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Part-3 – 1NT OPENING
3.1- Discussion about 1NT
3.2- 1NT Responses for 15-17 hcp
3.3- 2♣
Stayman for Majors / after 3♣
for minors
3.4- Jacoby Transfers
3.5- Smolen – Transfer with 5-4 in Majors
3.6- 4waytransfer with pre-accept for minors
3.7- Showing 5minor+5Major GF
3.8- Response at level 3=> 2 minors 5431 / 5521
3.9- Competitive Bidding During our 1NT Opening
3.1- DISCUSSION ABOUT 1NT
Considerations for a Disciplined 1NT Opening
The 1NT opening is the most important opening in any bridge system
because it shows a balanced hand (no void - no singleton) in
proportional distributions like 4333 (10,54%), 4432 (21,55%) or 5332
(15.52%). Here we would like to discuss agreements used inside this
convention that are structured for the range of 15-17 hcp - many
partnerships prefer to use a weak NT opening 12-14 hcp or 13-15 hcp or
14-16 hcp.
We give preference for not opening 1NT with 5-Major suit (5332) when we
have only 15 hcp but for hands with 16-17 hcp, we may have a problem for
the second bid when Responder bids 1NT after 1♠
or bids 1♠
after 1♥
opening. Let’s explain why:
Responder Opener
…………… 1♠
<= if 16-17 hcp
1NT ? <= how to show my strength?
Responder Opener
…………… 1♥
<= if 16-17 hcp
1NT/1♠
? <=
how to show my strength?
Traditionally Opener with 16-17 hcp in distribution 5332 after 1♥/1♠
opening, if Responder bids 1NT, then Opener rebids 2NT showing an
invitation to 3NT with 16-17 and bids 3NT with 18-19 hcp. But by
convention this notes of 2/1 system uses the rebid of 2NT as a
constructive GF hand showing 18-20 points with distribution 5-4 that can
be explained if Responder scan Opener’s hand bidding 3♣.
Therefore, Opener with 5332 and 16-17 hcp bids up the line his 3-card
minor suit - like a hand’s strength of 12-15 hcp - and only if Responder
bids again then Opener can bid 2NT to show his real strength of 16-17.
Thus, depending on the hand we may underbid bidding 2♣
or 2♦
or we may overbid if we bid in jump 3♥
or 3♠
that shows 6-card suit with 16-17 or also overbid if we bid 3NT that
shows 18-19 hcp. So, hands 5332 with 16-17 hcp with 5-card Major could
be better described in 1NT opening but may lose fit 5-3 or even 5-4 in
the Major suit. Thus, Responder has not a correct way to search for fit
5-3 unless use 3♣
as puppet Stayman convention (vide in 6.14). But this breaks our
constructive way to show minor suits with distribution 5431 or 5521 at
level 3. All level 3 bids after 1NT are reserved to show a singleton
major suit. So, here we have a little dilemma!
Let's remember the recommended words by Alvin Roth, "Always plan a
second bid before you choose a first". In fact, the decision between
opening in 5-card Major in 1NT when we have distribution 5332 and 16-17
hcp should depend on Opener’s sensibility to judge what is better for
the second bid in each hand.
A possible orientation to decide is:
- with a good Major suit open in the Major if is missing a stopper in a
suit:
♠KQJ102
♥K43
♦AQJ
♣93
- with good stoppers open 1NT if no top cards in the Major:
♠J8432
♥AQ
♦KQ9
♣KJ9
However some hands are more difficult to decide what opening should we
use, because it may be opened in 1NT or in a Major:
Opener:
♠KJ1082
♥QJ4
♦K10
♣AQ3
or
♠AQ10
♥AJ1082
♦K9
♣K103
So, there are some recommendations between to open in 1NT or in a Major
5-card with 15-17 hcp and distribution 5332 that advancer players use to
take decision:
- are we playing MP or IMPs?
for MP, is recommended to open in Major suit
for IMPs, is recommended to open in 1NT
- are we in first/second position or third?
in third position, is recommend to open in 1NT
in 1st/2nd, is recommend to open in Major suit
- is your Major Spades or Hearts?
for Hearts, is recommended to open in 1NT
for Spades, is recommended to open in Major suit
- are you Vul or nVul?
for Vul, is recommended to open 1NT 16-17 hcp
for nVul, is recommended to open in Major suit
- have your weak 2-card in the other Major suit?
to avoid transfer for major, open in your Major suit
Hands 5422 with 16-17 hcp having 5-card minor
and 4-card major should be opened in the minor and after we bid in
reverse at level 2 the major. But in rare cases when the 2-card suits
are good stoppers (like AQ K10 or AK Kx) and our 5-4 suits have no top
honors we shouldn’t reverse the hand but break the rule and bid 1NT. The
opening in 1NT with 15 hcp and 5422 distribution it is out of question
because we should increase the chances to find a fit bidding 2 suits:
♠AK
♥QJ84
♦AK
♣98543
=> 1NT
♠AQ
♥QJ84
♦AQ
♣J8543 =>
1NT
♠KQ109
♥K18
♦A9
♣KQ983
=> 1♣
♠KQJ8
♥Q4
♦AK1054
♣Q3 =>
1♦
♠K1092
♥A10
♦K6543
♣AQ =>
1NT
♠KJ102
♥K10
♦AJ1093
♣A2 =>
1♦
Hands with 15-17 hcp having both majors should be opened in the 3-card
minor to increase the chances to find a major fit, considering that
Responder with a major and 6-7 hcp will pass and with 22-23 hcp we
probably make 9 tricks playing in a 4-4 fit. So, this is critical when
our 2-card suit has no stopper:
♠AQ32
♥Q1084
♦AQ2
♣J3 =>
1♦
and if partner bids a major raise to 2M
if partner bids 1NT then we pass
♠KQ97
♥AK102
♦92
♣KQ9
=> 1♣
and if partner bids a major jump to 3M
if partner bids 1NT then we bid 2NT inv
♠KQJ8
♥QJ104
♦AK4
♣J3
=> 1♦
and if partner bids a major jump to 3M
if partner bids 1NT then we bid 2NT inv
♠AKQ9
♥J1032
♦AK2
♣73 =>
1♦
and if partner bids a major jump to 3M
if partner bids 1NT then we bid 2NT inv
♠KJ92
♥KQ103
♦43
♣AQJ =>
1♣
and if partner bids a major jump to 3
if partner bids 1NT then we bid 2NT inv
♠J962
♥KQ103
♦J3
♣AKJ =>
1♣
and if partner bids a major raise to 2M
if partner bids 1NT then we pass
How to show a Major 5332 with 16-17 hcp after response in 1NT?
