Overview

Uncontested Openings Summary

1♣ Weak Strong

1♣–1♦

Negative 1♦ with 0–7 hcp or flat 8–9(10) hcp semi-positive no 4cM. The semi-positive includes very limited 8 hcp hands and invitational NT hands ~9(10) hcp.

For opener's continuations:

Weak/Intermediate 14–15 NT:

Strong balanced:

Strong 4–4–4–1 hand:

Very Strong ~22+ 4–4–4–1 hand:

Limited strong one suiter:

Acol two strength one suiter:

GF moderate one suiter, 5+ suit:

GF self-sufficient one suiter:

Limited strong 5–4/6–4 moderate two suiter or 5–4–4–0:

Acol two strengh 5–4/6–4 moderate two suiter or 5–4–4–0:

Note, system expects 6♥s + 4♠s Acol two to canapé 1♠ first

Limited 5–5 two suiter:

Acol two strength 5–5 two suiter:

Acol two strength 6–5 two suiter:

4th Interference

1♣–1♥♠

1♣–1NT

♣ transfer

Interference over 1♣–1NT

1♣–2♣

♦ transfer

Interference over 1♣–2♣

1♣–2♦

Responding:

Interference over 1♣–2♦

1♣–2♠

Similar shape to 1NT–3♥/3♠ but invitational values.

Interference over 1♣–2♠

1♣–2NT

2NT system on for responses and interference handling.

1♣–3NT

1♣–4♣♦

1♣–4♥♠

1♣ Interference

When responder shows a weak hand such as the following and the opponents interfere...

...opener essentially bids as if the opponents opened the bidding, so our same defences to their opening bids, except we know that the opener will be strong 16+.

Where transfers are used after interference, it is completed with 2–3 card support and raised one more with 4+ card support. The weak NT hand may also bid 1NT with 2–3 card support and good stops. Strong hands may break transfers in more interesting ways...

Note, 1♠ is the most disruptive 1 level (suit) overcall, possibly psychic or a poor 4 card suit, though expect to see less pure disruption against a weak-strong club. Bids below 1♠ are not disruptive unless the opponents raise further.

Differences with 1♦ interference

Compared to the 1♦ opening interference:

2nd and 4th interfere, Responder Passes

4th interferes, maybe 2nd, Responder positive

X by 4th after some 1 level transfer bid, e.g:

X by 4th after some 2 level transfer bid, e.g:

1 level takeout by 4th:

1 level overcall by 4th:

1 level double by 4th

... system on

Suit bid where opener can support responder at 2 level after interference:

Good-Bad 2NT response to opener's re-opening double:

2NT over 2♦♥♠ interference by 4th hand:

Treated as weak two opening, so natural ~16–19

Suit bid where opener can only support responder at 3+ level, e.g:

Jump interference:

Double jump plus interference:

4th interferes after 2♥/2♠/2NT positive response

4th interferes after 3♣♦♥♠/3NT/4♣♦♥♠

After 3♣♦♥♠ bid as if partner opened a preempt, e.g.

See 3♥♠ opening interference

For the 3NT/4♣♦♥♠ responses it should be easy to place the contract or slam try or X for penalty.

4th Interferes after Responder Negative

Bid as if they opened.

1♦ Opening

Short / Nebulous ♦ for flattish or 3 suited or both minors or extreme shape maximum 6+♦ and 5♥/♠ hands.

Other bids:

1♦–1♥

Natural, 4+ cards, maybe longer minor canapé

1♦–1♥–1♠

1♦–1♥–1NT

1♦–1♥–2♣

Remember any maximum 5–5+ minors hand rebids 3♣ over 1M, so a shapely 5–5+ is minimum hcp

1♦–1♥–2♦

1♦–1♥–2♥

1♦–1♥–2♠

1♦–1♠

Natural, 4+ cards, maybe longer minor canapé

1♦–1♠–1NT

1♦–1♠–2♣

1♦–1♠–2♦

1♦–1♠–2♥

1♦–1♠–2♠

1♦–1NT

Natural, up to 11 hcp, no 4 card major

1♦–2♣

Invitational plus.

1♦–2♦

Invitational plus.

1♦ interference

Opener's cue bid

When partner bids 1♥/♠ and the opponent bids (double or overcall) at the 1 level, or with less nuance if they bid at the 2 level.

Still on if 2nd position overcalls and advancer only bids 1NT/2♣/2♦ in 4th.

When they only overcall 2x then our cue bid is less nuanced at the 3 level. It is NOT a stopper ask, as only natural invitational 3♦ rebids (e.g. xx/Axx/AKQJxx/xxx) would benefit.

Support doubles and redoubles by opener

Extended to the 3 level, (note penalty unlikely with an artificial 1♣ system) but with more strength/shape:

Extended through to 4♥, again more strength needed so not doubling does not deny 3 card support:

Includes 4th hands bids where 2nd hand does not bid at all:

Extra trump redouble after settling in 2♥♠

Good-Bad 2NT over 2♦♥♠ interference by 4th hand

Choice of game 4x cue bids after Thrump double

By responder example:

1♥ Opening

1♥–1♠

1♥–1♠–1NT

1♥–1♠–2♣

Gazilli variant includes:

1♥–1♠–2♦

1♥–1♠–2♥

1♥–1♠–2♠

1♥–1♠–2NT

Maximum, 6 loser, 6(7)–4 with a minor. The reasonable alternative is a good max 6/7–3 (3 card ♠ support).

1♥–1♠–3♣

1♥–1♠–3♦

1♥–1♠–3♥

1♥–1♠–3♠

1♥–1♠–3NT/4x

1♥–2♥

Single raise, 3 cards

1♥–1NT

"Semi" forcing NT:

Responding:

1♥–2♣

Natural 2/1 GF (3-card Reverse Drury by passed hand).

By a passed hand 2♣ Reverse Drury shows a 9–10 hcp limit raise with 3 card support. Opener bids 2♥ (fast arrival) with a (sub)minimum hand.

