ITALIAN BLUE CLUB ================= PART I ------ OPENING BIDS 1. Strong Openings = 17 + --------------- 1C: 17+, unbalanced; 18+ balanced 2D: 17 - 24, 4-4-4-1 distribution, any singleton 2NT: 21-22 balanced 2. Weak Openings: 6 - 11 ------------- 2H/2S : 6 or 7 carder suit, rule of 2 and 3 3D/3H/3S (not 3C) : 6 or 7 carder suit, rule of 2 and 3 3NT : 7 carder minor with AKQ, nothing much else 4C/4D/4H/4S : 8 carder suit, rule of 2 and 3 5C/5D : 8 carder suit, rule of 2 and 3 3. Normal Openings: 11 - 16 --------------- 1D : May be 3 carder with C suit 1H/1S : Minimum 4 carder 1NT (13-17) : 13-15 with C suit and 3 carder H and S, OR 16-17 any suit; BALANCED 2C : very good 5 carder or good 6 carder C 3C : very good 7 carder suit, 7-8 playing tricks PART II ------ DEVELOPMENT OF STRONG CALLS 1. Response to 1C Openings (control showing) without intervention -------------------------------------------------------------- 1D : 0 - 5, maximum 2 controls 1H : 6+ , maximum 2 controls Forcing to 2NT level 1S : 3 controls, Game force 1NT : 4 controls, Game force 2C : 5 controls, Game force 2D : 6 controls, Game force 2NT : 7 controls, Game force and then you will not believe us 2H/2S: 4-5, six carder points mostly in the suit 2. Responses to 1C opening (control showing) with intervention ----------------------------------------------------------- Intervention Response ------------ -------- Double Pass: 0 - 3 1D : 4 - 5 Redouble: 4 - 5 C suit 1H and above: as original 1D/1H/1S Pass: for original 1D Double: for original 1H Next step and above: 3 controls etc 2H/2S: as original 1NT Pass: 0 - 5 Double: for penalties (6+) 2C/2D: 0 - 5, long suit, non-forcing 2H/2S: as original 2C/2D/2H/2S Double: for penalties 2NT: 3 - 4 controls Cue bid: 5 or more controls 3 level Pass: 0 - 6 Double: For penalties Suit: non-forcing, contesting 7 - 8 points Summary: 1) After intervention by 1D/1H/1S, Pass replaces 1D and Double replaces 1H, gaining one step on 1D intervention and losing 1 step on 1S intervention. 2) On intervention by double, opportunity is made available to show 0 - 3 or 4 -5 points. 3) On intervention by 1NT or above, double is always for penalties 4) On intervention at 2 level, 2NT and cue bid show controls. 3. Development of 1 C Openings --------------------------- 1D 1H/S unbalanced min 4 carder, canape' style for safety (0 - 5) 1NT (18 -20) balanced 2C: Gladiator, opener to bid 2D on way to signoff 2D Pass to play 2H/2S to play 2NT six carder C with K or Q 3D six carder D with K or Q 2D: Stayman 2H/2S Golden Misiere 5 carder with 5 points or 6 carder with 4-5 points, points distributed in different suits 2NT Five card minor with KQ 3C/3D Six carder with KQ 4C/4D Texas 2C/2D unbalanced hand, minimum 5 carder 2H/2S/3C/3D Minimum 5 carder forcing 1 round (Jump bid) Rebid same suit next round, non forcing New suit, next round, forcing 2NT (23-24) Balanced Pass: Natural 3C : Gladiator, opener to bid 3D followed by Pass/3H/3S to play 3D : Stayman 3H/3S: 4-5, 5 carder opener to cue bid with a fit (Axx or Kxx) or close at 3NT or 4H/4S 4C/4D: Texas 3NT (25-26), Balanced 4C: Gladiator (0 - 3), opener to bid 4D followed by Pass/ 4H/4S/4C/5D to play 4D: Stayman 4H/4S: Natural, 4 - 5 points 1H 1S: Minimum 5 carder, responses natural min 4 carder (6+, Max 2 controls 1NT: 18 - 20 Balanced forcing upto 2NT) 2C: Baron followed by 2NT, min non-forcing Any call at 3 level is forcing 2D: Stayman followed by 2NT, min non-forcing Any call at 3 level is forcing 2H/2S: Minimum 5 carder 2NT: min, non-forcing 2NT: 23 - 24 3C: Baron 3D: Stayman Jump in a suit, six carder semi solid, responder to join with Qx or better 1S (3 controls, 1NT: 18 - 20 Balanced game force) 2C: Baron 2D: Stayman 2H/2S: 5 carder 2C/2D/2H/2S: five carder Natural 4 carder by responder 1NT (4 controls) 2C/2D/2H/2S: five carder 2NT: 18 - 20 Balanced 3C: Baron 3D: Stayman 3H/3S: Five carder, opener to cue bid with a fit (Axx or Kxx) 2C (5 controls) 2D/2H/2S: Five carder, bids by responder natural 4 carders 2NT: 18 - 20 balanced 3C: Baron 3D: Stayman 3H/3S: Five carder, opener to cue bid with a fit 2D (6 