Short Club Variant

Mark Abraham and Gri Ware

April 20, 2009
Contents
List of Reminders v
1 Preliminaries 1
1.1 Tables of opening bids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 General Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 1 Opening 3
2.1 Structures after 1 Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Opener accepts the transfer to a major . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.3 Opener shows a balanced hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.4 Structures where responder does not show a major . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.5 Competitive Bidding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3 1 Opening 16
3.1 Responding to 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.2 Structures after 1 Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4 Major Suit Openings 21
4.1 General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.2 Responding to 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.3 Responding to 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.4 General competitive bidding after 1M openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.5 Capp1MX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5 Strong Openings 34
5.1 2 showing 1819HCP balanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
5.2 Strong 2 Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5.3 3NT Specic Ace Ask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
6 Competitive Bidding 37
6.1 Responders actions over one-level interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6.2 4NT in competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
6.3 Ripstra over Gambling 3NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
ii
CONTENTS CONTENTS
6.4 Asptro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6.5 Good/Bad 2NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6.6 Leaping Michaels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6.7 The Overcall Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6.8 After their 1NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6.9 After they double our 1NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6.10 After they overcall our 1NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6.11 Robson and Segal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6.12 Defence to Multi 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6.13 Defences to openings at the two level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
7 Slam Bidding Agreements 44
7.1 Lower Minor Trump Ask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
7.2 Grand Slam Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
7.3 Blackwood Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7.4 Roman Key-Card Blackwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7.5 Kickback over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.6 Minor-suit agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.7 6KCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.8 General agreements regarding splinters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.9 Exclusion RKCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.10 Control Bidding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
8 Cardplay Agreements 49
8.1 The Obvious Shift Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
8.2 Miscellaneous Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
9 Other Agreements 51
9.1 After strong natural 2NT initial opening actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
iii
List of Reminders
12 is weak with 5
+
5
+
3
After 11R, openers limited reverse-strength hands with three-card support and the
other major should start by showing the support. 4
After 11R, 1M shows usually 3M, 1 is a puppet, 2 is a transfer reverse, 2R is either
GF unsuited to a splinter or a weak raise pre-rejecting an invitation, 2M is a weak
raise pre-accepting an invitation, 2 is a game-force reverse, 2NT is GF with long
, 3 is invitational with long , jump-shifts are natural splinters and 3M shows an
INV splinter on OM. 4
After both 11R2 auctions we have a fourth-suit puppet. 6
111222 shows a GF checking back for 6
+
6
111NT shows . 6
Naturalish rearrangement after 11R(X). 7
After 11R1M, 1 is a puppet, 1NT is natural, 2 is a puppet, 2m shows 5
+
M weak
or game-forcing (and mostly 0-3OM), 2R shows 4M invitational or better, 2M shows
5-6M 0-3OM invitational, 2 shows GF with 4 4
+
, 2NT is GF with notrump
orientation, 3/3 is inv 4M 6
+
/, 3 shows 5
+
5
+
, and 3M shows 6
+
M
invitational. 7
After 11R1M2R, 2R shows the hand type that is invitational with 4
+
M and unsuited
to a splinter. 10
After a 1NT rebid, the 2 puppet and 3/3 rebid now show invitational hands with
long / suits because Baron is available after a transfer. 12
Transfer reverses after 11/1NT 14
Major-suit checkbacks 11NT3/3/3 14
12 is weak single-suited 16
12 is invitational with both majors 16
After 11M we use a (forcing) 1NT rebid on all GF hands, hands with better than
, hands with 3M and hands with 4 (when M is ) 16
112 is an inv splinter or GF raise unsuited to splinter 17
113 is GF raise unsuited to splinter 19
When responders fourth-suit 2 is a puppet to 2, the jump to 3 is a stopper-ask
iv
LIST OF REMINDERS LIST OF REMINDERS
and the delayed 2NT is invitational showing . 20
After 11NT, 2m/3 are natural minimum and 2NT is inv or better with 4
+
20
After 12, 2 is inv without , 2NT is inv+ with , 3m is slam try. 22
After 111NT, 3 is GF with 4 and interest. 23
1M222 starts a relay auction 25
After 12, 2NT is any invitation and suits are slam tries. 28
After 122, 3 shows a hand that was originally invitational with 3-4 5
+
29
After 12, 3NT is a non-serious splinter 30
After 122, 2NT shows balanced or because opener can have extras 31
After 12, 3/4 are splinter raises of 31
1/1(X) uses transfer continuations. 33
When responding to a 2 opening, responder has no natural bids below 3NT on any of
the rst three rounds of bidding. Anti-Stayman is used, and 5M COG hands transfer
rst to the major, and then cheaply to notrump. 34
222NT has the main transfer, minor-suit Stayman, and quasi-three-suited hands
with both minors. 36
Agreements after our double of their 1NT 40
LM trump ask step responses. 44
RKCB is 1430 with 5NT showing void+1/3 and 6X showing void+2. 45
In RKCB, responder signs o when not holding the requested feature. 46
After the rst RKCB response, asker uses Step 1 to ask for the queen, Step 2 to ask for
specic kings, 5NT for general grand slam invitation. 46
DOPI & DEPO. 46
4m is RKCB after an unambiguous auction agreeing m that includes a control bid, and
there are consequent weird meanings for 4NT. 46
After a natural 3NT is ripped to 4m to show t and slam interest and is not RKCB,
Step 1 is RKCB and 4NT is to play. 46
In 6KCB, 6 is shown with 0 or 3. 47
ERKCB uses 0314, not 1430. 47
For purposes of the Obvious Shift, a ten counts as an honour 50
Bath Coup exception to Obvious Shift. 50
In Puppet Stayman, we use 3 to deny a major suit (and a 3 puppet thereafter) and
3NT to show 5. 51
v
Chapter 1
Preliminaries
1.1 Tables of opening bids
In all positions
Opening Description Alertable?
P Denies the ability or desire to open with a bid. N
1 1114HCP balanced 2-4 2-4 2-5 2-5,
OR 11
+
HCP three-suited with 4=4=1=4
OR 11
+
HCP unbalanced with 0-3 5
+
.
Y
1 11
+
HCP unbalanced with 5
+
.
OR 11
+
HCP unbalanced with 4 5
+
,
OR 11
+
HCP three-suited with 4
+
.
Y
1 1114HCP balanced with 2-3 5 2-3 2-3,
OR 11
+
HCP unbalanced with 5
+
.
N
1 1114HCP balanced with 5 2-3 2-3 2-3,
OR 11
+
HCP unbalanced with 5
+
.
N
1NT 1517HCP balanced (5M expected; unorthodox shapes per-
mitted)
N
2 1819HCP balanced (as above) Y
2 Any game-force or 23
+
HCP balanced. Y
2 Pre-emptive, about 5-9HCP, 4
+
4
+
, undisciplined, but
length disparity greater than one card is not permitted.
Y
2 Pre-emptive, about 5-9HCP, 5
+
, undisciplined. N
2NT 20-22HCP balanced N
3X Pre-emptive, about 5-9HCP, 6
+
X N
3NT Specic ace ask Y
1
1.2 General Notes Chapter 1. Preliminaries
In all positions (cont.)
Opening Description Alertable?
4X Pre-emptive, 7
+
X N
1.2 General Notes
After a 1/1/1 opening where responder shows a suit and opener makes a rebid that
could be consistent with a minimum, responder has a rebid strategy to show at the two level
an invitational hand with at least six cards in their suit. In one case this rebid is facilitated
by a wide-ranging weak jump shift. In some cases this rebid comes after a 2 puppet bid
in a puppet-and-transfers structure.
2
Chapter 2
1 Opening
2.1 Structures after 1 Opening
After 1
Responder may transfer to their major suit at the one level on the same hand types that
respond 1/ 1 to a standard 1 opening plus some additional weaker hands with 4
+
/
that are unsuited to a weak jump shift or passing 1. These weaker hands plan to subside
in their major at the one- or two-level. Normally at least 4HCP is expected with only a
four-card suit. Note that an invitational hand with primary and a major suit must plan
to respond showing the major and suppress the minor in some auctions.
In the notes below, where a major suit is initially shown with a transfer, the pair of such
major-suit structures have strong similarities (as suggested by the useful-space principle)
and so we will indicate these similarities by grouping them together and noting only the
dierences. That transfer bid is always in a red suit, and the denomination below that
is a minor suit. These three suits will be denoted symbolically with M, R and m
respectively. Bids using the symbolic names supersede those explictly named with the de-
nomination (which will always be intended for the other major-suit auction).
1R Transfer showing 4
+
M (continuations page 4).
1 Either weak no major OR weak 6
+
OR GF 5
+
0-4M OR GF balanced
with no major and no 5-card minor and unsuited for another response
(continuations page 13).
1NT Inv 1-4 1-4 3-5 2-5 (can have a four-card major only when holding
a side suit of Kx or Qx) (continuations page 14).
2 GF 5
+
(including balanced) (continuations page 14).
2 Invitational 6
+
and no major suit.
2 Weak 5
+
5
+

2 Weak 6 36HCP.
3
2.1 Structures after 1 Opening Chapter 2. 1 Opening
[After 1]
2NT Invitational 6
+
and no major suit.
3 Weak 6
+

3/3/3 0-1// no major suit, 6

+
(singletons start with 1).
3NT Minimum balanced game-force, normally no major. If responder holds
4-5, they would not act positively over any splinter for .
4 RKCB for
4/4/4 ERKCB on // for
After 11R
Accepting the one-level major suit transfers show either most hands with 3-card support or
a hand with 4-card support that is precisely invitational and is unsuited to a splinter. This
acceptance is non-forcing on a sub-minimum responder, but forcing otherwise. Openers
weak balanced hands with 2M rebid 1/1NT, and game-force 4-card raises use various bids
mostly below 3M. Openers reverse-strength hands with the other major and three-card
support begin by showing support only if they can stand for a sub-minimum responder to
pass. Otherwise, reverse-strength hands start with one of several possible articial bids.
Because all unbalanced hands with both minors open 1 (i.e. including longer ), bids that
would have shown - reverses in standard methods (for example) adopt new meanings.
The description game-forcing is used to describe a hand for opener that can force a normal
minimum response to game, but which will usually have the option of passing below game
when responder reveals a sub-minimum.
1M Almost any hand with 3M or a hand with 4
+
M that is
invitational for a weak responder and is not suited to a
splinter (continuations page 7).
1/1NT/2/2 See structures page 5 and page 6.
2R 4M that would refuse an invitation (e.g. 1112HCP bal),
OR game-forcing hand with 4
+
M unsuited to a splinter
(continuations page 5).
2M 4M that would accept an invitation (e.g. 1314HCP bal or
any minimum unbalanced hand) (continuations page 5).
2 Game-forcing reverse 4
+
0-2 5
+

2NT Forcing, either subminimum or extras.

