Main   System Notes 7G19 by Richard Pavlicek  

Pavlicek System

Obsolete as of February 2015

Contents

Overview

Balanced Notrump Openings

One-Level Suit Openings

Competitive after One of a Suit

Two-Level and Higher Openings

Defense to One of a Suit

Miscellaneous Defensive Bidding

Slam Bidding Methods

Defensive Carding

Top     Main

Overview

Introduction

This is the classic version of the system created by Richard Pavlicek, and played with his son Rich Pavlicek and formerly with Bill Root. As of February 2015 it is superseded by a more streamlined version designated as “Pavlicek (complete).”

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
DJ	double jump
JS	jump shift
FS	fourth suit
•	unusual treatment

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Basic Approach

Opening bid structure:

•

Call 1 , 1 1 , 1 1 NT 2 2 , 2 , 2 2 NT 3 of suit 3 NT 4 of suit 4 NT, 5 NT 5 , 5

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 minors; extreme shape weak

Top     Main

Balanced Notrump Openings

Notrump Structure

An opening bid of 1 NT shows 15 to 17 HCP and a balanced hand. It is permissible to have a 5 card major suit provided the hand is otherwise suitable for notrump. Off-shape hands (5-4-2-2 or 6-3-2-2) are allowable when each doubleton contains an honor.

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

Top     Main

Puppet Stayman

The 2 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

*if responder has 4 spades

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

*If responder has slam interest, he may continue with a minor-suit splinter, opposite major (natural) or key-card Blackwood.

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)

*denies spade fit; 3 NT offers choice of game after heart fit

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 NT 4 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

*If 3 is not available (i.e., if opener bid 3 ) then 3 shows 5+ clubs and 4  shows exactly 4 clubs.

After interference:

All doubles or redoubles by either player are for penalty.

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

After a 2 NT opening:

The use of puppet Stayman after 2 NT is almost identical to after 1 NT, although any bid that commits the partnership past 3 NT with no assured major fit promises slam interest.

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 relays  then 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

*With 6-4 majors and no slam interest, responder should just use Texas.

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

When opener shows a 5 card major:

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

Top     Main

Jacoby Transfer

The 2 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

Rebids by responder:

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

Opener’s third bid:

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

Responder’s third bid:

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)

After a 2 NT opening:

The 3 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)

Transfer bypass:

If opener jumps in responder’s major (bypasses the transfer) to show a maximum hand with an exceptional fit, responder’s rebids are changed:

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

Top     Main

Minor Suit Stayman

The 2 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

After a 2 NT opening:

The 3 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

Top     Main

Minor Suit Transfers

After a 1 NT opening, a response of 2 NT or 3 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.

Top     Main

Splinter Responses

After a 1 NT opening, a response of 3 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. Top     Main

Three Diamonds 5-5 in Majors

The 3 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

Top     Main

Texas Transfer

The 4 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

Rebids by responder:

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

Top     Main

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

*minors

Call Double 3 Other

Meaning creates forcing auction Stayman (not puppet) as above

Rebids by opener:

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

Top     Main

One-Level Suit Openings

One-Over-One Structure

A 1-level suit response to an opening bid of 1 , 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

Top     Main

Rebids by Responder

After a 1-over-1 response and opener’s nonjump, non-reverse suit rebid, the following rebidding structure applies:

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

*1 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

Especially note:

Responder’s raise to three of a minor suit is game forcing (except by a passed hand or if either opponent has bid). If responder wants to invite game, he must bid a third suit (improvising if necessary) after which his next nonjump bid will be invitational. Top     Main

Opener’s Third Bid

After the fourth suit force, opener should describe his hand naturally according to this general structure:

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 suit Other 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 suit Other

Meaning any strength; 3 cards; F bare minimum; nondescript but not  3 cards in M; NF any strength; F 15 (good 14); GF

Top     Main

Responder’s Third Bid

Responder need not bid again after the third or fourth suit force when opener has shown a bare minimum. If responder does bid again he names the final strain. If this is a nonjump below game, responder shows an invitational-range hand. A jump below game is forcing.

Other notes:

1. Rebidding the fourth suit (or third suit) shows at least 5-5 shape. This is invitational at the 3 level; game forcing at the 4 level.

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. Top     Main

Rebids after a 1 NT Rebid

When opener rebids 1 NT, the following two structures apply:

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

*There is no sign-off in clubs on this auction

West 1 X 1 NT

North P P

East 1 M ?

