PRECISION SYSTEM 10/07/03 OPENING BIDS One Club - 16+ points, any distribution. One Diamond - 11-15 HCPs, 1+ diamonds. (1 can only happen with (3-4)-1-5 distribution and you couldn't open 2C One Heart, One Spade - 11-15 HCPs, 5+ card suit. One Notrump - 14-16 HCPs, balanced or semi-balanced, (if 4-4 in majors and 14 pts, open 1 diamond) Two Clubs - 11-15 HCPs, 5+ clubs, if only 5 then 4-card major and good club suit. Two Diamonds - 11-15 HCPs, singleton or void in diamonds, 4-4-0-5 or 4-4-1-4 distribution. Two Hearts, Two Spades - 5(6)-bad 11 HCPs, preempt. Two Notrump - minors, 5-10 points. If doubled, pass to play, redouble to escape, other bids natural. Otherwise, 3H and 3S are forcing for one round (inviting a raise on a doubleton), jumps to 4H and 4S are RKC for clubs or diamonds. Minor suit bids by responder are natural, 4N is regular Blackwood. In fourth position, shows the 23-24 point hand. Use the normal puppet Stayman bids. 3-bids - Preempts. In first or second position, minor suits must have 2 of top 3 honors or else a side ace and a suit that would have only one loser opposite Q,K, or A doubleton in the other hand. Simple new suit bids by responder are forcing. New suit jumps are Control Asking Bids (CAB). Over major suits, a raise to 5 asks for trump quality (off in competition). Opener passes with a two loser suit, raises to six with one loser, and bids 7 with no losers. Over 3 spades, 4 hearts is to play Three Notrump - Vul vs NV - Solid 7 card minor suit, nothing outside. Otherwise is a broken minor suit pre-empt. In all cases, bid 4C to find suit, if 3N is doubled, pass to play, redouble to escape. 4C or 4D - NAMYATS bid with long, solid major and 8 tricks (either 8 solid or 7 solid with an outside ace). No more than 5 controls. MUST HAVE AT LEAST 3RD ROUND CONTROL OF ALL SUITS. New suits (other than intervening) are control asks (steps are no second, second, first). 4 of intervening suit asks which hand (4 of major shows 8 solid, other bids show the outside ace), after which control asks in new suits can be used.. 4 Major - Pre-emptive, new suits are CAB, raise to 5 asks trump quality as in 3-bids. 5 Clubs or Diamonds - New suits are CAB 5 Hearts or Spades - Shows a hand with no losers except trump suit is missing both ace and king. RESPONSES AND SUBSEQUENT BIDDING ONE CLUB Responses: 1D - 0-7 HCPs. 1H,1S - 5+ card suit, 8+ HCPs (or good 7 count). 1NT - 8-15 HCPs, balanced, no 5 card suit. 2C,2D - good 5+ card suit, 8+ HCPs. 2H, 2S - 5-7 points, 6 card suit, most points in the suit 3C,3D shows 4-4-4-1 shape with 8-10 HCPs (clubs) or 11+ with at least 4 controls. Opener bids naturally in an attempt to find a fit, responder either bids NT if opener's suit was the singleton, or bids the singleton otherwise. 2N - 16+ HCPs, balanced, no 5 card suit. 3C by opener is Stayman, use transfer responses with 3N showing both minors. 3H,3S - broken 7-card suit, 4-7 HCPs. 3NT - 3N 7+ card solid suit (AKQ minimum), at most the outside queen, no other 4 card suit. After the 3N bid, you can do either A) 4C asks for 1 step below the suit. After this, opener either just accepts the transfer or else bids 5 NT to ask if suit will run opposite a void. If yes, bid 6 of a suit you have an outside queen in, if no, bid 6 of the real suit. B) 4D asks for suit length in steps, starting with 4H showing 7. This implies that opener knows the suit. After clarification, opener will either place the contract or else bid 5 NT as before to find out runnability. C) 4H, 4S, 5C, 5D are simply to play. For now, other bids over the 3N don't have meanings so don't use them REBIDS: Over 1C-1D: 1H,1S - 4+ card suit. Subsequent jump in minor shows strong 2-bid with longer minor and 4 of major. If responder did not show point count over the major, he can show the second negative hand over opener's minor by bidding next suit up. After 1C-1D-1H: 1S shows 4 spades, 0-7 HCPs, 1NT denies 4 spades, shows 0-5 HCPs. Over 1C-1D-1 of a major, 2C is artificial denying 4 of the major and 6-7 HCP possibly with a club suit, 2 of a new suit other than clubs shows 5-7 HCP and at least 5 in that suit, a jump in a new suit (except use jump to 2N for club splinter) shows a splinter with 4 trumps and 6-7 points, jump to 3 of the major shows 4 trumps, max, no shortness, jump to 3C shows a max with a good 6 card club suit. Simple raise shows 4 trumps and 0-5 points, opener can then use power, trump (raise to 3, if responder has max but with bad trumps can bid 3N), or help suit game tries (need max to accept). If available, new suit below 3 of major shows help but with a min. A double jump in a new suit by responder shows a 6-7 point splinter but with a void. With 5 spades and 4 hearts, opener bids the spades first, unless opener is REALLY strong and wants to see if there is a heart fit. With 6+ spades and exactly 4 hearts opener can bid 1H first to try and find the 4-4 fit. In the specific auction 1C-1D-1H-1S-2N (showing 21-22), responder bids 3C,3D,3S weak and to play, 3H is a transfer back to spades (showing 5) and will then offer a choice of games), other bids are natural and game forcing. 1NT - 17-20 HCPs, balanced hand (no 4-card major or good 5 card minor). 2C and 2D are transfers to hearts and spades. Opener accepts the transfer with a min, bids the intervening suit with a max. After either of opener's bids, 2N or 3 major are invitational and 3N is choice of games. If opener shows a max, new suits by responder are game forcing. Over 1N, 2H is a power try. Opener bids 2N with 17 or bad 18, 3N with good 19 or 20, 2S with good 18 or bad 19 to let responder decide. Over 1N, 2S and 2N are club and diamond transfers with super accept based on power. Over 1N, 3 of any suit is invitational, showing a 6 card suit with 2 of top 3 honors. 