Strong Diamond Card March 2013

Defence to Natural One Of A Suit Openings X

15+, next step negative, step 2 semi-positive, others game forcing. After intervention free bids are five card 7+ forcing, X 7+ takeout, Cue bids game forcing, NT bids natural.

1 Suit Overcall

Five card 5-14 at one level, 10-14 two level, new suits non-forcing five card similar to overcalls, Cue bids show value raises.

Jump Bids

5-9 six card, seven card vulnerable at three level. In response new suits are forcing, NT bids natural, raises pre-emptive. Cue bids show value raises.

1NT

10-14 Take-out shape. In response suit bids are pre-emptive cue bids is constructive asking for next step if minimum or another bid if maximum game forcing.

2NT

5-9 55xx lowest two un-bid suits, new suits forcing, raising the shown suits pre-emptive.

Cue Bid

5-9 55xx highest un-bid suit plus another, direct raises pre-emptive, cue bids show a good raise, lowest un-bid suit asks for the other suit

Defence to Natural 1NT Openings X

Four card spades plus another four+ card suit

2♣♦

Four+ card suit plus four card hearts

2♥♠

Five+ card suits

2NT

55xx in the minors

Jump Bids Seven card suit

Note 1: Responses to 1NT Opening 2♣ response is a game forcing relay with the following continuations by opener...2♦ no four card major, 2♥ four card hearts, 2♠ four spades three hearts, 2NT four spades two hearts, 3♣♦ four spades and a five card minor. 2♦ is invitational based on a five card major or diamonds 13, 14 points. Opener bids 2♥ with no interest in game, 2♠ with game in hearts but not spades, 2NT with game in both majors but no help for diamonds, 3♦ with game in both majors and a four or more small diamonds and 3NT with game opposite any invite. 2NT response is invitational with five or more clubs and two of the top three honours 13, 14 points. Opener can bid 3 with a minimum and four small clubs, raise to 3NT with A, K or Q to three clubs or a maximum, with neither opener can pass.

Strong Diamond Five Card Majors 9-11 1NT Nigel Jones (00472790) & Hallam Corbett-Jones(00472791) March 2013 Bid

HCP

Len

Description/Responses

1♣

12-15

0

Artificial no five card major. 1♦ response is 0-9 artificial and negative, 1♥♠ four card 10+ 1NT 10-11 no four card major, 2♣ ♦ five card slam tries, 2♥♠ six card game forcing, 2NT 4333, 4432 in the minors slam try, three level jumps RKCB, 3NT 4432 4333 in the minors 12-13, four level level jumps pre-emptive.

1♦

16+

0

Artificial any strong hand. 1♥ 6-7 semi-positive (continue 1♠ is game forcing 18+), 1♠ 0-5 negative, others game forcing 8+ see note 2

1♥

12-15

5

1♠

12-15

5

1NT

9-11

2♣

7-11

0

2♦

7-11

0

2♥♠

6-10

2NT

7-10

3♣♦♥♠

0-6

3NT

9-12

4♣♦♥♠

0-6

6

5

1♠10+ four card forcing, 1NT 10, 11 no support or spades, 2♣ artificial game force, 2♦ 10+ heart support , direct raises pre-emptive, 2♠ six spades game forcing. 2NT is a slam try with both four card minors and two hearts. Three level jumps seven card RKCB, see slam conventions. Four level jumps are weak. 1NT 10, 11 no support denies six hearts, 2♣ artificial game force, 2♦ 10+ six hearts , 2♥ 10+ spade support, direct raises pre-emptive. 2NT is a slam try with both four card minors and two hearts. Three level jumps seven card RKCB. 3NT 4432 minors 12-13 natural. Four level jumps are weak. Could hold singleton or six card minor. No five card or singleton major. 2♣ relay 12+ game forcing. 2♦ responses shows an invite with a five card major or good six card diamonds. 2♥ suit responses up are weak, 2NT shows an invite with good five+ card clubs. See Note 1 for details. Five card hearts. Direct raises pre-emptive. Pass shows five clubs and a misfit 2♦♥♠ weak, NT bids natural, 3♣ good raise to 3♥. 3♦♠ game forcing five card. Five card spades. Direct raises pre-emptive. Pass shows five diamonds and a misfit. 2♥♠3♣ weak, NT bids natural, 3♦ good raise to 3♠. 3♥ game forcing five card. Could be a seven card major. New suits forcing five card (unless there is a takeout X) 2NT artificial asking bid…3♣ 6-8 bad suit, 3♦ 6-8 good suit, 3♥ 8-10 bad suit, 3♠ 8-10 good suit, 3NT AKQxxx, 4Major seven card maximum. Good pre-empt in a minor, new minors pass or correct, new majors five card game forcing. bad pre-empt, new suits non-forcing, six card vulnerable Solid seven card suit with little else, 4♣ asks for the suit

