Every partership
must have agreements for asking aces and here we will comment about 5
popular conventions used for asking for aces that every advanced player must know.
1- BLACKWOOD
2- ROMAN KEY CARD BLACKWOOD (RKCB) - 0314 or 1430
3- GERBER - 4 asking
for aces after 1nt/2nt opening
4- EXCLUSION RKCB - asking for aces with a void
5- JOSEPHINE 5/5
asking for honors in trump suit
1- BLACKWOOD is a worldwide standard convention
for asking aces
invented in 1933 by Easley Blackwood (1903-1992) that is in use until now.
This is the conventions that for simplification should be explained in an introductory
bridge course but in a more advanced course RKCB should be
introduced.
How Blackwood works?
example1
Opener: AK652
K65
K32
A4
Responder: 87
AQJ109
AQ9
KQ6
Opener Responder
1
2 <= promise 5+
cards
3*
4nt <= asking for aces (*3
is
more strong than 4)
?
5 = zero or 4 aces
5 = 1 ace
5
= 2 aces
5 = 3 aces
in continuation Opener bids 5
showing 2 aces according to Blackwood conventions and
now Responder can stop the bidding in agreed trump suit bidding 6
or may continue
asking for kings thinking in 7:
5 5nt <= asking for kings
?
6 = zero or 4 kings
6 = 1 king
6
= 2 kings
6 = 3 kings
in continuation Opener bids 6
showing 3 Kings according to Blackwood conventions,
thus Responder having now these informations notify that partnership own 13 tricks
and so he bids 7nt:
6 7nt (having all tricks 7nt is more profit in
tournament than 7)
RULE#1 - During the auction if one player jumps
to 4nt this is asking for aces unless previos bid was 1nt, 2nt or 3nt,
situation where a partnership normally agreed that 4nt in this sequence is a quantitative
invitation to 6nt, so in this case, if the bidder of no trump is in the maximum range of
his bids, he bids 6nt, else pass.
Exemple1.1 suppose the follow auction:
Opener Overcaller Responder Advancer
1nt pass
3nt
4
4nt <= this is to play - not asking for aces
Opener Overcaller Responder Advancer
1nt pass
3nt
pass
pass 4
4nt <= this is to play - not asking for aces
Note#1 - Some partnerships have agreements to show
their void during the answer for Blackwood.
So, after 4nt the asker's partner having a possible useful void and one ace bids 5nt and
having 2 aces and a possible useful void jumps at level 6 at his void's suit if it is a
less hierarchical suit than trump's suit or just bids the trump
suit to show a void at a more hierarch suit.
example2
Opener: AK652
A65
109872
-
Responder: Q4
KQ9
AKQJ9
987
Opener Responder
1
2
3
4nt <= asking for aces
?
6 <= 2 aces and void
in clubs
7 <= good bid
because where are the Opener honors?
example3
Opener: KQ65
A65
-
KJ10982
Responder: A5KQJ94
J97
AQ6
Opener Responder
1
1
1
2 <= Game Force (GF) 4th suit asking for
explanation
3 <= support 3
cards with a top honor
4nt <= asking for aces
5nt <= 1 ace and a void - so Diamonds void
7 <= easy to bid
knowing this void information
THE 4NT OPENING BID IS BLACKWOOD ASKING FOR ACES
Suppose you have a special hand like:
a) x
AKQ
x
AKQJ1098x
b) KQJ10
AK
AKQJ10x
2
c) 5
A
KQJ10xxxx
AKQ
What is your best open?
For sure is asking for aces bidding 4nt and if opponent interfere
partner should use DOUBLE ZERO PASS ONE next suit 2 aces.
Thus Blackwwod is a fundamental bridge convention, but
Blackwood has weakness in not assuring the possession of important honors
like King's trump and Queen's trump to play a Slam. So Blackwood
has been improved by a better convention known as RKCB.
Although you
are playing RKCB the 4nt response will still be Blackwood for aces after an
opening in suit at level 1, level 2 or level 3.
Opener
Responder
1/1/1/1
4nt <= Blackwood despite you are playing RKCB
Opener
Responder
2/2/2/2
4nt <= Blackwood despite your are playing RKCB
Opener
Responder
3/3/3/3
4nt <= Blackwood despite you are playing RKCB
2- ROMAN KEY CARD BLACKWOOD (RKCB) - RKC0314 or RKC1430
- it is a
convention invented in 1960s by the Italian Blue Team - where 4nt asks
partner for key cards
and there are 5 key cards: 4 aces and the king of trump. The
responses for key cards also may shows or denies the possession of trump's Queen.
RKC0314 - asking for key cards after 4nt:
5 = zero or 3 key cards
5 = 1 or 4 key cards
5
= 2 or 5 key cards and denies trump's Queen
5 = 2 or 5 key cards
with trump's Queen
RKC1430 - asking for key cards after 4nt:
5 = 1 or 4 key cards
5 = zero or 3 key cards
5
= 2 or 5 key cards and denies trump's Queen
5 = 2 or 5 key cards
with trump's Queen
INTERFERENCE IN ASKING FOR KEY CARDS AT LEVEL 5 =
DOPI:
If opponent bid after our ask for keycards then we use the
standard convention Double zero Pass one =>
STEP 1 -Double: Shows zero key cards
STEP
2 -Pass: Shows 1 key card
STEP
3 -next suit: Shows 2 key cards
STEP
4 -next+1 suit: 2 key cards
with trump's
Queen
INTERFERENCE IN ASKING FOR KEY CARDS AT LEVEL 6 = DOPE
STEP 1 - Double shows odd number of key cards (1 or 3 or 5)
STEP 2 - Pass shows even number of key cards (o or 2 or 4)
|
RKCB was extended by
the
american world champion 2 times Edwin Bruce Kantar (1932-2022) known as Eddie Kantar
in his book "Roman KeyCard
Blackwood" that established in its 5th edition a definitive complement for this
convention.
So using by now his notation:
-
Roman KeyCard Blaxkwood = RKB asks partner for keycards;
- when the agreed trump suit is a major we ask for keycards bidding 4nt;
- when the agreed trump suit is a minor we ask for keycards bidding in
jump the
agreed minor suit at level 4 (4
or 4);
- when the opening suit is a weak suit (6-10 hcp) bided at level 2 or at level 3 we ask for keycards biddding 4
and ask for aces bidding 4nt;
- after an opening by partner in suit at level 1 Responder bids 4nt to ask for aces
(not for keycards).
KANTAR ROMAN KEYCARD BLACKWOO - RKB
Kantar also created in his book conventions to help partnership try Slam
searching partner's hand. We by now are using Kantar's notation:
Specific King Ask = SKA => ask for a specific king
bidding 5NT (not for the number of kings) and if the agreed suit is Spades then Responder
bids 6 having K;
bids 6 having k
denying k; bids
6
showing k
denying k and k;
bids 6 (the trump
suit) to deny kings and bids 6nt to show 3 kings (the King's trump is
already know after RKB).