2C,2D - 5+ card suit, unbalanced or semi-balanced. With 6-7 HCP and a decent suit, responder should bid it at the 2 level. With 6-7 HCP, scattered values plus a fit for opener's suit bid 2NT or raise suit. 2H - Either a strong 2 in hearts or a 23-24 point balanced hand that would have opened 2NT. Responder will almost always bid 2S artificial to find out what opener has. Opener now either bids 2N showing the balanced hand or 3C showing the strong heart hand. Over the balanced 2N, responder can use puppet Stayman or other transfer bids. Over opener's rebid of 3C (showing the strong heart hand), responder uses 3D as second negative for hearts, or 3 or 4H to show at least some value (3 stronger than 4). The single exception to responder using the 2S automatic relay is to bid a direct 2N, which shows 5-4 in the majors and game going values. Opener then bids 3C to ask for the 4 card major, otherwise bidding proceeds naturally. 2S,3C,3D - strong opener, forcing for at least one round (forcing to game if responder has anything but second negative). Responder's bids are: Next suit shows 0-3 HCPs and denies support, cheapest NT shows 4-7 HCPs and denies support. Other new suit bids (including a jump in the second negative suit) show 4+ to 7 points and at least a 5 card suit. 2NT - 21-22 HCPs, balanced hand, may have 5-card major, no 4 card major. 3C is 5 card Stayman, asking for a 5 card major. Opener bids his major, or 3D with no 5 card major. Over 2NT : 3C - Puppet Stayman (if opener can hold a 4 card major). Opener bids 3D to show a 4 card major. Responder then bids 3H if he can support spades only, 3S if he can support hearts only. With both majors responder bids 4D. If opener had a 5 card major he bids it at the 3 level. Responder then raises, cue bids or bids 3NT. If opener can't hold a 4 card major (he would have bid it at the 1 level) then 3C simply asks for a 5 card major, and 3D denies one. 3D - Transfer to hearts. After opener accepts, new suits are natural, at least 4. 3H - Transfer to spades. After opener accepts, new suits are natural, at least 4. 3S - Minor suit Stayman (at least 5-4 with top of bid). 4D - Transfer to hearts 4H - Transfer to spades 4N - If responder uses a transfer and then bids 4N it is RKC (This would only come up if a strong 2N was opened in fourth position and second position passed with a max) 3NT - 25-26 HCPs. Responder can transfer to 4 of a major. 4S is minor suit Stayman, 4C is Gerber. Over 1C-1H or 1S: Raise to 2 - Trump asking bid. After clarification, opener's new suit bids are control asking bids. Re-ask in trump suit to show length. Trump ask is still on if opener and responder make rebids and opener can still bid 2 of responder's first suit (1C-1H-1N-2C-2H is trump ask). Trump ask is off in competition 1NT - Balanced, unspecified points. Responder jumps in new suit to show good 5-5 or better. Responder raises to 3NT with 8-10 point 5-3-3-2, 2NT with more. Over 2N: Opener bids 3C artificial to ask for point count in steps (first step = 11). Over 3N (8-10), 4C is straight Gerber, 4N is quantitative (responder passes, bids 5 of major, or 6 of major). 3 of the major shows extra values, 4 of the major to play. New suit simple rebids - Natural. Responder jumps in new suit to show splinter in opener's suit. New suit jump rebids - Strong 2 type hand, absolutely sets trump. Responses are: cheapest NT = no outside A. Simple new suit = A in that suit. Jump in new suit = A in that suit plus one of top three in trumps. Raise of trump suit = one of top three in trump, no outside A. Opener's suit has to be good enough to guarantee at most one loser opposite a void (must have 2 of top 3). This convention also applies if responder jump rebids in his suit. Raise to 3 - Extra values, responder cue bids to show slam interest. Raise to 4 - Minimum club opener with trump support. 2NT - 19-21 pts, 4-4-4-1 with singleton in responder's suit. 3NT - 16-18 pts, 4-4-4-1 with singleton in responder's suit. Over 1C-2C or 2D: Raise to 3 - Trump asking bid. After clarification, opener's new suit bids are control asking bids. Re-ask in trump suit to show length. Trump ask is off in competition. 2NT - Balanced, unspecified points. With 13+ HCP 5-3-3-2, responder jumps to 4 of his suit. Opener's 4H asks for points in steps, 4S is RKC, 4N is signoff. With the strong 5-5 responder will rebid 4C. Opener asks for points with 4H, bids 4N to sigh off, and uses 4D as RKC for diamonds, 4S is RKC for clubs. 2D, 2H, 2S - Natural. Responder jumps in new suit to show splinter for opener's suit. 3C (over the 2D response - Natural. Responder jumps in new suit to show splinter for opener's suit. New suit jump rebids - Strong 2 type hand, absolutely sets trump. Responses are: cheapest NT = no outside A. Simple new suit = A in that suit. Jump in new suit = A in that suit plus one of top three in trumps. Raise of trump suit = one of top three in trump, no outside A. Opener's suit has to be good enough to guarantee at most one loser opposite a void (must have 2 of top 3). This convention also applies if responder jump rebids in his suit. Raise to 4 - Extra values, responder cue bids to show slam interest. 3NT - 16-18 pts, 4-4-4-1 with singleton in responder's suit. Over 1C-1NT: General approach to using 4NT: if opener has a chance to set a trump suit and fails to do so but bids 4N directly, it is quantitative. 2C - Asks responder to describe hand further with relay bids: 2D - shows 8-10 HCPs and 4 hearts, possibly 4 spades also. 2H - shows 8-10 HCPs and 4 spades (denies hearts). Trump and control asks are to be used ONLY after responder shows a major at the 2 level. Over 2 diamonds (showing hearts) opener bids 2 hearts to ask about honors in hearts. Steps used to show 0,1,2 or 3. Following this, new suits are control asks. To ask about spades over a diamond response, opener bids spades. If responder had spades along with hearts he starts the steps at clubs, using 2NT to deny spades. If opener then bids 3 of a minor after the 2N bid, responder shows 3 card support by bidding intervening suit. Over responder's 2D or 2H bid, opener can directly bid 3 of a minor (this promises 5 card suit) and responder shows support by bidding intervening major. After opener bids and finds out about support of a minor suit, bidding the minor at the 4 level is RKC, 4N is quantitative. Over 1C-1N-2C-2D, 2N shows 3 card heart support, weakness in spades (small singleton or doubleton) and at least 4-4 in the minors. Responder now bids: 3 of a minor with a minimum and no other place he wants to play. 3H, 4H or 3N to play there. 