3 Only non-game-forcing auction.
2NT Game-forcing 6
+
0-3M.
3 Sub-minimum response.
others Natural.
3 Long with good playing strength.
4
Chapter 2. 1 Opening 2.1 Structures after 1 Opening
[After 11R]
3 Inv+ 4
+
M 0-1 splinter.
3M Rejects invitation.
3OM Accepts invitation, but no slam interest unless opener has
extra strength.
3NT+ Accepts invitation, has slam interest for openers invita-
tional hands, now pivot control bidding.
3M Inv 4
+
M 0-1OM splinter.
3OM Game-forcing 4
+
M 0-1OM splinter.
3M Sub-minimum, non-forcing (if M is ).
3NT Gambling style with solid 7
+

4 Forcing with t and a 7-4-1-1.

4/4 Game-forcing void splinter on /
4M+ Not used.
After 11R2R or 11R2M
Opener shows some four-card raise, either weak, or game-forcing unsuited to a splinter
2M Cant force the weaker hand to game.
3M Game-forcing but a sub-minimum may pass.
others Slam interest, forcing to 4M.
2/2NT/3x Extra strength, slam interest opposite the weak hand
(where applicable), natural.
3M Min GF, slam interest only opposite the strong hand (or
unused if such a hand is impossible).
higher bids Splinter.
4M To play (only used if responder cant have extra strength).
One could do more with this structure, but were already ahead of the eld.
After 11
Responder shows 4
+

1 Either
Weak with 0-2 6
+
, or
balanced with 2-3 2, or
non-GF reverse with 4 0-2 5
+
, or
GF reverse with 4 3 5
+

(continuations page 6)
1NT Non-forcing with 4 (unbalanced or balanced).
bids Puppet and transfers (including to ).
5
2.1 Structures after 1 Opening Chapter 2. 1 Opening
[After 11]
2 Weak with 6
+
and 4
2 Either 6
+
weak, or 4 4
+
weak, or any GF
others Invitational.
After 111 Back
Responder showed 4
+
. Opener denies unless holding extra strength, and requests re-
sponder bid 1NT. Responders rebids of 2 and higher use the puppet-and-transfers style
page 12, however a strong responding hand should temporise with a low-level bid if one
of openers strong hands would inuence their intended auction. Also note the delayed
checkback for openers weak hand with long .
1NT Weak, 4-5
P Balanced.
2 6
+
0-2
2 15-16 4 5
+

2 GF 4 3 5
+

2 17-18 4 5
2NT 17-18 4 6
3 17-18 4 7
2 Puppet to 2, either weak with 6
+
, any inv, or tempo-
rising with GF hand.
2 Happy to accept puppet.
2 Checking for 6
+
hand
3 6
+

3 Balanced (now 3 puppets opener to 3NT).

2 GF 4 3 5
+

2 15-18 4 0-2 5
+

3 Weak 7
+

2 Transfer to 2
2 Most hands.
2 16-18 4 5
2NT 16-18 4 6
+

3 Weak 7
+
0-1
3 GF 4 3 5
+

After 11
Responder shows 4
+

1NT Weak balanced with 2 (continuations page 12)

6
Chapter 2. 1 Opening 2.2 Opener accepts the transfer to a major
[After 11]
2 Unbalanced with 6
+
0-2, or 5
+
4 0-2.
2 Either 6
+
not invitational or 5
+
4 weak, or any GF.
others Invitational.
2 Unlimited reverse with 0-2 4, or game-forcing reverse
with 3 4
2 Subminimum 4
+

2 Normal minimum 5
+

2NT Normal minimum 4

3+ Not minimum.
After 11R(X)
Opener distributes the hand types that would have responded 1M and 1NT over P, XX, 1M,
1NT and 3M.
P 1112HCP 2M balanced (then X is for penalty).
XX 15
+
HCP 1M 4OM 5 (then X is for penalty).
1M 3M any, forcing on normal responding hand, system is on.
1 Natural, unbalanced, normally 0-2M, forcing on a normal responding
hand.
1NT 1314HCP 2M balanced.
others As without interference.
3M Invitational with 4
+
M.
After 11(X)
P 1112HCP balanced (then X is for penalty).
XX 15
+
HCP 4 5 (then X is for penalty).
1NT 1314HCP balanced.
others As without interference.
2.2 Opener accepts the transfer to a major
After 11R1M
The philosophy here is to avoid playing 3M at all costs. When rebidding constructively with
the focus on responders major (e.g. 2/2/2M/2NT/3M rebids), responder should act as
if opener had shown an unbalanced 3-card raise of unknown strength. The other hand type
for opener will usually carry the auction past 2M without impetus from responder, so it is
only the 3-card raise hands that need to be interrogated.
P Sub-minimum response.
7
2.2 Opener accepts the transfer to a major Chapter 2. 1 Opening
[After 11R1M]
1 Attempted puppet to 1NT, either weak with 0-3 4 or
invitational with 4 4
+
or some GF with 0-3 4 that
wishes to either hear about openers hand-type, or prefers
them to declare notrumps. (continuations page 8)
1NT Natural, non-forcing, 4M (and 4 if M is ) but not nec-
essarily balanced (continuations page 11 and page 11).
2 Puppet to 2, either weak 4
+
6
+
or weak 5
+
4 or
invitational with 5
+
4
+
or game-forcing with 5
+
4
(continuations page 9)
2m 5
+
M weak or game-forcing (when M is or responder is
GF, 4
+
OM is impossible). (continuations page 9)
2R 4M 0-3OM invitational or better for a minimum hand with
3M. (continuations page 10)
2M 5-6M 0-3OM invitational. (continuations page 11)
2 4 4
+
GF.
3 Any hand with 4
2NT 4M with desire to play notrumps, game-forcing (dieren-
tiated from 2R only by the notrump-orientation and the
narrower range), but not enough strength for a slam in M
if opener has t. Denies the other major. (continuations
page 11)
3/3 4M 6
+
/ invitational.
3 5
+
5
+
GF.
3M 6
+
M invitational.
3/4X Auto-splinter.
After 1111 Back
Opener shows usually 3 and responder shows attempted puppet to 1NT, either weak with
0-3 4 or invitational with 4 4
+
or some GF with 0-3 4 that wishes to either hear
about openers hand-type, or prefers them to declare notrumps.
1NT/2 Natural with 3
2/2 Weak 5
+
/ 4
2 Inv 4 5
+

2 Inv 4 4
2 Limited reverse with 4 3 5
+

2 Inv 4
+
with no shortage.
2NT GF 6
+
3
8
Chapter 2. 1 Opening 2.2 Opener accepts the transfer to a major
[After 1111]
3 Inv 6
+
3
There exists no invitational hand with 3 2-5
After 1112 Back
Opener shows usually 3 and responder shows puppet to 2, either weak 4
+
6
+
or weak
5
+
4 or invitational with 5
+
4
+
or game-forcing with 5
+
4
2 Correctable.
P Weak with
2 Weak 5
+
4
2 Inv 5
+
4
+

3/3 GF 5
+
4 with / fragment.
2 3, limited reverse, forcing.
2/3 Rejecting invitations, holding /
3/2NT Accepting invitations holding /
2 Invitational with 4
+

2NT GF 6
+
3
3 Inv 6
+
3
After 11R1M2m Back
Opener shows usually 3M and responder shows 5
+
M weak or game-forcing (when M is or
responder is GF, 4
+
OM is impossible).
2R At least invitational for the weak hand, showing 3
+
M. (con-
tinuations page 9)
2M Cant invite the weak hand, thus 3M and non-forcing.
Openers actions now all show game-forcing hands.
2OM/3OM Limited reverse with support.
others Unused.
3M Inv 4
+
M unsuited to splinter?
3 Game-forcing 3M 6
+

After 11R1M2m2R Back

Opener shows at least invitational for the weak hand, showing 3
+
M. and responder shows
5
+
M weak or game-forcing (when M is or responder is GF, 4
+
OM is impossible).
9
2.2 Opener accepts the transfer to a major Chapter 2. 1 Opening
[After 11R1M2m2R]
2M 5
+
M weak and rejecting an invitation.
suits Natural, slammish (but 2OM/3OM probes for t).
3M Slam interest, no suitable descriptive bid available.
3NT Suggestion of strain.
jumps Splinters.
4M To play.
2 5
+
M 4
+
OM weak and accepting the invitation (since GF
is impossible with 4 on the side).
2NT 5
+
M, game-forcing with no shortage or suit to show.
3/3 5
+
M, natural and game-forcing.
3 Impossible, since all responding hands with 5
+
4
+

should rebid something else.