7

bad pre-empt, new suits non-forcing

Opening Leads Vs Suit Contracts: Count: Low = Odd Number, High = Even Number A, Q for attitude K, J for count AK

AKx

K Q 10

KQx

K J 10

K 10 9

Q J 10

QJx

J 10 x

10 x x

10 9 x

987x

10 x x x

Hxx

Hxxx

Hxxxx

Hxxxxx

xx

xxx

xxxx

Opening Leads Vs NT Contracts: Reverse Attitude: Low = encouraging, High = discouraging A, Q for attitude K, J for count AK

AKx

K Q 10

KQx

K J 10

K 10 9

Q J 10

QJx

J 10 x

10 x x

10 9 x

987x

10 x x x

Hxx

Hxxx

Hxxxx

Hxxxxx

xx

xxx

xxxx

Signals

Primary Method v Suit Contracts

Primary Method v NT Contracts

On Partners Lead

A/Q Attitude K/ J Count

Attitude

On Declarers Lead

Count

Count

When Discarding

Attitude

Subsidiary methods are in brackets Attitude means: High = encouraging, Low = discouraging Count means: High = even number, Low = odd number Suit Preference means: High = prefer higher ranking side suit, Low = lower ranking side suit In the trump suit we play a suit preference with small cards Slam Conventions

1430 Roman Key Card Blackwood

Used in the following circumstances... Suit agreement below game in a game forcing auction including pull of 3NT to 4 of a minor. Raising a Minor to the 4 level unless it’s competitive. 4NT any other time accepts partner’s bid major if he has one, your own bid major if you have one and the un-bid major if the opponents have bid one. Responses Step 1 one or four key cards, Step 2 three or zero key cards, next available bid asks for Q of trumps, show a side suit K or signoff. Step 3 two without Q of trumps, step 4 two with Q of trumps, show a side suit K or sign-off. 1430 Voidwood Asks for key cards outside the void bid suit. Same step responses as RKCB above. 4NT Passwood Opener passes with minimum or shows aces stepwise starting from 5♣ = 0 bidder can then sign off in NT or bid Kings upwards.

Note 2: Responses to 1♦ Opening 1NT response shows five hearts. 2♣ response shows no five card major (2♦ then asks for four missing four card majors). 2♦ response shows five spades. 2♥♠ responses show a seven-card major. Thee level jumps name the suit and ask for key card RKCB. 2NT is a slam try with both four card minors, 4432 shape 12+, with 20+ opener can just bid 6NT, with a little fewer he can accept a minor RKCB or suggest a five card major. After intervention below 1NT the above positive responses remain. Pass shows 6-7 points any hand allowing opener to game force using X to show 18+ and thereafter the responses mirror the positive responses. Bids of XX, X, 1♥ and 1♠ are artificial and show other negative hands with 1♠ by opener being artificial and game forcing with responses that mirror the positive responses. Over bids above 1NT responder’s Pass is takeout and X penalties. After X, XX=4-5, 1♥= 2-3, 1♠ = 0-1 After 1♥: X=4- 5, 1♠ =0-3 After 1♠: X=0-5 After 1NT: X = 6+ other responses weak and natural

Responses to 1♣* 12-15 Key * Artificial

g Game Forcing f Forcing

RKCB Roman Key Card Blackwood 1430

Shows no five card major but otherwise any shape. Common rules to note when responding to all one level openings are: 2NT is forcing without intervention or over a 1 level overcall or double. After one of a suit openings, three of a suit names the suit and asks for controls showing a good seven card suit looking for a slam. Two level jump responses are six or more card and game forcing.

Point Length Range 1♣*

Pass

0-9

5

five clubs no four card major

1♦*

0-9

0

artificial and negative. Opener passes with five diamonds and no four card major or bids a four card major, 1NT denies a four card major or five diamonds and 2♣ is five card without a four card major.

1♥♠ f

10+

4+

See later for continuations.

1NT

10, 11

2♣♦ g

14+

5

2♥♠ g

12+

6

2NT g

14+

3♣♦♥♠ 14+ 3NT

1♦ *

Pass

Slam tries in the minors

Minor slam try 4333 or 4432 in the minors. Responder would bid 3NT with fewer points. Opener bids a four card minor asking for support or jumps to four of minor with five of them RKCB. 7

12, 13

4♣♦♥♠ 0-9

1♣

no four card major, opener can pull to a minor with a at least five of them. Bids above 2♦ are game forcing.

Slam tries, names the suit RKCB 4333 or 4432 in the minors. Bidding 3NT is generally natural in the system. Responder can pull to a five+ card minor RKCB.

7

Five card diamonds no four card major

1♣

1♦ *

1♥♠

Four card

1NT

No four card major balanced

2♣

Five card clubs no four card major

1♥

1♠

0-9

1NT 0-9

1♣

1♣

1♥ f

1♥ f

1♠

Four card - rebid with weak six card suit No four card major or six card minor, denies three hearts if very weak.