4 of a minor to play there but with a max. Over 1C-1N-2C-2H, 2N shows the similar situation with 3 spades. Corresponding followups. 2S - 8-10 HCP, no 4 card major. Opener bids a major at the 3 level showing the 5-4 major suit hand (responder either bids 3N or shows 3 card support in some fashion). Opener bids 2N (see below) to ask about minors. If opener doesn't go through the 2N but bids a minor directly, responder shows 3+ card support including the A, K, or Q by bidding intervening strongest major, otherwise bid 3N. Opener rebids 2N to ask about responder's suits. Responder bids 3C with EITHER clubs and no aces or both minors and no aces (if opener cares whether responder had diamonds he bids 3D and responder bids 3N without and 3 of the stronger major with). 3D shows diamonds with no aces, 3H shows clubs with at least one ace, 3S shows diamonds with at least one ace, 3N is both minors with at least one ace. Subsequent bids of 4 of the minor are RKC (using the special responses if responder can only hold 1 keycard: zero additional key cards, zero with Q, one additional key card, 1 with Q). 2N - 11-13 HCP. Opener now asks for a hand description by bidding 3C (If opener bids 3 of a major at this point, it shows 5 in that major and 4 in the other, game interest only). Responder bids 3D to show hearts, possibly spades, 3H to show spades, 3S to show neither with a minor, and 3NT to show no major and both minors. Opener can accept a major at the 3 or 4 level, or bid 4N directly as quantitative. If opener sets a major at the 3 level, it invites responder to cuebid. 3N would show no aces, 4 of the trump suit shows that ace but no others. If opener bids 4N at any time without setting a suit it is quantitative and responder passes with 11, bids 5 of lowest minor with 12, or bids 6 of lowest minor with 13. Over 3S and 3N by responder denying a major, opener bids 4 of a minor as RKC in that suit, 4N is quantitative. Direct bids at the 3 level over 1C-1N-2C show that suit and a possible higher ranking suit with the 14-15 hand. Each player bids up the line until a fit is found or 3N is reached, in which case a previously unsupported minor can be bid at the 4 level to agree it. In the up the line bidding, an immediate bid at the 4 level accepts the last suit and is a cue bid. 2D,2H,2S,2NT - Support asking bid, implies 5 trumps.(NT = clubs). After good support is shown, opener's new suit bids are control asks. If opener rebids trump suit below game, it asks responder to begin cue bidding. Responder raises trump suit with trump ace only, bids cheapest NT with no aces. Good support is Qxx or better, not xxxx. With xxxx show bad support and then support the suit when you get a chance. If responder shows bad support, new suits by opener are a second suit. Responder can 1) return to 3 of the major with support like xxx, 2) bid 3N with 3 in the second suit and doubleton in the first, 3) bid an intervening suit with 4 card support. Subsequent 4 of a minor trump suit is RKC. If auction goes 1C-1N and 4th seat now overcalls at the 2 level: * Pass by opener shows no stopper, no 4 card major, no other 5 card suit * Double is penalty * Suit bid shows at least 5 cards * 2N shows a stopper plus at least 1 four card major * Cuebid shows no stopper but with at least 1 four card major * 3N is to play (shows stopper) Over 1C-2N (16+): 3C - Stayman with transfer responses. 3N by responder is both minors. 3D,3H,3S, 3N - natural (NT = clubs) Impossible jump to 5C by either person asks for point count in steps CUE BIDDING AFTER SUIT AGREEMENT AT 3 LEVEL (can also apply in non-club opening situations) After setting trump at the 3 level, if responder makes a 4 level cue bid as his first bid, it promises at least 2 key cards. Simply raising the trump suit tends to show a minimum with at most 1 key card. 3N shows the ability to cue bid somewhere with extra strength but only one key card. INTERFERENCE OVER 1C: Over natural overcalls at the 1 level (or artificial 1 level bid if exactly one of their suit(s) is known): * Pass shows 0-4 points or trap pass * Non-jump new suit is 5-8 with 5+ cards * Jump in new suit is 9+ with at least decent 5 card suit * Double is 2 way, either 5-8 promising unbid major(s), or 9+ unspecified * 1NT (if available) shows balanced 5 8 HCPs doesn't promise stopper (hence, it shows 7-8 without or 5-6 any). Opener has several options. 1)Raise to 2N to invite (if responder wants to accept he can bid a 4 card major at the 3 level). 2)Cue bid the overcall - responder bids 2N showing the 5-6 stopper, else bids a 4 card suit showing 5-8 without. If responder happens to bid 2 of a major, opener can invite by raising. 3)Bid a natural suit (simple bid is not forcing, jump is forcing). With 7-8 responder needs to make another move over opener's simple rebid) * 2N shows 7-8 with stopper, 3N shows 9-10 with stopper and no interest in majors * 2 level cuebid shows 11+ * If they overcall 1H or 1S (or the equivalent), a jump cuebid of 3H or 3S shows exactly a game interest hand with a full stopper in their suit Over natural overcalls at the 2 level (or artificial bid if at least one suit is known) - Lebensohl approach keying on their known suit * Pass shows 0-5 points * Double is negative, 5-8 HCP, or unspecified strong hand (if balanced at least 11+ with stopper) * 2 level bids are natural and nonforcing * 3 level bids are natural and game forcing (we haven't decided yet if 3C shows the 7-8 point balanced hand with no stopper) * 2N is a relay to 3C (note that if opener doesn't want to risk playing 3C opposite a 5-7+ club suit, must bid something other than 3C). After opener's 3C relay, cuebid of opponent's suit is Stayman with a stopper, 3N is to play with a stopper, other suit bids are 5-7+ competitive EXCEPT if responder could have bid the suit at the 2 level the first time, in which case this shows a stopper plus a 5 card suit and game force. * Cuebid is Stayman without a stopper. * Direct 3N is to play but denies a stopper Over natural overcalls at the 3 level (or higher): * Double is 5-8 (with 5-6 use discretion) emphasizing majors, or 9+ * Non jump suit is 5-8 natural * 3N is to play, with stopper Over a double (showing clubs) * Pass shows 0-4 points. * Redouble