System Notes 7G19 by Richard Pavlicek
System Notes 7G19 by Richard Pavlicek
Contents
IntroductionWarning! This system is beyond the scope of the teaching program of Richard Pavlicek and inappropriate for the great majority of bridge players. It is intended for serious tournament players only, or as a reference for other system writers. If you are a casual player, I suggest you stop reading now and devote your study to more beneficial material.
Throughout these notes, strength requirements, unless specifically designated as high-card points (HCP), are presumed to be high-card points for natural notrump bids and total points (distributional values included) for all other bids.
The following abbreviations and notations are used:
| F | forcing |
| NF | nonforcing |
| I | invitational |
| GF | game forcing |
| M | major suit |
| m | minor suit |
| R | red suit ( or  ) |
| um | unbid minor |
| X, Y | an unbid suit |
| P | pass |
| Dbl | double |
| Act | bid or double |
| Any | pass, bid or double |
| Rdbl | redouble |
| Rel | relay |
| Xfr | transfer |
| Cue | bid in enemy suit |
| J | jump |
| DJ | double jump |
| JS | jump shift |
| FS | fourth suit |
| • | unusual treatment |
Basic Approach
Call 1  , 1 1 , 1  1 NT 2 2 , 2 , 2 2 NT 3 of suit 3 NT 4 of suit 4 NT 5 , 5 5 NT | Meaning 13-22; 3+ cards 13-22; 5+ cards 15-17; balanced 23+; artificial; F 5-11 HCP; weak two-bid 20-22; balanced weak good preempt; any suit; 8 1/2+ tricks; F weak Blackwood weak minor-suit freak |
Notrump Structure
| West 1 NT | North P | East ? | South |
• | Call 2 2 , 2 2 2 NT, 3 3 3 , 3 3 NT 4 4 , 4 4 (rare)4 NT | Meaning Puppet Stayman Jacoby transfer minor-suit Stayman minor-suit transfer 5-5 in majors; GF splinter; 3 suited slam try sign-off Gerber Texas transfer sign-off quantitative |
An opening of 2 NT is similar in nature to 1 NT, but 20 to 22 HCP.
| West 2 NT | North P | East ? | South |
| Call 3 3 , 3 3 3 NT 4 4 , 4 4 (rare)4 NT | Meaning Puppet Stayman Jacoby transfer minor-suit Stayman sign-off Gerber Texas transfer sign-off quantitative |
Puppet Stayman response to 1 NT is a modified version of “puppet” Stayman. Responder must have at least game interest unless he is able to pass opener’s rebid of 2 , 2 or 2 .
| West 1 NT ? | North P | East 2 | South P |
| Call 2 2 , 2 | Meaning relay (usually no 5-card major) 5 card suit |
| West 1 NT 2 | North P P | East 2 ? | South P |
• • • • • • • | Call 2 2 2 NT 3 3 3 3 3 NT 4 | Meaning exactly 4 spades or no major interest exactly 4 hearts 4-4 or 5-4 in majors; I 5-4 or 6-4 in majors; GF 4-4 in majors; GF 5+ clubs; no 4 card major; slam try 5+ diamonds; no 4 card major; slam try sign-off (was looking for 5 card major) Gerber |
| Memory aid: After the 2 relay responder’s next suit bid is always artificial. Note that a 2 or 2 bid denies interest in the major bid and denies five cards in the major shown. |
| West 1 NT 2 ? | North P P | East 2 2 M | South P P |
• | Call 2 2 NT 3 3 3 4 | Meaning spade fit*; minimum; NF no fit; minimum; NF no fit; maximum heart fit; minimum; NF spade fit*; maximum heart fit; maximum |
| West 1 NT 2 ? | North P P | East 2 2 NT | South P P |
• | Call Pass 3 3 , 3 3 NT 4 , 4 | Meaning no major fit; minimum relay; maximum; responder bids shorter major (Smolen) or 3 NT with 4-4 that fit; minimum maximum (no interest in 5-3 fit) that fit; maximum |
| West 1 NT 2 ? | North P P | East 2 3 | South P P |
• | Call 3 3 , 3 3 NT | Meaning relay; responder then bids shorter major (Smolen style) that fit* no interest in 5-3 fit; if responder bids again it is natural |
| West 1 NT 2 Fit | North P P P | East 2 2 M ? | South P P |
• | Call 2 NT, 3 NT 3 , 3 Unfit major 3 (fit)4 , 4 4 over 2 4 fit 4 NT | Meaning corrective*; NF 5+ cards; slam try ambiguous slam try trump-quality concern; I splinter; slam try splinter; slam try sign-off key-card Blackwood (fit suit key) |
| West 1 NT 2 No Fit | North P P P | East 2 2 M ? | South P P |
• • | Call 3 , 3 3 *3 3 NT 4 over 2 NT4 NT | Meaning 5+ cards; 4 card major; GF 4 clubs; 4 card major; slam try 4 diamonds; 4 card major; slam try sign-off Gerber quantitative |
is not available (i.e., if opener bid 3 ) then 3 shows 5+ clubs and 4 shows exactly 4 clubs.
If responder’s L-H-O doubles 2 or bids 2 , the structure is unchanged (assuming no further enemy bid). Opener should make his normal rebid or pass, double or redouble. If responder rebids 2 it is to play (he would have passed 2 ).
If either opponent bids 2 or higher (after the Stayman 2 bid), the structure is off and the bidding reverts to a natural style. If opener cannot make his normal rebid, he should pass or double. If responder bids a major suit, he shows 4 cards in that suit (3 could be both majors after a 3 or 3 overcall); this is invitational at 2 or forcing at the 3 level. Opener may raise, return to notrump, or show the other major if appropriate.
| West 1 NT P/D | North P P | East 2 ? | South 2 up |
| Call 2 2 NT 3 m 3 M cue 3 NT | Meaning 4 spades; I invitational (ambiguous over 2 )5+ cards; GF 4 cards; GF asks for stopper sign-off |
| West 2 NT 3 | North P P | East 3 ? | South P |
• • • • • • • | Call 3 3 3 NT 4 4 4 4 4 NT 5 | Meaning exactly 4 spades or no major interest exactly 4 hearts 4-4 or 5-4 majors; choice of games; NF 5-4 or 6-4 majors*; slam try (4 relaysthen shape is shown Smolen style) 4-4 in majors; slam try 5+ clubs; no 4 card major; slam try 5+ diamonds; no 4 card major; slam try quantitative Gerber |
| West 2 NT 3 ? | North P P | East 3 3 M | South P P |
• | Call 3 3 NT 4 4 | Meaning spade fit (if responder has 4 spades) no fit heart fit; maximum (responder should bid 4 as transfer to play in 4 )heart fit; minimum |
| West 2 NT 3 Fit | North P P P | East 3 3 M ? | South P P |
• | Call 3 NT Cheapest suit Other suit 4 NT | Meaning sign-off (denies spade fit) ambiguous; slam try in fit splinter; slam try key-card Blackwood (fit suit key) |
| West 2 NT 3 3 NT | North P P P | East 3 3 M ? | South P P |
• • | Call 4 , 4 4 4 4 NT 5 | Meaning 5+ cards; 4 card major; slam try 4 clubs; 4 card major; slam try 4 diamonds; 4 card major; slam try quantitative Gerber |
| West 1 NT 2 M 2 NT 3 M | North P P (or) P P | East 2 ? 3 ? | South P P |
| Call 2 2 NT, 3 M 3 NT, 4 M other M (3+) nonjump or jump 4 x 4 NT 5 | Meaning 4 spades (weak minor, no fit for M); I natural; I sign-off raise of M; slam try 5+ cards (does not deny fit); GF splinter raise; slam try quantitative Gerber |
Jacoby Transfer response to a 1 NT opening shows at least 5 hearts; 2 shows at least 5 spades. Rebids by opener: (M = major shown)
| West 1 NT ? | North P | East Xfr | South any |
| Call 2 M Pass enemy act Rdbl 3 M jump 3 M nonjump | Meaning nondescript; except over a double shows 3+ trumps and happy with lead nondescript; usual action penalty suggestion maximum; 4+ trumps good to max; 3+ trumps |
| West 1 NT 2 M | North P P | East Xfr ? | South P |
• • • • | Call 2 over 2 3 , 3 3 M 3 other M, 4 m 4 M 2 NT 3 NT 4 NT 5 NT | Meaning 5-5 majors; I 4+ cards; GF 6+ card major (rare 5); I 6+ card major; splinter 6+ card major; no splinter; slam invitation (NF) 5 card major; I 5 card major; choice of game 5 card major; quantitative choice of slam; F |
| West 1 NT 2 M ? | North P P | East Xfr 3 m | South P P |
| Call Shown suit Jump shown Unshown suit 3 NT | Meaning fit-showing good fit; prime values strength; implies minor fit no fit or “wrong” cards |
| West 1 NT 2 M any | North P P P | East Xfr 3 m ? | South P P |
| Call 3 M 3 NT, 4 M, 5 m 4 m Unshown suit 4 NT | Meaning 6+ cards or strong 5 no slam interest; NF 5-5; slam try splinter; slam try natural unless opener raised major (then Blackwood) |
response to a 2 NT opening shows at least 5 hearts; 3 shows at least 5 spades. Opener may jump to game (rare) with a maximum and an excellent fit, but generally he will complete the transfer. Rebids by responder:
| West 2 NT 3 M | North P P | East Xfr ? | South P |
• • • • | Call 3 over 3 4 over 3 4 , 4 4 M Jump shift 3 NT 4 NT 5 NT | Meaning 5-5 majors; slam try 5-5 majors; choice of game 4+ cards; slam try 6+ card major; slam try; NF 6+ card major; splinter 5 card major; choice of game 5 card major; quantitative choice of slam; F |
| West 2 NT 3 M ? | North P P | East Xfr 4 m | South P P |
| Call Shown suit Unshown suit 4 NT | Meaning discourages slam; NF strength-showing; implies minor fit discourages slam; NF |
| West 2 NT 3 M any | North P P P | East Xfr 4 m ? | South P P |
| Call 4 M, 5 m Unshown suit 4 NT | Meaning discourages slam; NF splinter natural unless opener raised major (then Blackwood) |
| West 1 NT 3 M | North P P | East Xfr ? | South P |
• • | Call Pass, 4 M New suit 3 NT 4 NT | Meaning sign-off splinter; slam try no splinter; slam try; F Blackwood |
| West 2 NT 4 M | North P P | East Xfr ? | South P |
| Call 5 M Other | Meaning no splinter; slam try as previous auction |
Minor Suit Stayman response to 1 NT promises at least 5-4 in the minor suits (may be 4-4 if slam try) and at least game-invitational strength.
| West 1 NT ? | North P | East 2 | South P |
| Call 2 NT, 3 , 3 3 , 3 3 NT 4 , 4 | Meaning minimum; NF strength in suit; max; GF maximum; NF pure values; max; GF |
| West 1 NT 2 NT | North P P | East 2 ? | South P |
• | Call 3 , 3 3 , 3 4 , 4 3 NT 4 NT | Meaning 5+ cards; NF splinter; slam try 5+ cards; slam try sign-off quantitative |
| West 1 NT 3 m | North P P | East 2 ? | South P |
| Call 3 , 3 Other minor Raise to 4 3 NT 4 NT | Meaning splinter; slam try 5+ cards; GF freak; I choice of game quantitative |
| West 1 NT 3 NT | North P P | East 2 ? | South P |
| Call 4 , 4 4 , 4 4 NT | Meaning 5+ cards; slam try splinter; slam try quantitative |
| West 1 NT 3 M | North P P | East 2 ? | South P |
| Call 4 , 4 Major raise Other major 3 NT 4 NT | Meaning 5+ cards; not necessarily a slam try; F 3 trumps; choice of game splinter; slam try short in bid major; NF quantitative |
response to 2 NT shows at least 4-4 in the minors and promises slam interest.
| West 2 NT ? | North P | East 3 | South P |
| Call 3 NT 4 , 4 4 NT | Meaning no fit or “wrong” hand fit-showing maximum; no fit; I |
| West 2 NT Bid | North P P | East 3 ? | South P |
| Call 4 , 4 4 , 4 4 NT | Meaning 5+ cards splinter quantitative |
Minor Suit Transfers shows at least 6 cards in the next higher minor suit. This does not apply over 2 NT.
| West 1 NT 3 m | North P P | East Xfr ? | South P |
| Call Pass New suit 3 NT 4 NT Raise to 4 Raise to 5 | Meaning bust hand splinter; slam try no splinter; mild try; NF no splinter; quantitative freak; I freak; gambling |
| Note: To invite game in notrump it is necessary to use Puppet Stayman (which does not promise major interest) and then rebid 2 over the 2 relay. |
Splinter Responses or 3 shows a 3-suited hand (4-4-4-1 or 5-4-4-0) short in the major bid with interest in slam. This does not apply over 2 NT.
| West 1 NT ? | North P | East 3 M | South P |
| Call Suit bid 3 NT | Meaning fit-showing no fit or “wrong” cards |
| West 1 NT Suit | North P P | East 3 M ? | South P |
• | Call Raise Other suit 4 NT | Meaning minimal slam interest; NF control-bid; 4 M = void natural if minor fit (implies singleton A, K or Q); NF Blackwood if major fit |
| West 1 NT 3 NT | North P P | East 3 M ? | South P |
• • • | Call 4 4 M 4 other suit 4 NT | Meaning artificial; opener is urged to show any suit fit; F 5 card club suit 5 cards; NF in major quantitative |
| West 1 NT ? | North P | East 3 M | South Dbl |
| Call Rdbl Pass Other | Meaning strong 4-5 cards; to play no 4+ fit; doubts about 3 NT as without double |
In subsequent bidding 4 NT is Blackwood only if opener has indicated a major-suit fit; otherwise 4 NT is natural.
