P-D PrecisionRevJ

(1)

Pendergrass-Diamond Precision Outline

John Pendergrass

Lawrence Diamond

January 2001

(2)

OPENING BIDS

1♣

Forcing, could be 16 balanced 1-2 NV

1♦

11-15, 2+ ♦

1♥/♠

11-15, in principle 5+ cards. Exception: KQJx xx xx AQxxx Usually open the major, even with a longer minor

1NT

13+_{-16, 10-13 (1-2 NV) avoid 5-card major, can be 2245 with 5m}

2 ♣

11-15, 6+ ♣, could be 5♣ in 3rd_seat

2♦

11-15, short ♦, weak two in 3rd_seat

2♥/♠

Weak two

2NT

21-22

3♣

/♦

/♥/♠

Normal pre-empts, rule of 2/3/4

3NT

1st_/2nd_{seat: Broken 7-8 card minor.}

3rd_/4th_{seat: Gambling; partner should not remove.}

4♣

/♦

1st_/2nd_/4th_{seat: NAMYATS – 8 to 8.5 tricks in major (9-9.5 in 4}th₎

3rd_{seat: Natural and preemptive}

4♥/♠

Natural, NAMYATS in 1st_/2nd_{seat (< 8 tricks)}

4NT

Good 5 of a minor opening (ex Ax x x KQJ10xxxxx = 9 tricks)

5♣

/♦

Pre-emptive five-level minor suit opening

5 ♥

/

♠

Solid hand missing AK of trumps

Can open very light in 3rd_{seat NV. Example: KQxx xx Kxx xxxx}

(3)

Responses to 1

♣

1♦

Artificial, 0-7 pts

1♥

Positive in

♠

or 11+ balanced

1♠

Positive in

♥

1NT

Positive in

♣

,shows 6+ clubs

2 ♣

Positive in

♦

,

shows 6+ diamonds

2 ♦

8-10 pts balanced

2 ♥

Positive with exactly 9 cards in the minors 4-5 or 5-4

2 ♠

Positive with 5m + 4M or 5-5 minors.

2NT

Positive with 5-5 majors

3♣

8-12+ pts, <4 controls if >12 HCP, 4=4=4=1 or 1=4=4=4, GF

3♦

8-12+ pts, <4 controls if >12 HCP, 4=4=1=4 or 4=1=4=4, GF

3♥/3NT/4♣

/4♦

13+ pts, any 4-4-4-1, GF, 4+ controls, suit below singleton

3 ♠

Any 7-card solid suit (AKQxxxx or better)

4 ♥

/4

♠

/5

♣

/5

♦

Broken 8-card suit, NF

4NT

Plain Blackwood

If they double 1♣: Pass = 0-4

1♦ = 5-7

XX = 8+ balanced, 2+♣, now all doubles are penalty

If they double 1♦ response: Pass = strong NT hand (16-18)

1NT = 19-20 (also after overcall) XX = 4+♦, now all doubles are penalty

Higher bids same as if no double

1♣ (X) 1♦ … systems on

2NT = 23-24 after double or overcall

(so 2♥ then 2NT is 25-27)

(4)

1 ♣

-1

♦

1 ♥

/

♠

Natural, 4+ cards, 1RF

1NT

17-18 balanced (16-18 1-2 NV)

2♣

/♦

5+ cards, NF

2♥

Artificial relay to

2 ♠

, containing 23 + balanced OR

5-5 majors invitational OR Game force in a minor OR

♥

+

♣

GF

2♠

Any 4-4-4-1, 20+ pts, not GF

2NT

19-20 balanced

3 ♣

/

♦

Natural and invitational, natural follow-ups

3 ♥

5+/5+ in minors, GF

3 ♠

♠

+

♣

GF

3NT

To play “Gambling”

4♥/♠

Better than NAMYATS

(5)

1 ♣

-1

♦

-1

♥

/

♠

1 ♠

(

over

1 ♥

)

0-7 pts, mandatory with 4+

♠

unless responder has 4+

♥

Then 2NT is artificial GF (3C waiting by responder) 2 level bids are NF, 3 level bids are invitational

1NT

0-5 pts, <4♥/♠ … structure as above

2♣

Artificial shows 6-7 pts, <3 card fit

Then 2NT is artificial game force, new suits are 1-round force

2♦

Artificial shows 6-7 pts, exactly 3 card fit

Then 2NT is artificial game force, new suits are 1-round force

2♥ (

over

1 ♠

)

6-7 pts, decent 5+ card suit

2Raise

0-5 pts, 4+ card fit, NF … if shortness then 0-2 pts Same game try structure as after 1M-2M, i.e. short suit

2♠ (

over

1 ♥

)

Splinter 3-5 pts, 4+ card fit;

2NT

asks location

2NT (

over

1 ♠

)

Splinter 3-5 pts, 4+ fit;

3♣

asks location

3 New Suit

Natural, 0-5 pts, 6+ cards

3Raise

6-7 pts, 4+ card fit, no shortness, NF … 3N by opener is NF

3 ♠

(

over

1 ♥

)

Splinter 6-7 pts, 4+ card fit;

3NT

asks location

3NT (

over

1 ♠

)

Splinter 6-7 pts, 4+ fit;

4 ♣

asks location

4 New Suit

Fit Showing 5+ cards, 4+ fit, 6-7 pts, sets major as trumps Typically 5-4-2-2 or with stiff honor

(6)

1 ♣

-1

♦

-2

♣

/

♦

Responder’s new suits = NF, show 4-7 pts, 5+ cards Responder’s 2N = 5-7 pts

Responder’s jump = splinter

1♣-1♦-2m-2N-3M = shortness

1♣-1♦-2m-2M … nothing is forcing by opener

1 ♣

-1

♦

-2

♥

Artificial, demands relay to 2

♠

, and then …

2NT

23-24 balanced, rebids same as after 1♣-1♦-2NT

3NT

25-27 balanced, Stayman + transfers + quant + 5♣ Super Gerber

4NT

28-30 balanced, Stayman + transfers

3♣

/♦

Natural and GF, next step by responder is waiting

3♥

5+/5+ in majors, invitational

3♠

♥+ ♣

GF

1 ♣

-1

♦

-2

♠

Unspecified strong (20+) 3-suiter … 2N by responder asks for strength and singleton. After the 2N ask …

3♣

20-23. 4-4-1-4

3♦

20-23. 4-1-4-4

3♥

20-23. 1-4-4-4

3♠

20-23. 4-4-4-1

3NT

24-26. 4-4-4-1 NF

4 ♣

24-26. 4-4-1-4 F

4 ♦

24-26. 4-1-4-4 F

4 ♥

24-26. 1-4-4-4 NF

Always bid suit below singleton. Then, responder bids the singleton as a relay to the next suit, to sign off somewhere. Bidding a suit directly is a mild slam try.

If they interfere over 2NT, opener doubles to show shortness or passes to force responder's double with length.

(7)

1 ♣

-1

♦

-2N

19-20 balanced. Same structure over 2NT opening (21-22 balanced) or 1♣-1♦-2♥-2♠-2N (23-24 balanced)

3♣

Puppet Stayman … any later 4NT by responder is quantitative, any later 4

♣

is RKC.

Puppet Stayman responses:

3♦ No 5-card major but at least one 4-card major

Over 3♦, if responder is interested in a 4-card major, responder bids the major he doesn’t have or 4♦with both majors.

3♥=Four spades 3♠=Four hearts 4♦=Both majors 3♥/♠ 5-card suit

3NT No 5-card major, no 4-card major

3♦

/♥

Transfers. Responder rebids 4NT as quantitative.

3♠

Minor suit slam try; forces opener to bid 3N. Then responder bids 4m with single-suited slam try, 4M shows shortness with at least 5-4 in minors, 4N shows 5-4 in minors balanced. 4N by either side is to play in these

auctions.