1♥–2♦

Natural 2/1 GF (4-card Reverse Drury by passed hand)

By a passed hand 2♦ Reverse Drury shows a (8)9–10 hcp limit raise with 4 card support. Opener bids 2♥ (fast arrival) with a (sub)minimum hand.

1♥–2♠

6+♠s, ~(5)6–9 hcp, semi-weak, no ♥ fit

1♥–2NT

3+ card GF raise, 4 card limit raise or rare 3 card distributional invite (e.g. 6–3–3–1 distribution)

2NT Invite Plus Interference

1♥–3♣♦

Limit jump shift, 6 card suit invitational, denying major support, denying ♠s

1♥–3♣

1♥–3♦

Similar to 1♥–3♣:

1♥–3♥

Mixed raise (weak limit raise) – ~8–10 support points, 4+ cards

1♥–3♠

Unknown singleton splinter, 10–12 hcp (~9–10 by passed hand)

Splinter bids typically have fairly evenly distributed strength amongst the side suits as otherwise a 2/1 GF bid of the strong suit is often better (unless the strong suit is mostly self-sufficient).

1♥–3NT/4♣/4♦

Maximum splinter, short ♠/♣/♦, upper-tier ~13–15 hcp (could GF without a shortage) (Fit jump by passed hand)

1♥ interference

Second round bids ignore the T/O X if advancer bids nothing, e.g. 1♥–(X)–1♠–(P)–1NT–(P) then 2♣ is a puppet to 2♦ as per normal system over the 1NT rebid.

4th only overcalls:

responder passing, 4th hand reopens

Responder can also re-open on their second bid, X takeout at the 2 level, but penalty at the 3 level.

1♠ Opening

1♠–1NT

"Semi" forcing NT:

Responding:

1♠–2♣

2/1 GF (3-card Reverse Drury by passed hand).

By a passed hand 2♣ Reverse Drury shows a 9–10 hcp limit raise with 3 card support. Opener bids 2♠ (fast arrival) with a (sub)minimum hand.

1♠–2♦

Game-forcing, (4-card Reverse Drury by passed hand).

By a passed hand 2♦ Reverse Drury shows a (8)9–10 hcp limit raise with 4 card support. Opener bids 2♠ (fast arrival) with a (sub)minimum hand.

1♠–2♥

2/1 GF, always 5+ cards, 9–10 by passed hand

1♠–2♠

Single raise, 3 cards

1♠–2NT

3+ card GF raise, 4 card limit raise or rare 3 card distributional invite (e.g. 6–3–3–1 distribution)

Interference

See 1♥–2NT Invite Plus Interference examples

1♠–3♣♦

Limit jump shift, 6 card suit invitational, denying major support, denying ♥s

1♠–3♣

1♠–3♦

Similar to 1♥–3♣:

1♠–3♥

Not as much suit quality required as the minor bids - directed to a major game instead of NT

1♠–3♠

Mixed raise (weak limit raise) – ~8–10 support points, 4+ cards

1♠–3NT

Unknown singleton splinter, 10–12 hcp (~9–10 by passed hand)

Splinter bids typically have fairly evenly distributed strength amongst the side suits as otherwise a 2/1 GF bid of the strong suit is often better (unless the strong suit is mostly self-sufficient).

1♠–4♣/4♦/4♥

Maximum splinter, short ♣/♦/♥, upper-tier ~13–15 hcp (could GF without a shortage) (Fit jump by passed hand)

1♠–4♠

To play, always. Could be highly obstructive and weak with long trumps or a fast arrival minimum flattish game bid.

1♠–4NT

Normal Blackwood. Responder can bid their own suit at 5/6/7 level after opener shows aces.

1♠ interference

Similar to 1♥ interference.

responder passing, 4th hand reopens

Responder can also re-open on their second bid, X takeout at the 2 level, but penalty at the 3 level.

NT Ranges and Scheme Situations

Blanket approaches to bidding when natural 1NT and 2NT bids made by our side.

1NT Opening

Opening:

1NT–2♣

Stayman, promissory

1NT–2♣–2♦

1NT–2♣–2♥

1NT–2♣–2♠

1NT–2♦

Transfer breaks

1NT–2♥

Transfer breaks

1NT–2♠/2NT

1NT–3♣

Muppet Stayman

1NT–3♦

1NT–3♥

1NT–3♠

1NT–4♣♦

To play a major game, preemptive, game going values or direct RKB slam force values.

Most good hands can transfer at the 2 level and try a (semi)balanced slam try if they have no shortage need to investigate slam potential. Therefore, the super fit is only for rare excellent, typically 5 card major openers. 4♣ Gerber is not very useful, so we keep this style.

1NT Interference and Lebensohl

Lebensohl variations are played in a number of blanket NT and other places where the idea is relevant. Most important is its use against weak twos and after we have made natural opening strength (or better) 1NT bid / overcall.

Our (1) main variant (note: Lebensohl variants) is a form of transfer Lebensohl. There are other variants that are used in specific situations - (2) when FORCED to bid over a major preempt and (3) partner is likely unbalanced and we may pass or double, so NOT forced to bid

The custom structure to the (1) main transfer Lebensohl variant is:

For variant (2) when we are FORCED to bid OVER a MAJOR preempt, then there is Better Minor Lebensohl.

The variant (3) RLEB is typically (1M)–X–(2M), but could be (2D multi)–X–(2M) or (1m)–2m, where we can pass, maybe double (responsive / flattish), show NT interest plus stop with invite plus values immediately or the final option is to bid a suit without any invitational nuance before opener gets in the way again (decide to punt game or just compete immediately)

Over a balanced hand

Over a Weak 2♦ takeout double

Better Minor Lebensohl over a major preempt takeout double

Better minor makes no sense over a weak two ♦ preempt, and there's no space for better major, which is why 2♦ can be such an effective preempt

How do we describe this variant's details, where slow means bid via 2NT? "Slow denies / fast shows".

In the case of bidding ♠s, the weaker slow bid of 3♠s just shows 4 cards invitational instead of 5 cards invitational. With a weak ♠ hand there is room to just bid 2♠.

