BALANCING - Auction Reopening    

When we are going to play with a unknow partner we normally make some basic agreemments about the system but rarely say something about conventions to reopen the bidding (balancing).
So when we are in 4th position and dealer opens in suit at level one and two passes are followed, we realize that no agreements to balacing was made! 

In fact many players suppose that 2/1 in balancing position is the same system after opponent open in first position, maybe because they never read "The Complete Book on BALANCING in Contract Bridge" by Mike Lawrence published first time in 1981 and reprinted many times.

Considerations: In the classic Lawrence's book the reopen with a cuebdi is the most strong reopen possible and the reopen with 2nt is 20-21 balanced hand, but in modern competive bridge's systems the Michaels Cuebid for weak 2 suits hands, the unusual 2nt for weak 2 suits and the modern Leapping Michaels with extensions for strong 2 suits are dominant conventions in these days; Thus we will change some good Lawrence's recommendation in this proposed convention.

Furthermore, if opponent stopped the bidding in level 1 or 2, or even in level 3, this is also a situation where exist possible balance in the 40 high card points between NS and EW, maybe 20-20 or 21-19. Thus we need some agreements with partner to reopen the bidding in a way that we know what we are bidding, the understanding between partners is the more important thing for partnership's success.

1) REOPENING AT FORTH SEAT - opponent opens 1 in suit and after two passes it is our turn to bid

Rule#1- To show 2 weak suits in the reopening we use the Michaels convention and the unusual nt convention, both with brazilian modifications, and to show 2 strong suits up to 4 losers we use the Leaping Michaels convention, thus it is essential read michaelsBR.
What Michaels you prefer: the traditional or the brazilian michaels?
We recommend the brazilian michaels - need agreement with partner!
Michaels Cuebid
After any suit open the reopen with a cuebid shows 2 weak suits:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
  1   pass     pass   2 => weak 2 suit 7-10 hcp 5major-5+
               QJ1092 4 KQ1062 3  or  3 KJ874 AJ963 73
  1   pass     pass    2  > weak 2 suits 7-10 hcp 5major-5+
               AJ873 42 - K109842  or  J3 AJ764 3 QJ1098
  1   pass     pass   2 => traditional michaels 55m+ 7-10 hcp
               QJ1092 - J108762 K2  or  AQJ43 4 63 Q9873
  1   pass     pass   2 => traditional michaels 55m+ 7-10 hcp
               3 KJ953 82 AJ982  or    J AJ1064 QJ10854 3
Unusual nt modified
After a major open the reopen in 2nt shows 2 weak minors and after a minor open the reopen with 2nt shows 2 weak majors (7-10 hcp):
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1     pass     pass   2nt => weak 2 majors suit 7-10 hcp 5-5+
                 QJ1092 KJ984 62 3  or  AQ653 J87432 3 7
  1     pass     pass   2nt  > weak 2 majors suits 7-10 hcp 5-5+
                 AJ1073 1098742 - K2  or  QJ983 KQ1064 32 8
  1     pass     pass   2nt => weak 2 minors suit 55+ 7-10 hcp
                 QJ1092 - J108762 K2  or  AQJ43 4 63 Q9873
  1     pass     pass   2nt => weak 2 minors suits 55+ 7-10 hcp
                 3 Q3 QJ1087 AJ982  or    J 3 KJ10854 AJ873
Leaping Michaels
After any suit open the reopen in jump to level 4 shows 2 strong suits, up to 4 losers, if the bid is a cuebid or if the bid is 4 or 4:
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1     pass     pass   4 => strong 2 majors suits up to 4 losers
               KQJ103 AKJ102 82 -  or  AK1092 AKQ84 J3 2
  1     pass     pass   4 => strong 5major-5+ up to 4 losers
               KQJ103 42 AKJ982 -  or  3 AQJ103 AKQJ83 2
  1     pass     pass   4 => strong 2 majors suits up to 4 losers
               KQJ103 AKJ102 2 3  or  AK1092 AKQ43 - Q102
  1     pass     pass   4 => strong 2 suits up to 4 loserrs 5M-5+
               AKQJ3 4 - KQ10982  or  J3 AKQ104 3 AQJ108
  1     pass     pass   4 => strong 2 minors suits  up to 4 losers
               9 4 AKQJ2 AQJ987  or    3 4 AKJ93 AKQ973
  1     pass     pass   4 => strong 2 suits up to 4 losers 55+
               KQJ109 4 J2 AKQ95  or    AQJ103 4 3 AKQ973
  1     pass     pass   4 => strong 2 suits up to 4 losers 55+
               AQJ109 4 AKQJ2 K3  or    AKQ93 43 3 AKQ973
  1     pass     pass   4 => strong 2 minors suit up to 4 losers
               - 95 AKJ107 AKQJ82  or    J 4 AKQJ8 AK10973
  1     pass     pass   4 => strong 2 suits up to 4 losers 55+
               3 AKJ95 2 AKQJ82  or  J KQJ104 8 AK9732
  1     pass     pass   4 => strong 2 suits up to 4 losers 55+
               3 AKJ95 2 AKQJ82  or    J AKJ104 AKQJ8 J3