We can show our 16-17 hcp only in our third bid with 2NT to make an
invitation to 3NT.
Suppose we are not playing Kaplan Interchange (vide 4.4.3) and after our
Major opening Responder bids 1NT that have a range of 5-11 hcp:
Opener Responder
1♠
1NT <= forcing 5-11 hcp
2♦
2♠
<= 6-9 hcp 2-card
2NT <= 16-17 hcp invitation
So Responder with good 8-9 hcp now
may bid 3NT else Responder bid pass.
-----------------------
Opener Responder
1♥
1NT <= denies 4♠-card
2♣
2NT <= 10-11 hcp invitation
3NT <= 15-17 hcp or pass with 12-13 hcp
---------------------
Opener Responder
1♥
1NT <= denies 4♠-card
2♣
3♣
<= 10-11 hcp invitation
3NT <= 15-17 hcp or pass with 12-13 hcp
--------------------
Opener Responder
1♥
1NT <= denies 4♠
cards
2♣
2♦
<= 10-11 hcp invitation
2NT <= 16-17 hcp
--------------------
Opener Responder
1♠
1NT
2NT <= GF 18-20 hcp - Responder can't pass!
? <= vide 4.4.4
After 1NT opening what Responder bids with 4333 and 10-15 hcp?
After the 1NT opening showing a balanced hand if partnership have
together 25-26 hcp there is a great chance of success in 3NT/4♥/4♠.
Thus, Responder, that is the captain for final contract, with a 4333 and
10-15 hcp should bid 3NT to avoid giving information about Opener's hand
(but may lose a 4-4 or 5-4 fit?).
Responder: ♠J1082
♥QJ4
♦K108
♣A103
or
♠Q102
♥K1082
♦A95
♣Q103
Opener Responder
1NT 3NT (with 4333) 10-15 hcp
pass
==========
3.2- 1NT RESPONSES (15-17 HCP)
Bidding
without interference:
Responder Opener
1NT
?
pass <= nothing to do: no 5-card major or 6-card minor to transfer,
less than 8 hcp to invite
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 1♥
3♦
<= 5-4 in minors with 5431 and 1♠
3♥
<= 5♦-5♣
with singleton in Hearts
3♠
<= 5♦-5♣
with singleton in Spades
3NT <= to play balanced 10-15 hcp
4♣
<= Gerber - asking for Aces
4♦=4
/ 4♥=1
/ 4♠=2
/ 4NT=3
4♦
<= transfer to 4♥
(no Slam interest)
4♥
<= transfer to 4♠
(no Slam interest)
4♠
<= transfer to 5♣
sign-off
4NT <= quantitative – pass or bid 6NT
with 17 hcp or 16 with good 5332
Responder has 16-17 hcp and 2A
5♣
<= transfer to 5♦
sign-off
5NT <= quantitative – bid 6NT or 7NT
with 17 hcp or 16 with good 5332
Responder has 19-20 hcp and 3A
6NT <= to play (18-19 hcp 4432/4333 2A)
When Responder should pass?
If
Responder has a balanced hand 4333 or 4432 and less than 8 hcp Responder
should pass, include in 5332 with 5 cards minor, but with 5-card major
or 6-card minor Responder should transfer for Opener play the hand
because there is a good chance that playing in No Trump Responder's long
suit will stay with the 4th and 5th card good but without entry in
dummy. In other words when Responder's hand is poor the hand must be
played by Opener in the Responder's long suit:
Opener Responder
1NT ?
-
♠J8432
♥74
♦J92
♣K108 bid
2♥
trf
-
♠32
♥1095432
♦A4
♣Q98 bid
2♦
trf
-
♠J843
♥42
♦9
♣K108432 bid
2♠ trf
-
♠98432
♥Q64
♦Q92
♣Q9
pass
-
♠J842
♥Q32
♦Q9432
♣8 bid
2♣
and pass
3.3- When Responder Should use 2♣ Stayman?
After 1NT opening Responder may use Stayman in many hands – the purpose
is to find a fit in a major suit, but in continuation the Stayman can be
used to search for minor suits and hand distribution.
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, it is a standard way to search the hand, initially for major,
after for minors using a posteriori innovation with an Extended Stayman
(or second Stayman) in 3♣.
3.3.1- So after 1NT opening the first Stayman uses 2♣
to ask for a major suit and Opener has only 3 answers possible:
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
?
2♦
<= no major
2♥
<= 4♥
cards - may have 4♠
cards
2♠
<= 4♠
cards - denies 4♥
cards
3.3.2- After first Stayman Responder may continue searching Opener's
hand for other suit and distribution with the Extended Stayman bidding
in sequence 3♣:
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
2♦
3♣
<= Extended Stayman
? here for minors
3♦
<= shows 5-card minor
3♥
relay asking for the minor
and Opener bids:
3♠
= 5♣
cards or 3NT = 5♦
cards
3♥
<= both minors + 3♥
cards => 2♠3♥4♦4♣
3♠
<= both minors + 3♠
cards => 3♠2♥4♦4♣
3NT <= 4333 and undefined minor
All following bids out of these sequences are natural and the captain
for the final contract continues to be the Responder.
3.3.3- After Opener bids 2♥
the Extended Stayman continue:
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
2♥
3♣ <=
Extended Stayman search
? for other suit
3♦
<= shows 4♥-4♦
3♥
<= shows 4♥-4♣
3♠
<= shows 4♥-4♠
3NT <= shows 4333: 3♠=4♥=3♦=3♣
3.3.4- After Opener bids 2♠
the Extended Stayman continue:
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
2♠
3♣
<= Extended Stayman search
? for a possible minor suit or 5♠
cards
3♦
<= shows 4♠-4♦
3♥
<= shows 4♠-4♣
(4♥
card was denied)
3♠
<= shows 5♠
in 5332
3NT <= shows 4333: 4♠-3♥-3♦-3♣
Note1: When Responder has a GF hand with 4-card major and 5-card minor,
he should first search Opener's hand for a fit in a major using Stayman
and if Responder has a singleton or void in the other major (so,
Opponents have at least 9-card fit in this major) he should continue
searching for a fit in a minor suit using the Extended Stayman avoiding
play in NT with unbalanced hand unless his singleton/void is Opener’s
suit.