For major suit agreed we use SKA after bid 4nt asking for keycards and
we bid 5nt having agreed in a major, but ifafter RKB we do not bid 5nt
and bid the next suit then this is a asking for the trump's Queen and
also a ask for Kings. So if we bid 5nt it is because we have already
know the Queen or because our fit is 10+ cards with A and K.
The second King asks occurs after we ask for kings and the specific King
we want to know was not denied yet so we bid that suit asking for this
specific King and the answer are: no King, Kxx(x), Kx and KQx. So this
is a power tool to decide between stop in a Small Slam or try a Grand
Slam.
SPECIFIC SUIT ASK
(SSA) =>
most systems played by experts
have a special convention to search for a specific suit during Grand
Slam
aproximation. They call that a Control Asking Bids. Kantar
in his reference book about RKB also create a convention for SSA and it
is inserted for use only AFTER asking for
keycards.
Thus Kantar's SSA is used only:
- after the 4nt
RKB, or
- after the trump's Queen Ask.
Note: after RKB and after Queen-ask the 5nt bid is not more asking for
Kings but it is a question to partner if he has an extra value card like
one Queen bided by Opener or Responder or if he showed all he has.
Example4
Opener Responder
1
2nt <= jacoby (4+
with 12+ hcp)
4nt (1430) 5
<= 2 keycards without trump's Queen
6
(SSA) <= what you have in Hearts?
?
SSA may have 5 responses when there is room or less without room
1-
Qx or Qxx or Qxxx or just xx (3rd control) - here do not apply
2- Kxx or Kxxx (2nd control) - here the answer is 6nt
3- Kx or KQ or KQx - (2nd and 3rd control) here 7
4- singleton - jump to trump's agreed suit at level 7 - here 7
5-
xxx (nothing) return to trump's
agreed
suit - here 6
Example5
Opener Resp Opener Resp
explanation
1 2
AQ10xx KJxx (1)
RKB1430
2
4
A
xx (2)
2 keycards without Queen
4nt(1) 5(2)
AKxxx
xxx (3)
What you have in Diamonds?
6(3)
6(4)
x
AKJ10 (4) no third control
Obs: in (4) if Responder bids 6
the Grand Slam is bided
Thus lets study these news conceptions for Slam and grand slam
aproximation by asking for
keycards, kings, Queens and controls.
What are the problems
in the use of 0314/1430 bidding 4nt?
When our trump's suit is Clubs we may have a problem in asking for
keycards
with
only two keycards because if partner has only 1 keycard, playing 0314, his answer will be 5
and so we can't bid 6
missing 2 key cards. Thus in the auction continuation we must try to stop
the bidding at
5nt where the contract may be hard or impossible to make, but there is
no way to stop at 5nt because 5nt is asking for specifics kings.
The same problem occurs if we are playing 1430 having 3 keycards and
after our 4nt partner's answer is 5
that means zero keycards.
THUS WHEN OUR AGREED SUIT IS A MINOR SUIT WE SHOULD ASK FOR KEYCARDS AT LEVEL 4.
What is more useful: 0314 or 1430?
Answer: is the convention that more often gives the answer in 5
because then there are more room to ask for the trump's Queen and also receive a
integrate response about king.
So if the answer
is 5 then you can
ask for the Queen bidding 5.
In case the answer is 5
you will ask for the Queen in 5
and of course if Hearts is our agreed suit we need ask for the Queen
bidding
5 to receive
sometimes a
negative response in 6,
losing a possible sign-off in 5 because the 5nt response shows the trump's Queen without kings.
Another important consideration is:
- when the strong hand asks partner for keycards it is more often the answer of 1
keycard than zero keycards;
- when the weak hand asks partner for keycards it is more often the answer of 3
keycards than 4 keycards.
So Kantar in his reference book "Roman Keycard Blackwood" imposes that
when the strong hand asks partner for keycards then 1430 is on and
when the weak hand asks partner for keycards then 0314 is on.
What rules define weak or strong hand during the bidding?
- if Opener jumps or reverses in his second bid or bids a strong opening
like 2, 1nt (15-17) or 2nt (20-21) he is the strong hand.
In other
words if opener ask for keycards he is the strong hand;
- however, if
Responder started a game forcing sequence or make a strong jump shift
and then asks partner for keycards he is the strong hand.
In general when responder
ask for keycards he is the strong hand, unless the bidding already makes opener
the strong hand.
Note#2: If Responder has 18+ hcp but his partner opens 1nt or makes a
reverse bid Responder is
not the strong hand despite have a strong hand!
If after a takeout double the doubler asks partner for keycards he is the strong
hand but if the Advancer (partner of the doubler) asked for keycards
then he is
the strong hand.
If after an overcall Advancer asks for keycards then he is the
strong hand.
Thus, if you have a regular partner and want aprimorate your partnership
with a more powerful convention to ask for keycards you have now the
information to do that, but if you play always with differents partners forget
this and just ask what your partner prefer: 0314 or 1430.
Note#3: some partnership that use 0314
change it to 1430 when the trump agreed is Clubs, but the approach
given by Kantar is that when strong hand ask for keycards
then RKC1430 is on. If Opener has not show a strong hand then when Responder
asks for keycards he is the strong hand.
HOW TO ASK FOR KINGS
PLAYING RKB?
There are two most used conventions to ask for the three remainder Kings (King of trump
is already known after RKB):
FIRST - Bidding 5nt asking for the number of Kings and the responses
are:
6 = zero Kings;
6 = 1 King;
6
= 2 Kings;
6 = 3 Kings.
Experience shows this is not the best information about Kings because in
some cases
we need to know a specific King that will solidify another suit.
Thus Kantar's orientation is searching for specific kings
SECOND - Bidding 5nt asking for a specific King.
If Spades is the trump's suit then:
6 = shows K
and may have other King;
6 = shows K
and denies K and may
have k;
6
= shows K
and denies K, K;
6 = no kings;
6nt = shows 3 kings.
If Hearts is the trump's suit then:
6 = shows K
and may have other King;
6 = shows K
and denies K and may
have K;
6
= denies k
and k
but may have K;
6nt = shows 3 kings.
To know about K a
SSA in 6 will have 2
responses possible:
6nt <= denie k
7
<= shows k
If Diamonds is the trump's suit then:
6 = shows K
and may have other King;
6 = denies K
and may
have k
and/or K;
To know about k
a SSA in 6
will have 3 responses possible:
6
<= denies k
6nt <= shows k
without third control
7
<= shows k
second or KQ
To know about K a
SSA in 6 will have 2
responses possible:
6nt <= denies k
7
<= shows k
If Clubs is the trump's suit then:
5nt forces partner to bid his
cheapest king up 6
and so he denies any king bidding 6.
