Ron / Andrzej SAYC

As at 26/10/2021

1
Change Log:

Date Changes
26/05/21  Some minor formatting changes
 1C 2S 3D Natural reverse
 1C 2NT 3D Natural reverse
 Addition of 1C 1H 3D
 Added detail to the 1D opening
15/06/21 Added notes on defence to DON’T
16/06/21 Changed 2D opening responses
17/06/21 Defence to weak NT summary
23/06/21 Added continuations after 2M opening

2
Table of Contents
Opening Bids..............................................................................................................................6
Responses.........................................................................................................................................6
Bidding Style....................................................................................................................................7
Continuations...................................................................................................................................8
2H response.........................................................................................................................8
Flat hands over 1C..........................................................................................................................8
1 C 2 S response...............................................................................................................9
1C 2NT response.................................................................................................................9
1C and 3 minor...............................................................................................................................10
1C and 1Major and continuations...................................................................................................10
Some Special Sequences...................................................................................................10
The 2NT rebid................................................................................................................................12
Opener Raises Responder’s Major..................................................................................................12
Opener Rebids 1NT........................................................................................................................13
Two Way Checkback.....................................................................................................................13
Checkback Rules:..............................................................................................................14
2C Checkback....................................................................................................................14
2D Checkback...................................................................................................................15
1D Opening..............................................................................................................................17
Responses......................................................................................................................................17
Responses at the one level...................................................................................................17
Response 1NT...............................................................................................................................19
Responses at the two level............................................................................................................19
2 C response.................................................................................................................................19
2 D Response................................................................................................................................20
2H/S Responses............................................................................................................................21
One of a Major..........................................................................................................................22

3
 Description of the openings.........................................................................................................22
Responses......................................................................................................................................22
Responses to third in hand openings...................................................................................23
The 2NT Raise Response..............................................................................................................23
Continuations.....................................................................................................................24
“Mixed raise”.....................................................................................................................24
Pre-emptive........................................................................................................................24
Single raise ( 2 S after 1 S ) ................................................................................................25
Good raise to game (4D)..................................................................................................25
Mini-Splinter and Splinter.............................................................................................................25
Maxi Splinter.................................................................................................................................26
Two-over-one responses...............................................................................................................28
Continuations.....................................................................................................................28
2H response to 1 S ........................................................................................................................30
The Forcing 2NT After a 2/1.........................................................................................................31
Continuations over Forcing 2N.........................................................................................33
Bidding after having rebid own suit...................................................................................33
Bidding after an opponent’s double..............................................................................................35
Bidding after an overcall by first defender..........................................................................36
Bidding after an overcall by second defender......................................................................37
When both opponents bid....................................................................................................37
Inviting with opponent’s suit...............................................................................................38
Bidding in the protective position......................................................................................38
1NT Opening............................................................................................................................40
Responses.......................................................................................................................................40
Transfers.........................................................................................................................................40
2C Opening..............................................................................................................................41
2NT opening.............................................................................................................................42
2D Opening Wilkosz................................................................................................................43
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2 Major Openings.....................................................................................................................46
Cheap transfer at the two level..................................................................................................47
Bidding after intervention........................................................................................................49
Competitive Bidding in Defence..............................................................................................49
Take-out doubles...........................................................................................................................49
After opponent’s 1C opening.......................................................................................................49
After opponent’s other openings at the one level.................................................................50
Bidding after opponent’s redouble................................................................................................51
Overcalls........................................................................................................................................51
Scheme of responses:.........................................................................................................51
Drury Convention..........................................................................................................................52
After opponent’s double...............................................................................................................52
Overcalling at the two level...........................................................................................................53
Development of the auction................................................................................................53
Bidding after our 2 C overcall of opponent’s 1 C opening.................................................53
The opponents open 1NT...............................................................................................................54
No trump overcalls.........................................................................................................................55
1NT overcall.......................................................................................................................55
Development of the auction...............................................................................................55
2NT overcall.......................................................................................................................56
3NT overcall.......................................................................................................................56
Two-suited overcalls......................................................................................................................57
Michaels cue bid.................................................................................................................57
Leaping Michaels convention.......................................................................................................58
Other two-suited overcalls with majors........................................................................................59
Other sequences in defence............................................................................................................60
Attacking – defensive double........................................................................................................62
Defence to two-suited openings with both majors.......................................................................63
Defence to Precision or Polish 2C.................................................................................................63
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 Defence to Multi 2 D .....................................................................................................................64
Other 2 suited openings.................................................................................................................66
Defence to a Strong Club..............................................................................................................66
Bidding the opponent’s suit at the three level...............................................................................68
Bidding in the protective position..................................................................................................68
Bids when both opponents are bidding.........................................................................................69
Overcalls over a 2+ card C suit opening in Standard, SAYC or 2/1............................................70
Undiscussed Bids..........................................................................................................................70
Miscellaneous.................................................................................................................................70
Transfers in Competition..........................................................................................................72
Development of the auction after a transfer to NT............................................................74
Development of the competitive auction after a transfer............................................................75
New suit at the two level.....................................................................................................75

6
Opening Bids

1C 2+ card, 12+ points. Minor openings are NEVER shaded in first and second seat
1D 12+ usually 5 cards. 4 if 4441, else open 1C with a balanced hand even with 4D
Good reason for opening 1D is lead directing eg Kxx xx KQJx Axxx – open 1D
1H/1S 5 cards 11+
1NT 15-17. May have 5M
2C GF except 2NT rebid
2D 4+ 4+ Majors, 5-9
2H/S Weak 2
2NT 20-22
3? Normal pre empt
3N Gambling
4? Normal pre empts

Responses

1C 1D 6+ points, 4+D, (but see below).

1H/S 4+ , 6+
1NT 6-10, balanced, no M. May have 5 weakish Ds
2C 5 card C suit, raise, 6-10
2D Unspecified 6 card Major 4-8
2H 5+S, 4+H about 6(5)-9 points
2S Invitational to 3NT, no 4 card Major, 11-12
2NT 13-15 or 18-19 no Major. May have 5weak Ds in a 5332 hand
3C/D 9-11, 6 card suit
3/H/S 3-6, 7 card suit
3NT 16-17 No Major

7
Bidding Style

With a hand worth 1 bid only, bid a Major rather than 1D eg

Xx KJxx Kxxxx xx 1C 1H, not 1D. This enables opener to bid 1NT to show the shape and
strength. (You will always be able to get to Ds after opener’s rebid with 2C checkback or
weak transfer.) Majors take precedence.
Do not bid 1D with a flat hand, even with 5 poor Diamonds, unless you have a GF hand. We
prefer to show a major even with 4M and a longer D hand and less than a GF. However with
a hand like xxx xxx KQJx xxx bid 1D as you would prefer opener to be declarer.

Do not shade minor suit openings. Major suit openings can be shaded.
1C 1H 1N – balanced hand and may even have 4S.
Advs – opener shows strength and shape
Disdvs – you may miss a 4-4 S fit, but advs FAR outweigh disadvs.
Note you can still get to Ds via checkback

1C 1H
1N 2C Forces 2D and now with the hand above resp passes, or with an invit hand bids
again
1D 1H
1NT 2C Forces opener to bid 2D. May be to play or may be invitational.
2D Some Game force; says nothing about D support.

1D As above except
3C Limit raise in D

We do not play mini splinters as the jumps have specialised meanings

8
Continuations

2H response

Meaning. 7-9; 4+ hearts, 5+ spades.

After the 2H response, opener, with three hearts and two spades, will usually pass.

1C 2H
?

2S - “to play”
2NT - Strong hand; game force, shape enquiry.
3C - non-forcing
3H/ 3S - invitation to game

1C 2H
2N asks for shape ?

3C 5413 min
3D 5431 min
3H 5413 max
3S 5431 max
3N 5422
4C 5404
4D 5440
4H 5/5 Ms

Why 1C 2H? This means that 1C 1S 2C 2H is forcing for one round.

Flat hands over 1C

1C 1NT 6-10
1C 2S 11-12
1C 2NT 13-15 or 18-19
1C 3NT 16-17

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1 C 2 S response

Meaning: 11-12; balanced, without a four card major, invitational to 3NT.

Opener usually rebids 2NT (“I don’t accept the invitation”) or 3NT (“I accept the
invitation”). All other bids (except 3C) are forcing!

1C 2S
?

2NT Sign off, minimum opener

3C 5 very good or 6C. to play, weak opening
3D Natural reverse, GF. (Opener can have 4 or even 5 Ds
3H GF singleton H, long C
3S GF singleton S, long C
3NT Accepts the invitation”
4C Sets C. KC.
4D/H/S Void and 6 good C

1C 2NT response

Meaning: 13-15 or 18-19; balanced, no four card major, game forcing.

Obviously with 18-19 you bid again after a sign off
Opener with a weak balanced hand bids 3NT. 3 C is forcing, showing Clubs (but it says
nothing about extra values).