shows the 2 way double of an interfering club overcall. * 1D,1H,1S shows 5-8 HCPs and 5+ card suit. * 2C shows 11+ HCP * 1NT shows 5-8 HCP, not promising a stopper, 2NT shows 7-8 with stopper, 3N shows 9-10 with stopper. Over an artificial double or bid where there is no known suit (e.g., suction where 2H shows either spades or minors, or CRASH): * Pass shows 0-4 points (could be less than 6 or 7 if their overcall was at a high level) * Double shows either the 5-8 emphasizing majors, or 9+ unspecified. Promises another bid later. * Non-jump suit bids other than 1D are 5-8 natural; 2D is also 5-8 natural * Jump suit bids are 9+ natural * Over an artificial double, redouble is a positive response, 1D is 5-8 with major(s), 1N is 5-8 no major Over artificial bids where there are 2 known suits (if 3 suits are known focus on the lower 2): * Cheapest cuebid 8-10, probably with major(s) * Higher cuebid 11+ * 1N (if available) 5-8 not promising stoppers * 2N (if available) 7-8 with at least one suit stopped * 3N 9-10 with both suits stopped * Double is 5-8 emphasizing majors or 9+ unspecified * Non jump suits 5-8 natural, jump suits 9+ natural After 1C-1D and interference, if opener can make a 1H or 1S bid it has the same meaning as a regular auction. ONE DIAMOND Responses: * 1H,1S - 4+ card suit, 7+ HCPs. * 1NT - 8-10 HCPs, denies 4-card major. * 2C - 11+ HCPs, usually 5-card suit (exception: with huge hand and 4-4 in minors, may want to temporize). * 2D - 11+ HCPs, 5+ card suit. * 2H,2S,3C - 16+ HCPs, 5+ card suit. Opener bids cheapest NT to deny support. New suit bids by opener are natural. Raise suit to confirm as trump. * 2NT - 11-bad 13 HCPs. * 3D - preemptive. * 3H,3S,4C - splinter bid, 5-card support for diamonds. * 3NT - good 13-15 HCPs. * Negative free bids at the 2 level. In competition, a single jump in a new suit is natural and game forcing. * Over 1D-2D: 2H shows heart stopper, 2S shows spade stopper, 2NT shows majors stopped with maximum (13+). Responder then can ask about stoppers by bidding new suits. In general, opener shows stoppers with suit bids, responder asks for stoppers. For example 1D - 2D - 2H (shows hearts) - 2S (asks about spades) - opener now could bid 2NT to show a minimum with spades stopped also, 3C to deny spades but to show clubs, or 3NT with spades and a max, figuring partner should have something in clubs. The auction 1D-2D-2M-3 of same M or 1D-2D-2N-3M shows slam interest with good diamonds. Opener should return to 3N with very bad diamonds (small doubleton or worse), otherwise make another descriptive bid. The auction 1D-2D-2 anything-3C asks for a club stopper. In some cases it is possible to ask for partial stoppers: For 1D-2D-2S-3H asks for a partial heart stopper. 1D-2D-2H-2S-3C-3S is a re-ask in spades for a partial stopper. For 1D-2D-3C or 3D, 3 of a major asks for a partial stopper. (Responder might have the slam interest hand and will expose it with further bidding) Partial stopper is something like Qx or Jxx. * New suit (artificial) forcing rebids by responder: After 1D - 1M - Opener's rebid, the next suit up is artificial and forcing for one round, asking for (in order), 3 card support for responder's major, 2H showing 4 hearts (if responder's suit was spades), 2D showing a diamond suit (may be only 4), or failing all these another descriptive bid. After opener's first rebid, 2 of same major by responder is to play, any 3 level rebid by responder is a game force. The exception is 1D-1S-2D-2H, the 2H bid is natural and not forcing. * If responder jump rebids 3 of his suit it is invitational and shows a good 6+ card suit. * Inverted is OFF in competition. 2N is still invitational * For auctions 1D-1M-2M, use help suit game tries if needed. After the 2N power try, opener must bid to at least 3 of the major since responder may have been trying for slam and wanted to find out whether opener was min or max. * 1D jump rebids - 2NT shows a max with a 6+ card semi-solid diamond suit. 3NT shows a max with a solid diamond suit and something like 7+ tricks. 3C shows a max with at least 5-5 in the minors. 3D shows a max with good diamonds but unable to bid 2 or 3NT. * Over a double, 3C is pre-emptive with 7-10 points while 3D shows real garbage. ONE HEART Responses: * 1S - 4+ card suit, 5+ HCPs. * 1NT - Forcing, may be start of 3 card limit raise (next bid 3H), or an opening hand game raise (next bid 4H). Opener rebids 2C with 5-3-3-2 hand, other distributions use the normal forcing NT rebids. * 2C,2D - 10+ HCPs, usually a 5-card suit. A subsequent bid or jump to 3 of opener's suit shows a limit raise with 3 trump. * 2H - 8 to 10 support points, alert as constructive. * 2S, 3C, 3D - 16+ HCPs, 5+ card suit. Opener bids cheapest NT to deny support. New suit bids by opener are natural. Raise suit to confirm as trump. * 2NT - [Jacoby] 14+ HCPs, balanced hand with 4 hearts. * 3H - limit raise, usually 4 * 3S - Void spinter, 3N asks which suit, must have at least 2nd round control of other 2 suits. * 3N,4C,4D - Splinter with good heart support, 13+ support points. Must have at least second round control in other suits. * 4H - pre-emptive Negative free bids at the 2 level. In competition, a single jump in a new suit is natural and game forcing. 1H-1S-1NT-2C - New minor forcing. See above 1H-1S-1NT-2D - Not forcing 1H-1S-1NT-3C or 3D - Forcing, showing good minor 1H-1S-2D-3C - fourth suit forcing 1H-1S-2C-2D - forcing for at least one round ONE SPADE Responses: * 1NT - Forcing, may be start of 3 card limit raise (next bid 3S), or an opening hand game raise (next bid 4S). Opener rebids 2C with 5-3-3-2 hand, other distributions use the normal forcing NT rebids. * 2C,2D,2H - 10+ HCPs, usually a 5-card suit. A subsequent bid or jump to 3 of opener's suit shows a limit raise with 3 trump. If limit and 10, need a singleton * 2S - 8 to 10 support points, alert as constructive. * 2NT - Jacoby. * 3C, 3D, 3H - 16+ HCPs, 5+ card suit. Opener bids cheapest NT to deny support. New suit bids by opener are natural. Raise suit to confirm as trump. * 3S - Limit raise, usually 4. * 3N - Void splinter, 4C asks which suit, must have at least 2nd round control of other 2 suits. * 4C,4D,4H - Splinter with good