2♣♦

0-9

Six card minor

2♥

8, 9

Five card heart support

2♠

8, 9

Six card spades

3♣♦

8, 9

Good seven card minor with game changes if partner holds Hx

1♠ f

12-15

Four card spades no four card hearts

1NT

12, 13

Two or three hearts may hold five card minor

2♣♦

12, 13

Singleton or void in hearts no four card spades

2♥

12, 13

Four card hearts

2♠*g

14, 15

Four spades and three hearts

2NT*g

14, 15

Balanced with three hearts

3♣♦ g

14, 15

Five card, no four card spades, likely singleton hearts

3♥ g

14, 15

Four card heart support RKCB

3NT

14, 15

Natural doubleton heart

3♠4♣♦

14, 15

Double jumps shows a void and four card hearts, Voidwood

1NT

10, 11

No four card spades

2♣♦

10, 11

Five hearts and a four card minor

2♥

10, 11

Six hearts

2♠

10, 11

Four spades

2NT g

12+

Five hearts

1♣

1♣

1♥ f

1NT

1♠ f

3♣♦ g

12+

Four card and five card hearts no stop in other suit

3♥ g

12+

Six+ hearts

3NT

12, 13

Four card hearts

4♣♦ g

12+

Double jumps shows a void and four card spades, Voidwood

2♣♦

10, 11

Five+ card minor four card hearts since would rebid hearts with five of them or pass with fewer

2♥

10, 11

Five hearts, sign-off since opener holds two/three hearts

2♠

12+

Four spades five hearts

2NT g

12+

Five hearts

3♣♦ g

12+

Four card and five card hearts no stop in other suit

3♥ g

12+

Six+ hearts

3NT

12, 13

Four card hearts

1NT

12, 13

Natural either doubleton spade or 4441 short in spades, see below for continuations.

2♣♦

12, 13

Singleton or void in hearts no four card spades

2♥ *g

14, 15

Four card hearts, denies three spades so a rebid of 2♠ by responder will show six.

2♠

12, 13

Four spades

2NT*g

14, 15

three spades, allowing responder to agree spades with five by bidding 3♠ RKCB

3♣♦ g

14, 15

Five card, no three card spade support or would bid 2NT

3♥ *g

14, 15

Four hearts and three spades, allowing responder to agree spades with five by bidding 3♠ RKCB

3♠ g

14, 15

Four card spade support RKCB

3NT

14, 15

Natural doubleton spade

4♣♦♥

14, 15

Double jumps shows a void and four card spades, Voidwood

Opening

Response

Opener

Responder

Len

Points

Description

1♣*

1♠ f

1NT

2♣♦

5+

10, 11

four spades or would rebid spades with five of them

2♥

4

10, 11

five spades

2♠

5

10, 11

Opener will bid 2NT with 4441 short in spades

12+

5332 or four spades and a four card minor, slam try asking for lower four card minor, responder will rebid spades with 5332

12, 13 balanced or 4441 short in spades

2NT*g

3♣♦ g

4

12+

five spades

3♥*g

4

12+

five spades

3♠*g

6

12+

3NT

12+

Natural four card spades Voidwood, seven spades and a void.

4♣♦♥

Opening

Response

Opener

Responder

Len

Points

Description

1♣*

1♥ f

1NT 12, 13 balanced two+ card hearts

2♣♦

5

10, 11

four hearts or would re-bid them

2♥

5

10, 11

five hearts, sign-off since opener holds at least two hearts

2♠

4

12+

five hearts may well be a slam try, opener can bid a five card minor or bid 2NT with 4432 in the minors and a doubleton heart.

12+

5332 or 4432 in hearts and a minor slam try, responder should show his lower four card minor and responder can rebid hearts with 5332

12+

five hearts

2NTg

3♣♦ g

4

3♥*g

6

3NT

12+

six hearts

12+

Natural four card hearts no slam interest.

3♠4♣♦

Voidwood, seven hearts and a void.

Responding After Intervention 1NT Overcall If the opponents overcall 1NT we double on all hands 10+ and all direct bids are weak 0-9. Two level suits are six card and NT bids are Unusual NT convention showing 55 in the minors. Minimum Suit Overcalls Point Length Range 1♣* (1♥) Pass

0-9

X

10+

1♠

10, 11

1NT

10, 11

2♣g

14+

2♥*g

12+

2♠

12+

2NT

14+

no stop or four card spades 4

minimum suits are competitive - same stop in H no four card spades

5 55 in spades and a minor 6

Others

no five card minor or four card spades, shows a stop in hearts Same as without intervention

Over jump intervention minimum new suits are forcing and X is take-out, NT natural, Cue bids show a good raise to the next level Point Length Range 1♣* (2♥) Pass X 2/3NT

0-9 10+

Take-out Natural Invitational with a stop

Responding After X

1♣*

(X)

XX

Point Range

Length

10+

4

Can play in clubs if they don't pull it, if they do penalty trap ensues All other responses remain the same

Responses to 1♦*f opening 16+ Our responses are aimed at establishing whether we should be in game, part-score or slam very quickly. This means we can make 1NT when everyone else goes off in 2. It also means we can investigate slams below game level and make 4♥ when everyone else goes off in 5.