3.3.5- 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♦ =>
2NT => invitation 8-9 hcp
2♥ =>
3♥
=> invitation 8-9 hcp balanced 4♥
....... 2♠ =>
invitation 8-9 hcp with 4♠
2♠ => 3♠ =>
invitation 8-9 hcp with 4♠
....... 2NT=> 8-9 hcp balanced (not promise 4♥)
3.3.6- After the Stayman Responder jumps to game (showing no slam
interest)
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
?
2♦ =>
3NT => sign-off the auction
2♥ =>
4♥
=> sign-off the auction
....... 3NT => showing 4♠
cards
Opener might bid 4♠
2♠
=> 4♠
=> sign-off the auction
....... 3NT => sign-off the auction
3.3.7- After the Stayman Responder can try Slam:
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
?
2♦ => 4♣
=> Gerber for Aces (slam interest)
...... 4♦ =>
transfer to 4♥
- showing 4♠6♥
...... 4♥ =>
transfer to 4♠
- showing 6♠4♥
2♥
=> 3♠/4♣/4♦
splinters 4♥+
cards (slam interest)
...... 4NT is RKB0314 for
♥
(Slam interest)
2♠ =>
4♣/4♦/4♥
splinters 4♠+
cards (slam interest)
...... 4NT is RKB0314 for
♠
(slam interest)
Note2: After a splinter Opener makes evaluation of his hand and rebid
his suit to sign-off or try Slam bidding RKB1430 in 4NT asking for
keycards or cuebid in a suit to show no control in bypassed suit.
3.3.8- After the Stayman Responder bids sign-off
in a major. When Responder has less than 8 hcp and 54xx or 44xx with
both majors Responder can create a sign-off sequence hoping for better
contract in a fit 4-3 in a major:
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
2♦
?
...... 2♠
<= 5♠4♥x♦x♣
<= sign-off
...... 2♥
<= 4♠5♥x♦x♣
or 4♠4♥x♦x♣
so Opener with 3 cards in 3♥
cards pass, but with only 2♥
cards and 3♠
should bid 2♠
that guarantee at least a fit 4-3.
Note3: this is one of the reasons that 1NT opening can't have 2-2 in
majors.
3.3.9- Garbage Stayman - considering that Opener has only 3 answers for
a 2♣
Stayman it is possibly make a Stayman bid with weak hand followed by a
pass at any bid from Opener. The condition for Garbage Stayman is
Responder be shorter in Clubs (0/1) with 4/3 cards in the majors and 5
cards in Diamonds. With 4441 it is danger play in a fit 4-2 if Opener
has 3♠3♥2♦5♣.
Responder's distribution should be 4♠4♥5♦0♣
or 4♠3♥6♦0♣
or 3♠4♥6♦0♣
or 4♠3♥5♦1♣
or 3♠4♥5♦1♣.
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
<= Stayman
?
2♦
pass <= means garbage hand
2♥
pass <= means garbage hand
2♠
pass <= means garbage hand
3.4- Jacoby Transfer
3.4.1- Jacoby transfer - 2♦
transfer to 2♥
Opener Responder
1NT 2♦
<= transfer to 2♥
?
2♠<=
doubleton - 4♥
cards and 17 hcp
2NT <= 3♥
cards with 2 top honors 17 hcp
3♣/3♦
<= doubleton - 4♥
cards and 17 hcp
3♥
<= 4 cards support 15/16 hcp
2♥ <=
denies 4♥
cards support
Responder bids after 2♥:
- pass in 2♥
or 3♥
- 2♠
shows 5♠-5♥
weak (pass or bid 3♥)
- 3♣
shows GF 5♥-4♣
Opener decides
- 3♦
shows GF 5♥-4♦
Opener
decides
- 3♥
invitation 8 hcp with 6♥
cards
- 3♠/4♣/4♦
splinter 6♥
cards slam invitation
- 3NT asks for choose 3NT or 4♥
- 4♥
conclusive
- 4♠/5♣/5♦
void Exclusion RKB0314
- 4NT RKB0314 for Hearts
- 5♥
asks for 2 top honor to bid 6♥
- 6♥
to play
3.4.2- Jacoby transfer - 2♥
transfer to 2♠
Opener Responder
1NT 2♥
<= transfer to 2♠
?
2NT <= 3♠
cards with 2 top honors 17 hcp
3♣/3♦/3♥
<=
doubleton - 4♠-card
- 17 hcp
3♠
<= 4♠-card
support 15/16 hcp
2♠ <=
denies 4 cards support
Responder bids after 2♠:
- pass in 2♠
or 3♠
- 3♣
shows GF 5♠-4♣
Opener decides
- 3♦
shows GF 5♠-4♦
Opener
decides
- 3♥
shows 5♠-5♥
GF – Opener may cuebid
- 3♠
invitation 6♠
cards and 8 hcp
- 3NT asks to choose 3NT or 4♠
- 4♣/4♦/4♥
splinter – slam invitation
- 4♠
conclusive
- 4NT RKB0314 for Spades
- 5♣/5♦/5♥
void Exclusion RBK0314
- 5♠
asks for 2 top honor to bid 6♠
- 6♠
conclusive
3.4.3- When Opener has 4 cards and 17 hcp in a transfer for major
After a Jacoby transfer to major, if Opener has 4 cards support and 17
hcp Opener should bid his doubleton to inform 17 hcp with 4 cards
support given a special reliable information that the hand is not 4333.
Then Responder bidding the transfer-suit makes a sign-off, but bidding
another suit this is a cuebid GF.
Opener:
♠Kx
♥KJ84
♦K1065
♣AJ9
Opener Responder
1NT 2♦
<= transfer to Hearts
3♥
<= minimum with 4-cards
----------------------------------
Opener:
♠Kx
♥KQ84
♦A1065
♣AJ9
Responder:
♠A85
♥A98752
♦6
♣KQ6
Opener Responder
1NT 2♦
<= transfer to Hearts
2♠
<= 4♥-card
17 hcp -
♠
doubleton
……….. ?