support for spades. Must have at least second round control in other suits. * 4S - pre-emptive Negative free bids at the 2 level. In competition, a single jump in a new suit is natural and game forcing. MAJORS * Special game tries. After the constructive raise, the next suit up is a power/help try. If responder has max, he bids the cheapest suit where he has NO help (opener can subsequently ask for help in intervening suits if needed). Responder can also bid 3N with a square max and strength in all outside suits. With a min responder returns to 3 of trump suit. If opener's first ask bid is another suit (2N over 2H asks about spades), it is a short suit game try in that suit. 1-2-3 by opener is simply to play * A jump rebid by opener in NT shows a solid 7 card suit. * In competition, cue bid is limit raise or better. * If opener introduces a new suit at the 3 level over responder's 2 over 1, it guarantees a further bid. Responder can rebid his suit and it will not be passed. If opener has rebid at the 2 level, responder's repeat of suit is not forcing. For example 1S-2H-3C-3H is forcing but 1S-2H-2S(2N)-3H is not. Also, 1S-2C-2H-3C is not forcing,. * Jordan 2NT limit raise over double * Jacoby 2NT - 4 of the major shows a min, no shortness. 3C is artificial and shows a min with shortness. (Opener then bids 3D to ask, responder then bids the shortness where 3 of the other major is short in that suit, 3N shows clubs, and 3 of the real major shows diamonds. If responder has void, bid it at the 4 level.) With max hands, responder bids the singleton suit at the 3 level (3N would show clubs). 3 of the major shows a max with no shortness. Direct bids by opener at the 4 level show a void with a max. 4N RKC is for the original opening suit. If the opponents bid at the 3 level over the 2N Jacoby, pass with a minimum, bid 4 of your major with a maximum and no shortness, and either double (shortness in their suit) or make a non-jump bid in another suit to show a max and shortness in that suit. 3N offers to play there. ONE NOTRUMP Using Blackwood over 1NT. Subsequent 4N (and in 2 cases 3N) bids are RKC only in the following cases: * After a Jacoby transfer and opener shows 4 card support. If responder bids 3N IMMEDIATELY after opener's support bid, it's RKC. * After a Texas transfer * After a jump by responder, and an implied cue bid support. 1N-3X-3N-4N is quantitative (if responder's suit was a major he could Texas. If it is a minor, after the 3N denial repeat 4 of the minor to force cue-bidding anyhow and set up 4N as RKC). * After Stayman PLUS following up by the slam interest bid or if responder splinters after opener shows a major. * After responder has shown a second (minor) suit following a Jacoby transfer and opener returns to the major at the 3 level (showing a max), a 3N bid by responder is RKC. Responses: * 2C - Stayman, not guaranteeing a major * 2D,2H,2S,2NT - 4-suit transfers, super acceptance for minors. Super acceptance needs good support only (Qxx or better). Also, for major suit transfers, special responses when opener has 4 trumps. * 3C,3D,3H,3S, strong, good suit, slam interest, new suits by opener imply support and show an ace. Jumps in a minor by a passed hand are invitational, 6 card suits with 2 of top 3. * 3N - To play (implies good 12 HCP hand or better). * 4C - Gerber. * 4D - Texas transfer to Hearts. 4NT followup is RKC. * 4H - Texas transfer to Spades. 4NT followup is RKC. (Texas transfers are on over competition if they can be made with a jump bid. ) * 4S - quantitative slam try with 4-3-3-3. If opener accepts, he shows number of aces as in Blackwood (but 5N = all 4). Responder then bids slam, trying for a 4-4 fit if desired, or can get out at 5N if 2 aces are missing. * 4N - Quantitative slam try but with 4-4 in the minors. Opener's responses are same as for 4S * 5C through 5N = Quantitative to 7N and also showing number of aces (zero through all four) Opener needs a good 15 to accept (otherwise bid 6N directly). If opener accepts, bid 6C through 6S showing number of kings (6C needs to show zero or 4) Responder now either bids 6N (missing king) or makes an appropriate 7 level bid. Opener's response to 2D or 2H transfers - With 2 or 3 trumps, simply accept the transfer at the 2 level (if bid is doubled, pass with 2 trumps and accept with 3). For both passed and unpassed responding hand cases, with 4 trumps, jump accept at the 3 level with a minimum, bid 2N with a max, or bid a new suit below 3 of the major showing a max with a doubleton in that suit having at least Kx. If responder bids 3N IMMEDIATELY after opener's support, it's RKC. With weak hands with a 4 card major and a longer minor, use Stayman and then make cheapest rebid if opener makes the wrong response (1NT-2C-2S-3C showing hearts and clubs). If the bidding has gone 1N-2C-2D-2H, if opener doesn't want to play 2H he should bid 2S with 3 of them in case responder had a weak major 4-4. Jumps in a suit followed by a new suit (if opener didn't like the first suit) promise at least 5-5 with slam interest. Opener accepts the first suit by raising or making an implied cue bid. If opener bids 3N over the first suit denying support, 4 of the new suit is RKC in that suit. Transfers into a suit followed by a new suit show at least 5-4 with game or slam values. The single exception is a transfer to spades followed by 3 hearts, showing a 5-5 invitational hand. If responder transfers to a major and then bids a minor, opener has several options. 1) 3N denies support for either. 2) 3M and 4M show support for the major only, and are max and min. Responder can use 3N as RKC following the 3M bid. 3) 3 of an intervening suit shows 4 card support for the minor only, responder can then bid 4 of the minor as RKC and 4N as quantitative. 