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1NT OPENING - 15-17 hcp
1nt opening
is the mostly important convention in any system and here we will
discuss many agreements used inside this convention. Some partnership have
convention that their 1nt opening is weak limited in 12-14 hcp, others have
a convention that in hands 5332 with a major suit having 15-17 hcp they
prefer to open the major and we also prefer to open the major when we have
only 15 hcp.
First the disciplined 1nt opening should have a range of 15-17 hcp (high cards
points: A=4, K=3, Q=2 and J=1) in a balanced distribution 4333 or 4432 or
5332 with stoppers in 3 suits. Of course there are others conventions where
the range for 1nt opening is 16-18 or 12-14 ...
Hands 5422
with 16-17
hcp with
5 cards
minor and 4
cards major should be opened in the
minor and then reversed for the major when both suit have top honors. The opening in 1nt
with
15 hcp and 5422 distribution it is not recommended.
 AQ  QJ84  AQ  J8543
should be open 1nt
KQ109 K18 A9 KQ1083 should
be open 1
KQJ8 Q4 AK1054 Q3 should be open 1
K1092 K10 A6543 AQ should be open 1nt
K1092 K10 AJ543 A2 should be open 1
Hands 4432 with both majors and 15-17 hcp missing stopper in the 2 cards
suit should be opened in the minor 3 cards trying to find fit in the major
because Responder having 5-7 hcp could pass having a major:
AQ32 QJ84 AQ2 43 could be open 1 if partner
bids major raise to 2
KQ109 AK102 92 KQ9 could
be open 1 if
partner bids major jump to 3
KQJ8 QJ104 AK4 J3
could be open 1 if partner
bids major jump to 3
AKQ9 J1032 AK2 73
could be open 1
if partner bids major jump to 3
KJ92 KQ103 43 AQJ
could be open 1 if partner
bids major jump to 3
Hands 5332 with 5 cards major and 15-17 hcp has not space to use a
convention that allows to find a fit 5-3. But, like recommended by Alvin
Roth "Always plan a second bid before you choose a
first". So there are moments that the opening
in 1nt is more apropriated than the opening in a major, but in general when
we play in 5-3 fit it is more confortable than play in 1nt where we need
good stoppers in more than one suit.
The problem in the opening in a major with 5332 and 15-17 is that after
response in 1nt our
second bid will be in a minor with 3 card, same situation when we have 12-14 hcp,
but Responder having 8-9 hcp may pass and that could be a underbid.
Of course if Responder bids again then we can show our maximum bidding 2nt
to show 16-17 hcp making an
invitation that we can't do after his 1nt because in our system after 1
major opening and response in 1nt out bid in 2nt
is GF.
Opener: KJ1082 QJ4 K10 AQ3 or KQ1092 A108 A9 K103 are hands
that may be opened in 1nt or in 1!
Opener Responder
1
1nt <= forcing
2 2 <= 6-9 hcp
2nt <= 16-17 hcp invitation
Opener Responder
1
1nt
2 2nt
<= 10-11 hcp invitation
3nt <= 15-17 hcp
Opener Responder
1
1nt
2 3 <= 10-11 hcp invitation
3nt <= 15-17 hcp
Opener Responder
1
1nt
2nt <= GF read explanation
here
Balanced hands where partnership have together 25-26 hcp has a great chances of success
in 3nt/4/4 so, Responder, that is the captain for final
contract, with a 4333 and 10-15 hcp should bid 3nt to avoid give opponents
information about Opener's hand, but with 4432 and at least one major suit
could search Opener’s hand for a fit in a major
using the Stayman convention.