6 = shows K
and may
have k
or K;
To know about k
a SSA in 6
will have 3 responses possible:
6
<= denies k
6nt <= shows k
without third control
7
<= shows k
second or KQ
To know about K a
SSA in 6 will have 2
responses possible:
6nt <= denies k
7
<= shows k
6
= shows k
and debies k
but may have K;
To know about K a
SSA in 6 will have 2
responses possible:
6nt <= denies k
7
<= shows k
6 = shows K
and denies K
and k
6nt = shows 3 kings.
example6
Opener: AQJ1085
AQJ5
6
A2
Responder: K765K943
AK98
6
Opener Responder
1
4 <= splinter =
singleton/void in Clubs
4nt <= RKB1430
......... 5 <=
2 keycards and no Queen
5nt <= asking for specific King
......... 6 <=
shows
K denies k and may
have K
6 <= do you have K?
......... 6nt <= yes I have it but no third control
......... with KQ
or K second =>
bid 7
7
<= good we have Grand Slam
pass <= good luck
WHAT RULES DEFINE AGREED SUIT?
Agreed suit is
a suit supported explicitly or implicitly during the
auction by Opener-Responder. When there are no room to support partner's suit
without sign-off the auction the
last suit bidded before 4nt is the agreed suit.
example7
Opener Responder
1
2
3 4nt <= RKB for
because bidding 4
will be sign-off
--------------------------------------------------------------------
example8
Opener Responder
1
4 <=
splinter with implicit 4+ cards
support
4nt <= RKB1430 for it
is implicit that agreed suit is Spades
example9
Opener Responder
1
2nt <= Jacoby-2nt implicit support 4+ cards
4nt <= RKB1430 for
because 2nt shows Hearts support
WHEN THERE ARE NO AGREED SUIT, RKB OR BLACKWOOD?
There are situations in the bidding that Responder is interested only in
the number of opener's aces, not in keycards. So we need some rules
where 4nt is only for aces or also for keycards.
Rule#2.1
- When the opening is a weak 6 cards at level 2 or a weak 7 cards at
level 3 Responder will use the reserved bid of 4
to ask for keycards in 1430 convention and will use
4nt to ask specifically for aces.
Examples10
Opener
Responder (7
KQJ10
AKQJ1076
A)
2
4nt => Blackwood for aces
........................ If 2 aces then 7nt
........................ If 1 ace then 6
........................ If zero aces then 5
--------------------------------------------------------
example11
Opener
Responder (5
A
AKQJ1096
KQJ10)
3
4nt => Blackwood for aces
........................ If 2 aces then 7nt
........................ If 1 ace then 6
........................ If zero aces then 5
-------------------------------------------------------
example12
Opener
Responder
(x
J10xx
AKQ76
AKJ)
2
4
=> RKB1430 for Hearts
....................... If 2 keycards then 6
....................... If 1 Keycard then 5
-----------------------------------------------------
example13
Opener
Responder
(AK
xxxxx
AKJ
AKQ)
3
4
=> RKB1430 for Hearts
IF 2 Keycards then 6
....................... If 2 Keycards then 7
....................... If 1 keycard then 6
Rule#2.2
- After an opening at level 1 a response bid in 4nt ask for aces using
Blackwood. Responder has a slammish hand and it is interested only in
how many aces Opener has, not in keycards.
Opener Responder
1
4nt <= Blackwood for aces
Opener Responder
1
4nt <= Blackwood for aces
Rule#2.3
- After an opening in a major at level 1 and a response GF at level 2 if the second bid of Opener allows Responder
support Opener's suit at level 3, but Responder bids 4nt, then this
is a RKB for Responder's suit.
Exemples14
Opener
Responder (7
KQJx
AKQJ1076
A)
1
2
=> GF
2
4nt => RKB 1430 for
(Responder's suit)
.................. Responder has space to support Opener suit at level 3
--------------------------------------------------------------
example15
Opener
Responder (A
KQ
KQJ10986
KQJ)
1
2
=> GF
2
4nt => RKB 1430 for
(Responder's suit)
.................. Responder has space to support Opener suit at level 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
example16
Opener
Responder
(J107
KQJx
AKQ76
x)
1
2
=> GF
3
4nt => RKB 0314 for Spades (no room for support Spades)
------------------------------------------------------------------
example17
Opener
Responder
(K7
KJ10x
AKxx
KQx)
1
2
=> GF
3
4nt => RKB 0314 for
(no room for support Hearts)
Rule#2.4
- After a response in two over one GF the 4nt by Opener is Blackwood for
aces, not keycard for the Responder's suit.
Opener (AKQJ10xx x
KQJ9
x)
Responder
1
............................................. 2
? <= what Opener should bid to know Responder's aces?
4nt <= the correct bid for Opener
Note#2.5:
when partnership playing 1430 do not include agreements for situations
with no agreed suit some catastrophic bidding may occurs:
exemple18
Opener ...........................
Responder
(KQJxx
KQ109x
-
Qxx)
(Ax
x
AKQJ10xx
AKx)
......... 1
................................. 2
..........2
................................. 4nt
..........5
................................. 7nt
and Opponent double a hit his ace
As we see Opener understood 4nt as RKB 1430 for Hearts, but Responder
made a Blackwood for aces. Opener and Responder should agreed that this
4nt is a RKC 1430 for Responder's suit (Diamonds).
WHAT CHANGES IN RKB WHEN WE HAVE DOUBLE
FITt?
RULE#2.6:
When partnership have double fit, or
one player shows 2 suits during the bidding, in the search for keycards we
must consider both kings as keycards, so there are now 6 keycards and
also the answer for keycards must consider both Queens and the responses
for 4nt:
step1 5 => 1 or 4 (1430) / 0 or 3 (0314) keycards and no Queen
step2 5
=> 0 or 3 (1430) / 1 or 4 (0314) keycards and no Queen
step3 5
=> 2 keycards and no Queen
step4 5
=> 2 keycards and lower Queen
step5 5nt => 2 keycards and higher Queen
step6 6
=> 2 keycards and both Queens
example19
Operner:
KQ875K8
92
AQ54
Responder:
A75AJ6
K10
KJ1086
Opener Responder
1
2
3
3
4
4nt (1430/0314 include now one + information)
?
5
=> 2 keycards and no Queen
5 => 2
keycards and lower Queen (Q)
5nt =>
2 keycards and higher Queens (Q)
6 => 2
keycards and both Queens
pass
----------------------------------------------------------
Example20
Operner:
Q87AQ8
AQ982
42
Responder:
AKJ10756
KJ32
AK
If the bidding goes:
Opener Responder
1
1
1nt
2 <= nmf
2
3
<= support for Diamonds suit - forcing
3 <= cuebid
............. 4nt <= RKB with 6 keycards (Spades and Diamonds)
6 <= 2 keycards and 2 Queens
7nt <= 13 tricks counted
----------------------------------------------------------
Example21
Opener:
QJ873 KQJ108
J7
J
nVul
Overcaller:
64 8
KQ983
KQ942
Vul
Advancer:
AK5 A6
A1065
A1087
Opener Overcaller Responder Advancer
1
2nt* pass
3
pass 4
pass 4nt 1430
pass 6**
pass 7nt all pass
* minors ** 2 keycards and 2 Queens
HOW TO SEARCH FOR
TRUMP'S QUEEN
Considering that in RKB the
keycard's answer 5
shows
2 aces and trump's Queen and the keycard's answer 5
shows 2 keycards without trump's Queens, when the answer is
5 or
5 the
information about trump's Queen is
missing so we need a rule for asking for trump's Queen after RKB.