3M 5
+
M 0-3OM weak and accepting the invitation and cater-
ing to slam auctions (since weak 5
+
4
+
rebids the 2
puppet).
jumps Splinters, game-forcing.
After 11R1M2R Back
Opener shows usually 3M and responder shows 4M 0-3OM invitational or better for a min-
imum hand with 3M.
2M Declining invitation with 3M (responder should retreat to
2NT (never via 2); otherwise responder bids natural GF
- and they will not have such a hand with 4).
2 Reverse strength with 4 3 5
+

2NT Accepting the invitation with 3M and slam interest, inter-

ested in exploring minor suits.
3 Game-forcing 6
+
3M.
3R 4M, thus originally invitational, and now game-forcing, un-
suited for a splinter, catering for slam auctions
3M No shortage, but slam interest, demands pivot control bid-
ding.
3M+1 Unspecied void.
3M+2 Inquiry.
suits Specic void.
suits Specic singleton.
4M No slam interest.
3NT Accepting the invitation without other interest.
10
Chapter 2. 1 Opening 2.2 Opener accepts the transfer to a major
After 11R1M2M Back
Opener shows usually 3M and responder shows 5-6M 0-3OM invitational.
P Declined invitation.
2NT Unused.
3 Game-forcing 6
+
3M, now with slam interest.
others Unused.
4M 3-4M accepted invitation (including originally invitational with 4
+
M).
After 11R1M2NT Back
Opener shows usually 3M and responder shows 4M with desire to play notrumps, game-
forcing (dierentiated from 2R only by the notrump-orientation and the narrower range),
but not enough strength for a slam in M if opener has t. Denies the other major.
3 Natural, showing 6
+
3M with slam interest.
3 Unused.
3 Limited reverse with 3 4 5
+

3 Unused (a reverse would have showed its suit at the rst rebid).
3NT Happy to play notrumps - shows a hand with 3M with no interest in
side suits or slam, or a hand with 4M with preference for notrump.
4M No slam interest, no notrump interest, thus originally INV with 4M.
After 1111NT
Opener shows usually 3 and responder is non-forcing with 4 4 and not necessarily
balanced.
2 5
+
3 minimum.
2 Invitational 4, unsuited for a splinter.
2 Weak 4 3.
2NT Game-forcing 6
+
3.
3 Invitational 6
+
3.
3 Limited reverse with 4 3.
After 1111NT
Opener shows usually 3 and responder shows natural, non-forcing, 4 but not necessarily
balanced.
2 5
+
3 minimum.
2 Limited reverse with 3 4 0-1 5
+

2 Invitational 4, unsuited for a splinter.

2NT Unused.
2NT Game-forcing 6
+
3.
11
2.3 Opener shows a balanced hand Chapter 2. 1 Opening
[After 1111NT]
3 Invitational 6
+
3.
Opener would have rebid 1 on a limited reverse-strength hand with and 3.
2.3 Responders rebids after opener shows a balanced
hand
After 111 and 11R1NT, the following structure is used by responder to continue
the auction. 2 is a puppet to 2 which may be to play, or preceding a natural invitational
or natural game-forcing auction with a near-balanced hand. Otherwise four-suit transfers
and natural bids at the three-level are all available to give diering descriptions of responders
hand.
After the 2 puppet, responder may bid any of 2, 2, 2NT, 3, 3, to make a
natural non-forcing invitation in the context of the preceding auction. An invitation
in an unshown major shows four cards in that suit, and an invitation in responders
previously shown major shows ve or six cards in that suit, depending on the length
promised by opener, such that at least a seven-card t is assured. A higher bid at
the three-level is game forcing and shows a balanced, three-suited, or similar shape
and shows interest in choice of strain, and possibly higher levels. In such contexts, the
principle of fast arrival applies.
A transfer to the major responder has already shown requires opener to accept at the
two level. Responder may then pass or bid a new suit to show a game-force with at
least 6-4. A re-raise to 3M is undened. 2NT begins a Baron sequence, with unshown
four-card suits of reasonable quality now shown-up-the-line (note that the transfer
now implies nothing about the length of responders major, and the fact of a Baron
sequence suggests it is only four cards in length). 4NT is RKCB for responders major.
Jumps to other suits (including openers shown suit) show an independent trump suit
and at most a singleton in the suit named.
A transfer to a new suit shows 5 cards in responders rst suit and 4 cards in their
second suit. Opener accepts the transfer naturally. In particular the auction 11
1NT2 requires opener to give preference on the assumption that responder has a
weak 5 4 hand. A transfer to a minor shows one of several possible hands with the
indicated minor, whether a new suit or openers suit. Two cases exist:
In the auctions 11R1NT2NT, responder is only permitted to have a natural
game-force with 5M 4 (when holding a game-force with more cards in the major
suit, transfer there rst; with more , bid directly at the three-level; with weak
or invitational hands, use the 2 puppet). Opener bids 3 with 4
+
and 3
otherwise. Further continuations are natural.
In the auctions 11R1NT2 responder is permitted to have only a weak 4M
12
Chapter 2. 1 Opening 2.4 Structures where responder does not show a major
5
+
hand or a natural game-force with 5M 4 (when holding a game-force with
more cards in the major suit, transfer there rst; with more , bid directly at
the three-level; when holding an invitational hand with long , use the inverted
raise). Opener bids 3 with 4
+
and 2NT otherwise. Further continuations are
natural, with bids past 3 revealing the game-force.
A bid at the three level in a new suit or openers suit shows at least game values and
at least 5 cards in the named strain (else a transfer would be used to show the strain)
and thus at least 5 cards in responders rst suit. The auction develops naturally.
A bid at the three level in responders suit shows length, sets trumps and implies slam
interest in a hand unsuited to a transfer-then-splinter auction. Openers 3NT is then
very discouraging.
After inteference after the 1NT rebid, we use agreements analogous with those after opening
1NT.
2.4 Structures where responder does not show a major
After 11
1NT Unsuited to 2 rebid (so weak balanced or three-suited).
P Various weak hands, including 5.
2 Weak 5
+
4
+
oering a 2m contract.
2 Weak 6
+

3NT To play.
others Natural GF 5
+
(including 2NT).
2 5
+
unbalanced minimum.
P Various weak hands.
2 Weak 6
+

3NT To play.
others Natural GF 5
+

13
2.4 Structures where responder does not show a major Chapter 2. 1 Opening
[After 11]
2R Transfer reverse
2M A weak minimum response that cannot create a game-force
(so now 3 is a suggestion of contract).
2NT Originally GF balanced, now showing 3-4 and interest in
openers residual shape for possible slam.
3 No desire to show a fragment (e.g. 6-4-2-1 or with a single-
ton high honour).
3/3OM Natural fragment.
3M 5
+
M 6
+

3NT 2=4=2=5/4=2=2=5.
4/4OM 0/OM.
3/3 Natural, a minimum response that is not weak, and is thus
game-forcing.
3NT Originally GF balanced, lacks suitable hand for alternative
description.
2 Own GF values, unspecied splinter with 6
+

2NT Inquiry.
3/3/3 0-1//
3 6
+
, invitational for responders weak hands.
3/3/3 Unused.
2NT Own GF values, 6
+
unsuited for splinter.
After 11NT
P Rejects invitations.
2 Rejects invitations holding (5)6
+

others Similar to 11, except as below.

3 Oers choice of games with both M
3/3 Oers choice of games, holding the other major.
After 12
2 1112HCP bal or minimum unbalanced with
2 4
+
4
+
extras.
2 4
+
5
+
extras.
2NT 1314HCP bal 2-3
3 6
+
extras.
3 1314HCP bal with 4
+

3M Splinter 3
+

14
Chapter 2. 1 Opening 2.5 Competitive Bidding
2.5 Competitive Bidding
See Responding in Competition for agreements over low-level interference. Over higher
interference (including a natural 2), responder uses a takeout X. Over a 2 overcall that
shows a two-suiter (or is undiscussed), responders X shows penalty interest for at least one
of the two-suited hand types.
In a one-level competitive auction where opener makes a free rebid of 1NT over an
opposing overcall, whether or not responder has shown a suit or values, that 1NT is Unusual
and will usually have both minor suits in a balanced minimum. See earlier for agreements af-
ter the opponents double. In the auctions where responder passed out 1, and subsequently
rebid a free 1NT, that 1NT is also Unusual, again probably with both minor suits.
In a two-level competitive auction where opener makes a free rebid of 2NT e.g. 1
(2)P2NT, that is Good/Bad. Where the rebid is not free, e.g. 1(2)X2NT then it
is natural showing a weak balanced hand (in this case, unsuited for a penalty pass).
15
Chapter 3
1 Opening
3.1 Responding to 1
After 1
1 Natural, continuations page 16.
1 Natural, continuations page 19.
1NT Transfer to 2 showing 5
+
, but unsuited for 3, continuations page 20.
2 Invitational or better with 4
+
, continuations page 20.
2 Weak raise with 3-4
2 6
+
less than invitational strength
2 5
+
4
+
invitational
2NT Balanced invitational hand, normally no major suit.
3 Inv 6
+
no major.
3 Weak 5
+

3/3/4 Splinter on // for , normally 0-3M.

