System Notes 7G19 by Richard Pavlicek

Pavlicek System

Last Revision Date: October 5, 2005
Copyright © 1980-2005 Richard Pavlicek


Contents

Overview

Introduction
Basic Approach

Balanced Notrump Openings

Notrump Structure
Puppet Stayman
Jacoby Transfer
Minor Suit Stayman
Minor Suit Transfers
Splinter Responses
Three Diamonds 5-5 in Majors
Texas Transfer
Enemy Interference

One-Level Suit Openings

One-Over-One Structure
Rebids by Responder
Opener’s Third Bid
Responder’s Third Bid
Rebids after a 1 NT Rebid
Rebids after a 2 NT Jump Rebid
Notrump Responses to Minor
One Notrump Forcing
Two-over-One Response to Major
Two Clubs over One Diamond
Inverted Minor Raises
Direct Major Raises
Weak Jump Shift Responses
Two Notrump Response
Major Suit Game Tries
Opener’s Reverse Bid
Fourth Suit Bids in General
Passed Hand Modifications
Reverse Drury

Competitive after One of a Suit

After a Takeout Double
After a Suit Overcall
Negative Doubles
After a Two-Suited Overcall
Competitive Rebids
Cue-Bids as Rebids
Competitive Doubles
Cooperative Doubles
After a One Notrump Overcall
Actions when Responder Passes

Two-Level and Higher Openings

Two Club Opening
Weak Two Bids
Preemptive Openings
Three Notrump Opening

Defense to One of a Suit

Takeout Doubles
Suit Overcalls
Weak Jump Overcalls
Good Jump Overcalls
Notrump Overcalls
Unusual Notrump Overcall
Michaels Cue-Bid
Three-Level Cue-Bid Overcall
Balancing Actions
After Two Enemy Bids
Additional Agreements

Miscellaneous Defensive Bidding

Defense to One Notrump
Runout Defense
Astro Structure
Standard Defense
Defense to Two and Three Notrump
Defense to Weak Openings
Defense to Four of a Major
Defense to Strong Artificial Openings
Defense to Transfer Bids
Junkyard Defense
Lead-Directing Doubles

Slam Bidding Methods

General Approach
Control-Bids
Blackwood
Gerber
Key-Card Responses
Key-Card Continuations
Void-Showing over Blackwood
Voluntary Bid of Five
Trump Asking Bids
Four Notrump Response for Takeout
Five Notrump Bids
Splinter Raises
Non-Raise Splinter Bids
Splinter Asking Bid
Control Asking Bid

Defensive Carding

Leads Against Suits
Leads Against Notrump
Count Signals
Suit Preference Signals
The Wakeup Signal
Second Plays in the Same Suit
Miscellaneous Agreements

Overview

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Introduction

This is the bridge system created by Richard Pavlicek. It is played in its entirety with his son Rich Pavlicek and with Bill Root, and in part with other experts.

Warning! 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:

Fforcing
NFnonforcing
Iinvitational
GFgame forcing
Mmajor suit
mminor suit
Rred suit (D or H)
umunbid minor
X, Yan unbid suit
Ppass
Dbldouble
Actbid or double
Anypass, bid or double
Rdblredouble
Relrelay
Xfrtransfer
Cuebid in enemy suit
Jjump
DJdouble jump
JSjump shift
FSfourth suit
•unusual treatment

Contents...

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Basic Approach

Opening bid structure:













Call
1 C, 1 D
1 H, 1 S
1 NT
2 C
2 D, 2 H, 2 S
2 NT
3 of suit
3 NT
4 of suit
4 NT
5 C, 5 D
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

Contents...

Balanced Notrump Openings

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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 C
2 D, 2 H
2 S
2 NT, 3 C
3 D
3 H, 3 S
3 NT
4 C
4 D, 4 H
4 S (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 C
3 D, 3 H
3 S
3 NT
4 C
4 D, 4 H
4 S (rare)
4 NT		Meaning
Puppet Stayman
Jacoby transfer
minor-suit Stayman
sign-off
Gerber
Texas transfer
sign-off
quantitative

Contents...