Responder:
J1082 QJ4 K108 A103 or Q1082 K108 A95 Q103
Opener Responder
1nt 3nt (with 4333)
pass
1NT OPENING RESPONSES:
For an auction without interference we have the follows responses:
Opener
Responder
1nt pass <= nothing to do
2
<= Stayman (asking for major)
2 <= transfer to 2
2 <= transfer to 2
2 <= transfer to 3
2nt
<= transfer to 3
3 <= 5-4 in minors with
5431
and singleton in Hearts
3 <= 5-4 in minors with
5431 and singleton in Spades
3
<= hand 5-5 in with singleton/void in Hearts
3
<= hand 5-5 in with singleton/void in Spades
3nt <= to play shows 10-15 hcp in 4333 or good long suit 6+ cards
4 <= Gerber (asking for Aces 4=0/4, 4=1, 4=2, 4nt=3)
4 <= transfer to 4 (no Slam
interest - just long suit)
4 <= transfer to 4 (no Slam
interest - just long suit)
4 <= transfer to 5 sign-off
4nt <= quantitative
shows
16-17 hcp - with 17 or
16+
bids
6nt
5 <= transfer to 5 sign-off
5nt <= shows
19-20 hcp -
invitation
to 7nt with 16+ bids 6nt
6nt <= to play (18 hcp 4432 or 4333)
1) when Responder should pass?
If Responder has a balanced hand 4333 or 4432 and less than 8 hcp he should
pass, include in 5332 with 5 cards minor, but with 5 cards major or 6 cards
minor Responder should transfer for the Opener to play the hand because there are
a great chance that Responder's long suit stay with the 4th and 5th cards
good but without a entry in dummy. In other words when Responder's hand is
poor the hand must be played in Responder's long suit after a transfer.
2) When should Responder use the 2 Stayman?
There are many hands to use it - the propose is to find a fit to play
the hand in a suit. The Stayman convention used by Samuel M Stayman (1909-1993) and his partner
George N Rapée (1915-1999), published in 1945 in
the Bridge World, and it is a standard way to search the hand, initially for major,
after for minors using a posteriori innovation with a Extended Stayman (or second Stayman).
2.1) So after 1nt opening the first Stayman uses 2 Clubs to
ask for a major suit and Opener has only 3 answers possible
Opener Responder
1nt 2
?
2 <= no major
2 <= 4 cards and
can also have 4 cards
2 <= 4 cards and
denies 4 cards
2.2.1) After first Stayman Responder may continue searching
Opener's hand for other suit and distribution with the Extended Stayman
bidding now 3:
Opener Responder
1nt 2
2 3
<= Extended Stayman, now for minors
?
3 <=
5 cards minor
3 relay asking the minor and the Opener bids:
3
= 5 cards or 3nt =
5 cards <= responses up the line
3 <= both minors and 3
cards => 2344
3 <= both minors and 3
cards => 3244
3ST <=
4333 and
bad distribution to play in a minor - undefined minor
All fpllow bids out of these sequences are natural and the captain for final contract
continue to be the Responder.
2.2.2) After Opener bids 2 the Extended Stayman continue:
Opener Responder
1nt 2
2 3
<= Extended Stayman continuation to search for other suit
?
3 <= shows 4-4
3 <= shows 4-4
3 <= shows 4-4
3ST <= shows only one suit: 3-4-3-3
2.2.3) After Opener bids 2 the Extended Stayman continue:
Opener Responder
1nt 2
2 3
<= Extended Stayman continuation to search for other suit
?
3 <= shows 4-4
3
<= shows 4-4 (Hearts
suit was denied bidding 2)
3 <= shows 5 in 5332
3ST <= shows only one suit: 4-3-3-3
Note1: When Responder has a GF hand with 4 cards in a major and 5+ cards in a
minor, he first search Opener's hand for a fit in a major using Stayman and if he has a singleton or void he
may continue the search
for a fit in a minor suit using Extended Stayman trying not play in nt with unbalanced hand.
2.2.4) After the Stayman Responder can
also make invitation
to game asking Opener if he has maximum (17 hcp or 16+ good hcp) to bid game:
Opener Responder
1nt 2
?
2 => Responder bids 2nt with 8-9 hcp
2 => Responder bids 3 with 8-9
hcp in balanced hand with 4
cards
.......