controls) same as above 2H/2S (4-5, six carder) Natural (Most of the points in the suit) 2NT (7 controls) 3C/3D/3H/3S: 5 carder 3NT: 18 - 20 Balanced 4C: Baron 4D: Stayman 4H/4S: Five carder Summary ------- 1) 1D/1H: shows max 2 controls and then controls are shown step wise 2) 1H is 6+ and forcing to 2NT level. If opener or responder bid 2NT after next bid by either, it shows minimum hand, which can either be passed or with more points, opener or responder should cross 2NT level with or without jump. 3) After 1D, opener bids canape' style for finding a fit on unbalanced hand but after 1H/S etc response, opener bids naturally always 5 carder first 4) After any response, opener bids NT on balanced hand after which responder's minimum C is gladiator and min D is stayman, if response was 1D and min C is Baron on any other response 5) Baron is employed only by "RESPONDER" and not by opener. Opener must first show balanced hand by bidding NT 6) Gladiator is employed only by "RESPONDER" to show 0 - 3 points and no game desire on his part 7) With a fit (Axx, Kxx) opener or responder should raise to set the ground for cue-bidding at low level 4. Development of 2D openings (17-24, 4-4-4-1) ------------------------------------------ Legend: NBS: Next below Singleton +: Singleton 2S (0 - 3) signoff 2NT: 17-20, S+ (May be 3 carder) Pass/3C/3D/3H/3S: Sign off 3C/3D/3S: 21-24 NBS (3C = D+, 3D = H+, 3S = C+) 3H/3NT: 23-24, S+ 2NT one weak six 3C/3S/3H/3S: NBS carder Max KJ, nothing Actual suit or 3NT. With a fit opener can else in hand cue bid 3C/3D/3H/3S: fair suit: Actual singleton (NOTE: NOT NBS) 6 carder, min AJ Responder with fit bids: nothing else in hand 1st step: suit with 1 honor, no singleton 2nd step: suit with 2 honors, no singleton 3rd step: suit with side singleton cue bid by opener on which responder bids his singleton 2H relay 2S 17 - 20 Major + 2NT Relay 3C: 17 - 20 H+ 3H Relay 3S 17 - 18 } 3NT 19 - 20 } 4H Relay for opener to show controls starting from 3 upwards after which 5H is relay asking for Qs. Any other call is a signoff 3D: 17 - 18, S+ 3S Relay, opener to show controls after which 4S is relay asking for Q. Any other call is signoff. 3H: 19 - 20, S+, 3S Relay for controls and then 4S for Q. Any other call, sign off. 2NT 17 - 20 , C+ (NBS) 3C Relay 3D: 17 - 18 } 3H: 19 - 20 } 4C Relay for controls and then 5C for Q. Any other call is signoff 3C 17 - 20 D+ (NBS) 3D Relay 3H: 17 - 18 } 3S: 19 - 20 } 4D Relay for controls and then 5D for Q. Any other call is signoff 3D: 21-24 H+ (NBS) 3H Relay for controls starting from 5 and then 4H for Q Any other call is signoff 3H: 21-24 S+ (NBS) 3S relay for controls starting from 5 and then 4S for Q. Any other call is signoff 3S: 21-24 C+ (NBS) 4C relay for controls starting from 5 and then 5C for Q. Any other call is signoff 3NT: 21-24 D+ (only call upto 3NT level) 4D relay for controls starting from 5 and then 5D for Q. Any other call is signoff Summary ------- 1) Response of 2S may be 3 carder with a very weak hand to sign off 2) Response of 2NT shows poor hand with 6 carder and opener bids NBS. 3) Response of 3 of a suit shows fair suit, which opener with min and no fit should pass in a hurry. With a fit, opener bids his "ACTUAL SINGLETON" and not NBS, on which responder shows quality of his suit and holding of a singleton or otherwise. 4) Response of 2H is relay asking for point range and singleton. Opener's first three steps are for 17 - 20 range(2S: major +, 2NT C+, 3C: D+) and next four steps are 21 - 24 range(3D=H+,3H+S+,3S=C+,3NT=D+) 5) After responder has employed 2H relay, any call by him is a sign off unless he continues to bid opener's singleton. 