……….. 3♦
<= transfer sign-off to 3♥
……….. 4♦
<= transfer to 4♥
……….. 4NT <= RKB0314 for
♥
Responder has control in all suits, so
he is authorized to ask for keycards
………… 4NT0314 in
♥
5♣
<= zero or 3 keycards
so, possession of all 5 keycards
………… 5♦
Queen-ask
5♠
<= confirm
♥Q
with K♠
So, considering that Spades is doubleton
and Opener has 3 keycards with Queen
Responder bids Grand Slam
………… 7♥
pass
------------------------------------
Opener:
♠KQ65
♥K4
♦QJ65
♣AJ9
Responder:
♠AJ10985
♥A4
♦65
♣KQ6
Opener Responder
1NT 2♥
<= transfer to Spades
3♠
<= minimum with 4-cards
?
4♣
<= cuebid maybe 2 losers
in one red suit, so Opener
must cuebid up the line
showing first/second control
4♥
<= denies Diamond control
4♠
<= conclusive (no
♦
control)
------------------------------------
Opener:
♠KQ84
♥84
♦AK106
♣AJ9
Responder:
♠AJ984
♥A74
♦82
♣KQ10
Opener Responder
1NT 2♥
<= transfer to Spades
3♥
<= maximum and
♥
doubleton
……….. ?
……….. 3♠
<= sign-off
……….. 4♣
<= cuebid
♣A
or
♣K
……….. 4♥
<= transfer sign-off to 4♠
………..
4NT <= RKB0314 for
♠
in this bidding after Opener bids 3♥
showing 4-card support the bid goes
……….. 4♣
<= cuebid
♣A
or
♣K
4♦
<= cuebid
♦A
or
♦K
now with Ace Hearts Responder check
keycards with RKB0314 (weak hand)
……….. 4NT <=RKB0314 for Spades
5♣
<= zero or 3 keycards (assume 3)
……….. 5♦
<= Queen-ask
6♦
<= Shows
♠Q
with
♦K
denies
♥K
♣K
Thus, Responder understand that there
is a loser in
♥xx
but a ruff for 3rd Hearts
because Opener shows doubleton
♥
………… 6♠
conclusive
pass
3.4.3- TRANSFER WITH TWO MAJORS SUITS 5-5
When
Responder has 2 majors there are two situations to analyze:
3.4.3.1- showing a 5-5 GF:
Opener Responder
1NT 2♥ <=
transfer to 2♠
2♠
3♥ <
5♠-5♥
GF
? <= in this case Opener can also show his hand:
...... 3NT means weak hand - poor major support;
...... 4♣
is cuebid with max showing interest in slam
...... Responder with singleton in
♦
bid 4♦;
...... 4♦
is cuebid with max showing interest in slam
...... Responder with singleton
♣
can try slam;
...... 4♥/4♠
minimum (it is an NT with many Q and J)
3.4.3.2- showing a 5-5 SIGN-OFF:
Opener Responder
1NT 2♦ <=
transfer to 2♥
2♥
2♠ <=
5♠-5♥
weak
? <= Opener pass with 3♠-card
...... Opener bids 3♥
with only 2♠-card
...... even with 4 cards in a major Opener must sign-off because
Responder can have a hand like:
♠J9xxx
♥Q10xxx
♦x
♣xx
3.4.5- showing long weak major
After 1NT if Responder has a invitation hand to slam with a long suit
Responder makes the transfer at level 2 then jump to level 4 without
singleton or bid splinter at level 4 but if Responder has a weak 7/8
cards in a major he makes the transfer at level 4 as a sign-off.
Responder have
♠A10xxxxx
♥x
♦98xx
♣x
Opener Responder
1NT 4♥
<= transfer for 4♠
4♠
pass
Responder have
♠-
♥KJ965432
♦J98x
♣x
Opener Responder
1NT 4♦
<= transfer for 4♥
4♥
pass
In case of interference at level 2 or 3 any jump in level 4 is still a
transfer.
Responder have ♠K1098543
♥x
♦Q8x
♣xx
Opener overcaller Responder
1NT 2any 4♥ <=
transfer for 4♠
4♠
pass pass
Responder have
♠x
♥K1096543
♦K8x
♣xx
Opener overcaller Responder
1NT 2any 4♦ <=
transfer for 4♥
4♥
pass pass
3.4.6- Showing long weak minor
Responder have
♠Q10x
♥-
♦x
♣KJ1076543
Opener Responder
1NT 4♠
<= transfer to 5♣
5♣
pass
Responder have
♠-
♥Jxx
♦AQ1098xx
♣Q10x
Opener Responder
1NT 5♣
<= transfer to 5♦
5♦
pass
3.4.7- Smolen Transfer - created by Mike Smolen (1940-1992) is a forcing
bid with 5-4 cards major distribution and 9+ hcp. The objective is to
transfer the play to a strong hand if a fit 5-3 is found. The Responder
jumps in the 4-card major to allow the transfer to the 5-card major.
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
2♦
?
...... 3♥
<= 5♠-4♥
cards trying trf to 4♠
...... 3♠
<= 5♥-4♠
cards trying trf to 4♥
? <= If Opener has 3 cards in the 5-card
major he transfer else bid 3NT.
3.4.8- Transfer with 6-4
When Responder has a 6-4 distribution in majors after the 3♥/3♠
Smolen bid in level 3, if Opener bids 3NT then Responder may force a
transfer to major at level 4 bidding 4♦
transfer to 4♥
or 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 and
needs a fit 6-3 even with 6 cards in a major he may use Smolen to know
if Opener has 3 cards or not.
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
2♦
3♥/3♠
<= Smolen
3NT ?
...... 4♦
<= transfer to 4♥
...... 4♥
<= transfer to 4♠
--------------------------------
3.5- Transfer for Minors with pre-accept
Four way
transfer with pre-accept is an extension of Jacoby transfers applied for
minors with additional that the response shows if Opener is maximum with
Hxx support in that minor (I like - I can play 3NT) or if Opener is
minimum (I don't like - I can't play 3NT).
Partnership should agreed if to be maximum implies also in stoppers in
all others suits or just support of Axx(x) or Kxx(x) with 16-17 hcp.
3.5.1- Transfer for Clubs - 2♠
transfer to 3♣
(normally 6♣
cards or 5521 and GF) or search for maximum to try slam.
Opener Responder
1NT 2♠
<= transfer to 3♣
?
