R f DEFENSIVE AND COMPETITIVE BIDDING LEADS AND SIGNALS W B F (Style: Responses: 1 / 2 Level; Re-opening) OPENING LEADS STYLE Sound Natural and wide-ranging 6-16 HCP. Highest from touching honours K from AK only Category Green NCBO Ireland *New Suit forcing for one round * if un-passed hand 4th highest from length but from 5 small second highest Jump suit responses are fit showing and From specific holdings as shown. Same against Suits Unassuming cue-bid is generally game try and I round force Low from Honour Players M. McGloughlin & Heidi Lillis Immediate bid of INT over opponents opening is 15+ 18 System ON Mud Protective position is 11-16 HCP System ON 2.asks range (see notes) Doubleton (High/Low)

DIRECT & JUMP CUE BIDS (Style; Response; Reopen) LEADS Standard Generally same against Suit and No-Trumps SYSTEM SUMMARY Modified in 2nd 3rd and in the protective seat. 10 9 x Vs. Suit Vs. NT GENERAL APPROACH AND STYLE Jump overcalls, other than Cue-bid, are weak but tricks H x x x As underlined As underlined Natural 5 card majors; 15-17 No- 3 Level Cue-bid asks for 3NT A K x A J 10 9 Transfers Against 2 2 openings we employ Leaping Michael where bids of K Q x 10xxxx Multi style 2 D Opening 2H/2S conventional 4. by our side will promise 5+ in bid suit and 5 in other major Q J 10 INT response to I Major opening Forcing 90% Against 2 A bid of 4 minor promises 5 in bid suit and a 5 Major A J 10 9 Usually J but maybe A 2NT is Minors and < 12 HCP weak 2 OVER 1 Response: Forcing to Game Modified of opening SPECIAL SEQUENCES Ace Attitude Whenever we bid Vulnerable Game / Slam in expectation of making King Count we must bid again if opponents out-bid us. After a XX showing 9+ we must bid again. If we X INT we must take some action if opponents manoeuvre showing weakness

VS. NT (vs. Strong/Weak; Re-opening; Partner’s Lead Declarer’s Lead Discarding s SPECIAL BIDS THAT MAY REQUIRE DEFENSE We use 2. over INT as showing either . or  and  Count/1 Attitude Count Generally count when 2 2 and 2NT openings are weak 2 2 suiter 5/4+ 2 is Single-suited major or goo d Diamonsa discarding and if we deem 2is Multi Weak Majors or 20/22 balanced it to be important will give and 2 2 show the bid suit and a pref We retain the same approach against either weak or Strong uit 2 Passed hand Double is two minors 3 We discard what we can ]afford 1 All variable opposite Passed Partner VS.PREEMTS (Doubles; Cue-bids; Jumps; NT Bids) NT 2 Count Count Double of Weak Two’s, Weak Threes and most 4 bids is take-out 3

OVER OPPONENTS’ Signals (including Trumps): IMPORTANT NOTES Redouble is 9+HCP, New suit natural non-forcing, raises natural but Count High-low even holding, Low-low odd holding We have considerable flexibility as regards may be pre-emptive, No-Trumps Natural Suit preference usually but invariably where it is considered to opening bids at the 2 level in 3rd seat esp Non-Vul. Splinters etc apply. No but 2NT over I major (if available) still big raise to 3 be important to defenders. We may have sound opening (up to 13 HCP always 4 trumps 10/11 HCP Hi-Low Trumps when defending suggests possible available All low level doubles tend to be take-out simply saying values please Take-out Doubles promise 11+ HCP or compensating shape Slam Bidding bid unless you have their suit in 2nd 3rd or 4th seat; (shaded) Roman (5 Ace ) Key-Card Blackwood Negative Doubles to the levels indicated on opposite page 4 / 4 Double 4 take-out but penalty likely; Protective Double may be 5. 14 50/3 52 No Q 5 2 + Q Responsive Double to 4 light 10 HCP Cue-bids first or second round control Always plenty of values over 3 level bids by opponents Suit bid after are forcing . Exclusion Key Card Blackwood if appropriate Free bid rather than negative double shows suit and non-forcing DOP1 in Competitive Auction

3 4 4 3  4NT  . . 3NT 2NT INT 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1

/ Opening

/ 3 .    .   

 4 3 

 

No  Yes to Yes / 

Yes Yes NO No No No No No No No No No

Artificial

7 7/8 7 7 7 None 5

O 5/5 2 6 5 4

MIN. CARD

4 4 4 4     NEG.DBL T0

aWeak type Generaly NT 11Usually minor/5 major 6card card have Can 15 11 11 Ace Ace Ask 3key exactly Always stop Outside Minor Solid No Pre 6 opened but might be Pre 5 7 5 cards in suitand 4+ minor As for 2H forAs 2H 11 . - - - - 12 HCP 20 HCP20 withAs I 4+cards always and 20 17 Semi 17

- - - 5 emptive 7 card suit 7card emptive suit 7card emptive

16 HCP,16 4 4 1 4  + in minors + inminors

-

- 14 balanced (Not 4 balanced 14 Balanced or unbalanced Balanced

balanced balanced DESCRIPTION 11

 <11 HCP - - cards 20 HCP 20

)