Reversed Lebensohl RLEB

Having said all the above, there is more invitational nuance when the opponents bid the lower suits, ♣s, ♦s and ♥s. It might be better to play these jump 3x bids as GF with possible slam interest instead of invitational, but that would be rarer. A GF 5+ card hand with stop can bid 2NT first, and without a stop start with a cue bid and hope to resolve e.g. both majors vs one major slam try later

Overcalls of our NT

What is our first double?

The default is negative, meaning any of:

Any negative double at the 3 level (especially 4 level!) is basically GF and starts to lack clear shape information, mostly being used to show values.

Priority order meta agreement (that works in other situations such as us opening 1HS and opponents bidding 2 suiters) for 2 and 3 level interference:

  1. two specific suits, e.g. 2♣/2♦ majors, 2NT minors – values, system off even over 2♣
  2. over double or 2♣ interference – system on, stolen bid double
  3. artificial, may show some other suit, e.g. transfer overcall, (X) major + minor, or 2♣ ♥ + any, or 2♣ any single suiter, or 2♦ multi – biddable natural suit
  4. natural catchall, e.g. 2♦ ♦ + any, 2♥ ♥ + any – negative

What is a redouble?

A redouble of a non-penalty double has the same meanings as double. The exception is a redouble of an artificial bid cannot show a biddable suit so it is again values showing.

When the opposing double is penalty/values we naturally use the 1NT Escape module.

What is our second double?

negative double responses

Natural mainly but

what is a generic cue bid?

Where the cue bid does not have a specific meaning (such as directly over 2C showing majors):

NT Interference

1NT Escape

Situations include:

when opponents run after we have showed values

This is when we pass or XX with values and our side is done with the first round of bidding, meaning our side is happy to sit in 1NT double or redoubled - no need to escape and no GF offensive hand.

when opponents run immediately and (semi)naturally to 2♦♥♠

With (1NT)–X–(run), or rarely (1NT)–P–(P)–X–(run) our combined strength is less defined. Length is promised in the suit bid.

This is a Lebensohl situation.

when opponents run immediately artificially to 2♣♦♥

For example, 2♣ scurry with no 5 card major.

when opponents run immediately with transfer escape

when opponents run immediately to 2♠ or higher

2♣ Intermediate Opening

2♣ = (10)11–15 hcp, 6+ card ♣ suit. Maybe leading directing 5 card ♣ suit in 3rd.

Responding:

2♦ enquiry

2♣–2♦–2♥

2♣–2♦–2♠

2♣–2♦–2NT

2♣–2♦–3♣+

2♣ Interference

2♦ Intermediate Opening

Responding:

There are space limitations compared to the 2♣ Opener and so fewer constructive options.

2♦ Intermediate Interference

2♥♠ Weak Openings

1st/2nd style

3rd/4th style

Responding

Responses to expected 6 card majors uses the Vinny 2NT, Preempt RKB and nothing else. After showing rare 6–4 hands via Vinny 2NT the next two suit bids are slam tries (in most natural order) for those 6–4 suits. New suits are forcing. There maybe some merit in playing 2♠ as NF over 2♥, but the 2♥ openings should be reasonable quality.

2♥ Opening Responses

2♠ Opening Responses

NV 1st/2nd 5 or 6 card Extension

Adjustments to playing mixed 5/6 card major weak two bids in 1st/2nd position non-vulnerable only.

HCP ~7–10, rarely 6 hcp if 5–5 shape. Differences to the standard 6 card only definition:

Responding:

2♥♠ interference

2NT Opening

Responding to 2NT

Playing 5 card low information muppet stayman means we cannot play Smolen for 5–4 majors GF+ hands, which complicates some of the responses. We can't just use different major transfers for 5–5 majors GF vs 5–5 majors slam interest.

Transfer breaks, revision style:

Minor RKB?:

Accepting slam tries in general suggests values in the right place, controls and fit etc.

2NT–3♣

2NT–3♦

2NT–3♥

2NT–3♠

As ♣s is the potential single suiter we focus on ♣ length and go from there. There are more complicated versions that can show the major shortage with both minors, but these auctions are rare

2NT–4♣

♦ single suited slam try.

As it's a slam try it's not meant as a transfer sign off, but could try to sign off in 4♦ expecting to go to 5♦ if opener has some support

2NT–4♦♥

Texas transfers, 6+ major suit with preemptive, game going or near slam force RKB values. Responder may have a terrible hand so will NOT transfer break.

2NT interference

3♣♦ Openings

Constructive preempts in 1st/2nd usually 6 cards, good chance to play 3NT.

3♥♠ Openings

3NT Opening

In 1st/2nd:

In 3rd/4th:

Note 3NT Alternatives

4♣♦ Openings

4♥ 4♠ 5♣ 5♦ Openings

5x Control Asking Bids Over Preempts

Specific control suit asks. What do you have in this suit?:

4NT Opening

Competitive Auctions

We Overcall or X/XX Summary

Minimum/Equal Level Conversion and Takeout Doubles

OffShape Takeout / Conversion style is:

Takeout style:

Cue Bids and Jump Overcalls Summary

Two Suiter Overcall Strengths

Hand examples:

After minor openings:

After major openings:

We Open they Interfere Summary

4th balancing of 1x openings

Follow up responses are roughly 1 point more conservative

responding to 4th balancing takeout X

responding to 4th balancing jump bid

Passed hand balancing

Law of Total Tricks Bidding

Normal advice about bidding to the level indicated by the law of total tricks applies.

However, re-evaluating hands in any competition or after just one bid from the opponents is important.

Adjust / downgrade:

Upgrade influences:

We Open with Fit and Slam Potential then 4th Hand High Level Interference

The primary situation is 1♥♠–2NT, but there's other situations. In summary:

Continuations in general:

3 level rebid available

3NT bid available

No 3NT bid available

Pass used to show a control in the overcalled suit.

HCR cue bids and 2NT Raise in Competition

Either when we open and 2nd position overcalls, or when we overcall and later advance the bidding, there is often a choice between a HCR cue bid and a 2NT support bid.