2NT <= minimum no
♣Hxx
(means I don't like)
3♣
<= maximum
♣Hxx
(I like and accept 3NT)
---------------------
Opener Responder
1NT 2♠
<= transfer to 3♣
2NT pass <= with invitation hand 8-9 hcp like
♠Axx
♥Jxx
♦Axxx
♣10xx this
is a strategic way to search for max/min in 1NT opening avoiding Opener
give information about his hand to opponents about 4-card major.
3♣
<= Opener has maximum, so Responder may pass with less than 8 hcp, or
bid 3NT with 8-9 hcp or try Slam. In this sequence Responder jump bids
of 4♠/4♥/4♦
should be interpreted as splinters and invitation to slam in Clubs. But
3♠/3♥/3♦
shows GF 5♠-5♣/5♥-5♣/5♦-5♣.
Opener Responder
1NT 2♠
<= transfer to Clubs
3♣
<= I like means
♣Axx
or
♣Kxx
16+ hcp
?
with (a)
♠Jx
♥Jx
♦xxx
♣KQ10xxx =>
bid 3NT
……. (b)
♠xx
♥xx
♦xx
♣A1098xxx
=> bid 3NT
....... (c)
♠xx
♥Axx
♦Qx
♣J1098xx
=> pass
------------------------------------
3.5.2- Transfer to Diamonds – 2NT transfer to 3♦
(normally 6♦
cards but with 5♦-5♣
in the minors and weak hand it is better play in a minor, so if Opener
bids 3♣
Responder passes)
Opener Responder
1NT 2NT <= transfer to 3♦
?
3♣ <=
minimum /no
♦Hxx
(I don't like)
Responder with weak 5♦-5♣
now pass
but with GF hand and 5-5 Responder bids
3♠
with 5♠-5♦
or bids 3♥
with 5♥-5♦
3♦ <=
maximum with
♦Axx
or
♦Kxx
(I like), now if Responder has less than 7 hcp he should pass or with 7
hcp Responder can try 3NT and 6♦
cards with A or K. But if Responder has 5-5 he bids 3♠
with 5♠-5♦
or bids 3♥
with 5♥-5♦
-------------------------
Opener Responder
1NT 2NT <= transfer to Diamonds
3♦ <=
I like
?
with (d)
♠xx
♥Jxx
♦KQ10xxx ♣xx=>
bid 3NT
....... (e)
♠xx
♥xx
♦A987xxx ♣Jxx
=> bid 3NT
....... (f)
♠x
♥Qxx
♦Q76xxx
♣xxx
=> 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.
3.6- How to show GF for 5M-5m?
How Responder shows 5-card major and 5+ card minor in GF?
If Responder transfer first to the major and then bids the minor this
shows 5M-4m, but if Responder has 5-card major and 5-card minor BY OUR
CONVENTION he needs first transfer to minor (m) then bid the major (M).
Thus, now we have a convention to know Responder’s 5M4m hand or 5M-5m
with 9+ hcp.
3.6.1- 5♣-5♥
or 5♣-5♠
Opener Responder
1NT 2♠
<= transfer to 3♣
? (2NT or 3♣)
2NT <= I don't like
....... 3♥
<= 5♥-5♣+
GF
....... 3♠
<= 5♠-5♣+
GF
3♣
<= I like
....... 3♥
<= 5♥-5♣+
GF
....... 3♠
<= 5♠-5♣+
GF
?
How Opener should continue?
- Opener with good stoppers in the others suits bid 3NT;
- Opener with 3+ cards in the major bid game in the major;
- Opener without 3-card in the Responder's major and having poor stopper
in an unbid suit should prefer the minor at level 4 with maximum or bid
the minor at level 5 with minimum;
- Opener with Aces in unbid suit and good support in at least one of
partner suits must cuebid up the line with his first Ace giving space to
partner decides between game or slam;
Responder with a 6m5M hand and top control in his both suits – very rare
– if Opener bids 3NT should reopen to show his void at level 4, denying
interest to play 3NT.
Thus, Opener now may decides to bid just game or slam in the minor
depending on if hand fits or no. Of course, if Opener have AK in
Responder void the hand probably will down 1 in level 5.
example:
Opener:
♠AJxx
♥Axxx
♦Ax
♣Kxx
Responder:
♠KQxxx
♥x
♦xx
♣AQ10xx
Opener Responder
1NT 2♠
<= transfer to Clubs
3♣
3♠
<= shows 5♠-5♣
4♦
<= cuebid and Spades support
4♥
<=
cuebid probable singleton
Opener take charge of the bidding
4NT <= RKB1430 for both suits
?
5♣
<= 1 or 4 keycards
5♦
<= 0 or 3 keycards
5♥
<= 2 keycards without Q
5♠
<= 2 keycards with 1 Q
5NT<= 2 keycards with 2 Q
5NT <= 2 Keycards with
♠Q+♣Q
Now Opener knows that a loser Diamonds could be discard in Clubs and so
count 13 tricks
7♠
<= to have problems in the play need trump 3-1 and Clubs 4-1, so if
Clubs is 3-2 (67%) it is a good grand slam bid.
3.6.2- 5♦-5♥
or 5♦-5♠
Opener Responder
1NT 2NT <= transfer to 3♦
3♣
<= don't like
3♥
<= 5♥-5♦+
GF
3♠
<= 5♠-5♦+
GF
3♦
<= I like
3♥
<= 5♥-5♦+
GF
3♠
<= 5♠-5♦+
GF
?
vide 3.6.1 considerations
Opener:
♠QJxx
♥AKx
♦Qx
♣Axxx
Responder:
♠x
♥QJ10xx
♦AKJ9xx
♣x
Opener Responder
1NT 2NT <= transfer to Diamonds
3♣
<= don’t like Diamonds
3♥
<= shows 5♥-5♦
4♣
<= A♣
support Hearts denies A♠
Responder needs 3 keycards:
♥AK
and A♣
4NT <= RKB0314 for both suits
5♦
<= 0 or 3 keycards – assume 3
6♥
<= conclusive
------------------------------------------
Opener:
♠Axx
♥AQx
♦Qx
♣A109xx
Responder:
♠x
♥KJ10xx
♦AKJ9xx
♣x
Opener Responder
1NT 2NT <= transfer to Diamonds
3♣
<= don’t like Diamonds
3♥
<= shows 5♥-5♦
3♠
<= A♠
support Hearts may have A♣
4NT <= RKB0314 for both suits
5♦
<= 0 or 3 keycards – assume 3
Now Responder must search Queens and so bid next suit, but next suit is
trump suit, so the bid must be in next suit+1 (Spades). However, Opener
shows 3 keycards, thus it is no logical Responder sign-off the bidding.