4 ♣

Gerber (0/4,1,2,3)

4 ♦

/

♥

Transfers. Responder rebids 4♠/4NT as Kickback.

4NT

Quantitative

Deduct the number of cover cards expected from partner from your modified loser count (use adjustment for controls and Qxx=2.5) to determine whether or not to invite/bid game/slam.

With 19-20 HCP partner is expected to have 6 cover cards if a nine-card fit is exists. With 21-22 HCP partner is expected to have 6-7 cover cards if a nine-card fit exists. With 23-24 HCP partner is expected to have 7 cover cards if a nine-card fit exists. With 25-27 HCP partner is expected to have 8 cover cards if a nine-card fit exists. If a nine-card fit is not known to exist add 1 loser or use the lower estimate before investigating game or slam.

(8)

1 ♣

-1

♥

1 ♠

Asks (TAB), promising 3+ spades.

1NT 11+ balanced

Higher bids Show ♠length/strength (TAB answers).

1NT

Balanced, unlimited, asking bid, AK-controls Tend to bid 1NT with all balanced hands

Then, new suit from opener is natural, not control ask.

2 new suit

Natural, support asking bid

2NT

4-4-4-1 short in responder’s suit, 19+, natural follow-ups

3NT

4-4-4-1 short in responder’s suit, <19, natural follow-ups

Jump Shift

Natural, sets trumps … responder should Q-bid A or K. If opener can rebid 2

♠

after interference, this is a trump ask with similar responses as to 1

♠

.

In auctions of the type 1♣-1♥-

1♠-

2♣-2♥-

2♠-3♠,

the

3♠

bid offers a choice of

(9)

1 ♣

-1

♥

-1

♠

-1NT

2 ♣

Relay

2 ♦

14+, any except 3=3=3=4

2 ♥

=

Relay

2♥

11-13, 4 hearts

2♠

=relay for additional distribution

2♠

11-13, 4 spades, denies hearts 2NT=relay for additional distribution

2NT 11-13, no 4-card M or 5-card m 3♣=relay for additional distribution

3

♣

11-13, 5332 hand with 5 clubs 3♦=relay for short suit (natural)

3

♦

11-13, 5332 hand with 5 diamonds 3♥=relay for short suit (natural)

3 ♥

11-13, 2=2=4=5 3♠= CRASH for Aces

3 ♠

11-13, 2=2=5=4 3NT is to play, 4♣=CRASH For Aces

3NT

14+, 3=3=3=4 4♣= CRASH for Aces

1 ♣

-1

♥

-1

♠

-1NT-2

♣

-2

♥

-2

♠

2NT 4 spades 3

♣

=relay for residual (steps 2-3 / 3-2)

3

♣

4 clubs 3

♦

3

♦

4 diamonds 3

♥

3

♥

3=4=3=3 3

♠

=CRASH

3

♠

2=4=2=5 3NT is to play; 4

♣

=CRASH

3NT 2=4=5=2 4

♣

=CRASH

1 ♣

-1

♥

-1

♠

-1NT-2

♣

-2

♠

-2NT

3

♣

4 clubs 3

♦

3

♦

4 diamonds 3

♥

3

♥

4=3=3=3 3

♠

=CRASH 3

♠

4=2=2=5 3NT is to play; 4

♣

=CRASH 3NT 4=2=5=2 4

♣

=CRASH

1 ♣

-1

♥

-1

♠

-1NT-2

♣

-2NT-3

♣

3

♦

3=3=4=3 3

♥

=CRASH 3

♥

2=3=4=4 3

♠

=CRASH 3

♠

3=2=4=4 3NT is to play; 4

♣

is CRASH 3NT 3=3=3=4 4

♣

=CRASH

(10)

1 ♣

-1

♥

-1

♠

-1NT-2

♣

-2

♦

-2

♥

2

♠

4 spades (can have 4 hearts) 2NT=relay

2NT 4 hearts, denies 4 spades 3

♣

=relay

3

♣

5332 with 5 clubs 3

♦

=relay for short suit

3

♦

5332 with 5 diamonds 3

♥

=relay for short suit

3

♥

2=3=4=4 3

♠

=CRASH

3

♠

3=2=4=4 3NT is to play; 4

♣

=CRASH

3NT 3=3=4=3 4

♣

=CRASH

After 1

♣

-1

♥

-1

♠

-1NT-2

♣

-2

♦

-2

♥

-2

♠

-2NT

3

♣

4 clubs and 4 spades 3

♦

3

♦

4 diamonds and 4 spades 3

♥

3

♥

4=4=2=3 3

♠

=CRASH

3

♠

4=4=3=2 3NT is to play; 4

♣

=CRASH

3NT 4=3=3=3 4

♣

=CRASH

After 1

♣

-1

♥

-1

♠

-1NT-2

♣

-2

♦

-2

♥

-2NT-

3

♣

3

♦

4 diamonds and 4 hearts 3

♥

= relay for residual

3

♥

2=4=3=4 3

♠

=CRASH

3

♠

3=4=2=4 3NT is to play; 4

♣

=CRASH

3NT 3=4=3=3 4

♣

=CRASH

Other rebids over 1NT response:

2♦

Natural, responder’s major suit rebids show concentration

2♥/♠

5+, asks for SUPPORT responses

2NT

Clubs, Responder’s 3♣ =fit, then opener’s 3♦/♥/♠ shows shortness; 3♦/♥/♠ by responder denies fit, show values

(11)

1 ♣

-1

♠

2♥ trump ask, 1NT control ask, other bids support asks and as above.

1 ♣

-1NT

2 ♣

Trump asking bid

2♦

/♥/

♠

Support asking bid

2NT

16-18 balanced

3JS

Natural, sets trumps, but can play in 3N

3NT

19-20 balanced

1 ♣

-2

♣

Similar to 1

♣

-1NT

1 ♣

-2

♦

New Suit

Support ask

2NT

Shape ask

3 ♣

No major, then 3♦ asks for stoppers

3 ♦

Both majors, then 3M is jack ask

3 ♥

/

♠

Responder bids the major he doesn’t have

3NT

No major 4-3-3-3

1 ♣

-2

♥

After 1

♣

-2

♥

2 ♠

= Relay

2NT 4 diamonds + 5 clubs, 8-11 HCP

3♣

=relay for residual (2-2 / 1-3 / 3-1 / 0-4 / 4-0)

3♣

5 diamonds + 4 clubs, 8-11 HCP

3♦

3 ♦

4 diamonds + 5 clubs, 12+ HCP

3 ♥

(12)

1 ♣

-2

♠

After 1♣

-2♠

2NT = relay

3 ♣

5 clubs + 4 hearts

3 ♦

=relay for residual (see below)

3 ♦

5 clubs + 4 spades

3 ♥

5 diamonds + 4 hearts

3 ♠

5 diamonds + 4 spades 3NT is to play;

4 ♣

3NT 5-5 minors, 8-11 HCP

4♣

1=2=5=5, 12+ HCP

4♦

=CRASH for Aces

4♦

2=1=5=5, 12+ HCP

4♥

= CRASH for Aces

4♥

0=3=5=5, 12+ HCP

4♠

= CRASH for Aces

4♠

3=0=5=5, 12+ HCP 4NT=CRASH for Aces

After the relay over a 3X response, residual is shown in steps, as follows: 1st_step

shows a minimum hand with 8-11 HCP, 2nd_{and further steps are 2-2, 1-3, 3-1, 0-4,}

4-0. Skipping the first step shows the residual distribution with extra values, e.g. (12+ HCP). If responder is a paseed hand, ne can skip minimum step and go directly to distribution.