3NT Minimum balanced game-force, normally no major. If responder holds
4-5, they would not act positively over any splinter for .
4 RKCB for
4/4/5 ERKCB on // for
3.2 Structures after 1 Opening
Theres a recurring theme where responder uses a notrump bid to show longer or better
with , a non-forcing bid to longer or better with , and a bid to show just .
After 11
This structure requires 12 to be bid on all 6
+
hands of less than invitational strength
16
Chapter 3. 1 Opening 3.2 Structures after 1 Opening
[After 11]
1 4
+
, may hold 3
1NT To play.
2 Weak with 4
+
or any GF.
2 Not interested opposite weak with 4
+

others Inv+ opposite weak with 4

+

3 Rejecting invitation.
2 Weak 4
+

others Invitational.
1NT Forcing with 5
+
or 3 or some GF hand.
2/2 / preference.
P To play (could have 3).
2 3 6
+

2 Weak 3
2 Inv+ 3
2NT GF 0-2 4
+
5
+

3 GF 0-2 5
+
4
3 GF 0-2 6
+

2 Inv with 6
+

2 Art GF.
others Invitational.
2 0-2 5
+
4 non-forcing.
2 preference.
2 Inv with 6
+

2 Art GF.
others Invitational.
2 0-2 6
+
non-forcing.
2 Inv with 6
+

2 Art GF.
others Invitational.
2 Weak 4 raise (continuations as for 12).
2 Inv splinter for , or GF for unsuited to splinter
2NT Inquiry.
3/3 Inv 0-1/ 4
+
4
+

3 GF raise unsuited to splinter.

3 Accepting any invitation (compare with 123 and
12NT3
4 Any invitational hand.
3 No interest.
17
3.2 Structures after 1 Opening Chapter 3. 1 Opening
[After 11]
2NT Inv 0-2 4
+
5
+
NF.
3 Inv 0-2 5
+
4
3 Inv 0-2 6
+

3 Inv 4, unsuited to splinter.

3/4 GF 4
+
0-1/
3NT Gambling style.
4 GF 4
+
6
+
picture bid.
After 11 (alternative style)
1 Weak with 6
+
, or weak with 4
+
and (better) 5
+
, or
any inv+ 3-card raise, or reverse with 5
+
4, or some
other GF. (continuations page 18)
1NT Weak with 5 4, non-forcing.
2 Puppet to 2, either weak with 3
+
, weak with 4
+
or
any GF.
others Natural and invitational.
2 Weak with 4
+
and (better) 5
+

2 Weak with 6
+
and 4
2 Weak with 4
+
and 3-4
After 11 (alternative style)1 Back
1NT Weak, suggestion of contract.
2 6
+
4
+
0-3
2 Weak 6
+
0-2
2 Inv 3
2 4 5
+
reverse-strength.
2NT 4
+
5
+
GF.
3 5
+
4 GF.
3 6
+
GF.
3 GF 3
others Natural GF (dunno about 3).
2 Weak, preference.
bids As above.
2 Weak 5 3
+

bids As above.
2 Inv 6
+
(since weak 6
+
responded 2).
2 Fourth suit game-forcing.
2NT Natural, invitational.
18
Chapter 3. 1 Opening 3.2 Structures after 1 Opening
[After 11 (alternative style)1]
3 Natural, invitational 6
+

3 Natural, invitational 4
+

After 11
This structure requires 12 to be bid on all 5 4-5 invitational strength hands
1NT Forcing with 5
+
, 4, 3 or some GF hand.
2/2 / preference.
P To play (could have 3).
2 4
+
4
+

2 Inv+ 3
2 Weak 3
2NT GF 0-2 4
+
5
+

3 GF 0-2 5
+
4
3 GF 0-2 6
+

2 Either weak with 6

+
or any GF.
2 Any non-invitational hand.
others Invitational for responders weak hand.
others Invitational.
2 0-2 5
+
4 non-forcing.
2 preference.
2 Either weak with 6
+
or any GF.
others Invitational.
2 0-2 6
+
non-forcing.
2 Either weak with 6
+
or any GF.
others Invitational.
2 Natural reverse, with Blackout available.
2 Weak 4 raise (continuations as for 12).
2NT Inv 0-2 4
+
5
+
NF.
3 Inv 0-2 5
+
4
3 Inv 0-2 6
+

3 GF for unsuited to splinter (continuations page 20)

3 Inv 4 (including inv splinters).
4/4 GF 4
+
0-1/
3NT Gambling style.
19
3.2 Structures after 1 Opening Chapter 3. 1 Opening
[After 11]
4 GF 4
+
6
+
picture bid.
Where responders rebid of 2 shows either weak with 6
+
or any GF, then re-
sponders immediate 2NT is natural and invitational, 3NT shows minimum natural GF
values and 3 is requesting opener to bid 3NT with a suitable hand and stopper in .
Responders delayed versions of these three bids respectively show in an invitational
hand, extra strength and natural, and in a game-forcing hand.
After 113 Back
Responder shows GF for unsuited to splinter
3 Slam interest with unspecied shortage.
3NT Slam interest demanding control bids.
4x Second suit with slam interest.
4 To play.
After 11NT
2 Neutral.
2 Weak 6
+
with low tolerance for
2/2 Natural reverse.
2NT Invitational or better 4
+
4
+

3 Courtesy raise 4
+
4
+

3 Inv 6
+

3/3 Splinters with 4

+

3NT GF 6
+

After 12
This inverted minor raise is used with 4
+
support and at least invitational values, or a
game-forcing balanced hand with 4 and no major. The auction may stop below game only
in 2 or 3 after openers minimum response.
2 Minimum, non-forcing.
2/2 Extras, natural.
2NT Extras, 5
+

3 Extras, natural.
3 Extras, 6
+
unsuited for auto-splinter.
3/3/4 Splinter.
20
Chapter 4
Major Suit Openings
4.1 General notes
Opener should start with 1NT on 5=2=3=3 with 14HCP to avoid a rebid problem in one
auction.
In 2/1 auctions with transfers, the following general principles apply:
Generally standard bidding principles apply - a second transfer to the same suit shows
extra length, and to a new suit shows at least four-card length.
Accepting a transfer shows primary t. Jump-accepting a minor-suit transfer at the
four level is an RKCB ask. Other bids are like in a standard system, including fourth-
suit gropes.
Showing a higher-ranking suit with a bid at the three level when t for the rst suit
is unknown implies extra strength.
Having shown with a 2/1 2, and not yet learned of any t, a second-round
transfer by responder to does not show extra length. It merely denies a hand
suitable for partner to have to commit to a contract above 3NT when they do hold
t. Thus, a second-round transfer by responder to another suit shows suitability for
opener to bid above 3NT when holding t.
Any time a hand has shown a second suit, the subsequent structure does not use
transfers, even if 2NT was available.
Responders jump to openers major is often used to solve a problem hand (e.g. oer
choice of games with doubleton support).
A solid suit should normally play for zero losers and at least six tricks opposite a small
singleton.
A splinter agrees the last shown suit.
21
4.2 Responding to 1 Chapter 4. Major Suit Openings
4.2 Responding to 1
After 1
When responder holds an invitational-strength hand unsuited for a raise or a single-suited
invitational action, then they will need to temporise with 1 (which replaces a forcing 1NT
under Kaplan Inversion), and then reveal that invitational strength hand with a bid at the
three-level. Where possible, responder may bid a new suit at the two-level to show a weak
hand prepared to play in that new suit.
1 Less than game-forcing values with 0-4 and no intention
to show a suit, weak with 6
+
, invitational with 4 6
+
m
or GF 4 and no longer side suit REM min bal. (continu-
ations page 22)
1NT Any strength with 5 or inv+ with 6
+
, forcing for one
round. (continuations page 24)
2 Inv 3
+
1-4 unsuited for splinter, GF 5
+
or GF bal-
anced. (continuations page 25)
2 GF 5
+
(continuations page 26)
2 3-4 (continuations page 26)
2 4
+
unspecied splinter trying for game or 15
+
HCP with
singleton or 9
+
HCP with a void. (continuations page 27)
2NT 4
+
no shortage GF. (continuations page 27)
3m Inv 0-3 0-2 6
+
m.
3 Preemptive.
3 Unspecied singleton splinter 911HCP.
3NT/4m 1/m splinter 1214HCP.
4 Preemptive.
After 11 Back
Responder shows less than game-forcing values with 0-4 and no intention to show a suit,
weak with 6
+
, invitational with 4 6
+
m or GF 4 and no longer side suit REM min bal
1NT Min bal or weak with 4
+
(continuations page 23)
2 Any 4
+
(other than GF 5-5).
2 Weak, unsuited to other bids (now new suits are naturalish
GF and red suits are inv).
2 Preference.
2 Weak 6
+

2 Any 6
+
or 17
+
HCP 4 5
+
or GF 5
+
4
+
(continu-
ations page 23)
2 1114 HCP 4 5
22
Chapter 4. Major Suit Openings 4.2 Responding to 1
[After 11]
2 1516 HCP 4 5
2NT Inv 5
+
4
+

3 Inv 5
+
5
+
good intermediates.
3 GF 5
+
(transfer and rebid is 5-5 inv).
3 Inv 6
+
(but intolerant of contracts).
After 111NT Back
Opener shows less than game-forcing values with 0-4 and no intention to show a suit, weak
with 6
+
, invitational with 4 6
+
m or GF 4 and no longer side suit REM min bal and
responder shows min bal or weak with 4
+

P To play.
2 Weak 4
+

2 Help! 3=5=3=2.
2 Weak 5
+

2 Weak 4 3
2 Weak 6
+

2NT Catchall inv.

3m Inv 4 6
+
m.
3 Inv 4 3-4
3 GF 4 4 and interest in 6 if t is found
3NT GF 4 and no other interest.
After 112 Back
Opener shows less than game-forcing values with 0-4 and no intention to show a suit, weak
with 6
+
, invitational with 4 6
+
m or GF 4 and no longer side suit REM min bal and
responder shows any 6
+
or 17
+
HCP 4 5
+
or GF 5
+
4
+

23
4.2 Responding to 1 Chapter 4. Major Suit Openings
[After 112]
2 Weak.
P Weak 6
+

2 Reveals spade hand.

2NT Weak, cant GF.
3m GF, natural (may reveal t next round).
3 Weak, cant GF.
3 Fit, not minimum.
3NT No t, not minimum.
4m Splinter.
4 To play.
4 To play, minimum.
2NT GF transfer 5
+
4
+

3 GF transfer 6
+
4
+

3 Inv, but tolerant of contracts.

3/4m Autosplinter.
3NT Oers choice of games.
2 Weak 6
+

2NT Inv 0-1

3m To play 6
+
m.
3 Inv 2
+

4 Only available slam try for

After 11NT Back
Responder shows any strength with 5 or inv+ with 6
+
, forcing for one round. Opener
has no way to show an explicit invitation with secondary length in a minor suit.
2 4
+
or 2=5=3=3.
P Happy to play.
2 Puppet to 2, either weak or some GF.
2 Inv 5
+
3-4
2 Inv 6
+

2NT/3m Inv NNF.