Rule#2.7:
After a RKB answer in
5 or
5 the
next suit asks for the trump's Queen. If next is the agreed trump's
suit then
the
answer must be made in
the next
suit+1. Of course the bid of agreed
suit is sign-off (to finish the bidding).
When asking for the trump's Queen responses are:
- bidding agreed trump suit at level 5 denies trump's Q;
- bidding 5nt shows the possession of trump's Queen and denies any of
the three remainder kings (King trump already known);
- having trump's Queen and more kings we must bid the cheapest king
possible at level 5 or at level 6.
Supposing trump is Spades () and your
answer for RKB was 5
then 5
is asking for trump's Queen. Then responses are:
- 5
shows trump's Q and cheapest K
may have K-K;
- 5
(trump's suit) denies possession of trump's Queen;
- 5nt shows trump's Queen and denies any other
King;
- 6
shows trump's Q and k
denies K,
may have K;
- 6
shows trump's Queen and K
but denies others K;
Supposing trump is Hearts () and your
answer for RKB was
5
then 5
is asking for trump's Queen. Then responses are:
- 5
(trump's suit) denies possession of trump's Queen;
- 5
shows trump's Queen and K
but may have K
and K;
- 5nt shows trump's Q but denies possession of others K;
- 6
shows trump's Q and K
but denies K,
may have k;
- 6
shows trump's Queen and K
but denies K
and K;
Supposing trump is Diamonds () and your
answer for RKB was 5
so 5
is asking for trump's Queen. Then responses are:
- 5
shows trump's Queen and K
and may have K
and K;
- 5nt shows trump's Q but denies possession ot others k;
- 6
shows trump's Q and k
but denies K, may have K;
- 6
(trump's suit) denies possesion of trump's Queen;
- 6
shows trump's Queen and K
but denies others Kings;
Supposing trump is Clubs () and your
answer for RKB was 5
so 5
is asking for trump's Queen. Then responses are:
- 5
shows trump's Queen and K
and may have k
and K;
- 5
shows trump's Q and K
and denies K,
may have K;
- 5nt shows trump's Queen and denies others
Kings;
- 6
(trump's suit) denies possession of trump's Queen;
- 6
shows trump's Queen and K
but denies others Kings;
Note: Considering that RKB for minors suit should start at level 4, this
will avoid the problem of showing an integrated king with Queen at level
6 after the agreed minor suit.
Supposing trump is Spades ()
and your answer for RKB was 5
then 5
is asking for trumps's Queen. Then responses are:
- 5
(trump's suit)
denies possession of trump's Queen;
- 5nt shows trump's Queen but denies others
Kings;
- 6
shows trump's Queen and K,
may have K
and K;
- 6
shows trump's Q and k,
denies K, may have K;
- 6
shows trump's Queen and K,
but denies k
and K;
Supposing trump is Hearts ()
and your answer for RKB was 5
so
5
is asking for trump's Queen. Then responses are:
- 5nt shows trump's Q but denies
possession of other K;
- 6
shows trump's Queen and K,
may have k
and K;
- 6
shows trump's Q and K
but denies k,
may have K;
- 6
(trump's suit)
denies possession of trump's Queen;
- 6
shows possession of trump's Q and K
denies K
and K;
Supposing trump is Diamonds ()
and your answer for RKB was 5
so 5
is asking for trump's Queen. Then responses are:
- 5
shows trump's Queen and K,
may have K
and K;
- 5nt shows trump's Queen and denies others Kings;
- 6
shows trumps's Q and K,
but denies K
and may have K;
- 6
(trump's suit) deneis possession of trump's Queen;
- 6
shows trump's Queen and K, but denies
K
and K.
Supposing trump is Clubs ()
and your answer for RKB was 5
so 5
is asking for trump's Queen. Then responses are:
- 5
shows trump's Q and also K, may have others Kings.
- 5nt shows trump's Queen and denies others Kings;
- 6
(trump suit) denies possession of trump's Queen;
- 6
shows
trump's Queen and k,
denies K
and k
but not K;
- 6
shows trump's Queen and k,
denies others K.
example23) using RKB 1430 Opener is the strong hand
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation:
1 2
AKJ954 Q83 (0)
16+ hcp
2nt(0)
3(1) AQJ4
K
(1)
more strong than 4
4nt(2) 5(3) 4 AQJ84 (2)
RKB for
5(4) 5(5) A K82
(3) 1 keycard
(4) asking
for the trump's Q
(5) I have
Q
and K
7
pass
--------------------------------------------------
example24) using 0314
Opener jumps so he is the strong hand
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation:
1 1 AQJ10 K983 (1)
1 keycard
3 4nt Q4
A43 (2)
asking for
Q
5(1) 5(2)
54 AK84 (3)
I have
Q
+ K
6(3)
7 KQJ109 A2
----------------------------------------------------
example25) using 0314 Opener jumps he is the strong hand
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation
1 1 A8 K983 (1) zero/3 keycards
4 4nt KQ94 AJ43 (2) asking for
Q trump
5(1)
5(2) 54
A84 (3) I have
Q
and
K
6(3) 7 AKJ85
Q2
-----------------------------------------------------
example26) using RKB 0314
Opener jumps he is strong hand
Opener Responder Openr Responder explanation
1
1
AJ9 KQ832 (1)
fit in
2nt 3(1) KJ10
A4 (2)
to play
3nt(2) 4(3) K764
AJ98 (3)
RKB for
5(4)
5(5) AQJ
K2 (4)
3 keycards
6(6)
pass ..................... (5)
asking for Queen
................................................
(6) no Trump's Queen
-----------------------------------------------
example27) using RKB
1430 Responder is the strong hand
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation
1
2 AQJ53 97 (1) 1 keycards
3
4nt J AQ93 (2) asking for Q
5(1)
5(2) QJ9 A10
(3) I have Q but no Kings
5nt(3) 6 QJ102 AK843
pass
-------------------------------------------------------
example28) using RKB 0314
Opener reverse
Opener Responder Opener Responder explanation
1
2
AQJ105 6
(1) 16+ hcp
3(1)
3 J7 AK10983 (2)
RKB 0314
4
4nt(2)
K9
A87 (3)
1 keycard
5(3)
5(4) KQJ9
A32
(4) do you have Q?
6(5)
pass .................................
(5) no trump's Q
HOW TO ANSWER KEYCARDS WITH A USEFUL VOID
(excluding partner
suit)
Rule#2.8
- After 4nt RKCB asking
for aces with a void we bid 5nt when we have a even (0 or 2) keycards
and jump to level 6 in the void suit (if possible) when we have an odd (1
or 3) keycards, but if the void is in a suit more hierarchical than
trump's suit we need jump to trump's suit.
example29
Opener Responder
1 2
<= GF
3
4nt <= RKB for Hearts
?