South P

•

Call New minor* 2 X, 2 M 2 new suit 2 new suit 2 NT 3 X, 3 M 3 m, 3 JS 3 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

*Bid better minor after a 1 opening

Memory 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).

Opener’s third bid:

After the artificial 2 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

*Plus other major stopped; else would not rebid 1 NT

West 1 X 1 NT ?

North P P

East 1 M 2 m

South P P

Call 2 new suit 2 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

Responder’s third bid:

After the artificial 2 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 nonjump J new major Other jump

Meaning stopper or ace; 5+ ; GF game 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

*Opener has option to play notrump with 5-3 major fit

A special case:

West 1 m 1 NT Bid

North P P P

East 1 2 um ?

South P P

• •

Call 2 * over 2 New bid Other

Meaning 5 spades; F 5-5 in majors; I as previous auction

*Opener must bid 2 NT or 3 with a minimum. If 2 NT, responder’s next bid if any follows 3rd-round format Top     Main

Rebids after a 2 NT Jump Rebid

When opener rebids 2 NT (18-19 HCP) after a 1-level suit response, the following structure, similar to that after 1 NT, applies:

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

Opener’s third bid:

After the artificial 3 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

Responder’s third bid:

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

A special case:

West 1 m 2 NT Bid

North P P P

East 1 3 um ?

South P P

• •

Call 3 4 over 3 NT Other

Meaning 5-5 majors; no slam interest 5-5 majors; no slam interest as previous auction

Top     Main

Notrump Responses to Minor

The 1 NT response to 1 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)

Top     Main

One Notrump Forcing

The 1 NT response to 1 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

Rebids by responder:

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+); NF 6-10 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

*A value-raise shows normal trump support for opener’s suit, usually with the king or queen in the suit bid; further, if just one unbid suit remains, this implies no secondary honors in the unbid suit.

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 M 3 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

Top     Main

Two-over-One Response to Major

The 2-over-1 response to 1 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

Rebids by responder:

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

Opener’s third bid:

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

Top     Main

Two Clubs over One Diamond

The 2 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

Rebids by responder:

West 1 2

North P P

East 2 ?

South P

Call 2 NT, 3 Other

Meaning 11-12; usually end; NF natural; GF

Top     Main

Inverted Minor Raises

A single minor raise shows 10+ unlimited (with exactly 10 prefer 1 NT if balanced), at least 4 trumps (usually 5), and no 4 card major suit. This is forcing for one round.

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. Top     Main

Direct Major Raises

The following responses to a major opening show trump support. Single raise shows 3+ trumps; all other raises show 4+ trumps.

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

Special follow-ups:

After a 1-step raise, opener may relay with the cheapest bid to locate the splinter, which is shown naturally except a bid of 4 in the trump suit indicates the unshowable splinter.

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. Top     Main

Weak Jump Shift Responses

Except for the specialized major raises (3 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 minor opening or 4 over 1 .

Rebids by opener:

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

*Responder follows the same rebid structure (3 = 5 card suit, etc.) Top     Main

Two Notrump Response

The 2 NT response to one of a suit shows 15+ HCP (no upper limit) and usually denies a 4 card major biddable at the 1 level.

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)

Rebids by responder:

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

Top     Main

Major Suit Game Tries

The following structure applies any time a major suit is raised from one to two. This can be a raise of a major-suit opening, a one-level response, a one-level rebid or a one-level overcall. It also applies after a Drury 2  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

*or Double

• •

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

*Note that a jump to 3 is natural, not a splinter.

After the “cheapest bid” relay:

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

*Typically at least 3 cards including the king or queen

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

*If no relay is available below 3 of major, this is the only available invitation, so responder should continue to game if maximum. Top     Main

Opener’s Reverse Bid

Opener’s reverse after a 1 , 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 suit Pref, 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

Opener’s third bid:

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. Top     Main

Fourth Suit Bids in General

Except for the fourth-suit-forcing structure used to invite game after a 1-over-1 response, bids in the fourth suit are usually game forcing. Meanings of fourth-suit bids are outlined below with examples.

1. 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

Top     Main

Passed Hand Modifications

In third or fourth seat slightly weaker hands may be opened. Further, when opening a subminimum hand, it is permissible to bid a good 4 card major for tactical purposes.

The 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. Top     Main

Reverse Drury

The 2 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

Responder’s rebids:

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

*Major-suit game-try structure applies by opener after this bid

Enemy interference:

Reverse Drury does not apply in competition. If the enemy interferes after the 2 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

Top     Main

Competitive after One of a Suit

After a Takeout Double

If our opening bid of one of a suit is doubled for takeout:

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

*Rebid structure is unchanged unless an opponent bids.