Three Diamonds 5-5 in Majors response to 1 NT shows at least 5-5 in the majors and game-forcing values. This does not apply over 2 NT.
| West 1 NT ? | North P | East 3 | South any |
• • | Call 3 , 3 3 NT 4 , 4 4 , 4 Rdbl | Meaning normal action; indicates better fit natural; extreme strength in minors excellent fit (either major); no control in other minor excellent fit; both minor-suit aces penalty suggestion |
| West 1 NT any | North P any | East 3 ? | South any |
| Call 3 , 3 3 NT 4 , 4 4 , 4 4 NT | Meaning natural (rare) natural (honors in short suits); NF splinter; slam interest game interest only; NF natural over 3 NT Blackwood otherwise |
Texas Transfer response to a 1 NT or 2 NT opening shows at least 6 hearts; 4 shows at least 6 spades. (M = major shown)
| West 1 NT ? 2 NT ? | North P (or) P | East Xfr Xfr | South any any |
| Call 4 M Pass Dbl 5 M over bid | Meaning routine; happy with lead over double routine; no desire for lead natural; good fit; good cards |
| West 1 NT 4 M 2 NT 4 M | North P P (or) P P | East Xfr ? Xfr ? | South P P |
| Call Pass New suit 4 NT 5 M 5 NT | Meaning routine sign-off in game void splinter; slam try Blackwood freak; I trump asking |
Enemy Interference| West 1 NT 2 NT | North Dbl Dbl | East ? ? | South |
| Call Redouble Other | Meaning rescue with one minor suit; opener should bid clubs entire system on |
After an enemy suit overcall, a different structure is incorporated as described below. Competitive transfer bids show game interest if suit could be bid naturally at the 2 level; else they may be weak.
| West 1 NT 1 NT 2 NT | North 2 X 3 X 3 X | East ? ? ? | South |
• • • | Call Pass Double 2 of suit 2 NT thru 3 3 3 NT 4 4 , 4 4 NT | Meaning forcing after 2 NT opening; opener should usually double (optional) penalty at 2 level negative at 3 level takeout if shown by enemy natural if not shown; NF transfer to suit above, or “Stayman” if next higher suit was naturally bid (not implied) by the overcaller asks for stopper in enemy shown suit sign-off Gerber (even if nonjump) transfer to major above, or splinter slam try if next higher suit is enemy suit quantitative |
| West 1 NT | North 2 NT* | East ? | South |
| Call Double 3 Other | Meaning creates forcing auction Stayman (not puppet) as above |
| West 1 NT ? | North Bid | East Xfr | South P |
| Call Complete Xfr Jump raise 3 NT | Meaning normal action maximum; good fit maximum; good stopper |
| West 1 NT ? | North 2 X | East Sta | South P |
| Call Cue-bid 3 unbid major 3 NT | Meaning no stopper; no unbid major 4+ cards stopper; no unbid major |
| West 1 NT ? | North Bid | East 3 | South P |
| Call 3 NT 4 of suit Cue-bid | Meaning stopper in enemy suit 4+ cards; no stopper; NF maximum; no stopper; GF |
One-Over-One Structure, 1 or 1 shows 6+ points and 4+ cards in the suit bid. Respond up-the-line with 4 card suits, except a 4 or 5 card diamond suit may be suppressed if strength is minimal (6-10 points) or if another response is more descriptive.
| West 1 X ? | North P | East 1 Y | South P |
• • | Call New suit Reverse Jump new suit Jump reverse DJ new suit 1 NT 2 NT 3 NT 2 X 3 X 4 X (minor) 4 X (hearts) 2 Y 3 Y 4 Y (major) | Meaning 13-18; 4+ cards 17+; 4+ cards; F 19+; 4+ (rare 3) cards; GF 19+; at least 4-6 shape; GF 19+; splinter raise 12-14; balanced 18-19; balanced; I 16-19; good 6+ cards in X; usually singleton in Y 13-15; 6+ cards or 5 cards in minor if no alternative 16-18; 6+ cards; I shape raise (4-6, 4-7); F 19+; 7+ (strong 6); NF 13-15; usually 4 trumps 16-18; 4 trumps; I 19+; 4 trumps; no splinter |
Rebids by Responder
| West 1 m 1 M | North P P | East 1 R ? | South P |
• | Call 4th suit* Other nonjump Jump 4th suit Other jump DJ 4th suit 4 opened minor Game bid | Meaning 11+; artificial; F 6-10; NF 13+; 5-5 or 6-4; GF 13+; GF 16+; splinter raise 16+; splinter raise (of M) 13-15; poor slam values; NF |
may be 6-10 with 4 spades
| West 1 R 2 m | North P P | East 1 M ? | South P |
• • | Call 4th suit 2 R, 2 M 2 NT 3 m, 3 R, 3 M 3-level JFS 3 NT 4-level JFS 4 M | Meaning 11+; artificial; F 6-10; NF 10-12; I 13+; GF 13+; 5-5 or 6-4; GF 13-16; NF 16+; splinter raise 13-15; poor slam values; NF |
| West 1 X 2 X | North P P | East 1 Y ? | South P |
• • | Call New suit 2 Y 2 NT 3 X (minor) 3 X (hearts) 3 Y 3-level JS 3 NT 4-level JS Game in major | Meaning 11+; seminatural; F 6-10; NF 10-12; I 13+; GF 10-12; I 13+; GF 13+; 5-5 or 6-4; GF 13-16; NF 16+; splinter raise 13-15; sign-off attempt |
Opener’s Third Bid
| West 1 R 2 m ? | North P P | East 1 M 2 X | South P P |
| Call 2 NT or lower Nonjump 3 lev Jump | Meaning bare minimum; NF any strength; F 15+ (good 14); GF |
| West 1 m 1 ? | North P P | East 1 R 2 X | South P P |
• | Call 2 Other | Meaning at least 4-5 shape; F as previous auction |
These two sequences are unique:
| West 1 1 ? | North P P | East 1 1 | South P P |
| Call Nonjump Jump | Meaning 13-15; NF 16-18; I |
| West 1 2 ? | North P P | East 1 3 | South P P |
• | Call 3 3 Other | Meaning any strength; 3 spades; F nondescript; bare minimum without 3 spades; NF 15+ (good 14); GF |
After the third suit force, opener should rebid naturally according to the following two structures:
| West 1 m 2 m ? | North P P | East 1 X 2 Y | South P P |
| Call 2 X, 2 NT, 3 m 2 new suitOther nonjump Jump | Meaning bare minimum; NF any strength; implies ace; F any strength; F 15 (good 14); GF |
| West 1 R 2 R ? | North P P | East 1 M 3 m | South P P |
• | Call 3 M 3 R 3 new suitOther | Meaning any strength; 3 cards; F bare minimum; nondescript but not 3 cards in M; NF any strength; F 15 (good 14); GF |
Responder’s Third Bid
2. If opener has raised the fourth suit (or third suit) or indicated a 3-card preference for responder’s first suit, this does not constitute suit agreement; it simply describes opener’s hand. It is still up to responder to select the final strain.
3. After a third suit force, if responder bids the fourth suit this is game forcing and implies the ace in that suit.
Rebids after a 1 NT Rebid
| West 1 1 NT | North P P | East 1 ? | South P |
• • | Call 2 *2 2 , 2 2 NT 3 , 3 3 , 3 | Meaning 11+; artificial; F sign-off at least 4-5; GF 11-12; I 13+; GF 16+; splinter; GF |
| West 1 X 1 NT | North P P | East 1 M ? | South P |
• | Call New minor* 2 X, 2 M 2 new suit2 new suit2 NT 3 X, 3 M 3 m, 3 JS3 JS | Meaning 11+; artificial; F sign-off no game interest; NF at least 4-5; GF 11-12; I 13+; GF 13+; at least 5-5; GF 16+; splinter; GF |
openingMemory aid: Responder’s 3-level jump-shift rebid is a splinter only if a lower bid in the same suit would be game forcing. Else it is natural (5-5 or 6-4).
or new minor force, opener should bid in the priority listed below:
| West 1 1 NT ? | North P P | East 1 2 | South P P |
| Call 2 *, 2 *2 NT 3 NT 2 3 3 | Meaning min or max; 4 cards min; majors stopped max; majors stopped min; 3 cards max; 3 cards min or max; 5 cards |
| West 1 X 1 NT ? | North P P | East 1 M 2 m | South P P |
| Call 2 new suit2 M 3 M 2 NT 3 NT Other | Meaning min or max; 4 cards min; 3 cards max; 3 cards min; unbid suit stopped max; unbid suit stopped min or max; natural |
or new minor force, responder is not required to bid again if opener has confirmed a minimum. When responder does bid again, these structures apply:
| West 1 1 NT Bid | North P P P | East 1 2 ? | South P P |
| Call New major Other NJ J new major Other jump | Meaning stopper or ace; 5+ ; GFgame I in that strain; NF splinter; GF natural; GF |
| West 1 X 1 NT Bid | North P P P | East 1 M 2 m ? | South P P |
| Call New suit Bid suit 2 NT* 3 NT* Jump new suit Jump bid suit | Meaning natural or stopper; GF game I in that strain; NF 5 cards in M; I 5 cards in M; NF splinter; GF natural; GF |
| West 1 m 1 NT Bid | North P P P | East 1 2 um ? | South P P |
• • | Call 2 * over 2 New bidOther | Meaning 5 spades; F 5-5 in majors; I as previous auction |
with a minimum. If 2 NT, responder’s next bid if any follows 3rd-round format
Rebids after a 2 NT Jump Rebid
| West 1 2 NT | North P P | East 1 ? | South P |
• • | Call 3 3 , 3 , 3 | Meaning artificial; GF natural; slam try |
| West 1 m 2 NT | North P P | East 1 M ? | South P |
• | Call New minor 3 m Other suit | Meaning artificial; GF natural; GF natural; slam try |
| West 1 2 NT | North P P | East 1 ? | South P |
• | Call 3 , 3 3 3 | Meaning better minor; GF natural; GF natural; slam try |
or new minor force, opener should bid in this general priority:
| West 1 X 2 NT ? | North P P | East 1 Y 3 m | South P P |
| Call 3 new major 3 Y 3 X 3 NT | Meaning 4 cards 3 cards (optional in )5 cards (if hearts suggests weakness in unbid minor) none of above or option |
| West 1 X 2 NT Bid | North P P P | East 1 Y 3 m ? | South P P |
| Call 3 Y New suit 3 NT 4 opened minor 4 m Game | Meaning 5 good cards ace or splinter; slam try 5 cards in Y; NF natural; slam try 5-5 shape; slam try sign-off |
| West 1 m 2 NT Bid | North P P P | East 1 3 um ? | South P P |
• • | Call 3 4 over 3 NTOther | Meaning 5-5 majors; no slam interest 5-5 majors; no slam interest as previous auction |
Notrump Responses to Minor or 1 shows 6-10 HCP and it denies a 4 card major suit. It is nonforcing.
| West 1 m ? | North P | East 1 NT | South P |
• | Call 2 after 1 Reverse 3 after 1 Jump reverse 2 NT 2 m 3 m | Meaning 13-18; 4+ cards 17+; 4+ (rare 3) cards; F 19+; 4+ (rare 3) cards; GF 19+; at least 4-6 shape; GF 16-18; I 13-15; 6+ cards 16-18; 6+ cards; I |
The 2 NT response to 1 or 1 shows 15+ HCP. See separate topic.