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Puppet Stayman

The 2 C 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 D, 2 H or 2 S.

West
1 NT
?		North
P		East
2 C		South
P



Call
2 D
2 H, 2 S		Meaning
relay (usually no 5-card major)
5 card suit

West
1 NT
2 D		North
P
P		East
2 C
?		South
P


•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Call
2 H
2 S
2 NT
3 C
3 D
3 H
3 S
3 NT
4 C		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 D relay responder’s next suit bid is always artificial. Note that a 2 H or 2 S bid denies interest in the major bid and denies five cards in the major shown.

West
1 NT
2 D
?		North
P
P		East
2 C
2 M		South
P
P




•


Call
2 S
2 NT
3 C
3 H
3 S
4 H		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 D
?		North
P
P		East
2 C
2 NT		South
P
P



•



Call
Pass
3 C

3 H, 3 S
3 NT
4 H, 4 S		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 D
?		North
P
P		East
2 C
3 C		South
P
P


•



Call
3 D

3 H, 3 S
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 D
Fit		North
P
P
P		East
2 C
2 M
?		South
P
P




•




Call
2 NT, 3 NT
3 C, 3 D
Unfit major
3 S (fit)
4 C, 4 D
4 H over 2 S
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 D
No Fit		North
P
P
P		East
2 C
2 M
?		South
P
P



•
•


Call
3 C, 3 D
3 H*
3 S
3 NT
4 C 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 C is not available (i.e., if opener bid 3 C) then 3 H shows 5+ clubs and 4 C shows exactly 4 clubs.

After interference:

All doubles or redoubles by either player are for penalty.

If responder’s L-H-O doubles 2 C or bids 2 D, the structure is unchanged (assuming no further enemy bid). Opener should make his normal rebid or pass, double or redouble. If responder rebids 2 D it is to play (he would have passed 2 D).

If either opponent bids 2 H or higher (after the Stayman 2 C 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 H could be both majors after a 3 C or 3 D overcall); this is invitational at 2 S 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 C
?		South
2 H up







Call
2 S
2 NT
3 m
3 M
cue
3 NT		Meaning
4 spades; I
invitational (ambiguous over 2 S)
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 D		North
P
P		East
3 C
?		South
P


•
•
•
•

•
•
•

Call
3 H
3 S
3 NT
4 C

4 D
4 H
4 S
4 NT
5 C		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 D 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 D
?		North
P
P		East
3 C
3 M		South
P
P




•

Call
3 S
3 NT
4 C

4 H		Meaning
spade fit (if responder has 4 spades)
no fit
heart fit; maximum (responder should
   bid 4 D as transfer to play in 4 H)
heart fit; minimum

West
2 NT
3 D
Fit		North
P
P
P		East
3 C
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 D
3 NT		North
P
P
P		East
3 C
3 M
?		South
P
P



•
•

Call
4 C, 4 D
4 H
4 S
4 NT
5 C		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 C
?

3 C
? 		South
P


P









Call
2 S
2 NT, 3 M
3 NT, 4 M
other M (3+)
nonjump C or D
jump 4 x
4 NT
5 C		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

Contents...

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Jacoby Transfer

The 2 D response to a 1 NT opening shows at least 5 hearts; 2 H 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 S over 2 H
3 C, 3 D
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 D response to a 2 NT opening shows at least 5 hearts; 3 H 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 S over 3 H
4 H over 3 S
4 C, 4 D
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

Contents...

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Minor Suit Stayman

The 2 S 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 S		South
P





Call
2 NT, 3 C, 3 D
3 H, 3 S
3 NT
4 C, 4 D		Meaning
minimum; NF
strength in suit; max; GF
maximum; NF
pure values; max; GF

West
1 NT
2 NT		North
P
P		East
2 S
?		South
P




•

Call
3 C, 3 D
3 H, 3 S
4 C, 4 D
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 S
?		South
P






Call
3 H, 3 S
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 S
?		South
P




Call
4 C, 4 D
4 H, 4 S
4 NT		Meaning
5+ cards; slam try
splinter; slam try
quantitative

West
1 NT
3 M		North
P
P		East
2 S
?		South
P







Call
4 C, 4 D

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 S response to 2 NT shows at least 4-4 in the minors and promises slam interest.