In this and other contexts, the suits are counted the way we would describe them from the top down, i.e. 1-3 means a singleton in the higher ranking side suit and 3 of the lower ranking suit. After the first step (minimum) response, the 1C hand uses the next step other than 3NT as a further relay for the rest of the steps, i.e. starting with 2-2, 1-3, etc.

(13)

1 ♣

-2NT and higher

After 1

♣

-2NT

3♣=Relay

3♦ 8-11 HCP 3♥=relay for residual (steps 1-2, 2-1, 0-3, 3-0)

3♥ 5=5=1=2 12+ HCP 3♠=CRASH

3♠ 5=5=2=1 12+ HCP 3NT=natural, 4♣=CRASH

3NT 5=5=0=3 12+ HCP 4♣ =CRASH

4♣ 5=5=3=0 12+ HCP 4♦=CRASH

1♣-3♣ 3♦ asks which singleton … 3♥: 4=4=4=1; 3♠: 1=4=4=4. 4♣/4♦ RKC. 1♣-3♦3♥ asks which singleton … 3♠: 4=4=1=4; 3NT: 4=1=4=4. 4♣/4♦ RKC.

1♣-3♥/3NT/4♣/4♦ Bid shows suit below singleton … forcing to 4NT

4♣/4♦ RKC over 3♥/3NT

Step 1 = asking for controls over 4♣/4♦ (4,5,6,7,etc.)

1♣-3♠ 7-card solid suit

3NT Nonforcing

4♣ asks for the solid suit. Responses natural. If followed by 4NT, asks for outside aces.

4♦ “I know your suit” … make a natural Q-bid of A, K, stiff, or void

4NT Plain Blackwood outside of suit, followed by back on track specific King ask, if possible.

(14)

Interference over 1

♣

 After any overcall through 1NT, double is usually any 5-8

 After 2♣ or higher overcall, double is 5-8 any hand OR

9+ and 4-4-4-1 OR

Balanced 9+, no stopper or awkward After any overcall, new suit is 9+ natural (5+cards) GF. If overcall was 1♦ and advancer does not bid then all systems are on.

 If double was 2NT or higher, sets up GF

 1C-1D-1H-(1S) systems are on with double “stole my bid”

 Double guarantees a rebid at 1-level, except over opener’s minimum NT

 Once they have been doubled (or passed) for penalty, all doubles are for penalty  Direct Q-bid of one level overcall shows balanced game force with no stopper  If the overcall does not guarantee 4 of the suit, then the “Q-bid” is natural and GF  If opener bids NT, we play strong NT systems ignoring any opponents suits  Jumps in competition are forcing

 If they make a 2-suited bid, play Unusual vs. Unusual style. For example: 1♣ - (DBL for majors) - 1♥ = GF ♣

1♠ = GF ♦

2♣/♦ = 5-7 pts NF

1♣-(1♠)-P-(2♠)-? All actions by opener are game invitational. Therefore, responder

is in a "mandatory" re-opening position.

1♣-(1NT=minors)-? 3♣/♦ = game-forcing splinter

3♥/♠ = preemptive

4♥/♠ = preemptive

2-level calls by either player are unusual vs. unusual style, both directly and after double.

(15)

Interference over 1

♣

Doubles – General Rules

 First double by either player is takeout unless he has already had a chance to make a takeout double

 Second double by partnership is takeout  Third double by partnership is penalty

 If we are in a game force, all doubles are penalty

 If we have already doubled or passed for penalty, all doubles are penalty

 1♣-(2any suit)-X … Lebensohl style by 1C opener, including promising or

denying stopper. Double should try to show length in the unbid major(s).

 1♣-(1♠)-X-(2♠) … now this is a Lebensohl situation from both sides.  1♣-(P)-1♦-(2♠)-X … now this is a Lebensohl situation for responder.  1♣-(2♠)-X-3♥ opener's call is invitational.

(16)

Asking Bids

AK-control Ask

The AK-control ask applies in the sequence 1♣-1♥/♠-1NT and 1♣-1♥-1♠-2any-2NT. After either use of the AK-control ask, bidding responder’s known major below the level of game is a TAB.

Responder bids as follows:

2♣: 0-2 controls (A=2, K=1) 2♦: asks for clarification 2♥: 0 or 1 king 2♠: 1 ace

2N: 5-3-3-2 distribution and 2 kings 3♣: at least 4 clubs and 2 kings 3♦: at least 4 diamonds and 2 kings

3M: at least 6 of responder’s major, no 4-card suit, 2 kings 3oM: at least 4 cards in the suit, 2 kings

2♦: 3 controls 2♥: 4 controls 2♠: 5 controls

2N: 6 or more controls

3♣: asks for clarification 3♦: 6 controls 3♥: 7 controls 3♠: 8 controls

3♣: Natural, 5+ clubs. Shows 2 of top 3 honors in both suits. 3♦: asks for controls

3♥: 2 controls 3♠: 3 controls 3N: 4 controls, etc.

3♦: Natural 5+ diamonds. Shows 2 of top 3 honors in both suits. Opener asks for controls by bidding 3oM

3♥: If hearts was responders suit, shows 6+ cards semi-solid (AKJ, KQJ or AQJ). Then, opener bids 3♠ to ask for controls. If responder originally

showed ♠, then the bid shows 5-5 in the majors with 2 of the top 3 honors in each suit. 4♣ by opener would ask for controls.

3♠: If spades was responder’s original suit, this shows 6+ spades semi-solid. Otherwise, this shows 6 hearts and 5 spades. 4♣ by opener would ask for controls.

After opener determines the number of controls, opener’s rebid of NT at the minimum level is forcing and asks for responder’s distribution. Responder bids naturally. He shows a second suit if he has one, rebids a 6-card or major, or bids NT with 5-3-3-2 distribution. With 6-4 show 4-card suit first.

After the AK-ask, 3M by opener asks for shortness with void responses. After 1♣-1♥-1NT, a 3♠ response to the 2NT shape ask shows 6+ ♠.

(17)

Trump Ask

When partner has shown 5+ trumps, responses to the ask are:

1st_step: _{no top honor}

2nd_step: _{1 top honor, 5 cards}

3rd_step: _{2 top honors, 5 cards}

4th_step: _{1 top honor, 6+ cards}

5th_step: _{2 top honors, 6+ cards}

6th_step: _{all 3 top honors}

When partner has shown 6+ trumps, responses to the ask are:

2nd_step: _{1 top honor, 6 cards}

3rd_step: _{2 top honors, 6 cards}

4th_step: _{1 top honor, 7+ cards}

5th_step: _{2 top honors, 7+ cards}

New suit bids are now CAB

These are on including the 3-level in case of interference.

After the 1st_{or 6}th_{step, a direct rebid of the trump suit (non-game if 1}st_{step) asks for}

length.

Sequences where trump asks apply: 1♣-1♥-1♠

1♣-1♠-2♥

1♣-1NT-2♣

1♣-2♣-2♦

Jack Ask

When partner has shown exactly 4 trumps, responses to the ask are:

2nd_step: _{1 top honor, no J}

3rd_step: _{1 top honor with J}

4th_step: _{2 top honors, no J}

5th_step: _{2 top honors with J}

Sequences where jack asks apply: 1♣-2♦-2NT-3♦-3M 2♣-2♦-2♥-2♠- …

(18)

Support Ask

With interference, support asks are on only at 2-level.

When partner may or may not have support, responses to the ask are:

1st_step: _{<3-card support, no extras}

2nd_step: _{<3-card support, extras}

3rd_step: _{3-card support, no extras}

4th_step: _{3-card support, extras}

Extras are defined as 4+ controls or 11+ HCP and 3 controls or 13+HCP

Sequences where support asks apply: 1♣-1NT-2 any suit 1♣-1♥/♠-2 new suit 1♣-2♣-2M

If support is shown then new suit bid is CAB.