1C 2NT
3C Long Cs, some slammish hand
3D Natural reverse, as responder could have 4 or
3/H/S Singletons, long C

1C 2NT
3C 3D/H/S agree C and are cue bids

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1C and 3 minor

1C 3C/D
3 Bids Show a stopper and are looking for 3N
4C Sets C and is KC in C. 4D over 1C 3D
4D/H/S show shortage and agree C

1C and 1Major and continuations

1C 1H
1S Natural and forcing. Shows C and S, at least 4-4, but likely 5C 4S
1N 12-14, possibly 5C
2C 12-15, 5 or 6C
2D 16+ Natural reverse
2H 4 card support
3H 15-16 with 4 card support
3S/4C/D Splinters

Some Special Sequences

Non vul we can respond very lightly to 1C and 1D openings eg QJTxx, so opener’s reverses
are NOT game forcing. We have mechanisms to stop.

1C/D 1H
2S Strong hand 16-18 with 6C and 3H. (Applies also to 1D 1H 2S)
Note we do not need a natural 2S bid, as 1S is forcing
Now 2NT is forcing and asks for a shortage
3C shows rubbish and is to play
3D asks pd to bid 3H and resp will probably pass
3H is forcing, sets hearts and asks for cues

1C 1S
2H Two meanings
1) Reverse with hearts
2) 6 card minor with 3S
Continuations
2S is non forcing
2N is forcing – see below
3C is a sign off
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1D 1S
2H 2S non forcing
2NT forcing – see below
3C puppet to 3D and after opener bids 3D resp will pass
3D Sets D, GF, asks for cues
3S Sets S, asks for cues
3H non exist
3N to play with stoppers in C

1C 1S
2H 2N responses are practically natural
3C 6C and 4H
3D 5C 4H 3D stiff S
3H 5C 4H 3S stiff D
3S 3S 6C
3N 5C 4H and 2 doubletons

1D 1S
2H 2N
3C 5D 4H 3C stiff S
3D 6D 4H
3H 5D 4H 3S stiff C
3S 3S 6D
3N 5D 4H and two doubletons

12
The 2NT rebid
The 2NT rebid shows 18-19 and is nearly a gf. If pd has responded on QJTxx we do not want
to be in game, so we need some way of stopping.

1C 1H
2NT 18-19 May have 4S. Nearly game forcing. Will not have 4H support.
Over this
3C asks
3D Natural, 4 good Ds. May still have 3 cards H support
3H 3H, may have 4S
3S 4 cards in S, denies 3H
3N Not 3H or 4S

1C 1H
2NT 3D Weak transfer to 3H. Opener usually bids 3H and responder may pass.
3H 6 cards in H
3S 4 Hearts and 4S

Same applies over 1C 1S 2N

Opener Raises Responder’s Major

1C 1H
2H 4 card support 12-15
3H 4 card support 16-17
4H 4225 shape 17-18
3S/4D Splinter (Also 1C 1S 4H)

1C 1H
4C One loser C suit and 4 card support, may have a singleton.

1C 1H/S
3D 18-20 bal, 4-crd raise, GF
NOW
3M = 7-10 4333, OR 13+ balanced
3N = 10-12, implies no shortness
NS = shortness
4M = to play

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Opener Rebids 1NT

1C 1H
1N 2C Puppet to 2D, invit or sign off in D
2D GF

See 2 way checkback below

The conventions described in this chapter apply to situations when we have opened the
bidding at the one level and the auction is uncontested.

Two Way Checkback

This convention uses 2C and 2D as artificial rebids by responder in the following sequences:

1C 1H/ 1S
1NT ?

1D 1H/ 1S
1NT ?

1H 1S
1NT ?

2C artificial, sign off with diamonds, or invitation to game

2D - artificial game force

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Checkback Rules:
 Checkbacks are also used if the first defender intervenes with a double.
 If an opponent makes a suit overcall, we do not use checkbacks. The opponent’s suit
becomes the forcing raise, 2C and 2D are natural and forcing, jumps are natural and
invitational.

2C Checkback

Meaning. Desire to play in 2D or invite game. Opener must bid 2D (unless he has a Strong
Club).

Examples of bidding sequences

1C 1H
1NT 2C
2D (forced) ?

Pass to play 2D
2H 10-12; 5 hearts, invitation to game
2S 11-12; natural, 5-4, invitation to game
2NT 10-12; 5 hearts, invitation to game (5-3-3-2 shape)
3C / 3D 10-12; natural, invitation to game, five card suit (and 4 hearts)
3H 10-12; 6+ hearts average quality, invitation to game
3S+ Non existent

1C 1H
1S 2C
?

Any bid other than 2D shows a Strong hand. (Remember 1S is forcing)

2H 5C 4S 3H 15/16
2S 5C 4S 3H 17/18

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2D Checkback

Meaning. Artificial game force.

Opener bids ECONOMICALLY, i.e. describes his hand at the lowest level.

Examples of bidding sequences

1C 1S
1NT 2D
?

2H 4 hearts, 3 spades possible

2S 3 spades, without 4 hearts
2NT not 4 hearts, not 3 spades
3C 5 clubs, without four hearts, without three spades

1C 1H
1S 2D
?

2H - 12-14; 3 hearts
2S 5C 4S 3H stiff D
2NT - 12-14: four spades, without three hearts
3C - 12+; four spades and five clubs

Sequences following on from Checkback

1C 1H/ 1S
1NT ?

2NT - natural (no five card major) invit

3C - sign off with a long club suit (!)

1C 1S
1NT 3S
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This sequence shows a hand invitational to game and promises 6 very good spades (at least 3
of the top five honours), in contrast to a similar hand which starts with a 2C checkback and
shows a much poorer spade suit.

1C 1H
1S 3C
To play in C, yes we may be 1 level too high.

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1D Opening

Description of the opening

1D shows a five card suit, except for a 4-4-4-1 shape with four diamonds.
The strength of the opening is 12+ at all vulnerabilities. It is permitted to open light in third
position – to indicate a lead. Vulnerable – we must have 10 points, not vulnerable – 6 will be
enough.

Responses

1H/ 1 S - no lower limit of strength; 4+ suit

1NT 7-10; six card club suit possible
2C 10+; 5+ clubs, not a game force
2D 10+; 4 diamonds, forcing to 3D
2H 7-9; 5 S , 4 + H
2S 11-12; balanced, no four card major, invitational to 3NT,
2NT 13-15; balanced, no four card major,
3C 6-9; “mixed raise”, 4 card diamond fit
3D Pre emptive
3H/3S/ Splinter; shortage in suit bid, game force
4C Splinter
3NT 16-17; no four card major
4D tactical (also after intervention): pre-emptive non-vulnerable, distributional –
invitational when vulnerable
4H/ 4 S to play

Responses at the one level

1H response
One of a Major responses are very similar to over 1C
Meaning. 1 Major can be very weak as over 1C. Thanks to a method called “cheap transfer”
(see chapter on cheap transfers it is possible to bid a major suit with very little strength, in
18
order to suggest an opening lead, or to make the bidding difficult for the opposition. This
strategy is recommended when not vulnerable.

Raises of the Major are as over 1C 1M

1D 1H
?

2C 12-17; 5+ diamonds, 4+ clubs

2S 15-17; three hearts and six diamonds
2NT 18-20; As over 1C 1M 2NT
3D 15-17; six diamonds, without three hearts.
3NT Solid diamonds, stops in all suits apart from hearts

1D 1S
2H(15-17; 5 + D 4 H o r 6 D ?
3S)
Now: 2 S - non-forcing
2NT - forcing, asking for hand type
3 C - cheap transfer
3 D - forcing
3 H - forcing, agrees hearts, unless opener bids 3 S which agrees spades

1D 1S
2H(ambiguous) 2NT (asking bid)
?

3C - 5 diamonds, 4 hearts, 3 clubs

3D - 6 diamonds, 4 hearts
3H - 4 hearts, 3 spades!
3S - 3 spades, 6 diamonds
3NT - 4 hearts, 5-4-2-2 shape

19
 1D 1S
2S 2NT (enquiry)
?

3 C - 4 spades, 3 clubs
3 D - 4 spades, 6 diamonds
3 H - 4 spades, 3 hearts
3 S - 3 spades!
3NT - 4 spades, 5-4-2-2 shape
4 C / 4 H - shortage in suit bid, 4-4-4-1 shape

Response 1NT

Meaning. 7-10; six Clubs possible

1D 1NT
?

2C - 12-17; 5 diamonds, 4 clubs

2H/ 2 S - 15-17; 4+ suit; forcing to 3 D
3C - 15-17; at least 5-5 shape, forcing to 3 D
3D - 14-16; invitational, but non-forcing

20
Responses at the two level

2 C response

Meaning. 10+; 5+ clubs; forcing one round but not to game

1D 2C
?

