TAKEOUT DOUBLES

Chapter 2
 DOUBLING NATURAL SUIT OPENINGS

A direct double of the opponent’s natural suit openings, natural suit responses, and support raises of
the opening suit to the two or three level forces partner to bid. This very important convention, called
the takeout double, is used for two purposes.

 To compete

With 13-16 points (FP) and a hand suitable for the unbid suits, double is used with the plan of passing
partner’s response, unless he shows strength.

In this application:

- The location and quality of honors is important; holdings like K, QJ, Qxx, or Jxx in the opening
suit should be devalued.
- Having too many points in the opening suit is a negative factor.
- Good holdings in the unbid major(s) and a singleton or doubleton in the opening suit is ideal.
- With a five card major or 5-5 distribution, avoid doubling except under special circumstances.

 To show strength

In this case double is used to show support for the unbid suits, balanced hands that will interfere with
NT but have more than 18 HCP, or strong single suited hands. The strength is not limited in this app-
lication.

Rules For Takeout Double With Different Distributions Over One Level Suit Opening

 With 4-4-4-1 distribution

* If the singleton is in the opening suit, double with at least 10+ HCP.
* If the singleton is in an unbid suit, pass with 12-17 HCP, overcall at the one level with a good four
card major, and double with 18+ HCP.

KJ52 K863 5
Q743 AJ74 KQJ9 ?
K Q952 A842
KJ75 6 AQ53 1[
Pass X 1_

Q652 KJT4 KQT9

7 8 A ?
AQ94 AKT8 K753
AKJ7 AKJ3 QT62 1+
Pass X 1]

Q862 AJT9 KJT8

KQ74 3 A653 ?
AK53 A852 7
6 J854 KQ64 1_
Pass X 1]
62

Q852 4 KT63
6 Q853 AKJ5 ?
AKJ4 AT76 K
KQT9 KQ52 AQJ7 1]
Pass X X

 With 4-4-3-2 distribution

* If the doubleton is in the opening suit, double with at least 12+ HCP.
* If the doubleton is in an unbid suit, pass with 12-15- HCP or overcall at the one level with a strong
four card suit. Overcall 1NT with 16-18 HCP and double with 19+ HCP.

A6 KJ86 AQJ9
K874 KT4 KT6 ?
AJ53 AJ93 K4
Q52 82 J762 1[
Pass X 1]

K2 AKJT J5
AKQ7 Q7 A984 ?
KQ5 K653 AQ9
QT86 J84 KQT3 1+
X 1] 1NT

Q84 AQJ9 AQJ9

KJ53 74 K64 ?
62 KJT AT83
AKJ9 K963 52 1_
Pass X 1]

Q8 52 AKJ5
K872 KT93 63 ?
KJ4 KQ86 KQ4
KJ63 AJT QJT8 1]
Pass X 1NT

It is highly probable that partner will respond to takeout double with a major if the opening suit is a
minor. Therefore double can be used with at least 13+ HCP with 4-4 in majors, even if the other
minor is doubleton. On the other hand, if double is used to compete over a major suit opening, the
hand should be little stronger and suitable to the other three suits since partner has to bid at the two
level. If double is used with a minimum hand and a doubleton in the other minor, you should pass if
partner bids this minor.

AQT7 JT75 QJ63 QJ73

KJT8 KQT4 AK96 KJ96 ?
K9 A6 Q5 AQ
752 A83 K74 KT7 1[
X X X 1NT
 63

 With 4-3-3-3 distribution

* If you don’t have low quality honors in the opening suit, double with at least 14+ HCP.
* If there are low quality honors in the opening suit, pass with 12-15 HCP, overcall 1NT with
15+-18 HCP and double with 19+ HCP.

A74 AK7 J64

KJ6 K83 KQ72 ?
Q852 AT9 AK9
QJ3 7652 KJT 1[
Pass X 1NT

Q84 KQ2 J42

AQ62 AJ8 AQT6 ?
QJ7 QT3 KT7
Q93 AQJ7 AQ5 1+
Pass X 1NT

A73 KT7 JT82

Q52 863 AQT ?
AJ4 AQ4 AJT
KJ64 AJT8 K97 1_
Pass X 1NT

Q74 A63 KJT

KQ63 KT87 Q843 ?
A92 A94 AQJ
Q85 KT5 A92 1]
Pass X 1NT

 With 5-4-3-1 distribution and a five card minor

* If your singleton is in the opening suit, double with at least 10+ HCP.
* If you have three or four cards in the opening suit and 8-17 HCP, either pass or overcall with an
appropriate hand. A one level overcall with a strong four card major is preferable to an overcall
with a bad five card minor. Double with 18+ HCP.
* If you have five cards in the opening suit and 12-17 HCP, passing is usually best, although
overcalling a strong four card suit at the one level is acceptable. Double with at least 18+ HCP.

K986 AJT KQT9

AQ4 AKJT 7 ?
K7532 2 A7543
5 T9753 KJT 1[
X 1_ 1]
64

J983 KT87 KJT9

AK7 QJ8 6 ?
KJT85 3 AT7
K AK642 AJ543 1+
Pass X 1]

K AQ6 AQJT
QJ75 7 A7653 ?
Q8642 KT873 4
AQ3 K542 K52 1_
Pass X 1]

KQJ 8 KT7
AJ84 JT62 K643 ?
9 KQ5 AKJT8
Q8653 AJ643 6 1]
Pass X 2+

 With 5-4-3-1 distribution and a five card major

Over a minor suit opening

* If you have a singleton in the opening suit and four cards in the other major, double with at least
15+ HCP.
* If you have a singleton in the opening suit and three cards in the other major, double with at least
16+ HCP.
* If you have three or four cards in the opening suit and a singleton in the other major, double with
at least 17+ HCP.

QT76 KQ5 J952 KJT85

AKJ82 AJT92 KJT87 A952 ?
KQ5 7 KT3 K63
8 AKT3 A 4 1[
X X 1_ 1]

AQJ84 6 AQ852
T KJ983 K ?
AQ2 AK52 A73
AT93 KJ4 QJ64 1+
X 1_ 1]

Over a major suit opening

* If you have a singleton in the opening suit, double with at least 15+ HCP.
* If you have three or four cards in the opening suit, double with a least 17+ HCP.
* If you have five cards in the opening suit and a singleton in the other major, double with at least
19+ HCP.
 65

Q653 AKQJ AQJ9

AJ742 A9632 A7542 ?
AKJ KQ5 4
6 9 AJT 1_
Pass X 1]

86542 AJ985 KQT84

KQJ9 K974 AQ5 ?
Q 2 8
QJ8 AKQ KJ53 1_
Pass X 1]

KJ85 6 A84
Q7632 96543 KQJ98 ?
Q KQT8 3
AQJ AK5 KJ62 1]
Pass X 2_

KJ984 QJT85 AQ852

AJ5 AKQ7 Q ?
AKJ6 J AKJ3
7 K92 AJ9 1]
Pass Pass X

Without sufficient strength to bid again after doubling, overcall with a five card major. If the five
card major is low quality, double with suitable distribution with the intention of passing later.

 With 5-4-2-2 distribution and a five card minor

* If you have a doubleton in the opening suit, double with at least 16+ HCP, then rebid your five
card suit if you have not found a fit.
* If you have four or five cards in the opening suit, overcalling or passing are the two choices with
12-15 HCP. Overcall 1NT with 15+-18 HCP and double with 19+ HCP.

J6 AKJ5 KQJ9
A852 J8 63 ?
KQ AJT83 A9
KJ874 K4 K8754 1[
Pass X 1]

QJ98 K5 AQ
AQ AJT8 Q7 ?
AQ532 74 QJ942
AJ KJ532 KQ74 1+
X 1_ 1NT
66

T6 KQT9 K3
KT52 K5 A642 ?
AK AT QJT97
AKJT8 98643 AT 1_
X 1] 2+

Q8 AK A4
KJ53 J864 K653 ?
K7642 AQJ52 72
AJ Q3 KQJ98 1]
Pass X 2[

 With 5-4-2-2 distribution and a five card major

* If you have 5-4 in the majors, double with at least 15+ HCP then bid your five card suit if you
have not found a fit.
* If you have a doubleton in the opening suit and four cards in an unbid minor, double with at least
16+ HCP then bid your five card major.
* If you have four cards in the opening suit, double with 17+-18 HCP then bid your five card major.
* If you have five cards in the opening major, double with 19+ HCP and rebid no-trump unless
partner bids your four card suit.

AQJ8 AK JT876
KQT74 QJT82 K5 ?
62 53 AKJT
K3 T976 Q3 1[
X 1_ 1]

J4 53 T9864
KQ987 KJT82 63 ?
AKQ3 74 AQJ8
K8 AJT6 AQ 1+
X 1_ 1]

64 QJT74 98654
AQT76 AT63 K7 ?
AK K8 AKJ3
Q532 AK K8 1_
Pass X 1]

 With 5-3-3-2 distribution and a five card minor

* If your doubleton is in the opening suit and you have a bad five card minor, double with at least
13+ HCP over minor openings and at least 15+ HCP over major openings.
* If you have three cards in the opening suit, overcall 1NT with 15+-18 HCP and a stopper. Double
with stronger hands, then choose whether to bid your five card minor or no-trump, which shows
18+-20 HCP and a stopper.
* If you have five cards in the opening suit, overcall 1NT with 16-18 HCP. Double with stronger
hands, planning to rebid no-trump.
 67

KQ KQ7 KJ5
AQ8 AQJ 864 ?
J65 Q7543 AQJ92
QT874 62 K3 1[
Pass X 1+

QJ KJ7 K8
A73 Q85 AKQ ?
K98 AQJ63 JT975
A9542 AQ K74 1+
Pass X 1NT

AJ QJ8 84
Q86 63 AK5 ?
KJ5 AJ852 753
K7532 AQ4 KQJT8 1_
Pass X 2[

Q5 852 KJ4
J86 KQ8 QJ8 ?
KJ7 AKJ97 KQ975
AQ532 AQ AT 1]
Pass X 1NT

It is important to remember that if you start with a double, you may be unable to show a five card
minor below the three level. If you are not strong enough to bid at the three level, your options are
to pass or to overcall your five card minor.

 With 5-3-3-2 distribution and a five card major

* If you have five cards in the opening major, overcall 1NT with 16-18 HCP or double then rebid
no-trump with 19+ HCP.
* If you have two or three cards in the opening suit and at least 17+ HCP, double then bid your five
card major. Overcall your five card major with fewer points.

QJ KT854 QJT87
J6532 AJT KQ5 ?
AJ4 AQ7 A42
Q86 K5 K3 1[
Pass X 1]

KJ8 KQJ AK5

Q6432 JT863 JT873 ?
Q7 K62 K4
A85 AK 762 1+
Pass X 1_
68

Q85 AQ874 QJ764

KQ976 J52 K7 ?
A3 AQJ AQ8
KJ8 A3 K63 1_
Pass X 1]

QJ3 AT532 653

K9642 KQ8 AKJT9 ?
Q7 AKT 72
AQ5 K7 AQJ 1]
Pass X 2_

Showing a five card major should be the priority. For this reason, overcall with hands that do not
have enough strength to rebid the major after doubling.

 With 6-3-2-2 distribution

* If you have two or three cards in the opening suit and 16+ HCP, double then bid your six card suit.
* If you have six cards in the opening suit, you should generally pass, particularly when the
opponents are vulnerable. 1NT overcall is an option with 16-18 HCP, and double followed by a
no-trump rebid is also possible with 19+ HCP.
* If you have six cards in the opening major, pass.

J5 Q7 K4
AQ4 AQ5 K5 ?
K2 AKJ986 AQJ
KJ9863 72 QJT972 1[
Pass X 1NT

AQ K4 942
JT8 QJ9865 73 ?
K5 63 K5
AQJ742 AKJ AKJT86 1+
X 1_ 2[

AQJ973 KJ8653 73
AQ7 J5 J4 ?
AT K4 AK8
92 AK2 KQJT86 1_
X 1] 2[

Q75432 63 KT4
87 K85 AQ ?
AQ AJ QJT986
AQ6 AKQT94 76 1]
Pass X 2+
 69

 With 6-3-3-1 distribution

* If your singleton is in the opening major and you have at least 15+ HCP, double then rebid your
long suit.
* If you have three cards in the opening suit and 17+ HCP, double then rebid your long suit.
* If you have six cards in the opening suit, pass.

KQ7 KQ4 6
8 KJT862 KJT862 ?
AQ4 AQ5 AQ5
KQT862 7 KQ4 1[
Pass X 1_

AQJ AKJ862 KJ2

AT9752 3 JT7 ?
4 JT5 5
AT2 A62 AQJT82 1+
X 1] 2[

4 AQT875 KQ6543
QJ9865 642 754 ?
AKQ A AQ8
AJ6 AQJ 7 1_
Pass X 1]

KT8532 AQ4 K82

AKQ KQ3 5 ?
6 KQJ985 JT9852
KJ4 5 AKQ 1]
Pass X 2+
 DOUBLING AFTER BOTH OPPONENTS BID

 After an opening bid and raise

* If responder supports the opening suit below game level, double is used with hands that are
especially suitable for the majors, or for the other suits with very good quality honors. If partner
has to bid at the three or four level, a considerably better hand is needed to double and vulnerability
should be taken into consideration also.
* When responder raises to game level, optional double should be used.

2+ AQ85 AK8
Pass X K964 J964
6 53
1+ JT72 AK72

2_ QJ84 KQ83
Pass X 6 74
AT97 KQ62
1_ KJ75 AQ4

2] 7 84
Pass X QJ63 QJT8
AQ842 AK4
1] AJ4 AQJ7

3] 5 42
Pass X KT643 QJ3
AK52 AKJ6
1] AJ8 KQJ7

4[ KT92 AQ8
Pass X AK87 KQ5
JT63 AQ962
1[ 4 83

 After responder bids a new suit

* If responder bids a new suit at the one level, takeout double is used with hands that are suitable
for the other two suits, have quality honors, and at least 13+ points.
* When the unbid suits are a major and a minor, it is possible to double first then bid a five card
major over partner’s minor suit response with a very strong hand and a decent suit.
* With 5-5 distribution in the unbid suits, double with a very strong hand. Make an unusual 2NT or
1NT overcall as a passed hand and less strength since 1NT by an unpassed hand is strong.
* If responder bids a new suit at the two level, takeout double shows a strong hand with quality
honors and good support for both unbid suits.