Responder bids 2 with 8-9 hcp in balanced hand with 4 cards
2 => Responder bids 3 with 8-9
hcp in balanced hand
.......
Responder bids 2nt with 8-9 hcp in balanced hand (no promise 4)
***************************************************************
*Note - Question: how to make always the strong hand play the hand?
* Response: when
Responder has 4 cards and
8 hcp like:
*
KJxx
xx
Q109xx
Qx
or
KQ10x
xx
J10xx
Qxx
* and the
bidding goes:
* Opener
Responder
* 1nt
2 <=
Stayman
* 2
?
*
2nt <= 8-9 with 4
*
2 <= deny Spades
8-9 hcp invitation
* so after this agreement between partners Opener decide what to do and
* for sure Opener - the strong hand - will receive the lead in 2nt/3nt/3/4
****************************************************************
2.2.5) After the Stayman Responder jump to game (no Slam interest)
Opener Responder
1nt 2
?
2 => Responder bids 3nt to sign-off the
auction
2 => Responder bids 4 to
sign-off the auction
....... Responder bids 3nt showing 4 cards so Opener can bid 4
2 => Responder bids 4 to
sign-off the auction
.......
Responder bids 3nt to sign-off the auction
2.2.6) After the Stayman Responder can try Slam:
Opener Responder
1nt 2
?
2 => Responder bids 4 is Gerber
asking for aces (Slam interest)
......
Responder bids 4 is a transfer to 4 -
showing 46
......
Responder bids 4 is a transfer to 4 -
showing 64
2 => Responder bids 3/4/4 splinters with 4
cards (Slam
interest)
......
Responder bids 4nt is RKC in asking for aces (Slam interest)
2 => Responder bids 4/4/4 splinters with 4
cards (Slam interest)
......
Responder bids 4nt is RKC in asking for aces )Slam interest)
Note2: After a splinter Opener makes evaluation of his hand and rebid his suit to
sign-off or try Slam asking for aces in 4nt or cuebid if has good hand for Slam. The important parameters to try Slam is a nt maximum having first and second control in all
suits and good honors in the trump suit.
2.3) Garbage Stayman - considering that the Opener have only 3 answers for a
2 Stayman it is possibly make a Stayman bid with
weak hand and pass at any bid from Opener, but in this case Responder must be shorter
in Clubs (0/1) having 4/3 in majors and 5 cards in Diamonds to do that (with
only 4 cards in Diamonds it is danger finish in a fit 4-2 if Opener has 3325). Responder's distribution should be 4450 or 4360 or
3460 or 4351 or 3451.
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <= Stayman
?
2
pass <= means garbage hand
2
pass <= means garbage hand
2
pass <= means garbage hand
2.4) After the Stayman a sign-off in a major. When
the Responder has less than 8 hcp and a 54xx in the majors or a 44xx with
both majors 4-4 Responder can also create a sign-off sequence hoping
that is a better contract in a fit 4-3 in a major:
Opener Responder
1nt 2
2 ?
...... 2 <=shows 54xx <= sign-off
......
2 <=shows 45xx or 4414 so Opener with 3
......
cards in
pass and with only 2 cards in must bid 2
Note3: this
is one reason that 1nt opening can't have
2-2 in the majors.
2.5) Smolen - created by Mike Smolen (1940-1992) is a forcing bid with 5-4
cards majors distribution and 9+ hcp. The objective is to transfer the play to
the strong hand if a fit 5-3 is found.
Opener Responder
1nt 2
2 ?
...... 3 <= shows 5 cards and
only 4 cards
...... 3 <= shows 5 cards and only 4 cards
? <= Opener can find a 5-3 fit in a major or bid 3nt.
When Responder has a 6-4 in the majors after the 3/3 Smolen bid in level 3, if Opener bided 3nt then
Responder force a transfer in level 4 bidding 4 transfer to 4 or bidding 4 transfer to
4.