4  2 1NT 6 I major no 2 and 4+Cards At Natural 5 4 Over 4 suits, in other cards side and minors with least 1 in at passes Responder Cue 4 minor Natural natural, 3major Raises 4 Asking forAs 2 Natural, enquiry 2NT Forcing Raises of re development Notes See Auction 2NT enquiry forcing 2 3controls than but< suits show bids 3 level 2 here responses Controls 2 4D transfers4Clubs and Strong toHearts/Spades 3 2 St 2C 2 for as I same the Much 2 3 2NT 4 Trumps Force Game to pre largely 3/4 and to 2anoise Raise 3 1NT 5 2 1NT=6 1 Pre  4 2 3C andgood Invite 3D suits     .     . .       1  /4

=0; =0; 5    

  Multi styke or Multi styke 3 Relay/Negative 4 /3 /4  - Asks foor Asks 2NTrange transfers to 2 Weak jump shift No Fit good suit good Fit Weak shift No jump emptive   .

    to play if this is openers suit is openers ifthis to play suit in natural 4+ bid 12+ Strong 7+HCP; cards 4+ Natural

Weak Force or 2suiters Game - S Splinters 2 - Weak Jump Shift 6/7 Cards and 6/8 HCP 6/8 Weak Shiftand Cards Jump 6/7 . 10/11HCP Forcing - aymanic .

4 9 2NT 10/12 9; 2NT 10/12  A toplay place better to play; 

Transfers to  are to play 4NTare toplay (modified) is RKCB  Bergen trump4 9/11 or 6/8 4+ cards 7+ HCP; cards 4+

4 for conversion

3

 / Splinters, RKCB RKCB 3NT ballanced Splinters, 13/15  .

is and slam interest slam and bid is Cue / 2NTfor shortage asks 

6 style style but see Notes .

- GF Diamonds with 3NT 13/15 13/15 3NT

Less than 2 Less bid 4NTbid RKCB

3NT 13/15 13/15 3NT specific specific 5NT=2 Ace; Aces  

/

 unless bypassed unless

RESPONSES

 is 4 . Balanced. NoMajor Balanced. 

Balanced. NoM Balanced. .

Modified RKCB Modified

2 

. 

3

 RKCB  

i is 12+ no major no 12+ is

s 32NTs is 3Kings

- Invites

emptive

.

 hand

ajor

Quantitative NT only directly over opening 1NT opening or specific bid. 1NT orspecific opening opening over NTQuantitative directly only 6 5NT King Ask Card Key Blackwood Exclusion Cue HIGH LEVEL BIDDING to major ask responses showing Length auction further re Notes detailed See re Notes See bids various INT over Auction responders and for as I Same support card 4 be will suit generally ofresponders raise Splinters. Single is15 etc range establish INT re 2NT try is game is 4card raise Jump INT Re support and opening raiseisminimum Single . Any bid by Opener after weak bid by responder is a byresponder bid after byOpener weak bid Any =K - bidding(First or second round control) round second bidding(First or . - bid is 11 bid - bid is 11bid ; 6 

=K but can be choice with 3 bechoice but can game try or likely slam interest slam likely trygame or  - – 17+ HCP17+ Natural and -

16 and Responder uses Crowhurst to Crowhurst uses Responder and 16 - Promises all 5 key cards. cards. all 5 key Promises 16 and 2 and 16 SUBSEQUENT ACTION After , etc but with 2 we bid the missing the webid butwith 2 etc

support and 15/17 and support

2

17+ HCP 17+ . 

system On system Asks

DOP/ (Double = even; Pass = odd Pass =even; DOP/ (Double RKCB over tointerference Defence as un Same as un Same as un Same as un Same re 20/22 over Baron as un Same Hand fromAs Un=Passed fromAs Un for as I Same Hxx fit bids are 5suit+ Jump WeakNo Shifts jump Trump Forcing No No and forcing bids but no bidthesame we far possible As as Notes System See hand to Opening See reNotes responding by Passed No Inverted Minors butnobid is forcing farAs as possible we bid the same not forcing bids for as Same PASSED HAND BIDDING

- passed hand passed - - - - -  un passed passed passed passed passed. Transfers,