4) 4C shows support for both, min, and 4D shows support for both, max. Responder uses 4N as RKC for the major, and 4 of the other major as RKC for the minor. A return to 4 of the major is to play it there. For all these sequences, if responder makes some undefined bid after a trump suit is found, it starts a cue bidding sequence. After Stayman and a major suit reply, an immediate 4NT is quantitative. Splinters are on except for 4C, which is straight Gerber. Responder can ask opener's size (or set up 4N as RKC) by bidding the suit below the major at the 3 level (artificial) to show slam interest. Opener simply bids 4 of the major with a min, other bids show a max and the ace in that suit (including the trump suit). After opener's clarification, 4NT (or 3NT) is RKC, other bids are cue bids. Over a 2H reply to Stayman, 3C is a splinter. Over a 2S reply, 3 of a minor is weak, showing 4 hearts and a longer minor. After Stayman and the 2D reply, 3C and 3D show a game interest hand with 4 chunky hearts (spades) and short, weakness in the other major (usually a doubleton). Opener decides on choice of game, on rare occasions might decide to pass or bid 4 of a minor if those are the only playable spots. After Stayman and the 2D reply, 4C is Gerber and 4N is quantitative. 4D and 4H are Texas transfers (this would be used with the 6-4 hand). After Gerber, responder may bid 6 of a minor to try for a 4-4 fit instead of 6N. After going through Smolen and getting the 3N response, 4C is RKC in opener's non 4 card major. 1N-2C-2D-3S-3N- 4C = RKC in hearts (presumably at least 6) After a transfer bid and opener's response, a jump to 4 of the major shows a club singleton (or void) with a good (max 1 loser) trump suit and slam interest. Jumps in the other suits show those singletons or voids, except for a jump to 4C. A jump to 4N is quantitative. A jump to 4C is RKC Gerber to check for Aces. If opener has made some sort of acceptance bid showing 4 trumps, new suits are cue bids and 4N or 3N is RKC. With a major 5-5 weak, bid 2C and either pass a major response or bid 2H over 2D. Opener should pass with 3 hearts or bid 2S otherwise. With a 5-5 intermediate, transfer to spades and bid 3H. With a 5-5 game force, use Smolen and then bid 4H if necessary. With a 5-4 major suit game or slam hand, use Smolen. With a 5-4 invitational, transfer and bid 2N. If opener wants to go on he should bid 3 of the other major just in case ( with 5-4 and a very weak 5, going through Stayman might be better). With a weak 5-4, either simply transfer to the 5 card suit, or use Stayman and then pass a major suit (or bid 2H over 2D). You can't bid 2S over 2D since this would show 4 spades and 5+ clubs. IF THE OPPONENTS INTERFERE: Over direct seat penalty double: * Pass forces opener to redouble or bid a 5 card minor, or with 4-4 in the majors bid 2H. Responder either leaves it in or takes out with a weak 4-4 hand, bidding the lower of the 4 card suits. * 2C,2D,2H are transfers to next higher suit, redouble for club transfer. * Jump bids are pre-empts. Over balancing doubles left in: * Redouble starts a one suited escape sequence. Opener bids 2 clubs and responder places contract. 2 level bids show 4-4 starting with lower ranking suit. Over artificial double: * Redouble shows 8+, everything else on as if there had been no double. With a bad hand, responder should pass and if the other opponent then passes (converting the double), opener either redoubles, bids a 5 card minor, or bids 2H with 4-4 in the majors. Pass followed by 2N after the opponents uncover their suit is Lebensohl. Over Suit bids at 2 level, use Slow Lebensohl and penalty doubles. Over Unusual 2NT: * Double is penalty oriented. If 4th hand takes a preference, opener should probably double with 3+ cards in the suit * 3C is Stayman (normally game forcing). Opener bids a 3 level major or 3N with minors well stopped. 3D with anything else. Responder either bids 3N or a Smolen 3 bid. * 3D and 3H are transfers with invitational+ values. Opener bids at 3 level, or 3N * 3S 5-5 majors, game force * 3N to play; 4C is Gerber; 4D and H are Texas transfers After 2C natural, 2N Lebensohl followed by 3D over opener's 3C bid is Stayman with a club stopper. Over Suit bids at 3 level, double is PENALTY, bid the next suit up as artificial takeout, emphasizing major suits. Over 3H interference, 3S guarantees 4 spades. Texas is ON over overcalls through 3H. Texas transfers are on if the "transfer" bid is a jump. Over 2C artificial: * Double for Stayman (or intending to bid 2N invitational), everything else on, direct 3N natural, pass followed by 2N after the opponents uncover their suit is Lebensohl. Over 2D artificial (one suited) - double is transfer to hearts, other transfers are on, 3D is Stayman Over a sequence such as 1N - interference - transfer - xxx - 2 level accept of transfer - 2 level bid of overcaller's suit: * 3 level bid by responder is simply competitive, 2N and 3N are natural, double is card showing and invitational If they double our Stayman 2C - Redouble says the NT hand has good clubs and is willing to play it (any suit bid by responder at the 2 level is to escape this). 2D shows a 5+ card diamond suit, no major. 2H, S are normal. Pass denies any of these holdings and hence implies 3+ clubs). After opener makes the initial rebid, responder bids normally, as if opener either showed or denied a major, but with the following exceptions: If opener passed, responder can redouble (good clubs, wants to play it there), or bid 2D showing 5+ diamonds weak (responder had the weak hand with diamonds and a major). Responder can use a 3C cuebid to see if opener has clubs stopped. TWO CLUBS Responses * 2D - One round force, asking for further description. * 2H,2S - 5+ card suit and 7-10 HCPs. * 2NT - Good 10-12 HCPs, implies club fit. * 3C,4C - preemptive. * 3D,3H,3S - strong, good suit, shows slam interest * 3NT - to play * 4H - RKC for clubs SUBSEQUENT BIDDING: Over 2C-2D: 2 of a major shows 4 of that major: * Responder bids 2N, 3C or 3N natural * Non jump in other major shows 5+ cards and is choice of games * Jump bids other than 4C are splinters for opener's major (4C is slam interest in clubs and sets trump). * 3D asks opener for further info, and opener shows (in order of preference) 3N with a diamond stopper, 3 of own major showing 5-6 min, 3 card support for responder's (presumed) 4 card major, 4C if you have none of these. Responder might be bidding 3D as slam interest for opener's major (if later voluntarily goes past 3N or 4C) 2NT denies 4-card major, shows stoppers in one outside suit. To find out which suit, responder bids 3D, then opener bids 3NT = diamonds, 3H = hearts, 3S = spades. 