If opener doesn't get support and reverts to responder's suit, it is a trump ask. If no support, other calls are natural.

Interference: X suggests penalty, pass is first response step, then on up.

CAB

After any kind of trump ask, a new suit is a control ask. Responses are:

1st_step: _{no control}

2nd_step: ₂nd_{round control}

3rd_step: ₁st_{round control}

4th_step: _AK

A re-bid of the CAB “suit” asks whether the control is length (1st_{step) or high-card (2}nd

step). If that distinction is already known, then a re-bid of the “suit” asks for the next level of control (cheapest step = no).

Other sequences where control asks apply:

New suits after a 4♥/♠ opening or NAMYATS 4♣/♦ opening.

If they double a CAB ask, P=1st_{step, XX=natural, otherwise step on up.}

(19)

1 ♦

1♥/♠

3+ cards. Responder will “always” bid, even with a weak hand.

1NT (after 1

♥

) usually denies 4

♠

2♣ promises both minors

2♦ = 5+ ♦

3♣ by responder is game force

1♦-1♠-2♦-2♥ = invitational 1♦-1♠-2♦-3♥ = forcing Jump reverse to 3-level = good 6-5

1♦-1♠-1NT-2♥ = pass or correct (at least 5-5)

1♦-1♠-1NT-3♥ = Slam invite, at least 5-5 with good suits 1♦-1

♥

-1

♠

-3♣ = weak

1♦-1

♠

-2♣-2

♥

= GF (4sF)

1♦-1

♠

-2

♥

= natural, OR 3

♠

with max

2NT asks, 2

♠

= P/C, 3♣ = ♦inv+, 3♦= NF, 3NT = bar bid After 2NT ask, 3♣ =

♥

,

3♦=

♠

,

3♥ =

♠

+

♥

feature, 3

♠

=

♠

+♣

feature

1♦-1

♥

-2

♠

= 3

♥

, max, 5+ ♦ … 2NT is natural + forcing, 3♣ = ♦inv+

2Raise 4-card support or 3 with a singleton

2NT (or 2

♠

over

♥

) is an asking bid using the Garozzo 5-step responses

Other steps are natural short suit tries 1♦-1

♠

-2

♠

-

2NT-any-3

♠

= NF

1♦-1

♥

-2

♥

-

2NT is SSGT in spades

If any comp after raise, then 2NT is natural.

Responder’s 4-level jump = length slam try (w/5 in major)

2NT = 6♦, no 3-card support (then 3♦=NF, 3M=GF, 4♦=RKC)

3♣ = 5-5 NF (then 3M=F, 4♦=♣RKC, 4

♥

=♦RKC)

3♦ = 6♦, with 3-card support, NF (then 3M=GF)

3Raise guarantees side stiff/void

Next step asks: S1 = void somewhere S2 = stiff ♣

S3 = stiff other major

3NT = long diamonds, gambling

Higher Jumps super splinter raise, promising void

After 1♦-1X-1Y, responders jumps in an already bid suit (or 3

♥

,

but not 3♣)

are slam invitational either a 6-card suit (responder repeats his suit) with at most one loser, or 5-5 in two suits with at least 2 of the top 3 honors in each suit.

(20)

1 ♦

1NT

0-6 to “less than enough to make game opposite balanced max”

2♥/♠ Natural, extras, NF

3♣ 5-5 NF

3♥/♠ Shortness

2♣

Natural GF

2♦ Most hands with 5+♦

2♥/♠ Not specifically 4-4 in ♦+M. Any 4-card major is shown.

We must assume diamonds are unstopped.

1♦-2♣-2♥-2♠ may be a probe, so after 3♠, 3NT is to play 2NT Natural, no 4-card major, thus 4+♦

3♦ Natural, semi-solid suit or better, sets trumps

3♥/♠ Splinter, without 4 cards in other major

By PH, 2♣=NF, natural follow-ups

2 ♦

Inverted, off in comp, on by PH, no major

Can stop in 2NT or 3♦ if it’s next bid by either player

1♦-2♦-3♥/♠ short, 1♦-2♦-2NT-3♥/♠ short

1♦-2♦-other-3♥/♠ notrump probe

1♦-2♦-3♣ Natural and forcing, but can play in 3♦

2 ♥

5♠ + 4♥, weak… 2NT asks fragment, 3m = correction

On by PH, off after double (after double = fit)

2

♠

Soloway-type strong jump-shift

2NT

Invitational

3♣ forcing, 3♦signoff, 3♥/♠ short

3 ♣

Invitational (fit in comp) … 3♦signoff

3 ♦

Preemptive

3 ♥

/

♠

, 4

♣

Weak (fit in comp)

3NT

13-15

4M Shortness

4 ♥

/

♠

To play (also in comp)

(21)

1 ♦

2-way checkback

These also apply to 1♥-1♠-1NT and 1♦-1♥-1♠

1♦-1♥/1♠-1NT-2

♣

Forces opener to bid 2♦; either invitational or weak with ♦

Over 2♦, the responses are:

Pass weak, 6+♦

2oM game invitational with both majors

2M mild game invitation with 6-card suit

2NT game invitation with a 5-card suit

3♣ game invitation with 5-card major and clubs

3♦ game invitation with 5-card major and diamonds

3♥ -- (After 1♦-1♠-1NT) Highly invitational with 5-5 in the majors (After 1♦-1♥-1NT) Highly invitational with 6 hearts

3♠ -- (After 1♦-1♠-1NT) Highly invitational with 6 spades

1♦-1♥/1♠-1NT-2♦ GF

opener makes the cheapest possible rebid that would show any of the following holdings: 3-card support, 4-cards in the other major, or a 5-card minor

2NT shows (2-3)-4-4 and responder can bid up-the-line for a 4-4 minor suit fit.

1♦-1♠-1NT-2♥ Weak 5-5

---1X-1Y; 2Y Structure (Garozzo 5-step responses)

After opener raises responder's response, the relay asks for info about opener's hand, in 5 steps:

1) 4-card raise, UNBAL then relay  1/2 steps = MIN, hi/lo sing 3/4 steps = MAX, hi/lo sing

2) 3-card raise, MIN 3) 3-card raise, MAX

4) 4-card raise, No Sing, MIN (always the trump suit) 5) 4-card raise, No Sing, MAX

(22)

1 ♥

/

♠

1NT

Semi-forcing, includes 3-card limit raise

If 1

♠

opener bids a minor, responder’s jump to 3

♥

shows

♥

and minor-suit fit (usually 5-5), NF

Opener’s jump shift = 5-5 NF

Opener’s 2NT = invitational, 6-card major Opener’s 3NT = usually solid 7-card major Responder’s reopening 2NT = takeout Double from either side is takeout BART (see separate section)

2♣

/♦

Natural, game forcing

Jump rebids in major = semi-solid, can be minimum, can play in 3NT (no serious 3NT here), otherwise, the major is set as trumps

If responder makes a GF 2/1 and jumps rebids opener's major to 3, it shows 3 trumps with shortness somewhere. Opener bids the next step (3S over 3H or 3NT over 3S) to ask for the shortness.

2Raise

Constructive, 8-10/11 pts, 3 trumps

Cheapest call forcing inquiry (natural SS tries); then 3

♥

from opener is natural 4-card suit

Responses to inquiry = shortness on 3-level, source of tricks on 4 level 1-2-3 = good 6-card suit at any colors (but weak in comp)

After raise, 4-level bid is length slam try (same thing for 1

♦

-1M-2M)

2 ♠

(

over

1 ♥

)

Strong jump shift, Soloway style. Responder has either 1) a self sufficient suit (1-loser or less); 2) a strong notrump (16-18 pts); or 3) good spades and 4-card heart support – if responder bids a 2nd

suit next round it is a stiff or void.