5nt <= one useful void and even (0 or 2) keyscards
6
<= void in
and odd (1 or 3) keycards
6
<= void in
and odd (1 or 3) keycards
---------------------------------------------------
example30
Opener Responder
1
2
<= GF
3
4
4nt <= RKB for Clubs
?
5nt <= 1 useful void (not in
)
and even (0/2) keycards
6
<= void in
and odd (1 or 3) key cards
--------------------------------------------------
example31
Opener Responder
1
2
<= GF
3
4nt <= RKB for Clubs
?
5nt <= one useful void and even (0 or 2) keyscards
6
<= void in
or
and odd (1 or 3) keycards
-------------------------------------------------
example32
Opener Responder
1
2
<= GF
3
4nt <= RKB for Diamonds
?
5nt <= one useful void and even (0 or 2) keyscards
6
<= void in
and odd (1 or 3) keycards
6
<= void in
and odd (1 or 3) keycards
-------------------------------------------------
example33
Opener Responder
1
1
<= GF
2
4nt <= RKB for Hearts
?
5nt <= one useful void and even (0 or 2) keyscards
6
<= void in
and odd (1 or 3) keycards
6
<= void in
and odd (1 or 3) keycards
HOW DOES RKB WORKS AFTER SPLINTER?
Considerations: Remember that a Splinter is a invitation for Slam with a limited
strenght
up to 17 points with 4 cards support and a singleton (3 points) or in
rare ocasions a
void (5 points). It is a situation where both players have a
significative strength to try game and if the splinter's hand fits with
the Opener hand there are also possibility of a Slam or even Grand Slam.
Any partnership need use a mechanism to show their controls (Aces and
Kings) and the most use is after the splinter do a cuebid. When a player
cuebid in a suit he shows a control in a suit and may also denies a
control in other suit.
Kantar in his reference bood about KEYCARDS create another way to show
the controls. After the splinter his orientation with minimum opening hand
or when the splinter does not fits Opener should sign-off bidding the
agreed suit.
A hand fits when the singleton suit have 3 losers in the other hand:
xxx - x or Axx - x
A hand does not fit when the singleton have top honor in the other hand:
KQx - x or AKx - x
In case Opener have a good hand and splinter fits then there two ways to
continue:
a) take charge and ask for RKCB1430 bidding 4nt
b) having space Opener explain his hand to partner as a response for RKB.
b1 - in the 4th edition of his book Kantar propose 3
possible responses for Opener explain his hand:
1st step - 2 keycards with Queen (not ace
cuebid);
2nd step - 3 keycards without Queen (not ace
cuebid)
3rd step - 3 keycards with Queen (not ace
cuebid),
then partner may sign-off or try Slam.
b2 - in the 5th and last edition Kantar propose 4
possible responses to Opener explain his hand:
1st step - 2 aces + 1 king (any) + trump's
Queen;
2nd step - 3 aces + 1 king (any);
3rd step - 3 aces + 1 king (any) + trump's Queen;
4th step - 4 keycards
then partner
may sign-off or try Slam
Thus a regular partnership must select a mechanism to use after
splinter. Following Kant we suggest the mechanism of 4 steps proposed in
Kantar's last edition.
----------------------------------------------
Example34
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation
1nt 2(1) AQ KJ10xxx (1)
transfer
2
4(2) 10xx 3 (2)
splinter
and 6+
cards
4nt 5(3) KQxx
Axx (3)
zero or
3 keycards
6
pass KQxx
Axx
Note: if Responder has only 6
cards
and only one more ace then
he will make a sign-off transfer at level 3, so this splinter
is an invitation for possible Slam.
-------------------------------------------------
Example35
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation
1nt 2(1) Axx KQJ10xx (1)
transfer
2
4(2) Kxxx Axx (2)
splinter and 6
cards
5(3)
6 Axx
x (3)
second step
3 keycards
pass A10x
KJx
without Queen
besides was 1nt with 15 hcp the splinter fits the hand
---------------------------------------------------------
Example36
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation
1nt 2(1) KQJx KJ10xxx (1)
transfer
2
3(2) Jx AQxxxx (2)
splinter in spades with 6
3nt(3) pass AQxx
Kxx (3)
strong spades stoppers
....................
Kxx
Axx
------------------------------------------------------------
Example37
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation
1nt 2(1) Jx AKxxxx (1)
transfer
2
4(2) KQJx 3 (2)
splinter
and 6
cards
4
pass AQxx K84
QJx
Kxx
---------------------------------------------------------
Example38
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation
1nt 2(1) Kxx Ax (1)
transfer
2
4(2) Kx
AQJxxxx (2) splinter
and
6
cards
4nt(3) 5(3) AKxxx x (3)
take charge - RKCB
6
pass Kxx
Qxxx
(4) 2 keycards with Queen
Note#5:
the opener's hand is compose by Ace and Kings that are
the principals controls for make tricks and the AKxxx - x have
62% in a 4-3 division big chance to find 3 tricks here.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Example39
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation
1
4(1) AJ98xx Kxxx
(1) splinter
4(2)
4(3) QJ10 Kxxx (2)
2 keycard with Queen =10 cards
pass
Axx
x (3)
sign-off missing 2 keycards
x
KQJx
Note#6:
the splinter fits but misses 2 keycards
ASKING FOR KEYCARDS AFTER AGREED MINOR SUIT
Rule#1:
After a partnership agreed explicitly or implicitly in a minor suit, using the inverted minors
convention, the jump by Opener to level 4 in the agreed suit ask for
keycards using RKB1430 in 4 steps:
example40
Opener Responder
1 2 <= inverted minors 10+ hcp
4 <= RKB1430 - strong hand -
Slam try
responses after 4 are:
- first step => 4 = 1 or 4
keycards
- second step => 4 = zero or 3 keycards
- third step => 4 = 2 keycards without trump's Queen
- fourth step => 4nt = 2 keycards with trump's Queen
-----------------------------------------------------
example41 Opener Responder
1
2 <= inverted minors 10+ hcp
4 <= RKB1430 strong
hand - Slam try
responses after 4
are:
- first step => 4 = 1 or 4
keycards
- second step => 4 = zero or 3 keycards
- third step => 4nt = 2 keycards without Queen
- fourth step => 5 = 2 keycards with Queen
After RKB (Kantar's notation) bidding the the agreed suit by asker is a sign-off unless, by logic,
the response of RKB shows 3 keycards, then the bid of agreed suit
asks for the trump's Queen.
To avoid ambiguity during the auction when any partner bid the agreed suit at level 4
without jump this is a limitation of the hand's strength (possible 10-11
hcp for Responder or possible 12-13 hcp for Opener). So to avoid ambiguity the RKB asking for
keycards should be done in the next suit at level 4 since it is a suit not
bid by a player because then it is a invitation to play in a major at
level 4 in a fit 4-3.
example42
Opener Responder
1 2
2 <= show stopper in Spades and may have 4
cards
.......... 3 <= shows stopper in Clubs
3 <= denies stopper in
Hearts - not forcing
?