- passed but most but passed

- bid

System Notes for Mixed Pair and Mixed Teams

Note 1 Opening of 1. This is the bid made on any hand not suitable for INT and not holding a 5 card major and may be made with just a 2 card suit.It is therefore used with all weak 11-14 HCP Hands and 4/4/1/4 hands and may be made with 1/5/3/4 with Clubs and a poor 5 card major Responses I 4 but may be bid with hand with unsuitable for other bids e.g xxx x AQx Jxxxxx 1 4+ cards 5+ HCP 1NT 6-9; 2NT 10/11/12 3NT 13/15 All these bids show balanced hands and no Major 2 Strong 12+ natural 5/6+ in bid suit 2 - Weak 7-11 2 suiters with 5 in bid major and 4+ Clubs 3 7-11 HCP No Major 6/7 Clubs * Opener’s rebids after I Response (a)1 Natural 4 card suit but neither bid guarantees a Club suit although both bids confirm that the Opening bid is of the 11-14 weak no trump type of hand INT Typically a weak No-Trump 11-14 2NT 18 or thereabouts 3NT Strongish with likely source of tricks in Clubs 2 Weak raise 4 card support 11-14 HCP 2 2 Each of these bids show bid suit and extra values 17/18+ HCP and Forcing 2NT Natural Balanced /semi/balanced Opener’s rebids after 1 I INT II-14/16 balanced and unsuitable for raise of Responder’s suit and in response responders bids 2 enquiring range of opening bid 2 / 2 Shows a Weak No-trump type with good support for responders suit. Support will usually be 4 card but can be 3 and now 2NT asks 2NT shows strong balanced but if corrected to responder's suit will be 4 cards support but no singleton I over I shows 4 card suit and probably a weak No-Trump type Opener’s action after INT response 2 shows minimum opening with a likely 6 card club suit and unsuitable for INT 2 Show reversing values and a likely 5 card second suit but possibly a 6/4 distribution Note 2 After I Opening Auction is largely natural We use inverted minor suit raises where jump to 3 level will show 9/11HCP and invariably 5/6 card support, No 4 card major and unsuitable for INT A Single raise of 1 to 2 will be 4+ in suit 12+ HCP, No 4 card major, unsuitable for 2 NT (or 3NT) and forcing to 3 A bid of 2NT will be 11/12 no major and balanced while 3NT will be 13/15 balanced and no major After 1responses of 33 are splinters 13+ HCP and G.F. A bid of 4 is RKCB in  Other Responses 1 4+ Cards 6+ HCP INT 6-10 2NT 11/12 3NT 13-15 All balanced No major 2. Natural Forcing to Game No major 2 Weak Jump Shift 6/7 Cards and 6/8 HCP no fit for Opener (only un-passed hand) BUT if by Passed hand 5 suit and fit 9/11 HCP In rare instances Opener can explore for game opposite either of these bids via the same structure as described for enquiry after a Weak 2 opening by our side although in reality he will bid game automatically if hitting a fit After I If responder HAS already passed all bids are natural No inverted minors No WJS otherwise as above Note 3 Opening of 1 If responder has NOT already passed Responses  1 is 4+ in suit and 6+ HCP  *1NT is Forcing and is usually dust-bin type (denying 4) but limited to about 10/11 I INT Re-bid 2. and now 2NT shows that initial INT was based on approximately 11 HCP and proably a Singleton or Doubleton Heart 2. 2 Natural and Forcing to Game  2 Single raise is potentially quite strong 8-10 HCP and 3 card support (but with 4/3/3/3 shape and say 9/10 go via forcing INT and then 3  2 6-8 6 Card suit and No fit for opener.  2NT is Game Force with 4 card trump support and no splinter type See further below  3.  Bergen Raises promise 4 card support 3.should promise honour in trumps and 3 Controls while 3 Diamonds will be weaker  3 Jump Raise is 4 card trump support and 5-8 HCP  3NT This is a Spade splinter 12+ HCP and 4 card trump support  4 is to play and is based on shape/points and may be distributional

Opening of 1 and responses  *1NT is semi-forcing but limited to about 11 I INT Rebid 2. and now 2NT shows that initial INT was based on approximately 11 HCP balanced 2. 2 2Natural and Forcing to Game if by unpassed hand  2 Single raise is potentially quite strong 8-10 HCP and 3 card support but with 4/3/3/3 shape and say 9/10 go via forcing INT and then 3  3 Jump Raise is 4 card trump support and 5-8/9 HCP  2NT is Game Force with 4 card trump support and no splinter type See further below  3.  Bergen Raises as described over I Heart opening  *3NT is Splinter in  and 4 . 4  are Splinters in the bid suit 12-15 HCP Same comment as above  4 big suit and to play  4 To play may be distributional  If Responder has already Passed and this applies after either I OR I  INT is natural and limited 6-10  Single raise is limit 4/6 and 4 trumps maybe 7/8 with 3 card support  Jump Raise is 4 card trump support and 8/9/10  2NT is sound raise 10/11 with 4 card support  Jump raise in new suit promises good (minimum of Kxx/Qxx) support and good 5+ in bid suit  Two level bids are all natural and non-forcing but will have values (distribution/or HCP c 8/9)