West
2 NT
?		North
P		East
3 S		South
P




Call
3 NT
4 C, 4 D
4 NT		Meaning
no fit or “wrong” hand
fit-showing
maximum; no fit; I

West
2 NT
Bid		North
P
P		East
3 S
?		South
P




Call
4 C, 4 D
4 H, 4 S
4 NT		Meaning
5+ cards
splinter
quantitative

Contents...

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Minor Suit Transfers

After a 1 NT opening, a response of 2 NT or 3 C 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 H over the 2 D relay.

Contents...

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Splinter Responses

After a 1 NT opening, a response of 3 H or 3 S 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 C

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.

Contents...

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Three Diamonds 5-5 in Majors

The 3 D 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 D		South
any




•

•
Call
3 H, 3 S
3 NT
4 C, 4 D

4 H, 4 S
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 D
?		South
any







Call
3 H, 3 S
3 NT
4 C, 4 D
4 H, 4 S
4 NT
Meaning
natural (rare)
natural (honors in short suits); NF
splinter; slam interest
game interest only; NF
natural over 3 NT
Blackwood otherwise

Contents...

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Texas Transfer

The 4 D response to a 1 NT or 2 NT opening shows at least 6 hearts; 4 H 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

Contents...

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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 H


3 S
3 NT
4 C
4 D, 4 H

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 C
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 S		South
P




Call
3 NT
4 of suit
Cue-bid		Meaning
stopper in enemy suit
4+ cards; no stopper; NF
maximum; no stopper; GF

Contents...

One-Level Suit Openings

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One-Over-One Structure

A 1-level suit response to an opening bid of 1 C, 1 D or 1 H 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

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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 S 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.

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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 S
?		North
P
P		East
1 R
2 X		South
P
P


•
Call
2 S
Other		Meaning
at least 4-5 shape; F
as previous auction

These two sequences are unique:

West
1 C
1 H
?		North
P
P		East
1 D
1 S		South
P
P



Call
Nonjump
Jump		Meaning
13-15; NF
16-18; I

West
1 H
2 D
?		North
P
P		East
1 S
3 C		South
P
P



•

Call
3 S
3 D

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 S 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 D 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

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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.

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Rebids after a 1 NT Rebid

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

West
1 C
1 NT		North
P
P		East
1 D
?		South
P


•




•		Call
2 C*
2 D
2 H, 2 S
2 NT
3 C, 3 D
3 H, 3 S		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 H new suit
2 S new suit
2 NT
3 X, 3 M
3 m, 3 H JS
3 S 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 H 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 C or new minor force, opener should bid in the priority listed below:

West
1 C
1 NT
?		North
P
P		East
1 D
2 C		South
P
P







Call
2 H*, 2 S*
2 NT
3 NT
2 D
3 D
3 C		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 H 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 C 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 C
1 NT
Bid		North
P
P
P		East
1 D
2 C
?		South
P
P





Call
New major
Other NJ
J new major
Other jump		Meaning
stopper or ace; 5+ D; 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 S
2 um
?		South
P
P


•
•
Call
2 S* over 2 H
New H bid
Other		Meaning
5 spades; F
5-5 in majors; I
as previous auction
*Opener must bid 2 NT or 3 S with a minimum. If 2 NT, responder’s next bid if any follows 3rd-round format

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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 C
2 NT		North
P
P		East
1 D
?		South
P


•
•		Call
3 C
3 D, 3 H, 3 S		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 H
2 NT		North
P
P		East
1 S
?		South
P




•		Call
3 C, 3 D
3 H
3 S		Meaning
better minor; GF
natural; GF
natural; slam try

Opener’s third bid:

After the artificial 3 C 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 D)
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 S
3 um
?		South
P
P


•
•
Call
3 H
4 H over 3 NT
Other		Meaning
5-5 majors; no slam interest
5-5 majors; no slam interest
as previous auction

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Notrump Responses to Minor

The 1 NT response to 1 C or 1 D 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 C after 1 D
Reverse
3 C after 1 D
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 C or 1 D shows 15+ HCP. See separate topic.