The 3 NT response to 1 or 1 shows 13-14 HCP and it denies a 4 card major suit. If opener bids again:
| West 1 m ? | North P | East 3 NT | South P |
• | Call 4 after 1 4 m Other suit 4 NT 5 m | Meaning 4+ cards; GF 6+ cards; GF 4+ cards; unbalanced; slam try quantitative slam I (see Voluntary Bid of Five) |
One Notrump Forcing or 1 shows 6-14 HCP (it may be less with a trump fit) and denies 4 spades after 1 . It is forcing.
| West 1 M ? | North P | East 1 NT | South P |
• • • • | Call 2 , 2 2 after 1 3 after 1 4 after 1 4 , 4 4 M Other | Meaning 13-18; 3+ cards 19+ with 4-5 shape or 16+ with 4-6; F minimum; 5-6 shape; NF minimum; 6-5 shape 19+; 3 cards w/honor; 7 cards in M (broken); F 19+; excellent suit standard |
| West 1 M 2 m | North P P | East 1 NT ? | South P |
• • • | Call New suit 2 M 2 after 1 2 NT 3 m JS below 3 M 3 M JS above 3 M 3 NT 4 m 4 M | Meaning 6-10; 5+ cards (3 = 6+); NF6-10 with doubleton or 4-7 with 3+ 12+ raise of m (then 2 NT or 3 m by opener is NF) 11-12 (good 10); I 9-11; 4+ cards (usually 5); I 13+ value-raise* of m (then 4 m by opener is NF) 11-12 (good 10); 3 trumps; I 13+ value-raise* of M 13-14; balanced; NF freakish; 6+ trumps; I 12-14; 3 trumps; unslammish |
| West 1 2 | North P P | East 1 NT ? | South P |
• | Call 3 , 3 3 4 , 4 4 Other | Meaning 6-10; 6+ cards; NF 9-11; 4+ trumps; I 13+ value-raise of 9-12; usually 5 trumps as previous auction |
| West 1 M 2 M | North P P | East 1 NT ? | South P |
• • | Call 3 M 2 after 1 Jump shift 4 M Other | Meaning 2+ trumps; I at least 5-5 in minors; limit bidding follows 13+ value-raise of M sign-off as previous auction |
| West 1 2 | North P P | East 1 NT ? | South P |
• | Call 2 NT 3 , 3 3 3 3 NT 4 , 4 | Meaning weakness or waiting; F 5+ cards; GF 10+; 3 trumps; GF 10+; 3 trumps w/honor; GF 10-12; minors stopped 10+; value-raise of |
| West 1 M 2 NT | North P P | East 1 NT ? | South P |
• • • | Call 3 , 3 , 3 M3 after 1 3 after 1 Jump shift | Meaning sign-off attempt 5+ cards; F at least 5-5 in minors; limit bidding follows 13+ value-raise of M |
| West 1 M 3 m | North P P | East 1 NT ? | South P |
• • | Call New suit 3 M 3 after 1 4 m Jump shift 4 M | Meaning 5+ cards weak hand (assumed) or 13+ 11+ raise of m weak raise 11+ value-raise of m 10-12; slam invitation |
| West 1 3 | North P P | East 1 NT ? | South P |
• | Call 3 4 , 4 4 4 5 , 5 | Meaning weak hand (assumed) or 13+ 6+ cards; F weak raise 10-12; slam invitation 11+ value-raise of |
| West 1 M 3 M | North P P | East 1 NT ? | South P |
• • | Call 3 4 , 4 4 after 1 Jump shift | Meaning at least 5-5 in minors; limit bidding follows 6+ cards; F 6+ cards; NF 11+ value-raise of M |
Two-over-One Response to Major or 1 shows at least 13 points with 5+ cards (rarely, a good 4 card minor), or 11-12 points with 6+ cards in the suit bid. This is game forcing unless responder rebids the same suit at his next turn.
| West 1 M ? | North P | East 2 m | South P |
• • | Call New suit 2 M 2 NT 3 NT 3 m 3 M Jump shift 4 m | Meaning natural; reverse does not show extra 6+ or strong 5 cards 12-14 or 18+; natural 15-17; natural 3+ cards (not 3 small) 13+ HCP; 6+ card solid suit or K-Q-J-10-x-x 16+; splinter raise minimum opening; 5-5 shape |
| West 1 ? | North P | East 2 | South P |
• | Call 3 4 Other | Meaning 3+ cards (not 3 small) 16-18; 3+ cards (not 3 small) as previous auction |
| West 1 M Bid | North P P | East 2 X ? | South P |
• | Call 2 NT 3 NT jump 3 NT nonjump New suit Rebid X Raise, pref Jump shift Jump X Other jump | Meaning 13-14 or 18+; natural 15-17; natural 13-17; natural natural (4th suit is suspect) 6+ cards; I (only non-GF) 13+; natural 16+; splinter raise 13+; 7+ or strong 6 cards; GF 13-15; natural; no control in any unbid suit |
| West 1 2 NT ? | North P P | East 2 3 NT | South P P |
• • | Call 4 m 4 4 | Meaning 18+; control-bid; suggests heart x-x-x, A-x, K-x or Q-x 12-14; three small trumps 18-19; 6 spades; semibalanced |
Two Clubs over One Diamond response to 1 shows 11+ points and 4+ clubs. With a minimum opening opener must make an artificial 2 rebid; otherwise game must be reached (except for 4 jump raise).
| West 1 ? | North P | East 2 | South P |
• • | Call 2 2 , 2 2 NT 3 3 3 , 3 3 NT 4 | Meaning minimum; nondescript; F 4+ cards; GF 14+; balanced; GF 3+ trumps; GF 6+ cards; GF 16+; splinter raise 18-19; balanced; NF minimum; 5-5 minors; NF |
| West 1 2 | North P P | East 2 ? | South P |
| Call 2 NT, 3 Other | Meaning 11-12; usually end; NF natural; GF |
Inverted Minor Raises
| West 1 m ? | North P | East 2 m | South P |
• | Call 3 m 2 NT New suit 3 NT Jump shift 4 m | Meaning minimum; NF minimum; often 3 card m; NF 4+ cards or stopper; at least a “queen” more than a minimum; F 18-19; NF splinter; slam try 6+ cards; no splinter; slam try |
In subsequent bidding, any rebid in the agreed minor by either partner is nonforcing and shows minimal values for his previous bids. Exception: Removal of 3 NT to 4 of a minor is forcing.
The jump minor raise shows 6-9 points and at least 5 trumps (or 4 good trumps). It is basically preemptive. Raises to the 4 and 5 level are also weak, but indicate freakish distribution.
Direct Major Raises
| West 1 M | North P | East ? | South |
• • • • | Call 2 M 3 M 3 M + 1 step 3 M + 2 steps 3 M + 3 steps 3 M + 4 steps 4 M | Meaning 7-10 11-12 (good 10); I 13-15; unknown splinter 16-18; non-4th-step splinter 13-15; no splinter 16-18; natural splinter weak |
After a 2-step raise, opener may relay then the two possible splinters are shown by Astro-like relation: = , = , = .
After a 3-step raise, opener may relay as an all-purpose slam try.
Weak Jump Shift Responses thru 4 ), all jump-shift responses are weak. General requirements:
| West 1 X | North P | East ? | South |
| Call 2-level JS 3-level JS 4-level JS* | Meaning 2-5 HCP; 6 cards or decent 5 2-7 HCP; 7 cards or decent 6 2-7 HCP; 8 cards or decent 7 |
over 1 .
| West 1 X ? 1 X ? | North P (or) P | East 2 Y 3 Y | South P P |
| Call 2 NT* Any suit bid | Meaning same as response to weak two-bid; F natural; suggests extreme shape; NF |
= 5 card suit, etc.)
Two Notrump Response
| West 1 X ? | North P | East 2 NT | South P |
| Call New suit 3 X 3 NT 4 NT | Meaning 4+ cards; unbalanced; reverse does not show extra values 6+ cards to play; no slam if 15-17 quantitative (assuming 15-17) |
| West 1 X Suit | North P P | East 2 NT ? | South P |
• • | Call 3 NT 4 NT Raise, pref New suit | Meaning 15-17 18-19; I 15-17 (assumed) 15+; value-raise of opener’s suit (either if two bid) |
| West 1 X 3 NT | North P P | East 2 NT ? | South P |
• • | Call 4 X New suit 4 NT | Meaning 15-16; good trump support 17+; value-raise of X 18-19; I |
Major Suit Game Tries response, a 2 rebid and a 2 M rebid by Drury bidder.It also applies in competition provided there is no enemy bid after the raise to two.
| West 1 M ? 1 X 2 M | North any (or) any P* (etc.) | East 2 M 1 M ? | South P* any |
• • | Call Cheapest bid 2 NT over 2 3 M 3 other suit* 4 new suit | Meaning relay; game or slam try balanced; I preemptive; no game interest 4+ cards; slam try; alternate strain is possible splinter; slam try |
is natural, not a splinter.
| West 1 M Rel | North P P | East 2 M ? | South P |
• • | Call 2 NT 3 new suit 3 M 4 M Raise relay | Meaning secondary values* in spades secondary values* in suit bid minimum; scattered values maximum; scattered values maximum; 4-3-3-3 shape |
When secondary values are shown, it is still unknown whether the raise was minimum or maximum. Continuations:
| West 1 M Rel ? | North P P | East 2 M Val | South P P |
• • | Call 3 M* Cheapest suit 3 NT 4 M Other suit Jump new suit | Meaning turned off by values; NF relay; asks if min or max (return to trump suit = min) choice of games; NF sign-off control-bid; slam try splinter; slam try |
Opener’s Reverse Bid, 1 or 1 NT response to a minor opening shows 17+ points and is forcing. Rebid structures:
| West 1 m Rev | North P P | East 1 M ? | South P |
• • | Call 2 M 2 NT 4th suit Pref, raise 3 M 3 NT | Meaning 6-10; any 5+ cards; F 6-10; no 5 card major; F 10+; natural or waiting; GF 10+; GF 11+; 6+ cards (max 2 losers) 11-13; NF |
| West 1 m Rev | North P P | East 1 NT ? | South P |
• | Call 2 NT 3 new suitPref, raise Other new suit 3 NT | Meaning weakness or waiting; F 5+ cards; F 8-10; GF 8-10; stopper; GF 8-10; unbids stopped |
| West 1 m Rev ? | North P P | East 1 M 2 M | South P P |
| Call 2 NT, 3 m, 3 M 3 Rev 4th suit 4 m Jump 4th suit | Meaning minimum; NF 6-5 shape; F shows the ace; GF 7+ cards; F splinter raise |
| West 1 m Rev ? | North P P | East 1 M 2 NT | South P P |
• | Call 3 m 3 Rev 3 M New suit 3 NT 4 m | Meaning minimum; may be 5 cards; NF 6-5 shape; F 3 good trumps; F 3+ cards; F 19+ 7+ cards; F |
| West 1 m Rev ? | North P P | East 1 NT 2 NT | South P P |
| Call Same as above (except 3 M does not exist) |
Note: Opener’s reverse after a 1 NT response to 1 is covered under 1 NT forcing. See topic.
Fourth Suit Bids in General1. Responder’s rebid after a 2-over-1 response shows either a natural suit or at least six cards in his first suit. Opener should tend to support responder’s first suit with a doubleton honor or better.
| West 1 2 | North P P | East 2 2 | South P |
| West 1 2 | North P P | East 2 3 | South P |
| West 1 2 | North P P | East 2 3 | South P |
2. Responder’s rebid after opener’s reverse after a 1-over-1 response is a waiting bid and implies five cards in responder’s major suit.
| West 1 2 | North P P | East 1 2 | South P |
| West 1 2 | North P P | East 1 2 | South P |
| West 1 2 | North P P | East 1 3 | South P |
3. Opener’s or responder’s third bid in a 1-over-1 or 2-over-1 auction indicates the ace or a splinter. Partner assumes the ace and may bid notrump without a stopper (if hand is suitable). Fourth-suit bidder should not pass 3 NT if his bid was based on a splinter.
| West 1 2 3 | North P P | East 1 3 | South P P |
| West 1 2 3 | North P P | East 1 3 | South P P |
| West 1 2 3 | North P P | East 2 3 | South P P |
| West 1 1 3 | North P P P | East 1 3 3 | South P P |
| West 1 2 3 | North P P P | East 1 3 3 | South P P |
| West 1 2 3 | North P P P | East 2 2 NT 3 | South P P |
4. Opener’s fourth bid (below 3 NT) in a 1-over-1 or 2-over-1 auction suggests two or three small cards, essentially a nothing bid to keep the possibility of 3 NT alive. In some cases, this may be a repeat of a fourth-suit-forcing bid if it could not be natural.
| West 1 2 3 3 | North P P P | East 1 3 3 | South P P P |
| West 1 1 2 3 | North P P P | East 1 2 3 | South P P P |
| West 1 2 3 3 | North P P P | East 2 2 NT 3 | South P P P |
Passed Hand ModificationsThe following changes apply when responder is a passed hand:
1. A 1-over-1 response may be passed if opener has only 13 points, and should be passed if opener has less. When opener does bid again, his rebids retain their normal meaning.