1_ JT93 AQ86
Pass X 74 K53
AK85 AJ872
1[ A62 4
 71

1] A74 K3
Pass X JT85 AQJ985
6 A4
1+ AQ862 K75

1] AK52 54
Pass X 4 J2
KQT9 AKJT
1_ QJ83 AJ976

1] 5 6
Pass 2NT QJ986 KQT83
AKJ93 KJT762
1[ 62 4

2[ AKJ9 AJT84
Pass X A4 752
KJT83 AKQT
1_ 53 6

 Passing over an opening bid and acting in the second round

* If opener supports responder’s suit or bids a new suit over responder’s 1NT, double shows a good
hand. The reason for not doubling in the first round is shortness in either responder’s suit or
opener’s second suit (over responder’s 1NT).

8 3 S W N E
AJ73 KT75 1+ Pass 1] Pass
AK5 AQ98 2] X
A8642 AQT4

AJ74 AT92 S W N E
5 ---- 1[ Pass 1_ Pass
AT86 KJ83 2_ X
AKT9 AQJ75

AJ52 Q963 S W N E
AQ9 AQJ8 1_ Pass 1NT Pass
7 4 2+ X
A8653 AKJ2

AT52 KJ75 S W N E
4 5 1+ Pass 1_ Pass
AKJ AQJ4 1NT X
AT973 KQJ8
 RESPONSES TO TAKEOUT DOUBLES

General Rules

* A no-trump or minor suit response denies an unbid four card major.

* When bidding a four card major or long minor, count fit points.
* When responding with a suit, low quality honors in the opening suit should not be counted.

If Responder Passes

Advancer must bid if responder passes, unless he has a very good holding and length in the opening
suit and wishes to convert the takeout double in to a penalty double.

 No-trump responses

* 1NT shows 6-10 HCP, a balanced hand, and a stopper in the opening suit. Without a stopper in
the opening suit, especially a major, it is preferable to bid a four card minor.
* 2NT shows 11-12 HCP and stopper(s).
* 3NT shows 13+ HCP and stoppers.

Pass Q3 J63 KJ4 Q3

X ? 865 T7 Q62 KT5
JT84 K85 AT3 AJT6
1[ A752 KT752 JT85 QJ97
1+ 1NT 2NT 3NT

Pass K7542 AK52 QJ85 AJ2

X ? 85 94 96 K7
K64 T6 QJ83 QJT4
1] A63 87543 AJ72 K962
1NT 2[ 2NT 3NT

 Suit responses below game level

With a balanced or semi-balanced hand, advancer should count FP and act accordingly, assuming
that partner has a typical double with support for all the unbid suits. Jump responses with five or
more cards will enable the partnership to find a good game contract when there are sufficient fit po-
ints. Remember that worthless honors in the opening suit decrease hand value.

* With 0-9 FP:

- A suit at the cheapest level is shown.

- Since 1NT shows 6-10 HCP, the cheapest three card suit is shown with length in the opening
suit, insufficient HCP and stoppers to bid 1NT.
- Bidding a three card major at the one level may be preferable to bidding a weak four card minor
at the two level.
- The spade suit is shown first with 4-4 in the majors.

* With 10-12 FP:

- A four card major is shown with a jump to the two level.

- A five or six card major is shown with a jump to the three level.
- Over 1] opening, it is acceptable to jump to 3_ with a four card suit.
 73

- A five card minor is shown with a jump.

- Without satisfactory stoppers for 2NT response, a four card minor is shown without a jump.

Pass 85 J652 QT86 Q64

X ? 964 4 5 AJ752
JT42 KJ863 AQ543 83
1[ AK53 T74 972 K95
1+ 1] 2] 3_

Pass T Q864 KT7 K7

X ? 8752 KT53 QJ4 QJ4
96 T972 852 852
1+ AT8643 8 KJ63 KJT63
1_ 1] 2[ 3[

Pass J92 96 T963 Q8652

X ? Q7543 A653 A864 J75
96 875 KQ9 A96
1_ 975 JT72 72 K4
1] 2[ 2] 3]

Pass 97642 A53 A53 752

X ? 9 KT75 KT975 QT96
863 962 6 A853
1] Q875 864 8642 K5
2[ 2_ 3_ 3_

 Jump to the four level with a major suit

* In principle, a jump to the four level shows either a six card or a good five card suit with ~14 FP.

Pass 4 KJT8642
X ? QJT983 A5
K5 J3
1[ KT72 96
4_ 4]

Pass 8 A4 AQJT85 KQJT86

X ? AQT963 JT98632 7 KT53
J5 K85 8652 62
1+ Q962 6 Q3 4
4_ 4_ 4] 4]

 Cue bid

Jump responses to takeout double are not forcing. Advancer must start with cue bid in order to force
doubler to bid again when holding the following strength and distributions:
74

* With a balanced hand and 13+ HCP.

* With a four or five card major and 13+ FP.
* With a six card major and at least 16+ FP, to facilitate slam investigation.
* With a five or six card minor and a hand too strong for a non-forcing jump.
* With 4-4 or 5-4 in the majors and 10+ FP after a double of a minor. If doubler then bids two of a
major, advancer’s raise to the three level is invitational.

Pass KJ82 AT84 AQT952

X 2[ Q3 J9652 KT3
KT76 T3 A8
1[ A74 A5 94

Pass KT652 QT72

X 2+ 4 KJ83
863 A64
1+ AKQT 75

Pass A8 J962 Q8643

X 2_ T752 AK3 75
KJ963 KQ85 AQ2
1_ AJ 82 AT9

Pass A752 853

X 2] AQ8 KJT4
T5 AK962
1] K964 7

 Penalty pass
Advancer can convert the takeout double into a penalty by passing with length, honors and sequence
of spot cards in the opening suit. Penalty pass is a choice to have the opponents play the doubled
contract in order to get the best score. In this case doubler should lead a trump in principle. Advancer
should bid a suit even with five cards in the opening suit without a good sequence.

Pass J93 T852

X ? 82 84
Q6 96
1[ QJT875 Q9753
Pass 1]

Pass JT9876 QJT97 K9652

X ? 85 5 Q3
K4 AT3 Q94
1] QT3 JT86 T86
Pass Pass 1NT

If Responder Bids

If responder bids after takeout double, advancer does not have to act. However, he can make an at-
tempt to compete, investigate game or penalize the opponents.
 75

General rules
* Bidding a suit at the one level is purely competitive and shows a four or five card suit.
* Bidding a suit at the two level without a jump is competitive and shows a reasonably good four
or 5+card suit. 2] response can be used with a four card suit, specifically after 1_ opening.
* Jumping to two of a major is invitational and does not guarantee more than a four card suit.
* Bidding a suit at the three level without a jump shows a five card suit and a constructive hand.
* Jumping to the three level is invitational with at least a five card suit.
* Jumping to four of a minor is invitational with a six card suit and an unbalanced hand.
* Jumping to four of a major shows around 13 FP with a good five or six card suit.
* Jumping to five of a minor shows a very long suit and an unbalanced hand.
* 3NT is a natural bid with ~13 HCP and stoppers, if responder didn’t apply Jordan.
* Over responder’s support of the opening suit at the two or three level, pass is the best option if
distribution and honor quality is not suitable to compete.

 After support of the opening suit at the two level

* Passing with hands that are not suitable to compete.

2+ Q752 J63 85
X Pass 86 Q652 7542
Q94 KJ7 KQJT8
1+ J753 T84 93

2] KJ7 QJ4 QJT97

X Pass T7542 Q753 K3
85 Q6 8542
1] J64 J852 96

* Bidding a suit with hands suitable to compete according to the guidelines described above.

2[ 52 86 KJT85 T2
X ? Q97 KQT8 84 J8653
AJT86 J642 J73 AK94
1[ 853 853 652 75
2+ 2_ 2] 3_

2+ A3 85 KQT AQ982
X ? QJ75 AT3 T3 7
762 964 QJ98 8654
1+ T984 KJ962 AJ86 KT3
2_ 3[ 3NT 4]

2_ J962 T8652 7 5
X ? 853 K63 863 2
AQT4 AJ5 KT86542 AJ84
1_ T6 Q7 A4 KJT9863
2] 3] 4+ 5[
76

2] Q93 A3 753 753

X ? T5 Q7642 9 QJT862
A62 QT5 AJ4 KJ94
1] KT864 864 KJ9862 Pass
3[ 3_ 4[ 4_

* Responsive double is used with at least 6+ HCP to compete, to invite, or to investigate a game
contract:

- If opponents bid and raise a minor, it shows a balanced hand that is suitable for both majors
with useful honors.
- If opponents bid and raise a major, it shows at least 4-4 in the minors. In addition, responsive
double can be used with just enough strength to compete, or with four cards in the other major
and at least an invitational hand.

2[ QT73 K96 KT94

X X KT96 QJ4 A72
5 QT62 QT63
1[ 8642 853 95

2+ JT64 J4
X X Q752 AQ95
K3 753
1+ A86 K862

2_ 75 QT96
X X 642 742
QJ93 KT83
1_ AJT4 A5

2] 4 83
X X 75 KJT5
AK853 Q6
1] JT942 KT742

* Cue bid at the three level is looking for a stopper to play no-trump with a good six card minor.

2+ T85 T6
X 3+ Q3 73
74 84
1+ AKJ852 AK96542

2_ J7 AT3
X 3_ 864 75
T3 62
1_ AKQT95 AQT974

* 3NT is the contract choice with a balanced hand, good long minor and enough strength for game.
Without a good quality long minor, more than one stopper is necessary.
 77

2+ T94 T4
X 3NT KJ7 J
AQ JT73
1+ QJ986 AKJT82

2] KQT K8
X 3NT J4 T5
JT7 AKT9753
1] AQ965 72

* Cue bid at the four level:

- Shows 5-5 majors with ~8 HCP after opponents bid and raise a minor.
- Shows 5-5 minors with enough strength for game after opponents bid and raise a major.

2[ Q9652
X 4[ AJT74
T3
1[ 6

2_ 8 Q4
X 4_ 4 A
QJ865 KQT82
1_ AQ9762 JT965

* 4NT is a slam try with a very unbalanced single suited hand.

2+ 8 A
X 4NT A2 KQT8653
4 7542
1+ AJT87653 Q

2] 5 A93
X 4NT QJT9652 Q4
A KJT87542
1] AT94 ----

* 2NT is an application of Lebensohl:

- After opponents bid and raise a minor it is used to compete with the other minor or to investigate
a game contract with a four card major and five cards in the other minor.
- After opponents bid and raise a major it is used to compete with a lower ranking suit or to find
the ideal contract with a enough strength for game and a half stopper in the opening suit.

2[ KQ96 52
X 2NT 4 QJ96
KT972 AQT54
1[ 653 73
78

2+ A84 QJT8
X 2NT 6 4
753 A62
1+ JT9652 Q9753

2_ K7 Q3
X 2NT 865 Q96
QJT93 JT4
1_ QT2 AKJ52

2] 92 Q4
X 2NT T9865 T95
KT93 KQT73
1] Q4 AQ2

* Advancer’s rebids after Lebensohl:

- Cue bid at the three level is to investigate the best strain with a half stopper and a balanced
hand.
- Bidding a minor suit at the four level is game or slam forcing.
- Bidding a major suit at the four level is a mild slam invitation.
- After a major suit opening, cue bid at the four level is a slam invitation with 5-5 minors.
- After a major suit opening, 4NT is asking for key cards in the other major.
- After a minor suit opening, cue bid at the four level shows a good hand with 5-5 majors.

S W N E 7 QT862 Pass AKT876

1[ X 2[ 2NT Q953 KQ753 AJ3 J3
Pass 3[ Pass ? AQ862 A4 AJT8762 75
854 8 754 A62
3_ 4[ 4+ 4]

S W N E T96 JT82 T
1+ X 2+ 2NT A52 63 AQ7
Pass 3[ Pass ? JT4 A7 4
AK83 KT964 KT986542
3+ 3] 4[

S W N E J6 T4 KT8763
1_ X 2_ 2NT 752 962 A652
Pass 3[ Pass ? 84 AJT86 AT
KJT973 JT3 8
Pass 3+ 4NT

S W N E J62 652 A53 7542

1] X 2] 2NT 84 JT863 ---- KJT863
Pass 3[ Pass ? KJT763 9 KQ965 AQ
T5 KT7 QT872
3+ 3_ 4] 4NT
 79
 After support of the opening suit at the three level

* Bidding a suit at the three level shows a four or five card suit and is a competitive bid.

3[ Q93 Q6 J7 83
X ? J4 T74 AT3 KJT7
86542 J853 JT6542 KT4
1[ KJ5 KQJT 85 9652
Pass Pass 3+ 3_

3_ J953 Q5 KQT7 73
X ? KJ82 KQJ9 653 5
Q6 83 J8642 QJT4
1_ J74 J8642 4 KJT962
Pass Pass 3] 4[

As seen from the above examples, you need a more distributional hand to bid a new suit at the four
level.

* Responsive double is used with at least 8+ HCP in order to compete, invite to game or to find the
right strain:

- When their suit is a minor, it either shows both majors or at least game invitational strength
with only one four card major.
- When their suit is a major, it shows both minors.

3[ Q962 KJ96
X X JT85 Q83
63 AT7
1[ A64 754

3+ KJ86 A4
X X KT65 KT75
7542 83
1+ T Q9762

3] 963 52 7
X X J4 A QT5
AJ96 JT753 KT962
1] KT85 KJT84 AJ84

* Cue bid is game forcing:

- When their suit is a minor, it shows at least 5-4 in the majors.

- When their suit is a major, it shows at least 5-5 in the minors.

3[ KQ94 AJ875
X 4[ AJ853 JT962
75 Q3
1[ 62 4
80

3_ J2 5
X 4_ 4 6
QT853 J97642
1_ AQT96 AKT83

3] 752 ----
X 4] ---- J3
KJT63 AJT75
1] AJ842 Q97642

* 4NT is a slam try with a very unbalanced single suited hand.

3[ 6 A3
X 4NT AQT8764 7
KQ93 QJT86542
1[ 5 A5

3_ AKJ9654 K
X 4NT 4 752
QJT6 Q4
1_ 3 AKJT653

3] ---- A72
X 4NT JT7 KQT974
AQJT864 Q853
1] QT9 ----

 After their 2NT Jordan raise

* Three level bids are purely competitive.

2NT K4 Q9652
X ? JT4 94
QJT85 KT73
1[ 853 85
3+ 3]

* At favorable vulnerability, jumping to four of a minor shows a weak hand with a long suit and
suggests a sacrifice.