......... pass <= also no stopper in Hearts and 10-11 hcp
------ 3nt <= shows stopper in Hearts 12+ hcp
........ 4 <= RKB1430 - strong hand - try to Slam
------ 5 <= to play
-------------------------------------------------------
example43
Opener Responder
1
2
2 <= shows stopper in
and denies in Hearts
3 <= shows stopper in
and denies in Clubs
4 <= denies stopper in
- not forcing - not RKB
......... ?
pass <= 10-13 hcp
- provable only 4 cards Diamonds
4 <= RKB1430 for Diamonds good hand 18+ hcp
4 <= I can play in Spades Hxx if you have
4 cards or in 5
5 <= good hand
13-17 hcp
When the response of keycards does not denies or ensures the possession of
trump's Queen (first and second steps of 1430 or 0314) the RKB asker may asks for the trump's
Queen bidding the next suit and the responses for the Queen-ask are:
- return to the agreed suit denies trump's Queen;
- 4nt shows possession of trump's Queen and denies additional Kings;
- bidding a different suit confirm trump's Queen and shows the cheapest king
up the line.
After RKB, if possible, 4nt is a Specific King Ask (SKA) else 5nt is Grand
Slam try so not asking for Kings and other suit af level 5 is Specific
Suit Ask (SSA).
example44
Opener Responder
1
2
4 <= RKB1430
for
- special hand
............ 4 (1 keycard)
or 4 (zero or 3
keycards)
?
4nt <= Ask for Specific King
5 <=
Queen-ask after 4 and after 4
Queen-ask is 4
5 <=
sign-off for
5 <=
Specific Suit Ask (SSA) for Hearts
5 <= SSA for Spades
---------------------------------------------------------
example45
Opener Responder
1
2
4 <= RKB1430
for
-------- 4nt <= 2 keycards without trump's Queen
............ 5
<= 2 keycards with trump's Queen
5nt <= asking partner if he have any (important Queen) to bid
7
After RKB or a Queen-ask, another suit bid is a Specific Suit Ask (SSA) that wants to know the controls in this suit
and the responses are:
first step => Qxx or dubleton (third
control)
second step => Kxx or Kxxx (second control)
third step => Kx or KQx (second and third control)
jump to the asked suit => singleton (second
control without king)
return to agreed suit => no
control
xxx (three losers)
example46 missing the trump's Queen
Opener Responder
Opener Responder
1
2 <= 10+ hcp
xKQJxAKxxAKxx KQxAxxQxJ10xxx
4 <= RKB1430
4 <= 1 or 4 keycards (assume 1)
4 <= partner do you have trump's Queen
.......... 5 <= no I don't have it
pass <= missing 1 keycard and the trump's Queen
-----------------------------------------------------------
example47
Opener Responder
Opener
Responder
1
2 <= 10+ hcp AQJxKJ109xAQ10x
KxKQJAxxxJ9xx
4 <= RKB1430
4 <= 1 or 4 keycards (assume 1)
4 <= partner do you have trump's Queen
.......... 5 <= no I don't have it
pass <= missing 2 keycard and trump's Queen
Note: Apparently the chances for Slam are not good since a significative
incertainty exist in the Clubs suit due to the precipitate bidding made by the
Opener in not bid a splinter in 3 that may correct
the contract to 3nt.
---------------------------------------------------------------
example48 missing additional Kings - information given by Queen-ask
Opener Responder
Opener
Responder
1
2
AxAxxAQxK10xxx
QJxQxxxxAQJ9xx
4
4 <= 1 or 4 keycards (assume 1)
4 <= partner do you have trump's Queen
.......... 4nt <= yes I have it but no Kings
5 <= no Kings, so let's stop the bidding
now
.......... pass
--------------------------------------------------------------------
example49 missing additional Kings - information given by Queen-ask
Opener Responder
Opener
Responder
1
2 <= 10+ hcp AxxAxxAxxxAQ10 QJxQJxKQJ10xxJ
4 <= RKB1430
4 <= 1 or 4 keycards (assume 1)
4 <= partner do you have trump's Queen
.......... 4nt <= yes I have it but no Kings
5 <= no Kings, so let's stop the
bidding now
........... pass
------------------------------------------------------
example50 response for specific King is 6nt
when there are 3 Kings
Opener Responder
Opener
Responder
1
1
Kx
Kxx
Kxx
Axxxx
Axxx
Ax
Ax
KQ109x
1nt 2 <= nmf
preparing to establish game force
2nt
<= denies 4cards
and 3 cards
.......... 3 <= GF with Clybs agreed suit
3nt <= stopper in all unbid suits
......... 4 <= RKB1430
try for Slam
4 <= 1
keycard
.......... 4nt <= Asking for Specific King
6nt <= 3 kings
........... 7 <=
Kx in Spades because
nmf deny support so 13 tricks
---------------------------------------------------------------
example51 after RKB we Ask for Specific King with 4nt
Opener Responder
Opener
Responder
1
2 Ax
AKJ10
AK109xx
x
KJxxx
xxx
AJx
xx
2
3 <= playing Leb after reverse this is GF
4 <= RKB1430 in Clubs
.......... 4 <= show 1 keycard
4nt <= Asking for King do not promise all keycards it is a try
for Slam
5 <= shows King Spades denies K and K
6 <=
even missing one keycard it is a satisfactory try considering 6 cards
.
Note: after the reverse bid Responder without any King, lets say with Qxxxx having 7 hcp should inform Opener about the strength of his hand
bidding 2nt transfer to Clubs and then supporting Opener in Diamonds. Of
course Opener with his strong hand will bid game in 5.
----------------------------------------------------------------
example52 after RKB and after SKA we search control in a suit with SSA
Opener Responder
Opener
Responder
1
2 <= 10+ hcp xxAKJ10xJ109xKx
AxQx
AKQxxxAxx
3 <= 4 cards support
...................
Specific Suit Ask (SSA) responses:
4 <= RKB1430 .................... first step => Qxx
4 <= 1 keycard
............................. second step => Kxx
4nt
<= Specific King Ask ...... third step => Kx or KQx
5 <= Shows K
............................. jump to agreed suit => singleton
...........
5 <= SSA do you have
K ..
return to agreed suit => nothing
5nt <= second step so AKxxx
........... 7 I can count 13
tricks with Opener having 9 red cards
pass
------------------------------------------------------
example53 another SSA after SKA
Opener Responder
Opener
Responder
1
2 xx
AKJ10x
J109x
Kx
Ax
Qx
AKQxxx
Axx
4 <= RKB1430
..........