5. Development of 2NT opening (21-22 Balanced) ------------------------------------------- 3C Gladiator 3D Pass/3H/3S/4C To Play 3NT: six carder C with K or Q 4D: six carder D with K or Q (opener may like to play in 4NT) 3D Stayman 3H major (does not deny S) 3S: 5 carder opener to cue bid with fit 3NT: To play 4C: relay asking for distribution 4D: D suit (3-4-4-2) or (2-4-4-3) 4H: Only H suit (3-4-3-3) 4S: S suit (4-4-3-2) or (4-4-2-3) 4NT: C suit (3-4-2-4) or (2-4-3-4) 3S (S major, denies H) 3NT: To play 4C: relay for distribution 4D: D suit (4-3-4-2) or (4-2-4-3) 4S: only S suit (4-3-3-3) 4NT: C suit(4-3-2-4) or (4-2-3-4) 3NT No major 4C Relay for minors 4D: D suit 3-3-4-3 4H: C and D with 3 carder H (2-3-4-4) 4S: C and D with 3 carder S (3-2-4-4) 4NT: C suit 3-3-3-4 5C : 5 carder C 5D : 5 carder D 3H/3S suit 5 carder 3NT no fit Raise: support, less than Axx, Kxx Cue bid: Axx or Kxx support 3NT to play 4C/4D Texas 4H/S(very good six carder To Play slam aspiration) Summary: ------- 1) 3 C by responder is gladiator, making it possible to sign off in 3D 2) 3D is stayman and followed by 4 C is asking for distribution PART III -------- Development of Weak Calls 1. Development of 2H/2S (6-11 Rule of 2 and 3) six carder ------------------------------------------------------ 2S/2NT Relay for points and quality (P and Q) Stepwise response (P before Q) 1st step: 6 - 9, two top honors missing 2nd step: 6 - 9, with two top honors 3rd step: 10 - 11, two top honors missing 4th step: 10 - 11, with two top honors 5th step: Suit headed with AKQ New Suit: Forcing one round 2. Development of 3NT (solid 7-carder minor headed with AKQ) --------------------------------------------------------- Pass: To play 4C relay asking for singleton(+) 4D: D+ 4H: H+ 4S: S+ 4NT: No + 5C: D + <<< Remember >>> 5C is D+ 5D: C + <<< Remember >>> 5D is C+ 3. Development of other weak openings ---------------------------------- New suit is forcing one round Another new suit next round game force. PART IV ------- BASIC CONCEPTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NORMAL CALLS (13 - 16) 1. FOR OPENER: Single suiter ----------- i) Hand with 13-14 is considered weak. Hand with 15-16 is considered strong ONLY if the suit is good. ii) Weak hand is shown by bidding min. NT, rebid or raise iii) Strong hand is shown by jump bid. 2NT: good six carder, max AJ In suit: semi solid six carder iv) Balanced 16-17 hand is opened 1NT v) With 13-16, C suit, opening bids are 1D : 13-14 VUL, weak 4 or 5 carder C 1NT: 13-14 NON VUL or 15 VUL, weak 4 or 5 carder C 2C : 13-16, very good C suit 3C : 13-16 seven carder very good C suit, 7-8 playing tricks 2. FOR OPENER: Two Suiter canape' style ----------- i) Weak hand is shown by higher, then lower suit (second suit is at least as long as first suit, may be longer), or by NT or raise. After 1NT response canape' is not guaranteed as bid of lower second suit is to find best fit. ii) Weak hand with 4 D and 4S is opened 1S with tolerance for H, otherwise 1D iii) Strong hand is shown by: reverse(not at 1 level): Second suit, 5 carder Jump in second suit: Second suit semi-solid six carder (except when second suit is C in which case it shows 4 carder C and semisolid six carder first suit) Jump in partner's suit: when opener was himself going to reverse in that suit 3. FOR RESPONDER: single suiter ------------- i) 1 over 1 is 6+ (one round force), 1NT is 8-10, 2 over 1 is 11+ forcing to 2NT ii) Second round jump in own suit is 10-11, semi solid six carder iii) Second round jump in opener's 1 D suit is 9-10 non forcing but in opener's 1H/S suit is 12+, SuperFit, forcing iv) New suit at 3 level with or without a jump is forcing v) hands with 12+ are shown by: Reverse : second suit five carder (Responder uses 2C or 2D as first bid, even with 3 carder but with some values, to prepare for reverse Jump in a new suit: Semi-solid six carder Cue bid in opponents' suit, opener to bid NT with a stopper Second round jump in opener's major: SuperFit (Min 4 card support with two top honors. Using SuperFit calls (See item 5) 4. FOR RESPONDER: Two suiter ------------- i) Hands upto 11 points are bid in canape' style, higher then lower or NT or raise ii) Hands with 12+ are shown by: Reverse at 2 level: first suit always min 4 carder except when it or higer is D three carder with values Second round jump in new suit: first suit min 4 carder, second suit semi solid six carder 5. FOR RESPONDER: SUPERFIT calls in opener's major ------------- SUPERFIT means 12+, minimum 4 card support with two