexibility offered by grabbing the extra takeout double.

DIRECT DOUBLE: Takeout of their known suit, may be a bit light (always lighter than direct Q-bid) . (OFF PATTERN since we normally play penalty doubles of artificial openings when we know their suits.) No Force. Leaning towards offense. Extra high-cards will double again. May be good with more offense than defense. May be passed. (If they redouble, 4th hand should pass unless very constructive, slammish hand - remember Sabine & Danielle accident in Perth.) "DOUBLE&DOUBLE:" Extras. Not Penalty, but often passed, since doubler was not strong enough for direct Q. (Off pattern.)

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"DOUBLE&PASS:" No force created by 1st double. "PASS&DOUBLE:" PENALTY. All strong hands with strong leaning to­ ward defense are handled this way. Virtually always passed. OFF PATTERN. (Normally we play PASS&DOUBLE=penalty only when we don't know their suits. But, in this case, we completely reverse our agreements in order to allow a light takeout dou­ ble in direct seat. Therefore, we have no immediate penalty double. We don't need PASS&DOUBLE for takeout - we have two direct seat takeouts - but we do need it for penalty) Overcall: Natural. Strong. Creates Force. At least some slam in­ terest. 4Q-bid: Strong Takeout, 2-suited with other major. Creates Force. • (4+)-4• must be very strong since bypassing 4¥. "PASS&BID:" Weaker than direct bid. No Force. Maybe just saving. {Unusual application of PASS IS WEAKEST ACTION.) REMEMBER. Off pattern. (Normally our PASS&BID sequences are strong.) 4NT = Minors. REMEMBER. This is only EXCEPTION to our normal agreements about 4NT overcalls (SAB) . They are effectively opening 4M, thus 4NT is takeout. DOUBLE AND BID 4NT {if partner removes double): Natural. We were deprived of our natural 3NT overcall & playing in 4NT is far more important than asking for aces. REMEMBER. Off pattern.

865 THEY BID BLACKWOOD OR GERBER

If their 4NT is clearly serious then our double suggests a save against a slam. If their Gerber or Ace- is a suit-bid, then double is lead-directing or meaningless {meant to screw them up) . If their 4NT might be fooling around {i.e., we think it's our hand), our double is Blackwood.

870 DEFENSE TO

Defense is Off the General Pattern.

Treat any bid by us as an overcall of forcing • - tends to be weak. RC CRASH. {1• is natural 1¥ overcall, since double is not available). "PASS&DOUBLE" says it might be our hand in high-cards (Good Strong NT+) • Over their catchall bid (usually 1•), our suit overcalls are sound - treated as if we had opened the bidding {if our over­ call is at one-level). In other words, we ignore them and

61 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

carry on. lNT is shaded downwards (13-15) and perhaps 4441. Double is any hand that qualifies for a forcing •· In re­ sponse to double: Cheapest bid is negative; anything else is natural and GF.

875 WE ARE DOUBLED IN AN ARTIFICIAL TAKEC~

After we bid Astra. CRASH. Michaels. UnusuaL NT. ecc .. ~~~ uC~G QOUDles che arcificial bid for penalties: Our mechods -~-: ~eoenaina uoon wnich suics are known. and whecher cne artificial bid is NT or a suit-bid.

In General: we don'c crv co olav in a redoubled concracc. REDOUBLE is normally "suit ot mv own." PASS is normally "content to play here" ( 5+ trumps) . • EXCEPTIONS: Three auctions where oass = nothina to sav: 0 After a NT bid (by either side): (UNNT, CRASH) Pass = nothing to say, or no preference (usually balanced) . Any bid shows interest in competing (we pass with no inter2;:;t in further competition) . o When the artificial bid is in an opponent's (Michaels), pass = nothing to say and a bid shows inter­ est in competing. (Normal principle: We don't try to play in the opponents' major.) o When one suit is unknown and one is known, pass = nothing to say, presumably balanced. (Astra, Michaels over Major) A SUIT BID is always normal as if they didn't double, including artificial bids (may show interest in further competition if pass or NT is available for "nothing to say") . NOTRUMP BID changes when we're doubled (normally NT response is a Q-bid, or big fit with no defense). When we're doubled, NT calls show no interest and bids are normal (as if they didn't double) with interest in further bidding. • EXCEPTION: After Michaels, NT bids keep their conventional or normal meaning (i.e., ignore the double.) When the artificial bid is double (CRASH, COLE, RCCRASH), if op­ ponents redouble the artificial double, normal principles hold: If their original bid is NT pass is nothing to say. If their bid is a suit, pass shows length in that suit. There­ fore:

62 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

• Vs (lNT)-X-(XX) or (2NT)-X-(XX): PASS= nothing to say or "I think I have the other 2 suits." Bidding is normal !Crash after (lNT-X), natural after (2NT-X) • Vs 1~-X-XX, pass shows length (five or more ~'s)

These principles apply anytime we are doubled in an artificial takeout, whether or not the auction is specifically dis­ cussed.

SPECIFIC CONVENTIONS DOUBLED (OR REDOUBLED) BY OPPONENTS:

Both Suits Are Known & The Bid Doubled Is A Suit-Bid) (Our 2m Michaels, our 2,,.-Q showing 5/4 majors)

Pass = content (5+T) XX = suit of my own (i.e. 4th suit) Bid = normal, as if no double (1~) -2~-(X) -2+ bid your 5-cd suit) NT = Q-bid

Both Suits Are Known & the Bid Doubled is a NT-bid (UNNT)

Pass= Usually No preference (e.g., 2/2), but may have prefer­ ence with no interest in competing) XX = No preference; prefer to play 4th suit if overcaller has any fit ("suit of my own") Bid = Preference - interest in competing further NT = fit with no defense, suggestion to save

Both Suits Are Unknown & the Bid Doubled is a Suit-Bid (CRASH vs. NT, CRASH vs. 1,,_ & 2,,_, RC CRASH)

Pass = content (5+T) XX = suit of my own Bid = normal meaning as if no double NT = Q, or big fit with no defense depending on-level

Both Suits Are Unknown & the Bid Doubled is a NoTrump-Bid (CRASH VS 1,,_ & 2,,_)

63 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

Pass = nothing to say (balanced) XX = suit of my own 3id = normal, interest in further competition NT = Q, or big fit with no defense One Suit Known, One Unknown (Suit Bid) (2M Michaels, Astro vs NT)

Pass = nothing to say (usually balanced) XX = suit of my own Bid = normal (including all artificial bids over Michaels), if the bid is natural it shows interest in further competition NT = Q, or big fit with no defense

If the Artificial Bid is Double: (RC CRASH VS l~ & 2~, CRASH VS lNT, COLE VS 2NT)

( 1 oTo ) - x - ( xx ) : Pass= length in oTo's 1• = normal, some length Bid = normal Pass of (lNT)-X-(XX) =nothing to say, or I think I have the other 2 suits Bid = interest in further competition Pass of (2NT)-X-(XX) =nothing to say (maybe 2 other suits). Bid = natural.

If our artificial takeout is doubled by the opponents to show length in the Q-bid suit, as opposed to interest in penaliz­ ing us, the only change we make to our normal approach after a double is that we don't try to play in the Q-bid suit. Therefore, pass is nothing to say and a preference shows in­ terest in further competition. Otherwise, as above. ~ that we don't need NT to show no interest in this sort of auction, so it doesn't exist for the moment.

None of the above applies to takeout bids after WE open the bid­ ding. • 1N-(4•)-4N-(X); XX: To play. It's likely to be our hand, and 4NT is likely to be our right final contract. Pass is, as always in competition, nothing to say or no preference or no interest. Redouble in direct seat is always to play. • loTo- (lN) -2oTo- (X): Redouble is to play (5+ oTo' s), pass is no preference, or no interest.

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880 THEY MAKE NEGATIVE FREE-BID

Double is PENALTY.

881 THEY BID RUBENSOHL

1NT-(2X)-P-(2Y) where Y is transfer: Double is extras + length in Y, interest in competing. (If 3Y is the transfer, then our double is simply lead-directing.)