4 <= 2 keycards whitout Queen
4nt <= Specifi King Ask
.......... 5
<= shows K and denies
K
5 <= SSA - partner what you have in
Spades
.......... 5nt <= third control (Qxx or Qx or xx)
6 <= let's stop in 6
.......... pass
After a Specific King Ask a second King Ask have the follow responses:
- first step => including 6nt shows Kxx(x)
- second step => Kx
- third step => raise the ask-suit to show KQx
Without the King of the ask-suit Responder returns to the agreed suit
----------------------------------------------------
example54 Search for another King after SKA
Opener Responder Opener
Responder
1
2 <= 10+ hcp AK
AJxx
AQxxx
xx
xx
KQx
Kxxxx
AKx
4 <= RKB1430
.......... 4 <= 2 keycards whitout Queen
4nt <= Specific King Ask
.......... 5 <= K and may have
other King
5 <= partner do you have the K?
........... 6 <= third step =
KQ
7nt <= I can count 13 tricks
........... pass
Note: Read more about RKB for minos in
inverted-minors.
===========================================
INTERFERENCE AT LEVEL 3 FOR MINORS RKB
After a minor suit is agreed if there are interference at level 3 the agreed suit bidded at level 4 is now just competitive for the partial score,
not more a RKB.
Now to ask for RKB it is necessary a jump in the
interference suit + 1:
if interference was in 3 then RKB is now bidded at 4;
if interference was in 3 then RKB is now bidded at 4;
if interference was in 3 then RKB is now bidded at 4nt.
============================================
3-
GERBER -
it is an important convention introduced by John Gerber in 1938 (already published
in Europe -1936) where after an opening in 1nt or 2nt or a jump to 2nt,
Responder asks partner to show the number of aces held bidding 4
using the follows responses:
4 = zero or 4
aces / 4=1 ace / 4=2 aces / 4nt=3 aces
and in continuation 5
will ask for kings, but here we will not use Gerber for Kings because
here we will use that any suit bidded at level 5 by the asker is
sign-off to allows asker play in that minor suit when asker has zero or 1 ace but long and solid minor suit.
---------------------------------------------------------------
MODERN USE OF GERBER BY KANTAR
In Kantar's book "Roman Keycard Blackwood", that is the best reference
for asking aces, kings and also Queens, Kantar uses two conventions for
Gerber:
1- simple or traditional Gerber to be used after 1nt or 2nt opening;
Opener Responder
1nt 4
<= simple Gerber (asking for aces: 4=0
4=1
4=2
4nt=3)
Opener
Responder
2nt 4
<= simple Gerber (asking for aces: 4=4
4=1
4=2
4nt=3)
2- RKB Gerber that changes the 4 steps of Gerber to steps of the RKB1430 and to be used after the follows sequences:
Opener Opponent Responder Opponent
1
pass 1/1/1
pass
1nt pass
4
<= RKB Gerber in Responder's suit
Opener Opponent Responder
Opponent
1
pass
1/1
pass
1nt pass
4
<= RKB Gerber in Responder's suit
Opener Opponent Responder
Opponent
1
pass
1
pass
1nt pass
4
<= RKB Gerber in Spades
Opener Opponent Responder
Opponent
1
pass 1/1/1
pass
2nt pass
4
<= RKB Gerber in Responder's suit
Opener Opponent Responder
Opponent
1
pass
1/1
pass
2nt pass
4
<= RKB Gerber in Responder's suit
Opener Opponent Responder
Opponent
1
pass
1
pass
2nt pass
4
<= RKB Gerber in Spades
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHY IS GERBER SO IMPORTANT?
Answer: because when we want to play game in a minor with good hand but
without aces if we bid 4nt asking for aces and there are 2
aces missing, we have to stop the bidding at 5nt and with more probability in lose
the contract that is very good for playing in suit like in this situation:
you have: KQJ8
x
x
KJ98732
partner has: A32
KQJ
Q9x
AQ64
the bidding goes:
example56
Opener Responder (you)
1
1
2nt ?
if you bid 4nt asking for aces and partner's response is 5
or 5 you have a
great problem,
but if you bid 4
Gerber and partner's response is 4
(2 aces not keycard)
then you bid 5
and partner obeys and passes, but if partner after Gerber 4
bids 4nt (3 aces) then you bid 6
sure to make and more, if partner after Gerber 4
bids 4 (zero or 4
aces) you assume 4 aces and should bid 7
to make.
Similar situation occurs when you have:
8
x
KQJ109xx
KQ109
and partner
opens 1nt or 2nt.
Bidding 4 Gerber, also known 4
Blackwood, you have at level 4 the information for your final contract
in 5 or 6
or 7.
Lets show some sequences where Gerber could be
applyed using now the modern Gerber proposed by Kantar.
First remember that after a 1nt opening 4nt is no more asking for aces:
Opener Responder
1nt 4nt <= quantitative
Quantitative means: If Opener have 17 hcp or good 16 hcp with 5 card suit
then he bids 6nt, otherwise passes.
This information if 1nt is 15 hcp or bad 16 hcp versus 17 hcp or good 16 hcp
is so crucial that experts like Eddie Kantar considers more important to know
maximum or minimum than the information of trump`s Queen or about a
specific King when one hand is 1nt balanced.
-------------------------------------------------------
exmple57
a) after 1nt open:
Opener Responder
1nt 4
<= Gerber - asking for aces (not for keycards)
----------------------------------------------------------
example58
Opener Responder
1nt 2
<= Stayman
2/2
4
<= RKB 0314 Gerber - asking for keycards (*) (not splinter)
--------------------------------------------------------
example59
Opener Responder
1nt 2
<= Stayman
2/2
4nt <= quantitative (**) (not asking for keycards)
Note#7: in * or ** most bridge players
in these sequences will understand 4
as splinter and 4nt as RKB0314, so you only can play that after have
made agreement with your partner. We recommend the use of the popular
way, splinter and RKB0314, but up to you.
-------------------------------------------------------
example60
b) after 2nt open:
Opener Responder
2nt 4
<= simple Gerber - asking for aces
and after Opener shows 4
-------------------------------------------------------
example61
Opener Responder
2nt 3
< Stayman/Puppet
3/3
4
< RKB0314 - asking for keycards
-----------------------------------------------------
example62
Opener Responder
2nt 3
< Stayman/Puppet
3/3
4nt <= quantitative
Note#8: again this is only for expert's
partnership who has already discussed these sequences and knows their
advantages.
---------------------------------------------------
example63
c) after reverse in 2nt showing 18-19 hcp
Opener Response
1suit 1suit
2nt 4
<= RKB0314 in Responder suit
----------------------------------------------------------
example64
Opener Responder
2nt 3
< Stayman/Puppet
2/2
4nt < quantitative
-------------------------------------------------------------
example64
d) playing inverted minors after:
Opener Responder with no interference
1
2
4 <= is RKB1430
Gerber
asking for keycards in Clubs
--------------------------------------------------------------
example65
Opener Responder
1
2
4 <= is RKB1430 Gerber
asking for keycards in Diamonds
--------------------------------------------------------------
example66
Opener Responder with no interference
1
2
2suit 4
<= is RKB1430 Gerber asking for keycards in Clubs
----------------------------------------------------------------
example67
Opener Responder
1
2
2suit 4
<= is RKB1430 Gerber asking for keycards in Diamonds
Conclusion: we are using Kantar's recommendation about Gerber but for
using these conventions you need to have long agreements with your partner.