top honors in opener's first major or five card support in opener's second major where opener was going to reverse in that suit. Responder shows controls (A or K, not singleton or void) with superfit as follows: i) 1H/S by opener followed by rebid of 2H/2S/2NT --------------------------------------------- 2C - 4C : control in C, not in D 2D - 4D : control in D, not in C 2C - 4D : Alike controls in C and D (A for Ascending) 2D - 4C : Different controls in C and D (D for Descending) ii) 1S by opener followed by 2H --------------------------- 2C/2D - 3S : Superfit in S, control in C/D, control in other minor not denied. Opener was going to employ superfit call if rebid was 2S or 2NT 2C/2D - 4C : Superfit in H, 5 card support. Responder was going to reverse in H, control in C, control in D not denied 2C/2D - 4D : Superfit in H, 5 card support. Responder was going to reverse in H, control in D, no control in C 2C/2D - 4H : Superfit in H, 5 card support, Responder was going to reverse in H, C or D control, minimum hand 2C/2D - 3H : Superfit in H, 5 card support, Responder was going to reverse in H, better hand, inviting cue bidding iii) 1H by opener followed by 2S --------------------------- 2C/2D - 4C : Fit in H, responder was going to employ superfit call, control in C/D. control in other minor not denied 2C/2D - 4D : Fit in S, 5 card support, responder was going to reverse in S, no controls promised in C or D, better hand inviting cue bid 2C/2D - 4S : Fit in S, 5 card support, responder was going to reverse in S, minimum hand, control in C and D not denied 2C/2D - 3S : Fit in S, 5 card support, responder was going to reverse in S, better hand, inviting cue bidding Summary ------- i) On rebid of same major or 2NT, responder's 2C/2D followed by 4C/4D shows controls and type of controls in C/D ii) On opener's 1S/2H, responder's 2C/2D followed by jump to 3S shows superfit in S and jump to 4C/D shows reversible hand in H and control in C/D but jump to 4H shows minimum hand denying controls in C/D. With better hand, responder raises 2H to 3H, still showing reversible hand and inviting cue bidding iii) On opener's 1H/2S reverse, responder's 2C/2D followed by jump to 4C shows reversible hand in H and jump to 4D shows reversible hand in S. Jump to 4S shows minimum reversible hand and raise to 3S shows better reversible hand in S. 6. SLAM Bidding ------------ i) 4NT is Ace asking ONLY of bid by opener or responder in second round of bidding or when it is with a jump. Otherwise, if suit has matched and 4NT is bid after cue-bids, it shows willingness to play at 5 level and asks for continuation of cue bidding. If suit is not matched, it is QUANTITATIVE asking partner to bid six with additional values or else sign off. ii) Principle of fast approach means that after strong opening support or after responder shows 12+, if partner jumps to game, there is no slam aspiration and hand is minimum, but if suit is matched with a single raise, there is slam ambition and cue bids must continue below the game level. iii) When suit has matched, cue bid shows first or second round control (A,K singleton or void) starting from lowest bid. If a suit is bypassed, it initially denies a control, but if that suit is bid next time it shows first round control in first cue bid and second round control in second cue bid. iv) After a jump bid, showing semi-solid six carder partner should raise with any three carder or Qx to set the scene for cue bidding. v) After cue bids, the partner holding minimum hand should not go beyond the game level. Crossing game level shows additional value. vi) Having bypassed a suit in cue bidding twice, and then bidding shows third round control i.e. Qxx or xx. vii) Jump to 5NT asks partner to show quality of the suit agreed. Partner is to bid 7 with two top honors, otherwise: S Suit: 6S: Suit headed with A or K, min 4 carder 6H: Suit headed with A or K 6D: Suit headed with Q 5C: Suit headed with J or less H Suit 6H: Suit headed with A or K 6D: Suit headed with Q 6C: Suit headed with J or less D Suit 6D: Suit headed with A or K 6C: Suit headed