2. The 1 NT response to a major shows 6-12 points and is intended as forcing. Opener may pass with 13 points, and should pass with less. The bidding continues normally if opener bids again.
3. The 2 response to 1 shows 9-11 HCP and 5+ clubs. Opener should pass with a subminimum opening and may pass with 13 points. If opener does bid again, the system structure is unchanged.
4. The 2 response to a major is “reverse Drury.” See topic.
5. A 2 response to a major (or 2 over 1 ) shows 9-11 HCP and 5+ cards. Opener should pass with a subminimum opening and may pass with 13 points. If opener does bid again, a rebid of the same suit, raise or 2 NT bid shows minimal values and is nonforcing; a new suit or jump bid is forcing (below game). The same is true of responder’s rebids.
6. The 2 NT response to a minor shows 11-12 points and is invitational to game. Any rebid by opener below game is forcing.
7. The 2 NT response to a major shows a “limit raise” with an unknown splinter. Rebid structure:
| West P 2 NT | North P P | East 1 M ? | South P |
• | Call 3 3 after 1 3 M | Meaning asks for splinter (3 M shows splinter)demands 3 with splinter; else 4 no game interest; sign-off |
8. Responder’s rebid after a 1-over-1 response is affected. A jump or raise to the 3 level is invitational instead of forcing.
9. Responder’s rebid in a third suit is no longer an artificial force. This is natural and invitational, showing a two-suited hand.
Note: Fourth suit forcing and new minor forcing still apply as a passed hand.
Reverse Drury response to a major by a passed hand is reverse Drury. It shows either 11+ (good 10) points with 3+ cards in opener’s major, or 9-11 HCP with a 6+ card club suit. It is forcing.
| West P 2 | North P P | East 1 M ? | South P |
• | Call 2 2 after 1 2 same major | Meaning artificial; game interest 4+ hearts; no game interest no game interest |
| West P 2 ? | North P P | East 1 M 2 | South P P |
• | Call 2 M* 2 NT 3 3 M Other suit Jump shift | Meaning 10-11; 3+ trumps; NF 11-12; balanced; major fit; I 6+ clubs; no major fit; I 12+; 3+ trumps; GF 4+ cards; major fit; F splinter raise |
bid, use these structures:
| West P 2 | North P Dbl | East 1 M ? | South P |
• • | Call Pass Redouble Other | Meaning 4+ clubs; weak opening 4+ clubs; full opening as without double |
| West P 2 | North P Bid | East 1 M ? | South P |
• | Call Pass Double Bid past 2 M Other | Meaning weak opening good defense; full opening natural; full opening as without bid |
After a Takeout Double
| West 1 X | North Dbl | East ? | South |
| Call Redouble 1 of suit* 1 NT 2 over 1 Jump shift | Meaning 10+; implies no fit; creates forcing auction 6+; 4+ cards; F 6-9; balanced; NF 6-9; 6+ (good 5) cards; NF as without double |
| West 1 m | North Dbl | East ? | South |
• | Call All raises 2 NT 3 NT | Meaning as without double 9-11 HCP; natural; I 12-15 HCP; natural; NF |
| West 1 M | North Dbl | East ? | South |
• | Call 2 M 2 NT 3 M Steps 1 to 4 4 M | Meaning 6-9; 3+ trumps 10-12; 4+ (rare 3) trumps 6-9; 4+ trumps as without double as without double |
After a Suit Overcall:
| West 1 X | North Suit | East ? | South |
• | Call Double New suit 1 NT Jump shift Cue below 3 NT Cue by PH 2 NT jump 2 NT nonjump 3 NT nonjump Jump cue Cue above 3 NT DJ raise 4 NT | Meaning negative (see topic) 6+; 4+ cards at 1 level; F 9+; 5+ cards at 2 level or higher; F if below game 7-10; NF weak (at or below game) 13+; balanced with stopper; opener continues as if forcing 2 NT resp 11-13; splinter raise 11-12; I 10-12; I 10-16; NF 13+; splinter raise 13+; fit with control weak Blackwood |
| West 1 m | North Suit | East ? | South |
• | Call 2 m, 3 m jump 3 m nonjump 4 m jump 4 m nonjump 5 m jump 5 m nonjump 3 NT J or DJ DJ shift + | Meaning as without overcall 8-10 11-13; I 9-12 13-16 10-16 10-12; natural but based on 5+ card minor fit; NF natural; weak |
| West 1 M | North Suit | East ? | South |
• • | Call 2 M 3 M jump 3 M nonjump 4 M jump 4 M nonjump 3 NT J or DJ DJ shift + | Meaning 6-10 11-12 (good 10); I 8-10 11-13 8-13 13+; 4+ trumps; no control in enemy suit; F splinter raise if below 4 M; else natural, weak |
Negative Doubles (or 4 after a minor opening) is a negative double. The strength shown is 6+ at the 1 level; 7+ at the 2 level; 8+ at the 3 level; 9+ at the 4 level. Suit requirements:
| West 1 | North 1 | East ? | South |
| Call Double 1 , 1 | Meaning 4+ cards in each major 4+ cards |
| West 1 m 1 m 1 m 1 m 1 X 1 X 1 X | North 1 M 2 M 3 M 4 2 m 3 m 4 m | East ? ? ? ? ? ? ? | South |
| Call Double New suit | Meaning 4 cards in one major; may be 5+ cards if unable to bid 5+ cards |
| West 1 1 1 1 1 | North 1 2 3 2 3 | East ? ? ? ? ? | South |
| Call Double Minor suit | Meaning 4+ cards in each minor 5+ cards |
Negative doubles also apply over a natural overcall in opener’s suit, e.g., 1 2 .
| West 1 X ? | North Suit | East Dbl | South any |
| Call Nonjump bid Jump bid | Meaning 13-15 below game; NF 13-18 if game 16-18 below game; I 16+ if game |
| West 1 X any | North Suit any | East Dbl ? | South any |
| Call New suit* Preference Single raise 2 NT Jump new suit Jump raise/pref 3 NT | Meaning 7-10; 6+ (good 5) cards; NF 7-10 7-10 at 2 level 10-12 at 3 level or 4 m; I 10-15 if game 10-12; I 10-12; 6+ cards; I below game 11-12 below game; 13-15 if game 13-15 if J; 11-15 if NJ |
, or a minor-suit bid when opener bid a major that responder showed, is natural and GF.
After a Two-Suited Overcall
| West 1 X | North Bid* | East ? | South |
• • • • | Call Double New suit Single raise 2 NT 3 NT jump 3 NT nonjump Jump shift Jump raise Cheapest cue* Higher cue* Any jump cue* | Meaning 10+; creates forcing auction 6-9; 6+ (good 5) cards; NF 6-9; NF 9-11; natural with fit; I 12-14; natural with fit; NF 9-14; natural with fit; NF weak weak 10+; raise of suit opened 10+ HCP; 5+ cards in the 4th suit; F 13+; splinter raise; GF |
2. After doubling, if responder next bids a new suit or a suit implied by the enemy, it is natural and forcing below game.
3. If responder passes over the two-suited overcall and later bids a suit implied by the enemy, it is natural and nonforcing.
Competitive Rebids
| West 1 X ? | North any | East 1 Y | South bid |
| Call 2 NT nonjump 3 NT jump 3 NT nonjump 3 X nonjump 4 X jump 4 X nonjump 3 Y nonjump 4 Y jump 4 Y nonjump 2 reverse3 lower suit 3 reverse 3 J reverseJump shift | Meaning 17-19 15+; based on 6+ suit 17+ (or 15+ with 6+ suit) 15-17 18-20; I in minor 16-18 14-16 17-20; I if diamonds 16-20; I if diamonds 17+; F (structure off) 15-18; NF 17+; F 19+; 4-6 shape; GF 19+; GF |
Responder’s rebids after a 1-over-1 response revert to a “limit” style after any enemy bid. A new suit bid below game is forcing; but raises to the 3 level and jump bids are invitational.
Cue-Bids as Rebids
| West 1 X ? 1 X any 1 X any ? | North any (or) any any (or) any any (etc.) | East Act Act ? Act any | South any any any any |
| Call Cue below 3 NT Cue above 3 NT Jump Cue | Meaning nondescript; general GF ace or splinter; fit assured splinter raise |
If the enemy has shown two suits, the first cue-bid below 3 NT implies a stopper in that suit; hence, partner may bid notrump with a stopper in the other suit.
| West 1 X Cue 1 X Cue ? | North any any (or) any any (etc.) | East Act ? Act any | South any any any |
| Call Pass double Redouble Raise cue Recue by cuer | Meaning waiting; no clear action ace splinter; fit assured ace; fit assured |
Corollary to above: Opener’s double-jump raise to 4 of responder’s major denies control in the enemy suit; else cue twice (ace) or splinter (singleton or void).
Competitive Doubles
| Partner must have acted. |
| Your side has not established a fit. |
| Your side has not bid notrump. |
| You did not pass the doubled suit at your last turn. |
| A forcing auction does not exist. |
1. All doubles at the 1 level.
| West 1 Dbl | North P | East 1 | South 1 |
| West 1 P | North P P | East 1 Dbl | South 1 |
| West 1 P | North 1 P | East P Dbl | South 1 |
2. Double of a raised enemy suit thru 3 , provided the enemy action was direct (doubles of enemy balancing actions are for penalty). This also includes the case of an implied enemy fit, such as an enemy response to a takeout double.
| West 1 Dbl | North 1 | East 1 | South 2 |
| West 1 P | North 1 P | East Dbl Dbl | South 2 |
| West 1 Dbl | North Dbl | East 1 | South 3 |
3. The double of an invitational cue-bid, jump cue-bid, or any kind of fit-showing bid at the 2 or 3 level.
| West 1 Dbl | North 1 | East Dbl | South 2 |
| West 1 Dbl | North 1 | East 1 | South 3 |
| West 1 P | North P 2 | East 1 Dbl | South 1 |
Cooperative Doubles. (Higher doubles are penalty.)1. A double by a player who bypassed the opportunity to redouble or to make a strength-showing double.
| West 1 P | North Dbl P | East P Dbl | South 2 |
| West 1 P | North 2 P | East P Dbl | South 2 |
| West 1 P Dbl | North P 2 | East 1 P | South Dbl P |
Important: Doubler’s strength is not limited by the failure to act at his previous turn. The above sequences would be ideal with any strong 4-4-3-2 shape (doubleton in partner’s suit).
Corollary: If you redouble or make a strength-showing double, you are unable to make a cooperative double. If you later double, it requires at least 4 good trumps.
2. A double by the partner of the player who just redoubled or made a strength-showing double. This blends well with the corollary above.
3. A double of a suit in which you denied 4 cards.
| West 1 P | North P P | East 1 NT Dbl | South 2 |
| West 1 2 Dbl | North P P | East 1 P | South P 2 |
| West 1 2 Dbl | North P P | East 1 NT P | South P 2 |
4. A double by a player who made a competitive double.
| West 1 Dbl Dbl | North 1 P | East 1 2 | South 2 3 |
| West 1 P P | North 1 P P | East 1 Dbl Dbl | South 2 3 |
After a One Notrump Overcall
| West 1 X | North 1 NT | East ? | South |
• | Call Double New suit 2 NT Jump shift | Meaning penalty 6-9; 6+ (good 5) cards; NF artificial; 2-suiter; F to 4 level 6+ cards; I |
| West 1 M | North 1 NT | East ? | South |
| Call 2 M 3 M | Meaning 6-9; 3+ trumps 10-12; based on shape; I |
| West 1 m | North 1 NT | East ? | South |
• | Call 2 m 3 m | Meaning artificial; weak takeout for majors weak (no change) |
Actions when Responder Passes
| West 1 X ? | North any | East P | South Act |
| Call Redouble 1 NT 2 NT Suit bid Jump suit bid Cue-bid Dbl suit thru 4 Dbl 1 NT Dbl 2 NT, 3 NT Dbl 4 M 4 NT over 4 M | Meaning 18+; no force created 18-19 16+; natural; trick source 16+; unbalanced 18+; very unbalanced; I 16+; 5-4-4-0 shape 16+; takeout* 18+; optional penalty 18+; optional ; takeout if raised 18+; takeout |
| West 1 X ? | North Suit | East P | South P |
| Call Pass Double Suit bid Other (rare) | Meaning Length in enemy suit* 13+; takeout 13+; unsuitable to double same as direct action |
Two Club Opening is strong, artificial and forcing, and typically shows 23+ points or a one-suited hand within a trick of game.If responder has a 5 card or longer suit headed by at least 2 of the 3 top honors, he should make a suit-showing response. Otherwise, he must define his point count.