2D - 12-14
Now→ 3 C - non-forcing

2H/ 2 S 15+; 4 card suit

2NT - 12-14; 4-4-4-1, singleton club
Now→ 3 C - non-forcing

3C 4+ clubs; extra values in strength or distribution, game force

3NT 15-17; 4-4-4-1, singleton club

1D 2C
3NT (15-17; 4-4-4-1) short ?
C)
4 C - agrees diamonds
4 D - agrees hearts
4 H - agrees spades
4 S - agrees clubs

2 D Response

Meaning. 10+; four card diamond fit.

The rest of opener’s auction is natural – he simply describes his shape. Responder’s
shape is pretty well known – he does not have a four card major, or a long club suit.
Therefore, he shows his stoppers rather than suits. The bidding may subside at 3 D .

21
 1D 2D
?

2H - 12-17; 4 hearts
2S - 12-17; 4 spades
2NT 12-14; hand suitable to play NT from opener’s hand
3C 12-17; 4 clubs
3D - 12-14; hand unsuitable to play NT from opener’s hand
3H/3S/3N 15-17; Splinter; shortage in suit bid, (3N shows short C)

1D 2D
2H ?

2S - spade stop (no club stop)

2NT - asking bid, game force
3C - club stop (no spade stop)
3D - non-forcing

1D 2D
2H 2NT (asking bid, game
force)
?

3C - 15-17; 3 or 4 clubs
3D - 12-14; with any shortage
3H - 15-17; 4-4-4-1 shape
3S - 15-17; 3 spades
3NT - 12-14; no shortage
4NT - 15-17; no shortage

1D 2D
2H 2NT
3 D (12-14, with 3H(asking bid)
shortage)
22
 ?

3 S - spade shortage
3NT - club shortage
After opener’s 2 S rebid the bidding proceeds analogously.

2H/S Responses

Exactly as over 1C 2H/S

One of a Major

Principles. Keep it relatively simple, so same principles after 1H and 1S.

2/1 not a game force – forcing to 3m or 2M
Based on Polish Club responses as we may eventually want to adopt PC

Description of the openings

The openings promise five cards in the suit bid.

The range of the openings is 11-23

The hand may contain a six card minor.

Openings with 6-5 shape in the majors

With 6 spades and 5 hearts (and appropriate strength) we bid as follows:
Note, this is natural, not a splinter.

1S 1NT
4H

With 6 hearts and 5 spades we bid:

• With the upper range we open 1 H , and then we bid spades twice, or we start with
a Strong Club,

23
 • With the lower range and with hearts much better than spades, we open 1 H , and
in the rest of the auction we treat spades as a four card suit,

Responses

1NT 6-11; semi forcing only .Without a fit, or 3-7 with a fit
2C 10+; 2+ clubs. Can be a good 4 card 15+ raise of the Major, flat balanced
or genuine Cs
2D - 10+; 5+ diamonds. Decent suit
Simple raise 8 to a poor 11, constructive
2H after 1 S - 10+; 5+ hearts
2 S after 1 H - 5-8, 6 cards in S, reasonable suit
2NT - 10-12; invitational with fit, or “bad forcing”: 13-15; 4-3-3-3 shape
3C - 7-10; “mixed raise”. 4 card support
3D - 10-12; “mini Splinter”: four card fit, any shortage
3H after 1S 13-16 Splinter, short H
3H after 1H 0-6, 4 card support
3S after 1H 13-16 Spl, S shortage
3S after 1S 0-6, 4 card support
3NT 13-16 Spl D shortage
4C 13-16 Spl C shortage
4D Flat raise to game; 4 card support, 12-13
4H after 1S To play
4S after 1H To play.

Responses to third in hand openings

After a third in hand opening the 2 C response is the Drury. Opener bids 2 of his M with
a min, 4 of his M with a max

The 3 C and 3 D responses are natural! They show a hand with about 10 points and a
good 6 card suit.

24
The 2NT Raise Response

Shows an invitational + hand with 3 or 4 card fit in opener’s suit.

Note that a GOOD 12-14 4 card raise is shown by 1M 4D.

Typical invitational hands:

S K32 H A 432 D KJ32 C 32 •
S K432 H K 4 32 D KJ2 C 32

Typical game force hands: “Bad forcing” (2NT)

The definition of bad is a lack of Aces, or 4333 shape

S J32 H K Q 32 D KJ32 C QJ2 •

S J432 H K Q 2 D KJ2 C QJ2

Continuations.

1S 2NT
?

3 C / 3 D / 3 H - help suit game try

3 S - sign off
4C/4D/4H - Splinter, invitation to slam, shortage in the suit bid

1S 2NT
3S ?

Pass - 2NT was invitational

3NT / 4 S - 2NT was “bad forcing”

The 3NT bid shows only 3 card support, balanced and lots of stuff outside the Major. Opener
can pass.

“Mixed raise”

Typical hands:
25
 Q432 K J 32 2 J432 •
K5432 K 4 3 2 32 32

Pre-emptive

Typical hands:

K432 2 5432 5432

Q432 Q5432 32 32

Single raise ( 2 S after 1 S )

Single raises are better than minimum. With a min bid 1NT over the M. Playing a 5-3 fit is
just as good with a min hand.Typical hands:

Q32 K J 32 2 Q5432 •
K32 K J 32 432 Q32

Good raise to game (4D)

Typical hands:

K432 A5432 Q2 KJ
K432 K5432 A2 32

Mini-Splinter and Splinter

We play 2 ranges of Splinters, 10-12 13-16.

Mini-Splinter (after 1 S opening)

Typical hands:

26
 A432 K 432 A432 2
K5432 2 AJ432 32

Development of the auction:

1H/ 1 S 3D
?

3 in the other major - asking for the short suit

Responses show the short suit.

The auction is forcing to game. The only exception is if the opening was made after
partner had either passed, or overcalled, and an opponent doubled:
We They We They
pass Pass
1H double 3D
?
3H - “to play”

When we open third in hand, without a double by LHO, 3 D becomes a natural bid; after a
double by LHO we have another way to show a diamond suit (using a transfer).
Maxi Splinter

Typical hands:

A432 K Q 32 AQ32 2
K5432 2 AJ432 A2

A rebid of the Splinter suit shows a void, for instance:

1H/ 1 S 3NT
4C 4D D
void)
The forcing 2NT bid

1H 1S

27
 2H 2NT (forcing, asking for shortage and spade
? fit)

3C 3 cards in spades!
N o w 3 H - strong agreement of hearts
→ 3 S - strong agreement of spades

3D diamond shortage, without three spades

3H Short S
3S C shortage without 3S
3NT No shortage, so some 6322 or 7222

1H 1S
3H ?

3S - forcing
4C - cue bid agreeing hearts, does not deny spade control

1H 1S
2H ?

2S - non-forcing

1H 1S
3C ?

3D - fourth suit, without 3 hearts, game forcing

3H - at least 3 hearts, forcing
3S - natural, forcing

1H 1S
3D ?

28
 3 H - forcing, but does not promise a three card heart fit; the rest of the
auction is a search for the best contract!

Bidding with 6-4 shape

1) With a 6 card major and 4 card minor after a one-over-one response we rebid:
• the six card major with a weak hand
• The four card minor with a better hand

2) A raise of the minor by responder shows:

8-11 points after a 1 M opening

1H 1NT
2D ?

3D - 8-10; 4+ diamonds
2S - 10-11; 4+ diamonds

The limits above are relevant for vulnerable openings. When not vulnerable they have
to be raised by 1 point.

Two-over-one responses

The two-over-one response is not a GF and promises at least 10 points, and the 2 C
response does not even promise three cards in this suit (for example, when responder
holds a strong hand with a fit in opener’s suit and does not have his own suit). The 2 D
and 2H responses promise five cards. Note that if you have only a 10 count, you will
have a very good suit eg 1H 2D Kxx x AQJxx xxx

Continuations

If responder holds a four card major and a five card minor with game forcing strength,
he should first bid his minor at the two level (two-over-one). However, if the minor suit is
poor, bid the major at the one level (one-over-one) – and then treat the minor as a four

29
card suit later in the auction. The two-over-one response forces to the two level in
opener’s suit, or to the level of a rebid of responder’s suit:

1S 2C
2D ?

2 S - 10-12; non-forcing, two spades

2NT - game force
3 C - 10-12; non-forcing, six clubs

1H 2D
?

2H lower range; 11-14, 5+ hearts, without 4 diamonds. Only non game forcing bid.
2S reverse; 5-4 shape
2NT G a m e f o r c e ; 15+ , 6 hearts possible (if the heart suit is weak), four card club
suit possible.
3C U pper range; usually 5-5 shape (might be only four clubs if 2NT is not possible)
3D Game force Good fit, at least 3 cards, game force, extra values or distbn, does not
promise upper range of high card points
3H - Upper range, good six card suit
3S /4C Upper range, Splinter with diamond fit
4D - L ower range, 5-5 shape
4H - Lower range, very distributional

1S 2C
?