Rule#2- A reopen with double should should be made with 10+ hcp, but with a good shape like 4441 - singleton in Opener suit - it is acceptable even with 8 hcp, Thus, advancer (partner of the Reopener) should be careful to not overbid supposing Reopener have a regular double with 12+ hcp.
Exemples:
  EAST  SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
    1    Pass     Pass      ?
a) A743   87    K643     A85     => Double
b) A74     84    AK54     K854   => Double
c) A843   53    AK643   K74     => Double
d) A763   854  K74       A73     => Double
e) QJ83   -      107643 AJ104  => Double
f)  K1063 8      K87       Q1073 => Double
g) KQ93   8      KQ97     AKQJ   => Double
h) K102   AKJ   KQJ8      KJ8     => double
i)  J1073  A4    AKQ83   AK9     => double
J) QJ10    KJ5   KJ          AKQ82 => double
k) AQJ9   AJ10 QJ83      AQ7     => double

Rule#3- the reopening in jump shows a good middle strength hand around 15 hcp with 6/7 cards.
EAST  SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
  1       pass    pass  2/2/2 =>14-16 hcp 6 cards not forcing
  1       pass    pass  2/2/3 =>14-16 hcp 6 cards not forcing
  1       pass    pass  2/3/3 =>14-16 hcp 6 cards not forcing
  1       pass    pass  3/3/3 =>14-16 hcp 6 cards not forcing
Note1: when the reopening is a jump in a minor suit this suit must be a good invitation for 3nt, so need be solid 6/7 cards with AK at top and good middle cards like AKJ98xx or AKQ109x, without AK just overcall.
 
Examples of jump overcall 14-16 hcp in reopening:
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1       pass    pass  2 => Ax J104 AKQ10962 4
  1       pass    pass  2 => K72 AJ10954 AK2 6
  1       pass    pass  2 => J1098542 AK KQJ 2
  1       pass    pass  2 => J7 KJ109543 AKQ 6
  1       pass    pass  2 => KQ10972 K3 KQ2 K4
  1       pass    pass  3 => Q107 K3 2 AKQ8762
  1       pass    pass  2 => QJ109872 4 QJ2 AKJ
  1       pass    pass  3 => Q82 7 Ax AKJ107642
  1       pass    pass  3 => KJ4 3 AKQJ985 J4
  1       pass    pass  3 => 8 KJ7 Q3 AKJ98762
  1       pass    pass  3 => - K94 AKQ98542 Q54
  1       pass    pass  3 => 4QJ98432 AKJ A4

Rule#4- the reopening with a double jump can be:
a) a preemptive hand with 7+ cards 7-10 hcp with A or K at top like AQ109xxx or KQ108xxx or KJ1098xxx or AJ98xxx, or AK109xxx if bided at level 3;
b) if bided at level 4 can be Leaping Michaels - 2 strong suits 6/5 cards where the minor is always more long or equal the major - with 4 or less losers;
c) if bided in 4 or 4 is to play with 5 or less losers, but if the open suit was 1 then 4 shows strong 2 minors suits (5-5)+ and if the open was 1 then 4 shows  strong 2 minors suits (5-5)+;
d) cuebid at level 3 asking for stopper bidding 3nt otherwise next suit:
 Opener Advancer Responder Overcaller
   1        pass         pass          3 <= asking for Clubs stopper
   1        pass         pass          3 <= asking for Diamonds stopper
   1        pass         pass          3 <= asking for Hearts stopper
   1        pass         pass          3 <= asking for Spades stopper

Examples of reopening with double jump
EAST SOUTH WEST  NORTH
  1     pass    pass   3 ask partner bid 3nt with stopper in Clubs
                                      Ax QJ8 AKQ97632 -
  1     pass    pass   3 weak => 3 J104 AK109762 94
  1     pass    pass   3 weak => 97 AQ109543 K102 6
  1     pass    pass   3 weak => KJ1098532 Q4 K4 6
  1     pass    pass   4 Leaping Michaels both majors (5-5)+
  1     pass    pass   4 Leaping Michaels 5+(5 or 5)
  1     pass    pass   4 to play 7/8 cards with 5 or less losers
  1     pass    pass   4 to play 7/8 cards with 5 or less losers
  1     pass    pass   3 =>ask partner bid 3nt with stopper in
                                         Ax KJ8 -  AKJ97632
  1     pass    pass   3 weak => Q7 KJ109543 Q102 6
  1     pass    pass   3 weak => KQJ9872 43 2 K64
  1     pass    pass   4 Leaping Michaels 5+(5 or 5)+
  1     pass    pass   4 Leaping Michaels both majors (5-5)+
  1     pass    pass   4 to play 7/8 cards with 5 or less losers
  1     pass    pass   4 to play 7/8 cards with 5 or less losers
  1     pass    pass   3 =>ask partner bid 3nt with stopper in
                                           Ax 4 KQ  AKJ97632
  1     pass    pass   3 weak => AJ109872 4 QJ2 64
  1     pass    pass   4 Leaping Michaels 5+5
  1     pass    pass   4 Leaping Michaels 5+5
  1     pass    pass   4 Leaping Michaels both minors (5-5)+
  1     pass    pass   4 to play 7/8 cards with 5 or less losers
  1     pass    pass   3 =>ask partner bid 3nt with stopper in
                                           - A4 QJ9  AKQ97632
  1     pass    pass   4 Leaping Michaels 5+5
  1     pass    pass   4 Leaping Michaels 5+5
  1     pass    pass   4 to play => - KQJ64324 QJ98 4
  1     pass    pass   4 Leaping Michaels both minors (5-5)+

Rule#5- if opponent open in a minor (1/1) followed by two passes the reopen in 1nt is weak, just a balanced hand with 12-14 hcp with a stopper in the Opener'a suit.
The Stayman and transfer to majors are on, but 2nt is a invitation with 11 or 12 hcp with good middle cards like 9 e 10;
Transfer for the other minor is 2 and Reopener bids the other minor if like with maximum and bids 2nt if not like, but if the minor opened was Clubs Reopener bidding 3 shows not like Diamonds and has good 5 cards, then his partner can pass with 3+ cards.
The bid in 2nt by reopener's partner is not transfer but a invitation with 11-12 hcp considering the importance of middle cards.