This mostly applies to 1♥♠ openings or overcalls, but (1♣)–1♦ is also possible.

A 2NT bid is natural in very few places - only when we overcall at the 2 level, 3rd hand passes and advancer bids 2NT. As 3rd hand has passed it can be reasonable to assume we can have the combined values for 3NT.

The meanings applied when we open v.s. overcall are different:

When We Open

When we open 1♥♠ a 2NT bid after competition from 2nd hand is always support showing. What's the difference between a HCR and 2NT? Contrary to the common style of distinguishing 3 vs 4+ card raising we currently experiment with:

The differences depend on length in the opponent's suit, strength, offensive/defensive ratio

When We Overcall

The bids change in meaning compared to when we open and face an overcall. We may have a lot of tempo (e.g. responder passes and partner overcalled 1♥♠ giving us space and time), or we may be under pressure in a live auction (e.g. the opponents have a fit and have raised or even preempt raised the auction - (1♦)–1♠–(3♦)).

When Responder Passes

We have maximum tempo, so:

When Responder Bids

Advancers Support Tools

Some may not be available depending on how high responder has pushed the bidding and so you have to blend the meanings

Fit Jumps and Splinters in Competition

When is a jump a fit jump?

Fit Jumps When We Simple Overcall

Always on, no complexity

Fit Jumps When We Open

The following must all be true about the bid:

What about a double jump?

Double jumps below 4♥ are fit jumps iff a fit jump is not available as a single jump, e.g. because a single jump shows a natural invitational suit OR a 1-under mixed raise. Otherwise a double jump is a splinter below 4♥ game (a direct 4♥ could only be a splinter in a slow constructive auction - 2nd rebid e.g. 1♠–2♦–2♠–4♥).

2NT Artificial Scrambling

There's a list of situations where 2NT is used for Lebensohl. Other times it maybe used for raising our partner's suit in competition whether we open or overcall. Additionally after opening 1♣/1♦/1♥ opener may use Good-Bad 2NT to allow competing in new suits or good raising. Other times 2NT maybe natural.

A scrambling 2NT shows:

Overall it is rare as 2NT is usually forced after a double (so a better minor Lebensohl 2NT) or it is by a hand that can reasonably have a natural 2NT bid (when the opponents have opened first we often pass with 11–14 balanced)

Pass–(1H)–X–(2H) 2NT = scrambling (not RLEB), not forced, passed originally so limited strength

Bidding to 4♣♦ over 3♥♠ competition is Invitational

E.g. (1S)–2♦–(2S)–3♦–(3S)

Designed for IMPs, only in matchpoints might it be worth to compete to 4♦ - in IMPS 3♥♠ is never a great final contract as it risks going one off or worse making a game.

4NT is it a Stronger Raise or Unusual in Competition

by Responder it follows the slam bidding 4NT rules

Unforced Rebids Show Extra Length, Not Values

E.g. (1C)–1♠–(P)–2♥–(X)

Opener's Second Round Double - After Partner's 2 Level WJS

Double shows support and extras in shape or HCP

Opener's Renegative Double for Both Majors

Opener's Good-Bad 2NT Rebid in Competition

Example after 1♦ opening

Opener's Good-Bad 2NT Rebid After Major NF

Main examples:

Einar Cue Bid

I.e:

Typically shows:

Advancer's 2♣ Relay

Examples:

Advancers 2♣ Relay Interference

Doubles

Live auction 4x pressure examples:

Blanket Rules

Where the above do not apply.

Blanket rules apply up to 2♠ - if not sure above 2♠ assume penalty (others play this to 3♠). "All doubles of bids through 2♠ are takeout UNLESS":

  1. It's defined above as one of Negative, Competitive or Responsive
  2. partner responded 1NT/2♣/2♦, doubler sitting over. Compare when open or overcall – Overcalls of our NT first double is takeout, second penalty.
  3. our side bid and raised a suit. So, 1♥–(P)–2♥–(2S)–X should be penalty, whereas 1♥–(1S)–2♥–(2S)–X is competitive.
  4. our side redoubled
  5. our side made a penalty double or penalty pass
  6. the bid doubled was artificial
  7. partner preempts
  8. our side are in a GF (1♥/♠ + 2/1, 1♣–1NT/2♠)
  9. our side invites 3NT (1♣–2♠, 1♣–2NT)
  10. our side limits hand with no major (1♣–1NT/2♣ is no major OR maybe major but already in a GF)
  11. a passed hand doubles their solo rebid, (1H)–P–(P)–X–(2H)–X
  12. our side does a takeout double then doubles a 2 level+ different suit or 2NT+ (so not a responsive double)

Takeout Doubles

Modern standard:

Consider a takeout X (and maybe later DAB cue bid) instead of a 1NT bid with 4–4–3–2, the other major and the sort of hand where partner should play NT (we have Axx they Qx)

Relay Lebensohl Doubles

Note, over 3♠ double can be competitive relay like, but we initially assume it's asking for a stop (Thrump).

It's conceivable to play this after we open 1♣/1♦/1NT, but without a known long suit finding a stop or checking for a 4 card major should be more frequent and useful than just having the option to compete, certainly for IMPs.

Examples:

When we open and the opponent jump bids, it's often a preempt (maybe intermediate). Here, it's good to have a way to find a slam and not preempt a preempt. E.g.

When they open a slam is very unlikely for our side and a penalty double will rarely be useful. E.g.

Optional Extension After 1♣ Opening or 1♦ Opening and Raises

Given that a 1♣ and 1♦ opening can be ambiguous, the relay double can be extended to auctions such as:

Responder has shown a suit and the opponents have raised it to the 3 level. Given that 1♣ (and less so 1D) are quite vague we can treat opener as having not bid.

Responsive Doubles Style

A standard responsive double is a form of takeout with focus on the unbid major(s). When partner makes a takeout double advancer's double is a form of re-takeout. Sometimes it is more values, perhaps with a single minor suit, tolerance for partner but lacking a stop for NT.