882 THEY BID RUBENS ADVANCE lX-(+)-P-(nY) where Y is transfer: Double is "he stole my bid." Lengtl{, and desire to compete, but unwilling to bid at higher-level. I If Y is lNT or 2NT, then double is )penalty oriented. Q-bid of RHO's real suit functions as takeout double. lNT has our normal meaning, as if the bid were natural. (18+) 2NT is Good/Bad.

883 THEY BID FISHBEIN

Double is desire to defend. Invites preemptor to double. "PASS&DOUBLE" is cooperative. Our NV Weak-2's need more playing strength (or good suit) vs. pairs using Fishbein.

884 THEY MAKE ARTIFICIAL (OR UNDEFINED) SPLINTER

Normal principles: Double suggests lead of lower-ranking side suit. If they later define the singleton to be in the suit where we've suggested a lead, we can double again to suggest a lead in the lower-ranking of the other 2 suits.

885 CHART VS. WEAK 2-BIDS. (SEE END OF SECTION.)

65 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

885A AUCTIONS WHICH START AT THE 3-LEVEL FOR OUR SIDE

Handled in the Sarne Manner as the Opponents' Weak 2-Bids. (See 828 and 885.) (l•)-P-(2•)-3•: Asks stopper (1•)-P-(2•)-X: Lebensohl principles are on. (1•)-P-(2•)-4+: +'sand ¥'s. Strong. Forcing. In General We have the same agreements regarding degree of force as if the opponents had opened a weak-2. These principles do NOT apply when opponents have indicated own­ ership of the hand (e.g. with 2-over-one).

(1•)-P-(2•)-4+: Natural Pre-empt. (NOT +'sand ¥'s.) (l+)-P-(2+)-3•: If 2+ is simple raise, 3• is good 2-suiter, •'s and •'s (as if they opened 2+). But, if 2+ is limit+ (in­ verted), our 3• is just a natural preempt.

886 GENERAL DEFENSE AGAINST UNDISCUSSED CONVENTIONS

The principles outlined in this section are applied, in so far as possible to all opposing conventions (see indidual conven­ tions above). Whenever we encounter a conventional treate­ ment we have not discussed, we attempt to apply the principles below.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES VS. THE OPPONENTS CONVENTIONS:

1) WE USE 3 DIFFERENT GENERAL APPROACHES DEPENDING UPON: a) Do we know their suit(s) from the outset? b) Is the opening bid natural or artificial? 2) If we haven't seen the convention before, we attempt to adhere to the principles outlined below 3) If an opponent's conventional opening bid has a weak possibil­ ity and a strong possibility, we assume the weak meaning.

66 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

4) If an opponent's conventional opening has 2 possibilities, one with a known suit and one with an unknown suit, we assume that their suit is known. 5) If there's a conflict between #3 & #4 above, the principle outlined in #3 has priority. So, if their strong possible meaning includes a known suit, and their weak meaning is an unknown suit, we first assume that the bid is weak - there­ fore, their suit is unknown.

A) GENERAL APPROACH IF THE OPPONENTS' CONVENTIONAL OPENING BID IS NATURAL

No special agreements are necessary. Double is takeout, no force is created, we respond Lebensohl below 2NT. Standard bidding methods will suffice. Generally fall back on our defense to weak 2-bids whenever we can (See Sections 828 & 885). Any bid which promises the suit they've bid is presumed to be natural, even if there are unknown possibilities attached to the bid (i.e., a 2• opening showing •'sand a minor is treated as a weak 2-bid in •'s - i.e., a natural bid).

B) GENERAL APPROACH IF THE OPPONENTS' CONVENTIONAL OPENING BID IS ARTIFICIAL & THEIR SUIT(S) ARE KNOWN:

(e.g. Flannery, Precision 2+, 2NT showing minors, Transfer Pre­ empts, 2+ showing Majors, Tartan 2-Bids, etc.)

NOTE: Whenever they they have an anchor suit, their suit is presumed to be "known."