2D - any strength, 4+ diamonds

2H - any strength, 4+ hearts
2S - lower range, without four hearts or diamonds
2NT - upper range, may include 6 spades if the spades are weak
3C - 4+ clubs, extra values in strength or distribution
3D - upper range, 5-5 shape
3H - upper range, 5-5 shape
3S - upper range, good six card suit
30
4 C - lower range, at least 5-5 shape
4 D / 4 H - upper range, Splinter with club fit

What hand does opener need to have to raise responder’s minor?

• Raising responder’s minor by opener (e.g. 1 S – 2 D – 3 D ) shows extra values

sufficient for game, even when responder holds a minimum hand: 10-12 points
and a six card suit. The extra values can be in high card points or in distribution
(e.g. four card fit and a shortage).
• At least a four card fit is necessary to raise clubs (since the 2 C response does
not promise five cards).
• Diamonds can be raised with a three card fit including a top honour, since the
2 D response promises a five card suit.
• When we hold a six card major, we raise responder’s minor if our honour cards
are in his suit and a minor suit contract seems likely. We prefer to raise
diamonds rather than clubs (as we know they are natural).

Examples of sequences after a two-over-one response

1S 2D
2H/ 2 S 3S

The sequence above is forcing and shows that most of the honour cards are in
diamonds and spades.

1S 2C
2D / 2H/ 2 S 3S

3 S is forcing and may be a general slam try – it does not promise any values in
clubs.
1S 2D
2S 4C
The above sequence agrees spades and shows a stiff C, but dos not promise a four card fit
(it is usually a three card fit).

31
2H response to 1 S

1S 2H
?

2S - lower range, 11-13, without three hearts

2NT - upper range, balanced, may include a 3 card heart fit
3H - lower range, non-forcing, 3 card fit
3S - six card suit, extra values. GF
3NT - lower range, at least a 3 card heart fit, and a shortage!
Now→ 4 C - asks for the shortage
4 C / 4D - upper range, Splinter with a heart fit, usually 4 card fit
4H - stronger than 3 H ; usually a four card fit, no shortage

How to show a 6-4 shape after two-over-one response

After a two-over-one response, opener first shows a side four card suit.

The Forcing 2NT After a 2/1

We use a forcing 2NT bid after an initial two-over-one response. After the forcing 2NT
the auction continues naturally, as far as possible. Remember 1NT to 1S shows 6-11

Bidding after a 5-4 shape has been shown

In the following types of sequences 2N is forcing to Game, not invitational.

a)1♥ 2♣ 2♦ 2N
b)1♠ 2♣ 2♦ 2N
c)1♠ 2♥ 2♠ 2N
In each case responder’s first bid was at the 2-level.

32
2N is not forcing in all other one-over-one sequences, e.g.:
a)1♣-1♠-1N-2N
b)1♦-1♥-1♠-2N
c)1♦-1♠-2♦-2N
d)1♦-1♥-2♣-2N
e)1♣-1♥-2♣-2N

In the above sequences 2N is a normal invite to 3N.

When do we use Forcing 2N?

The goal of this convention is above all else to find the best game. At the same time we also
use Forcing 2N when slam is on the horizon. Bidding 2N we must take into account that the
final contract may be 3N. Therefore when planning to make this bid (and not third- or
fourth-suit), we should – in the case when 3N is one of the possible options – have a
stopper(s) in any unbid suit(s).

If we are deciding to play in a suit regardless of later bids (e.g. we have a fit for partner or
our own self-sufficient suit), then we may bid 2N even without the unbid suit(s) stopped, in
order to elicit more info about partner’s hand.

For example, after the initial auction:

1♥ 2♣
2♥

the following hand-types warrant using Forcing 2N:

 
a) ♠ K32 ♥ J2 ♦ A32 ♣ AJT32. Partner may hold only 5 hearts (see ‘1♥ opening’). We
are finding out whether it’s better to play in hearts or NT. If partner bids hearts again
(saying he has six) we will not persist in trying to declare.

b) ♠ AQ2 ♥ J2 ♦ KJ2 ♣ AKJ32. Hopefully we are going to slam, but first we have to
find out where we are going to play it. 2N sets the stage for being able to find a fit
(with 3♣ or 3♥ now).

33
c)♠ K2 ♥ KQ32 ♦ A43 ♣ AJ32. We have decided to play hearts, but we don’t know at what
level. Partner may hold: ♠ A543 ♥ AJT98 ♦ 65 ♣ K4, with which a grand is on a hook for
the Queen of clubs. Of course partner could have: ♠ A3 ♥ AJT98 ♦ 8765 ♣ K4 and we
can’t even be sure of making 5♥.

By bidding 2N we can drag out more detail about partner’s hand. If he bids 3♠ (showing 4
cards in this suit) we will be a step nearer to slam since we foresee two potential ruffs in our
hand.
 If partner doesn’t manage to show a side 4-crd suit or a club fit, he’ll bid 3N. Correcting this
contract to 4♥ we will have transmitted the following information: “I have a heart fit and a
maximum for playing in hearts. Bidding 2N was a slammish action.” Partner with some
extras (e.g. ♠ A43 ♥ AT987 ♦ K65 ♣ K4) should move toward slam.

However in order to prevent any possible misunderstanding, let’s look at this sequence:

1♥ 2♣
2♥ 2N
3♥ 4♥

4♥ in the above sequence says nothing in the way of wanting to play slam. It simply shows
that opposite a 6-crd heart suit, responder thinks 4♥ is better than 3N.

c) ♠ 32 ♥ KJ2 ♦ AK32 ♣ AQJ2. With this hand we can also bid 2N despite not having
a spade stopper. This is because we won’t be playing 3N (we have beautiful heart
support), and are interested in finding out more.

e)♠ AJ2 ♥ 2 ♦ AQ2 ♣ AQ8432. We may not bid 2C followed by 3♣, as that is non-forcing
(10-11 with clubs). The convenient bid is Forcing 2N. If partner shows a 3-crd club fit then
we will steer the rudder towards slam, and if not, then we will pull in the sails.

Continuations over Forcing 2N

34
Further bidding is natural. Let’s discuss two types of auctions.
 
Opener has rebid his suit after a two-over-one response

We’ll take the following case:

Opener can differentiate between a good suit and a poor suit

Bidding after having rebid own suit

When opener rebids his suit, the forcing 2NT makes it possible to distinguish a good six
card suit from a poor one.

1S 2 C / 2D
2 S (rebid) 2NT
? (forcing)

3H - good six card suit (at least 3 of the 5 honours: 4 honours + 10), e.g. AQ10 or
KJ10

3 S - six card suit without 3 honours

Opener’s bidding with a fit in responder’s suit differs only slightly, according to the
original response:

1S 2C
2S 2NT
?
3C - 4+ clubs, no extra values

1S 2D
2S
?
3D - 3+ diamonds, no extra values

1S 2H
2S 2NT
?

35
3H - 6 good spades, 3 poor hearts, no extra values

1♥ 2♣
2♥ 2N
3♣ = club fit, weaker than an immediate raise on the previous round,
3♦ = 6 hearts, 4 diamonds, minimum
3♥ = 6 good H, (3 of the top 4 hons)hearts
3♠ = 6 hearts, denies
3N = 5332

It's up to the individual how to handle a 6-crd suit with a fit for partner (factors such as suit
quality may be considered).

Opener has bid a second suit

Opener repeats the second suit with 5-5 distribution, the first suit with 6-4 distribution, a
tripleton with 5431 distribution, or 3N with 5422. Opener may indicate extra strength with a
jump.

1♥ 2♣
2♦ 2N
3♥

Opener is showing extras with 6-4 distribution. With a minimum hand (11-13) opener first
bids 2♥ (non-forcing) and on the next round (if he gets a chance) shows diamonds.
1S 2D
2H 2NT (forcing)

3C - 3 clubs
3D - 3 diamonds
3H - 5 hearts
3S - 6 spades

36
3NT - 5-4-2-2 shape

Bidding after an opponent’s double

After a take-out double we use transfers:

Pass 0-9
Redouble An interest in penalising the opponents in a doubled contract)
1S over 1H Natural 1 rd force
1N T/f to C. Strength is 8+
2C T/f to D
2D after 1S T/f to H
2D After 1H, transfer to H, 0-6 or Game Forcing
2H after 1H 7-10 3 card fit
2H after 1S T/fer to S, 0-6 or GF
2S after 1S 7-10, 3 card fit

All other responses mean the same as if there was no double: e.g.