| West 2 | North P | East ? | South |
• • • • | Call 2 2 2 2 NT 3 of suit 3 NT 4 of suit 4 NT | Meaning 0-4 or 8+ (or an ace + king) 5-7 or bad 8 (or an ace) any 5 card suit; 2 of top 3 any 5 card suit; A-K-Q 6 cards in suit bid; 2 of top 3 any 6 card suit; A-K-Q 7 cards in suit bid; 2 of top 3 any 7 card suit; A-K-Q |
| West 2 JS | North P P | East Bid ? | South P |
• • | Call Cheapest NT Suit bid | Meaning no aces that ace |
Follow-up: Opener may sign off in his suit or notrump or bid any other suit as control asking (see topic).
| West 2 ? | North P | East 2 | South P |
| Call 2 NT 3 NT 4 NT Suit bid | Meaning 23-24; balanced; NF 25-28; balanced; NF 29-30; balanced; NF 5+ cards; F |
| West 2 ? | North P | East 2 | South P |
• | Call 2 NT 3 NT Suit bid | Meaning 23+; balanced; F semibalanced; 6+ minor; NF 5+ cards; F |
| West 2 Suit | North P P | East 2 ? | South P |
• • | Call Cheapest bid Other NJ bids Jump raise Jump shift | Meaning waiting natural; suits show 5+ cards Q-x-x-x or better; no controls splinter raise |
Note: Responder is always presumed to have 0-4 (even if he jumps) unless he voluntarily bids beyond game. The only way to stop below game is when opener rebids the same suit.
| West 2 Suit | North P P | East 2 ? | South P |
• | Call Nonjump bid Jump raise Jump shift | Meaning natural (no waiting bids) Q-x-x-x or better; no controls splinter raise |
| West 2 2 NT | North P P | East 2 X ? | South P |
| Call Any | Meaning system on* (as if 2 NT opening) |
response, he logically must have 8+.
| West 2 3 NT | North P P | East 2 ? | South P |
• | Call 4 *4 *, 4 *4 *4 NT 5 | Meaning Stayman (not puppet) Jacoby both minors 8+; balanced; F Gerber |
| West 2 4 NT | North P P | East 2 ? | South P |
| Call 5 *5 *, 5 *5 * | Meaning Stayman (not puppet) Jacoby both minors |
| West 2 ? | North P | East 2 | South P |
| Call 2 NT Suit bid | Meaning 23+ balanced (system on) 5+ cards |
| West 2 Suit | North P P | East 2 ? | South P |
| Call Suit bid 3 NT, Raise Jump shift | Meaning real suit; F (even if game) minimal values; inconvenient to bid suit splinter raise |
After a 2 NT or higher response, opener should know responder’s suit, so there is no need to repeat it. The bidding proceeds naturally; any game bid is NF. An immediate 4 NT by opener is regular Blackwood, and a raise to 5 of responder’s suit (NF) asks for the jack.
| West 2 | North Dbl | East ? | South |
• • | Call Redouble Pass Other | Meaning 5-7; good clubs (Q-10-x-x) 0-4 or 8+; good clubs as without double |
| West 2 | North Bid | East ? | South |
| Call Pass Double Cue-bid Suit bid 2 NT 3 NT nonjump | Meaning 0-4 (or more with no call) penalty; trump stack 5+; splinter 5+; 5+ cards 5+; balanced; stopper 5-7; balanced; stopper |
All doubles by opener or responder are for penalty. All direct passes are forcing.
A cue-bid of the enemy suit by opener, when responder has not acted, shows 5-4-4-0 shape (or 4-4-4-1 in balancing seat).
Any suit bid by opener, whether responder has acted or not, is forcing below game unless opener bids the same suit twice, in which case responder may pass with nothing.
If responder has not shown values and opener makes a natural, forcing suit rebid, the cheapest bid is artificial and waiting. This applies only once; any subsequent bid is natural.
Any jump suit bid by opener (at his second bid) is ace asking, even if this completes game. The structure is unchanged.
Weak Two Bids, 2 and 2 are weak two-bids. Range is 5-11 HCP and style is undisciplined but sensible. Good 5 card suits (usually 3 of top 5 cards) are permissible at all vulnerabilities. Decent 5 card suits are permissible at favorable vulnerability.
| West 2 X | North P | East ? | South |
• | Call Any raise New suit 2 NT 4 jumpOther jump | Meaning obstructive; preemptive 6+ cards; semiconstructive; NF game or slam try; F trump asking (see topic) 6+ cards; I if below game |
| West 2 X ? | North P | East Suit | South P |
| Call Pass 2 NT, 3 NT Raise Jump raise New suit Same suit | Meaning minimum or misfit maximum; doubleton fit at least Q-x or x-x-x exceptional fit 4+ cards (6-4, 6-5) at least K-Q-J-10-x-x |
| West 2 M ? | North P | East 2 NT | South P |
| Call 3 3 3 M 3 other major 3 NT 4 , 4 | Meaning 5 cards in original suit 6 cards; not worst hand 6 cards; worst hand natural (4 cards); not worst hand 6 cards; A-K-Q or A-K-J at least Q-x-x-x (6-4, 6-5) |
| West 2 ? | North P | East 2 NT | South P |
| Call 3 3 3 , 3 3 NT 4 | Meaning 5 card diamond suit 6 cards; any minimum 6 cards; stopper 6 cards; no major stopper at least Q-x-x-x (6-4, 6-5) |
| West 2 M 3 | North P P | East 2 NT ? | South P |
• | Call 3 3 M, 3 NT Other suit | Meaning artif. F; opener bids 3 M if min, else 3 NT sign-off 5+ cards; F if below game |
| West 2 M 3 X | North P P | East 2 NT ? | South P |
| Call 3 M 3 NT New suit | Meaning NF; opener may bid if max NF; opener may correct 5+ cards; F if below game |
| West 2 3 X | North P P | East 2 NT ? | South P |
| Call 3 , game4 New suit | Meaning sign-off NF; opener may bid 5 5+ cards; F if below game |
| West 2 X | North Dbl | East ? | South |
| Call Pass then Dbl Redouble New suit Other | Meaning cooperative below 3 NT; penalty above strong; creates F auction not constructive; NF as without double |
| West 2 X | North Bid | East ? | South |
• • | Call Double Cue below 3 NT Cue above 3 NT Other | Meaning penalty stopper ask (3 NT = yes) control ask as without bid |
| West 2 X ? | North any | East 2 NT | South Act |
| Call Any | Meaning standard defense (see topic) |
Preemptive Openings thru 5 are weak, roughly by rule of 2, 3, 4+ according to vulnerability.
| West 3 X 4 X | North P P | East ? ? | South |
• • • | Call 5 M over 4 M Any other raise 3 NT 4 nonraise4 over 5 X over 4 M Other suit | Meaning slam invitation (good trumps?) obstructive or to make; not invitational to play; opener may run with no A or K trump ask trump ask control ask natural; F if below game |
| West 3 X 4 X | North Dbl Dbl | East ? ? | South |
| Call Pass then Dbl Redouble New suit* Raise, 3 NT | Meaning cooperative below 3 NT; penalty above strong; creates F auction 6+ cards; NF (asking bids are off) as without double |
| West 3 X 4 X | North Bid Bid | East ? ? | South |
• | Call Double New suit* Cue-bid Raise, 3 NT | Meaning penalty 6+ cards; F below game (no asking bids) control ask as without bid |
Three Notrump Opening
| West 3 NT | North P | East ? | South |
• | Call 4 4 4 , 4 4 NT | Meaning normal takeout; F exactly 2 aces; F 7+ (strong 6) cards; NF exactly 3 aces; F |
| West 3 NT ? | North P | East 4 X | South P |
| Call Suit* 4 NT over 4 4 NT otherwise | Meaning real suit; NF (forcing over 4 NT) Asks for kings (how many) Blackwood (regular) |
implies that 2 aces are not enough for slam
| West 3 NT Suit | North P P | East 4 m ? | South P |
| Call Any | Meaning same as response to “Suit” opening |
| West 3 NT | North Dbl | East ? | South |
• • | Call Pass Redouble 4 Other | Meaning nondescript; may be worthless good hand without 2 aces 1 ace as without double |
| West 3 NT | North Bid | East ? | South |
• • | Call Pass Double Cheapest suit Other suit 4 NT | Meaning nondescript; opener must bid suit at 4 level and may bid 5 if prudent penalty; trump stack competitive in opener’s suit 7+ (strong 6) cards; NF slam try; 2+ aces (not BW) |
Takeout Doubles
| West 1 X | North Dbl | East any | South ? |
• | Call Double New suit 1 NT Cue-bid Jump in suit 2 NT Jump cue-bid DJ in suit 3 NT jump | Meaning responsive or penalty (see below) 0-9 if forced 6-9 if free below game 8-15 if game 6-9 (poor 10) 10+; F until raise or game 10-12 if below game; I 10-15 if game 10-12; I 13+; splinter; 3-suiter weak if below game; 6+ cards weak or 10-15 if game 13-16 |
(takeout for two unbid suits).
After a major raise thru 3 (takeout for minors).
Note that the double of 1 NT or any minor raise is for penalty.
| West 1 X | North Dbl | East Rdbl | South ? |
• • | Call Pass Pass then bid Suit bid Jump suit | Meaning no preference (if weak) 9-11; constructive; I weak; preference weak; 5+ cards; preemptive |
| West 1 X any | North Dbl ? | East any | South Suit |
| Call Double 1 NT New suit Cue-bid* Single raise 2 NT jump 2 NT nonjump Jump cue* Jump new suit Jump raise 3 NT jump | Meaning 18+; no 4 card fit; optional 18-20 18-21; 5+ cards; NF 20+; F; no rebid promised 18-20 if voluntary to 3 level 16-18 otherwise 20-22 19-21 splinter raise; slam try what you can make 19-20 (good 18) better than 2 NT or 9 tricks |
Note: If partner bid freely (6-9 points) the ranges above would be 2 points less; except for a new suit, which still shows 18+ and then would be forcing.
| West 1 X any | North Dbl ? | East any | South 1 NT |
| Call Double New suit Cue-bid | Meaning penalty corrective at 2 level; NF 18+ at 3 level; F 18+; splinter; no rebid is promised |
Suit Overcalls
| West 1 X | North Suit | East any | South ? |
• • • | Call Double New suit 1 NT Cue-bid Single raise Jump new suit 2 NT jump 2 NT nonjump Jump cue-bid Jump raise 3 NT jump | Meaning 8+; responsive or penalty (see below) 8+ at 1 level; F 8-12 at 2 level up; NF 8-11 11+ (good 10) with fit or 13+ nonfit; F 6-10 11+; 6+ cards; I 12-14; I 9-11; I 11+ (good 10) with 4+ trumps weak; about 5-8 below game better than 2 NT |
(takeout for two unbid suits).After a 1 NT response (takeout for two unbid suits).
After a new suit thru 2 (4+ cards in unbid suit; 2 cards in partner’s suit).
| West 1 X | North Suit | East Dbl | South ? |
• | Call Redouble Cue-bid 2 NT if major Other | Meaning 11+; implies no fit 11+ (good 10); promises fit 8-10; 4+ major fit as without double |
| West 1 X any | North Suit ? | East any | South P |
• | Call Double Suit X Other | Meaning takeout thru 4 natural (2-suiter) natural |
| West 1 X any | North Suit ? | East any | South Cue |
| Call Same suit 2 NT New suit | Meaning minimum; nondescript; NF constructive; NF natural; F |
Weak Jump Overcalls
| West 1 X | North 2 Y | East any | South ? |
| Call Any | Meaning same as response to weak two-bid* |
| West 1 X 1 X | North 3 Y 4 Y | East any any | South ? ? |
| Call Any | Meaning same as response to weak opening* |
Good Jump OvercallsSituations where this apply are noted later.