with Q or less C Suit 6C: Suit lacks 2 top honors viii) Responses to 4NT, if Ace asking are 5C : 4 or 1 5D : 3 or 0 5H : Two Aces same rank (both majors or minors) 5S : Two Aces mixed (neither same rank nor same color (S and D or H and C) 5NT: Two Aces of same color (either both black or both red) To remember: 41-30-RMC (rank/mixed/color) PART V ------ DEVELOPMENT OF 1NT/2C/3C Calls 1. DEVELOPMENT OF 1 NT OPENING: --------------------------- 13-15 with C suit, 16-17 any suit Balanced. If 13-15, always with 3 carder H and 3 carder S 2C Relay asking for 2D: C Suit: 13 with 5 carder, 14 with 4 carder (8-11) range 2S/2NT/3C: sign off 3D/3H/3S: 11 points, inviting 4H/4S: To play 2H: C suit, 14 with 5 carder or 15 with 4 carder 2S/2NT/3C/3D sign off 3H/3S: 11 points, inviting 4H/4S: To play 2S: 16-17 (S for Spades, S for Strong) 2NT Stayman 3C no major 3D both majors with 3 card D 3H H major 3S S major 3NT both majors with 3 card C 3C/3D signoff 3H/3S forcing 2NT:C suit 15 with 5 carder 3C/3D signoff 3H/3S inviting 4H/4S To play Double on intervention Double on intervention shows 16-17 replaces 2C. 2D stayman 2H: 16-17 H suit 12+ Game force 2S/3C/3D: 5 carder, opener to raise with a fit (Axx or Kxx) or bid NT or show 2nd suit 2NT: Opener to show second suit 3H : raise, opener to cue-bid (4 card support) 3S : Semi-solid six carder, opener to join on Qx or better 3NT: To play 4H : To play (4 card support) 2S: 16-17 S major 2NT: opener to show second suit 3C/3D/3H: five carder, opener to cue bid with a fit and raise with Qxx or less support or bid NT 3S : opener to cue bid 3NT/4S: To play (4S 4 card support) 2NT:13-15 C suit 3C Relay for strength and length of C suit 3D 13-14, 4 carder C suit 3H 15, 4 carder C suit 3S 13-14, 5 carder C suit 3NT 15, 5 carder C suit 3D/3H/3S: five carder, opener to cue bid with a fit and raise with Qxx or less support or bid NT 3NT: To play 3C: 16-17 no major 3D Relay for minors 3H: C suit 3S: D suit 3NT: both C and D suit 3D/3H/3S: 16-17 five carder New suit five carder Raise support, opener to cue bid On intervention, 2NT or Double on intervention shows 16-17 cue bid replaces 2D (2NT promises a stopper and cue bid asks for a stopper) 2H/2S signoff Natural 0 - 7 To play 2NT Balanced Natural 10-11 3C/3D/3H/3S Natural 6 carder headed with two top honors nothing else Summary ------- i) 2C is relay (8-11) asking for range on which only 2S by opener shows 16-17 while 2D/2H/2NT show C suit with points/length. On 2S responder's 2NT is stayman. Calls upto 3C/3D are sign offs ii) 2D is 12+ stayman on which only 2NT shows 13-15 C suit on which 3C is relay and opener shows points and length of C suit. Calls 2H/2S/3C are 16-17 and responder can there after ascertain minors or second suit or reverse in 3H/3S on which opener bids NT with no fit, raises with 3 card support with Q or less, and cue bids with fit (Axx or Kxx) iii) Jump to 3 shows only 6 carder with 2 top honors, nothing else in hand. 2. DEVELOPMENT OF 3C OPENING ------------------------- 13-16 seven carder very good suit, 7-8 playing tricks Effort is to play in NT by showing stoppers, not suits 3D D stopper 3H: H stopper, no S stopper 3S: S stopper, no H stopper 3NT: S and H stopper 4C: No stopper in H or S or both 3H H stopper 3S: D stopper, no S stopper (NOTE: critical suit is D) (no D stopper) 3NT: D and S stopper 4C: no D stopper 3S S stopper 3NT: H and D stopper (no D or H stopper) 4C: No stopper either in H or D or in both 3NT stoppers in To play D,H and S 4C inviting 4D/4H/4S Cue bid with fit, otherwise natural semi-solid 6 carder, 12+ slam interest Summary ------- i) Bids shows stoppers. With stoppers missing in a suit, 4C is signoff ii) After 3C-3H, bid of 3S by opener shows stopper in D, the CRITICAL SUIT, and denies stopper in S iii) Jump by responder in new suit is 12+, six carder semi-solid suit, slam interest 3. DEVELOPMENT OF 2C OPENING ------------------------- 13-16 Very Good C Suit, normally six carder 13-16 only C Suit OR 15-16 with a side suit 2D Relay 2H 15-16, 4 carder H Pass/2NT/3C/3D To play 2S: 12+ five carder S (reverse) 3H: Minimum 4 