Bhagat/Parker System manual 20 May 2008 Section 1 - our uncontested bidding. Section 2 - we open the bidding and they bid too. Section 3 - they open the bidding. Section 4 - Play - defense. Section 5 - ideas and miscellanous suggestions. Section 1 - uncontested system. =============================== 1.1 Opening bid 1.2 Opening balanced hands 1.3 1NT system 1.4 2NT system 1.5 2C opening 1.6 General Swiss 1.7 General Jacoby 2NT ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx 1.1 Opening bid --------------- 1.1.1 one of a suit ----- An opening bid of 1 of a suit is generally 12-19 points, and any hand in this range must be opened this way unless it is suitable for 1NT (12-14 bal) or 2C (18-19 points 8PT or 4 Losers) Additionally 10-11 point hands with a 6+ card suit may be opened 1. 1 of a suit is never as few as 9 or as many as 20 points. If one suit is longer than all the others, open it. If 2 suits are of the same (longest) length With 4 cards open the first of H D C S With 5+ cards open the highest ranking. With three 4 card suits, open the middle of touching suits, or the suit below the singleton if they're not touching. It follows that an opening of 1S is 5 cards long unless 4333, in which case a bid of NT is planned for the next round. 1.1.2 Other opening bids ----- 1NT is 12-14 balanced (4333, 4432, 5332 5 card minor) 2C is the strongest bid - see section 1.5 2D, 2H, 2S are weak twos. They are always 5-10 and 5+ card suit, with further restrictions depending on seat and vulnerability. 2NT is 20-22 Higher bids are pre-emptive in the suit named. ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx 1.2 Opening balanced hands (4333, 4432 5332 5 card minor). ---------------------------------------------------------- Less than 12 points - pass. 12-14 1NT. 20-22 2NT. 23+ 2C. Others (15-19) are opened 1 of a suit. If response is 1 of a suit 1NT 15-17, 2NT 18-19 If response is 2 of a suit 2NT 15-19 In both the above cases, after 2NT, the 2NT system of 1.4 applies. If response is 1NT pass 15-16, 2NT (NF) 17-18, 3NT 19 After 2NT, bidding is natural, NOT 1.4-style. ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx 1.3 1NT system -------------- 1.3.1 situations (response structure below applies to all of these) ----- 1NT (12-14 maximum is 14, or 13 not 4333) 1NT in passout seat (11-15, maximum is 14-15) 1X 1Y 1NT (15-17, maximum is 17, or 16 not 4333) 1NT overcall (15-17 maximum is 17 or 16 not 4333) 1NT overcall protective (10-14 maximum is 13-14) In 1X 1Y 1NT, previous bidding is ignored, except that . . . 1. invitational sequences may use knowledge of previous bidding 2. transfers into partner suit shows 3 3. Stayman showing partners major shows 3 4. After Baron 2S, bids of X or Y show 1 more/1 fewer. 1.3.2 response structure in detail ----- 2C F1 puppet to 2D --2D NF Forced response. ---- pass Weak hand with diamonds ---- 2HS NF invitational with 4+ in named suit. 2H may be 5+H, 4S (use 2D 2H 2S with equal or longer spades) ---- --pass 3+ support and minimum ---- --2S NF minimum with 2 hearts and 4 spades ---- --2NT NF minimum and no support ---- --3H/S FG maximum, 3 card support ---- --3S FG (over 2H) maximum, no support, 4 spades ---- 3CD NF invitational good 5+ card suit (2 top 3 honours). 2D F1 Transfer to Hearts (Special case). --2H NF Forced response ---- 2S NF invitational both majors, spades not shorter. ---- --pass minimum, at least 3 spades. ---- --2NT TP minimum, 2 spades, 3 hearts ---- ---- 3H TP 5-5 in majors ---- --3H TP minimum, to play 2 spades, 4 hearts ---- --3S FG maximum, 3 spades, at most 3 hearts ---- --3NT TP maximum, 2 spades 3 hearts ---- ---- 4H 5-5 in majors. 2DH F1 Transfer to Hearts/Spades (General case) --2HS Forced response ---- pass Weak hand with 5+ major ---- All other bids are FG (except 2D 2H 2S considered above). 