Notrump Overcalls
| West 1 X | North ? | East | South |
| Call 1 NT 2 NT 3 NT 4 NT over 1 m 4 NT over 1 M | Meaning 15-18 (system on) unusual (see topic) 15-20; based on long minor Blackwood takeout for minors; freakish |
Unusual Notrump Overcall
| Weak = 11 HCP or less |
| Good = 12-15 HCP |
| Strong = 16+ HCP |
A direct jump overcall of 2 NT shows either the weak or strong hand (not the good hand) with at least 5-5 shape in the two lower unbid suits.
| West 1 X | North 2 NT | East any | South ? |
| Call Pass double Double Suit shown Jump shown Cue-bid Other suit 3 NT (rare) | Meaning no preference penalty preference weak; good trump fit game or slam try; F 6+ cards; NF to play |
| West 1 X any* | North 2 NT ? | East any | South Cue |
• • • | Call Cheaper real Raise cue Notrump Unshown suit Other real | Meaning worst weak hand not worst; splinter not worst; other splinter not worst; 3 cards not worst; 6+ cards |
| West 1 X any | North 2 NT ? | East any | South NF* |
• • • | Call Double Redouble Cue-bid 3 NT 4 NT Unshown suit Real suit | Meaning strong; optional strong; good defense strong strong; enemy stopper; NF strong; Blackwood if pref shown; else takeout strong; 3 cards (5-5-3-0) weak; extreme shape |
Michaels Cue-Bid
| West 1 X | North 2 X | East any | South ? |
• | Call Shown suit Jump shown 2 NT Cue-bid 3 , 4 , 4 NTOther suit | Meaning preference weak; good trump fit game or slam try; F game or slam try; F to play unknown minor after major cue-bid only 6+ cards; NF |
| West 1 X | North 2 X | East Dbl | South ? |
| Call Pass 2 m Pass 2 M 3 Other | Meaning no major preference to play unknown minor 6+ cards; NF as without double |
| West 1 m any* | North 2 m ? | East any | South 2 NT |
• • | Call 3 3 3 3 | Meaning longer hearts longer spades worst weak hand; 5-5 not worst; 5-5; F |
| West 1 M any* | North 2 M ? | East any | South 2 NT |
• • | Call 3 , 3 3 3 | Meaning worst weak hand; that minor not worst; clubs not worst; diamonds |
| West 1 X any | North 2 X ? | East any | South NF* |
• | Call Double Redouble Cue-bid 3 NT Denied suit Real suit | Meaning strong; optional strong; good defense strong strong; enemy stopper; NF strong; 3 cards weak; extreme shape |
Three-Level Cue-Bid OvercallCue-bidder should have a self-sufficient suit and about 8 1/2 playing tricks or more. If the suit is a major, cue-bidder should have a singleton or void in the cue-bid suit (else double).
| West 1 X 1 X any | North 3 X (or) P ? (etc.) | East any 2 X | South ? 3 X |
• • • • | Call Lowest option* Next option* Double New major 3 NT 4 NT 5 NT | Meaning 0-2 controls; no stopper if below 3 NT 3+ controls; no stopper trump stack; penalty 6+ cards; F if below game stopper in cue-bid suit stopper; 3+ outside controls control stopper; 3+ outside controls |
| West 1 X any | North 3 X ? (etc.) | East any | South any |
| Call Suit, pass 4 NT | Meaning real suit; NF Blackwood (even over 3 NT) |
Balancing Actions
| West 1 X | North P | East P | South ? |
| Call Double 1 of suit 1 NT 2 of suit Cue-bid Jump suit 2 NT Jump cue 3 NT | Meaning 10+; takeout 7-14; suit overcall 10-14 (system on) 9-14; suit overcall Michaels; good or strong good jump overcall 18-20 (system on) 3-level cue-bid overcall 16-20; based on suit |
After a balancing double or suit overcall, respond the same as in direct position except that all point ranges for responder are increased by 2 points. Responsive doubles do not apply. Responses to Michaels and the 3-level cue-bid overcall are similar to direct actions.
After Two Enemy Bids
| West 1 X | North P | East 1 Y | South ? |
| Call Double 1 NT 2 X 2 Y, new suit 2 NT 3 X, 3 Y 3 NT 4 NT Other jump | Meaning takeout 15-18 (system on) takeout; at least 5-4 natural overcall takeout; at least 5-5 3-level cue-bid overcall to play (no systemic responses) takeout; weak; freak weak jump overcall |
| West 1 X 1 X | North P P | East 2 Y 3 Y | South ? ? |
• • | Call Double New suit 2 X 2 NT 3 X, 3 Y 3 NT 4 NT Other jump | Meaning takeout natural; may be shaded takeout; at least 5-4 weak takeout if Y is F 15-18 if Y is NF (system on) 3-level cue-bid overcall to play (no systemic responses) takeout; weak; freak weak jump overcall if Y is F good jump overcall if Y is NF |
| West 1 X 1 X 1 X | North P P P | East 1 NT 2 NT 3 NT | South ? ? ? |
| Call Double 2 X, 3 X, 4 X New suit Any NT Jump suit | Meaning takeout (of suit X) Michaels natural; may be shaded unusual weak jump overcall |
| West 1 X 1 X 1 X | North P P P | East 2 X 3 X 4 X | South ? ? ? |
• • • | Call Double New suit 2 NT, 4 NT 3 X 3 NT Jump 4 m 4 X, 5 X Other suit jump | Meaning takeout natural; may be shaded unusual 3-level cue-bid overcall unusual over 3 X if F; otherwise to play minor bid + highest unbid major Michaels weak jump overcall if F raise good jump overcall if NF raise |
Responses to all actions after two enemy bids are the same as or similar to those to the related topic. An exception: Responsive doubles do not apply. The description “takeout” means that responses should be like those to a takeout double.
Additional Agreements1. Major-suit game try structure
2. Competitive doubles
3. Cooperative doubles
The following defensive actions are changed if the bidder is a passed hand (for obvious reasons):
1. Direct 1 NT overcall is unusual.
2. Any 3 NT overcall is unusual.
3. The 3-level cue-bid overcall (strong 1-suiter) does not exist. Any such bid is natural if a jump or Michaels (takeout) if a nonjump.
1. The double of a raised suit, direct or balancing, is for takeout thru 4 , unless the opponents have bid all four suits naturally.
2. A direct double after three enemy bids is for takeout thru 2 even if just one unbid suit exists (in that event the suit opened is a takeout candidate). Examples:
| West 1 1 NT | North P Dbl | East 1 | South P |
| West 1 2 | North P Dbl | East 1 NT | South P |
| West 1 2 | North P Dbl | East 1 | South P |
3. A balancing double of a suit bid is for takeout thru 2 , even if just one unbid suit exists.
4. A balancing double of 1 NT is for takeout only if both major suits are unbid. Otherwise it is a penalty suggestion with strength in dummy’s suit. Examples:
| West 1 P | North P Dbl | East 1 NT | South P |
| West 1 P | North P Dbl | East 1 NT | South P |
| West 1 1 NT | North P P | East 1 P | South P Dbl |
Defense to One Notrump
| West 1 NT | North ? | East | South |
| Call 2 2 2 , 2 2 NT 3 , 3 3 , 3 | Meaning hearts + minor (Astro) spades + other (Astro) usually 6+ cards 2-suiter; both minors 6+ cards good jump overcall |
A direct double of a 1 NT opening shows 17+ HCP or 14-16 with a good lead. It is optional (leaning toward penalty).
| West 1 NT | North P | East P | South ? |
| Call Any bid | Meaning same as direct but may be weaker |
A balancing double shows 14+ HCP, usually with all-around values.
If the opening is a “weak notrump” (maximum 15 HCP), a double of a Stayman 2 response is not lead-directing. It shows 14+ HCP, similar to a balancing double.
| West 1 NT | North 2 M | East any | South ? |
| Call Respond as to weak two-bid |
| West 1 NT 1 NT | North 2 NT 3 m | East any any | South ? ? |
| Call Suit, 3 NT Jump suit | Meaning natural; NF natural; I below game |
| West 1 NT | North Dbl | East P | South ? |
• | Call Pass 2 of suit 3 of suit 2 NT | Meaning normal action (penalty) 5+ cards; weak and unbalanced 6+ cards; I 2-suiter; F until game or raise |
Note: Responses to balancing actions would have the same meanings.
Runout Defense1. After a 1 NT opening (direct or balancing)
2. After a Stayman 2 response to a weak notrump opening
3. Defense to 2 NT and 3 NT opening (see topic)
4. Junkyard defense (see topic)
| West 1 NT 1 NT P | North Dbl (or) P P (etc.) | East 2 X P 2 X | South ? Dbl ? |
| Call Pass Double Suit Jump suit Cue-bid | Meaning weak or length in X takeout* 5+ cards; NF 6+ cards; I splinter; GF |
| West 1 NT P 1 NT P P | North Dbl ? P P ? (etc.) | East 2 X (or) P 2 X | South P Dbl P |
| Call Pass Double Other | Meaning prudent with length in X takeout (partner can convert if that was his intention) as in direct position |
Note: The runout defense applies thru the level of 4 (e.g., 1 NT Dbl 4 ) and over multiple runouts (e.g., 1 NT Dbl 2 P; 2 ) provided we have not acted after our initial double and we have not faced the same suit bid twice. In other words, once we act after our initial double, or a player is confronted with the same denomination twice, all doubles are penalty.
Astro Structure shows hearts and a minor suit; and 2 shows spades and another suit (which could be hearts). In either case shape should be at least 5-4 in two suits, or 4-4-4-1.
| West 1 NT | North 2 m | East P | South ? |
| Call Pass Cheapest suit Shown M Unshown suit 2 NT Jump shown M | Meaning 6+ cards; misfit expected relay; suit search; NF 3+ cards 6+ cards; I if raise or jump game or slam try; F 4+ trumps; mild invitation |
| West 1 NT | North 2 m | East Dbl | South ? |
• | Call Pass Redouble Other | Meaning willing to play if Astro bidder’s minor 5+ cards in next higher suit (enables an escape if partner has tolerance) as without double |
| West 1 NT | North 2 m | East Bid | South ? |
• | Call Double Cheapest suit* Cue-bid 4 NT over 4 M Other | Meaning penalty suit search thru 4 ; NFgame or slam try; F request for minor as without bid |
| West 1 NT P | North 2 ? | East P | South 2 |
• • | Call Pass 2 2 2 NT 3 3 3 | Meaning hearts + diamonds 5+ cards (usually with clubs) 3 cards at least 4-4 minors 5+ cards 5+ cards; I 6+ cards; I |
| West 1 NT P | North 2 ? | East P | South 2 |
• | Call Pass 2 2 NT 3 , 3 3 3 | Meaning spades + hearts 5+ cards (with minor) at least 4-4 minors 5+ cards 5+ cards; I 6+ cards; I |
| West 1 NT any* | North 2 ? | East any | South 2 NT |
• • • | Call 3 , 3 3 3 3 NT | Meaning min; NF max; clubs max; diamonds max; diamonds; 3 spades |
| West 1 NT any* | North 2 ? | East any | South 2 NT |
• • | Call 3 , 3 , 3 3 3 NT 4 , 4 , 4 | Meaning min; NF max; hearts max; either minor max; freak; GF |
| West 1 NT P | North 2 m 2 X | East P P | South Rel ? |
| Call 2 2 NT 3 of suit | Meaning 5 cards (no more) request for minor NF; I if raise |
| West 1 NT P | North 2 ? | East Dbl | South P |
• | Call Redouble | Meaning Suggests 4-3-1-5 shape to allow possible rescue to hearts |
Standard Defense
1. 2 NT response to weak two-bid or analogous structure after our weak jump overcall, weak jump shift response, or 2 or 2 overcall of an enemy 1 NT opening
2. 2 NT response to Michaels cue-bid or Astro 2 or 2
3. Cue-bid response to unusual 2 NT overcall
| Call All rebids Pass Dbl | Meaning normal meaning minimum; normal rebid unavailable maximum; normal rebid unavailable |
After an enemy double:
| Call All rebids Pass Rdbl | Meaning normal meaning minimum; useful defensive values maximum; useful defensive values |
Defense to Two and Three Notrump
| West 2 NT 3 NT 2 NT 3 NT Bid* Bid* | North ? ? P P P P | East P P 2 NT 3 NT | South ? ? ? ? |
or 2 .