carder support, opener to cue bid 3S: 12+, 4 card D, 6 carder semi-solid S 4C: 12+, five card support in H, responder was going to reverse, no control in D, waiting bid not necessarily control in C 4D: 12+, five card support in H, control in D 4H: To play 2S 15-16, 4 carder S Pass/2NT/3C/3D: To play 3H: 12+, five card H (reverse) 3S: Minimum 4 card support, opener to cuebid 4C: 12+ five card support in S, responder was going to reverse. no control in D, waiting bid not necessarily control in C 4D: Same as above, control in D 4H: 12+, 4 card D, six carder semi-solid H 4S: To play 2NT 13-16 C suit, stoppers in two side suits 3C: To Play 3D: Relay for NT probe 3H stoppers in H and D 3S stoppers in S and D 3NT stoppers in H and S 3H: 12+, five card H (reverse). D may be waiting bid 3NT no support for H 3S fit in H, stopper in S, not in D 4C fit in H, stopper on D but not a control 4D fit in H, control in D 4H Qxx or less support, hence no cue bid (fit means min Axx or Kxx support) 3S: 12+, 5 card S (reverse) 3NT no support for S 4C fit in S, stopper in H or S but not a control 4D fit in S, control in D, no control or stopper in H 4H fit in S, control in H, no control or stopper in D 4S Qxx or less 3 card support, hence no cue bid 3C 13-16 C suit, stopper in one side suit 3D Relay NT Probe 3H stopper in H 3S stopper in S 3NT stopper in D 3H 12+, 5 carder H (reverse) D may be waiting bid 3S stopper in S, no support for H 3NT no stopper in S, no support for H,stopper in D 4C fit in H, no control in D 4D fit in H, control in D 4H Qxx or less 3 card support 3S 12+, 5 card S (reverse) D may be waiting bid 3NT no support in S, stopper either in H or D 4C fit in S, no control in D 4D fit in S, control in D 4H Qxx or less 3 card support 4H/4S: 4 card D, six card semi-solid H/S, slam intention 3D 15-16, 4 card D 3H: 12+, 5 carder, opener to bid naturally 3S: 12+, 5 carder, opener to bid naturally 3NT/4C: To play 4D: Support, opener to cue bid 3H/3S/4D: 15-16, 6-5 distribution, responder bids naturally 4C: 15-16 very good C suit 2H/2S 6-10, 5 card 4C: 15-16, opener was going to reverse in H/S, no control non-forcing in D 4D: 15-16, opener was going to reverse in H/S, control in C and D 2NT 11-12 balanced Natural 3C 8-10 raise Natural 3D/3H/3S 12+ Raise with Qx or better or rebid C or 3NT semi-solid six carder Summary ------- i) Responder's 2H/2S is weak, non forcing on which opener's jump to 4C/4D shows 15-16 with 4 card support and control. ii) Responder's 2D is relay, openers 2NT/3C shows only C suit with stoppers in side suits and relay of 3D is relay asking for suits stopped, but responder's second round bid of 3H/3S shows 12+, reversible hand with 5 carder suit (D may have been waiting bid) on which opener cue bids with a fit(Axx, Kxx) and gives a waiting bid of 4C without controls in side suits. With only Qxx or less 3 card support, opener raises it 4H/4S without cue bidding iii) Responder's 2D is relay and opener's 2H/2S shows 15-16 with 4 carder H/S on which responder's jump to 4C/4D shows 12+, reversible hand in opener's second suit and controls in D iv) Opener's jump in second suit show 15-16, 6-5 distribution. PART VI ------- DEVELOPMENT OF SUIT CALLS OF ONE (13-16) Minimum 4 carder, D may be 3 carder with a C suit 1. REBIDS BY OPENER: Single suiter hands ---------------- 13-14 Minimum NT, Rebid original suit, raise partner's suit 15-16 Jump to 2NT: Weak six carder, at best AJ Jump in original suit: semi-solid six carder 2. REBIDS BY OPENER: Two suiter hands ---------------- 13-14 Minimum NT, lower suit, raise partner's suit, simple rebid (with S and D, 4 carder open 1S and then D with no tolerance for H but tolerance for C so that if partner bids 2H, opener can bid 2NT showing minimum. With tolerance for H, but no tolerance in C, open 1D) Canape' style, second suit is at least as long as first (may be 4-4) but EXCEPTION: After 1NT, response, first suit may be longer than second as effort is to find the best fit on unbalanced hands 15-16 Reverse at 2 level, or above: canape', second suit always 5 carder Jump in second lower or higher suit, first