Thus, when 3 keycards is bid by the teller we can use trump suit to gain
one step. This is a exception.
5♥
<= Do you have Queens?
?
step1: no Queens
step2: only lower ranking Queen
step3: only higher-ranking Queen
step4: both Queens
6♥
<= 4th step = Q♦
ad Q♥
7♥
count 13 tricks
pass
------------------------
3.6.3)
showing sign-off in the minor
Opener Responder
1NT 2♠
<=
transfer to Clubs
2NT <= no Clubs support
…… 3♣
<= 6♣+
cards sign-off
pass
Opener Responder
1NT 2NT
3♣
<= no Diamonds support
…… 3♦
<= 6♦+
cards sign-off
pass
-----------------------------
3.6.4- Using Transfer for 6-5 minors
Suppose
you have
♠xx
♥-
♦KJ954
♣AQ9832
and partner opens is 1NT.
This 6-5 distribution can’t be used in jump response at level 3. There
are 2 singletons and no 2-cards suits. So, we need use transfer.
Opener Responder
1NT 2♠
<= transfer to Clubs
?
2NT <= I don´t like (weak or no
♣Hxx)
………. 3♦
<= shows 6♣5♦
GF
3NT pass
------------------
Opener Responder
1NT 2♠
<= transfer to Clubs
?
2NT <= I don´t like (weak or no Hxx)
………. 3♦
<= shows 6♣5♦
GF
4♦
<= set agreement for Diamonds
?
Now partnership must have agreement for what is the meaning of the next
bid. The next bid by Responder could be a RKB0314 if Responder has two
singletons. But if Responder bids 4♥
or 4♠
it shows a void in his 6-5 hand and then Opener will decide if hands fit
to ask for keycards or if does not fit for a sign-off in the agreed
suit. Partnership must discuss their system.
Thus, if Responder bids 4♥
and Opener has
♥AKxx
or
♥AQJx
or Responder bids 4♠
and Opener has
♠AKxx
or
♠AQJx
this allows Opener sign-off the bidding in the agreed suit. Of course,
if Opener has
♣Kx
and
♦AJxx
and the Ace of unbid 2-card of Responder Opener must bid slam and maybe
grand slam in case Responder shows 2 keycards with the Queen of trump
Therefore, a void cuebid by Responder gives condition to Opener decides
to stop in game or go to slam. But Responder bidding 4NT RKB0314 denying
void-cuebid asks for keycards in the agreed minor suit taking charge of
the final contract.
3.7-
RESPONSE AT LEVEL 3 FOR MINORS (5431 5521)
3.7.1- Considerations: When
partner opens in 1NT 15-17 hcp, and we have both minors in 5422 (no
singleton) with a limited hand of 10-14 hcp the chances for slam are not
so good. So, unless we have cards in sequence in both suits making it
solid (KQJ108 or AQJ109), it is recommended a sign-off bid at 3NT.
However, if Responder has a singleton card in a major the chances in
have slam in a minor suit increases and avoid a play in 3NT that could
be hopeless. Thus, we need search these possibilities and now Opener has
become the captain of the bidding because Responder’s hand is more
restricted and this gives us ways to search for reliable information and
decide what is better: 3NT, 4♣,
4♦,
4♥,
4♠,
5♣,
5♦,
6♣,
6♦,
7♣,
7♦.
Rule#7.1: Hands with
both minors in distribution 5431 and 10-14 hcp or hands with both minors
in distribution 5521 with 9-14 hcp are eligible to be bid at level 3
showing their singleton major if both minors together have at least 2
keycards (2A or 2K or 1A+1K).
Responder Opener
1NT
3♣ <=
3♠1♥5♣4♦
or 3♠1♥5♦4♣
singleton
♥
3♦ <=
1♠3♥5♣4♦
or 1♠3♥5♦4♣
singleton
♠
3♥ <=
2♠1♥5♣5♦
singleton
♥
3♠
<= 1♠2♥5♣5♦
singleton
♠
Rule#7.2
Restrictions: The singleton major card in 5431 or 5521 can’t be A or K;
the 3-card suit of 5431 or the 2-card suit of 5521 may have just 1A or
1K but not both together; minors suit together must have at least 2
keycards (A+A or A+K or K+K).
Important: A 3-card suit with 2 top honors (AK/AQ/KQ) has less value
than a 4-card suit or a 5-card suit with 2 top honors. So, if 5431 has
its high card points concentrated in the 3-card suit or in the 2-card
suit, then this depreciates the strength of the hand and so makes the
hand not eligible to be bid in jump to level 3.
Normally after 1NT opening the captain for the final contract is the
Responder, but here the captain will be the Opener because Responder’s
hands is already well delimited, so Opener can better check the hand to
determine if “hands fits” or not, and if partnership should:
- play game in 3NT or in 5♣/5♦;
- try slam in a good minor fit;
- stop in a part score at 4♣/4♦;
- try game in a major 4-3 fit in 4♠/4♥.
So, Opener must search for the vulnerabilities in the possible
contracts, like no stopper for 3NT; 3 immediate losers if play in 5♣/5♦;
weakness and misfit for minors (4-4 in majors and 3-2 in minors with
minimum strength).
We say that hands fit when the singleton is opposite to our 3 losers (x
– Jxx) or when we have only the Ace in the singleton suit (Axx – x). But
if singleton is opposite to Q6x or J8xx we consider that there is no
stopper in this suit to play 3NT. Moreover, if the singleton is opposite
KJx or Kxx or KQx this weakens the hand with waste honors. Of course, a
singleton opposite KQ10 or QJ10x allows 2 stoppers that makes possible a
3NT contract.
Rule#7.3:
Opener in his second
bid shows weakness and suggest abort game bidding directly 4♣
or 4♦
that is passable. But Responder with maximum (5+ controls where A=2 and
K=1) may bid game if has A or K in 3-card suit (5431) or if has A or K
in the 2-card suit (5521).