2 S after 1 H 6-8; decent 6S

2NT - 10-12; invitational, fit in opener’s suit
3C - 6-10; “mixed raise” in opener’s suit
3D - 10-12; Mini-Splinter (if responder is a passed hand, or partner has
overcalled, it is not a game force)
3H after 1 S - 13-16; Splinter (heart shortage)
And so on

Continuations

We They We They
1S double 1NT Pass
?

2C - “accepting transfer”, does not promise a club fit

2D - 5-5 shape
2H - 5-5 shape

37
2S - six good spades
3C - club fit, extra values in strength or distribution

We They We They
1S double 1NT pass
2C pass ?

2S - spade fit; the 1NT bid was asking for a club lead if opponents won the
auction

Transfers can be GF+

Bidding after an overcall by first defender

We They We
1H 2C ?

2D - natural, forcing
2S - natural, forcing
2NT - game force with fit
3C - invitational to game with fit, or “bad game force”
3D - fit showing 5D+
3H - pre-emptive
3S - non-forcing, 6+ spades

Bidding after an overcall by second defender

After an overcall at the two level we continue as follows:

We They We They
1H pass 2 C / 2D 2S
?

38
Double - penalties
Pass - forcing

After an overcall at the three level we continue as follows:

We They We They
1S pass 2 C / 2D 3H
?

Pass - non-forcing
Double - extra values. NOT penalties

When both opponents bid

A new suit by opener at the three level does not force:

We They We They
1H 1S double 2S
?

3C - non-forcing

A new suit by opener at the four level is forcing:

We They We They
1H 1S double 3S
?
4C - forcing

Inviting with opponent’s suit

This situation arises in a competitive sequence – when we have agreed a major suit, for
example:
We They We They
1H 2D 2H pass
?

39
3D - help suit game try in opponent’s suit (“I have at least 3 cards in this
suit”)

Bidding in the protective position

We They We They
1H pass 1S 2D
pass pass ?

Double- re-opening
Now→ a new suit in the next round is forcing
( 3 C ) new suit - non-forcing
(3D) opponent’s suit - shortage in diamonds

Defence to DONT

If you open 1NT and your opponent makes a DONT overcall  or double, Bergen's system for
partner's responses is:

 Over any DONT overcall or double: Texas 4-level transfers (if you normally play
them) are "on".
 Over a double (one-suiter): Play "front of the card" (your normal response system with
Stayman, transfers, etc.)
 Over a 2C overcall: Play "front of the card" (transfers, etc.), except use double for
Stayman.
 Over a 2D or 2S overcall: Treat either as a natural one-suiter. (Double is penalty,
Jacoby transfers are "off", Lebensohl sequences are "on".)
 Over a 2H overcall (hearts and spades):
Double = "Cards" (around 8+ pts.) and at least 2 hearts.
2S = Minor-suit Stayman (weak or strong hand with both minors).
2NT = Lebensohl (Relays opener to 3C; responder can then sign off in a minor or show
a good hand with stoppers).

40
3C or 3D = Natural and invitational.
3H or 3S = Singleton in that suit, game-forcing.
3NT = To play, but with no major-suit stoppers.

41
1NT Opening

Responses

1N 2C Stayman
2D T/f to H
2H T/f to S
2S T/f to C OR range probe
2N T/f to D
3C Invit good C
3D Invit good D
3H 3 /1/4/5 or 3/1/5/4
3S 1/3/4/5 or 1/3/5/4
3N To play
4C Gerber
4D T/f to H
4H T/f to S
4S 6/5 minors
4N Quantitative

Transfers

1N 2S trf to C or range probe

Now 2N = min, now 3C to play 3D/H/S slam try with stiff, 3NT
mildslam try in C
3C = max now 3D/H/S as above

1N 2N trf to D
3C/D invit with 6 good
3H/S = slam try
Continuations

1N 2H
2S 3S/4C/D splinters

42
1N 2D
2H 3S/4C/4D splinters

2C Opening
Not much to say here, except
2C 2D 2N = 23-24 non forcing
2C 2D 2H is Kokish - forces 2S Now
2C 2D 2H 2S 2N = flat gf

We play Muppet stayman over these.

Positives are about 8 points a 5 card suit headed by 2 of the top 3.

Kokish Continuations:

2C 2D
2H 2S
2N 3C = Muppet

2§ 2¨
3© 4-card © and 5+¨ (with 5+C and 4M you bid C first).

2§ 2¨
3ª 4-card ª and 5+¨

2§ 2¨
2©* 2ª* 2S forced
__?
· 3§ -- This shows 5+© and 4+§.
· 3¨ -- This shows 5+© and 4+¨.
· 3© -- This shows 6+©. No other 4 card suit
· 3ª -- This shows 5+© and 4+ª, with longer © than ª.

43
2NT opening

Response Meaning
Pass No more than 4 points.
3C Muppet Stayman. Might have 5 spades and
4 hearts.
3D, 3H Transfers,
3S Minor suit Stayman.
3NT To play.
4 of a suit Slam try with 6+ cards in the suit two
above.
4NT Natural, invitational.

After 2NT 3C
3H 3S Transfer to 3NT
3N 5S 4H non forcing
4C/D 5S 4H slam try

2NT 4C Slammish in H
4D Cue
4H No, just want to play H
4S Cue
4N KC
Similar sequences over 4D/H/S

44
2D Opening Wilkosz

Description:
At least 5-5 distribution with at least one 5-card major, sub-opening strength (6-10 HCP) 30
Continuations

2H Response
This bid means the following: "partner pass if you have 5 hearts". The 2 response we make
often. Example hands, with which we bid 2H:

(a) x Kxx Qxxxx KJxx

(b) xx xx AKxx KQxx
(c) Qxxx xx AKQxx Qx
(d) Qxx Kxx KJxx QJx

With hand (a) if we hear partner bid 2S - then we bid 2N: "partner show your 5-card minor".

With hand (b) we bid 2H, although playing in a minor might be better, when partner has
hearts and a minor. With such a decision there is no harm - if partner passes 2H with a minor,
then certainly the opponents are missing game in spades. With the 2H bid we insure against
the worst situation (partner has the wrong suits), by assuming that partner has both major
suits.

With hand (c) we bid 2H, but if partner continues with 2S, then we will invite him to game in
spades. With hand (d) we can consider bidding 3H (preemptive with a fit for both major
suits), but if the opponents appear to be sleeping we can content ourselves with 2H.

2S Response
The meaning of this bid is the following: "partner pass if you have 5 spades". Despite
appearances this bid by no means must show that responder has better spades than hearts.
Some examples of this 2 bid:

(a) xxx x KQxx KJxxx

(b) xx Kxx AQxx KJxx
(c) xx AQxx x KQJxxx

With hand (a) either partner passes 2S, or corrects to his minor suit, and here we pass.
With hand (b) we bid 2S risking a good partial when partner has hearts and spades. We have
the intention of giving ourselves a chance to get to game in hearts (over 3C or 3D by partner
45
we bid 3H, which shows an invitation to 4H, since with a weak hand we would have bid 2H
at the first round).
When we have hand (c), we suspect that partner has our short suits, spades and diamonds. We
bid therefore 2S, for if partner corrects to a minor, we can quickly bid 4H.

2N Response
This is the strong response to the opening 2D. This bid forces to game .
With this response we must arrange therefore the continuations so as, over an "evil" bid by
partner, not to get too high.

Developments over the 2N response

Opener shows his suits as following:

3C = 5 clubs, over which 3D asks for the major
3D = diamonds-hearts
3H = hearts-spades
3S = spades-diamonds

Later bidding is natural, and over this "asking bid" three of partner's major or 4 of his minor
is forcing - with interest in slam.

3C Response
Meaning Shows 3 suited invite with short S. Pd can pass/ correct to 3D/H or bid game

3D Response
Meaning: invitational to game with a fit for both majors. Opener bids 3 or 4 of his (better) 5-
card major according to his strength.

3H Response
Meaning: preemptive bid with fits for both majors. Partner passes with hearts or corrects to
spades with 5 spades. Opener cannot bid on to 4 despite a maximum opening.

4C Response
Meaning: "Partner, I have fits with both majors, show your (better) major suit via a transfer
(so 4D in order to play in hearts, or 4H in order to play in spades)". These are uncommonly
suitable (and strongly recommended) agreements, since the best rule is to arrange the contract
that the 5-5 distribution is in the dummy (so as not to endanger holdings like Kxx, AQx and
keep them undisclosed, secret from the defense).
46
4D Response
Meaning: "Partner, I have a fit for both majors, bid your (better) major suit naturally. Today
you better try it rather than me."

47
2 Major Openings

2H 2NT
3C Min
Now 3D = further ask
3D/H/S Max with a feature
3NT AKQxxx

2H New suit = forcing 1 round

48
Cheap transfer at the two level

Cheap transfer at the two level appears most frequently as “fourth suit”. It shows either a very
weak hand (preparation to sign off), or a strong hand (forcing to game). Opener must bid the
next suit up.
Intermediate hands are bid without using this convention.