suit 4 carder (may not be biddable), second suit semi-solid six carder but EXCEPTION: If second suit is C, then first suit is semi-solid six carder and C is only 4 carder because 15-16 hands with a good C suit and a side suit are opened as 2C. Jump to 3 or 4 level in partner's major: reversible hand with 5 card support or 15-16, 4-4-4-1 with 4 card support. Jump to 4C on 2C/2D response shows first suit semi-solid six carder and 4 card C as partner's 2C/2D may be waiting bid. Partner to join first suit with Qx or better. Jump to 4D on 2D response shows first suit 4 carder, six carder semi- solid D suit as partner's 2D may be a waiting bid. Partner to start cue bidding as he has already shown values in D, by bidding 2D even 3 carder Jump to 4C/4D on partner's response of 1H/1S, shows reversible hand in H/S, game certain, first round control in C/D. Direct jump to 4H/4S denies FIRST ROUND control in C/D 5-5 hands 13-14 higher/lower/higher 15-16 lower/higher/lower 5-6 hands 13-14 higher/lower/higher/lower 15-16 lower/higher/lower/higher 6-5 hands 13-14 higher/lower/higher/higher 15-16 lower/higher/lower/higher 3. REBIDS BY OPENER: Three suiter hands 4-4-4-1 ---------------- 13-14 Select better two suits and bid higher/lower 15-16 Treat as 13-14 as hand is not treated as of higher range unless at least one suit is good 5 carder but give a jump to 3 level in partner's major. 4. RESPONDER'S BIDS ---------------- First Round Second Round 1 over 1: 6+ Minimum NT, rebid, raise, lower suit(canape'): 8 - 10 Reverse at 2/3 level: 12+, first suit 4 carder, second suit always 5 carder Jump in same suit: (9-10) semi-solid six carder Jump in new suit: 12+, semi-solid six carder. first suit 4 carder Jump to 3 in opener's original minor (1D): 9-10 five card support, non-forcing Jump to 3 in opener's first major: 12+, superfit 1NT 8-10 Natural 2C/2D:11+ May Reverse canape': 12+, second suit 5 carder, C/D may be be 3 carder 3 carder with values, forcing up to Jump in new suit: 12+, 4 card C/D, six carder semi-solid 2NT suit, unless it is a superfit call for opener's major Superfit call in opener's major, 12+ New lower suit at 3 level (3C after 2D) canape': forcing, D minimum 4 carder, C 4 or 5 carder 2H over 1S Natural 11+ minimum 4 card, forcing New lower suit at 3 level, canape', forcing to 2NT Jump to 2NT Natural 11-12 Dead Center Jump in new Natural suit,12+ semi- solid 6 carder Jump to 4C on Gerber Ace asking, opener to show 0-1-2-3-4 step wise opener's 1H/1S Jump to 3 in Natural opener's major 10-11 limit bid Jump to 4 in Natural opener's major 7-9, five card support, one singleton Summary ------- i) 15-16 hands are to be treated as 13-14 unless the hand contains at least one good five carder. ii) Single suiter hands are bid by opener by min NT, raise, rebid,lower suit, if 13-14 and by jump to 2NT if 15-16. Jump in suit always promises six carder semi-solid suit. iii) Two suiter hands 13-14 are bid canape' style higher/lower. With S & D as suits 4-4, open S with tolerance for C and D with tolerance for H. Three suiter 4-4-4-1 hands are opened selecting the 2 best suits, in canape' style. iv) Two suiter 15-16 hands are opened lower/higher (second suit always five carder). Jump in second suit promises first suit 4 carder, second suit semi-solid six carder (except when jump is in C, in which case C is 4 carder and first suit is semi-solid). Jump in responser's suit shows reversible hand, five card support. v) Responder's 2 over 1 is forcing to 2NT level. Response of 2C/2D may be three carder with values in the suit to prepare for reverse or show superfit in opener's major. vi) Responder's second jump in own suit is limited semi-solid six carder but first round jump in a suit or second round jump in new suit shows semi- solid six carder with first suit as 4 carder (unless superfit calls are used). vii) Responder's second round jump in opener's minor (D) is limited, non-forcing, but in opener's major is forcing. PART VII -------- DEFENSIVE BIDDING 1. TWO SUITER HANDS 5 - 5 (3rd and 4th position) ---------------- Legend: SAPV (Strength as per