2NT

Jacoby game forcing raise – on after double, off after overcall

3 ♣

Bergen constructive raise (on after double) 9-loser Fit-showing in comp or by PH

3 ♦

Bergen limit raise(on after double) 8-loser Fit-showing in comp or by PH

3Raise

Preemptive

3 ♠

(

over

1 ♥

)

Unspecified splinter, 7 losers. Also 3NT over 1

♠

.

3NT(

over

1♥)

6-loser spade splinter

(23)

1 ♥

/

♠

4 ♥

(

over

1 ♠

)

6 or fewer loser splinter, natural in comp

4 ♠

(

over

1 ♥

)

Always to play

1♥-1♠

Should be alerted as only promising 3+ if responder has less

than invitational values. If opener JS, responder’s 3

♥

is NF

1 ♥

-1

♠

-2

♠

-4

♥

Natural, NF

1♥-1♠

-2♠-3♥

Short suit game try in hearts

1♥-1♠

-3♥

6+

♥

, 3

♠

1♥-1♠

-2♠-2N

Garozzo single raise inquiry

1♥-1♠

-1N

11-15 balanced; 2-way checkback is on

1♥-1♠

-2N

Plain natural, 6+

♥

1 ♠

-2

♥

-3

♥

Can’t play in

♠

unless next bid is 3

♠

1 ♥

-1N-2

♦

-3

♦

Now 3

♥

and 4

♥

are natural and nonforcing; to keycard one must cuebid first.

Jumps to 3-level by PH are fit-showing in or out of comp 1M-(preempt)-4M … responder is in control of auction

1 ♥

-(any

♠

)-4

♥

-(4

♠

)

Double = 5-level desire

(24)

1 ♠

-1NT-2

♣

…

(BART)

2♦

Artificial, “shows” 5 hearts

2♥

Shows 6 hearts

Responder can differentiate between a weak or strong preference to 2♠.

1♠-1NT-2♣-2♠ shows two spades with up to 8 HCPs or three spades with up to 7 HCPs. 1♠-1NT-2♣-2♦-2♥-2♠ cancels showing 5 hearts and shows 9-11 HCPs with exactly two spades.

Responder can also differentiate between a weak or strong raise to 3♣. A direct raise shows a minimum raise to 3♣. Bidding 2♦ and then over 2♥ bidding 2NT or 3♣ cancels showing five hearts and shows the strongest possible raise to 3♣. Since opener might have only two clubs, responder bids 2NT with a four-card or five-card (weak suit) raise. With a five-card (strong suit) or six-card raise, responder bids 3♣.

If responder wants to play diamonds, he must bid 3♦ over 2♣. Opener bids 2♣ over 1NT even with 5-3-3-2 and a doubleton club. 1♠-1NT-2♥-3m is to play

(25)

Jacoby 2NT

3♣

All minimums (then after sign-off it shows void)

3♦

then asks:

3♥

= shortness somewhere;

3♠

natural void ask (show even if no room)

3 ♠

=

any 5-4-2-2; 3NT asks natural for 4-card suit

3NT =

6-3-2-2 minimum

4X =

second 5-card suit (Kxxxx minimum)

4M =

medium 5-3-3-2 (minimum but 4+ controls)

3♥

and higher

=

CAB

3♦

Non-minimum, shortness somewhere

3♥

natural void ask

3♠

and higher

=

CAB

3 ♥

Non-minimum, 5-4-2-2

3 ♠

natural asks for 4-card suit

3NT

and higher

=

CAB

3 ♠

Non-minimum, 6-card suit, no shortness

3NT

Non-minimum, 5-3-3-2 (14+ HCP with 4+ controls)

4X

Non-minimum, second 5-card suit (Kxxxx minimum)

4M

Awful 5-3-3-2 (minimum with less than 4 controls) Follow-ups other than CABs as listed are natural cue bids Unusual sounding suit bids after 4M signoff tend to be voids

INTERFERENCE Double = shortness in suit

Nonjumps (below 3M) natural, jumps = long suit 3NT = balanced maximum, A or K in their suit

Pass = nothing to say, now responder’s double is penalty If they double asking bids, XX = business, pass = step 1, etc.

If they bid over asking bids, X = penalty, pass = step 1, etc.

(26)

Interference after 1

♦

/

♥

/

♠

If they overcall after 1♦ (P) 1NT then opener’s double is penalty.

If they overcall 2m after 1♦ - 1♥/♠ - 1NT, responder’s double is penalty. If they overcall after 1M (P) 1NT then double is takeout from either side

 If we have an agreed trump suit, then we can’t play doubled in a new suit, but we can play redoubled.

 Jumps in comp are fit except for 4♥/♠. After DBL, Bergen is still on, however.  If 1♦ opener voluntarily shows a new suit in comp, he has real ♦.

 In comp, fit showing jump = FP if we bid past 3 of our suit (not if we overcall).  In comp, a jump to 4 of a major does not set up a FP.

 After 1♦ opening, responder’s new suits are 1-round force on 2-level. However,

he can pass minimum NT rebid, minimum suit rebid, or a raise, even in further comp. If responder rebids his suit it is NF even if opener has bid a new suit. But, if responder raises opener’s major on his 2nd_{turn it is GF.}

 Responder’s new suits on 3-level are GF = FP.

 Negative double of 3♣ and higher sets up FP if we get to game.

 1♦ (1M) 3M = splinter

 Return by opener to 3 of his suit over invitational 2NT is NF.  New suits in comp by PH at 3-level or higher promise fit.

 After 2/1 response in comp, FP are on at 3-level (below responder’s suit) and at 5-level. This also applies after game tries.

 If we open 1♦ and later double their ♦ Q-bid, it shows good diamonds (could be

minimum) … doubling their major suit Q-bid shows good hand.

 1♦ (P) 1NT (2M) … 2NT is good-bad from opener.

 If opener reopens with double after WJO, responder’s 2NT = scrambling.  After our invitational 2NT bid … new minors are forcing, old minors are NF.

 If we respond 1/1 and 4th hand overcalls, passed back around to responder, then:

2-level = NF, 3-level = NF. Also 1♦(P)1♥(X) P(1♠)2any=NF

 If opener makes support double, responder’s new suits on 2/3 level are NF.  Jump raise of 1M opening in comp: 4 trumps, up to mixed strength.

 1♥ (3♠) 4♣ = artificial raise better than 4♥ (slam interest)

 1♥ (X,1/2/3♠,2♥) 4♥ (4♠) … double says “I want to bid 5♥”

(27)

Interference after 1

♦

/

♥

/

♠

They overcall with natural 1NT

Double Penalty

Bids That suit + a higher suit (not counting opener’s suit)

2NT Bigger 2-suiter (or limit raise +)

Raise Natural, not 2 suits

3-level Preemptive

They overcall with Michaels or Unusual 2NT

Double Sets up 1-round force, but not over their jumps

Pass, then double = takeout

If both suits are known, unusual vs unusual If one suit is known:

Q-bid = limit+ in our suit New suits = natural, forcing

Jumps = splinter in their suit, otherwise fit NT = natural

(28)

Interference after 1

♥

/

♠

1♥-(1♠)-X

both minors, or a 1NT response. Opener responds 1NT if he would have passed a 1NT response (then with minors responder makes a pass-or-correct bid), or else makes his normal rebid.