Developments after I and 2NT Game force 4 trumps Opener rebids 3.  Natural 4 card suit ie at least KJ10x (Not Kxxx or Qxxx stuff) No Splinter 5/4/2/2 3 MAX 3 Other Major showing and 3NT asks and Opener shows where the void is in his hand 4C club void, 4D Diamond Void 4H Spade Void 3NT Spade Splinter 4. Splinters in Bid suit 4 minimum No splinter sign-off Developments after I and 2NT Game force 4 trumps 3. 3Natural 4 card suit ie at least KJ10x Not Kxxx or Qxxx stuff) No Splinter likely 5/4/2/2 3NT Heart Splinter 4.Splinters in Bid suit 4 Natural at least 4 card suit 4 minimum No splinter sign-off Note 4 2 Opening: This bid shows any of the following A weak hand in HCP 6-10 with a reasonably robust 6 card major or Balanced 20/21 or 8 tricks in a minor Responses (1) 2 to play if a weak 2 in Hearts Opener will pass with weak 2 in Hearts and bid 2S with weak 2 in Spades  To play if opener has weak 2 in Spades and sufficient values to play at least 3Opener will Pass with Spades and bid 3/4 Hearts Over either 2 or 2 pener will Bid 2NT with balanced 20/22 Once the Opener has clarified the kind of hand held the Responder determines how auction should be progressed if the Opener has shown Balanced 20/22 system as over INT (15-17) (Stayman/Transfers etc is on Response (3) 2NT is Forcing Enquiry and Opener re-bids as follows 3. A good weak 2 (unspecified and 3 now asks which one and 3H shows Spades and 3S shows Hearts (simply to get the lead around to the good hand and to put the openers hand as dummy 3 A poor weak 2 in hearts probably 6/8 HCP and AQ9 xxx type of hand only 3 a poor weak 2 in Spades 3his shows that the 2D opening is based on the Strong playing tricks in the minor hand 3NT Balanced 20/22 Responses 3 3  Invitational in Bid major but sufficient values for at least Game and more probably slam facing 20/21 Balanced 4 4  Pass or correct In any situation where the intervention is passed back to Opener, Double shows the Strong Balanced type of Opening and this interpretation applies also when the Intervention is in 4th seat 2 P 2 2 3. 3 Double here by the opener is 20/22 type Note 5 Bidding after 2NT opening when it shows < 11 and both minors 3 3 Preference 4 4 RKCB in Bid Suit Responses stepped Ist step O 2nd step 1, 3rd step 1+Q 4TH step 2 and fifth step 2 + Q 4 4 To Play 5 5 To Play 3 : Asks for Controls in Hearts rd round 4 Asks for Controls in Spades 3NT No Control 4 rd round 4 nd round

Note 6 Crowhurst Convention is used only after 1.1 opening bids and INT (11-16 ) re-bid or after protective INT 11-16 2. Asks for the range of the INT Re-bid or Protective and Opener answers as follows With any Maximum 14-16 opener re-bids 2NT With any Minimum 11-13 opener re-bids below 2NT 2 of responders major shows 3 card support 2 shows 4 cards after 1 P 1 P INT 2. P 2 Spade response precluded reverse In any case where he cannot do either of these and has a minimum he re-bids 2 The responder takes control and effectively dictates where the final contract should be played. If Opener re-bids 2NT showing maximum in response to the 2. enquiry a further bid of 3. by the responder asks Opener with a max. and a potential source of tricks e.g AQ10xxx in his minor shows this by responding 3. 3 to 2. enquiry If responder bids 2NT over INT re-bid he demands 3. ( style) and subsequent auction clarifies When ever responder to Opening bid raises a re-bid of INT to 2NT this demands 3. as a Lebsensohl type effort and over the mandatory 3., the next bid is 3NT it promises big fit with Openers first suit (5 Card to honour(s) and good 5 carder to Honours in Responders first bid suit AQxxx x AQ xxx xx I P 1 P INT P 2 NT P *3. P **3NT * Mandatory ** Super fit in Diamonds and excellent Spades as illustrated

Note 9 Some common competitive auctions Opponents open INT OR when the opening bid is a catch-all IC Overcalls 2. Shows both Majors at least 4/4 or A REASONABLY STRONG Single suited hand with Clubs Responder bids 2 6 card suit offering a place to play and 2/2 or worse in majors which opener Passes Responder bids 2 2 Simply saying I think this is the best place to play but raise with a lot of extra values Responder bids 2NT Forcing Enquiry and Opener replies 3. with minimum (All 4/4 and poor 5/4) majors 3 with Maximum All 4/4’s 3 maximum with 5 carder and 3 maximum with 5 card suit 3NT with 5/5 in Majors Note 10 When we with 2 6 carder in either major OR Excellent Diamonds 3. I think this is better place to play 3 As for 3. but fair hand as Pass was possible Any major bid other than 4S pass or correct, 2NT Forcing enquiry Responses : 3. a Major and minimum and 3D by 2NT asks which 3 shows Diamonds 3 shows Hearts and maximum 3  shows Spade suit and maximum 3NT At worst a likely one loser suit only AKJ10xx or AKQ10xx Note 11 When we over-call with 2/ 2 promising 5 cards in bid suit or  and 4+minor Any major bid to play. 3. 4. 5. Pass or correct 2NT Forcing Enquiry and over-caller re-responds 3. min with . 3 min with  3  max with . 3 max with  3NT max the bid major and both minors 5/4/4/0 An immediate 2NT overcall is two suited minors and quite strong Note 12 Defence to weak 2-suited opener of any kind Double shows a Strong No-Trump type of hand or better If their two suits are known eg Both minors A cue-bid of the lower of their suits shows a weakish takeout 11-15 A cue-bid of the higher of their two suits is strong take out 16-19 A suit bid by our side is natural reasonable hand We employ a similar style if a two suited overcall (Michaels or Ghestem is used after we have opened the bidding Note 13 Defence to multi 2 2 or 2 = takeout, 12+ pts, 4+ cards in bid major, must be short in other major Double Strong No-Trump type good 14 to 18 or even 19+ balanced (Lebensohl applies) 2NT Good hand with potential source of tricks and both Majors stopped 3. /3 Fair hand natural 3 /3 Excellent close to game (about 8 likely tricks) 3NT To play may be gambling type e.g Jxx Ax Axx AKQJxx 4. Leaping Michael's style 5 in the bid Minor and a 5 Major ( Responder bids on the Pass or correct basis ) 4 /4 To play