2NT 74 83 5
X ? AJ3 KJT7 T6
JT8542 KT4 JT73
1] T6 9652 QJT864
3+ 3_ 4[

* Jumping to the four level with a major shows a long suit and a very unbalanced hand without
many points.
 81

2NT QT752 J86542

X 4] 4 753
J5 AQT
1_ AT963 6

* Responsive double is used to compete:

- When their suit is a minor, it shows the other minor and a four card major.
- When their suit is a major, it shows both minors.

2NT QT73 73
X X J5 QJT6
AJ84 AJ964
1[ 752 52

2NT 85 T
X X 7 642
QT753 KQT8
1_ K8654 J8653

* Cue bid is used to compete:

- When their suit is a minor, it shows at least 4-4 in the majors.

- When their suit is a major, it shows four cards in the other major and a five card minor.

2NT QT86 KQT7 J9652

X 3+ AT93 J8642 Q8754
974 75 6
1+ 85 93 T9

2NT 762 6
X 3] KT94 AQT2
3 JT973
1] KT954 T65

 After support of the opening suit at the four level

* Advancer should bid with a reasonably good hand and a good chance of making a game contract:

- 4_ and 4] show unbalanced hands with at least a good four card suit.
- 5[ and 5+ show unbalanced hands with a long suit.
- Optional double shows a useful 8-10 HCP.

* Special conventions are used for game or slam contract investigations with two or three suited
hands without losers in the opening suit:

- After a minor suit opening, 4NT shows the other minor and a major. Cue bid is either a three
suited hand or a slam try with both majors.
- After a major suit opening, 4NT shows both minors. Cue bid is a three suited slam try. 5NT
shows the other major and a minor, askng doubler to choose a suit at the six level.

* Pass is the best choice with one or two suited weak hands, but bidding is possible if partner doubles
again.
82

4[ J963 Q96 83 KQ73

X ? KT7 83 KQT8 AJ84
AT82 AQT972 AT542 QJT72
1[ 86 75 96 ----
X 4+ 4_ 5[

4+ 976542 J85 ---- JT754

X ? J83 K3 AJT42 AQ963
54 JT974 A53 ----
1+ Q6 Q62 QJT85 AT7
Pass Pass 4NT 5+

4_ J3 KJ85 T KJT62
X ? KJT9 4 642 ----
Q754 A63 Q85 A3
1_ T82 QT742 AQT964 KT8654
Pass 4] 5[ 5NT

4] 4 63 ---- ----
X ? T KT75 QJ93 AQ753
Q8542 Q8653 AQ72 K96542
1] J97653 A4 KJT53 A6
Pass X 5] 5NT

* It is possible to invite slam after opponents bid and raise a major by first bidding 4NT then
rebidding your major at the five level.

4_ AQ7653 AKT975 AKJ976

X ? 85 4 42
J754 Q86 KT5
1_ 2 AT7 A4
4] 4NT 5]

As seen, 5] over 4_ shows two losers in hearts, where 5] following 4NT denies two losers. Both
are slam invitations.

 After responder bids a new suit at the one level

* 1NT shows 9-10 HCP, 2NT shows 11-12 HCP and 3NT shows ~14 HCP. It is necessary to have
good stoppers in the opening suit and desirable to have at least a low honor in responder’s suit.
* A new suit is purely a competitive bid.
* A jump in a new suit shows 10-12 FP and game invitational values.
* Double is used to penalize responder, especially if they are not vulnerable and he has made a
psychic bid with a fit for the opening suit. It shows at least 6+ HCP and a good four card suit.
* Cue bid of the opening suit is used with enough strength to invite game with either a single suited
hand or support for the other two suits.
* Bidding responder’s suit is always natural and shows a 5+card suit with 8-9 points. A jump in
responder’s suit is natural and invitational. Double followed by cue bid of the opening suit is to
set up a game forcing auction.
 83

1_ 63 JT73 T92 KJ96

X ? KJT7 A4 J83 Q5
Q95 JT86 QT6 T863
1[ JT74 862 KQT8 A42
X 1] 1NT 2]

1] T3 AQ983 Q93 4
X ? J9874 75 652 KT862
75 J874 K84 AT96
1[ A952 62 AQJ9 853
2_ 2] 2NT 3_

1_ 86542 74 KT98752 AJT92

X ? 93 AT 4 74
AQ8 8653 AKT9 9653
1+ T96 QT752 3 K7
1] 2[ 2+ 3]

1] 86 64 62 6
X ? 95 AJ82 K5 QJT975
KT54 75 8765 52
1+ QJ963 KT863 AQT73 AJT3
2[ 2+ 3[ 4_

 After responder bids a new suit at the two level

* 2NT shows 10-12 HCP and stoppers in both suits.

* A new suit at the two level is competitive.
* A new suit at the three level without a jump or bidding responder’s suit shows at least a five card
suit and is competitive. A jump to the four level with a major other than the opening suit is always
to play.
* A jump to the three level is invitational with at least a five card suit.
* A negative double is used either for competing or game investigation. Passing first then bidding
responder’s suit is natural.
* Cue bid of the opening suit is game forcing and shows both unbid suits and an unbalanced hand.

2[ Q85 97 JT653 KJT82

X ? KT3 KQT5 7 T93
A742 7643 9862 A96
1+ 864 Q62 KT6 84
X 2_ 2] 3]

2+ Q85 KJ7 83 JT9752

X ? 863 865 72 93
A42 43 964 6
1_ KT64 AKQT2 AQJ986 AKT7
X 2_ 3[ 4]
84

2_ KT75 T2 Q864 QT2

X ? 42 Q95 4 7
KJT8 JT84 AJ852 KT7653
1[ 963 AQJ6 A73 865
X 2NT 3[ 3+

2] 96 J4 5 72
X ? Q742 Q953 J863 KJ983
A53 T6 AT4 KT7
1+ Q974 KJ742 AQT86 854
X X 3+ 3_

 After responder bids 2_ over 1] opening

After 1] opening and 2_ response, 2] shows at least a competitive hand and suitability for both
minors. A penalty double is used with five or good four hearts and 6+ HCP in order to combat res-
ponder’s psychic bid with spade support. 3_ shows a good five card suit and ~8 HCP.

2_ 64 8 62 4
X ? AJT8 T2 AJT97 KJT974
72 KT863 JT83 T6
1] Q8753 Q9765 74 KT73
X 2] 3_ 4_

 After responder bids 1NT

* 2_ and 2] are competitive bids, showing at least a reasonably good four card suit.
* 2[ and 2+ are competitive bids, showing at least a reasonably good five card suit.
* A jump to the three level shows a five card or longer suit and is invitational.
* After a minor suit opening, two level cue bid by advancer shows at least 4-4 in the majors and
at least a competitive hand. Double shows a useful 7-9 HCP and asks partner to bid his cheapest
four card suit. With four hearts and a four card minor, double is used to find the best fit. With four
spades and a four card minor, double then bid 2] over doubler’s 2_.
* After a major suit opening, advancer should bid his good four card major at the two level. Double
shows both minors or a four card minor with four cards in the other major. Cue bid shows four
cards in the other major and a five card minor.

1NT KJ95 JT86 JT3 JT975

X ? 62 KQ97 KJ986 T9
KT97 T73 J72 KT83
1[ 873 74 T5 62
X 2[ 2_ 2]

1NT AT75 QT86 53 JT875

X ? 963 QJ97 QJ986 94
52 8753 JT72 762
1+ QJ84 4 T5 KT8
X 2+ 2_ 2]
 85

1NT 8763 965 KJ83 JT973

X ? T 752 72 T964
KT52 4 QT986 82
1_ QJ84 KT8763 T5 AK
X 2[ 2_ 3]

1NT QT86 KQT7 QT976

X 2] A863 842 754
T94 75 JT83
1_ 85 J863 6

1NT 8752 J862 A863 T65

X ? KT83 4 62 KJT74
KT85 Q86 QJ985 3
1] 7 KJT63 84 KT62
X 2[ 2+ 3_

 After responder redoubles

* With a weak hand:

- Bid a five card suit.

- A four card economical suit should be shown immediately. Otherwise, it is possible that the
doubler will bid a higher ranking suit and get penalized there.
- Jump bid is used to block the opponents with a long suit and an unbalanced hand.
- Pass without a five card or economical four card suit. Escape chances from being penalized
will be investigated afterwards.

* With a good hand, passing first then raising doubler’s suit to invite game, jumping with a new
suit, or using cue bid all disclose their psychic attempt to keep you from your game contract.

XX Q962 96 64 QJ9872
X ? 73 842 9753 6
965 JT73 85 9754
1[ T764 T865 Q8652 63
Pass 1+ 1_ 2]

XX 953 K962 Q95 KJ9742

X Pass J75 AT73 Q9642 Q75
864 95 A763 74
1+ QT82 K84 4 Q3

XX 8 QT753 JT73 94
X ? 9764 64 QJT96 7653
T863 AK7 73 86
1_ QJ75 852 92 KT852
Pass Pass 1] 2[
86

XX 875 84 9752 KT753

X ? Q863 K8652 84 5
J962 J7 63 T9862
1] 64 A853 QJT86 74
Pass Pass 2[ 2+

Over responder’s redouble, pass forces doubler to bid. Bidding the opening suit after doubler’s escape
suit is a cue bid with a fit.

S W N E Q96 JT73 QJ962

1[ X XX Pass KT75 QT85 83
Pass 1_ Pass ? 74 K2 AJ74
A862 976 95
2[ 2_ 2]

S W N E 754 KT75 T74

1+ X XX Pass 976 743 93
Pass 1_ X ? QJ982 862 852
93 J96 QJT73
Pass 1] 2[

Over responder’s double of partner’s escape suit after your initial pass to responder’s redouble, SOS
redouble is used for partner to escape to one of the remaining two suits.

S W N E 7 ----
1_ X XX Pass 9653 JT753
Pass 1] X XX JT84 9862
T752 JT64

After responder’s penalty double of partner’s escape suit, bidding the opening suit is natural.

S W N E 7 84
1[ X XX Pass J62 J6
Pass 1] X 2[ T73 92
QJT974 JT98653
RESPONSES TO TAKEOUT DOUBLES AFTER RESPONDER PASSES

Example Hands
 89

No : 1 K654 Ozdil W N E S
D :N 983 Pass 1+ X
Vul : None 75 Pass 1] Pass 2_
A642 Pass 4_ All Pass

Lead : +4
JT83 N 92
Q7 K64
]

W E Ruff the third diamond in dummy with a small

T842 KJ63
_

S trump and take a trump finesse by running the

T75 KQJ8
+
[
nine. Win West’s likely club return, repeat the
trump finesse and take your spade tricks after
AQ7 cashing all the trumps.
AJT52
Takeout AQ9
Doubles 93

No : 2 A952 Ozdil W N E S
D :E AK73 Pass Pass
Vul : NS T5 1+ X Pass 1]
K64 All Pass

Lead : _T
K7 N T84
T94 Q862
]

W E Ruff a heart after cashing the ace and king.

AQJ62 983
_

S Lead the spade queen, winning the king with

AT3 Q85
+
[
the ace, return to your hand with the trump jack
and lead towards the club king. You will ruff
QJ63 the fourth heart after winning the club king to
J5 take eight tricks with two hearts, two heart
Takeout K74 ruffs, three trumps and the club king.
Doubles J972

No : 3 AT8 Ozdil W N E S
D :S KJ3 Pass
Vul : EW AQ7 1[ X Pass 1]
7642 All Pass

Lead : [Q
Q3 N J975
9742 QT6
]

W E Win West’s shift to the trump queen with the

KT8 952
_

S ace and play a club. Play a small diamond to

AKQ9 JT3
+
[
the queen after winning the second trump with
your king, ruff a club, enter dummy with the
K642 diamond ace then play the fourth club. East
A85 will ruff this and cash his trump, but you can
Takeout J643 still take eight tricks by establishing your fo-
Doubles 85 urth diamond.
90

No : 4 AQ5 Ozdil W N E S
D :W AT82 1+ X Pass 1]
Vul : Both A7 All Pass
Q643
Lead : ]T
T986 N J3 Take the trump ace, lead to the club jack and
KQ J974
]

W E play another club after winning West’s trump

KJ98 642
_

S return with the queen. Win East’s diamond re-

A72 K985
+
[
turn with the ace, then discard two hearts on
the club queen and the fourth club. Even if
K742 West discards a heart on the last club and plays
653 a trump after winning East’s diamond return,
Takeout QT53 he has to give you a diamond trick after over-
Doubles JT ruffing you in hearts.

No : 5 KT93 Ozdil W N E S
D :N T92 Pass 1+ X
Vul : NS 8754 Pass 1] Pass 2_
K6 Pass 4_ All Pass

Lead : +T
J652 N Q84
Q64 A7
]

W E Win the lead with the diamond ace then ruff a

T93 KQJ6
_

S club in dummy after cashing the king and ace.

QT7 9532
+
[
Ruff the third spade after taking the ace and
king then play your club jack. You will end up
A7 with ten tricks by losing only two trumps and
KJ853 a diamond.
Takeout A2
Doubles AJ84

No : 6 Q952 Ozdil W N E S
D :E AQ75 Pass Pass
Vul : EW Q4 1+ X Pass 2_
AK3 Pass 4_ All Pass

Lead : ]A
AKJT N 83
J83 T4
]

W E Defense plays three rounds of spades and East

KJ97 T8652
_

S ruffs dummy’s queen. Win the diamond shift

42 J985
+
[
with the ace, cash three trumps and note that
West’s holding is 4-3 in the majors with at
764 most two clubs. Play the ace and king of clubs
K962 then take a sure finesse against the club jack.
Takeout A3 Then discard the dummy’s diamond on the
Doubles QT76 club queen.
 91

No : 7 AQJ3 Ozdil W N E S
D :S K642 Pass
Vul : Both Q85 1[ X Pass 2_
K7 Pass 4_ All Pass

Lead : ]T
T985 N K742
QJ T97
]

W E Win the lead with the spade ace, enter your

A3 JT9
_

S hand with the trump ace, play towards the dia-

AJT62 853
+
[
mond queen then duck a diamond to West’s
ace. You will ruff West’s spade return, cash the
6 trump ace and continue with diamonds to take
A853 ten tricks.
Takeout K7642
Doubles Q94

No : 8 AJT5 Ozdil W N E S
D :W KQ73 1[ X Pass 2]
Vul : None 942 Pass 4] All Pass
A6
Lead : [Q
K63 N Q4 After winning the lead in your hand, continue
A96 T852
]

W E with the trump seven and finesse. After taking

Q7 JT83
_

S the likely diamond return in hand, repeat the

QJ954 T72
+
[
trump finesse and draw the outstanding trump.
You will end up taking ten tricks after giving
9872 up a diamond and a heart in addition to a trump
J4 trick.
Takeout AK65
Doubles K83

No : 9 J93 Ozdil W N E S
D :N QT752 Pass 1_ X
Vul : EW 854 Pass 1] Pass 2[
J5 All Pass

Lead : _6
T862 N Q75
63 AKJ84
]

W E East shifts to a diamond after winning his heart

AJT7 93
_

S jack and West plays second heart when he wins

874 Q62
+
[
your king with the ace. Play the queen and
another diamond after ruffing the second heart.
AK4 You will take eight tricks against any defense
9 by ruffing the fourth diamond with the trump
Takeout KQ62 jack.
Doubles AKT93
92

No : 10 J862 Ozdil W N E S
D :E AQJ3 1+ X
Vul : Both 974 Pass 2+ X 2]
Q5 Pass 3] All Pass

Lead : +3
T4 N A97
T76 852
]

W E Ruff the third diamond, enter dummy with the

J83 AKQ65
_

S club queen, play a small trump to your king,

A9742 T3
+
[
then enter dummy with the heart jack to play
another small trump. If East wins his trump ace
KQ53 and plays the club ten, you will ruff high on
K94 West’s club return. If you had played the trump
Takeout T2 king from hand they could have promoted a
Doubles KJ86 trump trick by returning the fourth diamond.