Of course after response 2 the texas
transfer in 4 or 4 could be done but in hands that
Responder is also interested in Slam but need a fit 6-3 even with 6 cards
in a major he may use Smolen to know if Opener has 3 cards or no.
Opener Responder
1nt 2
2 3/3 <= Smolen
3nt ?
...... 4 <= transfer to 4
...... 4 <= transfer to 4
3.1) Jacoby transfer - 2 transfer to 2
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <=
transfer to 2
?
2 <= denies 4 cards support or maximum with 3
cards and 2 top honors
2nt <= 17 hcp and 3 cards support with 2 top honors
(AK/AQ/KQ)
3 <= 4 cards support and 16-17 hcp
Responder decide:
- pass in 2,
- 3 for a sign-off transfer in 3 after Opener's
2nt
- 3 with 6 and 8 hcp -
invitation after Opwne's 2
- bidding another suit for GF or Slam try / 4nt asking for
aces
3.2) Jacoby transfer - 2 transfer to 2
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <=
transfer to 2
?
2 <= denies 4 cards support or maximum with 3 cards
and 2 top honors
2nt <= 17 hcp and 3 cards support with 2 top honors
(AK/AQ/KQ)
3 <= 4 cards support and 16-17 hcp
Responder decide:
- pass,
- 3 to show 5-5 in majors and GF
after Opener's 2,
- 3 with 6 and 8 hcp -
invitation after Opener's 2,
- bidding another suit for GF or Slam try / 4nt
asking for aces
4) 4 way transfer with pre accept is a extension of
Jacoby transfers applied for minors with additional that the response shows
if Opener is maximum with good support in that minor (I like - I can play
3nt) or if Opener is minimum (I don't like - I can't play 3nt).
4.1) Transfer for Clubs - 2 transfer to 3 (normally 6 unless Responder's hand is 5431 and very weak) or search for maximum
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <=
transfer to 3
?
2nt <= minimum or no good support for 3 (means don't like)
3 <= maximum and 3+ cards support with
A or K (I like - maximum)
Opener Responder
1nt
2 <=
transfer to 3
2nt pass with invitation hand 8-9 hcp like
Axx
Jxx
Axxx
10xx
this strategic way to search for max/min in 1nt open avoid
Opener give inform hand to opponents if has or no 4 cards major.
3 <= Opener
has maximum, so pass with < 8 hcp or bid game or try Slam
4.2) Transfer to Diamonds - 2nt transfer to 3 (normally 6 cards but with 5-5 in the minors and very weak hand it is better try to
play in a minor)
Opener Responder
1nt 2nt <= transfer to 3
?
3 <= minimum or no good support for 3 (means don't like)
if Responder has weak 5-5 now he may pass
3 <= maximum and 3+ cards support with
A or K (I like)
if Responder has no A or K and less than 7 hcp he must pass
Responder bids 3nt with 6+ hcp and 6 cards with a top honor A/K
Examples:
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <= transfer to Clubs
3 <= I like
?
....... with (a) xx Jx xxx KQ10xxx => bid 3nt
.......
(b) xx xx xxx AJ10xxx => bid 3nt
.......
(c) xx Kxx xx J1098xx => pass
Opener Responder
1nt 2nt <= transfer
to
Diamonds
3 <= I
like
?
....... with (d) xx Jxx KQ10xxx xx=> bid
3nt
.......
(e) xx xx AJ9xxx Jxx => bid 3nt
.......
(f) xx Qxx Q76xxx xx =>
pass
Note4: When Responder has a total sign-off hand in a minor and Opener
denies interest in his suit, Responder must correct the auction and sign-off
in his long suit.
************************************************************
HOW TO TRANSFER WITH TWO MAJORS SUITS 5-5
5)
When
Responder has 2 majors there are two situations to analyses:
5.1) showing a 5-5 GF:
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <= transfer to 2
2 3 < 5-5 GF
? <= in this case Opener can also shows his hand:
...... 3nt
means weak hand and poor support for majors;
...... 4 is a cue bid with maximum showing interest in Slam and
...... then Responder with singleton in Diamonds bids 4;
...... 4 is a cue bid with maximum showing interest in Slam and
...... then Responder with singleton in Clubs can try Slam;
...... 4/4 is minimum (it is a nt with many Q and J).