In a game forcing auction, any suit agreement below game is Roman Key Card Blackwood. Raising a minor to the four level in a constructive auction is also RKCB. If the agreed suit is a minor we always have the ability to sign-off in 3 or 4NT.

Also, unlike Precision or a lot of other artificial systems, our responses aim to establish whether we have the balance of points quickly, the 1♥ response immediately saying that we have at least 22 HCP. Once we have done this we will not let the opponents play in any un-doubled contract, a convention that we term a penalty trap. Pass is forcing and shows a doubleton in their suit, and X is penalty oriented and shows three cards (or four cards at the two level). This is especially useful at match point pairs where 200 if often a world wide top. Lastly, we deal with intervention at the three level by assuming we have the balance of points and start the same penalty trap immediately.

Key * Artificial

g Game Forcing f Forcing RKCB Roman Key Card Blackwood 1430

Opening Response

Points

Description

1♦*f

1♥*f

6, 7

semi-positive

1♠*

0-5

negative

1NT*g

8+

five card hearts

2♣*g

8+

no five card major

2♦*g

8+

five card spades

2♥♠

8+

seven card suit

2NT*g

8+

55 in the majors

3♣♦♥♠*g

8+

good seven card suit RKCB

Mirror Responses... After a semi-positive response 1♠*g shows any 18+ and creates a game forcing situation. Responder's continuations mirror the direct positive responses and are hereafter referred to as "Mirror Responses"...

Opening

Resp

Open

Response

Description

1♦*f

1♥*f

1♠*g

1NT

five card hearts

6, 7

18+

2♣

no five card major

2♦

five card spades

2♥♠

seven card suit

2NT*g

55 in the majors

3♣♦

decent seven card suit

Opening Response Re-bid

Length

1♦*f

2♦

0

2♥♠

5

2♣*g

none of the responses below... asking for missing majors

2NT*

both minors, 4432

6

3♣♦

no four card major

good seven card suit names the suit RKCB

3♥♠4♣♦

Opening

Response

1♦*f

2♣*g

Re-bid

Responder

2♥*g 2♠*g

Four card spades no three card support for hearts

2NT*g

Two card support for hearts, no four card spades. Opener can accept hearts holding six of them with 3♥ RKCB

3♣♦

singleton heart, five card minor

3♥

Accepts hearts RKCB

five card

Opening

Response

Re-bid

Responder

2♠*g 1♦*f

2♣*g

2NT*g

Two card spade support, opener can accept spades holding six of them with 3♠ RKCB

3♣♦

singleton spade, five card minor

3♥

4441 short in spades

3♠*g

accepts spades RKCB

five card

Transfer Responses 1NT and 2♦ Positive responses or 1NT*g showing hearts and 2♦*g showing spades are loosely termed "transfer responses". Opener can accepts the transfer by bidding the shown major with two card support. He can also "break transfer" by bidding a five card suit below the transfer suit regardless of support. Breaking transfer to a suit above the transfer suit show a singleton or void in the transfer suit and a five card suit. Breaking transfer to 2NT*g shows a shortage in the transfer suit and four cards in the other major allowing responder to accept this major at the three level. After accepting the transfer responder shows a side suit or bids 2NT with 5332 naturally, with a six card transfer suit however he can accept the suit by bidding it at the three level RKCB.

Opening

Response

Rebid

1♦*f

1NT*f

2♣♦

five hearts

2♥

Points

Length

5

Two+ card hearts, asking for more info. Opener shows a suit suit, 2NT 5332 or 3♥ with six accepting the suit as trumps RKCB.

5

2♠

2NT*

Opening

Response

Rebid

Fewer than three hearts

Five spades singleton heart

singleton heart four card spades, 3♠ accepts spades

Points

Length

1♦*f

5

Fewer than three spades

2♦

2♥

five spades

2♠

Two+ card spades, asking for more info. Responder bids a four card side suit, 2NT 5332 or rebids 3♠ wiht six accepting them as trumps RKCB.

2NT*

Four card hearts singleton spade. 3♥ accepts RKCB. 5

3♣♦

Five card, singleton spade, denies four hearts.

Opening Response Re-bid Points Length

1♦*f

1♠*f

1NT

16-20

0-5

2♣♦♥

16-20

5

These are pretty much sign-offs (note you pass with spades 16-20!)

2♠3♣♦♥ 21-23

5

big but non-forcing, partner can pass with 0-2

2NT

Semi-balanced or 4441 See below for responses

Could be semi-balanced, any 4441 or hold a minor suit singleton say 5431 in a minor.