Note 13 INT 15-17 usually balanced/semi balanced 1NT 2. Enquires. See below *details of responses 2 2 Transfers showing 5+  or 5+  Opener breaks transfer if holding good support and and attractive hand. Any bid other than the transfer strongly suggests game and maybe empty cue-bid 2 Transfer to . (Opener bids 2 NT with possible game values (Club fit Hxx) 2NT Transfer to  Opener bids 3. with possible game values (Diamond fit Hxx) 3. 3Single suited Slam interest  Splinters 5/4 in Minors Singleton in bid suit 3NT To Play 4. Ace asks Responses 4 0, 1,2,3, 4 Transfer 4NT Invitational *After 2. Stayman style Responses 2 No Major but a 5 Major 2 2 4 Cards and Minimum 2NT Minimum 3C Max with at least I major and 3. asks which 3. Max with 4 card Major (s) 3 Asks and now 3 3  show suit while 3 NT shows both 3 3 3  Max with 5 cards in bid suit 3NT Maximum with 5 card Club suit Note 14 Defensive/Competitive bidding when Opponents intervene Generally our actions are as set out in section headed Lebensohl but the following might be noted If opponents enter the auction with a Penalty Double All bids are natural and simply looking for a better place to play Redouble is 8+ and an interest in seeking penalty If opponents enter the auction with a conventional doubles All our system bids Stayman, Transfers are on Redouble is 8+ and an interest in seeking penalty If having made the conventional double (showing suit) a double of the subsequently bid suit is Penalty and Lebesnsohl approach is also in use by our side

If they overcall showing a suit (2. natural) double by our side is penalty of Clubs If the overcall shows Clubs and another Double shows Clubs If the 2C bid is two suiter (not Clubs) Double is Staymanic style and transfers etc are in operation If the overcall is two-suiter identified double shows interest in penalty off one or other of their suits If the overcall is natural Double is penalties and Lebensohl approach is followed ( SANS etc) If the overcall is Not Natural and not two known suits or one known suit e.g 2D showing Spades and another Double is staymanic 2 bids are natural and non-forcing while 3 bids are forcing If overcall is 2H /2S promising suit bid and minor immediate double shows the major and a subsequent double of the minor is competitive. Pass is weakness but a later double is 5/6 HCP and shape INT 2NT Overcall (minors) Double is penalty from one of the minors and if 2NT is unknown double is simply values and doubles of immediate 3 or 4 level bids are penalties

Note 15 Defensive Bidding after Opponents open INT 2. Shows Clubs or both Majors Responder bids 2 2 Simply saying I think this where I want to play if you have the majors Responder bids 2NT Forcing Enquiry and Overcaller replies 3. with Clubs 3 minimum (4/4 or poor 5/4) majors 3 maximum with 5 carder and 3 maximum with 5 card suit 3NT with 5/5 in Majors

Note 16 Defence to 3/4 level pre-empts Double = takeout; Overcall : Natural either HCP or good suit Defence to 4 level pre-empts 4. /4 opening: Double = takeout. 4 /4 = to play 4NT = 5/5 in two suits (partner bids better of  and other minor, for conversion) Defence to 4 opening: Double = takeout 4 to play- 6 + card suit; 4NT = 5/5 or better in minors Defence to 4 opening: Double = Take out good hand but prepared for Penalty pass if no other bid makes sense 4NT = 2-suiter Responder bids better minor

Note 18 2/ 2 5/ 4+m Any major bid to play. 3. 4. 5. Pass or correct 2NT Forcing Enquiry and over-caller re-bids 3. min with . 3 min with  3  max with . 3 max with  3NT max with both minors 5/4/4/0 An immediate 2NT overcall is two suited minors and quite strong We adopt the same approach to bidding against INT when in the Protective position but hand may be weaker

Note 21 Two Suited Overcalls in all positions

While our card suggests we are trying Ghestem maybe for simplicity we should stick to Michaels wherein over a Minor 2 of the same suit says Majors while over a major 2 of the same suit says the other major and a 5 card minor

Bergen Raises of I Major

Simple raise of I Major to 2 is little more than a noise and might be made with as little as 4 HCP and 4 Trumps or as much as 8/10 HCP with 3 card trump support and a likely 3/3/4/3 or 3/4/4/2 distribution.