No : 11 A875 Ozdil W N E S
D :S AKJ4 Pass
Vul : None 2 1+ X Pass 3_
J643 Pass 4_ All Pass

Lead : +A
QT3 N J962
8 753
]

W E Win West’s trump shift in dummy and ruff a

AKJ94 Q75
_

S diamond in dummy after entering your hand

A852 QT9
+
[
with the spade king. After cashing the spade
ace, ruff the third spade with the six of trumps,
K4 then continue with diamond, spade and dia-
QT962 mond ruffs to end up with ten tricks.
Takeout T863
Doubles K7

No : 12 A872 Ozdil W N E S
D :W J6 1_ X 2_ 4]
Vul : NS AK5 All Pass
K973
Lead : _Q
4 N K6 Take West’s diamond shift after he cashes two
AKQ983 T74
]

W E hearts. Play the trump ace in case the king is

J92 Q87643
_

S singleton in East’s hand, discard a club on the

Q85 T2
+
[
diamond king, ruff the third diamond and exit
with a trump. If West has the king, he is end-
QJT953 played. If East wins then plays the club ten,
52 cover with the jack. If he plays a small club let
Takeout T it ride to dummy’s nine to avoid the loss of a
Doubles AJ64 club trick.
 93

No : 13 K942 Ozdil W N E S
D :N Q873 Pass 1+ X
Vul : Both T75 Pass 2+ Pass 2_
KQ Pass 3_ Pass 4_
All Pass
J6 N Q753 Lead : +6
JT54 A
]

J962 W E AQ84
_

S Enter dummy with the club queen to play a

643 J752
+
[
small trump after winning East’s diamond re-
turn in hand. Ruff East’s diamond return, cash
AT8 two trumps then play the king of clubs follo-
K962 wed by the king and ace of spades. Then cash
Takeout K3 the club ace and ruff the fourth club if West
Doubles AT98 hasn’t already ruffed.

No : 14 KQ72 Ozdil W N E S
D :E AKJ Pass Pass
Vul : None QT63 1[ X Pass 3_
54 Pass 4_ All Pass

Lead : [K
A64 N JT95
83 654
]

W E After letting the club king win, take the trump

J85 K92
_

S shift in your hand, play towards the spade

KQJ72 T83
+
[
queen, and repeat this maneuver in spades after
re-entering your hand with the club ace. Win
83 West’s second trump continuation in dummy,
QT972 discard a diamond on the spade king, enter
Takeout A74 your hand with the diamond ace and take ten
Doubles A96 tricks by ruffing your third club.

No : 15 T5 Ozdil W N E S
D :S AQ84 Pass
Vul : NS J753 1] X Pass 3_
AK2 Pass 4_ All Pass

Lead : ]A
AKJ973 N Q4
J2 T73
]

W E After West cashes the ace, king and jack of

96 QT842
_

S spades, discard a club from dummy. Win any

QJ5 T96
+
[
return, cash three trumps, then establish your
fourth club by ruffing in dummy to take ten
862 tricks. If you ruff the third spade, you will go
K965 down either by losing three spades and a club
Takeout AK or two spades, a club and a trump if you ruff
Doubles 8743 with the trump queen.
94

No : 16 JT83 Ozdil W N E S
D :W 4 1_ X Pass 2]
Vul : EW AKT2 Pass 4] All Pass
A985
Lead : _K
A5 N Q42 Win the lead with the heart ace, ruff a heart,
KQJ97 653
]

W E then enter your hand with club king to ruff

Q3 J986
_

S another heart. Cash the ace and king of dia-

Q642 JT7
+
[
monds, ruff a club then ruff the fourth heart.
Despite East’s overruff, you will still end up
K976 with ten tricks, losing only two trumps and a
AT82 diamond.
Takeout 754
Doubles K3

No : 17 Q973 Ozdil W N E S
D :N 8 Pass 1_ Pass
Vul : None T862 1NT X Pass 2]
AKJ9 All Pass

Lead : ]2
J42 N AT
J5 AQ962
]

W E Play a heart after winning East’s trump return

AQ73 J95
_

S in dummy. If East wins with the heart ace and

T764 Q53
+
[
returns a small diamond, play low from your
hand. Play the diamond king after taking
K865 West’s trump shift in your hand. You will es-
KT743 tablish dummy's diamond ten by ruffing, and
Takeout K4 will take eight tricks.
Doubles 82

No : 18 KJ3 Ozdil W N E S
D :E QJ84 1+ X
Vul : NS A752 Pass 2+ Pass 2_
Q9 Pass 4_ All Pass

Lead : +3
9874 N QT2
65 T73
]

W E Win the diamond ace and play back a second

J93 KQT6
_

S diamond. After winning East’s likely trump

T642 AJ8
+
[
shift with dummy’s eight, ruff a diamond then
play a club towards the queen. You will end up
A65 with ten tricks even if you lose the spade fi-
AK92 nesse, by ruffing the fourth diamond after win-
Takeout 84 ning East’s trump return in dummy.
Doubles K753
 95

No : 19 AQJ2 Ozdil W N E S
D :S 5 Pass
Vul : EW AJT94 1_ X Pass 2NT
Q63 Pass 3NT All Pass

Lead : _7
K3 N T986
AQ972 T843
]

W E After winning the lead with your jack, take the

86 Q72
_

S spade finesse then let the diamond jack ride.

AT84 95
+
[
After repeating the diamond finesse, you will
force out West’s club ace to take eleven tricks.
754 There won’t be any problem if you lose the
KJ6 diamond finesse to West but if you lose it to
Takeout K53 East you will go down.
Doubles KJ72

No : 20 QJ73 Ozdil W N E S
D :W A8 1_ X Pass 2[
Vul : Both KQ4 All Pass
QJ72
Lead : _K
A4 N T986 Win the heart ace, play the trump queen then
KQT96 J52
]

W E draw trumps to take ten easy tricks. Although

T652 873
_

S you have a total of 26 HCP, it is impossible to

A3 T54
+
[
make even 2NT.

K52
743
Takeout AJ9
Doubles K986

No : 21 653 Ozdil W N E S
D :N J4 Pass 1] X
Vul : NS KT5 Pass 3[ Pass 3NT
AQT82 All Pass

Lead : ]Q
QT N KJ9872
9872 K63
]

W E Win the second spade, cash the club king and

J3 A874
_

S play a club towards dummy, winning cheaply.

J9765 ----
+
[
After leading the heart jack and taking East’s
heart king with your ace, play another club to-
A4 wards dummy to take nine tricks. If you start
AQT5 clubs by leading to the queen, you will go
Takeout Q962 down.
Doubles K43
96

No : 22 KQJ9 Ozdil W N E S
D :E T2 Pass Pass
Vul : EW K753 1_ X Pass 2+
KQJ All Pass

Lead : _A
A82 N T64
AKJ75 983
]

W E Cover West’s likely shift to the diamond queen,

Q AT96
_

S play small on East’s heart return, ruff the king

T643 872
+
[
of hearts in dummy and play spade honors.
You will take eight tricks against any defense
753 by playing a trump towards your J8 at some
Q64 point, assuming East has the ten and nine of
Takeout J842 trumps.
Doubles A95

No : 23 A964 Ozdil W N E S
D :S AK3 Pass
Vul : Both 75 1+ X Pass 2NT
J942 All Pass

Lead : _J
QT62 N 873
JT96 852
]

W E Play towards the club queen after winning the

A43 KT86
_

S first trick in dummy, then cash heart winners

AK 765
+
[
after their heart return and exit with a club. You
will discard a spade from dummy and a dia-
KJ mond from your hand on the last heart, then
Q74 take eight tricks against any defense.
Takeout QJ92
Doubles QT83

No : 24 K754 Ozdil W N E S
D :W A862 1[ X Pass 2[
Vul : None Q76 Pass 2_ Pass 2]
K3 Pass 4] All Pass

Lead : [Q
QJ2 N T9
KJ73 T94
]

W E Play a small diamond after winning the club

KT J943
_

S lead with the ace. West takes his king and con-
QJT7 8652
+
[
tinues with a club. Cash the trump king and ace
then ruff a club. You will take ten tricks by ruf-
A863 fing the fourth diamond after cashing the queen
Q5 and ace.
Takeout A852
Doubles A94
 97

No : 25 KT74 Ozdil W N E S
D :N 2 Pass 1+ Pass
Vul : EW 965 1_ X 2_ 2]
AQ953 All Pass

Lead : +J
Q92 N J5
KQT6 AJ83
]

W E Cash the club king after winning East’s dia-

J3 AQT8
_

S mond queen continuation in hand. Enter

T874 J62
+
[
dummy with the trump king, discard two dia-
monds on the ace and queen of clubs, then play
A863 the fourth club. If East ruffs with his jack, over-
9754 ruff then take nine tricks by playing trumps to-
Takeout K742 wards dummy.
Doubles K

No : 26 J Ozdil W N E S
D :E AK9 1] Pass
Vul : Both AKT2 2] X Pass 2NT*
QT843 Pass 3[ Pass 3+
All Pass
KT3 N AQ764 Lead : ]3
T82 J53
]

J4 W E Q85
_

S Play a club after ruffing East’s spade return in

K9652 AJ
+
[
dummy. If the defense continues to attack spa-
des, ruff with the ten, cash two trumps and ruff
9852 a club. Then ruff another club after playing the
Q764 queen, king and ace of hearts.
Takeout 9763
Doubles 7

No : 27 QJ63 Ozdil W N E S
D :S AQT2 Pass
Vul : None AJT5 1[ X Pass 1]
6 Pass 2] Pass 4]
All Pass
95 N 842 Lead : [A
K84 9753
]

Q73 W E K8
_

S Lead towards the jack of diamonds after win-

AKQ42 J975
+
[
ning West’s likely trump shift in hand. If the
defense continues playing trumps, draw trump
AKT7 then finesse against the heart king by leading
J6 your jack from hand. You will enter your hand
Takeout 9642 by ruffing the fourth heart, then take eleven
Doubles T83 tricks by repeating the diamond finesse.
98

No : 28 J975 Ozdil W N E S
D :W A8642 1+ X Pass 2+
Vul : NS A Pass 2_ Pass 3[
A73 Pass 3] Pass 4[
Pass 4+ Pass 4]
Pass 6[ All Pass
QT83 N 642
KQT7 J93
]

W E Lead : +K
KQJ82 964
_

---- S QJ85
+
[
Cash the ace of hearts, ruff a heart, ruff a dia-
mond and cash the spade honors. Then conti-
AK nue with diamond and spade ruffs. Finally ruff
5 the fourth diamond with the club ace as East
Takeout T753 underruffs. You can make two more tricks with
Doubles KT9642 the KT9 of clubs.

No : 29 T86 Ozdil W N E S
D :N 9852 Pass 1+ X
Vul : Both 763 Pass 1_ Pass 2+
854 Pass 2_ Pass 2]
Pass 3] Pass 4]
All Pass
954 N K2
JT6 K753
]

W E Lead : +2
J82 AKT95
_

T973 S J6
+
[
Ruff the third diamond and play the queen of
trumps. You will eventually enter dummy with
AQJ73 the ten of trumps, take the heart finesse, cash
AQ club winners and ruff the fourth club.
Takeout Q4
Doubles AKQ2

No : 30 KJ53 Ozdil W N E S
D :E AJ64 Pass Pass
Vul : None AQ62 1] Pass 1NT Pass
7 2[ X Pass 4_
All Pass
AQT92 N 86 Lead : [Q
K T83
]

T43 W E K985
_

S Play a spade towards dummy after winning the

QJT5 K942
+
[
lead in hand. If West takes the spade ace and
shifts to the trump king, win it and play a small
74 diamond from dummy. If East wins his dia-
Q9752 mond king you can take eleven tricks but if
Takeout J7 East lets you win the diamond jack you can
Doubles A863 take twelve tricks by cross ruffing.
 REBIDS BY DOUBLER IF RESPONDER AND OPENER PASS

 After advancer bids a suit at the one level

* Pass usually shows a minimum, but is also possible with 16-17 HCP, three card support and a
balanced hand.

Q852 AT7 KJ7 S W N E

KT73 KQ93 AJ62 1+ X Pass 1]
84 4 864 Pass Pass
AKT KT652 AK3

A84 AK75 S W N E
Q953 KJ4 1[ X Pass 1_
AKJ7 AJ7 Pass Pass
62 863

* Raises of advancer’s suit show a good hand and four card support.

- Raising to the two level shows ~18 FP.

- Raising to the three level shows ~20 FP.
- Raising to the three level after cue bid shows ~22 FP.
- Raising a major suit to the four level generally shows five card support, an unbalanced and
very strong hand. Advancer’s four card suit should be sufficient to make the contract.

Q863 KJ83 AK852 S W N E

AQJ AQ7 KT 1+ X Pass 1]
5 62 4 Pass ?
AKQT4 AKT5 AQJ93
2+ 2] 4]

AT5 AQ85 AK S W N E
KQT6 KT72 A974 1[ X Pass 1_
AKJ8 AJ97 AK863 Pass ?
A4 3 72
2[ 2_ 3_

* No-trump rebids are used with strong balanced hands and stopper(s) in the opening suit.