21-23

3♣ Stayman response can be balanced with a four card major or 54 in the majors 3♦ transfer asks opener to bid 3♥ and 3♥ transfer asks opener to bid 3♠. Responder can then either pass or bid on.

3NT

3♠4♣♦♥

24+

Stayman and Transfers with a sign-off in 4NT available thereafter

7

RKCB naming the suit as trumps

Stayman is used over all of opener's NT rebids. Responses to a 1NT rebid are otherwise the same as to the 1NT opener. Responses to a 2NT or 3NT rebid by the diamond opener use transfers to the majors instead.

Opening

Response

Rebid

Responder

Points

Length

1♦*f

1♠*f

1NT

2♣*f

0-5

0

16

0-5

16-20

2♦*f

4, 5

good five card major or diamonds, see 1NT opening for details

2♥

0-3

weak

2♠

0-3

weak

2NT*

4, 5

invitational with five clubs

3♣♦♥♠

4, 5

7

Opening

Response

Opener

Responser Length

1♦*f 16+

1♥*f 6, 7

2♥ 16, 17 five

2♠

2NT

5

Stayman asking for a four card major or 2♦ with neither. Responder could be 54 in the majors or hold a long weak minor 0-3.

One of the top three honours, invitational

Description

Five or six singleton heart

Singleton heart

3♣♦

6

Singleton heart

3♥

4

Genuine game chances

4♥

5

Natural

Voidwood

3♠4♣♦

Dealing With Intervention Mirror responses are preserved when the opponents X or overcall 1♥/♠. This is done by either using X or XX as a game force when available or 1♠*g where it's not. When the opponents intervene with X or 1♥ the 1♠* response is weakest and responses get stronger the lower they get, pass being semipositive. Over 1♠ X is the weakest response with pass again as any 6 or 7. After overcalls below 1NT and a pass by responder we have shown 22+ and a penalty trap operates if the opponents bid further. After overcalls below 1NT and a response other than pass we have not demonstrated that we have 22+. If the opponents bid further natural bidding occurs overcalls and passes are non-forcing and X is takeout. If opener has a game force or possible game he will need to jump, cue or X for takeout and then make a subsequent bid.

Opening

Overcall

Response

Points

Length

1♦*f

(X)

Pass*

6, 7

semi-positive with XX*g reply as 18+ with mirror responses. Minimum bids after a pass are 16, 17 natural.

XX*

4, 5

semi-negative, 1♠*g reply as 20+ mirror responses

1♥*

2, 3

negative with 1♠*g 22+ mirror responses

1♠*

0-1

super-negative. Bids of 2♠ up are game forcing 24+

1NT*g

8+

five hearts

Others

8+

Same as without intervention

Opening Overcall Response Points Length

1♦*f

1♦*f

(1♥)

Pass

6, 7

semi-negative with X*g as any 18+ and mirror responses

natural

X

4, 5

semi-positive with 1♠*g 20+ and mirror responses

1♠*

0-3

negative with bids of 2♠ up 22+ and natural and cue bids as 22+ takeout

1NT*g

8+

five hearts – same without intervention

2♣*g

8+

no five card major

2♦*g

8+

five spades

(1♠)

Pass

6, 7

with X* by opener as game forcing 18+ asking for mirror responses

natural

X

0-5

negative, opener must jump of cue to show 21+

Others

mirror responses preserved

No conventional bids are played after an overcall of 1NT and up. Instead X is penalties and pass is forcing, either weak or takeout shape 6+. In response to the forcing pass opener can also make a penalty double. See penalty trap for more details.

Opening Overcall Response Points Length (2♥) 1♦*f

Pass*f

0+

Could 0-5 or be 6+ with a takeout shape, opener should X with four hearts or bid naturally except NT bids showing a takeout shape.

X

6+

four card hearts asking partner to pass with two hearts or pull with fewer, NT bids are takeout shape.

2♠f

6+

natural

5

2/3NT

3♣♦g

Natural balanced with a stop

8+

Higher g

5

7

good long suit RKCB

Opening Overcall Response

1♦*f

(3♣)

Pass*f

Either weak or takeout shape, opener assumes that it's a takeout and makes a penalty double with three clubs or more. Responder will pull this when weak. Without three clubs opener can bid a five card suit or bid 3NT for takeout.

natural

X

Penalties three card clubs or more, opener should pass with two clubs

3♦♥♠g

five card

3NT

Natural with a stop

1NT Overcall When the opponents overcall a natural 1NT all constructive 6+ hands make a X for penalties and other bids are 0-5 in the same way as over a club opener. If 1NT is artificial then we treat it like two level overcall with the same responses as above

Responses to Five Card 1♥♠ Opening 12-15 Key * Artificial

g Game Forcing f Forcing

RKCB Roman Key Card Blackwood 1430

Minimum responses show 10+ points, Jumps at two level are six card, at the three level are RKCB naming the suit and at the four level are weak. 2NT is a slam try in the minors and 3NT is natural with both minors. 1♥

1♠*f

10+

4+

10, 11 with four spades or game forcing with more

1NT

10, 11

no three card support or four card spades

2♣*g

12+

game forcing could be a slam try

2♦*f

10+

thee card hearts, partner bids 2♥ 12, 13 other bids and continuations game forcing, marginal game or slam hands. Jumps in a new suit are Voidwood, 2/3NT is RKCB.