2S F1 Baron Are you minimum or maximum ---- 2NT NF minimum (continuation if any 4 card suits FG) ---- 3CDHS FG maximum lowest 4+card suit 2NT F1 Transfer to clubs --3C NF Forced response ---- pass weak with 6+ clubs ---- FG All other responses 1.3.3 1NT - how to respond ----- Weak hands - pass, or use transfer and then pass. Invitational hands 1NT 2D 2H 2S with both majors 4+, spades at least as long 1NT 2C 2D 2H with hearts 4+ (and possibly spades shorter) 1NT 2C 2D 2S with spades 4+ only 1NT 2C 2D 3C/D with 5+ minor 1NT 2S with no suit interest Game strength hands 1NT 2S 4 card suits upwards with 4 card major. Transfer then bid 3NT with 5 card major Slam invitation hands 1NT Transfer (4 suits) then 4C/D General Swiss 6 card suit 1NT 2S . . . then agree suit with 4C/4D General Swiss, . . . or bid 4NT Quantitative ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx 1.4 2NT System -------------- 1.4.1 Situations where it applies ----- 2NT (20-22) NF 2C 2D 2NT (23-24) NF 1X 1Y 2NT (18-19) FG 1X 2Y 2NT (15+) FG 1.4.2 Requirements and Generalities ----- Opening 2NT should be 4432, 4333 or 5332 5 card minor - with a 5 card major it is better to open 2C and bid 2 of the major over 2D. Nevertheless, responses to 3C are 5-card Stayman for coherence and also to enable responder to show diamonds. After a 2C opener, opener may have a 5 card major. After 1X 1Y or 1X 2Y, opener may have a 5 card major, but only in X. Opener may have a 4 card fit for a minor suit Y, but not a major suit Y There are no invitational situations after 2NT. If responder wishes to play in a part score, either pass 2NT or transfer to major and pass. Previous bidding is ignored except that 1. Transfers into partner's suit shows 3. 2. Stayman showing partner's major shows 3. 1.4.3 Detailed responses ----- 3C F1 5-card Stayman. Responder has no 5 card major. --3D No 5 card Major but at least one 4 card major ---- 3H shows 4 ---- 3S shows 4 ---- 3NT no 4 card major --3H 5 card Heart suit ---- 3NT doubleton heart (no-one is interested in spades!) --3S 5 card spade suit --3NT not even a 4 card major. 3D F1 transfer to Hearts. Shows 5+ (or 3 if partner bid it) 3H F1 transfer to Spades. Shows 5+ (or 3 if partner bid it) ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx 1.5 2C opening -------------- 1.5.1 When to open 2C ----- 2C opening - all strong hands. 2NT is 20-22 Balanced so 2C is 1. 23+ any distribution 2. 20-22 not balanced including 5332 5 card Major 3. 18/19 with 4 Losers or 8 PT With a 4441 20+ hand, it is probably best to open at the one level and hope somebody bids. With both majors 23+, 2C (2D 2NT) is possible. 1.5.2 Generalities on responses ----- As long as the opening hand is kept as strong as in 1.5.1, most 4-point responding hands will be worth game, and under those circumstances, game means 4 of a major if there is an 8 card fit, and 3NT otherwise. If a fit is found, a slam is quite likely with as few as 6 points, and usually General Swiss should be relied on to decide this issue. Responses are therefore to bid 2D relay unless 4+ points and a 5 card major is held. If responder holds a 5+ spade suit there are some special conventional responses, but in general bids up to 3D show a 5 card suit agreed using Swiss (with an adjustment of 2) and 3H/S show a 4 card suit. Responder should neither show nor support a minor suit unless he holds at least 6 points. 1.5.3 2D response ----- This response is a relay, asking partner to describe his hand. Although usually the correct response with a weak hand, it is also often the correct response with a stronger one, and should be described as a relay where no response is forcing. 2H/S 5+ card suit at most 8 playing tricks. To agree the suit and proceed, responder may raise to 3 (not forcing), bid 4 of the suit or use General Swiss. Other bids deny 3 card support and show a 5 card suit. 2NT shows 4+ points but no 5+ suit to show, continuation natural (NOT 1.4.3!). Note that this 2NT may be quite unbalanced if 4-5 points held, since hand is not strong enough to bid a minor suit. Note also that 2C 2D 2S 3H shows 5. 