Note2: Find a fit is an important objective in the auction, thus with 4-4 or 4-3 in the majors and 12-14 hcp the hand is more for double than for bid 1nt, but with a 4-2 or 3-2 or 3-3 in majors the hand is more for 1nt bid if it has a stopper in Opener's suit.

Note3: many players reopen in 1nt without a stopper in Opener suit, but in some ocasions they lose 5+ tricks in the Opener's suit, so Qxx or Jxxx in Opener suit are sadisfactory stoppers for reopening in 1nt.
Examples:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
  1    pass    pass   1nt => 12-14 hcp balanced
                     QJ3K4 KQJ2 J1094 or Q972 A10 AJ10 Q984
  1    pass    pass   1nt => 12-14 hcp balanced
                     AJ3KJ4 QJ92 Q94 or Q92 K10 AJ7 KJ1084

Rule#6- if opponent opens in a major (1/1) followed by two passes the reopen in 1nt need have more strength and so shows 15-17 hcp in a balanced hand with at least 1,5 stopper in the Opener's major suit.
All system used is on, so 2nt is a transfer to 3 and Reopener bids 3 if don't like and 3 if like, 2 is transfer to 3 and Reopener bids 2nt if don't like and 3 if like.
Considering that the invitation is asking for maximum a good way to protect the information of reopener suits is just making a tranfer in 2 for 3 because if reopener is maximum he bids 3 and then advancer bids 3nt, but if reopener is minimum then he bids 2nt and then advancer just pass. 
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   1nt => 15-17 hcp balanced
                 QJ3 K1094 KQJ2 A9  or  Q97 AJ6 KQJ10 K42
  1       pass    pass  1nt => 15-17 hcp balanced
                 KJ93 K102 QJ10 KQ9 or AQ J75 A107 KQJ104
             
Rule#7- after any suit open followed by two passes the reopen in 3nt is to play based in a long and solid minor with a stopper in the opener's suit and 7+ sure tricks in the hand.
EAST SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1    pass      pass   3nt => to play A3 J4 AKQ1082 K2
  1    pass      pass   3nt => to play K3 J A9 AKJ97532
  1    pass      pass   3nt => to play AK3 KJ4 AKQJ82 10
  1    pass      pass   3nt => to play A3 K4 Q2 AKQ10942

1) SUMMARY OF THE BIDS IN REOPENING IN FOURTH POSITION
1.1 Sequences after 1 open followed by two passes
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1     pass      pass     ?       
  
pass  => probable good 4+ and short in majors up to 11 hcp
double => tend to promise 4-3 in majors with 10+ points

Note4: not Vul we can also reopen with double having only 8 hcp with favorable shape like 4441 or 5431 if we are short in Opener's suit, so partner must avoid pass in Reopener's double hoping find sure tricks.

 1  => normal overcall 8-14 hcp - indication for lead - 4+ cards
 1  => normal overcall 8-14 hcp - indication for lead - 4+ cards
 1  => normal overcall 8-14 hcp - indication for lead - 4+ cards
1nt => 12-14 hcp tend to deny 4-3 in majors - show stopper in
        all system is on but 2 is transfer to 3 and 2nt is invitation
 2 => brazilian michaels 5major-5+
            KQJ64 4 QJ953 J2  or  3 K10984 AJ8543 2
 2 => 6+ with 14-16 hcp - invitation 3nt: QJ9K94AKQ9832
 2 => 6+ with 14-16 hcp - invitation 4: K3KQJ984AJ1052
 2 => 6+ with 14-16 hcp - invitation 4: QJ109763AQ5AJ2
2nt => weak 2 majors suits 7-10 hcp
            KQJ64 QJ9832 3 2  or  AJ1053 KJ1084 43 2
 3 => special bid - ask to partner bid 3nt with stopper
            QJ3AJ9AKQJ9862 / Q105A2AKQJ10872 -
3/3/3 preemptive bid - 7+ cards - 7-10 hcp - with A/K at top
            in a suit like: AQ98432 or AK75432 or KQ98732
3nt => to play - 7+ solid suit and stopper in
            AK3 J4 AKQ1082 K2 / J AJ4 AKQJ862 A2
 4 => (5-5)+ strong 2 suits 4 or less losers - Leaping Michaels
            KQJ8743AKQ10685- / AKQJ5KQJ106J4 7
 4 => 5+5major strong 2 suits 4 or less losers Leaping Michaels
            AKQ1066KQJ10835 / J7KQJ106AKJ1092 -  
4/4 => to play - long suit 7/8 cards 5 losers or less
               3KQJ10654KQ1082 / AKJ109873K104Q2 -
 5 => to play - special hand distributional Q3AK9AKQJ8652-