1) DOUBLE: "We think we prefer to defend if possible." a. Good Weak NT or better: Whenever they don't (or might not) have opening bid values and they are below 3NT. No force is created. Tends to be balanced, but can in­ clude some awkward 5431 shapes. Depends upon suit quality, level of the opening bid, and the specific methods used by opponents. Primarily, double is flexi­ ble with emphasis on defense. b. Strong NT+ (usually balanced, as above): Vs. all open­ ings not covered by (a) above. The primary distinc­ tion: if they show an opening bid, we show a strong NT+. May be shaded slightly, especially vs. 2•/+/H openings where we can stop at the 2-level. Double cre­ ates a competitive force if the conventional bid was at the 3-level or higher.

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c. When doubler shows a weak/NT or better: Respond Leben­ sohl. d. When doubler shows strong NT: Respond as if doubler had overcalled natural 2NT (or 3NT) - transfers, Stay­ man, K3, etc. as appropriate e. All further doubles by both sides are PENALTY by both sides. (Be careful not to confuse with doubles when we don't know their suit(s) at the outset, where further doubles are negative until the weak hand shows val­ ues.) f. While double is presumed to be balanced, it may neces­ sarily be slightly off-shape, since not all hands will be easily biddable. In general, while double is usu­ ally defined as a good weak NT or better, it's practi­ cal definition is that "We think we prefer to defend if possible." 2) 11 DOUBLE&DOUBLE:" Penalty. (Be careful not to confuse with double-double when we don't know their suit(s) where fur­ ther doubles are negative until the weak hand shows values) a. Anytime the opening bid has an anchor suit, our "Dou­ ble-Double" is penalty, by both sides. b. However double is defined, some attention is paid to the fact that we have a fair idea how many trumps they have when they act over the double. 11 Under-the-suit 11 doubles follow our normal principles, even when made by the original doubler (often Hxx if we're not in a force, always penalty if we are in a force.). 3) 11 PASS&DOUBLE:" Takeout. 4) "DOUBLE&PASS:" Forcing. (EXCEPT when original double was defined as Weak NT or better.) 5) "PASS&BID:" Good unbiddable hand (as always). Usually 2 places to play. Frequently primary length in one of the suits RHO might have had originally, but has subsequently denied. 6) OVERCALL: Natural 7) 2NT OVERCALL: Normally Natural with Tricks (assuming double is available to show good balanced hand) . Respond WMP - no Stayman. 2NT does not create force. a. If direct double is defined as takeout, 2NT is natu­ ral. Respond K3 Stayman and Transfers. 8) 3NT OVERCALL: Natural, creates force. Respond Slam Try Transfer Structure - no Stayman. 9) 11 PASS&2NT:" Good unbiddable hand - PASS&BID, as above. Probable primary length in one of the suits RHO might have had but has subsequently denied. 10) "PASS&3NT:" Minors (assuming we had no way to show minors on the first round). Any range.

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11) JUMP OVERCALL: Intermediate (one-suited) if they are (or might be) preempting. Preemptive if they promise opening bid - as long as we have some other way to show strong hand (Jump-Q, 11 PASS&BID", 11 Pass and Q", etc.) 4m OVERCALL: 2-suited. Specific suits depend upon the oppo­ nents' methods. Natural with the other major where logical. Key on better major if opener shows both minors (Astro- linked). Key on •'s if either major is still "live."

13) 2-LEVEL Q (or possible Q): Takeout double of that suit. No force is created. 14) 3-LEVEL Q: Asks stopper. Creates Force. Jump or Non-Jump. May be delayed if bidder doesn't know what his Q-bid is on the 1st round. However, if it is possible that they may have four cards in the known suit, then a jump to the 3- level is natural and intermediate, rather than a Q-bid. 15) 4-LEVEL Q: Strong Takeout, 2-suited, creates force. Normal responses. (See #861) 16) PASS AND Q-BID: Asks for stopper. Presumably based on GF one-suiter. (Occurs only when we don't know their suit on the first round.) 17) "PASS&JUMPSHIFT:" Strong one-suiter. GF. 18) "PASS&4M:" (non-jump) Strong one-suiter, as above. 19) 4NT: Specific Ace BW, unless opponents have opened with 4M or the equivalent o Takeout for minors vs. 4M opening or the equivalent (i.e., Namyats) 20) WHENEVER WE OVERCALL A NATURAL 2NT: "Stayman" and K3 trans­ fers are on (See Section 470) 21) WHENEVER WE OVERCALL A NATURAL 2NT WITH TRICKS: Respond WMP, No Stayman, No transfers. 22) WHENEVER WE SPECIFICALLY SHOW A STRONG NT OR BETTER via a card-showing double (vs. Flannery, Acol, etc), we respond as if partner had overcalled 2NT natural. 2-level new-suit bids are merely to play, 2NT is a transfer to •'s (for signoff) REMEMBER, and all bids above 2NT are "System On." ~3 4-suit transfers if oossible. Otherwise Stayman and 4- suit transfers.