vulnerability) weak: 6-11, Non-vul vs Vul Normal: 13-15, equal vulnerability Strong: 16+, Vul vs Non-vul Jump to 2NT or Two lowest suits, SAPV 2NT on 1NT Jump to 3C on 1D/1H/1S Two remaining suits, SAPV Jump to 2D on 1C Two major suits, SAPV Cue bid on 1D/1H/1S Two extreme suits, SAPV 2C on 1C 8+, good 6 carder suit, rule of 2 & 3 Jump to 3C on 1C Two extreme suits, SAPV (cue bid) If strength does not match SAPV calls above, the two suits are bid in a natural manner. Partner bids naturally showing preference in two suits with a jump or cue bid if in game zone. 2. OTHER OVERCALLS: (2nd Position) --------------- Partner's bids 1 over 1: 8+, good five carder Natural Cue bid shows 12+ and asks for stopper Jump in new suit shows semi-solid six carder, 12+ 2 over 1: 8+ good 6 carder Same as above, rule of 2 and 3 1NT or 2NT on opening of 2C stayman 2C/2D/2H/2S: 16-18 with stopper 2H/2S signoff Cue bid asking for second stopper failing which suit Jump to 3 in a suit, six carder suit headed with two honors, nothing else in hand Two suiter calls SAPV Simple preference to play Jump or cue bid forcing Jump in a new suit, semi-solid Raise, non-forcing six carder, SAPV (ITEM 1) Jump or cue bid forcing Double on strong 1C: 16+ Jump or 1NT with 8+ Double, 13+, 3 card support in Pass at 1 level 9+, five carder good each remaining suit, max double- same suit as opener asking doubler to ton in opener's suit or 16+, 3 lead the suit to force opener to play card support not necessary in NT Pass at 2 level, 10+, min. 4 cards in opener's suit with two winners in that suit Simple bid after which if doubler bids again, he shows 16+ Jump in a suit, 10+, min 4 carder Cue bid 12+, asking for stopper Double followed by 1NT 2C stayman 19-21 with a stopper 2H/2S signoff Cue bid, 6+ Jump in a new suit, 6+ forcing Double followed by jump or Natural cue bid 21+ Summary ------- i) Double of a suit call shows hand of same strength as opener's with min. 3 card support in remaining suits. Jump by partner shows 10+, cue bid shows 12+. If partner responds without jump, doubler must pass with 13-15, but may take another bid with 16_, jump or cue bid with 19+. If 16+, 3 card support in remaining suits is not necessary. ii) Simple 1NT/2NT overcall shows 16-18 with a stopper, but if initial double, it shows 19-21 with a stopper. iii) Special bids for two suiters are used specifying strength of the hand. If the strength does not fit in the specified calls, hand is bid in a natural fashion. iv) Simple 1 over 1 over calls shows good five carder suit while 2 over 1 shows 8+, with very good six carder suit v) Jump in a new suit shows semi-solid six carder suit, strength varying according to vulnerability. 3. OTHER OVERCALLS: Fourth position, BALANCING when RHO has passed --------------- Partner's bid 1 over 1: 8+ good five carder Pass with less than 11 Suit, raise: 11+ Jump or cue bid: 13+ 1NT: 8-10 with a stopper 2C Stayman 2NT without jump (10-11 with Others natural stopper 2 over 1: 8+, good six carder Same as 1 over 1 rule of 2 and 3 Double: 11+, min. 3 card support Pass 11+, good five card same suit as in remaining suits, maximum opener. doubleton in opener's suit. With 13+,take second bid in next round 1NT: 8 - 11 with stopper Jump, Cue bid, 13+ Jump in a new suit: semi- Natural solid six carder, SAPV 2C on 1NT asking for preference 2D: Preference for H in majors 11+ 2H: Preference for S PART VIII --------- LEADS 1. Principles ---------- - lower of the touching honors unless lead is from top of sequence against NT contract, in which case lead top of sequence - K from three honors unless it is AK doubleton - A from AK - 10 from J10xx or broken sequence - 3rd best from even number of cards and lowest from odd number of cards 2. Leads ----- Lead From ---- ---- A AKx K AK, AKQ, KQJ, KQ10 Q KQx, Qx, QJ10, QJ9 against NT J QJx, Jx, J10, J109, J108 against NT 10 J10x, 10x, A109, K109, Q109, 1098, J108 against NT 9 109x, 9x 3rd best Even number of cards, Rule of 12 lowest odd number of cards, Rule of 10 OR 3 cards with an honor (A,K,Q,J or 10) MUD 3 cards without an honor (Middle, Up, Down: MUD)