- 1NT rebid shows 18+-20 HCP.

- 2NT rebid with jump shows 21-22 HCP.
- 2NT rebid after making a cue bid first shows 23-24- HCP.
- 3NT rebid either shows a very strong balanced hand or a strong hand with a long solid or semi-
solid minor.
- Cue bid is used with balanced hands and 19+ HCP without sufficient stopper(s) for no-trump.
The next bid will depend on advancer’s rebid. Options include passing if he rebids his suit,
giving preference or raising if he bids a new suit, and raising his 2NT rebid to 3NT. It is possible
to use cue bid with a very strong hand and a stopper such as Axx or Kxx in the opening suit, in
order to achieve the right side playing the 3NT contract.
100

KQ62 AKJ KJT S W N E

AKQ3 AT83 AK6 1[ X Pass 1+
T7 AK7 AQ52 Pass ?
AQ5 T74 AT3
1NT 2[ 2[

AKQ AT9 A953 A64 S W N E

42 K83 KQ 8 1+ X Pass 1_
KJ8 A62 AKJ AQ3 Pass ?
AQ753 AKQT AJ62 AKQJ72
1NT 2+ 2NT 3NT

* New suit rebid shows at least five cards without four card support for advancer’s major.

- New suit at the minimum level shows 17-19 HCP.

- Jump in a new suit shows ~20 points and normally a good six card suit.
- New suit after cue bid is game forcing. It shows a hand with the equivalent strength of 2[
opening.

K4 K82 A5 S W N E
KQT982 AKQ63 KQT986 1[ X Pass 1]
AKQT KQ7 AK9 Pass ?
A Q5 K3
2[ 2_ 3_

AJT86 AKJT7 AKJ985 S W N E

K4 4 6 1+ X Pass 1_
AQ3 AQ5 K93 Pass ?
K72 AKJ9 AK2
1] 2+ 2]

 After advancer makes a non-jump response in a new suit at the two level

* Supporting advancer’s suit shows ~18 FP.

* 2NT rebid shows 18+- 20 HCP and usually a balanced hand with stopper(s).
* Cue bid can be used with 19+ HCP, a balanced hand and insufficient stopper(s) in the opening
suit.
* A new suit rebid shows ~18 HCP and at least five cards.
* A jump to the three level in a new suit shows ~20 HCP and normally a good six card suit.
* With better hands first cue bid, then rebid in order to show your strength and distribution.

AQ82 AKJ7 KQ8 AQ95 S W N E

73 A4 AKJ AQ3 1_ X Pass 2+
AK64 A82 T643 AQ74 Pass ?
AQT KQT5 AQ2 62
2_ 2_ 2NT 3+

After a cue bid, doubler’s return to advancer’s suit shows ~20 FP, and 2NT shows 21-22 HCP.
 101

AK AK9 A4 S W N E
AKQT AK63 AQJ985 1] X Pass 2[
94 AJT6 KQJ7 Pass ?
KJ853 52 6
2] 2NT 3_

 After advancer bids 1NT

* Pass shows a minimum hand without any special distribution.

* 2NT is a game invitation with ~17 HCP and a balanced or semi-balanced hand.
* 3NT is to play.
* Returning to a minor suit at the two level is to play with ~11 HCP and 4-3-1-5 distribution.
* Introducing a major suit shows 17-19 HCP with five cards and is one round forcing.
* Jump to the three level with a suit is game forcing, showing length and an unbalanced hand.
* Cue bid is game forcing, showing strength and probably a three suited hand.

KT73 K962 AQ4 S W N E

AQ82 AT3 3 1[ X Pass 1NT
K953 KJ875 AKJ852 Pass ?
5 4 AT6
Pass 2+ 3+

A82 Q842 KJT84 S W N E

K94 AK7 A3 1+ X Pass 1NT
73 5 K5 Pass ?
AQT75 QJ983 AQ82
Pass 2[ 2]

AQ862 KJ82 AT4 S W N E

4 63 J5 1_ X Pass 1NT
AJT3 AQ5 AJ8 Pass ?
KQ7 AQJ7 AKJ93
2] 2NT 3NT

4 5 T S W N E
KQT3 KQT962 A53 1] X Pass 1NT
AKJ8 AQJ AKQ962 Pass ?
AQJ9 AQ8 A74
2] 3_ 3NT

 After advancer’s jump to the two level with a new suit

* Pass shows a minimum hand.

* Raising advancer’s suit to the three level is a game invitation with four card support.
* Raising advancer’s major to the four level is the contract choice, typically with four card support
and a good hand.
* Raising advancer’s minor to the four level is a slam try with at least four card support and a very
good unbalanced hand.
* 2NT is a game invitation with 14-15 HCP and a stopper, without four card support.
* 3NT is to play, showing stopper(s) in the opening suit and a good hand.
102

* Rebidding a new suit is game forcing with length.

* Cue bid is game forcing and used either to search for a stopper in the opening suit or as a slam try
in advancer’s suit.
* A jump in the opening suit shows shortness and is a slam try with at least four card support.

KT72 AQ974 AJ63 AQT6 S W N E

KQ94 KJ5 AQ5 QJ93 1[ X Pass 2+
AT3 K86 KJ84 KQ82 Pass ?
84 A3 92 A
Pass 2] 3+ 4+

AQ96 QJ82 AJ63 S W N E

Q84 KT74 82 1[ X Pass 2_
AT73 AK9 AKQT5 Pass ?
K5 J3 K4
2N 3_ 3NT

74 AJ92 AQ74 S W N E
AJ2 KT5 KT83 1+ X Pass 2_
A8 A73 AT95 Pass ?
AKJT63 AQJ4 6
3[ 3+ 4_

AKT75 AKJ AQ852 S W N E

KQ82 AQ5 AJ96 1+ X Pass 2]
74 KJ4 4 Pass ?
AK JT87 AQ7
3+ 3NT 4+

 After advancer cue bids

* Rebidding a major suit at the minimum level is one round forcing.

* A jump in a new suit shows a strong hand with a good long suit.
* 2NT is a natural game invitation without a four card major, and shows a stopper.
* 3NT shows a good hand with stopper(s) and no four card major.

* Developments after advancer’s cue bid over a minor suit opening:

- A long or economical four card major is shown first, with either a strong or minimum hand.
- Bidding the other minor at the cheapest level is non forcing. It shows four or five cards in this
minor and denies a four card major.
- Cue bid shows a good hand without a four card major. It is generally used to search for stoppers
in the opening suit, or to establish a forcing auction with length in the other minor.

AJ4 AJ7 AK96 AQ852 S W N E

KJ5 JT53 AJ75 AJT4 1[ X Pass 2[
KQ93 AT85 A3 Q6 Pass ?
752 A4 K42 K5
2+ 2_ 2_ 2]
 103

AJ6 KT7 AT8 S W N E

KJ94 KQ5 AK5 1+ X Pass 2+
7 84 63 Pass ?
K8532 AQ862 AQT94
2_ 3[ 3+

* Developments after advancer’s cue bid over a major suit opening:

- A new suit below game level is one round forcing.

- Four card suits are shown up the line.

AT852 AT3 AQJT93 S W N E

A6 K5 A74 1_ X Pass 2_
AQ73 J974 AJT Pass ?
K4 AQ62 6
2] 2NT 3]

84 6 A4 S W N E
AQ6 AT73 AKT86 1] X Pass 2]
AT75 AQ975 72 Pass ?
KT82 AQ8 AQ93
3[ 3+ 3_

 After advancer bids 2NT

* Pass shows a minimum hand.

* A new suit is forcing, showing an unbalanced hand and length.
* Cue bid shows a strong three suited hand.

QJ5 AQ85 AJ7 S W N E

KJ83 A7 QT83 1+ X Pass 2NT
7 4 5 Pass ?
AJ642 AQ9642 AKJ94
Pass 3[ 3NT

KT83 AQ94 AQ965 S W N E

85 ---- 7 1_ X Pass 2NT
AJ74 KJ652 AQ74 Pass ?
KQ7 AKT7 AT8
Pass 3_ 3]

 After advancer jumps to the three level with a minor

* Pass shows a minimum hand.

* A new suit is game forcing.
* Cue bid is either asking for a stopper or is a slam try in advancer’s minor.
* 3NT is to play with a stopper in the opening suit.
* Raising advancer’s minor to the four level is a game invitation with four card support and an
unbalanced hand.
* A jump to the four level in a new suit is kickback which is asking for key cards in advancer’s minor.
104

A5 853 742 K6 S W N E
KQ83 AKJ84 QT3 T975 1] X Pass 3+
Q74 QJ6 KQ7 AJ3 Pass ?
KT42 AQ AKQ6 AQT4
Pass 3_ 3] 3NT

5 7 A7 S W N E
AJ4 KJ84 KT3 1] X Pass 3+
K83 K752 QJ84 Pass ?
AKJT74 AKT8 AKQJ
4[ 4+ 4_

 After advancer jumps to the three level with a higher ranking major

* Pass shows a minimum.

* A new suit is game forcing.
* 3NT is to play.
* A raise of partner’s major to the four level is to play with at least three card support.
* Cue bid is a slam try in partner’s suit.
* 4NT is RKCB for partner’s suit.

AK62 AQJ85 AT62 AKT6 S W N E

Q83 K4 3 T95 1[ X Pass 3_
QJ98 KT7 AKQJ75 AKT8 Pass ?
74 A62 K7 63
Pass 3] 3NT 4_

KQ97 74 JT4 S W N E
T974 AKJ983 AT83 1+ X Pass 3]
A K5 5 Pass ?
AKJ3 AJT AK962
4+ 4_ 4]

J6 8653 KQ64 S W N E
3 A5 A3 1_ X Pass 3]
AQJ4 KT7 5 Pass ?
AKQT92 AQT5 AK8752
4[ 4] 4NT
REBIDS BY DOUBLER IF RESPONDER AND OPENER PASS
Example Hands
 107

No : 1 864 Ozdil W N E S
D :N 753 Pass 1] X
Vul : None 865 Pass 2[ Pass 2NT
7642 All Pass

Lead : ]T
T3 N Q9752
JT84 K96
]

W E Play the eight of clubs after winning the spade

KJ92 AQ3
_

S lead. No matter what the defense does next,

JT5 K9
+
[
you will cash the ace and queen of clubs after
regaining the lead, enter dummy with the fo-
AKJ urth club and collect eight tricks by taking the
AQ2 heart finesse.
Takeout T74
Doubles AQ83

No : 2 52 Ozdil W N E S
D :E T4 1] X
Vul : NS T963 Pass 3[ Pass 3_
AKJ95 Pass 3] Pass 3NT
All Pass
64 N KJT98 Lead : ]6
J863 KQ
]

852 W E QJ7
_

S Play the ace, king and another diamond after

T874 632
+
[
winning the lead. You will win their return and
make the contract by overtaking your club
AQ73 queen with the king. This line succeeds whe-
A9752 never diamonds break, a diamond honor falls
Takeout AK4 in two rounds, or the club ten drops.
Doubles Q

No : 3 A652 Ozdil W N E S
D :S AKJ9 Pass
Vul : EW 83 1+ X Pass 1]
AT8 Pass 2] Pass 3[
Pass 4] All Pass
J83 N 74 Lead : +A
Q64 T873
]

AKJ92 W E QT5
_

S Ruff the third diamond, enter your hand with

K5 Q642
+
[
the trump king and play towards the club ten.
You will win East’s likely trump return in your
KQT9 hand and continue with a small club. Take
52 West’s king with the ace and draw trumps.
Takeout 764
Doubles J973
108

No : 4 754 Ozdil W N E S
D :W KQ6 Pass Pass 1[ X
Vul : Both T63 Pass 1NT Pass 2+
KJ82 All Pass

Lead : [T
KJ2 N A983
T854 92
]

W E As soon as you win a trick, play a diamond to-

754 KQ
_

S wards your hand by entering dummy with the

T73 AQ965
+
[
heart king. Capture East’s trump king and play
another trump, then claim eight tricks.
QT6
AJ73
Takeout AJ982
Doubles 4

No : 5 J984 Ozdil W N E S
D :N J3 Pass 1_ X
Vul : NS A64 Pass 1] Pass 1NT
T962 Pass 3NT All Pass

Lead : _6
7652 N AKT
64 QT875
]

W E Play small heart from dummy and play the

T873 92
_

S king of clubs after capturing East’s heart ten.

Q75 A83
+
[
You will win the likely heart queen return in
hand and make the contract by playing the club
Q3 jack followed by another club if West ducks
AK92 the queen.
Takeout KQJ5
Doubles KJ4

No : 6 AT987 Ozdil W N E S
D :E AQ86 Pass Pass
Vul : EW K2 1+ X Pass 1_
A3 Pass 3_ Pass 4_
All Pass
Q642 N KJ5 Lead : [Q
KT J73
]

AQ63 W E T94
_

S After winning the lead in your hand, play the

QJ5 T972
+
[
spade ace and ruff a spade, then play a dia-
mond. Win West’s likely club return, ruff anot-
3 her spade and take the trump finesse. You can
9542 take eleven tricks by ruffing the fourth spade
Takeout J875 and then cashing the ace of trumps.
Doubles K864
 109

No : 7 J Ozdil W N E S
D :S AQT4 Pass Pass
Vul : Both AT3 1] X Pass 2_
AJ862 Pass 3_ Pass 4_
All Pass
AKQ42 N 9753 Lead : ]A
85 962
]

KQ98 W E J5
_

S After winning West’s diamond shift at trick

T3 Q974
+
[
two, cash the king and ace of clubs, then ruff
the third club with the trump king. You will
T86 enter dummy with a trump and ruff the fourth
KJ73 club with the trump jack, then draw trumps and
Takeout 7642 take the fifth club as your tenth trick.
Doubles K5

No : 8 K5 Ozdil W N E S
D :W A942 1] X Pass 2_
Vul : None KQ4 Pass 3_ Pass 4_
KQ73 All Pass

Lead : [6
AQT63 N J92
K8 JT5
]

W E Win the lead in dummy, cash the trump ace,

A5 T973
_

S play another trump, and play a small trump

J962 T84
+
[
from your hand assuming that the king is in
opener’s hand. Win the likely club return, cash
874 the trump queen, and claim ten tricks after pla-
Q763 ying a spade towards dummy’s king.
Takeout J862
Doubles A5

No : 9 72 Ozdil W N E S
D :N KQ98 Pass 1] X
Vul : EW Q54 Pass 2_ Pass 2NT
8753 Pass 3NT All Pass

Lead : ]T
T5 N KJ963
JT743 5
]

W E Win the lead, enter dummy with the heart

J862 KT9
_

S queen and play a club. If East plays a club

64 KQ92
+
[
honor, win and continue with the club jack.
You will take East’s spade shift, then cash the
AQ84 club ten followed by the ace and king of hearts.
A62 After seeing East’s diamond and spade dis-
Takeout A73 cards, exit with a club and wait for him to re-
Doubles AJT turn a diamond to dummy’s queen.
110

No : 10 KT84 Ozdil W N E S
D :E A63 Pass Pass
Vul : Both AQ652 1[ X Pass 1]
A Pass 3] Pass 4]
All Pass
A52 N 6 Lead : [K
KJ8 9742
]

T73 W E KJ98
_

S Win the club ace, cash the diamond ace, then

KQT7 J843
+
[
ruff a diamond, ruff a club, ruff a diamond, and
enter dummy with the ace of hearts. You can
QJ973 continue with the cross-ruffs to end up with ten
QT5 tricks.
Takeout 4
Doubles 9652

No : 11 AJT3 Ozdil W N E S
D :S AKQ5 Pass
Vul : None AQ2 1[ X Pass 1_
74 Pass 2[ Pass 2_
Pass 3_ All Pass
Q864 N K5 Lead : [A
82 974
]

K83 W E JT65
_

S If West cashes two clubs and switches to a

AKQ9 J532
+
[
trump, win in dummy then play a small spade,
hoping to set up the suit to pitch a diamond
952 loser. If East wins the king then plays another
JT63 trump, win with your jack, take a diamond fi-
Takeout 974 nesse, cash a trump and play on spades to dis-
Doubles T86 card your diamond loser on the spade ten.

