System 3U69 Main

Standard Bridge

by Richard Pavlicek

This is the system of bidding and carding agreements taught by Richard Pavlicek. Only the most basic conventions (Stayman, strong artificial 2 bid, weak two-bids, negative doubles, Blackwood & Gerber) are included although others may be added as desired. The outline follows the ACBL convention card.

General Approach

Standard with 5 Card Majors

Strong forcing opening: 2

Notrump Opening Bids

1 NT = 15-17 HCP

2 = Stayman; if followed by:

2 or 2 = invitational
3 or 3 = game forcing

3 or 3 = weak (requires alert)

After a double:

all suit bids are natural to play

After an overcall:

all doubles are penalty
cue-bid of real suit = Stayman

2 NT = 20-22 HCP

3 = Stayman

3 NT = 25-26 HCP

4 = Stayman

Major Openings

5+ cards

Double raise = forcing (limit in competition)

1 NT = 6-10

2 NT = 13-16 (11-12 in comp.)

3 NT = 17-18

Minor Openings

3+ cards

Double raise = forcing (limit in competition)

1 NT = 6-10

2 NT = 13-16 (11-12 in comp.)

3 NT = 17-18

System 3U69 Main Top Standard Bridge

Two-Club Opening

Strong (usually 23+) and artificial

2 = 0-7 HCP

Other responses = 8+ HCP; natural

Weak Two-Bids

5-11 HCP; 6 cards (or strong 5)

2 NT only force; asks for feature if not minimum

Other Conventional Calls

Responder’s 2nd round jumps game forcing by unpassed hand

Two-over-one response shows 11+ points and promises a rebid (if below game)

Special Doubles

Negative through 4

Direct Notrump Overcalls

1 NT = 15-18 HCP (10-15 in passout)

Respond as to 1 NT opening

2 NT nonjump = 16-19 (14-17 in passout)

Respond as to 2 NT opening

2 NT jump = unusual for two lower unbid suits

3 NT = natural; may have 6+ card minor; all responses natural (except a cue-bid)

Simple Overcall

Typically 8-17 HCP

Simple response = 8-11

Jump response = invitational

Cue-bid response = game forcing

Vs. All Notrump Openings

Double = 14+ HCP (optional)

All suit bids = natural

Jump Overcall

Weak (like a weak two-bid or preemptive opening)

Respond as to same opening

System 3U69 Main Top Standard Bridge

Over Opp’s Takeout Double

New suit = nonforcing

Jump raise = 8-10 points; 4+ trumps

Redouble = 10+ HCP or 11+ support points

Opening Preempts

Light; based on rule of 2, 3 or 4

Vs. Enemy Preempts

Double = takeout through 4

Double of 4 , 4 , 5 or 5 = optional

4 NT over 4 = all suit takeout

4 NT over any other major bid = minors

Psychics

Rare (never initial actions)

Direct Cue-bid

Strong (equal to 2 opening)

Slam Conventions

Gerber 4 /5 (must be a jump after partner bid notrump)

Blackwood 4 NT

Opening Leads vs. Suits

Fourth best

Low from three small

King from A-K (except doubleton)

Standard honor leads

Opening Leads vs. Notrump

Fourth best

High from three small

Ace asks for unblock or count

Standard honor leads

Signals

Attitude when partner leads

Count when declarer leads

System 3U69 Main Top Standard Bridge