1.2 Sequences after 1 open followed by two passes 
 EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
    1    pass      pass       ?     
 
pass => probable good 4+ and short in majors < 12 hcp
double => promise 4-3 in majors with 10+ points
 1 => normal overcall 8-14 hcp can be only 4 cards
 1 => normal overcall 8-14 hcp can be only 4 cards
1nt => 12-14 probable 3-3 in majors promise stopper in
      all system is on but 2 is transfer to 3 and 2nt is invitation
 2 => normal overcall 9-14 hcp - indication for lead
 2 => brazilian michaels 5major-5+
            KQJ64 4 J2 QJ953   or  3 K10984 2 AJ8543
 2 => 6+ with 14-16 hcp - example:  J3 AQJ10976 2 AK4
 2 => 6+ with 14-16 hcp - example: AKQ943 K4 x4 QJ2
2nt => weak 2 majors suits 7-10 hcp
 3 => solid 6+ with 14-16 hcp - example:J3AK62AKJ9832
 3 => special bid - ask to partner bid 3nt with stopper in
            QJ3AJ94 AKQJ986 / Q105A2-AKQJ10872
 3/3 => preemptive 7+ cards less than 11 hcp with A/K at top
             like: AQ98432 or AK75432 or KQ98732
 3nt => to play - normally 6+ solid closed suit and stopper in
            AK3 J4 K10 AKJ10872 / A3 J4 A2 AKQJ432
 4 => 6-5major strong 2 suits 4 or less losers Leaping Michaels
            AKQ106 6 5 KQJ1083 / J7 KQJ1064 - AKJ1092
 4 => Leaping Michaels strong 2 majors suits - 6-(5-5)+ 
            AK10953 QJ10942 - 5 / KQJ853 AJ10543 - 5
 4/4 => to play - distributional hand and 5 or less losers     
            6 KQJ107654 - QJ102 /AKJ10973 K10 2 Q92
 5 => to play - A93 4 10 AKJ1087632

1.3 Sequences after 1 open followed by two passes  
EAST  SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
  1     pass      pass     ?       
  
pass  => probable good 4+ and short in Spades up to 11 hcp
double => tend to promise 3+ and 10+ hcp
 1  => normal overcall 8-14 hcp - indication for lead - 4+ cards
1nt  => 15-17 hcp tend to deny 4 cards - shows 1,5 stopper in
              all partnership conventions for 1nt open are active
 2 => normal overcal 8-14 hcp 5+  indication for lead
 2 => normal overcal 8-14 hcp 5+  indication for lead
 2 => michaels cuebid 55m+ 7-10 hcp
             KQ954 4 KJ932 J9 or  AQ1093 - Q87 K9764
 2 => 6+ with 14-16 hcp - good invitation to game
2nt => weak 2 minors suits 7 - 10 hcp
 3 => solid 6+ with 14-16 hcp - example:J3AK62AKJ9832
 3 => solid 6+ with 14-16 hcp - example:K936AKJ9832A5
 3 => special bid - ask to partner bid 3nt with stopper
            QJ39AKQJ986A3 / K1052A8AKQJ1072
 3 => preemptive bid - 7+ cards - 7-10 hcp - need A/K at top
3nt => to play - solid minor suit with stopper in
            A3 K3 AKQ10842 Q2 / J3 A4 K3  AKQJ862
 4 => 6-5 strong 2 suits 4 or less losers - Leaping Michaels
            AKQ106 6 5 KQJ1083 / J7 KQJ1064 - AKJ1092
 4 =>  6-5 strong 2 suits 4 or less losers - Leaping Michaels
            KQJ1082 - KQJ987 J / AKJ532 - 42 KQ9653
 4 => (5-5)+ Leaping Michaels strong 2 minors suits
            4 - AK10953 QJ10942 / 4   -  KQJ853 AK10543
 4 => to play - 7/8 cards and good suit      
                KQJ10652 4KQ1082 / AKJ1098734QJ2 6
 5 => to play -special hand -long suit 73 - KQ10 AKJ97652
 5 => to play -special hand -long suit x 4 KQJ107654 AK2

1.4 Sequences after 1 open followed by two passes 
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1     pass      pass      ?       
  
pass  => probable good 4+ and short in up to 11 hcp
double => tend to promise 4 10+ hcp
1nt  => 15-17 hcp tend to deny 4 cards - shows 1,5 stopper in
              all partnership conventions for 1nt open are active
 2 => normal overcal 8-14 hcp 5+  indication for lead
 2 => normal overcal 8-14 hcp 5+  indication for lead
 2 => normal overcal 8-14 hcp 5+  indication for lead
 2 => michaels cuebid 5-5m+ 7-10 hcp
            4 KQJ64 K9763 J3 or - AJ1093 Q8 QJ8654  
2nt => 2 weak minors suits 7-10 hcp
 3 => solid 6+ with 14-16 hcp - example:J3AK62AKJ9832
 3 => 6+ with 14-16 hcp - good invitation to game
            5 KQJ1086 KJ9 A104 or  - QJ108643 AJ9 AQ4  
 3 => special bid - ask to partner bid 3nt with stopper
            QJ39AKQJ986A3 / K1052A8AKQJ1072
3nt => to play - long and solid with and stopper in
            3 KJ4 AKQ1082 A2 / J A4 AKQJ862 QJ2
 4 =>  6-5 strong 2 suits 4 or less losers - Leaping Michaels
            4 AKQ106 5 KQJ1083 / J7 KQJ1064 - AKJ1092
 4 => Leaping Michaels strong 2 minors suits (6-5) 
            4 AK10953 -  QJ10942 / -  KQJ853 AK10543 5
 4 => to play - 7/8 cards and good suit          
                4 AKJ10543 K108 K3 / - KJ1076542 QJ2 K2
 4 => (5-5)+ Leaping Michaels strong 2 minors suits
            4 - AK10953 QJ10942 / 4   - KQJ853 AK10543
 5 => to play - special hand - long suit -K4KQ10AKJ97652
 5 => to play - special hand - long suit -K4KQ1098432AK2