No : 12 AK Ozdil W N E S
D :W AQ9 1+ X Pass 1_
Vul : NS 73 Pass 3[ Pass 3NT
AKT642 All Pass

Lead : ]T
QT97 N 8532
J83 T64
]

W E If East wins a club trick, he can defeat the con-

AK95 Q62
_

S tract by playing a small diamond. To avoid

Q9 J85
+
[
this, the best plan is to play a small club to-
wards dummy after entering your hand with
J64 the heart king. Let West win the trick if he in-
K752 serts the club queen, or play the club king and
Takeout JT84 a small club if he inserts the nine. You will
Doubles 73 make the contract since West has Qx in clubs.
 111

No : 13 Q75 Ozdil W N E S
D :N J83 Pass 1+ X
Vul : Both T94 Pass 2[ Pass 2NT
A842 Pass 3NT All Pass

Lead : ]J
JT942 N K83
9765 T4
]

W E Follow with a small spade from dummy and

73 AQ62
_

S win the trick with the ace. Then enter dummy

T9 KJ75
+
[
with the heart jack and advance the diamond
ten. Even if East wins the trick with the ace,
A6 you will enter dummy with the club ace and re-
AKQ2 peat the diamond finesse. You can actually take
Takeout KJ85 a tenth trick by end-playing East in spades or
Doubles Q63 clubs.

No : 14 QT4 Ozdil W N E S
D :E K63 1+ X
Vul : None 752 Pass 2[ Pass 2]
JT54 Pass 4] All Pass

Lead : +6
8653 N 2
T5 QJ97
]

W E After taking the second trick with the diamond

Q864 AJT3
_

S king, enter dummy with the heart king, and

872 AQ96
+
[
play a club to your king. Then play the heart
ace and continue with another heart. Your tenth
AKJ97 trick will come from ruffing the fourth heart
A842 with a high trump in dummy.
Takeout K9
Doubles K3

No : 15 Q Ozdil W N E S
D :S KQJ5 Pass
Vul : NS AKJ983 1] X Pass 2_
J2 Pass 3_ Pass 4_
All Pass
AKJ92 N 843 Lead : ]A
T7 862
]

62 W E Q75
_

S Ruff the third diamond with the ace of trumps

AT83 Q964
+
[
after ruffing the likely spade continuation.
Claim ten tricks by entering dummy to draw
T752 all the trumps.
A943
Takeout T4
Doubles K75
112

No : 16 AT3 Ozdil W N E S
D :W KJ6 1+ X Pass 1NT
Vul : EW 74 All Pass
AQ842
Lead : _8
K982 N Q75 Play a club after winning the opening lead with
8753 QT4
]

W E your ace. Continue with a small club from

AKT6 952
_

S dummy after taking West's king with dummy's

K J973
+
[
ace. East wins his jack and returns a diamond.
West takes your queen with his king and con-
J64 tinues with another heart. You must take the
A92 king, unblock the club ten and cross to the
Takeout QJ83 spade ace to run clubs for your seven tricks.
Doubles T65

No : 17 962 Ozdil W N E S
D :N Q84 Pass 1[ X
Vul : None K75 Pass 1NT Pass 2_
QT63 Pass 3_ Pass 4_
All Pass
J4 N KT73 Lead : [9
7652 A
]

Q8643 W E JT9
_

S After taking the opening lead with your king,

94 AJ852
+
[
cash the ace and king of diamonds, take the
spade finesse then play the ace and a small
AQ85 spade. You will eventually ruff your fourth
KJT93 spade to take ten tricks against any defense.
Takeout A2
Doubles K7

No : 18 KJ5 Ozdil W N E S
D :E AQ42 Pass Pass
Vul : NS 3 1+ X Pass 1NT
AKJ86 Pass 3NT All Pass

Lead : _J
A82 N Q964
JT96 83
]

W E You need one additional trick besides your

AKT5 J762
_

S heart and club tricks. On the assumption that

43 975
+
[
West has the spade ace as the opener, win the
lead in your hand and play a spade towards
T73 dummy intending to insert the king if West
K75 plays a small spade.
Takeout Q984
Doubles QT2
 DEVELOPMENTS AFTER RESPONDER BIDS

 After responder bids a new suit at the one level and advancer passes

* If opener rebids 1NT, a new suit or his own suit

- Pass with any minimum hand without great suitability for the unbid suits.
- No-trump or a new suit shows a strong hand.
- Bidding responder’s or opener’s second suit is natural that shows extras and a good long suit.
- Competitive double shows a good hand with good support for the unbid suits.
- Competitive double after opener rebids a new suit shows a very strong hand with four cards in
responder’s suit and at least four cards in the unbid suit.
- A jump bid is strong and invitational.
- Cue bid of the opening suit is game forcing either with 5-5 distribution in the unbid suits and
a very good hand, or is asking a stopper for 3NT with a solid long suit.

K4 AQT97 AKJT7 S W N E
AQ83 AK KQ2 1[ X 1_ Pass
AJ7 AKJ52 AT9 1NT ?
AJ85 4 63
Pass 2[ 2]

Q83 AT5 AK72 S W N E

K854 KQT9 AQ5 1+ X 1] Pass
K7 72 4 1NT ?
AQ62 AKJ8 KJT93
Pass X 2[

KJ72 AK3 AKJ982 S W N E

8 84 7 1_ X 1] Pass
A963 KQT7 A863 1NT ?
KT75 AQ95 A4
Pass X 2]

K3 AT5 AK S W N E
AKJ7 KQT KJT8654 1+ X 1] Pass
T4 4 K3 2+ ?
AQJ82 AKJ762 A7
X 3[ 3_

AK5 AQJT8 KJT9763 S W N E

7 73 A 1_ X 1] Pass
KJT43 AK42 KQ8 2_ ?
AJT6 K4 A5
X 2] 3]
114

K4 AJ4 KQJ986 S W N E
AJT QJT975 AT3 1[ X 1_ Pass
AQJ83 AQ AK 1] ?
KT7 K3 85
1NT 2_ 2]

AQ94 AK2 A752 S W N E

KJ85 AJT5 AKJT9 1+ X 1_ Pass
A3 74 86 1] ?
Q82 KQJ8 AQ
Pass X 2_

A73 K9753 AQJ4 AK75 S W N E

AQ 4 6 A2 1_ X 1] Pass
KJ862 AKJ6 AT3 A 2+ ?
KQ5 AQ5 AQ862 QJT863
Pass Pass X 3[

* If opener supports responder’s new suit

- Competitive double shows a good hand with good support for the unbid suits.
- Bidding 2NT or a new suit shows a strong hand.
- Cue bid of the opening suit is game forcing either with 5-5 distribution in the unbid suits and
a very good hand, or is asking a stopper for 3NT with a solid long suit.

AT73 QJT4 KQT97 AKQ S W N E

AJT5 A75 A A5 1[ X 1_ Pass
AQ6 AKQ93 AKJT8 KQT973 2_ ?
J2 8 A5 64
Pass X 3[ 3+

AJ84 AQJ83 A72 AKQJ87 S W N E

KT73 K4 KQ9 62 1+ X 1_ Pass
AQ5 AQ5 K4 K5 2_ ?
62 KT7 AKJ83 AQ3
Pass 2] 2NT 3]

AT8 A3 A83 AKJT83 S W N E

K73 AQ652 AQJ976 AQ7 1[ X 1] Pass
AKQ8 AKJ4 KT2 QT9 2] ?
852 84 K4 5
Pass X 3_ 3]

 After responder bids a new suit at the two level and advancer passes

* If opener passes

- Competitive double is used with good support for the unbid suits.
 115

- Bidding 2NT or a new suit shows a strong hand.

- Cue bid of the opening suit is game forcing either with 5-5 distribution in the unbid suits and
a very good hand, or is asking a stopper for 3NT with a solid long suit.
- If responder jumped to the two level in a new suit, cue bid of this suit at the three level shows
a stopper and a good hand while jumping to game is to play.

If doubler uses a second round competitive double showing a strong hand which is suitable for the
unbid suits, it may be preferable for advancer to bid a three card suit economically at the two level
rather than a weak four card suit at the three level.

* If opener rebids his suit, introducing a new suit shows a good 5+card suit while 2NT is natural
with a trick-rich hand.

96 K7 85 AQ7 S W N E
KQ82 AJ852 AKJ AKJT85 1] X 2[ Pass
K974 KQ74 AJT84 AJ8 Pass ?
AQ3 A8 AT3 2
Pass X 2+ 3_

74 K4 6 K5 S W N E
KQT8 A3 AQJT84 KQJT862 1] X 2_ Pass
AQ7 AQT5 AQ3 AKT Pass ?
QJ92 AJ982 KT7 A
Pass X 3_ 4_

AT7 85 A2 S W N E
AKJ2 AKJ6 AJ93 1] X 2+ Pass
84 A73 85 Pass X
AQJ5 AQT7 AKQ64

A72 AJT AT4 S W N E

AQJ96 QJ5 AKJT75 1[ X 2] Pass
AQ5 KQT8 A3 Pass ?
K3 AQ9 82
X 2NT 3_

AQ862 KJT83 AKT5 S W N E

A4 JT7 62 1+ X 2_ Pass
A85 A5 A Pass ?
AQJ AKJ AKQJ83
X 2] 3+

Q84 A5 AKJT83 S W N E
KJ96 AKQ AQ7 1+ X 1] Pass
7 64 5 2] ?
AJ853 KJT973 QT9
Pass 3[ 3]
116

AQ2 KQT6 AQJT4 S W N E

AJ74 AQJ5 A72 1+ X 2[ Pass
865 72 AK 2+ ?
AJ3 AT4 754
Pass X 2]

AQJ5 KJ7 AKQT62 S W N E

A4 AQ A4 1_ X 2+ Pass
752 AT5 7 2_ ?
AQJ8 KQT93 AKJ3
X 2NT 3_

72 7 5 S W N E
A3 AKJT97 AK62 1] X 2_ Pass
AQJ6 AQT2 AKQJ83 2] ?
AQJ85 Q5 K4
X 3_ 3]

* If opener supports responder’s suit

Bidding a new suit shows a strong hand. If hearts are raised to 3_ after 1] opening and 2_ response,
double should be penalty. In this special case, 3] cue bid is one round forcing, and asks partner to
bid a minor.

AK3 AQ852 AQ74 S W N E

964 84 A6 1_ X 2[ Pass
AQJ2 AKJ3 AKQ873 3[ ?
K75 A5 5
Pass X 3_

85 5 A4 S W N E
AJ62 KQT9 862 1] X 2_ Pass
AQ93 AT874 AKQ7 3_ ?
K84 AK3 KQJ8
Pass X 3]

 After advancer’s competitive double of responder’s new suit at the two level

* If opener passes

- It is sensible to convert the double to penalty with decent length in this suit or jump to game
with a good hand and a five card major.
- 3NT shows a good hand with stopper(s), without a four card major.
- A non-jump bid of a new suit shows a minimum hand.
- A jump with a new suit is invitational.
- 2NT is a game invitation without a four card major
- Cue bid of one of the opponents’ suits shows a stopper and is game forcing.
- A jump in one of the opponents’ suits shows shortness and is a slam try.
 117

K5 T2 A74 S W N E
J92 AQ6 AQ3 1] X 2[ X
AT93 KJT4 AKQ96 Pass ?
KQJ9 AT53 72
Pass 2+ 2]

KT83 AJ7 AKJ6 S W N E

85 64 A75 1_ X 2+ X
KJ7 A5 4 Pass ?
AQ64 AKJ863 AQT83
2] 3+ 4+

4 K7 85 S W N E
AQJ KQ5 KQ963 1] X 2+ X
A752 AT3 A62 Pass ?
AQT83 AQT62 AKJ
3] 3NT 4_

A973 KT4 A852 S W N E

KJ5 Q962 AKJ7 1[ X 2] X
AQ96 AKJ8 KQT Pass ?
74 J5 83
3+ 3_ 4_

* If opener rebids his suit

- Double shows a good balanced hand and denies four cards in the unbid suits. The doubler might
have a holding such as xxx or Axx in the opening suit.
- A non-jump bid of a new suit shows a minimum hand.
- A Jump in a new suit is a game invitation.
- Competitive double shows a good hand with good support for the unbid suits.
- A jump in the opening suit shows shortness and is a slam try.
- A jump in responder’s minor suit is natural and game forcing.
- Cue bid of one of the opponents’ suits shows a stopper in that suit and is game forcing.

AQ8 AQ84 AKJT62 S W N E

J752 KJ96 KT84 1+ X 2[ X
K73 A2 5 2+ ?
AT6 A85 AK
2_ 3+ 4+

AKT852 AQJ6 QT972 S W N E

963 82 63 1_ X 2+ X
A4 A63 AK4 2_ ?
AQ KJ84 AKJ
3+ 3] 4]
118

852 A5 4 S W N E
AQ7 AQ8 AK7 1] X 2[ X
AK6 AK9762 AQ3 2] ?
AT83 74 AQJT92
X 3] 4[

After opener rebids his suit and the initial doubler doubles again, advancer can convert this second
double to penalty by passing with three or four cards and without a five card suit.