1D 1H
1S ?

Note this is NOT a checkback situation after 1D as it would be after 1C. WHY? Because we
need the 2D bid as a Diamond suit!
2 C cheap transfer; preparation to sign off or game force. NOT 4th suit forcing.
2 D 9-11; invitational, 3+ diamonds (e.g. without a good club stopper)
2 H - 9-11; 5+ hearts
2 S 8-10; 4 spades
2NT 11-12; good club stopper
3C sign off with 6+C
3 D 10-12; 4+ diamonds
3 H 10-12; 6+ hearts
3 S 11-12; 4 spades

1D 1H
1S 2 C (cheap transfer)
2 D (forced) ?

Pass 8 points or fewer

2H/ 2 S 8 points or fewer, natural
2N T/3C/3D natural, game force

49
 1D 1S
2 C / 2D ?

2 H cheap transfer: preparation to sign off or force to game

2S/2NT/3C/3D/3H/3S natural, invitation to game

1H 1S
2C ?

2D cheap transfer: preparation to sign off or gf

2S/2NT/3C/3D/3H/3S natural, invitation to game

NB. It is worth remembering that 2NT after a cheap transfer is game forcing, and
without a cheap transfer it is invitational. So if you have a gf hand, you bid 2NT.

50
Bidding after intervention

1D (P) 1S (X)
1N Good 13-14
Pass 11-13

1D (P) 1S ( X)
1N (2C) X

X here is not penalty but still part of 2 way checkback and 2D would be GF. Note well, easy
to forget.

Competitive Bidding in Defence

After opponents open the bidding.

Take-out doubles

After opponent’s 1C opening

A take-out double promises at least 3 cards in each major (occasionally just two).

They We They We
1C double pass ?

Pass - lots of clubs, QJT to 7 for example, (very rare)

1 D - 0-6
1H/ 1 S - 7+; usually 4 cards; forcing (!). As 1D is negative.
2 D / 2 H / 2 S - 7-9; five card suit
3 D / 3 H / 3 S - 9-11: five card suit
4H/ 4 S - 6+ card suit

51
 They We They We
1C double pass 1 D (negative, 0-
6)
pass ?

All bids have the same meaning as after our 1 C opening and 1 D response:
1 M - at least a three card suit
1NT - 18-20
2 D - game force, denies two-suiters
3 H / 3 S / 4 C - two-suiters

They We They We
1C double pass 1H/ 1 S
pass 1 S / 1NT pass ?

Bidding is the same as after our 1 C opening and major suit response. In particular:
2 C / 2 D - two way checkback

After opponent’s other openings at the one level

As per normal. eg
They We They We
1H X pass 1 S (0-8, non-
pass ?

2S - 15-18 with four spades

3S - 19-21 with four spades

52
Bidding after opponent’s redouble

They We They We
1H double redouble ?

Pass - Happy to play 1H xx

2 C / 3 S / 3 D - pre-emptive

Overcalls

Up to 17
A non-vulnerable overcall after partner has passed does not promise anything more than a
decent suit.

1 D overcall

They We They We
1D 1D pass ?

1H/ 1 S - non-forcing; 4+ suit

2 C - artificial, forcing
2 D - 6-10; weak raise
2 H / 2 S / 3 C - fit showing

Scheme of responses:

• A new suit at the one level is forcing;

• A new suit at the two level two without a jump is not forcing, and shows 10+ points;
• A new suit with a jump is forcing, fit showing
• NT bids promise a stopper in the opponent’s suit and deny a fit – 1NT: 8-12, 2NT: 13-
15.

53
Drury Convention

After a natural opening by an opponent and our one of a major overcall, our 2 C response
promises a fit in partner’s suit:

They We They We
1D / 1 H 1H/ 1 S pass ?

2 in opponent’s suit 12+; without a fit

2C - 10+; with a fit.

Drury is also used after our one of a major overcall fourth in hand – whether both
opponents have bid, or only one.

Bidding after Drury

2D - 11-13; says nothing about diamonds

Rebid of suit - 5-11; weakest bid
Opponent’s suit 14+; attempt to play NT (asks for a stopper)
Other suits below the two level game invitational
Other suits above the two level slam try - natural,

Drury is also used when we have opened third or fourth in hand.

Development of the auction after our 1 H / 1 S overcall

After opponent’s double

They We They We
Bid 1H/1S 2C/2D/2H ?

2NT is natural.

54
The opponent’s suit at the two level is an invitation to game with a three card fit.
The opponent’s suit at the three level is an invitation to game with a four card fit.

(If the opponent’s suit is not available at the two level, we do not differentiate invitations
with a three card fit from invitations with a four card fit).

Overcalling at the two level

In contrast to overcalls at the one level, two-level overcalls promise, apart from a good
(usually 6 card suit), some high card strength – if partner is not a passed hand at least 12
points (when partner is a passed hand the overcall may be slightly weaker).

Development of the auction

After a pass from the next opponent a new suit forces for one round. A bid of the
opponent’s suit shows a strong hand, but does not promise a fit.
Jump bids are fit showing.
If the partner of the overcaller passes, and the overcaller continues bidding, then 2NT
shows the second minor, and double emphasises the unbid major.

They We They We
1H 2C 2H Pass
pass ?

Double - take-out with three spades

2 S - 4 spades
2NT - 6 clubs, 4 diamonds

Bidding after our 2 C overcall of opponent’s 1 C opening

They We They We
1C 2C pass ?

55
2D - 10+; artificial and forcing (including looking for a 4 card major)
2M - forcing; 5 card suit
3C - weaker than when preceded by 2 D

The opponents open 1NT

Defence to strong NT (15-17 or 14-16) Multi Landy

They We
1NT ?

Double - a five card minor and a four card major

2 C - both majors
2 D - a six card major
2 M - five card suit and a 4+ card minor
2NT - 5-5 with both minors; unlimited strength
3 C / 3 D - natural, 6 card suit
3H/ 3 S - pre-emptive

The strength of the overcall depends on vulnerability.

They We They We
1NT double pass ?

2C - “pass or correct”
2D - asking for the four card major
2M - own suit

Bidding in the re-opening position is the same

Defence to a weak NT (13-15 or weaker) is the same, except that X is 14+

Bidding after our penalty / take-out double

• Responses are natural and non-forcing at the two level;

56
 • Bids from 2NT to 3 H a re transfers;
• If an opponent bids naturally, double is for penalties;
• If an opponent makes an artificial bid, then double shows the suit doubled, and a bid of
opponent’s suit (e.g. 2�after a 2 � transfer) is for take-out.

No trump overcalls

1NT overcall

A 1NT overcall in second position shows 15-17 points with a stopper in the opponent’s suit.

A 1NT overcall in the protective position shows 11-16 points but does not promise a stopper
in the opponent’s suit.

Development of the auction

The same methods apply after a 1NT overcall whether second in hand or in protective
position (with appropriate adjustments for the different point ranges). We bid in the same
way as after our 1NT opening – with the exception of a transfer to the opponent’s major
suit, which shows a three suited hand short in the opponent’s suit and is forcing to game.

They We They We
1H 1NT pass ?

2C - Stayman
2D - transfer to opponent’s suit; three suiter
2H - transfer to spades
2S - transfer to clubs

In a competitive auction similar rules apply to the situation when an opponent

intervenes:

They We They We

57
 1H 1NT 2H ?

Double - take-out
2S - non-forcing
2NT - transfer to clubs
3C - transfer to diamonds
3D - transfer to opp’s suit, three suiter short in hearts
3H - spades, at least invitational to game
3S - both minors (5-4), game forcing
4m - five cards in the suit bid, and five spades
4H - transfer to spades

2NT overcall

A 2NT overcall after opponent’s two-level opening shows 15-18 points and a stopper in
the opponent’s suit.
Analogous methods apply as after a 1NT overcall.

3NT overcall

A 3NT jump overcall shows a hand with a good (usually solid) minor suit and a stopper in
the opponent’s suit.

A non-jump 3NT overcall can be based on a minor suit, or on the general strength of the hand
(16-22 points).

Development of the auction

They We They We
3D 3NT pass ?

4C enquiry. Overcaller bids C/H/S if his 3NT is based on a long suit, 4D if 20+ flat,
and 4NT if 16-19 flat

58
4D T/f to H
4H - transfer to spades
4S - transfer to clubs

Two-suited overcalls

Michaels cue bid

Show a two-suited hand with at least one major. The minimum strength is dictated by must
have opening hand strength, or very good distribution.
This convention is complemented by a 2NT two-suiter, which shows 5-5 in the minors.
Unlike the 2NT opening, the 2NT overcall has no upper strength limit (as with Michaels cue
bid).

They We They We
1H 2H pass ?

2S - to play
2NT - positive question about a minor
3C pass or correct
3D - invitation to 4 S
3H - game force with a spade fit
3S - 4 card fit, weaker than game invitational

Michaels and bid again shows a good hand.