Thus
be careful in using it when you are
playing with a new partner and had no time to discuss these agreements.
When you have a regular partner you need make agreements to decide about
the use of 4
Gerber asking for keycard and 4nt quantitative or to use 4
splinter and 4nt 1430.
When you use 4nt quantitative and 4
Gerber playing Bergen raises the responses more common are:
- the splinter GF 12-14 hcp is bided in jump to the other major at level
3 and Opener search for the singleton bidding next suit:
Opener Responder
1
3 <=
artificial bid showing 4+
cards 12-14+ hcp
3nt <= ask for the singleton
?
4
<= Clubs singleton
4
<= Diamonds singleton
4
<= Spades singleton
Opener Responder
1
3 <=
artificial bid showing 4+
cards 12-14+ hcp
3 <= ask for
the singleton
?
3nt <=
Clubs singleton
4
<= Diamonds singleton
4
<= Hearts singleton
The others response bids at level 3 are change in position and 3c > 3d:
Opener Responder
1
3 <= 4
cards and 2-6 hcp
1
3 <= 4
cards and 2-6 hcp
1
4 <= 5+
cards and 2-6 hcp
1
4 <= 5+
cards and 2-8 hcp
1
3 <= 4
cards and 10-11 hcp
1
3 <= 4
cards and 10-11 hcp
1
3 <= 4
cards and 7-9 hcp
1
3 <= 4
cards and 7-9 hcp
The responses bids at level 4 are:
Opener Responder
1
4 <=
RKB1430 for Spades
1
4 <=
RKB1430 for Hearts
1
4 <=
transfer to the other major up to 10 hcp 7/8
cards
1
4 <=
transfer to the other major up to 10 hcp 7/8
cards
1
4 <=
transfer to Spades with 18-19 hcp balanced with 3
cards
1
4 <=
transfer to Herats with 18-19 hcp balanced with 3
cards
1
4 <= 5+
cards and 2-6 hcp
1
4 <= 5+
cards and 2-8 hcp
4- EXCLUSION RKB
When Responder has a void and strong support
in the Opener suit,
or when Opener has a void and strong support in Responder suit,
then a jump in level 5 in the void asks for KEYCARDS in last bid suit
with the exclusion of the ace of the suit bid at level 5.
The answers for RKB1430 are:
1o. step = 1 or 4;
2o. step = 0 or 3;
3o. step = 2 keycards without trump Queen;
4o. step = 2 keycards with the trump Queen.
after the answer if partner bids the cheapest suit this is Grand Slam
try asking for the trump's Queen. So without the trump's Queen the
teller (Responder) bids the agreed suit else having it the teller jumps
to seven of the agreed suit.
After the answer if partner bids the agreed suit in any lev el this is conclusive (sign-off).
example68
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation
1
5(1)
A1093 KQ32
(1)
exclusion in
5nt(2) 7 A874
93 (2)
2 Keycards no Q
pass ................ K9 -
.......................
72
AKQJ843
---------------------------------------------------------
example69
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation
1
5(1) A1093 K3
(1) exclusion for
6(2)
7 Q874
-
(2)
2 Keycards with Q
pass ............. A6
KQJ6
..................... Q82 AKJ10843
----------------------------------------------------------
example70
O:
AKQ9 - KJ10xxxx Kx
R:
xxx QJx- Axxx A85
Opener opp1 Responder opp2
1
pass 2
2nt
5*
double 5**
pass
7 all pass
* exclusion RKB (void in
)
**step3 =2 keycards no
Q
with 11 trumps no need Q
------------------------------------------------------------
example71
O:
AKQ943 AKQxx - Kx
R:
Jxxx x
A1098x A85
Opener opp1 Responder opp2
2 pass 2 pass
2
pass 3 pass
5* pass 5**
pass
7 all pass
*exclusion
- A not count
** first step = 1 keycard (ace Diamonds is exclude)
EKB - Exclusion RKB for minors
Kantar in his book "Roman Keycard Blackwood" has a optional chapter for
Exclusion RKB for minors. Kantar use the notation EKB for RKC1430 with a void after minor-suit agreement.
To avoid ambiguity with splinter the EKB occurs in a superior jump
level of the splinter. So after an agreement at level 2 Opener having
singleton in a major will splinter bidding his singleton at level 3, but if
Opener have a void in a major, and of course a strong, he will ask for
keycards bidding EKB1430 at level 4 like:
example72
Opener Responder Opener
Responder
1
2
- KQx KQJx AJxxxx
Jxx Ax
A10x Kxxxx
4 <= EKB1430 in Spades
.......... 5
<= second step shows 3 keycard
now Operner may ask for Queen bidding 5 but with 10-11 cards fit it is not
necessary, so Opener bids Grand Slam.
7
pass
Note: For Responder it is more rare the use of EKB at level 4 and so EKB
need be use at level 5. Responder need first establish the agrred suit
and after use the RKB. A directly jump to another suit at level 4 need a
convention with partner and may be to play or to transfer to the strong
hand, so it is not a EKB
5-
JOSEPHINE
CULBERTSON CONVENTIONS -
Wife of Ely Culbertson was an expert bridge
player and in 1936 she wrote an article in Bridge Word about her husband's convention to
search top honors in agreed trump suit. This convention was changed and
became popularized only for majors suits (not really the original
article), but useful in many situations.
1-When we want to know the top honors (A/K/Q) in a agreed
major suit, we jump to 5 of this suit and the answers are:
- pass = zero or 1 top honor (A/K/Q);
- 6 in the agreed suit = means 2 top honors (AK/AQ/KQ)
- 7 in the agreed suit = means 3 top honors (AKQ)
example73
Opener Resp Opener Resp explanation
1 5(1)
K9732 J865 (1) Josephine
pass(2) ...... AK4
- (2)
0 or 1 top honor
................... 75
AKQJ65 5
is the final bid and
.................... Q82 AK contract
could down 1.
-------------------------------------------------------------
example74
Opener
Resp Opener Respr explanation
1 1......
AKQ3
108652 (1) splinter - 4
cards
4(1)
4(2)
KQJ876
-
(2) waiting for
cuebid
4(3)
5(4)
52
AKQJ5 (3) no A
good news
7
all pass 7
A8
(4) Josephine
JOSEPHINE
5NT
When we have all controls and the question is Slam or Grand Slam, then
we want to know if partner has 2 top honors in agreed trump suit and
we make a GRAND SLAM FORCE jumping to 5nt, bypassing the 4nt bid,
and partner must bid 6 or 7 in the agreed suit depending on 1 or 2 top honors
in trump suit.
example75
Opener
Resp Opener Resp explanation
1 2
KJ932 - (1) Fast Arrive
weak
4(1)
5nt(2 AK4
QJ976532 (2) Grand Slam Force
7(3) .......... 75
AK4
(3) I have 2 top honors
..................... Q82
AK we only need top honors
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