23) WHENEVER WE OVERCALL A NATURAL 3NT: No Stayman, Slam-Try transfers apply (See Section 470) 24) 4TH SEAT ACTIONS: Generally have the same meanings as in direct seat 3XCEPT where illogical. 25) DOUBLE IN 4TH SEAT, when 3rd hand bids anything, is always some sort of good hand. Two-way, either penalty or takeout.

69 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.BOO

6th seat decides which based upon the opponents' actions (opener is forced to reveal his hand) . 26) We will almost never pass out the hand if 3rd hand passes the artificial (or semi- artificial) opening (since many of our strong-hand defenses depend upon a first-round pass. Therefore, double in passout seat may be very light with either shortness or length in the "suit" they have rested in. (But, see #800 above for proviso.)

C. GENERAL APPROACH IF THE OPPONENTS' CONVENTIONAL OPENING BID IS ARTIFICIAL & THEIR SUIT{S) ARE UNKNOWN: {MULTI 2+, 2• RANDOM PREEMPT, ETC.)

(For the most part we try use the same defense as that used vs. artificial bids when we DO know their suits (outlined in (B) above). Those areas which are different vs. unknown suits are in red text.

1) DOUBLE: "We think we prefer to defend if possible." a) Good Weak NT or better: Whenever they don't (or might not) have opening bid values and they are below 3NT. No force is created. Tends to be balanced, but can include some awkward 5431 shapes. Depends upon suit quality, level of the open­ ing bid, and the methods used by opponents. Primarily, dou­ ble is flexible with emphasis on defense. b) Strong NT+ {usually balanced, as above): Vs. all openings not covered by (a) above. If they show an opening bid, we show a strong NT+. May be shaded slightly, especially vs. 2•/•I• openings where we can stop at the 2-level. c) Double creates a competitive force if the conventional bid was at the 3-level or higher. d) When doubler shows a weak NT or better: Respond Lebensohl. e) When doubler shows strong NT: Respond as if doubler had overcalled natural 2NT (or 3NT as applicable) - transfers, Stayman, K3, etc. as appropriate

~l All further doubles by both sides are takeout until the weak hand shows values, and penalty thereafter. (Be care­ ful not to confuse with doubles when we know their suit(s) at the outset, where further doubles are penaltv I g) While an initial double is presumed to be balanced, it may necessarily be slightly off-shape, since not all hands will be easily biddable. In general, while double is usually de­ fined as a good weak NT or better, it's practical defini­ tion is that, "We think we prefer to defend if possible."

70 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

2) "DOUBLE&DOUBLE:" Takeout until the weak hand shows values (by both sides). Penalty thereafter. (This applies anytime the opening bid does not have an anchor suit. When it does, our "Double-Double" is penalty, by both sides. See "B" above.) However double is defined, some attention is paid to the fact that we have a fair idea how many trumps they have when they act over the double. "Under-the-suit" doubles follow our nor­ mal principles, even when made by the original doubler (often Hxx when we are not in a force, always PENALTY when we are in a force) . • No force is created when the weak hand shows values with a two-level . However, a 3-level negative dou­ ble creates a force for us (i.e., normal partnership prin­ ciples) . 3) "PASS&DOUBLE:" PENALTY. REMEMBER. This is a major change to 2. long-standing structure, effective as of Beijing (9/95). AD­ plies in direct or balancing sea~. • NOTE: This is our only flat-out PENALTY DOUBLE at the 2- :evel of their mysterious artificial openings. The possi­ bilites are, in order: • In many cases doubler will have only trumps, since generally good hands normally start with double plan­ ning to involve partner, and to pass his value showing "negative" double if they land in a suit we intend to double. • While double is probably just trumps, it is possible for it to be a hand which was planning some later strong action ("PASS&BID"), and was surprised to find that the opponents landed in his suit. REMEMBER. • Flat-out PENALTY DOUBLE of anything. • Practically speaking, what this new "PASS&DOUBLE" strategy means to our approach is, that, if they make an artificial opening bid, and we're virtually certain we want to penal­ ize them, we will start with pass, then follow with a PENALTY double. If we probably want to double, but need co­ operation, we will start with a double and rely on the "negative doubles by both sides till the weak hand shows values" approach, after we've seen where they're going. 4) "DOUBLE&PASS:" Forcing. (EXCEPT when double was defined as Weak NT or better.) 5) "PASS&BID:" Good unbiddable hand (as always). Usually 2 places to play. Usually primary length in one of the suits RHO might have had originally, but has subsequently denied. 6) Q_YER~~LI:: Natural in theory, but we don't make a simple ovei· - call in a suit which we know may be RHO's primary suit. Hence, direct bids are often Q-bids (stopper asks) . A strong one-