Strong points X
Strong distribution – 4S or 5 of held m.

They We They We
1H 2H pass 2N
?

59
3C C min
3D D min
3H C max
3S D max
3N One solid m
4C C and good 6M
4D D and good 6 M

Leaping Michaels convention

Applies after the opps open 2M or 3M. This bid is forcing to game.

They We
2H/ 2 S ?

4C - 5+ - 5+, clubs and the unbid major

4D - 5+ - 5+, diamonds and the unbid major

They We They We
2H 4 C (5-5+ C + S ) pass ?

4D other minor: good hand with a club fit

4H - opponent’s major: good hand with a spade fit
4S to play
4NT - Blackwood 1430 for the minor
5C - negative, club fit

Note also:
They We
3C ?

60
4 C - 5+ - 5+ both majors
4 D - 5+ - 5+ diamonds and a major
Now by pd of LM bidder
4H pass/correct
4S pass with S, strong invite in H
4N Bw in D
5C Cue in D

Attention: this convention is also used in analogous sequences after our 1 C opening,
pass or negative 1 D by partner, and a jump by one of the opponents.

We They We They
1C pass 1D 2H
?

3H - asking for a stopper

4C - Leaping Michaels
4D - Leaping Michaels

Other two-suited overcalls with majors

They We They We
1C pass 1NT ?

Double - four card major and five diamonds

2 C - 4+ - 4+ shape with both majors
2 D - natural

They We They We
1D pass 1NT ?

Double - a four card major and five clubs

61
2C - natural
2D - 4+ - 4+ shape with both majors

Similar bids are used when an opponent overcalls 1NT:

We They We They
1C 1NT ?

Double - 8+; penalties

2 C - 4+ - 4+ shape with both majors
2 D - natural
We They We They
1D 1NT ?

Double - 8+; penalties

2 C - natural
2 D - 4+ - 4+ shape with both majors

Other sequences in defence

Competitive bidding after our take-out double

They We They We
1H double 2H ?

Double - take-out without 4 spades (both minors)

2 S - 4+ spades (not forcing)
2NT - natural, invitational

They We They We
1S double 2S ?

Double - take-out without four hearts (minors)

2NT - natural, invitational
62
3H - 4+ hearts (not forcing)

They We They We
1H double 3H ?

Double take-out without four spades (asks about heart stopper)

3 S - 4+ spades (not forcing)
3NT - to play

They We They We
1? double 4? ?

Pass - non-forcing
Double Values.

They We They We
2C/3C/3D double 4 C / 4D ?

Double - take-out; “I have fits in at least two suits (not necessarily the majors)”

They We They We
3 C / 3D double 5 C / 5D ?

At unfavourable vulnerability: vul vs non vul

• Pass is forcing,
• Double strongly discourages partner from bidding (can have 0 points).
At remaining vulnerabilities:
• Pass is not forcing,
• Double – “I have something, maybe we should bid on”.

They We They We

63
 1H/ 1 S pass 2H/ 2 S ?

2NT - both minors

Double - three-suiter or two-suiter; if two-suiter, then cannot have a diamond

shortage (can have a club shortage, but at least a doubleton diamond)

They We They We
1M pass 2M double
pass ?

2NT Lebensohl, forces 3C

Attacking – defensive double

The attacking – defensive double occurs in a situation when, after our overcall, the opponents
bid game, for example:

They We They We
1H 1S/2C/2D 2H Pass
4H ?

If our overcall was made on a shape so interesting that it seems that bidding on may be
desirable, we can then use the attacking – defensive double convention. It shows some
defensive values (around two defensive tricks) and an interesting shape – with shortage in the
suit doubled.

64
 They We They We
1H 1S 2H Pass
4H double pass ?
(attacking-
defensive:
6 S , heart
shortage)

(The X shows at least2 defensive tricks and support for both minors)
Pass - “I have values in hearts, better to leave them to play in 4H doubled”
4 S - spade fit, or doubleton spade and no values in hearts
4NT - “Bid your better minor”
5 m - natural, six card suit

Defence to two-suited openings with both majors

They We
2 C (both majors) ?

Double - take-out; promises opening values

2 H - natural, 5+ good Hearts
2 S - both minors (at least 5-4); with five spades we pass and perhaps bid them on the next
round
3 H - hearts (6+), constructive
3 S - spades (6+), constructive

Defence to Precision or Polish 2C

They We They We
2C ?

65
3C - both majors (5-5)

They We They We
2C pass 2 D (asking for 4 ?
card majors)

Double - diamonds
3 C - take-out of clubs
3 D - both majors (5-5+)
Pass, then double - weak take-out double

Defence to Multi 2 D

They We They We
2D ?

Double - 13+; take-out of spades (shortage in spades is permitted)

2NT - 15-17
Pass followed by X of 2H is takeout of Hearts

They We They We
2D pass 2S Pass
pass ?

double - take-out of hearts(!) – in other words, it can be left in as it promises 3+ spades

2NT - 12-15

They We They We
2D double 2H ?

66
Double - points, without heart shortage: “If you have a take-out double of spades, then
pass”
2 S - six cards, or a very good five card suit
2NT - natural
3 H - heart shortage

They We They We
2D double 2S ?

Double penalties
2NT natural
3?- natural
3S short in opponent’s suit

Fourth in hand we use, double just to show values. If opener passes the double, we assume the
double was take-out of hearts. If he bids 2 S , we assume the double was take-out of spades:

They We They We
2D pass 2H/ 2 S ?

Double Points, 14+

3H/ 3 S - (same suit), natural

They We They We
2D pass 3H/ 3 S ?

Double Strong hand in terms of points

4H/ 4 S (same suit), natural

After a Multi 2 D overcall of our 1 C opening, and a pass by responder, we bid

analogously to the situation when 2 D has been the opening bid, for example:
67
Other 2 suited openings

The same methods are used when these openings show one suit, or two suits, namely
after partner’s double we use Lebensohl– both after a direct double, and after a re-
opening double.

They We They We
2H double pass ?

2 S - 0-8; natural
2NT - Lebensohl
3 C / 3 D / 3 S - 8-11; natural
3 H - asking for a heart stopper, without four spades
4 C / 4 D - natural, invitational to game

Defence to a Strong Club

X = Majors, 1NT = minors

Defence to Weak NT

1NT (Dbl) = 15+HCP, could be unbalanced

 3rd hand Passes or Redoubles

o PASS = no clear direction, usually 5+HCP, sets up forcing pass through 2♥
o 2♣ = artificial, 0-4HCP, no 5-card spade/heart/diamond suit
 With 0-3 clubs, doubler should pull to a 5-card suit, or their cheapest 4-
card suit.
o 2♦ = natural, 5+ diamonds, 0-4HCP
o 2♥ = natural, 5+ hearts, 0-4HCP
o 2♠ = natural, 5+ spades, 0-4HCP
o 2NT = artificial,GFtwo-suiter(5-5 or better)
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  Doubler bids 3-card suits up the line, or 3♠ to show long spades
o 3 any = natural,GFone-suiter
 3rd hand bids 2♣ , 2♦, or 2♥ (natural)
o PASS = no clear direction, sets up force through 2♥, first double is takeout
o DOUBLE = takeout (not with a void), sets up force through 2♥
o 2♦ = natural (5+), non-forcing
o 2♥ = natural (5+), non-forcing
o 2♠ = natural (5+), non-forcing
o 2NT = artificial (lebensohl), relay to 3♣
 Doubler may break the relay to make a natural bid, showing a hand too
good to overcall
 3♣
 new suit lower than 3rd hand’s = to play (no invite available)
 new suit higher than 3rd hand’s = natural and invitational to game
 cue-bid = artificial, forcing, shows a stopper and an unbid 5-card
major
o cue-bid =GF, shortness in their suit, offensively-oriented (void or strong
offense)
o new suit at 3-level = natural (5+), forcing
 3rd hand bids 2♣, 2♦, or 2♥ conventionally
o If 3rd hand’s bid promises length in the suit bid and could be passed
 DOUBLE = takeout and sets up a force through 2♥ (subsequent doubles
penalty)
 PASS= no clear direction, sets up force through 2♥, first double is takeout
 bids = natural, non-forcing
o If 3rd hand’s bid does not promise length
 DOUBLE = values and sets up a force through 2♥ (subsequent doubles
penalty)
 PASS= failure to show cards, implied weakness, we are NOT in a force
 DOUBLE and DOUBLE of a transfer=3-card penalty double
 PASS then DOUBLE of a transfer= 4-card penalty double
 3rd hand bids 2♠ or higher
o We are not in a force
o PASS = weak hand, no clear direction
o DOUBLE = values
o 2NT = artificial (lebensohl) relay to 3♣ (as above)
o new suit at 3-level = natural (5+), forcing [even if there is no room toLebensohl]

69
1NT (P) P (?)