1 ♥

-(1

♠

)-1NT

transfer to 2♣

1 ♥

-(1

♠

)-2

♣

transfer to 2♦

1 ♥

-(1

♠

)-2

♦

raise to 2♥, constructive or better, follow-ups are ss game tries

1 ♥

-(1

♠

)-2

♥

trash raise to 2♥

1♥-(1♠)-2♠

values for raise to 2NT, no stopper

1♥-(1♠)-3♣

/♦

fit-showing

1♥-(1♠)-4♣

/♦

splinter

1 ♥

- (2

♣

) - X

transfer to 2♦, to play or natural rebids showing inv+ values. 1♥-(2♣)-X-2♦-2♥ show 2 hearts, invitational

If responder rebids 2♠ after the transfer, it cancels diamonds and shows inv+ values with exactly 4 spades, forcing one round. After 1♥-(2♣)-X-2♦-2♠, opener's possible rebids are:

2NT 11-13 HCP, no ♠ support, no stopper guarantee 3♣ 14-15 HCP, no ♠ support, no stopper

3♦ 11-15 HCP, no ♠ support, 5+ ♦

3♥

3♠ 11-13 HCP with ♠ support

3NT 14-15 HCP, no ♠ support, ♣ stopper

4♣/♦ 14-15 HCP fragment, 5-4-3-1 with ♠ support 4♠ 14-15 HCP with ♠ support, 5-4-2-2

2♦

raise to 2♥, 3+ card support. Responder may pass or take another

(natural) call with inv+ values.

2♥

transfer to 2♠, 5+ cards. Again, responder passes or takes a natural stronger action.

2♠

values for a 2NT call without a stopper, or values for 3NT but would like to give opener a chance to declare the hand.

(29)

---1♥- (2♦

) - X

transfer/raise to 2♥, 3+ card support.

If responder rebids 2♠ after the transfer, it cancels hearts and shows inv+ values with exactly 4 spades, forcing one round. After 1♥-(2♦)-X-2♥-2♠, opener's possible rebids are:

2NT 11-13 HCP, no ♠ support, no ♦ stopper guarantee 3♣ 11-15 HCP, no ♠ support, 5+ ♣

3♦ 14-15 HCP, no ♠ support, no stopper 3♥

3♠ 11-13 HCP with ♠ support

3NT 14-15 HCP, no ♠ support, ♣ stopper

4X 14-15 HCP fragment, 5-4-3-1 with ♠ support 4♠ 14-15 HCP with ♠ support, 5-4-2-2

2 ♥

transfer (!) to 2♠, 5+ cards. Again, responder passes or takes a

natural stronger action.

2 ♠

transfer to 3♣, 5+ cards. Opener bids 3♣ with a minimum hand

or 2NT to pre-accept, analogous to similar auction over a 1NT opening.

2NT Natural

---1♥- (2♠) - X

Like 1♥-(1♠)-X, this shows either a 2NT response or a

normal negative double. Opener bids 2NT if he would have passed the 2NT response or chooses his most natural rebid. 3♣/♦ would show extra values, 3♥ would not.

2NT

transfer to 3♣, 5+ cards. Again, responder passes or takes

a natural stronger action.

3♣

transfer to 3♦, 5+ cards. Again, responder passes or takes

a natural stronger action.

3 ♦

constructive/invitational raise to 3♥, 3+ card support.

Responder may pass or take a natural stronger action.

3♥

non-constructive raise to 3♥

(30)

---1♠- (2♣

) - X

transfer to 2♦, to play or natural rebids showing inv+ values. If responder rebids 2♥ after the transfer, it cancels diamonds and shows inv+ values with exactly 4 hearts, forcing one round. After 1♠-(2♣)-X-2♦-2♥, opener's possible rebids are:

2♠

2NT 11-13 HCP, no ♥ support, no stopper guarantee 3♣ 14-15 HCP, no ♥ support, no ♣ stopper

3♦ 11-15 HCP, no ♥ support, 5+ ♦

3♥ 11-13 HCP with ♥ support 3♠

3NT 14-15 HCP, no support, ♣ stopper

4X 14-15 HCP fragment, 5-4-3-1 with support 4♥ 14-15 HCP with support, 5-4-2-2

2 ♦

transfer to 2♥, 5+ cards. Responder may pass or take another

(natural) call with inv+ values.

2 ♥

raise to 2♠, 3+ card support. Again, responder passes or takes a

natural stronger action.

2 ♠

(!) values for a 2NT call without a stopper, or values for 3NT but

would like to give opener a chance to declare the hand.

2NT Natural

Higher bids by responder are normal. 3♣ would presumably guarantee 4-card support.

---1♠- (2♦

) - X

transfer to 2♥, to play or natural rebids showing inv+ values. If responder rebids 2♠ after the transfer, it cancels long hearts and shows inv+ values with exactly 4 hearts, forcing one round. After 1♠-(2♦)-X-2♥-2♠, opener's possible rebids are:

2NT 11-13 HCP, no ♥ support, no stopper guarantee 3♣ 11-15 HCP, no ♥ support, 5+ ♣

3♦ 14-15 HCP, no ♥ support, no stopper 3♥ 11-13 HCP with ♥ support

3♠

3NT 14-15 HCP, no ♥ support, ♣ stopper

4♣/♦ 14-15 HCP fragment, 5-4-3-1 with ♥ support 4♥ 14-15 HCP with ♥ support, 5-4-2-2

(31)

2♥

raise to 2♠, 3+ card support. Again, responder passes or takes a natural stronger action.

2♠

2NT Natural

---1♠- (2♥) - X

transfer/raise to 2♠, 3+ card support. If responder bids 2NT

after the transfer, it cancels the support (!) and shows 2-3-4-4

or 2-4-(3-4) inv+ values with no ♥ stopper.

2 ♠

2NT

Natural

3♣

transfer to 3♦, 5+ cards. Again, responder passes or takes a

(32)

Doubles and Redoubles

 If they Q-bid our suit and it is clearly their hand, then double says to lead a different suit. Our double to deny a lead is only by the person who has first introduced the suit.

 If we jump after our takeout double is redoubled or bid over, it’s weak.

 Redouble of 3NT is always business. (exception: if we overcall 3NT over 3-level opening and it’s doubled, normal runouts i.e. XX = 1 suit)

 Redoubles in the middle of our Precision asking sequences are an attempt to play there.

 Rosenkranz redoubles are mandatory on the 1-level unless you decide to raise. Optional on 2-level. Must alert failure to XX on 1-level. Shows A or K.  Double of 3NT usually for dummy’s suit. It is assumed we will try to lead 3rd

hand’s suit, so double should steer leader away. However, it could just mean “they’re dead, lead normally”.

 When we get doubled in 1♦, it is “last man’s” job to run.

 Pulling a 3-level double to 3NT is playable unless puller cannot logically have enough to make.

 Redouble of their double after 1M-2M does not force us to the 3-level if we’ve already stopped in 2 of our suit.

 If opener doubles after they’ve overcalled and raised it’s pure takeout, but 2NT is also takeout. Responder’s doubles are usually “cards” and responder’s 2NT is takeout. But 1X (any) 1NT and responder later doubles = cards/penalty.

 Negative and responsive doubles after 1♦opening through 4♦ only

 (1m)-2m[Majors]-(3m)-X = “responsive” Michaels bidder cannot pass,

(33)

Support Doubles and Redoubles

Through and including 3 of our major. If they bid 2 of our major:

Double = penalty if natural

Double = 3+ card support if Q-bid

After a support double, responder’s actions (except Q-bid) are never forcing … a new suit is an attempt to play there.

Support doubles are not on when responder negative doubles.

Misc Auctions

(1♥) P (P) X 1♥ (X) P (1♠)

(2♥) X Penalty P (P) 1NT Minors

1♠ (P) 2♠ (X)

XX Forcing to double or 3♠ (but not if we’ve passes 2♠ response)

(1♦) P (1M) P (2♥) P (3♥) P

(1NT) P (P) X Penalty (P) X Penalty or light

takeout

(1♥) P (1any) X

(2♥) X Penalty

1NT (2suit) X (P) 1♦ (1♥) 1♠ (2♥)

2NT Natural P (P) X (P) Now 2NT = natural

1any (X) P (any bid)

P (P) X Penalty … double is also penalty if they overcalled

General rule: opener’s 2NT is natural, potentially weak hand’s 2NT is takeout.