A sequence of I M INT 2 any 3M should promise upper range c 10 HCP for the INT and 3 card Spade support. May also hold values in openers second suit that look like working cards for example Jxx Axx K J x xxxx best go via INT and over 2 of Red Suit bid 3 Spades

Sequence of I Major 3C or 3D Both guarantee 4 card support with 3C being the stronger of the 2

Rather than splitting hairs on the HCP requirement for these bids I think we shoud differentiate by reference to quality of trump support and controls (Not Points)

For example 1 Kxxx Axx Kxx xxx is a very powerful raise to 3S of a IS ( 4 Card support including a top honour and 3 controls on the side and this would be a good 3C bid 2 xxxx K Qx Kxx Qxx (Both these hands hold 10 HCP but clearly Hand 1 offers real prospects of Game opposite a high % of fairly minimum IS openings whereas Hand 2 will need almost certainly very good Spades and useful working cards in the red suits to have any reasonable chance for 10 tricks

Using this kind of rule of thumb we bid 3C with hand 1 and 3D with Hand 2 and maybe a rough guide might be that for 3C Bergen we will promise H to 4 in the trump suit and 3 outside Controls whereas for 3D we won't hold an honour in the trumpn suit

2. Puppet Stayman style asking for 5 major but if next bid is 2NT good 8/9 HCP Subsequent bidding Should we simply play as Demands 2 no Stayman/Puppet Stayman stuff at all 2 Denies a five card major and now Responder bids; 2 4/5; weak 2 5/4; weak 2NT Invites to game after which 3. by Opener (accepting) is Baron 3. Good hand with suit 5/6. and GF 3 Good hand with suit 5/6 and GF 3 Good hand with suit 5/6 and GF. 3 Good hand with suit 5/6 and GF. 3NT To play (Could we use this to show both Majors Opener bids 2 5 card Heart Suit Responder bids 3 Inviting (we have Heart fit and my hand is interested) Is this a sensible bid 2 I have 5 and 4 Hearts and interested Why not just bid game in Hearts 2NT Invitation to game good 8/9 No Heart fit 3. Game Force 5+ Clubs (I was bidding this no matter 3 Game Force 5+ Diamonds I was bidding this no matter 3 Game Force 5+ and I was bidding this no matter 3NT To play but 4 card Spade suit Opener bids 2 5 Card Spade Suit Responder bids 2NT= Invitation to game, good 8/9 HCP 3. Good hand with suit 5/6. and GF 3 Good hand with suit 5/6 and GF (asked for major first) 3 Good hand with suit 5/6 and GF. 3 Inviting (we have Spade fit and my hand is interested 3NT to play (this should promise 4 Card Heart suit as 2NT is inviting) Maybe delete these 2 makes sense if we stick to 2. demanding 2 2 Transfer to  Subsequent bidding by opener 2 Nothing to say; just completing the transfer (denies 4-card support) *2 Empty Cue Bid 4 Card Heart support No A K.Q in S *2NT Super-accept; 4+ card  support; and good controls but indifferent controls in trumps *3. Empty Cue-bid 4 card  support; No A, K, Q in Clubs *3 Empty Cue-bid 4 card  support; No A, K, Q in Diamonds After all bids marked * the 2bidder decides contract 3 Aggressive pre-emptive raise 4 card  support 4 Aggressive 5 card  support; 2 Transfer to  Subsequent bidding by Opener 2 = nothing to say; just completing the transfer (denies 4-card support) *2NT= super-accept; 4 card support; and good controls but indifferent controls in trumps *3. Empty Cue-bid 4 card support; No A, K, Q in Clubs *3 Empty cue-bid 4 card  support; No A K.Q in  *3 Empty cue-bid 4 card  support; No A K.Q in  After all bids marked * the 2 bidder decides contract 3 Aggressive pre-emptive raise 4 card support 4 Aggressive 5 card  support; 2 Game force balanced or Two suiter with Majors 5/5 See * under and consider if we want possible Gladiator instead Opener bids 2NT and Responder follows with 3. Baron for suits upwards We can retain the existing various bids from the Gladiator stuff over 2 if desired but not really necessary unless we want to have 3. Maximum with at least one major, 3 Maximum with No Major 3 3 Maximum and 5 cards * Over the Openers re-bid of 2NT responder shows the major two suiter via 3NT on second round and if extra strong Slam interest in bid 4NT This latter point is why I think we can have 2NT over 2 as mandatory

Note 9 Further Developments INT 15-17 usually balanced/semi balanced Responses INT 2NT This is always a Lebensohl type of hand demanding Opener to bid  3. which responder passes if his suit is Clubs or bids 3 with Diamonds both to play 3 highly invitational consider forcing to 4 6 Card suit and 6/7 HCP 3  highly invitational consider forcing to 4 with 6 Card suit and 6/7 HCP Consider review of this as we can try these via immediate transfer and raise to the 3 level and then these become 4 card suits with Clubs as 6 carder as arose with BJ /Ranald recently where we scored a lucky game when no S led 3NT Minor Two suiter Game values 4. Invitational with Clubs and a Major

INT and Responder bids 3. splinter in Diamonds 4/4/1/4 Game force opener bids 3  Control ask Steps 2 3 4 etc

3 splinter in Hearts 4/1/4/4 Game force opener bids 3 Control ask

3 splinter in Spades 1/4/4/4 Game force opener bids 3  Control ask

3 splinter in Clubs 4/4/4/1 Game force opener bids 4. Control ask

Consider playing all these as 6 card suits (good) and Game going in Majors but invite in minors INT 4. Transfer game going hand 7 card suit  4  Transfer game going hand 7 card suit  Should we consider dropping these last two transfers as we can always reach Game in these situations via 2 level transfer and straight forward second bid at the 4 level in each Maybe play all 4 level responses as Splinters ie 13-15/16 HCP and now 4. 4 4 4 become 4/4/4/1 with Singleton in next highest suit For example K Jxx x A Q xx K10xx INT P 4D and opener holds Q10xx Axx Kxx A Q x Spade Slam is really good on the combined 28 HCP. Opener with unsuitable hand signs out in 4NT Unsuitable in this instance would be Axx KQxx Kxx Axx 4NT is slightly high but has enough chances Alternatively INT 4 Consider playing this as Slam invite with Club suit 6/7 carder Opener says ok via 4 INT 4 Consider playing this as Slam invite with Diamond suit 6/7 carder Opener says ok via 4NT