2/2/2 NNF.
2NT/3 GF transfers.
3/3 Inv+ transfers.
3 GF 2
+
oering choice of games (rare).
3NT To play, showing either 0-1 or preference for notrumps.
4m Splinter.
24
Chapter 4. Major Suit Openings 4.2 Responding to 1
After 12 Back
Responder shows inv 3
+
1-4 unsuited for splinter, GF 5
+
or GF balanced. Compare
this structure with 12.
2 Catchall, would accept invitation, unlimited, denies suit-
ablity for alternative actions. (continuations page 25)
2 Rejects invitation. (continuations page 25)
2 Extras 4
+
with natural continuations. Compare this auc-
tion with 122 and 122.
2NT+ Extras, transfers (showing 5
+
card side suits).
3 Solid suit.
3/4m Minimum GF, autosplinter with reasonable 7
+

3NT ?
4 Min, good 7
After 122 Back
Opener shows catchall, would accept invitation, unlimited, denies suitablity for alternative
actions and responder shows inv 3
+
1-4 unsuited for splinter, GF 5
+
or GF balanced
2 Relay, including balanced GF
2 6
+
M.
2NT Relay (now natural).
2NT+ Transfers.
3 ?
3NT Min bal.
2 Inv 3
+
or very min bal GF with 3
2NT+ Transfers.
3/4m Splinter.
4 To play.
2NT+ Transfers, revealing a GF 2/1 with
3 ?
3NT ?
After 122 Back
Opener shows rejects invitation and responder shows inv 3
+
1-4 unsuited for splinter,
GF 5
+
or GF balanced
P Inv 3
+

2 GF balanced with interest in other strains (extras certain

if holding 4).
2NT+ Transfers.
3NT Min bal.
25
4.2 Responding to 1 Chapter 4. Major Suit Openings
[After 122]
2NT+ Transfers, revealing a GF 2/1 with
3/4 Splinter.
3NT To play.
After 12 Back
Responder shows GF 5
+
. Compare this structure with 12
2 Most minimums (including 6
+
3
+
). Compare this struc-
ture with 122
2 Natural 4
+

2NT+ Natural.
2NT+ Transfers.
3 REM COG.
3/4 Splinter.
3NT To play - preferably with secondary values in the unbid
suits.
2 Extras with 4
+
5
+
(and possibly 3) with natural con-
tinuations.
2NT Extras, transfer.
3 Minimum with 3, or GF 4
+
unsuited to a splinter, or
ridiculously good 4
+
with an unspecied splinter that
wouldnt accept a signo at game level. Compare this struc-
ture with 123.
3 Min 5
+
4
+
, splinter possible.
3 Extras, natural.
3 Groping for choice of game.
3/4 Extras 5
+
4
+
0-1/
3NT Any 3=5=2=3.
4 6
+
4
+
picture bid.
4 Min, good 7
After 12 Back
Responder shows 3-4
2 Invitational with 0-3
2NT Inv+ 4
+

3 Accepting with 0-3

3 Accepting with 4
+

3 Rejecting invitations.
3 NF 4 but very minumum.
26
Chapter 4. Major Suit Openings 4.3 Responding to 1
[After 12]
3m Natural slam try.
After 12 Back
Responder shows 4
+
unspecied splinter trying for game or 15
+
HCP with singleton or
9
+
HCP with a void
2NT Inquiry.
3m 0-1m, either inv, 15
+
HCP with singleton or 13
+
HCP with
void.
3 Attempted signo.
3 Attempted signo in 4
3NT+ Control bids.
3 0-1 inv.
3 1 15
+
HCP or 0 13
+
HCP.
3NT/4/4 0// 912HCP.
3 Accepting any invite.
3/3/3 Strong splinter 0-1//
4 Any minisplinter.
3 No interest opposite any invitation.
After 12NT Back
Responder shows 4
+
no shortage GF
3x Shortage.
4 Minimum.
4.3 Responding to 1
After 1:
When responder holds an invitational-strength hand unsuited for a raise or a single-suited
invitational action, then they will need to temporise with a semi-forcing 1NT, and then
reveal that invitational strength hand with a bid at the three-level. Thus, responders 1NT
then three-level auctions all show invitational strength hands with an unrevealed side suit.
Where possible, responder may bid a new suit at the two-level to show a weak hand prepared
to play in that new suit.
1NT NNF (but opener only passes with a balanced hand that
would not accept an invitation). (continuations page 28)
2 INV 3
+
unsuited for splinter, 16
+
HCP 4
+
unsuited to a
splinter, GF 5
+
or GF balanced. (continuations page 28)
27
4.3 Responding to 1 Chapter 4. Major Suit Openings
[1]
2 Inv+ 5
+
or GF 6
+
(must be GF if holding 3
+
). (con-
tinuations page 30)
2 GF 5
+
(continuations page 31)
2 3-4 (continuations page 31)
2NT 4
+
unspecied splinter trying for game or 15
+
HCP with
singleton or 9
+
HCP with a void. (continuations page 32)
3m Inv 6
+
m.
3 Min GF 4
+
unsuited to a splinter. (continuations
page 32)
3 Preemptive.
3NT Unspecied singleton splinter 911 HCP.
4X 1X splinter 1214 HCP.
4 Preemptive.
11NT Back
Responder shows NNF (but opener only passes with a balanced hand that would not accept
an invitation)
P Minimum, probably balanced.
2 5
+
4
+
or balanced with 3
2 5
+
4
+
or 5=3=3=2.
2 5
+
4
+

2 Min 6
+

2NT GF not 5-5.

3x GF 5
+
5
+
x.
3 Inv 6
+

12 Back
Responder shows INV 3
+
unsuited for splinter, 16
+
HCP 4
+
unsuited to a splinter, GF
5
+
or GF balanced.
2 Catchall, would accept invitation, unlimited, denies suit-
ablity for alternative actions. (continuations page 29)
2 Weak rejecting the invitation with 4-5, or extras with 4
(continuations page 29)
28
Chapter 4. Major Suit Openings 4.3 Responding to 1
[12]
2 Rejects invitation, 0-3
2NT+ Transfers.
3 REM COG (responders subsequent rip of 3NT is natural,
balancedish and slammish).
3NT To play.
4/4 Splinter.
2NT+ Extras, transfers (showing 5
+
card side suits).
3 Solid suit.
3NT ?
4x Minimum GF, autosplinter with reasonable 7
+

4 Min, good 7
122 Back
Opener shows INV 3
+
unsuited for splinter, 16
+
HCP 4
+
unsuited to a splinter, GF 5
+

or GF balanced and responder shows catchall, would accept invitation, unlimited, denies
suitablity for alternative actions
2 Relay, including bal GF.
2 6
+

2NT Relay (now natural).

2NT+ Transfers.
2 Inv 3
+
or very min GF bal with 3
+

2NT+ Transfers.
4 To play.
2NT+ Transfers.
3 3
+
5
+

3 Originally inv, 3-4 5

+

122 Back
Opener shows INV 3
+
unsuited for splinter, 16
+
HCP 4
+
unsuited to a splinter, GF 5
+

or GF balanced and responder shows weak rejecting the invitation with 4-5, or extras with
4
2 Inv 3-4
2NT Bal GF checking back for extra strength. (continuations
page 30)
3m Natural, revealing a GF 2/1 with
3 GF 4
+

3 GF 3
+

3NT Min bal with 3

29
4.3 Responding to 1 Chapter 4. Major Suit Openings
[122]
4/4 Splinter for ?
4 To play.
1222NT Back
Opener shows bal GF checking back for extra strength and responder shows weak rejecting
the invitation with 4-5, or extras with 4
3 All minimums.
3 Relay.
3 5
+
5
+

3 6
+
4
+

3NT 5 4
3/3 fragment.
3 6
+
4
+

3NT 17-18HCP 5=4=2=2.

4/4 5=4=0=4/5=4=4=0.
4NT 19-20HCP 5=4=2=2.
12 Back
Responder shows inv+ 5
+
or GF 6
+
(must be GF if holding 3
+
)
2 Rejects invitation with 2 or a bad balanced hand with 3
2 Inv 2 5
+
with probably honour-doubleton
2NT+ GF transfers.
3 Puppet to invite again with 6
+
, or GF with 6
+

3 GF transfer 3
+

3 GF 2 5 oering choice of games.

3NT To play, not interested in contracts.
4m Extras, splinter.
4 To play.
2 Rejects invitation with 5
+
0-1
2NT+ GF transfers.
3 Puppet to invite again with 7
+
, or GF with 6
+

3/3/3NT As above.
4m Extras, splinter.
4 To play.
2NT+ Transfer.
3 Solid
3NT Non-serious splinter
4m Serious splinter.
30
Chapter 4. Major Suit Openings 4.3 Responding to 1
12 Back
Responder shows GF 5
+

2 Most minimums (including 6

+
3), or extras with 5
+

4
+
(and possibly 3).
2NT GF bal or (needed because opener can have extras)
3+ Transfers.
3 Transfer 3
3 REM COG.
3NT Balanced or semi-balanced with secondary club values
happy for openers extra-strength 5=4=3=1 type to pass.
2NT Extras, transfer.
3 Minimum with 3, or GF 4
+
unsuited to a splinter, or
ridiculously good 4
+
with an unspecied splinter that
wouldnt accept a signo at game level.
3 Lots!
3/3 / stopper.
3NT Both stoppers.
3/4 Natural, concentrated values here with 6
+