If we respond in comp, and then reopen(non-jump), it is NF. Must double or cuebid to force (even if they preempt and we reopen on high level).

(34)

Passed Hand Actions

Passed Hand after 1♦

Jumps = fits (can pass a jump to a major … promises 5+)

Passed Hand after 1M

Never Bergen by PH, always Bergen by UPH even if they double

They Double All single jumps = fit, must play in major opened 2NT is limit raise

2-level is same as by UPH

Suit/Lead applies (1NT is clubs, not transfer to Drury)

They Overcall same as by UPH

They Pass Single jump as over double

2NT = minors

3Raise = semi-preemptive, usually 5 cards Double jumps = splinters

2Raise still constructive, 3 or 4 trumps

Drury: 2♣ = 1-Way Reverse Drury

2NT by opener asks for natural shortness

If opener shows minimum, 2NT by responder asks for natural shortness If opener doesn’t show minimum, 2NT by responder is natural NF No artificial game tries

(35)

1NT (10-13)

Try to avoid opening 1NT with a 5-card major

2♣ NF Stayman With some simple game forcing hands, we might use 2♣ if it is less likely to be doubled than 2♦.

2♦ No major

2M Invitational

3m Invitational with a major

3M Invitational (probably w/4 in other major)

2♦ GF Stayman

2 ♥

4 hearts

2♠

=relay for additional distribution

2♠

4 spades, denies hearts 2NT=relay for additional distribution

2NT no 4-card M or 5-card m 3♣=relay for additional distribution

3

♣

5332 hand with 5 clubs 3♦=relay for short suit (natural)

3

♦

5332 hand with 5 diamonds 3♥=relay for short suit (natural)

3♥

2=2=4=5 3♠= CRASH for Aces

3 ♠

2=2=5=4 3NT is to play, 4♣=CRASH For Aces

After 1NT-2♦

-2♥-2♠

2NT 4 spades 3

♣

3

♣

4 clubs 3

♦

3

♦

4 diamonds 3

♥

3

♥

3=4=3=3 3

♠

=CRASH

3

♠

2=4=2=5 3NT is to play; 4

♣

=CRASH

3NT 2=4=5=2 4

♣

=CRASH

After 1NT-2

♦

-2

♠

-2NT

3

♣

4 clubs 3

♦

3

♦

4 diamonds 3

♥

3

♥

4=3=3=3 3

♠

=CRASH 3

♠

4=2=2=5 3NT is to play; 4

♣

=CRASH 3NT 4=2=5=2 4

♣

=CRASH

After 1NT-2

♦

-2NT-3

♣

3

♦

3=3=4=3 3

♥

=CRASH 3

♥

2=3=4=4 3

♠

=CRASH 3

♠

3=2=4=4 3NT is to play; 4

♣

is CRASH

(36)

3NT 3=3=3=4 4

♣

=CRASH

1NT (10-13)

2M

To play, could be semi-psychic, opener should try not to raise. Zia suggests never bid 2♥ unless ready to hear opps bid 2♠

2NT

Invitational, any 6-card suit (opener bids lowest rejection)

3X

To play

4 ♣

Gerber

4♦

/♥ Texas (on through 3♣ overcall only)

Interference over 10-13 NT

After 1N (penalty X), pass forces XX to show cheapest of 2 suits (or to play). Direct bids are natural

XX = business, sets up FP, but responder’s new suit is NF 2NT = 5-5 any 2 suits

1N (P) P (X) P (P) … now DONT style for responder’s bids and XX All jumps to 3-level in comp are Rubensohl

After 1NT (bid) … Rubensohl is on same as strong

After non-Landy 2♣ overcall, double is Stayman but 2♦ is to play.

After non-penalty X, systems on

After 3-level overcall, our 3-level bid is GF

If they balance, opener’s double is penalty, cheapest bid from responder is takeout and double is penalty.

(37)

1NT (13

+

_-16)

13+ means a 5-card minor suit if 13 HCP

2♣

Stayman

2♦ No major

2♥ P/C (weak with both majors (4-4), (4-5) or (5-5)

2♠ weak with exactly 4 hearts and at least 5 spades

2NT Invitational, may or may not have a 4-card major

3♣ GF, 4-card major longer clubs

3♦ GF, 4-card major longer diamonds

3M Smolen

4♣ Gerber

4♦/♥ Discuss

5♣and higher Exclusion RKC in ♦

2♥ 4 or 5♥, may have 4♠

2♠ 4 spades, invitational

2NT Invitational, denies 4 spades

3♣ GF 4♠ and 6+♣

3♦ GF, 4 spades and 6+ diamonds

3♥ Invitational

3♠ Slam try in ♥ with unspecified shortness;

3NT asks (do not show voids):

4♣ = clubs, 4♦ = diamonds, 4♥ = spades

4♣ RKC Gerber

4♦ Balanced slam try in ♥

2♠ 4 or 5♠, denies 4♥

2NT Invitational, may or may not have 4 hearts

3♣ GF, 4 hearts with longer clubs

3♦ This and all higher bids are same as over 2♥ response

Over 3♥ showing shortness, there is room to show voids

2 ♦

Transfer to ♥

2♥ Opener can super-accept with 4 hearts and maximum

2♠ 5-5 invitational

3m Natural GF (but NF by PH or after 1♣-1♦) Jump to 4M = fast arrival (weaker)

3♠/4m Splinter

4♥ Balanced slam try, 6+♥

4NT Balanced slam try

(38)

1NT (13

+

_-16)

2 ♥

Transfer to ♠… same structure as 2♦ above

Transfer followed by 3♥ is 5-5 GF Transfer followed by 4♥ is splinter Note: 1NT-2♦-2♥-4♠/5m is Exclusion RKC

1NT-4♦-4♥ … 4♠ is RKC

4NT and higher are SPL RLY void slam tries

2 ♠

Transfer to ♣ … opener bids 2NT to accept, 3♣ to deny

Responder’s new suits are shortness with slam interest

2NT

Transfer to ♦ … opener bids 2NT to accept, 3♣ to deny

Responder’s new suits are shortness with slam interest

3♣

Both minors , at least 5-5, weak

3♦

Both minors, at least 5-5, GF

3♥

GF Splinter, may have 4♠

Opener bids 3♠ with 4 of them, responder pulls to 3NT w/o spades or Q-bids 4m

Opener’s jump to 4♠ promises 5 spades

Try not to splinter with slam interest or stiff AKQ

3 ♠

GF Splinter, must have 4♥

If opener bids 3NT, then responder’s 4m = natural Opener’s 4m = natural … be wary about jumping

4 ♣

Gerber

4 ♦

/

♥

Texas transfers, initiates FP.

(39)

1NT (13

+

_-16)

 Weissberger by PH: 1NT-2♣-2♦-3♦ is 5-5 majors invitational. So, transfer to ♠

and then 3♥ by PH is forcing. Transfer to major and then 3m by PH is NF.

 If they double Stayman, fast denies a club stopper. Slow following XX (re-ask)

shows stopper. Opener’s direct XX is penalty. If we overcalled a 1C opening

earlier, we have a stopper, so a direct 2♦ shows 5♦.

 If they double Transfer: XX = attempt to play (by opener only) Pass = <3 trumps, then:

Responder’s bid of his suit = invitational

XX by responder is retransfer (then new suit is F) Direct actions (no retransfer) are NF

Acceptance = 3 trumps Other bids = normal meaning

 If they double a re-transfer: redouble shows ace, pass shows king, accepting transfer shows neither.