5.2) showing a 5-5 SIGN-OFF:
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <= transfer to 2
2 2 <= 5-5 WEAK
? <= Opener with 3 cards pass
......
Opener with
only 2 cards in then bids 3
...... even
with 4 cards in a major Opener must sign-off because
......
Responder can have a hand like: J10xxx Q10xxx x xx
SHOWING 2 SUITS 5-5 AND ONE STRONG LONG
MINOR SUIT (6+ cards)
6) How
Responder shows
5 cards major and
5 card minor in GF?
If Responder transfer first to the major and then bids
the minor this shows 5-4 and the minor is 4 cards, but if Responder has 5 cards major and 5 cards minor he
needs first to transfer for the minor (m) then he bids the
major (M). Thus now we have a convention to know when Responder is 5M4m and
when Responder is 5M5m and 10+ hcp.
6.1)
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <= transfer to 3
2nt <= don't like
.......
3 <= 55 Game Force (GF)
.......
3 <= 55 GF
3 <= I like
.......
3 <= 55 GF
.......
3 <= 55 GF
? <= Opener with minimum and stoppers in the others
suits bid 3nt;
...... Opener
with minimum and 3 cards in the major bid game in major;
...... Opener
without 3 cards in the Responder's major and poor stoppers
......
in
the other major can prefer the minor at level 4 or level 5;
...... Opener
with maximum can cuebid in the other minor minor
or in
......
the other major showing interest in Slam;
...... Responder
with a 6m5M hand can bid/rebid his minor 6 cards suit
......
at level 5 denying interesting to play 3nt.
6.2)
Opener Responder
1nt 2nt <= transfer to 3
3 <= don't like
3 <= 55 GF
3 <= 55 GF
3 <= I like
3 <= 55 GF
3 <= 55 GF
? <= Opener with minimum and good stoppers in the others suits
bid 3nt;
Opener
with minimum and 3 cards in the major bid game in major;
Opener
without 3 cards in the Responder's major and poor stop in
the other major can prefer the minor
at level 4 or level 5;
Opener
with maximum can cuebid in the other minor minor
or in
the other major showing interest in Slam;
Responder with a
6m5M hand can bid/rebid his minor 6 cards suit
,.....
at level 5 denying interest to play 3nt.
6.3) showing 6 card minor with 2 top honors = Slam interest
Opener Responder
1NT 2
2NT/3 4
<=
6+ cards - 2 top honors
- asking for Opener cuebid
Opener Responder
1NT 2NT
3/3 4 <=
6+
cards 2 top honors - asking for Opener cuebid
6.4) showing long weak major
When pd opening is 1nt and we have a weak 7/8 cards in a major we may transfer to
level 4 hoping Opener have 3 aces.
Responder have K10xxxxx x 98xx x
Opener Responder
1nt 4 <= transfer for 4
4
pass <= if pd has 3 aces great chances to make 4!
Responder have
x
K10965432
98x
x
Opener Responder
1nt 4 <= transfer for 4
4 pass <= if
pd has 3 aces great chances to make 4!
***********************************************************
7) AFTER 1NT OPENING
RESPONSES
AT LEVEL 3 SHOWS 2 MINORS SUITS WITH A SINGLETON HAVING DISTRIBUTION
5431 OR 5521/5530 WITH 10-14 HCP
CONSIDERATIONS: When partner opens
1nt and we have both minors in 5422 (no singleton) with a limited hand 10-14 hcp the chances in Slam is low, so it is recommended that we
bid directly 3nt and not try to find a better contract in a minor suit at
level 5 that also could help opponents find the best lead for defense. Even when our partnership has no stopper in a specific major the chances of
this suit be divided 4-4 is significant. Thus it is recommended that we show
our two minors only when we have a singleton in a major.
