System Notes 7G03 by Richard Pavlicek

Mabel’s Favorite System

A version of “Eastern Scientific” as played by Mabel Pavlicek in casual partnerships. This outline follows the ACBL convention card. All conventions are according to “Modern Bridge Conventions” by Pavlicek/Root unless stated differently here.

General Approach

Standard with 5 Card Majors

Strong forcing opening: 2

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Notrump Opening Bids

1 NT = 15 to 17 HCP

2 = Stayman; if followed by:
   2 = weak; at least 4-4 majors
   2 = invitational; 5+ spades and 4 hearts
   3 or 3 = game forcing

Jacoby transfer (off after any interference)

2 = both minors (at least invitational)

3 or 3 = weak

Texas transfer (thru 3 in competition)

After a double: all suit bids are natural to play

After an overcall: all doubles are penalty
Cue-bid of natural suit = Stayman

2 NT = 20 to 22 HCP
Stayman; Jacoby; Texas
3 = both minors (slam try)

3 NT = 25 to 27 HCP
Stayman; Jacoby
4 = both minors (slam try)

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Major Openings

5+ cards; may be strong 4 cards in 3rd/4th if light

1 NT = 6 to 12 (forcing)

Two-over-one GF unless responder rebids same suit

2 NT = 13+ (11-12 in competition)

Double raise = limit (also in competition)

3 NT = forcing raise (no splinter)

Splinter bids (in competition must be a jump cue)

Reverse Drury

Minor Openings

3+ cards

Double raise = forcing (limit in competition)

1 NT = 6 to 10

2 NT = 13 to 16 (11-12 in competition)

3 NT = 17 to 18

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Two-Club Opening

Strong (typically 23+) and artificial

2 = 0-7 HCP; may be waiting with awkward hand

Other responses = 8+ HCP; natural

Cheaper minor (3 or 3 ) second negative

Weak Two-Bids

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

2 NT only force; asks for feature if not minimum

Other Conventional Calls

Splinter rebids (3

or higher jump) over majors only
In competition splinters in the enemy suit only

Responder’s 2nd round jumps GF by unpassed hand

New minor forcing (11+)

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Special Doubles

Negative thru 4

Direct NT Overcalls

1 NT = 15 to 18 HCP (10 to 15 in passout)
Respond as to 1 NT opening

2 NT nonjump = 16 to 19 (14 to 17 in passout)
Respond as to 2 NT opening

2 NT jump = unusual for two lower unbid suits

3 NT = natural; may be unbalanced with long minor
All responses natural (except a cue-bid)

Simple Overcall

Typically 8 to 17 HCP

Simple response = 8-11

Jump response = invitational

Cue-bid response = game forcing

Vs. All NT Openings

Double = 14+ HCP (optional)

Cappelletti (all seats):
   2 = any 1-suiter
   2 = majors
   2 = hearts + minor
   2 = spades + minor
   2 NT = minors

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Jump Overcall

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

Respond as to same opening

Over Opp’s T/O Dbl

New suit = forcing at 1 level; nonforcing at 2 level

All suit jumps weak

Redouble = 10+ HCP or 11+ support points

Opening Preempts

Light; usually based on “rule of 2, 3 or 4”

Vs. Enemy Preempts

Double = takeout thru 4

Double of 4 , 4 , 5 or 5 = optional

4 NT over 4 = all suit takeout

4 NT over any other major bid = minors

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Psychics

Rare (never initial actions)

Direct Cue-bid

Michaels (2 suits)

Slam Conventions

Gerber 4

(must be a jump over 1 NT or 2 NT)

Roman key-card Blackwood (regular responses)
   Key suit is highest raised suit, or last bid if no raise
   Cheapest unplayable suit rebid asks for queen then:
      Return to trump suit denies
   5 NT rebid asks for number of side kings (0,1,2,3)

D-O-P-I over Blackwood interference

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Opening Leads vs. Suits

Fourth best

Low from three small

King from A-K (except doubleton)

Standard honor leads

Opening Leads vs. NT

Fourth best

High from three small

Ace asks for unblock or count

Standard honor leads

Signals

Attitute when partner leads

Count when declarer leads

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