 If they overcall Stayman: opener bids 2NT with a stopper in their suit or

(40)

Interference against our Strong 1NT

 No negative doubles

 Opener tries hard to reopen with any strength and weak doubleton in their suit  If they balance (natural), opener’s X is penalty; responder’s X is 3 with cards  3-level bids forcing after 3-level jump overcall

 1NT (3m) 4m = majors

 Gerber in comp is a jump to 4♣ or 5♣

 Texas in comp through and including 3♣ overcall (sets up FP)

 If they artificial Double we totally ignore it. Systems on; XX sets up 1-round

force through 2♠. All subsequent doubles are penalty.

 If they penalty double responder’s 2-level bids are natural and pass forces redouble, then responders bids are DON’T (i.e. XX=one-suit, suit=that and higher)

 If they bid 2♣ (no matter what it means – except Landy) … double = Stayman,

higher bids FOC.

 If they bid 2♣ or 2♦ for majors:

Pass, then balancing double = takeout

Dbl = cards, opener is “forced”. Later doubles are penalty 2M = tying GF in minor

2NT = Lebensohl to get out in 3m, or followed by 3M to show stopper 3m = natural, invitational

3M = shortness

2♦ = natural, NF

Over any other suit interference at the two-level, Rubensohl applies.

Rubensohl – 2NT is a relay to 3C starting a weak takeout.

Direct 3-level bids are x-fers showing suit above inv+

Transfer to their known 4+ card suit = inv+ in unbid major(s)

3♠=transfer to NT, "Help" bid. No stopper in the enemy suit.

Direct 3NT shows a stopper in their suit.

(41)

Strong 2NT Auctions

Jacoby followed by 4 of a new suit above trump = Excl. RKC Jacoby followed by 4NT above trump = Quantitative

Texas followed by one over = RKC, other bids = natural void slam try Transfer to their major after our 2NT overcall = inv in other major Jacoby followed by 4m promises slam interest:

Opener’s 4NT or return to either suit is NF

Opener’s step 1 (of remaining bids) is RKC in minor, then one over for kings Opener’s step 2 (of remaining bids) is RKC in major, then one over for kings

(42)

2 ♣

When in doubt, open 1♣with a hand on the strong side, as responder is more likely to pass the 2♣ opening than any other (Rigal). “Lean towards 10 HCP, not 16” (B-C). Shows 6 cards, but could often have 5 in 3rd_seat.

2♦

Artificial inquiry (responder’s later 3M = forcing)

2♥/♠

Natural 1RF; if slammish, 5-3-3-2 or 5-4-2-2

2NT

Relay to 3♣, to play, or slammish 2-suiter

3 ♣

Relay to 3♦, to play or slammish one-suiter

3 ♦

/

♥

/

♠

Invitational (by PH or in comp, fit showing)

4 ♣

Preemptive

4♦

RKC

4♥/♠

To play, never promises fit

IF THEY DOUBLE

2♣

XX They are in trouble (FP)

2♦ Still artificial ask

2M Natural, forcing

2NT Good raise (suit/lead)

3♣ Raise, could be very light

3X Fit-showing

4♣ Preemptive

(43)

2 ♣

-2

♦

2♦ Artificial ask … if followed by 3♣ = NF If followed by 4♣=GF except after 2♣-2♦-3♦

2♥ Any strength, 4-card major

2♠ Asks

2NT 4♥, minimum

3♣=NF

3♦=♥ Jack ask (natural cuebid followups)

3♥=NF

3♠=Natural, forcing

3♣ 4♠, minimum

3♦=♠ Jack ask (natural cuebid followups)

3♥=Natural, forcing

3♠=NF

3♦ 4♥, maximum

3♥=♥ Jack ask (natural cuebid followups)

3♠=Natural, forcing

3♥ 4♠, maximum

3♠=♠ Jack ask (natural cuebid followups)

2♠ Maximum, no major, shortness somewhere

2NT Asks, natural responses (GF)

3♣ NF (opener’s continuations show shortness)

2NT Maximum, balanced, usually 2 stoppers

3♣ NF

3♦ Stopper ask: 3♥=♦+♥, 3♠=♦+♠, 3NT=♥+♠ or all 3 suits 3♣ Minimum, no major

3♦ Stopper ask natural responses

3♦ Natural, 6+♣, 4+♦ (Opener’s 4♦= ♣RKC)

3♥ Natural, 6+♣, 5+♥

3♠ Sets ♥ as trumps, so 4♠=excl. RKC

4♣ F 4♦ ♣RKC 3♠ Artificial, solid ♣ 3NT 6+♣, 5+♠ 4♣ F 4♦ ♣RKC 4♥ Sets ♠ as trump

2♣

-2♥/♠

Natural 1RF; if slammish, 5-3-3-2 or 5-4-2-2 2NT Natural, non-minimum, NF 3♣ Minimum; 2♣-2♠-3♣-3♥ is 5+/5+ inv

(44)

3♦or 3Raise NF

3NT Stronger than 2NT (4♣=NF, 4♦= ♣RKC)

4♣ Natural, extras, NF

4Raise Stronger than 3Raise; can splinter with 3 trumps

2 ♣

-2NT

Relay to 3♣, after which

Pass To play

3♦ ♦+♥ 5-5 GF

3♥ ♦+♠ 5-5 GF

3♠ ♥+♠ 5-5 GF

Follow-up: no 4♣/4♦ RKC

2♣

-3♣

Relay to 3♦, after which

Pass To play

3M Natural, GF 6+, can play in 3NT Opener’s 4♦ = good raise

3NT/4♣/4♦ Diamonds, GF

Interference

If they double after 2♣-2♦, XX ix business, otherwise system on

If they bid a suit over any asks, P=1st_{step, X=business, then step on up}

If they double over asks, XX= business, pass = S1, etc.

Our free bid in comp = 1-round force on 2-level, GF on 3-level

If we make negative double, opener’s 2NT could be minimum with a stopper

2♣-(2♥)-4♦ is splinter Passed Hand 2♦ As above 2M Natural, NF 2NT Natural 3♣ NF

(45)

2 ♦

In 1st,2nd,4th seat: 3-suiter with short ♦; in 3rd_{seat, Weak 2}

2 ♥

3+♥, NF, opener must pull with only 3♥

2 ♠

/3

♣

Signoff (opener can raise 2♠ to 3♠ via 3♣, showing 4-5 in blacks)

3 ♦

Natural, invitational, 6+♦

3M

Forcing, 4+, forces 3NT opposite 3 or raise opposite 4

Then 4C/4D RKC over 3NT or RKC Kickback over any other.

3NT

To play

2NT

Asking

3♣ All minimums, after which 3♦ re-asks 3♥ 3-4-1-5

3♠ 4-3-1-5

3NT 4-4-1-4

4♣ 4-4-0-5; then 4♣/4♦ RKC with 4♦ relay; i.e. stop bid

3♦ Non-minimum 4-4-1-4

3♥ and higher As above, but non-minimum (3NT = stiff honor)

After the 3♣ response to 2NT, all bids other than 3♦are NF. No 4♣/4♦ RKC.

After the 3♦ re-ask and answer on 3-level (3-4-1-5 or 4-3-1-5), we play 4♣/4♦ RKC.

After a 3♦ response, 3M = GF. But RKC is on 4-level. After a 3M response, we always play 4♣/4♦ RKC. Over double, pass = diamonds, playable.

XX = they are in trouble, willing to play 2♦XX, sets up FP. Other bids = same as if no double

If 2♦ opener is on lead, none of the suits are “his” as bid suits

2♦-(P)-2NT-(3♦)... then pass shows all minimums and X by responder is a re-ask.