So if Responder's hand is 5521/5530 or 5431 Opener must know Responder's shorter suit
but the information about what minor is 5 cards and what minor is 4 cards it
is not so revelant. Thus we may define that after 1nt opening response 3 means 5431 with
singleton in Hearts and response 3 means
singleton in Spades.
Thus the responses in level 3 are:
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= 31?? <=
54 or 54 is undefined
3 <=
13??
<=
54 or 54 is undefined
3 <=
2155 or 3-55 <= singleton/void
Hearts
3 <= 1255
or 1255
<=
singleton/void
Spades
Of Course these responses at level 3 in minors to have success in game or in
Slam will depend on in find a good fit and in a very special combinations of top honors (A and K),
on the other hand this information alert Opener that the partnership may
have no
stopper in a major or a insatisfactory stopper like Q32, then the bidding
may stop at level 4 in a minor if Opener and Responder have minimum hands.
On the other hand the information of singleton in Responder's hand may
increase Opener's hand to try Slam.
The
question is what is a minimum or maximum and can we have a criterion to help
our decision?
For
Opener's valuation controls let's assume the follow criterion: Let A=2
controls and K=1 control, of course we may consider KQx=1,5 AQ=2,5 KQJ=2
AKJ=2.5 and our criterious for Opener's maximum hand may be 6+ controls and for
Responder's maximum hand may be 4,5 controls. Thus Opener is minimum with less
than 6 controls and Responder is minimum with less than 4,5 controls.
Opener controls examples:
a)
AJx
Qx
KJx
KQJxx = 1 A + 2 K
= 5 controls => minimum
b)
AJx
Qx
Kxxx
AKxx = 2 A + 2 K
= 6 controls => maximum
c)
AKx
9xxx
Kx
AKxx = 2 A + 3 K
= 7 controls => maximum
d)
KJx
KJx
KJx
KQxx = 0 A + 4 K
= 4,5 controls => minimum
e)
Ax
Axxx
Axx
Axxx = 4 A + 0 K
= 8 controls => maximum
f)
QJ09
QJx
KQx
AQx = 1 A + 1 K
= 4 controls => minimum
g)KJ10
AJx
AJx
Qxxx = 2 A + 1 K
= 5 controls => minimum
Responder controls examples:
h)
Axx
x
K10xx
KQJxx = 5 controls => maximum
i)
Jxx
x
KJxx
AK9xx = 1 A + 2 K
= 4 controls => minimum
j)
xxx
x
KQxx
KQJxx = 0 A + 1 KQ
+ 1 KQJ
= 3,5 controls => minimum
k)
x
Qxx
AKJxx
K10xx = 1 A + 2 K
= 4,5 controls => maximum
l)
x
Kxx
KQ9xx
AQxx = 1 AQ + 1 K
+ 1 KQ
= 4 controls => maximum
m)
z
QJx
KQxxx
AQJx = 1 AQ + 1 KQ
= 3 controls => minimum
n)x
Axx
AJ10xx
KQxx = 2 A + 1 KQ
= 5,5 controls => maximum
So,
after Responder bids a 5431
or 5521 hand Opener bids 3nt to play or made a
relay asking his singleton:
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= 5431 with
singleton in Hearts
3 <=
5431 with singleton in Spades
3 <=
5521 with singleton in Hearts
3 <=
5521 with singleton in Spades
Opener Responder
1nt 3/3/3/3 <= shows a
singleton in a major
3nt <=
to play - shows good stopper in majors
But when Opener has no stopper in Responder's singleton major suit he must
inform Responder to stop the bidding in a suit at level 4 or 5 due to no
stopper in a major suit and also if he is minimum (up to 5,5 controls) or
maximum (6+ controls), so Opener bids:
- his best minor at level 4 if he is minimum (< 6 controls) and
- his best minor at level 5 if he is maximum (6+ controls).