2NT 23-24 Balanced. Continuation is as after a 2NT opening (1.4.3). 3C 5-card Stayman 3D/H transfers 3S undefined for now. 3C/D 5+ card suit with strength not so closely defined. A major suit at the 3-level is 4 card suit denying a fit except 3D shows 5. To agree the suit use General Swiss. 3H/S 5 and probably 6 card suit, 9 PT. Responder should raise with any reasonable hope of a trick. 3S over 3H shows 4 card suit "on the way" to 3NT. 3NT 4H 4S 5C 5D are all to play. 4C/D Undefined for now. 1.5.4 2H response ----- 2C 2H shows 4+ points and 5+ hearts, and all such hands respond 2H. 2H is Forcing to Game. Continuation is as for 2D except * 4C/D is General Swiss, agreeing hearts. * If response to 2D was to be in Hearts, use Swiss instead. * There is no need to bid above 3D, since situation is FG * 3H/S therefore show a 7 card suit. 1.5.5 Spade responses. ----- With 4+ points and 5+ spades, responder shows the spades, but chooses the bid depending on how many hearts he holds. 2S 5+ spades, at most 2 hearts. 2NT 5+ spades, exactly 3 hearts. 3C 5+ spades, exactly 4 hearts. 3D 5+ spades, 5+ hearts. In every case, General Swiss agrees spades. To agree hearts, bit 3H. after 2C 2S, 3H shows 6. after 2C 2NT/3C/3D, 3H shows 8 card fit and sets the trumps for Swiss. 1.5.6 Coping with intervention ----- Since the responses to 2C are so compressed, intervention by opponents can be quite effective, particularly if interjected immediately after the 2C bid itself, and it is important to make use of the information provided by the opponents. 1.5.6.1 After 2C (bid) ------- Pass shows 0-3 points provided the opponents bid up to 3S or lower, though it may be necessary to pass on a stronger hand if the opponents pre-empt to a higher level. More generally pass shows insufficient values to compete at the current level. Double (or redouble if the opponents have doubled) has a meaning that depends critically on the meaning of the intervening bid. - a 1-suited intervention. In this case, the double or redouble shows at least 3 cards in each of the remaining three suits and at least four high-card points. This is forcing to game, and it is expected that partner will have 5 cards in one of these suits, and provided he gets a chance, will mention it at the lowest level. If this allows the use of Swiss, so much the better. - a 2-suited intervention. In this case, double or redouble shows at least 3 cards in each of the remaing two suits and at least 4 high card points. This is similarly forcing to game. - a forcing intervention. If a player makes a forcing bid that does not guarantee any particular suits, a double shows 4+ points and that the natural bid is no longer available. All other bids retain their uncontested meaning ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx 1.6 General Swiss convention ---------------------------- 1.6.1 Applicability ----- In an uncontested auction, 4C/4D are almost always General Swiss. The exceptions are * As an opening bid, 4C/4D show a high-level pre-empt * If partner opens 2D, 3C or 3D, responder's raise in that suit is a raise of the pre-empt. The other minor retains is Swiss meaning. Over 2D, it is possible to use General Swiss by using the Jacoby 2NT first. See later section for further clarification of 4C/D in competitive auctions. 