 After advancer bids a suit to compete over responder’s new suit

* If opener passes, doubler acts assuming that advancer has 6-10 points

- Pass shows a hand without values for game and special distribution.
- Raising advancer’s suit to the two level shows four card support and a minimum hand; this is
a blocking bid to prevent further competition from the opponents.
- Raising advancer’s minor suit to the three level shows at least three card support and is a game
invitation.
- Both 2NT and a jump in advancer’s major suit to the three level are game invitations.
- 3NT and raising advancer’s major suit to four level are to play.
- A new suit shows length and strength, but advancer can pass with a minimum unsuitable hand.
- Cue bid of the opening suit is game forcing with three card support or a very strong hand with
a 5+card suit.
- Bidding responder’s major suit is natural and shows a good hand.
- A jump in the opening suit shows shortness and is a slam try.
- A jump in a new suit or responder’s suit is natural and game forcing.

AK83 AQ92 AKJ52 S W N E

K974 KQ95 KQT4 1[ X 1+ 1_
J852 KQ7 63 Pass ?
6 64 A7
2_ 3_ 4_

AQ3 K2 A6 S W N E
AKT5 AQJ84 AQT84 1[ X 1+ 1]
AK74 73 AK5 Pass ?
62 AKQ5 862
2[ 2[ 2_

A7 J42 AQ7 S W N E
KQ84 AKJ96 KQJT83 1[ X 1_ 1]
AKJT6 AJ8 AQ5 Pass ?
52 K4 4
2+ 2_ 3_

KJ873 AK94 AK53 S W N E

AK64 AT82 AQ9 1+ X 1_ 2[
52 J3 KJ8 Pass ?
AQ KQ5 Q62
2] 3[ 3NT
 119

AKT8 AQT9 AK97 AKJ8 S W N E

A864 7652 JT83 A975 1[ X 1_ 2+
K7 AK3 AQ4 AQT3 Pass ?
963 A4 K6 6
Pass 3[ 3NT 4[

AJ85 KT6 AK8 AT6 S W N E

853 52 4 K3 1_ X 2[ 2]
KQ5 AKQJ83 AQT973 AKQJ75 Pass ?
AT7 A4 A92 82
Pass 3[ 3+ 3_

K983 AT975 AK8 AQ5 S W N E

85 A6 4 5 1_ X 1] 2[
KQ84 KQ AKJT752 AQ972 Pass ?
AQ7 KQ83 K3 AJ83
Pass 2_ 3+ 3_

* If opener bids again

- Support of advancer’s suit is to compete with a minimum hand and a four card fit.
- Double is penalty if opener rebids 1NT, a new suit, or supports responder’s major.
- Double is competitive if opener rebids his suit or supports responder’s minor suit.

Q82 AQ7 Q863 S W N E

AJT6 AT843 AT9 1+ X 1_ 1]
K3 A6 74 2[ ?
KJ97 A52 AQ62
X 2+ 2]

KJ3 K4 A4 S W N E
A82 QJT97 A63 1+ X 1_ 1]
85 A5 72 2+ ?
AKQ74 AK83 AKQT85
X 2_ 3+

K52 Q3 A4 S W N E
AJT93 KJT972 QJT986 1+ X 1_ 1]
K7 A 5 2_ ?
AQ6 AKJ6 AKQJ
X 3_ 4_

KJ94 AKJ AKQT7 S W N E

AK3 9742 AT5 1+ X 1_ 2[
62 63 8 2+ ?
AQ75 KJ75 KQ64
X 3[ 4NT
120

85 K6 4 S W N E
AQJ4 AQ82 KQ75 1] X 2[ 2+
AKT3 AKJ63 AKQ8 2] ?
A62 84 A642
3[ 3] 3]

 After responder bids a new suit and advancer makes penalty double

* If opener passes

- Pass with at least three cards in the suit and without unusual distribution. Since opener passed
the double, responder has probably made a psychic bid and will return to the opening suit.
- A new suit, cue bid of the opening suit or no-trump show a strong hand with unsuitable
distribution to penalize the opponents.
- Advancer’s penalty double can be taken out with five cards in the suit, since you know that the
opponents have made a psychic bid. In this case, raising this suit to the three level is a game
invitation, raising to the four level is the contract choice, while jumping in the opening suit
shows shortness and a slam try for this suit.
- Cue bid of the opening suit is either looking for a stopper with a long solid minor or game
forcing with 5-5 distribution in the unbid suits and a very strong hand.

AJT4 QJ962 KQJ8 AT4 S W N E

QT5 K5 752 75 1[ X 1_ X
A862 AKJ8 AKQT6 AKQJ97 Pass ?
K3 K4 3 K3
Pass 1] 2+ 3NT

Q863 K7 AQ985 J9763 S W N E

KJ5 AKQ84 AQ3 AKJ9 1+ X 1] X
73 63 J4 5 Pass ?
AKJ4 KQ95 A62 AQ7
Pass 2_ 3] 4]

73 ---- 6 4 S W N E
J5 Q52 A5 AQ862 1] X 2_ X
AQ7 AKJ84 AKJ8 AKJ Pass ?
AKQJ73 AQ963 KQ9762 AJ93
2] 2] 3[ 3]

* If opener bids again

- Bidding the suit that advancer doubled for penalty shows at least four cards holding. Splinter
bid should be used with five card support and a very good hand.
- Bidding a new suit shows length and strength.
- All jump bids are natural and game forcing.
- After opener rebids his suit, cue bid of this suit is either looking for stopper with a long solid
minor or game forcing with 5-5 distribution in the unbid suits with a very strong hand.
- 2NT is a game invitation and 3NT is to play.
- If opener rebids his suit, using competitive double shows a good hand and without four card
support for the suit that was doubled by advancer for penalty.
- If opener rebids a new suit, double should be for penalty.
 121

AJT8 72 KT3 K62 S W N E

Q72 AJ5 QJ64 75 1[ X 1_ X
AT93 AKJ86 AQ72 AKQJ4 1] ?
K4 AQ7 85 AQ9
X 2[ 2_ 3NT

K94 K52 QJ62 AQ7642 S W N E

AKT7 AKJ7 AKJT K73 1+ X 1] X
853 T3 7 ---- 2[ ?
K62 AJT8 A643 AQJ6
Pass X 3] 4+

AJ82 AQ7 AKJ85 KQT82 S W N E

K73 J864 A73 A5 1[ X 1_ X
KT84 AK5 AJ6 AKQ87 2[ ?
K6 653 84 4
Pass 2_ 2] 3[

A74 A4 J3 Q62 S W N E
AK83 AK7 AQ7 AKJ983 1+ X 1] X
6 52 62 5 2+ ?
AQ852 AQT863 AKQJ84 AKJ
X 3[ 3+ 3_

 After responder supports the opening suit at the two level and advancer passes

* If opener passes

- Pass with a minimum hand

- Introduce a five card suit with a good hand.
- Jumping in a new suit shows a very strong hand and good long suit.
- Cue bid of the opponent’s suit is either looking for a stopper with a long solid minor or game
forcing with 5-5 distribution in two of the unbid suits and a very strong hand.
- 3NT is the contract choice with a very strong hand, stopper(s) in their suit and probably a long
solid suit.
- A second double shows a good hand with good support for the unbid suits or a very strong
hand that can bid again.

AQ86 AJT7 AQ6 AK5 S W N E

K62 AK85 KJT84 QT3 1[ X 2[ Pass
KJ85 QT63 K2 AKQT87 Pass ?
J4 4 A73 6
Pass X 2_ 3+

KJ83 AQT7 AJ3 AJ962 S W N E

Q962 KQ93 AK4 AKJ8 1+ X 2+ Pass
K4 64 862 7 Pass ?
AJ7 AQ8 AQJ8 KJ6
Pass X X X
122

AKJ7 AKJ96 AJ7 KQT9865 S W N E

K5 A5 AQJT86 AKJ7 1+ X 2+ Pass
42 3 52 4 Pass ?
AQJ83 AKJT4 AK A
X 3+ 3_ 4]

KJT4 AQ7 AJ4 AKQJT6 S W N E

J73 52 3 A 1_ X 2_ Pass
AK6 KJT863 AQ7 AK4 Pass ?
Q95 AK AKQ965 843
Pass 3+ 3_ 3NT

73 8 AJT 4 S W N E
AQ62 QJ94 AKJ93 A72 1] X 2] Pass
KJ74 AKJT3 K2 AKQT963 Pass ?
AJ5 AQ5 QJ8 A5
Pass X 2NT 3]

* If opener raises responder’s suit to the three level

- Second double shows a good hand with good support for the unbid suits or a very strong hand
that can bid again.
- Cue bid is game forcing, with a two suited hand.

AQ5 AQ93 AJ5 AQ972 S W N E

K96 AQJ75 AKJ973 A4 1[ X 2[ Pass
AJ842 KQT AT6 AKQT8 3[ ?
73 6 2 5
Pass X 3_ 4[

KJ7 A4 AKQJ97 S W N E
AQ63 AQJT7 KQT8 1+ X 2+ Pass
5 AK85 A6 3+ ?
AKJ84 62 3
X 3_ 4]

Q852 KQ86 AT4 KJT7 S W N E

J3 ---- K3 5 1_ X 2_ Pass
AQ64 AQ753 AKQ965 A4 3_ ?
AK7 AKT5 A7 AKQT93
Pass X 3NT 4[

 After responder raises the opening minor to the two level and advancer makes responsive
double

* Bidding a suit at the two level shows a minimum hand, 2_ rebid is used with 4-4 majors.
* Bidding the unbid minor at the three level shows ~17 HCP, length in this suit, no four card major
and denies a stopper in opponents’ minor.
 123

* Cue bid shows shortness in the opening suit and at least 14+ HCP, with 4-4 or 4-5 in the majors.
* Jumping to the three level in a major shows shortness in the opening minor, ~15 HCP and likely
4-3-1-5 distribution with five cards in the other minor and four cards in the major.
* 3NT is the contract choice, denying a four card major with either a very strong hand or long solid
minor with a stopper in the opening suit.
* Jumping to the four level in the other minor is game forcing with a very strong hand and shortness
in the opening suit. Doubler may have a long minor and a distribution such as 4-3-1-5, 4-2-1-6
or 4-3-0-6. Advancer should rebid 4_ with four hearts or 4-4 in the majors and 4] with four
spades.
* Jumping to the four level in a major is the contract choice with at least a five card major.
* Jumping to the five level in the unbid minor is the contract choice. This denies a four card major,
promises shortness in the opening minor and shows a strong hand with a very long suit.

KJ8 AJ92 AJ3 KJ5 S W N E

KT2 JT84 KJT AQ64 1[ X 2[ X
AQJ4 A973 AKJ97 AJ873 Pass ?
762 4 52 7
2+ 2_ 3+ 3_

KJ84 QJ2 KJ93 KJT72 S W N E

A53 AK AT94 A5 1+ X 2+ X
62 J2 3 84 Pass ?
AQ52 AQ9853 AQ85 AKQ3
2] 3[ 3+ 4]

KQ62 73 K3 KQJ S W N E
A9753 AQ5 AKT8 AQ 1+ X 2+ X
6 K7 4 4 Pass ?
AQT AKQ954 AKT942 KQT9753
3+ 3NT 4[ 5[

* 2NT rebid is Lebensohl and forces advancer to bid 3[.

* After 1+ opening, passing 3[ over Lebensohl is the contract choice with a five card suit.
* A 3M rebid after Lebensohl is a game invitation with a four card suit and ~17 HCP.
* A 4M rebid after Lebensohl is a slam try with a long suit and shortness in the opening suit.
* 3+ after Lebensohl shows a balanced hand with 16-17 HCP and 4-4 in the majors. Doubler may
choose to use this bid with 4-3 majors and 18+ HCP. After this development, advancer should
rebid 3] with four spades and rebid 3_ with either only four hearts or 4-4 majors. Advancer, with
enough strength for game, and 4-4 in the majors should use cue bid at the four level. Doubler’s
3] rebid over advancer’s 3_ shows a very strong hand without four hearts.
* 3NT after Lebensohl shows four hearts, a stopper and enough strength for a game. After this bid
selecting the right contract won’t be a problem. Lebensohl followed by 3+ rebid then 3NT shows
four spades and a stopper over 3_, where 3] shows four spades without a stopper. In this way
advancer will be informed about partners 4-3 major suit holding and whether he has a stopper or
not.
* Advancer should transfer the 4M contract to his partner with four card support over doubler’s
3NT rebid that showed a stopper and a four card major.
* After doubler shows his four card major via the Lebensohl application at the three level, advancer
should bid 3NT without four card support, three cards in the opening suit and enough strength for
game.
124

AQ54 AQT AQT9 K84 S W N E

KJ62 KQ85 AK6 AQT7 1[ X 2[ X
AQ7 AJ8 KJ96 AQJ3 Pass 2NT Pass 3[
53 754 74 K5 Pass ?
3+ 3_ 3] 3NT

QJ8 AJT5 KT96 AJ7 S W N E

AT3 AK7 AK5 AQJ973 1+ X 2+ X
62 62 63 4 Pass 2NT Pass 3[
AQJ76 AK83 AQ74 AQ6 Pass ?
Pass 3+ 3] 4_

 After responder raises 1_ opening to the two level and advancer makes responsive double

* 2] shows a hand without a four card minor and 4-3-3-3 distribution. Advancer can return to his
five card minor at the three level.
* 3m shows a balanced hand with 16-17 HCP and at least a good four card suit.
* 3_ cue bid shows singleton heart with 15-16 HCP and 4=1=4=4, 4=1=5=3, 4=1=3=5, 3=1=5=4
or 3=1=4=5 distribution.
* A jump to 3] shows 17+ HCP with five spades and a four card minor. Advancer should return to
4[ with an unsuitable hand and without enough strength for game, or bid 4NT to play a minor
contract at the five level with a very unbalanced hand.
* 3NT is the contract choice with a strong hand, long solid minor and heart stopper.
* 4m is a slam try with very strong hand, a 5+card suit and heart control.
* 4] is the contract choice with good long suit.
* 2NT is Lebensohl. It forces advancer to bid 3[ but he should rebid 3] with four spades and
invitational values.
* Passing after using Lebensohl or returning to 3+ is the contract choice. It denies enough strength
to be interested in game.
* 3] after Lebensohl is a game invitation either with a weak six card suit or a reasonable five card
spade suit and 5-2-3-3 distribution.
* 3NT after Lebensohl shows a balanced hand with 18+ HCP, a weak five card spade suit and a half
stopper (such as Qx or Jxx) in hearts. Advancer bids 4] with three spades or passes with a half
stopper. Otherwise he rebids his five card minor or returns to 4[ with 4-4 in the minors.
It is possible for advancer to bid 4NT with 5-5 minors and good honors in these suits.
* Cue bid after Lebensohl shows a balanced hand with 18+ HCP and a four card minor. Advancer
should bid 4NT with 5-5 minors and heart shortness. Otherwise he should bid 3] with Hxx, 3NT
with a half stopper or return to 4[ without any of these. After advancer’s 3] rebid, doubler’s
3NT shows a half stopper. In this case advancer either passes with a half stopper or returns to 4[
without.