• • | Call Double Pass then Dbl Cheapest Cheapest Major Any NT Jump minor | Meaning strength-showing; runout defense applies thru 4 takeout if suit thru 4 hearts + minor (Astro) spades + other (Astro) natural minor-suit takeout 7+ cards |
The above defense also applies over Bergen-Cohen 3 (gambling 3 NT equivalent).
| West 2 NT | North ? | East | South |
| Call Double Pass then Dbl 3 3 3 , 3 3 NT 4 , 4 | Meaning strength-showing; runout defense applies thru 4 takeout if suit thru 4 majors; weak or strong majors; good natural natural good jump overcall |
Defense to Weak Openings thru 4 . This includes weak two-bids, intermediate two-bids (such as the 2 opening in most club systems), and all preemptive bids.Actions in balancing seat have the same meaning as direct actions, but ranges are reduced slightly (about 2 points); hence responder should compensate accordingly. For example, a balancing 2 NT overcall would show 13-16 points instead of 15-18.
| West 2 X | North ? | East | South |
• • • | Call Double New suit 2 NT Cue-bid Jump 3 Y 3 NT 4 unbid m Jump cue 4 unbid M 4 NT over m 4 NT over M | Meaning takeout 12-18; 6+ (good 5) cards 15-18 (system on) 3-level cue-bid overcall good jump overcall 19+ or less with running suit minor bid + highest unbid major; NF Michaels; good or better over minor; too strong for 4 m over major good jump overcall Blackwood minor-suit takeout |
| West 3 X 4 m | North ? ? | East | South |
| Call Double New suit Cue-bid Jump suit 3 NT 4 NT over m 4 NT over M | Meaning takeout 12-18; 6+ (good 5) cards Michaels; good or strong good jump overcall natural, 16+ (no systemic responses) Blackwood minor-suit takeout |
| West 2 X 3 X 4 m | North Dbl Dbl Dbl | East any any any | South ? ? ? |
| Call Double New suit 2 NT Cue-bid Jump suit 3 NT jump 3 NT nonjump 4 NT | Meaning penalty 0-9 below game (6-9 if free) 0-15 if game (6-15 if free) 8-10 11+; GF 10-11 below game; I 10-15 if game 11-15 8-15 Blackwood unless “4 NT Response for Takeout” applies (see topic) |
| West 2 X 3 X 4 m | North Suit Suit Suit | East any any any | South ? ? ? |
• • | Call Double Rdbl neg dbl New suit 2 NT Cue below 3 NT Cue above 3 NT Single raise Jump suit 3 NT jump 3 NT nonjump Jump cue Jump raise 4 NT | Meaning penalty 10+; creates F auction 8+; F below game BUPH if weak opener 8-10 11+; general force 13+; fit plus control 8-10 if below game 8-15 if game self-playable; GF; slam I if NJ is F 11-15 8-15 13+; splinter raise 11-15 if game Blackwood |
Defense to Four of a Major or 4 :
| West 4 M 4 M | North ? P | East P | South ? |
| Call Double New suit 4 NT over 4 4 NT over 4 Cue-bid | Meaning 15+; optional* 6+ cards (5+ spades) minor-suit takeout 3-suit or red-suit takeout Michaels; strong (very) |
| West 4 M 4 M P | North Dbl (or) P ? | East P P | South ? Dbl |
| Call Pass Suit bid 4 NT over 4 4 NT over 4 | Meaning normal 6+ cards (or 5 spades) and “good” distribution minor-suit takeout 3-suit or red-suit takeout |
Defense to Strong Artificial Openings strong (16+), artificial and forcing, or over an artificial response to same, pass with opening-bid strength or better. On the next round, once a natural bid has been made, you may enter the auction as if all artificial bids never existed.All initial actions show weak hands:
| West 1 1 | North ? P | East 1 X* | South ? |
• • • | Call Double 1 of suit 1 NT 2 NT 2 of suit 3 of suit 4 of suit | Meaning suit doubled 5+ cards pointed suits (spades + diamonds) rounded suits (hearts + clubs) suit bid plus next higher 6+ cards 7+ cards |
| Memory aid: The number “1” is pointed and “2” is rounded. |
| West 1 1 any | North Act (or) P ? | East any 1 X | South ? Act |
• | Call 1 NT, 2 NT Raise Other suit Jump | Meaning cue-bid; game try; F obstructive; blocking natural; NF preemptive |
opening:, strong and artificial, no special structure applies. All bids are presumed to be weak and obstructive.
| West 2 2 | North ? P | East 2 X* | South ? |
| Call Double Suit bid Any NT | Meaning suit doubled 6+ (good 5) cards minor-suit takeout |
Defense to Transfer Bids (hearts) or 4 (spades). The term “cue-bid” refers to a bid in the opponent’s real suit, not the artificial suit.
| West 2 X 3 X 4 X | North ? ? ? | East | South |
| Call Double Double twice Pass then Dbl Suit bid Cue (2/4 lev) 2 NT Cue (3 lev) Jump suit 3 NT 4 NT | Meaning 11+; takeout of real suit 15+; still takeout 13+; optional natural; good suit Michaels; good or strong 15-18 (system on) 3-level cue-bid overcall good jump overcall to play (no systemic responses) takeout if enemy suit is a major; else Blackwood |
If the opening bid does not indicate a specific suit and the response is artificial showing one specific suit, use this defense. Examples: Jacoby and Texas transfers.
| West 1 NT 1 NT 2 NT 2 NT | North P P P P (etc.) | East 2 X 4 X 3 X 4 X | South ? ? ? ? |
| Call Double Double twice Pass then Dbl Cue-bid Suit bid Any NT Jump suit | Meaning shows suit doubled takeout thru 4 takeout thru 3 Michaels natural; good suit unusual good jump overcall |
Junkyard Defense
| 1. Flannery 2 (5 hearts + 4 spades) |
| 2. Roman 2 or 2 (3 unknown suits) |
| 3. Precision 2 or 2 (3 known suits) |
| 4. Meckwell 2 (3 suits, 2 of which are known) |
| 5. Meckwell 2 (weak preempt in any suit) |
| 6. Multicolor 2 (unknown 6-card major usually) |
| West 2 X 2 X | North ? P | East 2 NT | South ? |
| Call Double Pass then Dbl Suit bid 2 NT Jump in suit 3 NT | Meaning strength-showing (about 15+) and our runout defense applies (see topic) takeout (if suit) thru 4 natural*; good suit 15-18; natural (system on) good jump overcall* natural (no systemic responses) |
| West 2 X | North P | East Suit | South ? |
| Call Double Other | Meaning takeout thru 4 as above |
If according to the enemy methods a two-suited hand might be 5-4 shape but typically is at least 5-5 shape, this should be ignored. Both suits should be presumed to be 5+ cards for the purpose of determining the meaning of our bids.
Lead-Directing Doubles
1. Double by an unpassed hand of an artificial response (thru 3 ) to any natural opening bid is a takeout double of the suit opened. These are takeout doubles:
| West 2 * | North P | East 2 | South Dbl |
| West 1 | North P | East 3 * | South Dbl |
| West 2 | North P | East 3 * | South Dbl |
2. Double by an unpassed hand of a splinter bid as our first action shows length in that suit and suggests a sacrifice bid.
| 1. Leader’s suit if both leader and doubler have shown suits |
| 2. Doubler’s suit |
| 3. Dummy’s suit unless leader can safely lead his own shown suit |
| 4. Leader’s shown suit |
| 5. Leader’s weaker major suit |
| 1. A side suit bid by the enemy |
| 2. Leader’s longest suit not bid by his side |
General ApproachIn a forcing auction, the first bid after suit agreement is natural if the suit was bid naturally earlier. The last bid in each auction is natural:
| West 1 3 | North P P | East 1 4 | South P |
| West 1 2 4 | North P P | East 2 3 | South P P |
| West 1 2 3 | North P P | East 2 3 | South P P |
The following bids are recognized as “advance control-bids” and establish suit agreement (partner’s suit, or the lower ranking of his two suits) by inference. These bids are just like a raise of a suit; i.e., they do not initiate a control-showing auction.
| 1. A new suit bid beyond 3 NT by a player who has bid notrump |
| 2. A bid in the only remaining unbid suit beyond 3 NT |
| 3. A cue-bid in the enemy suit beyond 3 NT |
A bid in an unagreed suit is a control-bid, even if this suit was naturally bid by you or partner. No further suit agreement is possible.
A control-bid does not require extra strength (only suitable values) unless it forces the partnership beyond game.
Bypassing a particular bid does not deny that control. There are many situations in which it is desirable to show a higher control before a lower one to facilitate subsequent bidding.
A control-bid beyond 5 of the highest agreed suit obviously means that a grand slam is possible. It further implies that no suit remains uncontrolled.
Control-Bids1. If a splinter bid, it shows a singleton or void. If splinter bid is beyond 5 of the agreed trump suit, it shows a void.
2. If bid is a suit naturally shown by partner, it implies the ace or king. It should not be a void or small singleton.
3. If bid is the enemy suit or the only unbid suit, it implies the ace or a splinter (if a splinter bid is impractical). Do not bid this way with the king. Partner should presume the ace and may bid 3 NT without a further stopper; if bid was based on a splinter, do not pass 3 NT.
4. If our side has shown only one suit, it implies the ace or king and length (4+ cards). It should not be based on shortness.
5. If our side has shown exactly two suits, it shows first or second round control (ideally, the king) and it implies no king in the remaining suit. For example:
| West P | North 1 3 | East P P | South 2 4 |
| ![[W - E]](v.gif) |
| 4 3 A Q J 8 5 K Q 4 A 6 2 |
Opener should be encouraged by short clubs and discouraged by short diamonds, not vice versa.
| Rules 4 and 5 apply only to slam tries below game so partner can evaluate his hand better. Slam tries beyond game follow the standard practice of showing first-round control. |
1. The ace if partner splintered in that suit or if the previous bid (by either you or partner) implied the ace or a splinter
2. A void if you splintered in that suit
3. The ace or king if a previous bid implied the ace or king
Blackwood1. As an opening bid
2. As an overcall if the enemy showed only a minor suit
3. If a major suit is agreed
4. If partner has acted, notrump has not been naturally bid (the forcing 1 NT response is not considered natural) and the “4 NT Response for Takeout” (see topic) does not apply.
Observe from Rule 4 that these auctions are not Blackwood:
| West 1 3 | North P P | East 2 NT 4 NT | South P |
| West 1 2 NT 4 NT | North P P | East 2 3 | South P P |
| West 2 NT 3 4 | North P P P | East 3 4 4 NT | South P P |
If a player uses Blackwood immediately after making a splinter bid, it is defined as “exclusion Blackwood.” Asker implies a void in splinter suit, and partner should not show that ace.
1. If one suit is agreed, the agreed suit is the key suit.
2. If two suits are agreed, the higher agreed suit is the key suit.
3. Immediately over our opening bid of 4 of a major, or after a rebid of 4 of a major after our 3 NT opening (strong preempt), the bid major is the key suit.
4. Immediately over our jump overcall of 4 of a major, or over a rebid of 4 of a major after a 3-level cue-bid overcall (strong one-suiter), the bid major is the key suit.
5. If 4 NT is a jump, the last suit shown by our side is the key suit. Exception: If two suits are shown simultaneously (as with the unusual notrump), this does not determine a key suit.
Another exception: After a 2 or higher response to our 2 opening, a jump to 4 NT by opener is regular Blackwood (opener may need to distinguish between A-Q and K-Q).
If a key suit is not determined by the above rules, then standard responses apply (0 or 4 aces, 1 ace, 2 aces, 3 aces). Blackwood bidder may sign off in any contract, except for 5 NT which promises all 4 aces and asks for the number of kings by steps (0, 1, 2, 3, 4).
Gerber
1. A response of 4 (jump or not) to partner’s 1 NT or 2 NT opening bid or overcall (if “system on” applies).
2. A jump to 4 over partner’s last bid of 1 NT or 2 NT.
3. A jump to 4 after a puppet Stayman response when opener has indicated no real suit.
| West 1 NT 2 | North P P | East 2 4 | South P |
| West 1 NT P | North P P | East 2 4 | South 2 |
4. A jump to 5 over a natural 3 NT response or rebid, provided clubs have not been naturally shown by our side. Each 5 bid is Gerber:
| West 1 5 | North P | East 3 NT | South P |
| West 1 3 NT | North P P | East 2 5 | South P |
| West 2 NT 3 3 NT | North P P P | East 3 3 5 | South P P |
5. A jump to 5 after a puppet Stayman response to 1 NT or 2 NT provided no major is agreed and clubs have not been naturally shown. Each 5 bid is Gerber:
| West 1 NT 2 | North P P | East 2 5 | South P |
| West 2 NT 3 | North P P | East 3 5 | South P |
| West 2 2 NT 3 | North P P P | East 2 3 5 | South P P |
If no key suit exists, standard responses apply (0 or 4 aces, 1 ace, 2 aces, 3 aces). Gerber bidder may sign off in any contract, except for the cheapest club continuation, which promises all 4 aces and asks for the number of kings by steps (0, 1, 2, 3, 4).
Key-Card Responses
| West … … … | North 4 4 NT 5 | East P P P | South ? ? ? |
| Call 1 step 2 steps 3 steps | Meaning 0 or 3 key cards 1 or 4 key cards 2 or 5 key cards* |
| West … … … | North 4 4 NT 5 | East Bid Bid Bid | South ? ? ? |
| Call Double Pass Cheapest bid | Meaning 0 or 3 key cards 1 or 4 key cards 2 or 5 key cards |
At the 6 or 7 level use D-E-P-O:
| West … … … | North 4 4 NT 5 | East Bid Bid Bid | South ? ? ? |
| Call Double Pass | Meaning 0, 2 or 4 key cards 1, 3 or 5 key cards |
Gerber bidder may sign off in 4, 5, or 6 of any previously shown suit or in 4 NT, 5 NT, or 6 NT. Especially note: A bid of 5 is not a Gerber continuation if clubs have been previously shown.
Sign-off exception: If the reply showed 1 or 4 key cards and in fact is 4, any rebid below slam (even the key suit) is forcing.
Key-Card Continuations
| West … … … … | North 4 M 5 X 5 NT 6 m | East P P P P | South ? ? ? ? |
| Call 4 NT, key suit Cheapest bid* Other bid* | Meaning denial QOEL; nothing showable QOEL; that king |
Rare: If Blackwood bidder makes a forcing suit bid below 5 NT that is not the cheapest available, it is a relay to sign off in 5 NT.