1.6.2 Control Points (CPs) ----- The theory is that a small slam in partner's suit needs 11 CPs and a grand slam needs 13 CPs. An Ace counts 2, a King 1, the Queen of trumps 1 and a singleton counts 1, except that the partnership may not count 1 for both the King and for a singleton in the same suit. It often happens that 6NT (or 7NT) is the correct contract at pairs, and this needs basically that no singleton is necessary as a control, and that ruffing is not needed to generate a trick - usually the 12th. 1.6.3 Strong/Weak Adjustment ----- If one hand is known to be very strong and/or the other weak, there is an adjustment of 2 CPs to be made to the values shown by Swiss. These apply so that the strong hand needs 2 more CPs for each bid, and the weak hand 2 fewer. This applies specifically . . . * After a 2NT or 2C opening, or 1X 1Y 2NT * After a Weak 2 or pre-emptive opening * After a Take-Out Double by an unpassed hand. In all other circumstances there is no adjustment. 1.6.4 Requirements and Generalities ----- 4C/4D shows a game forcing hand, support for partner's suit and at least a mild slam try. With a void, General Swiss may still be used but it is not so good. Subject to an adjustment (see 1.6.3) the system is 4C shows 4 or 6 or possibly 8 CPs 4D shows 5 or 7 CPs, or possibly 9 if hearts are not the agreed suit. Without 4-8(9) CPs do not use General Swiss. 1.6.5 Detailed responses ----- After 4C, responder may . . . (0-4) Sign off (1.6.6) if 6 CPs is not enough Responder may bid on to show 8 (see 1.6.7) (5-6) Bid 4D if 6 CPs is enough but 4 is not Responder then signs off with 4 and cooperates with 6 With 8, responder cooperates and raises 1 level at the end (7) Cooperate (lowest K/Singleton or bid at 5 level) if 4 is enough Responder raises 1 level at the end to show 6. (8) Proceed to slam, and leave it to partner to bid the grand with 6 (9) Cooperate and then bid 7 if no duplication is found (10+) Bid 7. After 4D, If agreed suit is hearts, responder may . . . (0-5) Sign off if 5 CPs is not enough Responder bids on to show 7 (6) Cooperate (lowest K/Singleton or bid at 5 level) if 5 is enough (7) Proceed to slam. (8) Cooperate and then bid 7 if no duplication is found (9+) Bid 7. After 4D, If agreed suit is not hearts, responder may . . . (0-3) Sign off if 7 CPs is not enough Responder bids on to show 9 (4-5) Bid 4H if 7 CPs is enough but 5 is not Responder then signs off with 5 and cooperates with 7 With 9, responder cooperates and raises 1 level at the end (6) Cooperate (lowest K/Singleton or bid at 5 level) if 5 is enough (7) Proceed to slam. (8) Cooperate and then bid 7 if no duplication is found (9+) Bid 7. 1.6.6 Signing off ----- A bid of the agreed suit/Notrumps at the lowest possible level are signoff bids. All others bids are not signing off. 1.6.7 Co-operation. ----- Once it is established that there is a raw combined 11 CPs available, the next phase is to check for duplication - has one player counted 1 CP for a King and the other for a singleton in the same suit? If a player knows that there are 12 CPs available he should proceed to slam (1.6.6) If there are 13, grand can be investigated by bidding as though 11 are held to look for duplication (K/Sing). If Hearts are agreed, 4S 5C 5D are the duplication bids From 4H-5D, bids other than 4NT and the agreed suit show a King or Singleton has been counted in that suit and that either 11 or 13 CPs are there. If partner has also counted 1 for K/S in that suit he should sign off. Otherwise his lowest K/S is bid until no more available. He should then proceed to a slam (1.6.9). It should be noticed that bidding 5D takes the partnership beyond 5C if clubs are the agreed suit. Some thought must therefore be given to using General Swiss if you have a singleton Diamond or the King. Options are to not count it, or to count it if you still feel that 5NT will be a safe contract. In general it is best not to count a singleton diamond as a CP if clubs are agreed. Cooperating is the process of using the bids that are not 4NT or game in the agreed suit to show K or singleton. These are those of 4H 4S 5C 5D that are not the agreed suit. Bidding continues until no further such suits remain, after which the player who first runs out of suits proceeds to the slam (1.6.9). Sometimes a player wishes to show co-operation and has no K or singleton to show, in