What about when there is no unbid/implied major? For example, (1H)–1♠–(2H) or (1S)–X–(2S). Should our responsive double be used to cater for minor hands with values?

Pushed to the 3 level, things are different. Here we choose to play Relay Lebensohl Doubles to allow competing in partner's suit or a different suit.

The double is always more value showing as it gets high level, especially over 3♠. At the 4 level we just call our double "values" showing instead of responsive.

What about when the opponents raise a minor?

When we bid a minor?

When we start with a takeout double:

Takeout over a major:

Activity Doubles and Splinters

When the opponents show a short suit that does not make much sense for us to lead, such as a splinter, then despite us apparently lacking strength, double should be for activity, in this case a potential sacrifice

Note, an alternative is takeout, e.g. ♠s if they bid ♥s and more general takeout if they have the master ♠s

Activity Doubles by Weak Often Preempt Hands

A weak hand that has already described some offensive ability, such as a weak two, cannot reasonably have a penalty double of any game the opponents bid, UNLESS partner has had space to show GF values and defense.

So, if we open with a preempt, it is possible for the preempter to double with extreme shape (e.g. 6–4/6–5 after 2HS openings) and shortage in the opponents' suit, which suggests sacrifice unless partner can pass with a penalty trump stack.

Single Raise they Compete We Double

2NT support raise then we Double

Delayed Takeout Doubles

When not doubling on the first round:

Stolen Double by advancer - Opponents' HCR double

Anti-Leading Doubles of Raised or Strongly Bid Suits

The extra length meaning has less value when we have already shown a 6 card suit or our side has raised the suit.

Extra Length 2 Level Double of Cuebid by Opener - Partner not bid

Other examples:

Pass then later X would allow opener to compete in the minors suits.

Double Showing HCR by advancer - Opponents' 3x raise

X then shows a HCR.

Extra trump redouble - we stop 2♥♠ they takeout X

Examples:

FSF Redouble or Other Artificial Forcing Bids

When opponents double an artificial bid for lead direction

Handling doubles of our stopper ask of their suit

Helping to right side 3NT or not play it.

3♠ cue here could be a proxy for a very strong unbalanced hand, not a DAB with something in ♠, but then 3NT will be pulled anyway.

Confidently Bid Game/Slam Contract Lead Directing Doubles

If the opponents bid confidently suit doubles are Lightner and NT doubles have standard meanings (lead our suit/suits, else dummy's first bid suit or the shortest major). See Special Leads.

5 Level Doubles in Competition

Phantom saves at matchpoints are far more tolerable than at IMPs, indeed there are many attempts to go minus 100 insted of minus 110 etc at matchpoints etc. The double game swing (along with slams) is one of the greatest sources of IMP gains/losses, so on highly distributional hands it can pay to ignore the usual caution around phantom saves at IMPs, and bid to go an expected one off in a 5 level contract

We "Own" The Hand

Typically we were expecting to bid and make some 4 level game, or maybe 5♣♦ and then they interfered. In these 5 level situations there is a first and second bidder on our side. For the first bidder:

For the second bidder:

We Do NOT Own The Hand

Generally pass or sacrifice further!

A double is Lightner by default, assuming you think they bid confidently

Opponents open Strong 1♣

Show majors, especially ♠ and bid to limit. Pass then later bid unusual NT if really want to show ♣+♦.

With limited strength may want to hide distribution information and just bid the major (not 1NT / 2NT overcalls).

Opponents open 1♣ Natural (Quasi)

(1C)–X

(1C)–Overcall

(1C)–(Any) Sandwich Position

4th Balancing 1♣

Summary

Opponents open 1♦

(1D)–X

(1D)–Overcall

(1D)–(Any) Sandwich Position

4th Balancing 1♦

Summary

Opponents open 1♥

(1H)–X

(1H)–Overcall

...

(1H)–(Any) Sandwich Position

When we - takeout doubler and advancer have PASSED (or just 2NT bidder) it's also scrambling: (1H)–(any), X then 2NT is scrambling

4th Balancing 1♥

Summary

Opponents open 1♠

(1S)–X

(1S)–Overcall

(1S)–(Any) Sandwich Position

When we - takeout doubler and advancer have PASSED (or just 2NT bidder) it's also scrambling: (1S)–(any), X then 2NT is scrambling

4th Balancing 1♠

Summary

Opponents open 1NT

Competing over 1NT.

Hand strength guide:

Strong NT Defence

When opponents run from 1NT doubled

As 1NT Interference and Lebensohl

Opponents open Intermediate 2♣

Opponents open Strong 2♣

Double always majors and NT minors. Really should be 5–5+.

Opponents open Multi 2♣

Frequently the Weak 2♦, or a standard strong 2♣. Treat as weak 2♦ defence, but with extra takeout option.

Opponents open Artificial Strong 2♣ 2♦

This is a catchall for bids such as

Pass then double could in theory be used as takeout. Mainly just treat similar to Strong 2♣ defence.

Opponents open Intermediate 2♦

As Opponents open Weak 2♦, strength adjusted

Opponents open Precision 2♦

Treat as an intermediate 2♣ opening, with care for bad major breaks.

Opponents open Multi 2♦

Opponents open Weak 2♦ 2♥ 2♠

(or jump overcalled)

Opponents open Intermediate 2♥ 2♠

As Opponents open Weak 2♥ 2♠, strength adjusted

Opponents open 2♦ or 2♥ both Majors

Two or three choices for Ekren (chrisryall.net/bridge/weak.two/generic-defence.htm), even possible to play the Multi 2♦ defence.

Opponents open 2♦ or 2♥ Flannery

5♥–4♠ intermediate (note some play 6♥–4♠ or even 5♥–5♠) hands.

Opponents open 2NT Minors

An alternative would be 3♣ both majors and 3♦ multi-like some weaker major overcall. Less majors definition with 3♣ but advancer can ask for the longest with 3♦.

Opponents open 2NT Natural

X is majors takeout, NT is minors.

Opponents open 3♣♦♥♠

Opponents open 3NT

Whether a gambling solid/broken minor with/without side honour or a similar solid major.