If Blackwood bidder makes a forcing bid of 5 NT or higher which is not the cheapest available, or if Gerber bidder makes a forcing (suit) bid which is not the cheapest available, this promises all 5 key cards and the key-suit QOEL. Responses:
| West … … … … | North 4 5 X 5 NT 6 X | East P P P P | South ? ? ? ? |
| Call 4/5 NT, key suit Other suit 6 NT 7 any | Meaning denial that king (may have 1 other) all 3 non-key-suit kings sign-off or “you pick the grand” if illogical to play |
| West … … … | North 5 X 5 NT 6 X | East P P P | South ? ? ? |
| Call 5 NT, key suit Other suit 6 NT 7 any | Meaning denial that king unshown king; doubts about 7; NF sign-off or “you pick the grand” if illogical to play |
Void-Showing over BlackwoodIf void suit is unknown:
| West … | North 4 NT | East P | South ? |
| Call 5 *5 NT* 6 of suit | Meaning 1 key card 2 key cards 3 key cards; void in suit bid if possible (else natural with unshowable void) |
If void suit would be known:
| West … | North 4 NT | East P | South ? |
• | Call 5 *5 NT* 6 non-key suit 6 key suit | Meaning 1 key card 2 key cards 3 key cards; that king (or key-suit QOEL if bid is void suit) 3 key cards; nothing else to show |
Note: A void suit should not be shown when regular Blackwood applies since it is not clear where Blackwood bidder is headed.
Voluntary Bid of FiveA jump to 5 in a minor is a slam invitation if a bid of 4 in that minor would be forcing.
In either case, the slam invitation asks for:
1. Control in the unbid suit if we have bid three suits
2. Control in the enemy suit if not already shown
3. Good trumps relative to the bidding if the above do not apply
| West … | North 5 X | East P | South ? |
| Call Pass 5 NT 6 X Other suit | Meaning no control in critical suit guarded king control, usually singleton control-bid; promises first-round control in critical suit |
If the bid asks for good trumps:
| West … | North 5 X | East P | South ? |
| Call Pass Other | Meaning sorry, pal use trump-asking steps (see topic) |
Trump Asking Bids
1. A jump to 4 after our weak two-bid, weak jump overcall, weak jump shift response, or major-suit overcall of 1 NT
2. A bid of 4 over our 3 , 3 or 3 opening or weak jump overcall with no interference
3. A bid of 4 over our 3 or 4 opening or weak jump overcall with no interference
4. A bid of 5 NT if a major suit is agreed or if a jump over partner’s natural major-suit bid (see “5 NT bids” for a rare exception)
5. A bid of 5 (when no major is agreed) if a minor suit is agreed or if a jump over partner’s natural minor-suit bid
| West … … … … | North 4 4 5 5 NT | East P P P P | South ? ? ? ? |
• | Call Trump suit 1 step 2 steps* 3 steps 4 steps 5 steps | Meaning worst response ace or king queen or extra length K-Q or A-Q A-K A-K-Q or no trump loser |
Note: Step responses skip over the trump suit, which always indicates the weakest response.
If asker continues with 4 NT it is regular Blackwood (not key-card).
Four Notrump Response for Takeout or 4 , you have not previously acted, partner has not made a weak bid or overcalled an enemy weak bid, and there are at least two unbid suits among , and . Otherwise a 4 NT response is Blackwood.
| West 1 | North 1 | East 4 | South 4 NT |
| West 4 | North Dbl | East P | South 4 NT |
| West P | North 1 | East 4 | South 4 NT |
| West 1 | North 2 | East 4 | South 4 NT |
| West 1 | North Dbl | East 4 | South 4 NT |
| West P | North 1 | East 4 | South 4 NT |
| West 2 | North 2 | East 4 | South 4 NT |
| West 1 | North Dbl | East 4 | South 4 NT |
| West 1 | North 1 | East 4 | South 4 NT |
Five Notrump Bids1. A jump to 5 NT over any balanced notrump bid, provided no real suit has been shown, invites a grand slam. Partner should bid 6 NT with a minimum or 7 NT with a tiptop maximum. A suit bid indicates a good 4+ cards with in-between strength.
2. If a real suit has been shown, a jump to 5 NT over any bid except a natural major-suit bid asks partner to select a slam from the obvious alternatives, with 6 NT being a possibility.
3. A nonjump bid of 5 NT over any bid (including a major) has the same meaning as above, but 6 NT is a possibility only if notrump was previously bid naturally. Otherwise, partner must choose a suit.
4. After a 4 or 5-level enemy preempt, whether partner has bid or not, a bid of 5 NT at your first turn requests partner to choose an unbid suit (cheapest first if there are 3 unbid) with 4 cards (or 3 cards with an honor). Example:
| West 4 | North 4 | East P | South 5 NT |
| |
| 3 2 A Q J 4 3 2 A K J 7 2 |
This bid would normally be interpreted as a grand slam force (trump ask), but the need for an unbid-suit takeout is more important and there is no other way to effect it.
Splinter Raises
2. Jump shift or jump cue-bid after a 2-over-1 response = 16+
4. Double jump rebid of 4 in opener’s minor after a major suit
rebid at the 1 level = 16+
5. Jump shift or jump cue-bid after a 2-over-1 response = 16+
6. Jump shift to 4 level after a puppet Stayman response to 1 NT
and a major-suit rebid by opener = 13+
7. Jump shift rebid after a 2 response to 2 = 6+
8. Jump shift rebid after a 2 response to 2 = 8+
A control-showing auction is immediately started with a splinter raise unless the raised suit is a minor and partner next bids a previously shown major suit.
Non-Raise Splinter BidsAnother kind of splinter bid is the shape-descriptive variety, usually made by a player who has indicated two suits or one long suit, such as in the Jacoby structure. These bids do not initiate a control-showing auction unless suit agreement has previously occurred.
Splinter Asking Bid or 3 NT) is a relay to ask for a splinter. This is not affected by an enemy takeout double, but it is off if either opponent has bid.
| West 1 M Rel 1 X 3 M ? | North P P (or) P P | East 3 M ? 1 M Rel | South P P P |
• • | Call Cheapest bid New suit* Agreed major* | Meaning no splinter that splinter “unshowable” splinter |
Control Asking Bid
1. A 5-level response in a lower suit to partner’s 4 or 4 opening bid or weak jump overcall with no interference
2. A 4 or 5-level cue-bid in the enemy suit after partner has made a weak bid
3. A new-suit follow-up by 2 opener after he has established trumps with a jump suit rebid
| West … … | North 4 X 5 X | East P P | South ? ? |
• | Call 1 step 2 steps* 3 steps 4 steps | Meaning no control queen or doubleton king or singleton ace or void |
Opening Leads at NotrumpKing from A-K-Q, A-K-J, A-K-10, K-Q-J, K-Q-10, or tripleton A-K-x or K-Q-x.
Queen from A-Q-J, Q-J-10, Q-J-9 or tripleton Q-J-x. Also from K-Q-10-9-x to demand jack unblock.
Jack from A-J-10, K-J-10, J-10-9, J-10-8 or tripleton J-10-x. Also from A-Q-J-x-x or K-Q-J-x-x if count is desired.
Ten from A-Q-10-9, A-10-9, K-10-9, Q-10-9, 10-9-8, 10-9-7 or tripleton 10-9-x. Rarely, A-K-10-9 if king lead is undesirable.
Fourth best from four-card or longer suits. No honor strength is necessarily implied, although a high card may be led from a weak suit if desiring a shift to another suit.
Lowest from A-x-x, K-x-x, Q-x-x, J-x-x or 10-x-x.
Highest from 9-x-x or weaker. Exception: If partner has indicated a 5 card or longer suit (which includes third and fourth-seat major openings, although suspect), lead low from three-small unless you have raised the suit.
Higher from a doubleton.
Opening Leads at Suits except in a suit originated by partner. (Beyond 4 or in a suit originated by partner lead the king.) Reverse of this procedure shows a doubleton.King from K-Q.
Queen from Q-J.
Jack from K-J-10 or J-10.
Ten from K-10-9, Q-10-9 or 10-9.
Lowest from an odd number of cards.
Third best from an even number of cards. Note that a nine lead could be third best (K-J-9-x) or low (K-J-9) but otherwise must be doubleton or singleton.
Higher from a doubleton.
Leads After Trick OneWhen shifting to another suit at notrump, lead fourth-best to encourage the return or high to discourage the return. At suit contracts, however, follow opening-lead methods for spot cards (low odd, third-best even).
Count SignalsIn giving count, normally play your second highest (if affordable) from four cards and the highest affordable from six cards. Play the indicated card:
| 9 8 6 2 | 10 9 8 2 | J 10 9 2 | Q 10 9 2 |
| Q J 10 3 (if intent is to give count) | J 10 9 7 4 2 |
This method is more helpful in distinguishing between two and four, or between four and six, especially in situations in which the ace is led and dummy has the queen with two or three small cards. Note that the highest outstanding card rules out count from four cards.
Ace against a 5-level or higher suit contract requests attitude.
When the ace of an unbid suit is led at a suit contract and dummy has exactly three cards without the queen, signal attitude.
Ace subsequent to the opening lead requests attitude.
King against notrump requests attitude.
Queen against notrump asks for unblock of the jack or ace; otherwise, it requests attitude.
At notrump, if dummy wins partner’s opening lead with a singleton ace, king or queen, signal attitude.
Suit Preference SignalsAgainst any contract, if the opening leader leads a suit originated by partner in which partner showed 5+ cards. (Third hand should play a middle card to be neutral.) Note: The suit preference is generally more urgent if leader retains the lead.
Against a suit, if the opening leader leads dummy’s singleton and retains the lead at trick two. Note that when a king is led (thru 4 ), this applies only when third hand has the ace.
When leading or following in a suit that partner is expected to ruff.
Against a suit, when partner’s opening lead is an obvious singleton and you are not trying to win the trick.
When removing declarer’s last stopper at notrump.
When playing from insignificant cards in a suit in which declarer has shown out (or will show out on the current trick). Note that strategic plays (unblocking, playing a known card, etc.) should not be interpreted as suit preference.
When following suit or discarding (but not when leading) from insignificant cards after count has been given. For example, in the following two holdings the first play is required to show count, but the order of the subsequent plays is suit preference:
| 6 5 4 | 4-5-6 suggests lower suit; 4-6-5 suggests higher suit |
| 9 5 4 3 | 5-3-4 suggests lower suit; 5-4-3 suggests higher suit |
The Wakeup Signal1. Underleading an ace on the opening lead. (When underleading an ace it is best to lead a false spot card so that partner is less likely to misplay thinking declarer has the ace.)
2. A nonsystemic lead such as the queen from K-Q or the jack from Q-J.
3. A blatantly wasteful or illogical signal such as dropping the king from K-J-x-x when you cannot be short in the suit.
Second Plays in the Same Suit
| K Q x | Continue with the queen |
| K Q J 9 | Continue with the jack |
| K 9 7 4 2 | Next play the 9 (or the 7 if you cannot spare the 9) |
| A 9 8 7 4 2 | Next play the 2 |
| A J 10 9 | Next play the 9* |
*Note that this takes priority over leading the top of a sequence.
Second leads from honor sequences follow the usual practice of playing “top-down” from short holdings (warning partner not to overtake or unblock) or leading the lowest of equals from long holdings (suggesting an overtake or unblock). Besides the obvious cases, this principle can solve problems like this at notrump (first trick is indicated):
| 4 | ||
| A J 7 5 3 | ![[W - E]](u.gif) | Q 9 8 2 |
| K 10 6 |
If West gets in and leads the jack, East should unblock the nine (and later the eight); but if West led the ace first, East should not unblock. The situation might be:
| 4 | ||
| A J 6 5 | | Q 9 8 2 |
| K 10 7 3 |
Here West continues with the ace, and East plays the two (present count). The location of the 10, of course, is not known to West, but he knows that declarer started with four (or two if conceivable) and a trick is not blown by a misguided unblock.
Miscellaneous Agreements
| J 10 | ||
| 9 8 2 | | K Q 7 6 4 3 |
| A 5 |
Assume the nine is led. Playing the king then the queen tells partner to unblock. Otherwise, partner should not unblock as declarer may have A-7-x. Also note that if declarer won the first trick, partner could safely lead the eight next if your first play were the king (but not if you played the queen).
| 10 9 8 7 | K 9 8 7 | J 10 9 8 | Q 10 9 8 |
| Q J 10 9 | K J 10 9 | K Q J 10 | K Q 10 9 |
| A K Q 2 | A K J 2 | A Q J 9 (denies K) |
| J 10 9 | 10 9 8 | J 9 8 | 9 8 6 |
Note that any play denies the card immediately above it.
Copyright © 2005 Richard Pavlicek. All rights reserved.