which case he proceeds directly to the slam. 1.6.8 Bidding on ----- Once partner has signed off, if partner has 2 more CPs than he has so far shown, he may bid on. This happens if 8 or 7 CPs are held. "Bidding on" consists of using the bids between the signoff bid and one level up from it, excluding notrumps and the agreed suit, to show singletons and Kings. It can also happen that 6 CPs are held but partner co-operates showing 7 CPs, and then signs off once duplication is detected. In this case the holder of 6CPs can proceed to the slam, since it is now known that the partnership holds 12 CPs. 1.6.9 Proceeding to slam ----- Once either partner knows that 11 are held but 13 are not, he can proceed to the slam. This consists of selecting between three possible bids - 6 of the agreed suit, 6NT, or the suit immediately below 6 of the agreed suit to give partner the choice. It can happen that the suit immediately below 6 of the agreed suit is needed to show a King/Singleton if the 4C/D bidder has 7 or 8 controls. In the case of 5S (where clubs are agreed) the bid shows the K/Singleton since 5NT is still available as a signoff. Over a signoff of 5D, there is no point using 6C to show a K/singleton since the partnership is already committed to the small slam, so it is the Notrump Probe. The suit immediately below 7 of the agreed suit (including 6S if clubs are agreed) gives partner the choice between 7NT and 7 of the agreed suit. ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx 1.7 General Jacoby 2NT ---------------------- 1.7.1 Applicability and requirements ----- 2NT is General Jacoby only if Partner's first bid (he may have passed before) was 1 or 2 of a suit It was entirely natural You have not had a chance to bid since. You have not bid (you may have passed) before. Hence it applies in direct response to an opening or overcall of 1 of a suit, a weak 2, a weak jump overcall at the 2-level or partners intervention over a weak no trump. This remains true whatever RHO does, provided only that 2NT remains a legal bid. It shows that our side has the balance of points, and either a) Primary support for partner and an invitational hand b) Secondary support at least and game-going values. In general the idea is to agree opener's suit and bid to game or slam. In some cases responder is 1 card short of full support and if opener is also "short" the bidding should die at 3NT. 4NT is always quantitative and non-forcing. If a response is made, however, it should presume that the "agreed suit" is indeed the one opened, and treat the K and Q of that suit as trumps, even though it is almost certainly a 7 card fit and the final contract will be in No Trumps. 1.7.2 Responses to General Jacoby ----- The original suit bidder first classifies his hand into one of three strengths and one of two lengths. In fact the weaker/short combinations should not really occur, though some allowance for it is made. The strength levels are a) Weak. If partner has an invitational hand, you will decline b) Midrange - game opposite a good invitation only c) Strong. Worth game opposite any invitational hand d) Maximum. Top of the range for the bid. The length levels are short and full-length Rebidding the suit is always "weak" and "should" be full-length. 3C always shows midrange. If the opened suit is clubs, 3C is bid on both weak and midrange hands. The lowest remaining 3-level suit is strong/short The next lowest remaining 3-level suit is strong/full-length 3NT shows short/maximum 4C/D (Swiss) shows full-length maximum if you have 4-8 CPs (otherwise treat your hand as strong) in detail, 1/2C 2NT -3C (weak or midrange) -3D (strong, short) -3H (strong, full) -3S (not defined) -3NT (max, short) -4C/D max, full) 1/2D 2NT -3C (midrange) -3D (weak) -3H (strong, short) -3S (strong, full) -3NT (max, short) -4C/D max, full) 1/2H 2NT -3C (midrange) -3D (strong, short) -3H (weak) -3S (strong, full) -3NT (max, short) -4C/D max, full) 1/2S 2NT -3C (midrange) -3D (strong, short) -3H (strong, full) -3S (weak) -3NT (max, short) -4C/D max, full) 1.7.3 Continuation after opener replies to the relay. ----- 3NT, Swiss and all game and slam bids are clear. 