3 GF natural.
3NT 2=3=5=3 with seconday side-suit values, 12-16HCP?
3 Minimum 5
+
4
+
, splinter possible.
3 Extras, transfer.
3/4 Extras 5
+
4
+
0-1/
3NT Any 5=3=2=3.
4 6
+
4
+
picture bid.
4 RKCB for
4 Min, good 7
Note the copious mad Gruage!
12 Back
Responder shows 3-4
2NT All invites.
3 Accepting (opener bids 3 to check for a t).
3 Unused.
3 Rejecting invitations, but 4
3 Rejecting invitations 0-3
3X Natural slam try.
31
4.4 General competitive bidding after 1M openings Chapter 4. Major Suit Openings
12NT Back
Responder shows 4
+
unspecied splinter trying for game or 15
+
HCP with singleton or
9
+
HCP with a void
3 Inquiry.
3/3 0-1/, either inv, 15
+
HCP with singleton or 13
+
HCP
with void.
3 Attempted signo.
3NT Attempted signo in 4
4+ Control bids.
3 0-1 inv.
3NT 1 15
+
HCP or 0 13
+
HCP.
4X 0X 912HCP.
3 Accepting any invite.
3/3/3NT Strong splinter 0-1//
4 Any minisplinter.
3 No interest opposite any invitation.
13 Back
Responder shows min GF 4
+
unsuited to a splinter
3 Slam interest with unspecied shortage.
3NT Slam interest demanding control bids.
4x Second suit with slam interest.
4 To play.
4.4 General competitive bidding after 1M openings
After a 1-over-1, takeout doubles apply.
After a 2-over-1 which forces to game, doubles are for penalty and a competitive
auction is forcing at all levels
After a natural response is that shows an invitational one-suited hand, doubles are for
penalty, but the auction is non-forcing.
After a 2-over-1 which may be only invitational, doubles are for penalty and a com-
petitive auction is forcing if the opponents compete and remain below 3M. A return to
a playable strain at a minimal level shows a minimum suitable for that contract, and
failing to do so denies such a hand. Thus if one of our hands reveals extra strength,
we are forced to game and a competitive auction is forcing at all levels.
After primary t is shown but the raise is not forcing to game, doubles are for penalty
and a competitive auction is forcing only to the level of the raise. Bidding immedi-
ately to that level is the weakest action available. If some raise was game-forcing, a
32
Chapter 4. Major Suit Openings 4.5 Capp1MX
competitive auction is forcing all levels.
After an un-natural non-raise bid is doubled, pass and redouble show mistting hands
with minimum and extra values respectively, and (if reasonable) both are willing to
play in the current strain redoubled opposite a suitable hand. Otherwise, the bidding
proceeds normally.
After an un-natural raise bid is doubled, pass and double are undened and the bidding
proceeds normally.
When the opponents compete above the level of a raise but our next level would not
be game, we use Maximal Overcall Doubles. If their suit ranks immediately below
ours, then double shows an invitational re-raise and the re-raise is merely competitive.
If their suit ranks lower, then double is for penalties, the re-raise is competitive, and
new suit bids show game invitations (natural where possible).
There is no competitive auction in which further transfers are used.
4.5 Capp1MX
After 1/1(X) we use transfer continuations (beginning with 1NT, with 2M-1 showing
8
+
HCP with 3-card support, and 2NT shows invitational or greater strength with at least
4-card support. Simple acceptance of a transfer to an unbid suit is neutral, denying the
strength and/or t to force the auction, nor a clearly-better alternative strain to oer.
Jump bids are t-showing. After P1(X) we give up a strength-showing redouble in order
to have XX show 4
+
and 1 deny suitability for any other call.
33
Chapter 5
Strong Openings
5.1 2 showing 1819HCP balanced
Sometimes youve got a bad hand with no long suit and have to guess whether to play
2NT or randomly choose a 4-card suit to play in at the 2-level. But it ends up costing
IMPs a lot less than you would initially think. This is of course the main loss case for
the 2 opening.
Opposite a 2-point range there is no need for game invitational bids.
The system involves a lot of transfers, including transfer rebids by responder after an
initial transfer. When transferring to show a 2nd suit, the accept is not mandatory.
Opener can break the 2nd transfer in order to bid naturally.
Opener can choose to break an initial transfer to a major with a super-accept, but
keep in mind that sometimes partner could be transferring to a 4-card suit intending
to pass at the 2-level.
The main transfer to begins with a puppet to 2NT, then a 3 bid. This shows a
game forcing hand with . The immediate 3 response to 2 is a puppet to 3 and
may be a weak sign-o in or else a 3-suiter short in a major.
Obviously there is no need for a weak sign-o in hence the 2NT response is always
a game forcing hand with .
There is no Stayman bid as such: instead immediate anti-Stayman responses of 3,
3 and 3 take care of the major suit stayman hands. With a balanced hand and one
or two 3-card major holdings responder has no ability to locate a 5-3 major t: this
potential loss is more than compensated for by the withholding of information when
such a t would not have been found.
After 2
P To play in
34
Chapter 5. Strong Openings 5.1 2 showing 1819HCP balanced
[After 2]
2 Transfer to (showing 5
+
if a rebid occurs).
2 Forced.
2 Transfer to NT (COG).
2NT Transfer to
3 Transfer to
3 Transfer to (slam try).
3 Transfer to
3NT Unused.
others Auto-splinters.
4 Mild slam try.
2 Transfer to (showing 5
+
if a rebid occurs).
2 Forced.
2NT Transfer to
3 Transfer to
3 Transfer to (only 55 if interested in slam even opposite
22 in the majors).
3 Transfer to (slam try).
3 Transfer to NT (COG).
3NT Unused.
4 Mild slam try.
others Auto-splinters.
2 Puppet to 2NT. (continuations page 36)
2NT GF transfer to
3 Denies desire to break with 5M.
3 Transfer to
3 Transfer to
3/3NT Strong/mild slam try in
3 Puppet to 3
3 Forced.
P To play.
3M Three-suited with short M and 4OM (with 5-3 minors pos-
sible).
3 GF 4-4 majors.
3 GF 4
3 GF 4
3NT GF 5 5 no slam interest opposite 2-2 in the majors.
4/4 Transfer to 4/ 4
35
5.3 3NT Specic Ace Ask Chapter 5. Strong Openings
After 22 Back
This structure has the main transfer, the both-minors hands, and the quasi-three-suited
hands with both minors.
2NT Forced.
3 GF transfer to
3 Denies desire to break with 5M.
3M Shows side 4OM.
3NT/4 Mild/strong slam try in
3 Minor suit Stayman (55 possible).
3/3/3NT //no preference.
3M Shows 0-1M 3OM and both minors.
Notrump bids Standard, to play or invitational.
5.2 Strong 2 Opening
After 2
2 Has at least a king.
2 Less than a king.
2NT+ Transfers, good hand.
5.3 3NT Specic Ace Ask
After 3NT
4 No ace.
4/4/4 Only // ace.
4NT Two non-touching aces.
5 Only ace.
5/5/5/6 Ace of that suit and the next higher suit.
5NT Three aces, wtf??
36
Chapter 6
Competitive Bidding
6.1 Responders actions over one-level interference
In auctions not listed below, responder uses classical negative double with forcing free bids
auctions. See also competitive bidding after 1 and Cappelletti over 1MX.
In general, when responder shows unlimited length in a major suit with a transfer,
openers one-level bid in that suit shows three-card length in a minimum, a two-level bid in
that suit shows four-card length in a minimum, and a double of a two-level auction shows
three-card length and a exible hand.
After 1(X)
XX Mist, penalty suggestion (now X is for penalties).
others System on.
After 1(1)
X 4
+

1 4
+

1 Weak no major, or balanced game-force with no major.

1NT Invitational with a stopper and no major.
2 Weak with 5
+
, usually 0-3M.
2 Inv+ with 5
+
, usually 0-3M.
2M/3 Weak jump shift.
After 1(1)
X 4-5
37
6.1 Responders actions over one-level interference Chapter 6. Competitive Bidding
[After 1(1)]
1 Catchall, shows 0-3
1NT Any weak balanced hand (no stopper required).
2 5
+

2 5
1NT Invitational with a stopper without
2 Inv+ with 5
+
(usually 0-3).
2 Inv+ with 5
+
(usually 0-3).
2 Inv+ with 6
+

2/3m Weak jump shift.

2NT GF with stopper (usually 0-3).
After 1(1)
X Takeout with 4-5
1NT Natural.
2 Inv+ with 5
+

2 Inv+ with 5
+

2 Negative free bid 6

+

2 Inv+ unsuited to other action, thus probably 4

+

2NT Inv with stopper.

3/3 Weak jump shift.
3NT GF with stopper.
After 1(X)
XX 4
+

1 4
+

1 No major, unlimited.
1NT Either 5
+
, 4 or three-suited.
2 Preference.
2 Shows 4
2 5
+
4
2 5
+

1NT Transfer to (usually 0-3M).

2 Inv+ raise.
2 Weak raise.
2M 5
+
M 4
+
NF FSJ.
2NT 5
+
4
+
FSJ.
3 Mixed raise.
3 Preemptive raise.
38
Chapter 6. Competitive Bidding 6.2 4NT in competition
[After 1(X)]
3M Splinter.
After 1(1)
X 4-5
1 Any hand without , unlimited.
1NT Either 5
+
, 4 or three-suited.
2 Preference.
2 Shows 4
2 5
+
4
2 6
+

1NT Transfer to (usually 0-3).