3C denies 4-card major and shows two suits stopped. 3D asks for suits, 3H and 3S show those suits plus diamonds, 3NT shows both majors. * If responder bids 4C IMMEDIATELY after openers' response of 2N or 3C, then it shows slam interest and sets trump. If responder uses the 3D ask for stoppers and then eventually bids 4C, it's simply to play. 2C-2D- 2N(3C)-4C is slam interest but 2C-2D-3C-3D-3N-4C is simply to play. 3D,3H,3S show a 5-card suit and hence 6-5 or better (with a max). 3N shows 7+ solid clubs 4C - max with very long club suit TWO DIAMONDS Responses * Negative doubles are off, 2N still on in competition * 2H,2S,3C are to play. * 2NT is one round force. * 3D shows slam interest in diamonds and invites opener to cue bid with a max. * 3H, 3S, 4C are slam interest and set trump suit. * 3NT, 4H, 4S to play. * 4NT straight Blackwood SUBSEQUENT BIDDING: Over 2D-2NT: * 3C shows any minimum (11 - bad 13 HCPs). Responder can then bid 3D to ask which type. 3H shows the 4-4-1-4, 3S shows the 4-4-0-5 with 0 or 1 queens, 3N shows 4-4-0-5 with 2 or 3 queens. Responder then can use any of the RKC bids if desired (see below). * 3D shows 4-4-1-4 with 14-15 HCPs and singleton A or K of diamonds. * 3H shows good 13 - 15 HCPs and 4-4-1-4 distribution. * 3S shows good 13 - 15 HCPs and 4-4-0-5 with 0 or 1 queens. * 3N shows good 13 - 15 HCPs and 4-4-0-5 with 2 or 3 queens. Over any of these follow up bids, responder can use one of the specialized Blackwood bids (4C = RKC in clubs, 4D = RKC in hearts, 4N = RKC in spades). Note that responder might RKC in one suit and then bid slam in another. TWO HEARTS,TWO SPADES (or in response to partner's weak 2 overcall): Raise is only non-forcing bid by unpassed hand. 2NT is Ogust. Steps are bad-bad, bad hand good suit, good hand bad suit, good-good. 3NT shows solid 6 card suit. Good suit has 2 of top 3 honors. New suit non-jumps are natural and forcing, new suit jumps are Control Asking Bids. TWO NOTRUMP - (Minors): If doubled, pass is to play, redouble to escape. 3 of a major is forcing, opener can raise on a doubleton. 4H and 4S directly are RKC bids, 4N is straight Blackwood. 3 LEVEL MINOR SUIT PRE-EMPTS In first or second position, at least 2 of 3 top honors, could be AKQ sixth, new suits are forcing, jumps in new suits are CAB's. OTHER BIDDING: RESPONSE TO TAKEOUT DOUBLES OF WEAK 2's - LEBENSOHL in both positions UNUSUAL OVER UNUSUAL - Over an unusual NT, 3 of the major is simply competitive. 3 of the other major is forcing. 3C shows a limit+ raise to 3H if opener's suit was hearts or a competitive 3H bid if opener's suit was spades. 3D shows a limit+ raise of spades if that was opener's suit or a competitive 3S bid if opener's suit was hearts. Over any of responder's competitive bids, bidding the intervening suit is a game try, except for the case when opener's suit is hearts and responder bids 3D showing spades. NEGATIVE DOUBLES - through 3 spades. The auction 1D, overcall 1H, 1S shows 5. Use the negative double with only 4 spades. RESPONSIVE DOUBLES - through 3 spades, only after same suit raise, 1S-double-2D-double is for penalty SUPPORT DOUBLE and REDOUBLE - Used when opener bids 1 diamond or heart and responder bids one of a major. After an intervening bid after responder's, opener can double or redouble to show 3 card support. Direct raises to 2 now promise 4 card support. This sequence is used only at the 2 level where opener could make the 2 level suit bid. Sequence can also be used if the first opponent doubles, responder bids 1 of a major, and next opponent makes a simple suit bid. For example 1D-double-1S-2C (or responsive double), double or redouble shows 3 card support. GRAND SLAM FORCE - Bid 7 with 2 of top 3 honors. Failing that, bid 6 of the trump suit with the A or K and 6C without either of those (if the suit is clubs you can't differentiate). ROMAN KEY CARD BLACKWOOD AND QUEEN ASK - After 4N-p-5 bid-double, asker bids 5 trump suit to play, redouble shows at least two small cards in that suit but interested in slam, pass shows queen and at least one other. Responder can now determine whether to be in slam or not. For instance, if responder has Kx and opener has shown the queen, it is safe, but if opener doesn't have it and the lead is through the king it probably isn't good unless 6N can be played from the safe side. Asker can ignore the double and go on to the queen ask or other regular bids if he knows slam is safe. If you remember, after pass showing the queen, responder can clarify his holding by redoubling to show the king and bidding 6 with a singleton. If there is room, bidding a lower level 6 shows a void. If responder can have at most one key card, steps are 0, 1, 1 with queen. ROMAN KEYCARD SUPER GERBER - an impossible jump to 4 of a major is RKC. Example - 1C-1H-1N-2C-3C-4H is RKC. Also something like 2C-2D-3C-4H, since 3H would be forcing anyhow. NON-4NT RKC SITUATIONS 1C-1N-2C-find minor sit fit (except for the case 1C-1N-2C-3any (14-15) Opener bidding the minor suit at the 4 level is RKC 1C-1N-2minor-eventual minor suit fit Opener bidding the minor suit at the 4 level is RKC 1C-1N-2C-2N-(3S or 3N) showing one or both minors 4m by opener is RKC in that suit 1C-2m-2N-4same m 4S is RKC 1C-2D-2N-4C 4D is RKC diamonds, 4S is RKC clubs 1N-2D or 2H-4 card support shown 3N is RKC for the major 1N-2D(H)-accept-3m-3H(S) 3N is RKC for the major (opener shows max, 3 card support) 1N-2D(H)-accept-3m-4C(D) shows support for both suits, min or max) 4N is RKC for the major, 4 of the other major is RKC for the minor After 2D-2N-clarify 4C, 4D, 4N are RKC for clubs, hearts, spades 2N (minors) Direct 4H, 4S are RKC for clubs and diamonds, 4N is straight Blackwood MAXIMAL DOUBLE - Used as a game try when the opponents bid and/or raise the suit just below the agreed suit. For example 1S-2H-2S-3H-Double is a game try, 3S would be strictly competitive. Also, 1H-p-2H-3D-Double is maximal. DEFENSIVE BIDDING: OVERCALLS: 8-16, may be light. Regular splinters on in competition. Cue bids limit raise or better unless of Western Cue type. NEW SUITS BY PARTNER OF OVERCALLER: Forcing if the intervening hand passed. Otherwise, overcaller is allowed to pass if they overcalled at the 1 level with a lousy hand. If they had a normal overcall, need to bid again. 