3 of the agreed suit is sign-off. The lowest remaining 3-level bid is a further enquiry about length and strength, with replies (in increasing order as available) 3 of agreed suit any spare 3-level suit bids upwards. 3NT Swiss If length has not yet been shown, 3NT shows short, all others show full. If agreed suit is a major and opener is full length, correct 3NT to 4 of the agreed major, since partner has guaranteed an 8 card fit if opener is full-length. In detail, 1/2C 2NT 3C 3D (3H weak 5, 3S mid 5, 3NT 4, 4C/D top midrange 5) 3D 3H (3S min, 3NT mid, 4C/D max) 3H 3S (3NT min, 4C/D max) 1/2D 2NT 3C 3H (3S min full, 3NT short, 4C/S max full) 3D 3H (3S min full, 3NT short, 4C,S max full) 3H 3S (3NT min, 4C/D max) 1/2H 2NT 3C 3D (3H min full, 3S mid full, 3NT short, 4C/D max full) 3D 3S (3NT min, 4C/D max) 3H 3S (3NT short, 4C/D full) 1/2S 2NT 3C 2D (3S min full, 3H mid full, 3NT short, 4C/D max full) 3D 3H (3S min, 3NT mid, 4C/D max) ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx Section 2 - we open the bidding and they bid too. ================================================= 2.1 They make an overcall ------------------------- 2.1.1 Generalities. ----- As a rule, since partner has opened the bidding and opponents have only overcalled, the balance of points is likely to be in our favour. To ensure that overzealous action by the opponents gets duly punished, it is important that bids in general in this position retain their constructive meaning - based more on point count than Losing Tricks. Since the overcaller has given partner another chance to speak anyway if he has a super-strong hand, responses tend to be 1 point stronger than in an uncontested auction. With a fit for partner, all the raises and the conventional 2NT are available. Both 2 and 3 level direct raises of a major can be made on 3 card support, with 2 level raises showing 7-11 points and 3 level raises tending to be 8 losers but ill-defined (and probably low) point count. Raises of a minor need 4 card support, but - particularly on a weakish hand - may be made in preference to a change of suit since, now the auction looks competitive, it is best to stick with a known fit rather than chase the butterflies of a possible better one. Again 2-level raise shows 7-11 and 3 level is 8 losers and undefined point count. Change of suit by responder is forcing under all circumstances, showing 6+ points at the 1 level, 10+ points at the 2 level, and 12+ at the 3 level. 1NT shows 7-10 points, but needs in addition some sort of stopper in the enemy suit. The jump-shift shows, as usual, 16+ points but is very rare. The immediate cue-bid is 11+. It does not deny a stop in the enemy suit, and usually has one, but partner is expected first to show a stop, particularly Qxx or the like, that makes him keen to play a NT contract from his side of the table. If partner bids 2NT (12-13) or rebids his opening suit, these bids are not forcing. All others are forcing to game. The meaning of a double depends on what level the overcall is made. 2.1.2 "Sputnik" double after a 1 level overcall. ----- A 1 level overcall deprives us of very little bidding space, so the sputnik double can be made on 6+ points, and acts very much as an additional 1-level forcing bid. 1C (1D) X at least 4 cards in each major. 1C/D (1H) X precisely 4 spades (and 1S shows at least 5). 