Opener Responder
1NT 3♣/3♦/3♥/3♠
4♣/4♦ <=
sign-off
? then Responder bids:
pass <= minimum - up 4 controls
5♣/5♦ <=
maximum - 5+ controls
Example of controls eligible and not eligible
a)
♠Ax
♥x
♦A10xxx
♣KQ10xx=
2A+1K= 5
max with
control in 2-card
b)
♠Jxx
♥x
♦KJxx
♣AK9xx
=
1A+2K= 4 minimum
c)
♠xxx
♥x
♦KQJx
♣KQJxx =
0A+2K= 2 minimum
d)
♠x
♥Axx
♦AQJ9
♣K9xxx
=
2A+1K= 5
max with
control in 3-card
e)
♠x
♥Kx
♦AJ9xx
♣AQxxx =
2A+1K= 5
max with
control in 2-card
f)
♠J
♥Qx
♦AKxxx
♣QJxxx
=
1A+1K= 3 minimum
g)
♠x
♥Ax
♦AJ10xx
♣KJxxx
=
2A+1K= 5
max
with
control in 2-card
3.7.2.
DISTRIBUIÇĂO 5431
Rule#7.4:
In 5431
distributions when
the 3-card suit is Hearts if Opener jumps to 4♥
it is to play in the 4-3 fit, and when the 3-card suit is Spades if
Opener jumps to 4♠
it is to play in the 4-3 fit.
Of course, this means concentration of honors in this major suit like (AKQx
or AK109 or KQJ9 or AQJ9 ...) and no stopper in the singleton suit to
play 3NT, but with hope in make ruffs in the shorter suit.
Rule#7.5:
In 5431
distributions if
Opener jumps to 4NT this is not asking for Aces, but showing 3-3 or 4-4
in the minors and asking to Responder bid game in his 5-card minor.
------------------------------------
How Opener Can Search Responder’s Hand?
Answer - there are 3 ways:
a) for 5431 distribution
1- searching first for honor in the 3-card suit
then there 2 mutually excluded modes:
2- bidding 4♥
for search keycards only in minors
if Opener wants to know about for Queens
or
3- bidding 4♠
for search controls only in minors
if Opener already have both Queens or a
5-card support in one minor and a doubleton
in the other
b) for 5521 distribution
1- bidding directly 4♥
for search keycards in minors
(not to play) if Opener wants to know keycards
and Queens
or
2- bidding directly 4♠
for search controls both minors
Searching one top honor in the 3-card suit:
Opener Responder
1NT 3♣
<= singleton Hearts
so, 5431 with 3♠
cards
3♦ <=
relay – ask for honors in Spades
and the responses are:
?
3♥
<= Ace Spades
3♠
<= King Spades
3NT<= Queen Spades
4♣
<= no honor and 5♣4♦
minimum not forcing
4♦
<= no honor and 5♦4♣
minimum not forcing
Opener Responder
1NT 3♦
<= singleton Spades
so, 5431 with 3♥
cards
3♥ <=
relay – ask for honors in Hearts
and the responses are:
?
3♠
<= Ace Hearts
3NT<= King Hearts
4♣
<= no honor and 5♣4♦
not forcing
4♦
<= no honor and 5♦4♣
not forcing
Rule#7.6:
After search in the
3-card suit the bid of 4♣
or 4♦
are not forcing and Opener can correct 4♣
to 4♦
sign-off or bid game
in 5♣
or 5♦.
Searching
for keycards in both minors bidding 4♥
in RKB322224 of 6 steps:
There are 4 keycards
in the minors: 2 Aces and 2 Kings and by our restriction rule the minors
suit together must have at least 2 keycards.
Opener Responder
1NT 3♣/3♦
<= singleton
♥/♠
3♦/3♥
<= search 3-card suit
after Responder explain about 3-card
suit Opener may bid:
4♥ <=
asking for keycards in minors
?
step1 (4♠)
=> 3 keycards in minors
step2 (4NT) => 2 keycards no Queen
step3 (5♣)
=> 2 keycards with
♣Q
step4 (5♦)
=> 2 keycards with
♦Q
step5 (5♥)
=> 2 Keycards with
♦Q
♣Q
step6 (5♠)
=> 4 keycards (14 hcp)
Note: If Responder hand has only one keycard in both minors, that is a
rare case considering that hand 5431 must have at least 10 hcp,
Responder should not use the jump response to level 3 to show a
singleton in a major suit like in the following hands:
a)
♠Axx
♥x
♦KJ10x
♣QJ10xx
Here you bid Stayman and if Opener bid 2♦
denying major, then
you bid Extend Stayman in 3♣
to search for a minor suit:
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
<= Stayman
2♦
3♣
<= Extend Stayman
?
--------------
3♦
<= 5-card minor
3♥
relay asks minor
3♠
<= 5♣
cards
3NT<= 5♦
cards
now you bid game in his minor.
If Opener bids 3♥
or 3♠
that
shows 2♠3♥4♦4♣
or 3♠2♥4♦4♣
then you bid game in 5♦
for
Opener receives the lead.
If Opener bids 3NT showing 4333
and undefined minor, then you
can bid game in your 5-card minor.
---------------
When you bid Stayman and Opener a major:
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
<= Stayman
2♥
3♣
<= Extend Stayman
?
3NT <= 4333 then you pass
3♠
<= 4432 then you bid 3NT
3♦
<= 4432 then you bid 5♦
3♣
<= 4432 then you bid 5♣
------------------------------
Opener Responder
1NT 2♣
<= Stayman
2♠
3♣
<= Extend Stayman
?
3NT <= 4333 then bid your 5-card minor
3♦
<= 4432 then you bid 5♦
3♣
<= 4432 then you bid 5♣
------------------------------------
b)
♠x
♥Ax
♦QJ10xx
♣QJ10xx
bid transfer to Diamonds and if Opener accept, then bid 5♦,
if Opener bids 3♣,
then bid 5♣.
c)
♠Axx
♥x
♦QJ10x
♣KQJ10x
bid transfer to Clubs and jump in 5♣
d) b)
♠x
♥Ax
♦AQJ10x
♣QJ10xx
bid transfer to Diamonds and if Opener accept, then bid 5♦,
if Opener bids 3♣,
then bid 5♣.
When the search for keycards (step1) shows 3 keycards (2A+1K or 1A+2K),
the Queens are unknown, so Opener might search for the 2 Queens bidding
relay 4NT:
step1-5♣
<= no Queens
step2-5♦
<=
♣Q
step3-5♥
<=
♦Q
step4-5♠
<= both Queens
So, at this point Opener must decide if:
pass in 5♣;
correct to 5♦
sign-off;
bid 6♣,
6♦,
7♣,
or 7♦
depending on Queens searched.