2 Inv+ raise.
2 Weak raise.
2 Any strength with 6
+

2 5
+
4
+
NF FSJ.
2NT 5
+
4
+
FSJ.
3 Mixed raise.
3 Preemptive raise.
3 Splinter.
After 1(1)
X Takeout with 4-5
1NT Natural.
2 Inv+ with 5
+

2 Inv+ with 5
+

2 Negative free bid 6

+

2 Inv+ raise.
2NT Inv with stopper.
3 FSJ.
3 Preemptive raise.
3NT GF with stopper.
6.2 4NT in competition
If 4NT is plausible as a key-card ask, then it is. Otherwise 4NT shows two places to play.
In particular, if they make a constructive opening, we overcall, and they jam the auction to
the four-level, then 4NT shows two places to play.
39
6.3 Ripstra over Gambling 3NT Chapter 6. Competitive Bidding
6.3 Ripstra over Gambling 3NT
4/4 2-suited both-majors takeout with emphasis on / respectively
6.4 Asptro
6.5 Good/Bad 2NT
Any time 2NT is undened after their action (including when partner has passed), and
an important range of strengths is possible, then 2NT is used to dierentiate strengths.
If partner of the 2NT bidder has only passed or only made a weak jump shift or weak
jump overcall, then they are deemed to be weak, and 2NT shows the extra strength hands.
Otherwise, 2NT shows the competitive-only hands. The partner of the 2NT bidder bids
correctably.
We use a scrambling 2NT any time 2NT is undened and showing a range of strengths
isnt reasonable.
6.6 Leaping Michaels
Lots of it after the opponents have reached a non-forcing 2M and our side has not shown a
suit.
6.7 The Overcall Structure
Modied somehow. Not used opposite a passed hand, vulnerable.
6.8 After their 1NT
Our X is forcing on a weak advancer, and advancers P over responders P/XX shows strength
to force to 2 or penalty. If responder bids, the auction is non-forcing and takeout doubles
apply.
After 1NT2Y, our X shows 15
+
HCP and penalty interest, with subsequent takeout
doubles. A delayed double by fourth hand is for takeout.
6.9 After they double our 1NT
Our treatment of P and XX switch with the form of scoring. At matchpoints, we wish to
be able to play 1NT doubled, however a teams we prefer to be able to play redoubled. Thus
we use P/XX to play, XX/P to show a 2-suiter at matchpoints/IMP, and in both cases bid
40
Chapter 6. Competitive Bidding 6.12 Defence to Multi 2
with a 1-suiter. After a fourth seat X, we use openers XX to show a 5-card suit (responder
puppets with 2) and otherwise responders 2 is natural (or with a prepared rescue XX),
responders XX starts a natural 4-3 escape sequence, and in all cases responders bids of
2+ show a hand with two suits that was unsuitable for a bid on the rst round and which
cannot sustain opener passing 2 with 4
+
.
6.10 After they overcall our 1NT
If they use a bid that shows no specic suit (e.g. 2 showing an unspecied suit, or showing
an unspecied major and an unspecied minor) then we have a values-showing and penalty-
seeking X, Rubensohl by responder in the direct seat, and Lebensohl by responder after
their initial pass.
6.11 Robson and Segal
6.12 Defence to Multi 2
After 2
This defence applies to Wagner or Multi 2 openings, showing among other possible options,
a weak two in either major, or a Myxo-style opening showing a weak hand with , or a weak
hand with (and possibly a minor suit), or possibly some strong options.
X Either 19
+
HCP any shape, or around 11-15HCP with an unspecied
5-card major - approximately a two-level overcall. After this action, the
rst double by either intervenor or advancer is for takeout, unless they
choose to bid instead (showing 19
+
for intervenor). Further doubles are
for penalty.
2 Shows a strong notrump overcall. Two-level continuations are natural,
with higher responses as for Puppet Stayman.
2/2NT At least a sound overcall in /, showing at least a sound opening bid
with 6
+
card suit, or at least game values with a 5-card suit. Advancer
may accept the transfer neutrally, or make a (forcing) natural bid.
3/3 A weak overcall in clubs/diamonds, showing about 8-11HCP and at
least 6
+
card suit.
3/3 Strong jump overcall, not forcing, about 16-18HCP with a 6
+
card suit.
3NT To play.
If anyone sneaks up on us with a 2 multi, X has the same meaning, 2/2/2NT bids shift
down to 2/2/2 and the new 2NT bid shows both minors, overcall strength or better.
41
6.13 Defences to openings at the two level Chapter 6. Competitive Bidding
After (2)XP(2)
P Unwilling to act, either a good overcall, or a overcall.
X Takeout.
P overcall.
2NT Natural, game-forcing, good overcall.
3/3 Natural, game-forcing, good overcall.
3 Natural, game-forcing, good overcall.
3 Stopper ask, good overcall.
3NT ?
2NT Unwilling to make a takeout double, shows minors.
3/3 Natural, game-forcing.
3 Natural, game-forcing.
3 Natural, game-forcing.
3NT Natural, both majors stopped.
X Takeout, either a overcall or strong.
P Penalties.
2NT Minors?
3/3 Natural, game-forcing.
3 Natural, game-forcing.
3 Stopper ask.
3NT To play.
2NT Natural, in the context of a overcall.
3/3 Natural, in the context of a overcall.
3 Natural, seven very good (?).
3 ?
3NT ?
4/4 and this minor, game-forcing?
4 ?
6.13 Defences to openings at the two level
Myxo Twos (bid showing the next suit or some possible other hands) A double at the
partnerships rst opportunity shows strength (16
+
), at the second shows a takeout
action (followed by Lebensohl where appropriate), and at the third shows a penalty
interest. Bids are natural.
RCO Twos (bid showing two possible mututally-exclusive two-suiters) 2NT shows
a strong notrump overcall, a double shows length in the two suits that the opener
might hold if opener does hold clubs (followed by Lebensohl where appropriate) and
3 shows length in the two suits that opener might hold if opener does not hold clubs.
42
Chapter 6. Competitive Bidding 6.13 Defences to openings at the two level
Ekrens 2/2/2 (weak both majors) A double shows strength and activates take-
out doubles (followed by Lebensohl where appropriate). Bids are natural.
Roman 2 (three-suited, possibly short in a known suit) Double shows great strength,
further doubles are takeout (followed by Lebensohl where appropriate). Try not to bid.
Precision 2 (long clubs, possibly with a side major) Double activates Kokishohl
After (2)X
2X To play.
2NT Puppet to 3, showing at least invitational strength and
either both major suits or a stopper.
3 Forced.
3 Invitational or better with both major suits.
3/3 Game-forcing, natural, has stopper and willingness to
play 3NT.
3NT Game-forcing, shows a suit, has stopper and willing-
ness to play 3NT.
3/3/3 Invitational or better transfers to the next higher suit, but
will not have a game-forcing hand and a stopper.
3 Game-forcing hand with no stopper that is unable or
unwilling to show a suit.
3NT Natural, no major, shows stopper.
Natural 2 (long diamonds, possibly with a side suit) Double activates modied
Kokishohl (as above but 2NT includes hands wanting to play 3 and 3 is natural
and invitational).
43
Chapter 7
Slam Bidding Agreements
7.1 Lower Minor Trump Ask
After 3X4 or 33
This agreement is used immediately after minor suit preempts, and in one or two other
situations.
4X No A or K.
Step 1 A or K without Q.
Step 2 AQ or KQ.
Step 3 AK.
Step 4 AKQ.
7.2 Grand Slam Force
A structure similar to the Lower Minor Trump Ask applies to a 5NT call in a control-bidding
auction (misnamed Grand Slam Force), except that 6X denies any of the AKQ and Step 1
shows one of the AKQ.
After 5NT
6X No A, K or Q.
Step 1 One of the A, K or Q.
Step 2 AQ or KQ.
Step 3 AK.
6NT Good hand relative to the auction, wanting to control the lead to
notrumps, if relevant.
7 AKQ.
If trumps are clubs, then 6 shows 0-1 of the top three trump honours and the other
steps adjust accordingly.
44
Chapter 7. Slam Bidding Agreements 7.3 Blackwood Agreements
7.3 Blackwood Agreements
4NT is simple Blackwood unless it is
Roman Key Card Blackwood if we have agreed a suit or one hand has shown a 6
+
card
suit,
natural if a raise of a notrump bid,
natural if the 4NT-bidders previous bid was a natural 3NT,
natural if made by a strong balanced hand that responded to Stayman or a transfer,
and bid 4NT over partners 4m slam try e.g 2NT33X4m4NT or 2NT33
4m4NT, or
takeout over the opponents 4M (promising hearts when bid over their 4).
7.4 Roman Key-Card Blackwood
In response to 4NT RKCB
5 shows 1 or 4 key cards,
5 shows 0 or 3 key cards,
5/5 show 2 key cards without/with the trump queen,
5NT shows 1 or 3 key cards with a useful void (after which, if the void suit is already
known and lower than the trump suit, a bid in that suit commands grand slam opposite
3 key cards), and
6X shows 2 key cards and a specic useful void (but if the suit of the void is already
known, then specic kings are shown, implying the void).
The responses of 5NT or higher show either at least one extra trump, or the trump Q.
After an RKCB response neutral with respect to the queen, Step 1 is the Q ask, unless
that is the trump suit, in which case Step 2 is the Q ask. In reply, responder signs o
cheaply without the trump Q, bids 5NT with the Q but no K (now a non-trump bid asks
for the Q of that suit) and bids other suits to show that K and the trump Q (6X where 5X
was available shows the Q and an impossible-to-show K). Alternatively, 5NT or the second
lowest step in a non-trump suit by captain promises all the key cards, the trump queen and
invites a grand slam, requesting specic kings to be shown.
After an RKCB response showing the queen (with or without a second asking bid), 5NT
or the lowest step in a non-trump suit promises all key cards and invites a grand slam.
When showing specic kings, responder shows specic kings up-the-line. Responder
may only show a specic king that is above the trump suit when that is their lowest king,
asker is limited, responder is unlimited and responder has sound extra values. Where ve
of the trump suit is available after a king ask, it denies any side king (and now 5NT is a
specic queen ask), and 5NT shows one in the highest non-trump suit. Regardless, where
5NT is available to show a king, it shows one in the highest non-trump suit.
45
7.5 Kickback over Chapter 7. Slam Bidding Agreements
When asker bids a new suit that is not either of the foregoing asking bids, they are
asking for an unshown control in that suit, normally third-round control. Responder signs
o without control, and either shows another convenient similar control or raises the level
of bidding when they hold the requested control.
When 5NT is not needed for a specic-king asking bid, it shows all the key cards are
held and issues a general invitation to bid a grand slam.
Over interference at or below 5, P is rst step (i.e. 1/4), X/XX is the second step (i.e.