After a minor opening:

The following bids show 4+ card trump support:

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

After a major opening:

The following bids show trump support:

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

Top     Main

After a Suit Overcall

If our opening bid of one of a suit is overcalled in a natural unbid suit thru the level of 4 :

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

After a minor opening:

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 jump or DJ DJ new suit

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

After a major opening:

West 1 M

North Suit

East ?

South

• •

Call 2 M 3 M jump 3 M nonjump 4 M jump 4 M nonjump 3 NT jump or DJ DJ new suit

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

Top     Main

Negative Doubles

After our opening of one of a suit, the double of a suit overcall thru 4 (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 .

Rebids by opener:

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

Rebids by doubler when opener has not shown extra strength:

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

*Exceptions: A spade bid after doubling 1 , or a minor-suit bid when opener bid a major that responder showed, is natural and GF. Top     Main

After a Two-Suited Overcall

After a Michaels cue-bid, unusual 2 NT, Roman jump overcall, or any other bid that shows a two-suited hand, the following structure called “invisible cue-bids” applies:

West 1 X

North Bid*

East ?

South

*2-suited hand

• • • •

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

*A bid is a cue-bid only if the suit was specifically shown. The “higher cue” is available only when two specific suits were shown.

Subsequent bidding:

1. After the “higher cue,” if opener rebids in notrump or his original suit, this confirms a minimum and is nonforcing. A “raise” of responder’s indicated suit is forcing below game.

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. Top     Main

Competitive Rebids

Opener’s competitive rebids after a 1-over-1 response carry the same meaning as those without interference provided a lower bid in the same strain is not eliminated by the interference. If opener is restricted by elimination, the following structure applies:

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 reverse 3 lower suit 3 reverse 3 jump reverse Jump 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.

Two-over-one auctions:

After a 2-over-1 (or nonjump 3-over-1) response following an overcall, responder is not required to bid again; no forcing auction is created. If opener repeats his suit, bids 2 NT or raises, he confirms a minimum and it is nonforcing. Jumps and new suit bids are forcing below game. The same is true of responder’s rebids. Top     Main

Cue-Bids as Rebids

After our opening bid of one of a suit and some action by responder, a cue-bid in the enemy suit by opener or responder is game forcing. The meanings are shown below:

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.

Special follow-ups:

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). Top     Main

Competitive Doubles

Certain doubles, while penalty in standard bidding, are best played as competitive meaning, “I want to compete further but I am not sure what to bid.” Certain basic conditions must always exist:

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.

Applicable situations:

Assuming the above conditions the following are competitive doubles:

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

Strength requirements:

The minimum strength for a competitive double at the 1 or 2 level is slightly more than previously shown; at the 3 level, you should have about an ace extra. There is no upper limit; the double might be the first step with a game-going hand.

After a competitive double:

Partner of the competitive doubler should choose the contract from the alternatives suggested by the previous bidding. Any nonjump bid (even a new suit) is nonforcing; jumps below game are invitational. Passing the double is a real possibility, requiring a suitable defensive hand with 4 trumps, or 3 trumps at the 3 level. Top     Main

Cooperative Doubles

A cooperative double is a penalty suggestion. Doubler typically holds 3 or more cards in the suit doubled, all-around values, and no fit for partner’s suit. Cooperative doubles apply in the following situations thru 3 . (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 cooperative double:

Partner should remove the double with a singleton or void in the enemy suit or with a hand very unsuited for defense. Limit bidding applies. Top     Main

After a One Notrump Overcall

After an enemy 1 NT overcall of our suit opening bid:

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)

Top     Main

Actions when Responder Passes

Point ranges are shown by probable high-card points, however, suit bids may be shaded.

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

*If artificial suit bid (or cue-bid) double is takeout of enemy suit shown. If enemy has shown no real suit, then double shows extra length in suit doubled.

Balancing actions:

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

*If the enemy bid is a jump, opener may pass without length in the enemy suit if he feels it is too risky to double or bid. Top     Main

Two-Level and Higher Openings

Two Club Opening

An opening bid of 2 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

Special jump rebid by opener:

After any response, a jump suit rebid by opener (even if game) establishes the trump suit and is forcing. Responder must continue:

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).

Rebids by opener after a point-count response:

West 2 ?

North P

East 2

South P