1.5 HOW TO SHOW BALANCED  15-17/18-19 HCP AFTER MINOR OPEN 
Suppose South opens in a minor suit followed by two passes and East reopens with a double, if South (Opener) pass and West (Advancer) bids a major in level one then East's second bid in 1nt means 15-17 hcp and in 2nt means 18-19 hcp, denying 4 cards support to the major bided.

EAST    SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
             1/1   pass     pass
 double  pass    1major  pass
  1nt => 15-17=> AQ QJ4 KJx KJ109x /A9 Q94 KJx KQJ9x

 EAST   SOUTH  WEST NORTH
             1/1   pass     pass
 double  pass   1major  pass
  2nt =>18-19 hcp: AQ3QJ4KJxAJ109 /AKQ94KJ10xKQJ9

Note5: when the reopen is double if partner bids a major that fits 4 cards in our hand you raise (support) to level 2 with up to 16 hcp, raise  to level 3 with 17-18 hcp and cuebid with 19-20 hcp.

1.6 HOW TO SHOW BALANCED 18-19 HCP AFTER A MAJOR OPEN
Suppose South open 1 and after two passes East reopens with a double, if South pass and West bid 1, East's second bid in 1nt means 18-19 hcp (with less East reopen with 1nt or pass in 1).
If South opens with 1 and East reopens with a double, after West bids a suit at level 2 East's second bid in 2nt shows 18-19 hcp.

EAST     SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
               1        pass     pass
 double  pass      1        pass
  1nt <= 18-19 hcp balanced hand
              A93 KJ4 KJx AK109 /K98 AJ9 K10x AK109x

 EAST   SOUTH   WEST       NORTH
              1         pass          pass
 double  pass   2/2/2    pass
  2nt => 18-19 hcp balanced hand
              AQ2 QJ4 KJx AJ109 / K1097 K94 AK KQJ9

Note6: After the reopen with double, in case West bids 1 after 1 open, East with 18-19 hcp and 4 cards  support could cuebid 2 to show 18-19 hcp, but with a 4333 hand also 1nt bid is good because 1 in some cases can be a negative bid with 3 cards and then the lead comes to the strong hand.

SUMMARY TO REOPEN WITH BALANCED HAND
12 - 14 hcp - reopen with 1NT after minor open (denying major)
15 - 17 hcp - reopen 1NT after major open (denying other major)
18 - 19 hcp - reopen with double and after bid NT at level
20 - 21 hcp - reopen with double and jump to 2nt or 3nt


TEST YOURSELF
Supposing the auction goes: 1 pass pass ?
How do you bid in reoping position with:

a) 2 AKQ75 AQJ1093 2
Suggestion: bidding 4 shows 5-5 and promises up to 4 losers, but isn't GF. Advancer decides: pass. 4 or 5.

b) KJ1032 9 AQ10 A952
Suggestion: pass - probably they have have a fit in and even your partner having 9-10 hcp, opponent playing in 1 will be a good contract for our partnership. We can't double or bid 1nt with singleton so we must pass.

c) K1073 Q94 A108 Q82
Suggestion: pass, considering that reopen in 1nt for major need 15-17 hcp pass is the more prudent bid in this 4333.

d) 3 AQJ974 Q108 Q82  
Suggestion: 2, considering that a 3 shows 14-16 hcp, but if opener rebid 2 you with singleton in Opener's suit and no Vul could bid 3 that is still a weak hand with 6 cards, so your partner will not double possible 3 or bid 4 after your rebid.

e) 1073 AK4 Q1095 Q82
Suggestion: if you are non Vul you can double - your partner must have 8+ hcp and playing in level 2 with 7 trumps in will not be a disaster, but Vul pass is a prudent choise.

f) 92 94 AKQJ93 A82
Suggestion: 3, an invitation to 3nt, if partner have stopper in and  8+ hcp 3nt can be made.

g) KJ7 K94 AQ10 AK82
Suggestion: double then bid 2nt if partner bids 2 or 2, but bid jump to 3nt if partner bids 2 or 1nt.

h) 9 9754 AJ108 J1082
Suggestion: pass quickly, but if you had a K in the place of 9 you can reopen with double based in this shape.

i) KJ7 K104 AJ10 A1098
Suggestion:  bid 1nt showing 15-17 hcp and let your partner decide.

j) 9 AKJ1094 AK10 Q102
Suggestion: double and if partner bids a minor then jump to 3, if you bid 3 directly could be a underbid; If partner bids 2 or 1nt jump to game in 4.

k) 97 94 AK1098 J982
Suggestion: bid 2, pass will be "chicken"!

l) 972 942 AQ1098 Q9
Suggestion: pass, a 2 bid with too many losers is danger with no good distributional hand because partner could compete at level 3 if opponent bid 2 or rebid 2.