1NT OVERCALLS - as if opened, including escapes if doubled JUMP CUEBID - Over 1 anything, overcall of 3 anything is Western Cue asking for a stopper UNUSUAL 1NT - After 1X-P-1Y-1NT is at least 5-5 in other suits, not very strong. SCRAMBLING 2NT - After opponents have found a major fit at the 2 level and partner has re-opened with a double, 2N is used to find a 4-4 minor fit. (Re-opener guarantees 4 of the other major, otherwise he would re-open with the unusual NT for the minors). Responder bids 2NT and opener bids 3 of lowest 4 card minor. Immediate minor 3 bids by responder show 5 in that suit (so re-opener can pass with 3 card support). 2 SUITED JUMP OVERCALLS OF WEAK TWO'S - Over opponent's weak major two bid in either position, jumps to 4C show clubs and the other major, 4D shows diamonds and the other major (at least 5-5, good hand). Jumps in the other major are natural and strong. Cuebid of their suit is western Q (based on a long running minor). On over 2N response to the weak 2 bid. Over weak 2D, 4D is majors. OVER 1NT (All positions and strengths except micro 10-12): General approach - Over strong NT, act and then get out of the auction. Only try for game with very good distribution. Over weak NT, have 13+ points to take an action unless very distributional, since game may still be possible based on points. Double is either a 4 card major plus a longer minor, or a balanced hand with a 3 HCP range starting at 1 HCP higher than the upper limit of the NT (for a 10-13 NT would be a 14-16 HCP hand),or a strong minor suit, or could be long, weak diamond suit. Responses are: 2C - weak, wants to play in 2 of partner's minor 2D - asks for the major. After that bid, 2N asks for the minor, other bids are natural and forcing 2H and 2S - natural but not absolutely forcing, show 5+ card suits 2N - invitational to game, with a bad hand the original overcaller can bid 3 of minor Higher bids - forcing and natural Over any of the 2 level suit responses, a 2N rebid shows the strong, balanced hand and 3M shows the strong minor hand 2C = majors, or a balanced hand with a 3 point range starting 4 points higher than the upper limit of the NT. 2D - asks overcaller to bid the 5 card major (with 5-5 or (ugh) 4-4 bid hearts). Responder might then bid on to invite game. 2H or 2S - to play 2N - invitational to game Higher bids - forcing and natural 2D = one suited major, or a balanced hand with a 3 point range starting 7 points higher than the upper limit of the NT. 2H to play at 2 level in H or S, 2S to play in spades or willing to play 3H. 2N invitational. 2H or 2S = 5+ of that suit, 4+ of a minor. 2N asks for the minor, other bids are natural, new suits are forcing for one round. 2NT = minors 3 level bids are pre-empts Against micro, double is penalty, overcalls natural, jump overcalls are very strong. If they escape to a suit, a double by the original doubler is takeout oriented. OVER FLANNERY: Double shows strong NT, guarantees hearts stopped. If next player passes, 2S, 2N, 3C, 3D, 3N are to play with 3N guaranteeing spades stopped. 3S is natural and forcing, 3H asks opener to bid 3N with spades stopped, otherwise escape to a minor. 2H is artificial, invitational (at least) to 3N. With a minimum, doubler then bids 2S (with 4 spades) or 2N without. With a max, doubler bids 3N with spades stopped, 3S with 4 spades, and 3H to ask if responder has spades stopped (without you have to run to a minor). 2H is a takeout of hearts 2S is natural 2NT is for minors (Over 2H Flannery, double is takeout, 2S natural, 2N is strong NT. OVER STRONG 2N OPENINGS - Double shows willingness to compete with a 2 suited hand (at least 5-5), 3 level bids are natural. Over double, responder bids lowest suit with 3+ cards to find the fit. OVER WEAK OPENING 2N FOR MINORS: Double shows strong NT 3C is a strongish (in terms of HCP) takeout for majors (at least 5-4). 3D asks for the 5 card major 3D is a more distributional major takeout 3H, 3S, 3N are natural OVER 3S PRE-EMPT - Direct seat double of 3S pre-empt is penalty. 4C is a 3 suited takeout, 4D shows hearts and a minor and is forcing to game, 4H is natural, 4S is Blackwood, 4N is for the minors. OVER STRONG 1 and 2 CLUBS - Double for majors, NT for minors MICHAELS CUE BID shows less than 13 or more than 16 HCP. Over 1m-2m, 2N asks hand type. 3C = longer hearts, 3D = longer spades, 3H = 5-5 min, 3S = 5-5 max. Over 1M-2M, 3 anything else is simply a suggestion to play there, while 2N then returning to 3M is constructive. If the overcall is doubled, any suit by responder is a STRONG suggestion to play there. Otherwise pass, and overcaller will either redouble (equal length suits), make the cheapest rebid to show longer major (2S or 2N), or bid the minor to show longer minor. ROSENKRANZ DOUBLE AND REDOUBLE - After partner's 1 or 2 level overcall (off if jump overcall), double (or redouble) shows a single raise WITH at least the ace or king. Direct raise denies either ace or king. RESPONSIVE DOUBLE - After an overcall and next hand gives simple raise of opener's suit, 4th hand double is responsive, showing the remaining 2 suits. FISHER DOUBLE - If opponents bid to 3NT without Stayman, a double asks for a club lead. If the opponents use Stayman and you double clubs and then double 3NT you want clubs. If they use Stayman and you don't double clubs but you double 3NT you want diamonds. DOUBLE OF GAMBLING 3NT - Shows the Ace of spades DEFENSIVE CARDING: NT - 3rd and 5thl. J denies, 10 or 9 show 0 or 2 higher honors. J denies a higher honor, 10 or 9 shows 0 or 2 higher. Q lead asks partner to drop jack. K lead asks attitude. Ace lead asks partner to drop an honor or else give count. If partner has signaled you to break a new suit and you return it, partner playing winning cards abnormally (like Ace then King) asks you to unblock. Smith echo Suits - 3rd from even, 5th from odd. MUD from 3 small. A from AK. J, 10, 9 have the same meanings as NT. Both: Odd-even first discard. Odd encouraging, even is suit preference (high/low) for other 2 suits.