0/3), etc (i.e. DOPI). Over higher interference, P shows an odd number and X/XX shows
an even number (i.e. DEPO).
7.5 Kickback over
Any time that are the agreed or potentially-agreed suit, and both 4and 4NT are available
as slam moves for , then we use 4 as a key card ask and 4NT as whatever 4 would have
meant in the structure before adjustment (e.g. control or ERKCB). In the continuations
to the key-card ask, Step 1 remains the Q ask, with returning to the trump suit cheaply
denying the Q, and 5NT showing the Q and no (showable) K. The above agreements for
grand-slam auctions, including specic king asks, apply. Where the specic king ask is 5,
the 5NT response shows the K, which is obviously the rst K that should be shown. In
the Kickback sequence 44NT55 responder denies any side K, and now 5 asks for
side queens.
As an illustration, a natural 2/1 auction such as 1244 is agreed to be Kick-
back. Even though it is plausible for opener to have and to wish to show it, the previously
shown t is of at least 9 cards and we choose to always keep that t for slam-bidding
purposes.
7.6 Minor-suit agreements
When a minor suit is already agreed in an auction that is not ambiguous as to strain, then
a 4m bid after any control bid is RKCB for that minor. Such a control bid may have been
explicit, or implied by the fact of the 4m bid. Otherwise, if the auction is at 3m with m
agreed, or forced to 3m with m agreed, then a raise to 4m is RKCB. An explicit exception
is an immediate re-raise of a pre-emptive raise, which is natural, furthering the pre-empt.
When a bid of 4 would be RKCB, a bid of 4NT shows control in (with 5 after
that RKCB) and 5 shows an unspecied void.
When a bid of 4 would be RKCB, a bid of 4NT shows an unspecied void.
Where a natural 3NT bid is pulled to 4m and the context is now one of t with slam
interest and is not RKCB as above, Step 1 is RKCB and 4NT is again to play. Thus, a
control bid of the cheapest suit is lost.
46
Chapter 7. Slam Bidding Agreements 7.8 General agreements regarding splinters
7.7 6KCB
When two suits have been raised 6-card RKCB is employed with the following response
structure:
After 4NT
5 1/4 key cards.
5 0/3/6 key cards.
5 2/5 key cards with 0 or 2 trump queens. To resolve, asker bids the
cheapest unbid suit, and responder returns to the cheapest suit with 0
queens, bids a new suit to show 2 queens and a side K, and bids the
cheaper of 5NT/6NT and the higher trump suit to show 2 queens and
no side K.
5 2/5 key cards with only the low suit queen.
5NT 2/5 key cards with only the high suit queen.
6X 2/5 key cards and useful void in the indicated suit.
Replies to a Q ask are steps showing lower Q, higher Q, both Qs (with zoom to specic
kings). A return to the cheaper trump suit shows no Q.
7.8 General agreements regarding splinters
Where not otherwise dened, a jump bid into a new suit after
a new suit is shown shows t for partners suit, a slam-suitable hand and shortage in
the bid suit,
partner rebids their suit is natural and invitational if that is appropriate, and otherwise
shows t for partners suit, a slam-suitable hand and shortage in the bid suit, and
partner raises our suit shows a slam-suitable hand and shortage in the bid suit.
A jump bid into a new suit one level higher than a splinter is Exclusion RKCB.
Having made a splinter, a further control bid in that suit shows rst-round control. If
the splinter auction already showed a void, then this impossible control bid shows control
in either the obvious suit (if one exists, e.g. a suit in which control was recently denied)
or in the furthest-away suit (i.e. not necessarily the higher-ranking one).
Having made a void splinter, a subsequent RKCB by the hand that splintered is actually
ERKCB on that suit, but the responses are as for normal RKCB.
7.9 Exclusion RKCB
When exclusion RKCB is employed, we use step responses showing 0/3, 1/4, 2 without Q,
2 with Q, unlike normal RKCB situations.
47
7.10 Control Bidding Chapter 7. Slam Bidding Agreements
7.10 Control Bidding
An opening hand cant require an unshown minimum to control bid
When a hand shows length in a side suit after t has been found, and subsequently
makes a free control bid, they show length and strength in that side suit, but do not promise
a particular control in that suit.
In a competitive auction, an unnecessary jump to ve of openers suit asks for control
of their suit (partner cuebids holding rst-round control, and raises holding second-round
control).
48
Chapter 8
Cardplay Agreements
8.1 The Obvious Shift Principle
An attitude signal by third hand to the opening lead refers to desire for opening leader to
switch to the Obvious Shift. For determining the Obvious Shift suit, the following rules
apply, in this priority order:
Negative rules:
The Obvious Shift cannot be the suit led.
The Obvious Shift is never trumps.
The Obvious Shift is never a suit headed by the A-K-Q or four of the top ve
honors.
The Obvious Shift in a suit contract is never dummys singleton or void.
The Obvious Shift is never a natural suit shown by declarer.
Positive rules:
The opening leaders shown suit is the Obvious Shift.
If the opening leader has not shown a suit, the leaders partners shown suit is
the Obvious Shift.
If both defenders have shown suits and the opening leader starts with an unshown
suit, look at the suits and choose one of them by applying the rules below.
When the defense has shown two suits or when the defense has not shown any
suits:
Against a suit contract, a three-card suit headed by at most one honor (A-T)
is the Obvious Shift.
Against notrump, dummys shortest suit is the Obvious Shift (even a strong
holding such as ace-king doubleton).
When there is no weak three-card suit, the shortest suit is the Obvious Shift.
But against a suit contract, this cannot be a singleton or void.
When there are two equal length suits, either of which might be the Obvious
49
8.2 Miscellaneous Agreements Chapter 8. Cardplay Agreements
Shift, look at the number of honors (A-T). The suit with fewer honors is the
Obvious Shift. If the suits have an equal number of honors, the lower-ranking
suit is arbitrarily deemed to be the Obvious Shift.
There are various exceptions to this convention rule, some created by our Journalist Leading
style:
When a K or Q potentially from a KQ combination is led at suit or notrump contracts,
and dummy lacks any of the relevant K, Q or J, then third hand gives simple attitude
to avoid Bath Coup situations.
When A is led against notrump and the suit is leaders shown or presumed suit, the
unblock of any honour (K through T), or reverse count is demanded.
When Q is led against notrump, and dummy lacks K, J, T and 9, third hand must
unblock the J if holding it, and give reverse count otherwise.
8.2 Miscellaneous Agreements
When splitting honours on defence, we play the second-highest when intending to convey
information to partner.
When an honour is led that promises a touching honour and third hand has both of the
cards touching the lower of the two held by rst hand, then third hand may play the higher of
their two cards to show the lower one and tolerance for an underlead. Third hands play of a
non-touching honour is an alarm-clock play. Note that when using Journalist-style notrump
leads, after an ambiguous-king lead, third hand may play the higher honour from either QJ
or JT to show that holding, and after an interior-sequence T lead or a ten-promising 9 lead,
third hand may not attempt to show touching cards.
50
Chapter 9
Other Agreements
9.1 After strong natural 2NT initial opening actions
This structure is used after natural 2NT bids showing at least about 20HCP.
This structure has a modication that neatly solves the age-old problem of treating a
5=4=x=x hand, and rolls in the ability for responder to try for slam in a minor distinguishing
between ve- and six-card length. Responder makes the 3 inquiry with such hands, and
the immediate responses of 3 and 3NT are swapped. This allows the 5=4=x=x hand to
check back with 3NT for a 5-3 t, and to use a 3 puppet to sign o otherwise, or to
issue a slam inquiry based on a ve-card minor suit. Openers transfer to a major and then
raise to 4M is a slam try.
After 2NT (strong, natural)
3 Puppet Stayman (game-forcing). (continuations page 52)
3 Transfer to
3 Denies super-accept (after super-accepts, re-transfer ap-
plies). (continuations page 53)
3 Transfer to
3 Denies super-accept (after super-accepts, re-transfer ap-
plies). (continuations page 53)
3 Game-forcing with both minors (now 3NT and 5m discour-
age and the former does not deny 4-card t, whereas 4m
selects a trump suit and indicates slam interest).
3NT To play.
4m Slam interest in the corresponding major suit (now 4M is
discouraging, others show controls).
4M/5m To play.
51
9.1 After strong natural 2NT initial opening actions Chapter 9. Other Agreements
[After 2NT (strong, natural)]
4NT Invitational to 6NT.
5X Inviting slam with length in the named suit, non-forcing.
5NT Slam acceptance with both minors.
6X Accepting slam invitation with length in the named suit.
6NT To play.
5NT Invitational to 7NT (forcing to 6NT).
6X Inviting grand slam with length in the named denomina-
tion, non-forcing.
6NT To play.
7X Accepting grand slam invitation with length in the named
suit.
7NT To play.
After 2NT (strong, natural)3 Back
3 At least one 4-card major.
3 Possibly 4 (now opener bids 3 with 4, or reverts to
3NT; over that reversion, 4m is natural with a long suit
and 4 is to play).
3 4 (now opener raises, control bids or reverts to 3NT; over
that reversion, 4m is natural with a long suit).
3NT Both majors.
4m Long minor suit.
3 No 4-card or 5-card major.
3 Puppet to 3NT (over which responder may bid 4m to show
slam interest with 5m).
3NT Shows 5=4=x=x without slam-interest seeking 3 for 4
4m Natural with 6
+
m.
4/5/6 Shows 5=4=x=x with slam-interest / grand-slam inter-
est / small-slam values, requiring partner correct to or
notrump at a suitable level.
3 5
3NT To play.
4m Natural 6
+
m.
4 slam interest, necessary precursor for opener to use
RKCB
4 To play.
4NT Quant.
52
Chapter 9. Other Agreements 9.1 After strong natural 2NT initial opening actions
[After 2NT (strong, natural)3]
3NT 5
4m Natural with a long suit.
4 To play.
4 Kickback
4NT Quant.
After 2NT (strong, natural)33 Back
3 Natural.
3NT Natural choice-of-games.
4m Natural (opener raises with 4-card t).
4 To play.
4 Kickback
4NT Quant.
5 Inviting a small slam.
After 2NT (strong, natural)33 Back
3NT Natural choice-of-games.
4m Natural (opener raises with 4-card t).
4 Slam try 5
+
5
+

4 To play.
4NT RKCB.
5 Inviting a small slam.
53