 Actions same as in direct seat except double only promises 13+HCP

o Advancerstill passes with 5+HCPand runs with 0-4HCP.
o first double = takeout
o Only a penalty pass of 1NT-X or a double sets up a forcing pass through 2♥

1NT (P) bid (?)

 DOUBLE = values (15+) if bid is ART, takeout (13+ support points) if bid is natural
o 2NT = artificial (lebensohl), relay to 3♣ (as above)
o new suit at 2-level = to play
o new suit at 3-level = natural (5+), forcing
o first double = card-showing
o Only a penalty pass or card-showing double by 2nd hand sets up a forcing pass
through 2♥

Bidding the opponent’s suit at the three level

Bidding the opponent’s suit with a jump shows a solid minor suit, or a very strong one-suited
hand (“game forcing”), and asks for a stopper in opponent’s suit.

They We
1H 3H

Examples of suitable hands:

Asking for a heart stopper: J2 2 AKQ5432 A32
Strong one-suited hand: AKJ65432 v o i d KQ2 A2

Continuations

They We They We

70
 1H 3H” pass ?

3S - natural, six card suit

3NT - heart stopper
4C - no heart stopper, negative (“pass or correct”)
4D - no heart stopper, positive
4H - cue bid, slam interest

The auction is similar when opponent opens a major suit at the two level and
includes Leaping Michaels.

Bidding in the protective position

They We They We
1H pass pass ?

Double 9+; take-out

1NT 11-15; balanced
2S/3m Intermediate: 11-15, 6-7 card suit
2H/ 3 H the same as in second position

They We They We
1H pass pass double
Redouble ?

Pass for blood (“I want to play 1H redoubled”). With complete rubbish, bid your
lowest 4 or 3 card suit.

Principle: After a redouble, pass “behind the suit” is for penalties. “In front of the suit”
it is not – it means “I have no suit of my own”

Bids when both opponents are bidding

They We They We

71
 1D / 1 H pass 1S ?

Double the two unbid suits, or strength showing (18+)

1NT 15-17; standard
2 D both majors, (only over a 1D opening).
2 S natural; 5+ good spades

They We They We
1C pass 1S ?
(artificial: (natural,
Polish Club positive)

Double take-out of spades

1NT both minors, (Over Precision 1C opening only, else natural and strong
2C natural
2S Michaels

Overcalls over a 2+ card C suit opening in Standard, SAYC or 2/1

1C 2C natural
2D Michaels. Note we have no weak D jump at the 2 level.
Over 3+ C suits 2C is Michaels and 2D is weak

Undiscussed Bids

1. There is no such thing as bidding through “guesswork”. If a particular sequence is not

part of the system, we assume the bid is natural.
2. In situations which have not been discussed the following rules are used to decide if a
bid is forcing:
• A new suit is forcing,
• Raises of a previously bid suit, or bids of no trumps, are not forcing (unless we
have created a forcing situation).

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Miscellaneous

(1?) 1NT 15-17, not Warsaw

(1C) 1D

Balancing NT
After the opponents have opened at the 1-level and two Passes follow:
1N shows 12-15 HCP balanced and does not promise a stopper in the opponent’s
suit, but does show some length (with shortness – double)
2N shows 19-21 HCP balanced and promises a stopper With 16-18 we double and
follow up with NT on the next round

Leads are 2nd best from bad suits (low from two); 4th best from good suits; top of honours;
ace from ace-king, king from king-queen, etc., except 9 from 109x(x).
Signals are upside down throughout. In Partner’s led-suit count is preferred in suit contracts,
attitude is preferred in no trump contracts.
Echo against no trump contracts – a small card in Declarer’s first-played suit (from either
hand) accepts the lead. Lavinthal – standard way (discouraging in the suit discarded,
suit preference for the other 2 suits).

73
Transfers in Competition
Transfers are used when the opponents overcall with 1 D or 1 H
.We do not use transfers if 1C is doubled. We do if 1D is doubled.

We They We
1C 1D ?

Double - 4+ H
1 H - 4+ S
1 S - transfer to 1NT; may also show a hand with a weak minor
1NT - natural, “I want to play NT from my side”
2C C raise
2D Invit with C
2H/S Weak 6 carders
2NT game force

We They We They
1C 1D double (4+ H ) Pass
?

1H - 12-14; three hearts, non forcing

1S - 12+; 4+ spades, fewer than 3 hearts, forcing for one round
1NT - 12-14; without three hearts or 4 spades
2C - 12-17; natural, not forcing
2D - Strong hand, bidding is natural, stopper shown first
2H - 12-14; four hearts
2S Strong hand with S

We They We
1C 1H ?

Double - 4+ spades
1 S - transfer to 1NT; may also be a weak hand with minor suit
1NT - natural, “I want to play NT from my side”

74
2C natural 5C
2D Natural, forcing
2H Invit with C
2S Weak
2NT Game force
We They We They
1C 1H double (4+ S ) Pass
?

1S - 12-14; three spades

1NT - 12-14; without three spades
2C - 12-17; natural and forcing
2D - Natural reverse
2H Invit with S
2S - 12-14; four spades
2N GF with S

Over a 1D opening

We They We They
1D X ? Pass

Xx Transfer to H
1H Transfer to S
1S Transfer to NT, may be quite strong
1NT Natural
2C Forcing
2D Normal raise
2H/S Weak
2NT Game force

75
 We They We They
1D 1H ? Pass

X Transfer to S
1S Transfer to NT, may be quite strong
1NT Natural
2C Forcing
2D Normal raise
2H Invitational with Ds
2S Weak
2NT Game force

Development of the auction after a transfer to NT

We The We They
1C/D y1 H 1 S (transfer to NT) pass
?

1NT - 12-14; says nothing about heart stopper

2C/D - 12-15; natural
Others - Natural

We They We They
1C 1H 1 S (transfer to NT) pass
1NT pass ?

2C / 2D - natural, non-forcing. Long minor

2H - asks for a heart stopper

We They We They
1C 1H 1 S (transfer to 2H
pass pass ?

76
Double - extra points
3 C / 3D - around 10 points; natural, invitational

Development of the competitive auction after a transfer

If the opponents bid again in a new suit, double is optional, and a bid of the first opponent’s
suit shows extra values.
If the opponent rebids his suit, double shows extra values in points (as there is no other way to
show this at a safe level):

We They We They
1C 1H double Pass
1NT 2D ?

Double - optional
2 H - extra points

We They We They
1C 1H double Pass
1NT 2H ?

Double - extra values without shortage in the opponent’s suit

3H - heart shortage

New suit at the two level

A new suit without a jump at the two level is forcing! The bidding is forced to 2NT or a rebid
of opener’s original suit.

We They We
1C 1S 2?

The bid of a minor can still have the unbid four card major, but only in a game forcing hand.

77
If the responder rebids his suit in the next round of bidding, this shows invitational (strength 9-
11).
Examples of minimum hands suitable for responder’s response of 2 D :
32 K 3 2 KQ975 Q32
After opener’s 2NT rebid – we pass.

32 K 3 2 KQT753 J32
After opener’s 2NT rebid , we bid 3 D .
After opener’s 2NT rebid – we pass.
3 3 2 KQT75 KJ432
After opener’s 2NT rebid , we bid 3 C ; forcing to 3 D .
Opener’s bidding is not different if there had been no overcall, except, of course, when bidding
the opponent’s suit.

We They We They
1C 1S 2D Pass
?

2H - 4+ hearts, forcing
2S - 12+; asking for a spade stopper
2NT - natural, with a spade stopper Not forcing
3C - 5+ clubs; forcing to 3 D (clubs are treated as a new suit)
3D - non-forcing
3NT - 18-20 with a spade stopper

We They We The
1C 1S 2 D (forcing) yPass
2H(4+ pass ?
hearts)
2S - game forcing
2NT - invitational with spade stopper
3C - natural, forcing to 3 D
3D - non-forcing

78
3H - natural, game forcing

Jump in a new suit

A jump in a new suit by responder promises at least 6 cards in the suit, and below invitational
strength:

We They We They
1C 1S 3 C / 3 D/ 3 H (l o n g &
weak)

Minimum hand for a 3 D bid:

32 3 2 KQJ753 432
Maximum hand for a 3 D bid:
32 K 2 QJT7532 Q32

A jump in a new suit at the two level can be even weaker:

We They We They
1C 1D 2 H / 2 S (long &
weak)

Minimum hand for a 2Hbid:

32 QJT753 32 J32

Maximum hand for a 2H bid:

32 KQJT75 32 � Q32

We They We They
1C 1D 2H pass
?
79
2S - 18+; 5+ spades forcing
2NT - 18+; forcing for one round
Now → 3 H - non-forcing
3C - non-forcing
3D - 18+; opponent’s suit

80