2♥

0-9

3+

2♠*g

12+

6

2NT*g

14+

3♣♦♠

12+

7

Names the suit as trumps 1430 RKCB

3/4♥

0-9

4/5

TNT raises

4♣♦♠

0-9

7

weak jumps

TNT with six hearts and a maximum opener can bid 2NT suggesting game with 7-9

Slam try both four card minors and two card support. With same shape and 12, 13 bid 3NT instead.

1♠

1NT

10, 11

no three card support or six hearts

2♣*g

12+

game forcing could be a slam try

2♦*f

10+

six card hearts, opener bids 2♥ 12, 13 or 2♠ 12, 13 six spades misfit. Other responses by opener are game forcing.

2♥*f

10+

thee card spades, partner bids 2♠ 12, 13 other bids and continuations game forcing, marginal game or slam hands

2♠

0-9

2NT g

14+

3♣♦♥

12+

7

Names the suit RKCB

3/4♠

0-9

4/5

TNT raises

4♣♦♥

0-9

7

weak jumps

3+

TNT raise Slam try both four card minors and two card support. With same shape and 12, 13 bid 3NT instead.

Dealing with Intervention

After a double most responses are the same (system on)

1♥

Over-call

Response

Points

X

Pass

0-9

XX

10+

1NT

10, 11

Length X or XX by opener are for takeout 2

Doubleton heart Singleton heart

Others Bids

Same as without the X

After a 1♠ over-call system is on but 1NT shows 10, 11 with a stop and X is 10+.

Over a 1NT over-call X shows any 10+ penalties others are weak...

1♥

Over-call

Response

Points

1NT

Pass

0-9

Length

X

10+

2♣♦♠

0-9

Penalties 6

2NT

Singleton heart UNT, both minors 55

Over a 2 level minimum over-called system is on except NT bids are natural and cue bids show a "mixed raise" meaning an invitational raise with TNT support. Overcall 1♥ (2♣)

Response Points Length Pass

0-9

Opener can then balanced with a X for take-out

X

10+

no other bid

2♦*f

10+

good raise of hearts

2♠*g

12+

2NT

10, 11

2/3♥

0-9

3♣*f

8, 9

3♠ g

15+

4♣*f

12+

4♥

0-11

natural

6

Same as without intervention with stop in clubs

3/4

pre-emptive TNT four hearts invitational

5

five spades shows a stop stop in clubs, double first with five lacking a club stop genuine raise to game

5

pre-emptive TNT

Over higher intervention new suits are forcing, X is take-out and NT bids are natural.

1NT Opening Bid 9-11 HCP We are allowed to open 1NT with shapes 4333, 4432, 5332, 5422, 6322 and also 4441, 5431, 6331 with a singleton minor. Five card majors are not opened 1NT but are opened 2 of a minor instead. 1NT can be 9-13 in third and fourth since partner has shown fewer than 12 points, 2♣ response is natural by a passed hand. The range allows us to open the most frequent three point range and never to play in 2NT the grave yard contract. Since most systems feature five point ranges for suit opening bids when they re-bid their suit, it seems reasonable to apply the same degree of accuracy to 1NT given that is has such a positive expectation, particularly at pairs where 'failing' to bid game may often get you a top. Jones 2♣ Relay Response This is another game forcing 2♣ relay. Obviously, as opener is weak, transfers are less attractive - but they also give the opponents more chances to intervene since they can bid directly over the transfer or after the transfer is completed to show a balancing hand. All games forcing hands go through this bid, the question is whether to stop in game or slam. Key * Artificial 1NT

g Game Forcing f Forcing

RKCB Roman Key Card Blackwood (1430)

2♣*g

0

15+

Most game forcing hands

2♦*f

0

13, 14

Inivitational five+ card major or five+ card diamonds to two top honours. Opener bids 2♥ without a raise to game in hearts, 2♠ a raise to game in hearts but not spades, 2NT shows raise to game in both majors but not diamonds, 3♦ is game in the majors or sign-off in diamonds and 3NT is game in any.

2♥♠

5

0-12

3♣♦

6

0-7

pre-emptive

13, 14

Five or more clubs to 2/3 top honours.