71 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

suiter may have to pass and wait for the opponents to clarify. (See #14 & #20 below) 7) NT OVERCALL: Natural with Tricks. Respond WMP - No Stayman. 3NT overcall creates force. 2NT overcall does not create force. B) 0 PASS&2NT:" Good unbiddable hand - PASS&BID, as above. Prob­ able primary length in one of the suits RHO might have had but has subsequently denied. 9) "PASS&3NT:" Minors (assuming we had no way to show minors on the first round). Any range. 10) JUMP OVERCALL: Intermediate (one-suited) if they are (or might be) preempting. Preemptive if they promise opening bid - as long as we have some other way to show strong hand (Jump-Q, 0 0 "PASS&BID I Pass and Q" I etc.) 4m OVERCALL: 2-suited. Specific suits depend upon the oppo­ nents' methods: CounterCrash vs. unknown 2-suiters. Natural with the other major where logical. Key on better major if opener shows both minors (Astro-linked). Key on ¥'s if either major is still 0 live."

12) 4M OVERCALL: Natural. 13) 2-LEVEL Q (or possible Q): Takeout double of that suit. No force is created. 14) 3-LEVEL Q: Asks stopper. Creates Force. Jump or Non-Jump. May be delayed since bidder often doesn't know what his Q-bid is on the 1st round. When the opening bid shows one of two specific possibililities, direct bids in those suit(s) are are Q-bids (stopper asks). (We don't make simple overcall in a suit which may be RHO's primary suit.) A strong one-suiter (GF) may have to pass and wait for the opponents to clarify so that he can Q-bid on the next round. (See #19 below) 15) 4-LEVEL Q: Strong Takeout, 2-suited, creates force. Normal responses. (See #861 above) 16) PASS AND Q-BID: Asks for stopper. Presumably based on GF one-suiter. (Delayed because Q-bidder does not know what his Q-bid is on the first round) 17) 0 PASS&JUMPSHIFT:" Strong one-suiter. GF. 18) 0 PASS&4M 0 (non-jump): Strong one-suiter, as above. 19) 4NT: Specific Ace BW, unless opponents have opened with 4M or the equivalent. • Takeout for minors vs. 4M opening or the equivalent (i.e., vs. Namyats) 20) WE DON'T MAKE A SIMPLE OVERCALL IN A SUIT WHICH MAY BE THE ------~------·---·-·------·- OPENING BIDDER'S PRIMARY SUIT. Therefore, when we don't know ~he opening bidder's suit(s), while overcalls are defined as