KQ92 AKQ7 AKQ AKJ63 S W N E

753 85 85 82 1_ X 2_ X
AJ8 J962 Q74 K4 Pass ?
KJ6 KJ3 AQ863 AJ96
2] 2NT 3[ 3]

S W N E 74 62 9
1_ X 2_ X Q3 Q7 J85
Pass 2NT Pass 3[ AT92 QT953 AJT2
Pass 3_ Pass 3NT JT764 KT85 T9754
 125

AQ852 AKT4 AKQT AKJ8 S W N E

865 75 AT8 4 1_ X 2_ X
AKT AQ83 6 AQT73 Pass ?
K7 K82 AJ874 KQ5
2NT 3+ 4[ 4+

AT742 AT82 AKQJ85 KQJ986 S W N E

Q6 J74 K6 84 1_ X 2_ X
AJ9 AQ 843 AJ7 Pass ?
AKJ AKJ9 AT AK
2NT 2NT 3NT 4]

 After responder raises 1] opening to the two level, and advancer makes responsive double

* 3m shows a balanced hand with 16-17 HCP and at least a good four card suit.
* 3] cue bid shows a singleton spade with 15-16 HCP and 1=4=4=4, 1=4=5=3, 1=4=3=5, 1=3=5=4
or 1=3=4=5 distributions.
* 3_ shows 17+ HCP with five hearts and a four card minor. Advancer should return to 4[ with an
unsuitable hand and without enough strength for game, or bid 4NT to play a minor contract at
the five level with a very unbalanced hand.
* 3NT is to play with a strong hand, long solid minor and spade stopper.
* 4m is a slam try with a very strong hand, at least a five card suit and a spade control.
* 4_ is to play with a good long suit.
* 2NT is Lebensohl. It forces advancer to bid 3[ except if he has four hearts and invitational
values, in which case he should bid 3_.
* Passing after using Lebensohl or bidding 3+ is the contract choice. It denies enough strength for
to be interested in game.
* 3_ after Lebensohl relay is a game invitation either with a weak six card or a reasonable five card
heart suit and 5-3-3-2 distribution.
* 3NT after Lebensohl shows a balanced hand with 18+ HCP, a weak five card heart suit and
a half stopper such as Qx or Jxx in spades. Advancer should bid 4_ with three hearts or pass with
a half stopper. Otherwise he rebids his five card minor or returns to 4[ with 4-4 in the minors.
It is possible for advancer to bid 4NT with 5-5 in the minors and good honors in these suits.
* Cue bid after Lebensohl shows a balanced hand with 18+ HCP and a four card minor. Advancer
should bid 4NT with 5-5 minors and spade shortness. Otherwise he should bid 3NT with a half
stopper, 4_ with Hxx or 4[ without any of these. After advancer’s 3NT, doubler should pass with
a half stopper or return to his minor without.

853 A4 73 8 S W N E
KQ92 KT85 AK96 AQT85 1] X 2] X
AJ8 J962 AJ8 KJ4 Pass ?
KJT AQ3 KJT6 AQJ6
2NT 2NT 3[ 3_

73 6 4 A S W N E
AJ7652 KT82 AJ83 AQ96 1] X 2] X
AK AJ963 AKJ8 Q2 Pass ?
KJ8 AK7 K962 AJ8754
2NT 3] 3] 4[
126

J84 Q6 AQ 75 S W N E
KT962 KJ84 JT83 AQJT95 1] X 2] X
AK AQ5 K62 AQ8 Pass ?
AQJ AQJ9 AKQ9 A4
2NT 2NT 3NT 4_

 After responder raises the opening suit, advancer makes responsive double and opener rebids
his suit at the three level

* Bidding a suit below the game level is invitational.

* 3NT and four of the unbid major are to play.
* Double shows a good balanced hand with general defensive strength. Advancer should pass unless
his double was based on a distributional hand or he expects to make a game contract in a major.

AQ9 KJT AQT63 AKJ4 S W N E

KJ5 AQ84 AQT QJ86 1[ X 2[ X
AQT8 KJ952 KQ8 KQT7 3[ ?
642 6 74 3
X 3_ 4] 4[

Q864 AKT2 AKQ62 KQ82 S W N E

K5 853 K4 5 1_ X 2_ X
KJ7 KJ4 Q75 AQT 3_ ?
AT73 AQ8 QJ3 KT853
Pass X 3] 4[

K2 853 K4 4 S W N E
KQ73 AKT2 AKQJ5 AKJ2 1] X 2] X
Q85 KJ4 863 KQT83 3] ?
A864 AQ8 AJT KJ5
Pass X 3NT 5+

 After responder raises the opening suit to the two level, advancer bids a new suit and opener
passes

* 2NT is a game invitation with extras.

* Bidding a new suit shows ~17 HCP and five cards. It is one round forcing in principle.
* Raising advancer’s suit to the three level is a game invitation.
* Cue bid at the three level is a game try with three card support if advancer’s suit is a major, but
asking for a stopper in the opening suit if advancer’s suit is a minor.
* Jump in a new suit is natural and game forcing.
* Jump in the opening suit is a splinter with at least four card support and slam interest.

AQ83 AKJ85 AJ86 KQ86 S W N E

KJ74 K7 Q52 AJ53 1+ X 2+ 2_
K6 62 K4 K7 Pass ?
J75 AJ63 AQJ9 K42
Pass 2] 3+ 3_
 127

KQ5 K6 J92 AJ95 S W N E

T4 A73 84 2 1_ X 2_ 2]
AK96 AQT852 AQ6 AKJT4 Pass ?
K842 A9 AKQJ8 AJ8
Pass 3+ 3_ 4_

 After responder raises the opening suit, advancer bids a new suit, and opener rebids his suit
at the three level

* Supporting advancer’s suit is a purely competitive bid.

* 3NT and four of the unbid major are to play.
* Cue bid at the four level is a slam try in advancer’s suit.
* A new suit is one round forcing in principle.
* Competitive double shows three or four card support for partner, with a better hand compared to
direct support. It can also show a very good hand with 5-5 distribution in the unbid suits.

K73 Q975 K42 Q74 S W N E

Q864 AQ62 AQT5 KQJT83 1[ X 2[ 2]
AK542 AKJ AKJ63 AQ 3[ ?
9 84 7 A5
Pass X X 4_

KQ84 AT94 AQT75 KJ4 S W N E

Q92 K82 K3 Q862 1+ X 2+ 2_
J5 53 8 6 3+ ?
AK73 AKJ6 AKQ94 A9753
Pass X X 3_

AKJ97 JT86 AT82 AQ9 S W N E

85 K4 3 6 1_ X 2_ 3+
K64 AQ3 J964 KQT4 3_ ?
AQ3 AKT5 AQ75 AQ852
3] 3NT 4+ 4_

 After responder raises the opening suit, advancer bids Lebensohl 2NT and opener passes

* 3[ is used without extras in order to give advancer the chance to show his suit.
* Bidding 3NT or a suit above 3[ shows a strong hand.
* Jump in a minor to the four level is a game invitation with an unbalanced hand and a long suit.
* Cue bid is game forcing with strong hands, but 3[ rebid can be used after 1[ opening with strong
hands as well as with a minimum take-out double.

AT75 AK75 AQ84 S W N E

KT3 KT82 K5 1[ X 2[ 2NT*
AQ84 AQ93 AKJ63 Pass ?
62 4 72
3[ 3[ 3+
128

74 4 K4 62 S W N E
KQT85 AQT8 A75 KQJT87 1] X 2] 2NT*
AQ7 AK93 AJT82 AQ3 Pass ?
AQ3 KJT6 AQ3 AQ
3_ 3] 3NT 4_

 After responder raises the opening suit, advancer bids Lebensohl 2NT and opener rebids his
suit at the three level

* Pass with minimum hands and normal distribution.

* Double is to force advancer to bid, either with a strong hand or a minimum useful hand.
* Bidding a new suit shows a strong hand with length and quality in the suit.
* 3NT is to play.
* Cue bid is a slam try, usually with a three suited hand.

AK85 AJT6 AQJ KT S W N E

KJ82 AQ74 AQJ97 AQ7 1+ X 2+ 2NT*
J3 5 852 4 3+ ?
Q74 QT83 K6 AKT8653
Pass X 3_ 4[

KJ4 AK86 AKJ83 AK74 S W N E

75 42 752 ---- 1_ X 2_ 2NT*
AQ862 AQJ7 AQT AKJ62 3_ ?
A93 KT5 K6 Q953
Pass X 3] 4_

 After responder raises opening minor to the three level and advancer makes responsive
double

* Pass then lead a trump with 4-3-3-3 shape, no four card major, quality honors and good spot cards.
* Cheaper major is shown at three level with a minimum hand.
* Cue bid is used at the four level to get a preference bid with at least 4-4 majors or to make a slam
try with a single suited hand that has a control in the opening suit. Bidding again after advancer’s
preference is a slam try.
* Game bids are to play and 4NT is asking for aces.
* Bidding 5_ or 5] directly are slam tries with two losers in the opening suit.
* Cue bid at the five level is a slam try with a three suited hand.

AJT JT84 QT95 KQ83 S W N E

KT7 KJ3 AKJ8 AQT6 1[ X 3[ X
KQT8 AQ96 AK6 AQT74 Pass ?
653 K2 74 ----
Pass 3] 4[ 5[

AK5 Q84 KQT9762 AQ S W N E

K7 AQ962 AKQ AKT8763 1+ X 3+ X
2 K3 5 852 Pass ?
AKT9653 AQ5 KT A
4+ 4_ 4NT 5_
 129

 After responder raises 1_ opening to 3_ and advancer makes responsive double

* Cheaper four card minor is shown at four level with a minimum hand.
* Pass then lead a trump with three hearts, good four spades, a balanced hand, quality honors and
spot cards. Pass can be dangerous with weakness in the majors and 4=3=3=3 shape, in which case
a four card spade spade suit is shown, waiting for advancer to bid his long minor if he doesn’t
have three spades.
* 4_ shows a good hand with five spades and a four card minor. Advancer can return to 4] with
three spades, ask for minor suit preference with 5[ or bid 4NT as a slam try.
* 4NT is a slam try with very good hand, heart control and a long minor. Advancer can bid 5[ or
5NT to set the contract at five or six level respectively.

AJT8 JT83 A852 AQ864 S W N E

A52 865 K4 72 1_ X 3_ X
J74 AQ9 QJ63 AQJ5 Pass ?
AT3 AQ7 K75 AT
Pass 3] 4+ 4_

 After responder raises 1] opening to 3] and advancer makes responsive double

* Cheaper four card minor is shown at the four level with a minimum hand.
* 4_ shows a good hand with five hearts.
* Pass then lead a trump with three spades, good four hearts, a balanced hand, quality honors and
spot cards.
* Cue bid shows a very good hand, a weak five card heart suit and a four card minor suit. Advancer
should either bid 5_ or bid 5[ to play in partner’s minor. He can bid 4NT as a slam try with a
very good hand and either one or three spades.
* 4NT is a slam try with a very good hand, a spade control and a long minor. Advancer should bid
5[ or 6[ as pass or correct bids at five or six level respectively.

73 A5 3 4 S W N E
J642 KQ984 AJ853 KQT5 1] X 3] X
AQJ AQ8 AKJ4 AJ9763 Pass ?
KQ75 Q62 AT7 AK
4[ 4_ 4] 4NT

 After responder raises the opening suit to the three level, advancer bids his suit and opener
passes

* Pass with a minimum hand.

* 3NT or four of the unbid major are to play.
* A new suit is one round forcing.
* Cue bid at the four level is a slam try, while 4NT is RKCB in advancer’s suit.

AJ83 JT64 AKJ AKJT84 S W N E

KQ96 AQJ2 AQ75 KQ95 1[ X 3[ 3+
74 AQ8 KT864 A Pass ?
A52 K7 3 62
Pass 3NT 4[ 4]
130

A985 AQT84 AKJ76 AKQT S W N E

Q84 J53 J852 KT963 1+ X 3+ 3_
K3 A A3 A52 Pass ?
KQ62 AJ82 K4 7
Pass 3] 4_ 4NT

K962 AQ7 KJ843 A62 S W N E

J3 4 865 4 1_ X 3_ 3]
QJ4 AQJ963 AKQ7 KJ96 Pass ?
AK75 A85 A AKQ85
Pass 4+ 4_ 4]

 After responder raises the opening suit to the three level, advancer bids his suit and opener
re-raises to the four level

* Pass with a minimum hand.

* 4_ or 4] are to play.
* 4NT is RKCB for advancer’s suit.
* Cue bid at the five level is a slam try in advancer’s suit.
* Double is used with a good hand and without four card support. In response to this optional double,
advancer should rebid his quality long major or show his long minor at the five level with a very
unbalanced hand, if he expects to make his game contract. Otherwise he should pass.

AJ2 AJ74 AK853 S W N E

KJ74 K75 KT72 1+ X 3+ 3_
83 63 ---- 4+ ?
KJ65 AKJ6 AQT6
Pass X 5+

K74 KQ6 J963 S W N E

J6 842 A4 1_ X 3_ 3]
KJ93 AQ5 KQT7 4_ ?
AQ65 KQT9 AQ5
Pass X 4]

Q852 KJT63 AQ84 S W N E

74 4 7 1_ X 3_ 4[
AKJ AKJ5 AQT2 4_ ?
KT73 KJ6 KT85
Pass 4] 5[

K3 4 5 S W N E
Q964 Q962 K63 1] X 3] 4_
KQ7 AKQ85 KQJT74 4] ?
AKJ8 AQ3 AKJ
X 4NT 5+