0-7

pre-emptive

15-21

Just bidding game directly

0+

May be slightly stronger in the majors

21-23

Passwood, pass with minimum or show

2NT* 3♥♠

7

3NT 4♣♦♥♠ 4NT*

8

aces stepwise. 1NT

2♣*g

1NT 2♣*g

2♦*g

2♥ g

15+

five card

2♠ g

15+

five card

2NT*g

19

asking for your lowest four card minor

3♣♦g

19+

five card slam try with three card support accept the suit RKCB

3♥♠g

19+

six card RKCB

3NT

15-21

Natural

4♣♦g

19+

six card minor RKCB

4♥♠

15+

six card major no slam interest

4NT

21-23

Passwood with max show aces otherwise pass

2♦*g

no four card major

2♥ g

four card hearts

2♠ g

Four spades three hearts

2NT*g

Four spades two hearts and a four card minor

3♣♦g

Four spades two hearts and five card minor

15+

1NT

2♣*g

Responder

Points

2♥

2♠ g

4

2NT*g

15

will rebid spades or bid a minor later with five.

19+

asking for lowest four card minor, will accept RKCB or bid 3NT

3♣♦g

5

19+

five card slam try, accept the suit with three card support RKCB

3♥ g

4

19+

RKCB

3♠g

6

3NT

1NT

2♣*f

2♣*f

RKCB

15-20

4♣♦g

6

19+

4♥

4

15-18

4♠

6

15--18

4NT

1NT

19+

21-23

RKCB

Passwood pass or show aces stepwise

Opener

Responder

Points

2♠f

2NT*

13-15

implies four hearts

3 hearts and 4 spades

3♣♦g

19+

five card slam try with three card support accept the suit RKCB

3♥

13-15

five card “support”

3♠

13-15

four card spades

3NT*

15+

implies four hearts

4♣♦g

19+

six card minor RKCB

4♥

15+

five card “support”

4♠

15+

four card support

Opener

Responder

Points

2NTf

Pass

2 hearts and 4 spades

13-15

four or five card hearts

3♣♦g

19+

five card slam try with three card support accept the suit RKCB

3♥

13-15

six card hearts

3♠

13-15

four card spades

3NT*

15+

implies four hearts

4♣♦g

19+

six card minor RKCB

4♥

15+

six card hearts

15+

4♠

four card support

Responder's bids after opener replies 3♣♦g are very similar only it's a game forcing auction. Defence to Penalty Double of 1NT It is important to have a good pull of 1NT when doubled, the following is simple and effective... Opening 1NT

(X)

Response

Points

Pass*f

0-12

forcing, no five card suit, asks opener to bid a five card suit or XX then responder normally bids suits upwards but can also bid a suit then re-double to show a take-out of that suit. You can also pass the XX with 9-12.

2♣♦♥♠

0-12

five or six card

XX

13+

see penalty trap see TNT

2NT

0-12

55 in the minors

3♣♦♥♠

0-12

seven card pre-emptive

3NT

15+

Bit odd but 3NT is always natural to save confusion

4♣♦♥♠

0-12

seven card, pre-empts

Defence to Over-calls After minimum intervention 2/3NT are natural with a stop, a cue bid shows a stop for 3NT but with a major suit wanting to find a fit. Jump bids below 3NT are five card natural with a stop. So strong direct bids show a stop and bids via a X deny a stop. Opening Overcall Response Points Length 1NT

(2 ♥)

2♠

0-14

5

competitive

2NT

13, 14

3♣♦

0-14

3♥*g

15+

3♠*g

15+

X*

0+

competative takeout or a game force without a stop, coming back with a bid of 3♥ or above confirms the game forcing type.

3NT

15+

natural with a stop

Stop in hearts 6

competitive four card spades with a stop in hearts

5

shows a stop

0-14

4♣♦♥♠

7

weak - X first then jump for RKCB

We're using a two way double that is either a weak takeout shape or shows a game value hand without a stop. Opener assumes the first and bids length before strength. With little preference between the suits at the next level opener can use scramble. Opening

Overcall

Response

Opener

Length

1NT

(2♥)

X*

2♠

4

denies a five card minor since we're bidding length before strength

2NT

Scramble asking the doubler to pick his best at the next level. Here it asks for his better minor, over 2♠ it would ask for his better of all three suits. 4+

3♣♦

four card

If the doubler is strong he will come back with a bid of 3♥ or up showing a strong hand without a stop in hearts. 3♥ would show four card spades but no stop, 3♠ would show five card spades with no stop, 3NT would show both minors with no heart stop.

2♣♦ Five Card Major Pre-empts The Jones Strong Diamond System is designed for pairs and in pairs major suit contract tend to score very well when they make. Using two clubs to show five hearts and two diamonds to show five spades allows you to bid both five and six card majors accurately. The frequency of these five card major bids is much higher than regular six card weak twos. You also have the ability to pass the bid out or sign-off at a minimum level when you hold a singleton in partner's major. The bid should show at least one of the top three honours to five when vulnerable. It is not made with a six card suit. After and overcall X is used for all 15+ hands. After a X XX shows all 15+ hands. This leaves all other bids as weak hands with long suits and cue bids as Michaels and NT as UNT.