Note7: It is very important that a passed hand with 10-12 hcp be tolerant with Reopener double and don't overbid jumping to 3nt or pass in the reopen double supposing good high cards points in Reopener's hand. The bidding must be cooperative because Reopener can just have a distributional weak hand around 10 or les hcp.

2- AFTER A REOPEN IN FOUTN POSITION HOW SHOULD REOPENER'S PARTNER (ADVANCE) BIDS TO SHOW HIS STRENGTH:

IF THE REOPEN IS MADE WITH A DOUBLE, THEN:

a) 1nt bid shows 1,5 stopper with no 4 cards major and 10-12 hcp;
 EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   1nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced   Q72 J104 AQ10 QJ98

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   1nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced   Q7 J104 AQ10 QJ982

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   1nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced   Q7 K1084 QJ108 KJ9

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   1nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced   QJ97 J4 A109 QJ92
 
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b) pass means good 5+ cards (not 976543) in Opener's suit and hand like 5332 with 10-12 hcp;
  EAST   SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
   1      pass      pass    double
 pass     pass <= Q7 J104 AQ7 QJ982

 EAST   SOUTH  WEST NORTH
   1      pass      pass   double
 pass     pass <= QJ7 94 AK1092 Q98

EAST   SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
   1      pass      pass    double
 pass     pass <= 9 QJ10842 AJ10 J102

 EAST   SOUTH  WEST NORTH
   1      pass      pass   double
 pass     pass <= AQJ82 94 A10 J1098

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c) 2nt shows 13-14 hcp with 2 stoppers in Opener's suit, so if reopen has been done with 9-10 hcp and 4441 Reopener should pass;
 EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   2nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced   Q72 K104 AQ10 QJ98

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   2nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced   A7 J104 AQ10 QJ982

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   2nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced   K7 K1084 QJ108 KJ9

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   2nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced   AJ97 J4 A109 QJ92

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d) the bid of next suit shows weak hand and can be done with only 3 cards when partner has low 4+ cards in Opener's suit.
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   1 <= can be 3 cards  J87  J104 K105 10842

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   1 <= can be 3 cards   Q7 J104 98642 Q98

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   1 <= can be 3 cards   K72 10842 1083 Q94

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   2 <= can be 3 cards   97432 K4 Q94 952

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e) bidding a suit in jump to level 2 means 5+ cards and 10-12 hcp but in principle is a suit not recommended for overcal with only one top honor like K9xxx or Q10xxx or J10xxx;
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   2 <= 5+ 10-12 hcp => J87  A10 Q10765 QJ2

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   2 <= 5+ 10-12 hcp => Q76543 Q4 2 AQ98

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   2 <= 5+ 10-12 hcp => J8732 42 AK3 K94

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   3 <= 5+ 10-12 hcp => AQ2 1087543 4 A92

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f) cuebid by a passed hand is a invitation to game (after minor open shows both majors and after a major open shows 4 cards in the other major) - in principle without stopper in Opener's suit having 4333 or 4432 with 10-13 hcp - so reopener sign-off the auction bidding his 4 cards suit at level 2 or do a GF bidding at level 3.
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   2 <= shows both majors => AQ87  AJ104 5 10542

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   2 <= shows both majors => Q753 K1094 92 AQ9

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   2 <= shows 4 with 10-13 hcp => KJ102 84 K983 A94

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      pass     pass   double
 pass   2 <= shows 4 with 10-13 hcp =>  A6 KQ104 J9842 K9

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g) jump to game is not a recommended bid unless with 16+ hcp.
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1     pass     pass   double
 pass   3nt <=  AKQ2 942 974 A52
           this jump to game is danger, if partner's reopen was weak with
           singleton Spades in 4441 10-9 hcp - it is not easy make 9 tricks,
           a reasonable bid is not pass but 2nt allowing partner to pass. 

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h) IF REOPEN WAS 1NT (12-14 HCP) AFTER A MINOR OPEN 
EAST    SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
1/1    pass     pass    1nt
 pass     2nt <= Q102K942A1084Q92 or Q102J42AJ84QJ92
South with balanced hand having 11-12 hcp and good intermediate cards do invitation biding 2nt.

EAST    SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
1/1    pass     pass    1nt
 pass      3nt <= Q1072K9A108K109 or J102 K942 AJ10 QJ10
South with balanced hand having 12+ hcp prefer not do Stayman that will also informe opponents of North hand bid 3nt.

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i) IF REOPEN WAS 1NT (15-17 HCP) AFTER A MAJOR OPEN
EAST    SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
1/1    pass     pass    1nt
 pass     2nt <= A102Q94104Q10982 or Q102J1042AJ108494
South with balanced hand having 8-9 hcp and good 5 cards minor do invitation biding 2nt.

EAST    SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
1/1    pass     pass    1nt
 pass      3nt <= Q1072K109A8J1093 or J1092 K984 A10 QJ9
South with balanced hand having 10+ hcp prefer contract of 9 tricks and bid 3nt.