The 3 NT response to 1 C or 1 D 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 C after 1 D
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)

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One Notrump Forcing

The 1 NT response to 1 H or 1 S shows 6-14 HCP (it may be less with a trump fit) and denies 4 spades after 1 H. It is forcing.

West
1 M
?		North
P		East
1 NT		South
P



•
•
•
•


Call
2 C, 2 D
2 S after 1 H
3 S after 1 H
4 H after 1 S
4 C, 4 D

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 S after 1 H

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 C = 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 S
2 H		North
P
P		East
1 NT
?		South
P




•

Call
3 C, 3 D
3 H
4 C, 4 D
4 H
Other		Meaning
6-10; 6+ cards; NF
9-11; 4+ trumps; I
13+ value-raise of H
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 S after 1 H

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 H
2 S		North
P
P		East
1 NT
?		South
P


•




Call
2 NT
3 C, 3 D
3 H
3 S
3 NT
4 C, 4 D		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 H

West
1 M
2 NT		North
P
P		East
1 NT
?		South
P


•

•

•		Call
3 C, 3 D, 3 M
3 H after 1 S
3 S after 1 H

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 S after 1 H
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 S
3 H		North
P
P		East
1 NT
?		South
P






•		Call
3 S
4 C, 4 D
4 H
4 S
5 C, 5 D		Meaning
weak hand (assumed) or 13+
6+ cards; F
weak raise
10-12; slam invitation
11+ value-raise of H

West
1 M
3 M		North
P
P		East
1 NT
?		South
P


•



•		Call
3 S

4 C, 4 D
4 H after 1 S
Jump shift		Meaning
at least 5-5 in minors; limit bidding
   follows
6+ cards; F
6+ cards; NF
11+ value-raise of M

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Two-over-One Response to Major

The 2-over-1 response to 1 H or 1 S 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 S
?		North
P		East
2 H		South
P



•
Call
3 H
4 H
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 S
2 NT
?		North
P
P		East
2 H
3 NT		South
P
P


•


•		Call
4 m

4 H
4 S		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

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Two Clubs over One Diamond

The 2 C response to 1 D shows 11+ points and 4+ clubs. With a minimum opening opener must make an artificial 2 D rebid; otherwise game must be reached (except for 4 C jump raise).

West
1 D
?		North
P		East
2 C		South
P


•






•		Call
2 D
2 H, 2 S
2 NT
3 C
3 D
3 H, 3 S
3 NT
4 C		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 D
2 D		North
P
P		East
2 C
?		South
P



Call
2 NT, 3 C
Other		Meaning
11-12; usually end; NF
natural; GF

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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.

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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: D = S, H = C, S = D.

After a 3-step raise, opener may relay as an all-purpose slam try.

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Weak Jump Shift Responses

Except for the specialized major raises (3 S thru 4 H), 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 S over 1 H.

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 C = 5 card suit, etc.)

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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

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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 C response, a 2 D 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 H
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 S 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.

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Opener’s Reverse Bid

Opener’s reverse after a 1 H, 1 S 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 C 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 H is covered under 1 NT forcing. See topic.

Contents...