72 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

"natural," they are always suspect. Such bids are usually ~reated as Q-bids. • Frequently there is no direct seat Q-bid. However, if RHO is known to have primary length in one of two specific pos­ sibilites, our overcalls in those possibilities are Q-bids (asking stopper) . • A jump overcall is always natural (intermediate) • A very strong one-suiter (GF) may have to pass and wait for the opponents to clarify so that he can Q-BID, or BID his suit later knowing where he stands. 21) WHENEVER THERE IS NO q-:-BID_~V~!-~ABL~ __'I'O R:J~§PONQ_~:£3: (because we don't know their suit), the cheapest minor is reserved for use as our Q-bid. 22) WHENEVER WE OVERCALL A NATURAL 2NT: "Stayman" and K3 4.-suit transfers are on wherever possible. (See Section 470) 23) WHENEVER WE OVERCALL A NATURAL 2NT WITH TRICKS: Respond WMP, No Stayman, No transfers. 24) WHENEVER WE SPECIFICALLY SHOW A STRONG NT OR BETTER via a card-showing double (vs. Flannery, Acol, etc), we respond as if partner had overcalled 2NT natural. 2-level new-suit bids are merely to play, 2NT is a transfer to •'s (for signoff) REMEMBER, and all bids above 2NT are "System On." K3 4-suit transfers if possible. Otherwise Stayman and 4-suit trans­ fers.

25) WHENEVER WE OVERCALL A NATURAL 3NT: No Stayman, Slam-Try transfers apply (See Section 470) 26) 4TH SEAT ACTIONS: Generally the same meanings as in direct seat EXCEPT where illogical. 27) DOUBLE IN 4TH SEAT, when 3rd hand bids anything, is always some good hand. 2-way, either penalty or takeout. 6th seat de­ cides based upon the opponents' actions (opener is forced to reveal his hand) . 28) We almost never pass out the hand if 3rd hand passes the artificial (or semi- artificial) opening. Therefore, double may be very light with shortness or length in the "suit" they have rested in. (But, see #800 above for proviso.)

Most defenses against the opponents' conventions follow the pat­ tern outlined above. Those that are off the normal pattern are noted under each convention. They are:

1) Vs Gambling 3NT: Double by responder to 1st double is respon­ sive with both majors. NOT takeout or negative as would nor­ mally be the case. Responder's double is often passed since the 1st doubler is not major-suit oriented.

73 McCall um/Sanborn November 1999 DEFENSES.800

2) Vs Gambling 3NT: 4• is takeout, but 4+ is unspecified slam­ try transfer. 3) Vs Precision 2+: Overcalls show some + length. 11 PASS&BID 11 is primary +'s. 4) Vs. Flannery 2+ (or 2¥): 2t. is minors 5) Vs. 2t. Random Preempt: Double must have at least 3 t.'s (or compensating hi911-card strength), since (2t.)-X-(P) is an ex­ pected development. 6) Vs. CRASH Opening: Any bid is takeout of that suit. Cannot pass partner's direct seat double aggressively, since opener may have the suit he opened. 7) Vs. 2t. or 2NT Showing Both Majors: 4m shows both minors as ex­ pected, but 4• is weaker. (Need to be able to correct to 4+ to get out of the auction.) 8) Vs. Namyats: An overcall is strong and creates a force - at least some slam interest. 11 PASS&BID 11 is weaker. No Force. Maybe just saving. (Unusual application of PASS IS WEAKEST ACTION.) 9) Vs. Namyats: DOUBLE is takeout (light), not card-showing or penalty as we would normally play. (4Q is strong takeout.) 10) Vs. Namyats: PASS&DOUBLE is PENALTY even though we know their suit on the first round. Necessary because we have no card-showing double on the first round, in order to set up a DOUBLE-DOUBLE sequence. 11) Vs. Funny 2¥ (Multi, Crash etc.): Anytime we use 2t. as takeout of t.'s, 4m overcall is natural plus a major. 12) Vs. Acol 2-Bids. All agreements are the same as those vs. weak 2-bids, EXCEPT that we don't make a natural 2NT overcall vs. a strong opening bid. So, 2NT shows the minors. 13) Vs. Multi 2+: 4¥ overcall shows both majors. 4t. overcall shows both minors. 14) Vs. Multi 2+ (and all others to some extent): In balancing seat, double is probably just a balancing action, but must look at the logic of the auction. If balancer has another clear way to balance, double is PENALTY. • (2 +-Multi) -P- (2•) -P; (P) -X: PENALTY. We can balance with 2NT for takeout (presumably minors) , AND we had both 2¥ and 2• available on 1st round for takeout. This is our only way to make a 100% penalty double of t.'s. Balancer may even have primary •'s.

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