Limited space, so double is rather catchall with 4♣♦ bids special major bids:

Same in 4th.

Opponents open 4♣♦ preempt

Opponents open 4♣♦ SAT/Namyats

Showing good ♥/♠ major preempt, maybe minimum opening values.

Opponents open 4♥♠

Opponents open 5♣♦

Slam Bidding

Meta agreements and some slam finding conventions

General Strategy

What is 4NT?

Natural quantitative, to play, ace asking, key card asking, takeout or other?

Minor Agreed 4NT

2NT Auto RKB Module

Special case - a natural 2NT opening or rebid takes a lot of space and is a bit of a slam killer. Often a minor suit may not be shown until the 4 level making agreeing and using something like Redwood impractical. After showing a new minor at the 4 level:

Bidding 4NT changes to be minor RKB! This is an exception to the general rule of 4NT never being used as RKB/Redwood for a minor - it's normally only quantitative. 5x free bids are auto RKB, similar to the direct bids.

Beware there's a special case in the Minor slam tries module where the next suit is 5♣s instead of last train.

Bidding 4NT changes to be minor RKB! 5x free bids are auto RKB, similar to the direct bids.

PASSABLE. May also escape to the minor (e.g. perhaps they actually had 6 cards) or use Auto RKB.

Usually passed or raised to 6m. Presumably 5NT King ask or a 3rd round control ask are still on if responder is good enough to search for the grand opposite the presumed 2 keycards.

Minor Lissabon follow on

Whilst there's even less room in this situation, the 4NT negative and auto RKB bids also apply after minor showing Lissabon bids (2NT–4HS).

Over 2NT–4♥ there is space for a last train bid, but over 2NT–4♠ it's not available

Major Agreed 4NT

Others 4NT

Cue Bids

Italian style, showing 1st or 2nd round control.

Initiation should not be made with just a second round control or two of course. Initiator probably has 2 first round controls and a second round control in the third suit unless very distributional. Responder can afford to have a less decent hand and let the initiator push them.

Opponents Double Our Cue Bid

E.g. 1♠–2NT...4♦ cue then (X) lead directing

Serious 3NT Replaces Immediate Cue Bid

Slam Convention Interference Defence

Your enquiry asking bids (e.g. RKB, Gerber, Free 5M raise) can disturbed by:

  1. opponents bid their suit(s) below our suit sign off
  2. opponents bid their suit(s) above our suit sign off, or even bid our suit
  3. opponents X the asking bid
  4. opponents X the asking bid and it's above our suit sign off

step response type conventions

Interference for ALL can be done with DOPI / ROPI

Note, if playing more monotonic responses, e.g. 0,1,2,3 then DOPE/ROPE can make more sense over the higher interference, but we do not use standard blackwood or similar conventions

ask type conventions

Queen ask, King ask etc. Interference at this point is extremely unlikely. These bids usually ask for specific information so passing it back around to partner doesn't help

RKB 4NT

4 Ace key cards + King trumps. "1430" step responses.

void response continuation with no room below slam

e.g. they bid 6♦ and ♥s is trumps

Queen Ask

The next/cheapest (non-trump) suit is the Q ask OR trump suit over 3 or 0 response (pass without 3 keycards).

When can sign off at 5 level

When forced to slam

King Ask

Show ask for specific kings (not count of Kings)

Following on, any suit is a King request to bid grand (do you have this specific King?)

??? 6x-6other-6n as yes have 2nd king but cannot bid 7 in case of 6NT probe

New Suit 3rd Round Control Ask for Grand

Spiral scan without Q/K asks? Spiral scan also exclusive to this? Hmm, maybe Queen only? More complicated responses are: (1) Make a first step response, including 6NT with third-round control Qx(x), Ax, AQx (2) Make a second step response with second-round control Kxx(x) (3) Make a third step response with Kx (4) Raise the ask bid with KQx and JUMP to the trump suit with a singleton

The subletly is when the free bid is a sign off or not. For simplicity, then assume it's a natural sign off even after RKB bids involving a different suit if:

Redwood for minors

4♦/♥ as RKB for ♣s/♦s (or 4♠ for ♦s when ♥s is natural)?????????????????????

Furthermore:

Still, if a natural 4♠ is not illogical, then only 4NT can be used as ♦ RKB. E.g. 1♠–2♥–3♦–4♥, either 4♥ or 4♠ suggests an alternative game.

Cue Opponents Suit in Competition is Control Bid not Kickback/Redwood

E.g. 1♠–(P)–2♣–(3D)–4♣–(P)–4♦ responder shows a ♦ control and 4♥ is Redwood RKB.

When ♥s and opponents bid ♠ - 1♥–(P)–2NT–(3S) then later 4♠ bid is a control and only 4NT is RKB for ♥s.

??????????????????????????????????????

Baron over 4NT Quantitative

Jump Cuebid in Competition

Always a splinter

Double Fit RKB

Beware of counting extra length as Queen with double fits, unless there is extra length in both suits or the other Queen can be seen as the tricks must run from those two suits.

Double Fit Queen Ask

Step responses:

EKB Voidwood

Shows a void in the suit bid and asking for keycard showing step responses using 03/14 keycard, not the usual 1430 style. Primarily a jump bid, higher than a typical splinter bid, though could be a raise of a shortage bid.

Other points:

Non jump bid EKB exceptions

Competition from the opponents then cue bidding their suit "above game" (above Redwood for minors):

Transfers over NT hands:

EKB Responses

tinyurl.com/y6yv5m8r

EKB King Request when no 5NT available

Preempt RKB

"Weak keycard", "Poor man's keycard". Specific situations when responder is known to be weak (opening a preempt). Steps responses limited to 2 keycards:

New Suit After Preempt RKB as 5x Control Ask

Queen ask has no use. There are not enough controls for standard RKB asks.

Any new suit is now the same as the 5 level control asking bid which is played over 4♠ or higher opening preempts.

Lackwood

Responses:

Free 5x Major Raise

This asking bid can be given a multi meaning (control of opponents or unbid suit), but for ease, normally used only as a trump quality ask.