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j) IF REOPEN IS MADE IN SUIT AT LEVEL 1

Reopener's partner then bids:
- pass, no support and less than 10 hcp, and no long suit;
- without support and stopper bid another suit 6+ cards up to 10 hcp;
- 1nt with 9-11 hcp showing stopper, denies support -invitation 3nt;
- 2nt with 12-13 hcp showing stoppers, denies support -invitation 3nt;
- support at level 2 means 3 cards and shows 6-9 hcp;
- support in jump need 4 cards and also shows 6-9 hcp; 
- cuebid means invitation to game showing support with 3 cards having a top honor or 4 cards and means 10-13 hcp;

Note8: Considering that Reopen is not a passed hand after a reopen bid in a major his passed partner having 5+ cards support with good distribution like 5431 or 5521 or 5440  with 9-10 hcp could bid game at level 4 because statistics are favorable to make.

3) REOPEN WHEN OPPONENTES STOP THE BIDDING

LEMMA: To be competitive we should not let opponents play at level 2 when they find a fit, so we must reopen to push then to level 3 even if we need go first to level 3. Thus after 2 passes the last player to bid must make an avaliation if he has condition to reopen:
- bidding his only 5th card suit or
- double to show the other major and a minor or
- bidding 2nt to show both minors.

Lets analyze some examples:
A) EAST  SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
      1      pass      2       pass
     pass      ?

- if South double he shows 4 and a minor suit (4-4+/4-4+);
- if South bid 2nt he denies 4 cards and shows both minors (4-4 ou 5-4) North must bid his best minors suit;
- If South reopen bidding a suit this means 5+ cards, but with a good 4 cards in Spades in a 4333 no Vul a brave player sometines reopen 2 with only 4 cards in a hand type:  AKJ9 1094 QJ10 J108.

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B) EAST  SOUTH  SOUTH NORTH
      1      pass       2      pass
     pass      ?
   if South double means 4 cards and a minor (4+/4+), so North bid:
   1- with 4+ cards => 3 and partner pass;
   2- with both minors 3244 => 2nt for partner choose;
   3- with only Clubs 3334 => 3 partner with 2 cards bids 3;
   4- with 3352 => 3 partner with 2 bids 3 ;
   5- with only Diamonds 3343 => 3 partner with 2 bids 3;

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C) EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
     1       pass       2     pass   (2 showing 6-9 hcp)
   passo    ?

- double shows any two suits (4-4 or 5-4);
- bid a suit need 5 cards and deny other suit with 4 cards;
- 2nt shows any two suits 5-5

Note9: Careful must be take because Opener could have only 3 cards Clubs with both majors.             

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D) EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
      1      pass       2      pass (2  showing 5-9 hcp)
    pass       ?
 
Analogue case (C) and also Diamonds could be 3 cards.

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E) EAST  SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
   1/1   pass     3/3   pass  (minors jump support 6-9 hcp)
    pass      ?

Here we need careful - we should ask opponents the strength of the jump, because most partnership use inverted minors convention and then this jump support is weak, but when the open is made after partner had passed they could use the jump support as being 10-11 hcp.
Thus the double by South in this situation must promise both majors and by security we should singleton in opponent's minor (5431).

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F) EAST   SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
    1/1   pass     3/3   pass    (jump support for major weak)
     pass       ?

When opponents play Bergen raises this jump support is made with less than 6 hcp and in this situation North could have passed with 13 hcp considering the reopen danger because his partner is passed and could have only 6 or less hcp, thus South, that is now in the reopen position, with 10-11 hcp having a 5431 or 4441 distribution WITH SINGLETON IN OPPONENT SUIT may now reopen the bidding with:
 1- Double if have the other major;
 2- 3nt to show both minors 5/4+.

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G) EAST   SOUTH  WEST  NORTH
    1/1    pass    1/1   pass
     1nt       pass     pass       ?

If the reopen is with Double this means two suits not bided;
If the reopen is in a non bided suit this means 5 cards;
If the auction was 1 pass 1 pass 1ST ? then double promise 4 cards and could have also Clubs suit.

Sometimes we have no strength to reopen, but having a long suit 6+ cards a reopen could be made just to push opponents to level 3:
  1    pass   1    pass
 1nt   pass  pass     ?
with Q976542 97 K108 2 => 2 because partner has 13+ hcp 

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H) EAST   SOUTH   WEST   NORTH
    1/1    pass     1/1    pass
    2/2    pass      pass       ?

When Opener rebids his minor suit this shows normaly 6+ cards and if opponents stop the bidding this may be a misfit situation, so to reopen we must be careful and a important condition to reopen is be shorter in opponent minor.
Operner  we1   Responder we2
   1        pass    1             pass
   2        pass   pass            ?   K976 A75 Q10983 2 => double
Operner  we1   Responder we2
   1        pass    1             pass
   2        pass   pass            ?   K97 A1085 3 AJ864 => double

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I) EAST    SOUTH  WEST   NORTH
   1/1     pass     1nt        pass
   2/2     pass     pass        ?

When Opener rebids this major after response in 1nt and the bidding is stoped in 2/2 we need be very careful to reopen. We should ask if the 1nt was forcing because could have 10-11 hcp and be singleton in his partner's major, so to reopen we must be also short in Opener major in a 5431 distribution and also consider that we will force partner to play in level 3 so we need favorable vulnerability.