Generally speaking our approach to bidding after INT (15/18) overcall by our side corresponds to our approach after a INT Opening and broadly speaking we try to use the same method (transfers etc) if the INT is bid in the Protective Position

Note 9 Further Developments INT 15-17 usually balanced/semi balanced Responses INT 2NT This is always a Lebensohl type of hand demanding Opener to bid 3. which responder passes if his suit is Clubs or bid 3 with Diamonds 3 highly invitational consider forcing to 4 6 Card suit and 6/7 HCP 3 highly invitational consider forcingto 4 with 6 Card suit and 6/7 HCP 3NT Minor Two suiter Game values 4. Invitational with Clubs and a Major

INT and Responder bids 3. splinter in Diamonds 4/4/1/4 Game force opener bids 3  Control ask Steps 2 3 4 etc

3 splinter in Hearts 4/1/4/4 Game force opener bids 3 Control ask

3 splinter in Spades 1/4/4/4 Game force opener bids 3  Control ask

3  splinter in Clubs 4/4/4/1 Game force opener bids 4. Control ask

INT 4. Transfer 7 card suit  4  Transfer 7 card suit  INT 4 Consider playing this as Slam invite with Club suit 7 carder Opener says ok via 4 INT 4 Consider playing this as Slam invite with Diamond suit 7 carder Opener says ok via 4NT

Generally speaking our approach to bidding after INT (15/18) overcall by our side corresponds to our approach after a INT Opening and broadly speaking we try to use the same method (transfers etc) if the INT is bid in the Protective Position

Supplementary notes: Michael McGloughlin and Heidi Lillis

Note 1: Responding to 1NT (15-17 may be unbalanced) 2. Staymanic but not guaranteeing major 2 no Major 2 4 ’s 2 4 ’s 2NT = 5 and minimum 3. = 5-card major max 2 Transfer to Hearts 2 Transfer to Spades 2 Transfer to Clubs. Opener rebids 2NT with H. or xxx and max otherwise 3. then 3. weak with clubs 3 5+ clubs, 4+ diamonds 3 3-1-4-5 3 1-3-4-5 3NT over 3. 2-2-4-5; over 2NT to play 2NT Transfer to Diamonds. Opener bids 3. if maximum, if 3minimum Responses similar to above 3.Good Suits 2 of 3 top honours and no outside values 4 Minors 4NT Quantitative Breaking a Transfer to a major shows 4+ support and 16+ HCP Bid lower suit without A or K 2NT = Max with 4 card support and flat hand 3/ = Min with 4 card support Following transfer to a minor, responder's continuation bids show singleton major, (e.g. 3 = 1;3;5/4) and GF. 3NT following min. responses = 5/4 in minors

Note 4: Ghestem over opponents' 1 level suit opening

3. = 5/5 in the two highest of the three remaining suits; except when 1. is opened, then bid 2 2NT = 5/5 in the two lowest of the three remaining suits Cue bid = 5/5 in the two extremes of the three remaining suits

1. – 2. = Ghestem 1. – 3. = natural and weak

Strength - 4-11 points (depends on vul) or very strong 2-suiter 2NT in 4th position is natural 18+ Other 4th position bids are Ghestem but have opening values ------Note 5: ANTI - Defence to opponents' 1NT opening Could we employ ANTI 2C if opponents Open 1C when they are playing catch-all Club and Strong No-Trump when 1C is invariably weak No-trump type ? X = penalty 2. = 5+ or 4+/4+ in majors; may be passed out Responses are similar to multi opening 2 = relay; Rebid longest major or pass. 2 = prefer s, willing to compete to 3 2 = prefer s, willing to compete to 3 2NT Enquiry 3. = both majors, min or 5-5 majors and max 3 asks 3 = min with equal length or longer s 3 = with longer s 3NT 5-5 in majors and max 3 minimum with s 3 max with longer s or equal length 3 max with longer s 3NT max with s 3 = good  support, willing to compete to 3/3 3/ = good / support, willing to compete to 4 2 = 5+ or 4 and a longer minor; may be passed out Responses and rebids 2 = relay, Rebid = pass or 2. 3. by partner is for conversion. 2NT = Enquiry 3. = 4 & 5+. 3 = 4 & 5+ 3 = Min with Hearts 3NT = Max with s Following 3./3 bid, next bid up enquires further 3 = Min 3NT = Max 2 = 4 and a longer minor Responses and rebids Pass to play in 2 2NT = Enquiry 3. = Min with 4 & 5. 3 = Min with 4 & 5 3 = Max with 4 & 5. 3 = Max with 4 & 5 3. = for conversion to minor 2 = 5+ 2NT = enquiry. Respond 3 if min, otherwise bid feature 2NT = 5/5 in Minors If 2-level bid showing Major/minor dbled then 2NT = enquiry 3./ = to play ---Note 6: Defence to 2 level pre-empts Defence to Benjamin / Tartan Two / Weak nat. 2 Double = takeout 2NT = 16-18 balanced with relevant stoppers Cue bid = long running suit without stopper (Partner bids 3NT with stopper or 4. for conversion) over weak 2M