Iff it's obvious to both players that we have all the top 3 honours, it could be used as a 2nd round or better control ask for some other suit, which should also be obvious.

5NT Pick a Small Slam

Sometimes pick a small slam makes zero sense:

5NT v.s 6other in Competition - Turbo Inspired

Turbo is the Italian slam bidding conventions where bidding 4NT shows even keycards and bypassing it to normally cue bid at the 5 level shows odd keycards. This can be a good convention to generally play (instead of RKB) if you have a good handle on the point counts one another has, and so can distinguish e.g. 1 vs 3 keycards. Even without playing the main part of Turbo, it has utility in competition.

Sometimes the opponents really preempt our space and we are considering a small slam vs grand slam. Specifically, we have not been able to use 4NT RKB bid as they have preempted to the 5 level. At that point:

Double of Opponents' Slam

As arguably it does not make much difference if a slam goes one off doubled vs not doubled for freely bid slams (not sacrifice), X is used to ask for an obscure lead (*Lightner*).

Of Suit Slams

Of NT Slams

Forcing Pass Auctions

When opponents have competed and our side has the large majority of values

Splinter/Cue bid and Losers/Cover Cards etc.

Cover cards (and maybe losers - losing trick count) is mentioned in some contexts such as splinters over 1♥/1♠ opening. Mostly useful for game/slam suit contract evaluation, but may still have some relevance for NT, though the tricks need to be quicker and not based trumps or shortages.

Responder shows some cover cards and opener looks at their losers to calculate the expected trick count.

LTC

Losing trick count is an old method defined as

LTC honour values: - Void = 0 - A = 0 - A K = 0 - A K Q = 0 - A K x [x x. . .] = 1 - A Q x [x. . .] = 1 (tripleton or more) - A x = 1 - A x x [x. . .] = 2 - K = 1 - K x = 1 - K x x [x. . .] = 2 - K Q = 1 - Q J [x. . .] = 2

Side suit adjustments to LTC include:

Cover Cards

Cover cards are easier to calculate and reason about than LTC, so whilst opener may define themselves in terms of losers, responder may quantify their strength in terms of cover cards, essentially playing tricks.

(Opener's LTC - responder's cover cards) = total losers

Naturally, responder may need to re-evaluate cover card usefulness if partner shown to be short in a suit

Suit raises are roughly:

1♥♠ Slam Tries

Splinters or new suit 2/1 GF or Jacoby 2NT? In general note:

With 3 card support

With 4 card support

Picture Raises

Jump bidding partner's suit after showing a side suit

Picture Raise Jump level

Single Raises Ambiguous with Picture Bids

An auction like 1♠–2♣–2♠–3♠ is more ambiguous as the only jump is to game, denying outside controls. Therefore the 3♠ bid example could be a good hand with side suit and outside controls interested in slam, or it could just be waiting on the way to game

1♥–1♠ auctions?

Serious 3NT

Last Train

With parallels to Serious 3NT, more bids to show extras that have not been communicated. The 4x Last Train bids show too much to sign off, but too little to bid RKB. The main Last Train bid is one step below game with an agreed major:

Additional variations used in less obvious auctions include, 3x and 5x Last Train bids:

System Philosophy

This details of this system were initially taken from the Revision Club (v4.0 by John Montgomery) system, but with some minor and notable changes. The 1♦ and especially 2♦ intermediate openings are influenced by IMPrecision (Adam Meyerson) with the rest of the 1♥ through 4♠ openings initially taken from Revision Club. 1NT over a 1♥♠ opening is "semi" forcing instead of forcing as in Revision. Swapping Revision's strong only 1♣ for a Swedish weak strong club (based on Erik Sjostrand's write up) is the most obvious point of change. In many ways it's easy enough to swap back to a strong only 1♣ opening, again potentially at the cost of having opponents bid more destructively over 1♣ and making the 1♦ opening rather overloaded if we still want to open most 11–12 balanced hands. The competitive bids are influenced by Mat Nilsland's "Competitive Bids The Scanian Way" book.

Leads, Signals and Discards

Given the style variability of top players, a clear understanding often matters more than the agreements themselves. Whilst reverse (upside down) attitude signals seems better overall than standard attitude, most other choices are more about partnership preference than any evidence for being "better". Some give count as the primary signal, others give attitude and at times weight suit preference more highly. Some signal count mechanically, others are more flexible.

Discards - General Advice

Opening Leads - General Advice

Opening Lead Strategy

Follow Up Plays

Attitude Signals

Encouragement is one of:

Count Signals

Count Mechanics

In theory suit preference would be the fallback if count and attitude are known, iff both partners can see the need for it

Count Philosophy

When to give count voluntarily? There is some merit to the notion of when partner needs it or with more nuance, where it probably helps more than it hurts. The assumption is that getting a general count on the hand helps defenders more than it hurts, so where is it less useful, or hurtful?

A weak hand typically does not need accurate count information from a strong hand (though you may argue that a weak hand protecting two honourless 4 card suits may still need help, e.g. in a squeeze). Neither partner need give count on a suit if it's expected to be calculable from other distributional information such as the bidding or there is a notable danger of declarer playing the suit better with real count help.

Some places where it's often really needed:

Where the need is less obvious but overall likely beneficial:

As an aside, the philosophy can be applied to opening leads balancing general attitude leads instead of 2nd/4th or 3rd/5th leads. Attitude leads are reverse attitude information but no count information, perhaps creating difficulties for both declarer and the opening leader's partner. 3rd/5th and 2nd/4th both give count but the 3rd/5th leads give clearer immediate count.

When you are the "strong" defending hand it can help to randomly lie. This can be extended to false carding the opening lead.

Suit Preference

Often the lowest priority signal, but there are specific situations where it is the primary signal

Suit Preference at NT

Rarely useful!

Trump echoes

Typically 2 different meanings. They may both require careful consideration as we generally lack cards to make clear signals in declarer's suit

Count Trump Echo Situations

Suit Preference Echo Situations

Unclear Trump Echo Situations

If in doubt and neither count nor suit preference seems obviously useful then the meaning may be extracted from the order of the cards.