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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 H
2 D		North
P
P		East
2 C
2 S		South
P

West
1 S
2 H		North
P
P		East
2 D
3 C		South
P

West
1 D
2 S		North
P
P		East
2 C
3 H		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 C
2 D		North
P
P		East
1 S
2 H		South
P

West
1 C
2 D		North
P
P		East
1 H
2 S		South
P

West
1 D
2 H		North
P
P		East
1 S
3 C		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 D
2 D
3 H		North
P
P		East
1 S
3 C		South
P
P

West
1 H
2 C
3 D		North
P
P		East
1 S
3 C		South
P
P

West
1 H
2 H
3 S		North
P
P		East
2 C
3 D		South
P
P

West
1 C
1 S
3 D		North
P
P
P		East
1 D
3 C
3 H		South
P
P

West
1 C
2 C
3 D		North
P
P
P		East
1 H
3 C
3 S		South
P
P

West
1 S
2 D
3 D		North
P
P
P		East
2 C
2 NT
3 H		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 C
2 C
3 D
3 S		North
P
P
P		East
1 H
3 C
3 H		South
P
P
P

West
1 C
1 S
2 S
3 D		North
P
P
P		East
1 H
2 D
3 C		South
P
P
P

West
1 S
2 S
3 C
3 H		North
P
P
P		East
2 C
2 NT
3 D		South
P
P
P

Contents...

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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 C response to 1 D 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 C response to a major is “reverse Drury.” See topic.

5. A 2 D response to a major (or 2 H over 1 S) 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 C
3 D after 1 H
3 M		Meaning
asks for splinter (3 M shows C splinter)
demands 3 H with S splinter; else 4 H
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.

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Reverse Drury

The 2 C 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 C		North
P
P		East
1 M
?		South
P



•
Call
2 D
2 H after 1 S
2 same major		Meaning
artificial; game interest
4+ hearts; no game interest
no game interest

Responder’s rebids:

West
P
2 C
?		North
P
P		East
1 M
2 D		South
P
P




•


Call
2 M*
2 NT
3 C
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 C bid, use these structures:

West
P
2 C		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 C		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

Contents...

Competitive after One of a Suit

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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

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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 D:

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 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

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 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

Contents...

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Negative Doubles

After our opening of one of a suit, the double of a suit overcall thru 4 D (or 4 H 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 C		North
1 D		East
?		South



Call
Double
1 H, 1 S		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 H
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 H
1 H
1 H
1 S
1 S		North
1 S
2 S
3 S
2 H
3 H		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 C 2 C.

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 H, or a minor-suit bid when opener bid a major that responder showed, is natural and GF.

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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.

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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 S reverse
3 lower suit
3 reverse
3 S J 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.

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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).

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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 C
Dbl		North
P		East
1 D		South
1 S

West
1 C
P		North
P
P		East
1 H
Dbl		South
1 S

West
1 C
P		North
1 H
P		East
P
Dbl		South
1 S

2. Double of a raised enemy suit thru 3 S, 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 D
Dbl		North
1 H		East
1 S		South
2 H

West
1 C
P		North
1 S
P		East
Dbl
Dbl		South
2 S

West
1 C
Dbl		North
Dbl		East
1 S		South
3 H

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 C
Dbl		North
1 S		East
Dbl		South
2 C

West
1 D
Dbl		North
1 H		East
1 S		South
3 D

West
1 C
P		North
P
2 H		East
1 H
Dbl		South
1 S

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.

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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 S. (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 S
P		North
Dbl
P		East
P
Dbl		South
2 C

West
1 H
P		North
2 H
P		East
P
Dbl		South
2 S

West
1 C
P
Dbl		North
P
2 H		East
1 S
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 D
P		North
P
P		East
1 NT
Dbl		South
2 H

West
1 C
2 C
Dbl		North
P
P		East
1 H
P		South
P
2 S

West
1 S
2 D
Dbl		North
P
P		East
1 NT
P		South
P
2 H

4. A double by a player who made a competitive double.

West
1 C
Dbl
Dbl		North
1 D
P		East
1 S
2 S		South
2 D
3 D

West
1 D
P
P		North
1 H
P
P		East
1 S
Dbl
Dbl		South
2 H
3 H

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.

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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)

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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 D
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.

Contents...

Two-Level and Higher Openings

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Two C