Defence to Multi 2 Double = 13-15 Balanced or 18+ balanced 2 or 2 = takeout, 12+ pts, 4 in bid major, must be short in other major 2NT = 16-18 balanced with stoppers in both majors 3. = Natural 3 = Natural, Good hand 3NT = To play 4. = Leaping Michaels 4Natural

Weak 2 by opponents, 2NT by partner, then 3C = suits up

Double in 4th seat TO, unless partner bids in 2nd seat, then penalty

Lebensohl also used here over dble of natural bid - See note 7 ------Note 7: Lebensohl (always applies to 2-level bids)

a) after opponents interference over our 1NT opening b) after partner makes a takeout double of a e.g.2-x or 2-p-p-x c) after partner doubles opponents’ bid and raise e.g. 1-p-2-x d) after partner doubles opponents’ 1 level bid and they raise e.g. 1-x-2 e) after they bid at 2 level over our overcall of 1NT e.g.1-1NT-2

In 1NT scenarios e above, double = penalty In scenario a, b and c, double = negative/responsive

General Principle = Slow Arrival denies a Stop If partner bids 2NT, opener must relay 3.. Responder will pass with weak . or continue Lebensohl sequence.

In all scenarios: Forcing Bids (depending on previous) Immediate 3 level bids,(5+ and do not show stop) Immediate cue bid, (4 card major with stop) 2NT relay followed by Cue bid (4 card major, no stop) Invitational Bids 2NT relay followed by 3, if 2 was first available (invitation in  5+, no stop) 2NT relay followed by 3, if 2 was first available (invitation in  5+, no stop) Non-forcing bids All 2 level bids (5+) 2NT followed by 3 level bid (except cue bid) 2NT followed by 3NT shows both minors, no 4 card major and no stop. ------Note 8: Defence to 4 level suit openings

4 Opening: Double = penalty 4NT = 5/5 in two suits (partner bids better minor, for conversion) 4 Opening: Double = takeout 4 = to play 4NT = 5/5 in minors (partner bids better minor) 4./4 Opening: Double = takeout 4NT = 5/5 in two suits (partner bids better of hearts and other minor for conversion) ------Note 9: Responses to 1 or 1 opening

1NT=6-bad 11; 3NT=13-15 balanced with 3 card support 2 over 1 natural and game forcing 2over : very weak, up to 6 hcp 2NT = game Force, 4+ card support 3x = splinter 3M = max, invites cue 3NT = strong balanced 4./4= natural 4M = minimum, no interest 4OM: cue void 4NT = RKCB 5./= Exclusion Blackwood 3.= 4-card support, 10-11 34-card support, 6-9 hcp 3M = weak 1 - 3 =splinter 1 - 3 =splinter 1M – 4OM = Natural ------Note 10: Responses to 1.or 1 1m-2m = game forcing, may have 4 card Major 1m-3m = pre-emptive 1.-2 = strong 1m – 2M = weak, <7hcp 1NT = 6-10 2NT = 11-12 3NT = 13-15

After 1m – 1x – 1NT 2.is artificial ask (only bar reverse)

------Note 11 Signals and Discards (INTERPRETATIONS WITH DISCRETION)

Attitude on - low shows interest

Discards Distribution and suit preference used where appropriate. ------Note 12 Opening 2NT (shows both minors, weak)

3./ to play 3/ asks length in suit (0, 1,2,3) 3NT to play 4./ strong, agreeing suit and modified RKCB (0, 1, 1+Q, 2, 2+Q) 4/ to play ------Note 13: Exclusion Key card Blackwood

Double jump to 4/5level asks for key cards ignoring bid suit 30/41/2 without/2 with 1 - 2 - 4 or 1 - 2. - 4 ------

Note 14: Defence of 2-suited overcalls (e.g. 1 2NT (minors))

Double: Penalty in at least 1 of the suits Lower cue: Raise in partner's suit (nf). Better than immediate support of partner’s suit at 3 level. Higher cue: shows 4th suit and is forcing 4th suit: natural, non forcing ------Note 15 2NT after raise of responder's major is an enquiry asking support and range

e.g. 1 - 1 - 2 - 2NT 3. 3card support, min 3 3card support, max 3 4card support, min 3 4card support, max ------Note 16 2NT in competition shows good raise e.g. 1 - (1) - 2NT ------Note 17 Overcall of 1NT when opponents have bid 2 suits is 15-17, system on. ------Note 18 After opponents double our 1NT opening – SYSTEM ON Note 19 Defence to strong club

1NT = major/minor 5/5 2. = good clubs 2 = majors 2 = weak hearts 2 = weak spades 2NT = minors 3. = weak clubs dble = good hand

Note 20 Reverse Sequences

After a reverse 2NT is artificial, bids show positive values 4th suit after reverse = NT ask Going through 2NT, then 4th suit = Nat