When Opener bids his minor at level 4 then Responder bids:
- pass if he is also minimum (< 4,5 controls) and
- support Opener's minor at level 5 if is maximum (4,5+ controls)
Rule#1: When Opener is maximum but has only 3
cards in both minor he bids 4 (artificial
bid) demanding that Responder bids his long minor at level 5.
Rule#2:
After Responder shows his singleton suit in a 5431 or 5521 if Opener is
maximum with a good fit for a minor and has the Ace or not wasted honors (K
Q)in
Responder'a singleton suit he could inquery Responder about A and K controls
bidding 4 (artificial bid). Then Responder with up to 4 controls bids 4, with 5
controls bids 4nt, with 6+ controles bids 5.
example:
Opener has =>
Ax
Jxx
KQ8xx
KQx and the
bidding goes:
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= 5431
with 10-14 hcp and singleton Hearts
4
<= asks for controls
a)Responder having => Qxx
x
A98xx
AJ10x
bids 4 (4
controls)
So Opener not sure if
Responder has 2 aces or just
K and only one
ace bids 4nt asking aces
(1430) and if Responder bids 5
(1 ace)
then he sign-off in
5
but if Responder bids 5 (2 aces) he bids 6
b)Responder having => Kxx
x
A98xx
AJxx bids 5nt (5 controls)
So here considering
Responder has nothing in Hearts knows that
Responder has 2 aces and
the King of Spades and so bids 6
c)Responder having => KJx
x
J109xx
AJxx bids 5 (3 controls)
So here Opener after 4 response was not sure if Responder has
2 aces or just one ace
and K then he bids
rkc1430 and Responder
bids 5
(1 ace)
so Opener sign-off the bidding in 5 but as we can
see
a contract in 3nt will be defeat with a lead in Hearts
Note5:
When Responder does not has good honors in his minors, per example, with:
K10
Ax
J98xx
KJxx or with
Kx
KJ
QJ8x
Q10xxx and a
5422 hand he
don't need inform his hand to Opener and he should bid 3nt, but with:
Qxx
x
AQ8xx
AKxx or with
x
Kxx
AJ109x
KQ10x Responder
must bid 3 in first
example and
3 in the second example
because he has a singleton.
Note6:
When Responder has a good hand 5431 or 6421 with 14-15 hcp and very good suit
like KQJ109 or AKQJx or KQJxxx he must transfer the hand to Opener and then
try Slam directly bidding 4nt asking
for
aces,
or just bidding 4 Gerber after
1nt with a hand like
Kx
Kx
KQJ1082
Axx that should not be transfered.
Lets now explain how are the convention to show Responder distributional
hand with 5-4 or 6-4 in minors.
7.1) 1nt response 3 shows 5431 with singleton in
Hearts
10-14 hcp
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= 5431 with
singleton in Hearts
?
3 <= relay asks
Responder if he is minimum or maximum
......... Responder bids:
......... 3 => minimum
......... then
Opener bids
4
or 4
as sign-off
showing also minimum
......... or Opener bids 5
or 5
as sign-off
showing maximum
......... 3 => maximum
......... then
Opener bids 5
or 5
showing minimum or
......... Opener try Slam
asking for aces or searching for controls with 4
.........
4 => 6-4 with 2 top
honors in Clubs - maximum GF
......... then
Opener decide final contract
.........
4 => 6-4 with 2 top
honors in Diamonds - maximum GF
......... then
Opener decide final contract
3 <= shows good stopper in
Hearts but poor stopper in Spades
Responder makes decision: 3nt with Spades stopper or just
4/5
3 <= shows A and denies A showing
maximum to play in
minors
Responder makes decision: 4nt for aces or
5 that may be
correct
3nt <= to play - good stoppers in both majors possible 23 cards
Responder bids:
pass
4 => 6 cards 2 top honors
showing GF and Slam interest
Opener decide
4 => 6 cards 2 top honors
showing GF and Slam interest
Opener decide
4 <= asks for controls (up
to 4 =4 /5 controls =4nt /6+
controls =5)
7.2) 1nt response 3
1nt
3 <= 5431 with
singleton in Spades
?