If lacking any other clear information, then no delayed echo and seeing partner play 3 insignificant trumps may suggest suit preference (revolving) for the next relevant suit down. All speculative.

2nd Hand Plays

Covering honours is about the potential for promotion of other cards. Any advice is relative to how many tricks you need (e.g. don't duck when declarer is sneaking an extra trick to make their contract that should go off)

Times to consider playing high:

3rd Hand Plays

In general play high by default, maybe even overtaking or playing an unnecessarily high honour to unblock

Some places not to play high

Our Suit Contract Agreements

3rd and Low (not for Partner's suit)

Leading Partner's Suit

When leading partner's 5+ card unsupported suit normally lead an honour, otherwise count from small cards. Honour does not promise a sequence and the signal should be reverse attitude (not count on your K lead etc.)

When we supported partner's suit we lead reverse attitude - top from (x)x+ and low from Hxx(x). An honour lead does show a sequence and can use the usual A/Q/J attitude and K count signal semantics

Note, leading our own long suit, supported or not follows the usual 3rd and Low.

MUD from xxx in new suit

Beware small tripleton leads are awful for communicating your holding at trump contracts.

Ace Lead for Attitude

King Lead for Count

Count asking from from AK+ or KQ+

As with NT leads, an alternative method to clear up this ambiguity when playing King count lead is some Rusinow style leads, Q from KQ, J from QJ, 10 from J10 and 9 from 109. Harder to decipher when leading a doubleton, which is more common in suit contracts than NT (e.g. from 10x or 9x).

Queen/Jack for Attitude

primary signal reverse attitude, secondary signal standard count, reverse attitude discards

Cash Out Situation Adjustments v.s. Suit

Ace lead maybe speculative without a supporting honour. Other leads no change.

Our NT Contract Agreements

4th Highest (not for Partner's suit)

With 4th highest (2nd from four cards and 9xxx or worse) leads from broken honour sequences the count is less clear, though the rule of 11 helps (11 minus spot card lead is how many higher cards than the spot lead in the other hands). In NT we are less likely to want to burn a high spot card such as the 3rd highest.

Leading Partner's Suit

When leading partner's 5+ card unsupported suit we lead count (low from xxx or Hxx). An honour does promise a sequence (unlike when leading a partner's unsupported suit at trumps) and can use the usual A/Q/J attitude and K count signal semantics

When we supported partner's suit we lead reverse attitude - top from (x)xx+ and low from Hxx(x). An honour lead does show a sequence (if 3+ cards) and uses attitude signals

Leading our own long suit, supported or not follows the usual 4th highest

Top of nothing from xxx in new suit

King Power Lead

Queen Ambiguity

Due to the King power lead, the queen could be from:

Note, an alternative method to clear up this ambiguity when playing King power leads v.s. NT contracts is A from AK, Q from KQ, J from QJ, 10 from J10 and 9 from 109. As with any Rusinow style leads this can be harder to decipher when leading a doubleton, but that can easily be avoided at NT, plus when leading partner's suits we play standard honour leads

primary signal reverse attitude, secondary signal standard count, reverse attitude discards

Smith Peter (Echo) on declarer's lead

Strong 10 leads in theory make smith peters less important. Much like strong 10s, it may give info to declarer aswell as the defenders. Some times a single card played in declarer's suit is too vague as it is often our short suit.

Cash Out Situation Adjustments v.s. NT

May lead speculatively without a supporting honour

Suit Preference Mechanics

This is arbitrary, mostly for familiarity reasons. McKenney/Lavinthal etc. are just as good.

Cashing cards order and suit preference

Sometimes we have a choice in the order to cash the cards. Standard we would go low to high to show partner that we can win with a low card. Consider an example suit such as AKQxx+ in a trump contract, we want to show partner that we can win with the Queen, so will probably play it on the first or second round, but that still leaves flexibility, any order from:

The simplest approach is to map a low (1st card) high (2nd card) to the usual suit preference mechanics:

5 Lines of Defense Guide

These influence the opening lead, but also what you may switch to on an early trick after evaluating dummy

Forcing Declarer

Running declarer out of trumps and so they may lose control of the hand, unable to cash all their side suit winners and/or the defenders can cash their side suit winners. This requires the defenders to attack a suit that the declarer then has to ruff, shortening their trump length (the long trump hand!).

Conditions:

To force, leads can be aggressive, i.e. from tenace holdings

Active Defense

Attacking immediately, not with thought of forcing declarer. We believe that declarer will setup or immediately dispose of some losers if we do not attack now.

Conditions:

To force, leads can be aggressive, i.e. from tenace holdings

Passive Defense

Opposite approach to active that tries not to give tricks away - lets declarer make the guesses.

Conditions:

Ruffing Reduction

Giving up a trump trick by leading an honour or away from one may gain or at least be even where it's important to cut down on ruffs.

Conditions:

Ruffing As Defenders

Easy to understand, though often an overused desparate action. Trumps promotions and uppercuts may be more probable to succeed than partner having a miracle singleton (especially if they could have lead it themselves earlier).

Condition:

Partnership Leading Style

The 5 lines of defense suggest a general direction, but if unsure of what to do then the partnership style may indicate what we are more likely to do.

Special Leads

Gambling 3NT Types / Long Running Suit Threats

Ace lead without King whe looking for attitude - where is declarer's weakness

NT Slams

Go passive

Suit Grand Slams

Passive Trump

Suit Contract - Doubled Confidently Bid Game/Slam

NT Contract - Doubled Confidently Bid Game/Slam

Alerting & Announcing

The basics and some less obvious alerts:

1♣: ALERT

1♦: "may be zero maybe with five clubs"

1♥/1♠: ""

1NT: "16 to 18"

2♣: "Intermediate"

2♦: ALERT

2♥: "Weak"

2♠: "Weak"

2NT: ""

Any Sequence 3NT+: alerted only before opener's 2nd bid

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