Opening

Response

Point Range Length

Description

2♦♠

0-14

5

Five card suit singleton heart typically (also 3♣ over 2♦)

2♥

0-14

1

Generally shows two but might have a singleton

2♣ 7-11 Five hearts

2NT

15, 16

Natural

3♣*f

15, 16

Raising opener's minor show a good raise to three of the major

3♦♠ g

17+

5

4♣♦♠

0-13

7

3/4♥

0-13

3NT

17-23

4NT

23-24

TNT Raises, pre-emptive Natural Passwood, show aces stepwise or pass with minimum.

After a Double... Opening

Response

Point Range Length

Description

2♣ X

Pass

0-14

5

Must hold five clubs to pass

XX

15+

4

Penalties with clubs Other bids the same as without X

Weak 2♥♠ Bids Generally we don’t open a weak two with 64xx if the four card suit is a major. Typically 6-10 HCP and a six or seven card suit. Raising partner is pre-emptive using TNT. After the relay responder gives step responses... 3♣ weak hand weak suit 3♦ weak hand 2/3 top honours 3♥ stronger hand weak suit 3♠ stronger hand 2/3 top hons 3NT stronger hand 2/3 top hons seven card

Artificial 2NT opener

Shows 7-9 and either six card minor non-vulnerable or seven card minor vulnerable. Partner bids a minor asking for opener to pass or correct. Majors are forcing with a good five or six card suit, opener should support with two card support or bid 3NT with a shortage in the major. A 3NT response would show something like a 18 count and stops in both majors and a minor.

Wild Threes and Fours Three level are 0-5 with a five or six card suit. Vulnerable you will have a six card suit or 55xx in two suits. At the 4 level these are 7 card suits 0-7.

All bids by partner are non-forcing and natural except 4NT RKCB. Notice that you need a very big hand to bid 3NT about 22+. You can raise a minor non-vulnerable with four card support but majors should generally have five card support for a pre-emptive raise. If you are 55xx open the lower suit so you have an escape route if the double gets passed round. 3♣ (X) Pass (Pass) 3♥ would show 55 in the two suits. Notice that we are not bothered about minors scores being lower at pairs since we don't expect to make the contract and will generally be scored against the opponent's playing the hand.

Rationale of Wild Pre-empts The theory of wild pre-empts is that with 0-5 you expect the opponents to be in game purely from a high card point of view and should hit them as hard as you possibly can from your first bid. It is true that you might also hit your partner but you only have one partner and there are two opponents. Also the statistics of fits are on your side because the vast majority of hands have an eight card fit and the average fit on a random hand is 8.9 cards. Now I don't follow the law of total trick religiously but this means that you generally have enough trumps to play at the three level even when doubled. If not doubled the law of total tricks is irrelevant and with the routine use of take-out doubles it is hard to find a penalty. Alan Mould's 1998 book "Pre-empts A common sense approach to the hows and whys of pre-empts" introduces the concept of wild pre-empts. He gives this hand... S xxx H xxx D xx C Jxxxx as an example of Graeme Kirby and John Armstrong's (the top British pair at the time) first in preempt at green. However he also gave an example where Jeff Meckstroth and Eric Rodwell opened this pre-empt at red... S xx H Qx D xxxxxx C xxx

and this was in 1986 the year that they won the world pairs by seven clear tops, the largest ever winning margin.

Artificial 3NT Opener 3NT shows a solid seven card suit with little outside. Partner passes with a stop in three suits and no void. 4♣ asks for the suit, 4♦ shows a raise of either minor and the majors are natural.

Overcalls Over 1 Of A Suit Natural Openings The priority with our overcalls is to get into the auction and compete to our TNT level (see TNT section). We like to differentiate between strong hands and take out shape with our first bid and so use a strong double and a Baron 1NT overcall for take out.

Key * g Game Artificial Forcing

f RKCB Roman Key Card Forcing Blackwood 1430

Overcall Length Points X*f

15+

any stronger hand, see below for continuations

5-14

see below for continuations

10-14

Baron, at least three cards in the other three suits and at most two in the bid suit. If opener bid a major then it shows four cards in the other major.

10-14

minimum over-call at the two level, not suitable for a take-out bid of 1NT

Cue Bid*f

5-9

55 in the highest ranking unbid suit and another suit, Jump Cue 65 in the suits

2NT*

5-9

55 in the lowest two unbid suits, 3NT 65 in the lowest two

1♦♥♠

5

1NT*

2/1

5

2 Level Jump

6

5-9

like weak twos same responses

3 Level Jump

6

5-9

six card non-vulnerable seven card vulnerable

4 Level Jump

7

5-9

seven card non-vulnerable, good suit vulnerable and eight card when vulnerable against not

Responding to a 1 Level Overcall Our overcalls are weaker than normal and show a five card suit with at least one of the top three honours. Opener Overcaller Advancer Points Length (1♣)

1♥ 5-14

1♠

5-14

5+

same as direct over-call non-