3 <= relay
asks
Responder if he is minimum or maximum
Responder bids:
3 => minimum
......... then Opener bids
4
or 4
as sign-off
showing also minimum
......... or Opener bids 5
or 5
as sign-off
showing maximum
......... 3nt => maximum
......... Opener 4 denies
stopper
- minimum
......... Responder pass or
bids 5 with 5+ controls
......... Opener
5
denies
stopper
- maximum
......... Responder pass or bid Slam in 6
with special hand
......... Opener
5 denies
stopper
- maximum
......... Responder pass or bid Slam in 6
with special hand
3nt <= to play - good stoppers in majors possible
23 cards
Responder bids:
pass =>
accept to play in 3nt
4 => 6 cards 2 top honors and
singleton
GF 5+ controls
Opener decide
4 => 6 cards 2 top honors and
singleton
GF 5+ controls
Opener decide
4 <= asks for controls (up
to 4 =4 /5 controls =4nt /6+
controls =5)
7.3) 1nt response 3 shows singleton Hearts and 5-5 in
minors
1nt
3 <=5521
?
3nt <=
to play - good stop in both majors
Responder bids:
pass -with minimum - up to 4 controls
4 with 6 and 6+ controls
Opener decide: 5 or even 5
4 with 6 and 6+ controls
Opener decide: 5 or even 5
4 shows void in Hearts and 5530
Opener decide 5 or 5
4
<= 3+ no stopper in
a major and minimum - up to 4 controls
Responder bids:
pass
with minimum - up to 4 controls
5 with maximum -
5+ controls
4
<= 3+
no stopper in a major
and minimum - up to 4 controls
Responder bids:
pass
with minimum - up to 4 controls
5 with maximum - 5+
controls
5 <= 3+ with maximum -
5+ controls
Responder pass or bids 6
with special hand and void in Hearts
5
<= 3+ with maximum - 6+ controls
Responder pass or bids 6 with special hand
and void in Hearts
7.4) 1nt response 3 shows singleton Spades and 5-5 in
minors
1nt
3 <=5521
?
3nt <= to play - good stop
in both majors
Responder bids:
pass -with minimum - up to 4 controls
4 with 6 and 6+ controls
Opener decide: 5 or even 5
4 with 6 and 6+ controls
Opener decide: 5 or even 5
4 shows void in
Spades and 5530
Opener decide 5 or 5
4
<= 3+ no stopper in
a major and minimum - up to 5 controls
Responder bids:
pass
with minimum - up to 4 controls
5 with maximum -
6+ controls
4
<= 3+
no stopper in a major
and minimum - up to 5 controls
Responder bids:
pass
with minimum - up to 4 controls
5 with maximum - 6+
controls
5 <= 3+ with maximum -
6+ controls
Responder pass or bids 6
with special hand like void in Spades
5
<= 3+ with maximum - 6+ controls
Responder pass or bids 6 with special hand
************************************************************
8) INTERFERENCE AFTER 1NT
We use Lebensohl conventions in Interference (except when is x
penalty), so if Opponent bids 2 DONT or 2
CAPP or a
Natural overcall at level 2 our bids at level 2 are
sign-off.
Using Leb there are no more transfers after
interference.
If we make a Stayman and opponents double our 2, Opener without a major
just bid 2 with less than 4 cards,
should pass with 4 cards, and
should redouble with 5. This information is important for
Responder accept to play in 2 doubled
If opponent double penalty 1nt then we can use:
- pass - nothing to do - Opener with a 5 cards minors must bid it
- redouble - asking for Opener bid 2 and that can be corrected to 2
- 2 is Stayman and shows both majors
- so
Opener with no major and 5 cards can pass;
- Opener
with no major and 5 cards bids
2;
- Opener with no major in a 4333 or 4432
bids his best 3 cards major.
- 2 is transfer to 2
- 2 is transfer to 2
/ / /
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