- if the bidding stopped in 2 the reopen with double shows 4 and a minor 4/5 cards and if the reopen stopped in 2 the double shows 4+ cards and a minor 4/5 cards;
- if the reopen is in 2nt this shows both minors 4/5 cards;
Operner  we1   Responder we2
   1        pass    1nt            pass
   2        pass    pass            ?   K976 5 Q10983 A72 => double
Operner  we1   Responder we2
   1        pass    1nt            pass
   2        pass   pass            ?   7 K10985 K94 KJ94 => double
Operner  we1   Responder we2
   1        pass    1nt            pass
   2        pass    pass            ?   KJ 5 Q10983 AJ972 => 2nt
Operner  we1   Responder we2
   1        pass    1nt            pass
   2        pass   pass            ?   7 A94 K1094 KJ942 => 2nt

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J) EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
     1NT    pass      pass     ?
Here the reopen should use the partnership convention to reopen with 2 suits or only one long suit, penalty double do not apply because the South lead will be difficult in find partner long suit. The more usual conventions are:
Cappelletti (CAPP); Disturbing Opponent No Trump (DONT); Multi Landy; MeckWell

4) REOPENING AGAINST 2 WEAK OPEN

K)   EAST       SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  (2/2/2)   pass     pass     ?

Considerations: First of all we should consider that Responder(West) not support the opener denying 10 hcp and 3 cards, so we need be careful to reopen with no good strentgh.
To reopen with 10-12 hcp we need be short in opener suit to avoid our partnership be ruffed if opponents have misfit and Responder is singleton with 12+ hcp and passed waiting for our imprudence.

- reopen with double means, in general, 2 suits 4+/4 and good support with 3 cards in the unbid major - shorter in the Opener's suit - so 11+ hcp in 5431 or 4441 distribution with good intermediates cards is the conditions to reopen.

- with 2 weak suits 5-5 cards and around 10 hcp we reopen using michaels cuebid - read more in Michaels Cuebid;

- with 2 strong suits 6-5 cards with 4 or less losers we reopen with Leaping Michaels at level 4;

Note10: of couse when we show a 5/5 distribution and partner bid our dubleton we bid other suit up the line then partner will know what are our two suits.

Nota11: When we make a informative double after a weak two open and then after partner bid a suit at level, if we cuebid this shows strong hand (like 21+ hcp) trying to find a game contract. 
 
Nota12: the Lebensohl convention applies when our partner in second position doubles the weak 2 open, but not for a passed Advancer when Reopener bid double: 
    EAST         SOUTH  WEST NORTH
(2/2/2)  double  pass     ? <= Leb
but not for reopen situation
   EAST        SOUTH  WEST NORTH
(2/2/2)  pass     pass     ? <= there is no Leb here

North bids are:
   double => 12+ hcp and shorter in Opener's suit;
   bid a suit => 10+ hcp good suit 2 top honors 6 cards;
   2nt => 15-17 hcp with 1,5 stopper and all system is on;
   3nt => 19+ hcp - assume partner have 6+ hcp;
   normal cuebid => michaels weak distributional hand 5/6;
   jump to a minor 4/4 => leaping michaels 4 or less losers;  

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Addendum
by Roberto Martiniano Figueira de Mello
- World Bridge Champion in 1989

5) EMBUSH PASS

Considering that is not possible double punitive the opponent opening when we have strong hand with strong cards in opponent suit, the better attitude is to pass and wait the auction goes up to a desired level for then double penalty showing a indication of lead for partner if is the case.

When to use the Embush Pass?
If opponent opens with 1 and we have all this hands below we should consider in use the Embush Pass:
a) KJ985 A4 KQ3 K85 => we should pass
b) QJ9743 KJ3 AK 85 => we should pass
c) AQ103 AK85 QJ43 7 => we should pass 

and if the auction goes:

EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
1       Pass     1nt      Pass
2          ?
In this sequence double by South is penalty and partner must know that is not a reoping for Hearts or minors.

We should not double with the follow hands
d) KJ854 85 K54 K84
e) QJ9843 843 AQ7 4
in hand (d) we are so weak that declarer could make the contract playing careful against the double and in hand (e) opponent can find another good contract in level 3 where we will have no possible double.

We can't double penalty when the auction is stil open like in a 2/1 GF even if we have strong hands like (a) or (b). We must wait until the bidding is closed to make avaliation if a double is feasible.
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
1       Pass       2     Pass
2         ?
In this sequence our partner have a very weak hand thus double is out of qustion also a reopen showing the reds suits is out of question, so pass is the only possible bid.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

6) WHEN REOPEN WITH DOUBLE IS NOT PENALTY DOUBLE

When Opener bid a second suit after response 1nt:
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
1       pass      1nt     pass
2          ?
here double is possible with hands type: AQ104 AQ84 QJ92 4
this is a clear double asking partner bid an unbid suit - here double is informative but partner with long clubs suit can pass,

When Opener rebid his suit after Responder bid a suit
EAST  SOUTH  WEST NORTH
  1      Pass      1     Pass
  2        ?
Double is informative for the others suit:
    A5 Q984 K3 KJ983 => Double

Note13: When Opener rebid his suit after Responder bid 1nt our double is penalty, not a reopen bid