1C/D (1S) X 4+ hearts. In this case it behaves exactly like a 1H bid. 1H (1S) X at least 4 cards in each minor and at most 3 hearts. If responder makes a minimum bid in a suit indicated by the sputnik doubler, this shows a minimum, and at the 1 level suggests more than the usual 7 losers. Hence opener should jump to 2 of a major with a full-value opening hand. 2.1.3 "Negative" double after a 2-level overcall. ----- As the overcall enables partner to bid again with a big hand, there is no need to bid on a poor hand, and - unless you have a fit for partner - it is best to pass with 0-7 points. After a 2-level overcall, the negative double says three things 1. I cannot bid anything else 2. I have 8+ points 3. All future bidding except cue bid, Swiss and Blackwood will be non-forcing. Furthermore, since the negative double denies a fit for opener's suit, it tends to suggest a misfit hand. Both sides are urged to bid with caution, and be ready to defend. Hence if responder has a long suit and wishes to compete, he should double first to warn partner that he has little of interest - a bit like Lebensohl in that respect. 2.1.4 "negative" double over higher level overcalls and pre-empts. ----- In principle we play unlimited negative doubles, though the extent to which they are really negative gets more tenuous. After any overcall at the three level, double shows a lack of fit and at least 10+ high card points. At the four level, 12+, at the five level 14+ and so on. At the higher levels the bid is not compulsory, and becomes more penalty oriented. 2.1.5 Bidding after a negative double. ----- If a major suit was opened, it is encouraged to rebid it with a 6 card suit - doubler may well have two. Of course a rebid at the lowest level may be necessary on only 5 cards in the suit. If a minor suit was opened, the focus is on the unbid major suit(s), or - failing that - to bid 2NT to show a stop in opponents suit. If advancer (overcaller's partner) bids, it is usually correct for opener to pass unless he has something worthwhile to say. The hand is likely to be a misfit. 2.1.6 Bidding again with a big hand ----- If the auction starts with 1 of a suit, an overcall and two passes, the best way to keep the bidding alive is with a take-out double. This shows extra values (15+) and invites partner to compete, or indeed to make a penalty pass with a suitable hand. Other bids should be kept to 17+. Partner may well be extremely weak, and the hands may not fit well, so beware. Rebid of opener's suit shows a 6 card suit and not much short of an Acol 2. ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx 2.2 Defence to 1N doubled. -------------------------- Responder passes to play 1N doubled. Responder bids a suit to show 2 places to play. Opener passes with 3 cards or bids lowest 4 card suit. Responder redoubles to show one place to play. Opener bids 2C, pass or correct. 2.3 Defence to 1N (2x) ---------------------- Note defense does not depend on whether 2x is natural or not 1N (2x) DBL game force (could use this for penalties) 1N (2x) 2N, 3C, pass weak with clubs 1N (2x) 2N, 3C, 3y weak 1N (2x) 2y weak 1N (2x) 3y invitational but not forcing ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx Section 3 - they open the bidding. ================================== 3.1 They open a natural 1 of a suit ----------------------------------- 3.1.1 Generalities. ----- If they open the bidding with 1 of a suit, the likelyhood is that they have the balance of points, so the majority of bids in this position are primarily destructive in intent. 1NT (15-17 bal) is constructive, but apart from that the only strong bid in this position is the take-out double. Since this is often made on strong hands of very varied shape, it is a prime target for destructive meaningless bidding from the next hand, making the take-out double the hardest part of the defensive bidding. Playing simple overcalls, weak jump overcalls and pre-emptive bidding gives prominence to the one-suited hand. This is pretty silly. ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx 3.2 Lebensohl over a weak 2 --------------------------- Bidding a suit is intermediate and 6 cards 2N show 16 to 18 balanced DBL shows 15+, or 13+ protective. Then 2N is a relay to 3C. Weak: 0 to 6 opposite 15+, 0 to 8 opposite 13+ (2H) X, 2N, 3C, pass weak with clubs (2H) X, 2N, (not 3C) doubler breaks transfer with 19+ (2H) X, 2N, 3C, 3D weak with diamonds (2H) X, 2N, 3C, 3S weak with spades (2H) X, 2S weak with spades (available in spades, but not hearts) Medium: 7 to 9 opposite 15+, 9 to 11 opposite 13+ (2H) X, 3C 7 to 9 with clubs (2H) X, 3D 7 to 9 with diamonds (2H) X, 3S 7 to 9 with spades Strong: 10+ opposite 15+, 12+ opposite 13+ (direct denies stop, 3H shows 4 of other major) (2H) X, 2N, 3C, 3H 4 spades, heart stop (2H) X, 2N, 3C, 3NT heart stop (2H) X, 3H 4 spades, no heart stop (2H) X, 3NT no heart stop 3.3 Modified Truscott. ---------------------- Over a very strong bid (precision 1C, Benj 2C, 2D etc.) where the opening bid shows nothing, or very little, apart from strength, next seat can very usefully disrupt the bidding by overcalling using Truscott on tram tickets. The system is that the next four suit bids up show that suit and the next suit up at least 4-4, double shows the next suit up and the non touching suit and notrumps at the lowest level shows the other two suits. All higher-level bids are weak jump overcalls. Furthermore, overcaller's partner should pre-empt to the maximum possible extent before opener gets any chance to describe his hand. Hence, over a precison club X shows diamonds and spades 1D shows diamonds and hearts 1H shows hearts and spades 1S shows spades and clubs 1NT shows clubs and hearts 2C shows clubs and diamonds 2D/H/S is a weak jump overcall in the suit named 2NT is unusual (clubs and diamonds) Higher level bids are similarly pre-emptive. Over a Benjamin 2C, the bids are much the same but one level higher. Over Benjamin 2D X shows H and C, 2NT shows D and S, 2H 2S 3C 3D are all the suit and the next suit up, and 3H up is the a jump overcall. Over 1C - 1D I suggest we also play Truscott. It is not too late to make a mess of their bidding system. ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx Section 4 - Play - defense. =========================== 4.1 Discards. ------------- McK discards on first discard. Always play and watch these signals. Doesn't necessarily mean the indicated suit needs to be led (a strong signal does ask for lead) - might just show a stop in NT. Watch other cards played by partner. Second discard can often be used to clarify the signal. 4.2 Signals ----------- Defenders first lead of a suit: K for count. Anything else for attitude Standard(ish) leads - 2 from rubbish, lowest from an honour (not 10) top of sequences, internal sequences. 9 always guarantees at most 2. Lead 10 from 10,9,x On first lead: if there are no further losers in the led suit in dummy, then partner will signal McK. Second round of partners suit in NT: play low from 4, highest from 3. On declarers lead, signal original count if it looks helpful, particularly when partner needs to judge how many times to hold up a stop. When leading for a ruff, the card led is suit preference. If partner wins trick in second hand, fourth hand shows McK suit preference. ----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xxxxxxxxxx----------xx Section 5 - ideas and miscellanous suggestions. =============================================== Can we weaken weak 2 for 1st and 3rd hands: Eg:1st and 3rd non-vul or equal, min = 4 pts, (5+ cards non vul)1st and 3rd unfavourable, min = 6 pts, 6 cards2nd min = 6pts, 6 cards 4th min = 8 (9?) pts, 5+ cards 1st and 2nd max = 10 3rd and 4th max = 14 ***Also suggest clarifying the strength/length of pre-empts (!) :Strong preempts are 7+cards with 1 honour, or 6+cards with 2 honours Weak prempts are 7+cards jack high or 6+cards 1 honour. For pairs, suggest weak at the 3 level for the following:1st and 3rd non-vul or equal 2nd favourable 4th any - where sensible.