Bidding 4♠
to search for control
where A=2 controls and K=1 control
This search is ideal
when Opener has fit in a minor an have both Queens or have an Ace or
King second in a minor and have the other Queen.
example1:
Opener :
♠A95
♥J65
♦A3
♣KQ1032
Responder:
♠K32
♥5
♦K9872
♣A976
Opener Responder
1NT 3♣
<= singleton
♥
and 5431
Remember: when hands fit (Axx - x or Jxx - x) like here where Opener
has big support in Clubs, Ace second in Diamonds and Ace control in the
3-cards suit. Opener must search for the 2 missing controls in the
minors but before must search for the 3-cards suit because the jump to 4♥
or 4♠
is to play.
3♦
<= ask for honor in
the 3-card suit
………. 3♠
shows K♠
4♠
<= ask for minor’s controls (A=2 K=1)
the responses are:
4NT => 2 controls (A or
2K)
5♣
=> 3 controls (A+K)
5♦
=> 4 controls (2A or
A+2K)
5♥
=> 5 controls (2A+K)
5♠
=> 6 controls (2A+2K)
………. 5♣
=> 3 controls A+K in minors
Thus, for this hand Opener has immediate loser in Hearts but can ruff 2
losers in Hearts and may find a winer in Diamonds with distribution 3-3
or 4-2 (84%) then Opener must bid slam in Clubs.
6♣
pass
------------------------
Example2
Opener Responder
1NT 3♣
<= singleton Hearts 5431
3NT <=
♠AJ10
♥KQ10x
♦Q83
♣K52
hands good for 3NT
---------------------------------
Example3
Opener Responder
1NT 3♦
<= singleton Spades 5431
3NT <=
♠QJ108
♥AK107
♦A8
♣J102
hands good for 3NT
----------------------------------------
Example4
Opener Responder
1NT 3♣
<= singleton Hearts 5431
4♠
<=
♠AK108
♥Kxx
♦K83
♣K52
good chances in 4♠
------------------------------------
Example5
Opener Responder
1NT 3♦<=
singleton Spades 5431
4♥
<=
♠J643
♥AKQ2
♦K8
♣K102
good chances in 4♥
--------------------------------------
Example6
Opener :
♠A83
♥KJ3
♦K3
♣AQ865
Responder:
♠2
♥A85
♦AJ972
♣K1092
Opener Responder
1NT 3♦
<= singleton Spades 5431
3♥
<= relay ask for honor in Hearts
mandatory to search keycards in 4♥
........... 3♠
<= shows
♥Axx
4♠
<= search controls
......... 5♣
<= 3 controls (♦A+♣K)
7♣
pass
Note1: High chances for Grand Slam; just need trump 3-1 (90.5%) and then
need the drop of
♦Q
(3-3 36% + 4-2 48% + Q second => 88%), finally always have Hearts
finesse (50%) to find the 13th trick.
Note2: here asking for keycards also the search works well – bidding 4♥
we have the response
in second step 4NT that shows 2 keycards and no Queen.
--------------------------------
Example7
Opener:
♠Axx
♥AK
♦QJ5
♣QJ1052
Opener Responder – how to search
1NT 3♦
<= singleton Spades 5431
3♥
<= relay ask for honor in Hearts
.......... 4♦
<= no honor - 5♦4♣
cards
two ways to search (keycards or controls)
how take decision?
Analyses: Considering that Responder must have 2 keycards in the minor
and that Opener has full control in the majors with the Ace in the
singleton and with AK in 3-card suit, then the contract in the worst
case loses only 2 tricks. Thus, Opener must bid at least 5♣.
But, of course, we need to discuss in which mode of search (Keycards vs
Controls) it is more safety when inquiring about the 2 Aces and 2 Kings
missing keeping the possibility to stop de bidding in game (5♣)
but at same time checking if slam have higher chances to make:
- if response for control is step1 (4NT) that means 2 controls (1 Ace or
2 Kings), no chances for slam, then we bid 5♣;
- if response for control is step2 (5♣),
that means 3 controls (1 Ace + 1 King), slam chances are lower because
depends on a finesse and there is 1 Ace missing, then we pass;
- if response for control is step3 (5♦),
that means 4 controls (2 Aces or 1Ace+2Kings) if it is 1 Ace + 2 Kings,
do not depends on finesse, just 1 Ace loser, so slam chances are higher
than 90%, then we bid 6♣;
if it is 2 Aces then chances are near 75% 2 finesses and success if just
one makes.
If we search for keycards the response of 2 keycards is dubious because
could be two Kings;
To search for keycard we use 4♥
and responses are:
step1 (4♠)
=> 3 keycards
step2 (4NT) => 2 keycards without Queen
step3 (5♣)
=> 2 keycards with
♣Q
step4 (5♦)
=> 2 keycards with
♦Q
step5 (5♥)
=> 2 Keycards with
♦Q
+
♣Q
step6 (5♠)
=> 4 keycards (14 hcp)
4♥
<= search for
keycards
the response possible are:
if 4♠ =
3 keycards then 6♣
if 5♠
= 4 keycards then 7NT
if 4NT = 2 keycards then 5♣
To search for controls we use 4♠
and responses are:
4♠
<= Search for controls in minors (2A-2K)
.......... ?
the responses for
control are:
4NT => 2 controls (A or 2K)
5♣
=> 3 controls (A+K)
5♦
=> 4 controls (2A or
A+2K)
5♥
=> 5 controls (2A+K)
5♠
=> 6 controls (2A+2K)
….if 4NT <=
only 2 controls just bid 5♣
....if 5♣
<= 3 controls, missing 3
controls => 5♣
….if 5♦
<= 4 controls, missing (A or 2K) => 6♣
….if 5♥
<= 5 controls,
missing (1K) => 6♣
….if 5♠
<= 6 controls = complete => 7NT
As we see here the correct mode in example 7 is search for controls
because Opener has both Queens and responses for controls are
administrable to stop the bidding in 5♣
and not provoke overbids, but if the response for keycard is 2 keycards
we don’t know if are 2 Aces or 2 Kings.
3.7.3- DISTRIBUTION 5521
Rule#7.7: In 5531
distribution the 2-card suit can’t have A+K. Just one of them.
Opener Responder
1NT 3♥
<= singleton Hearts 5521
or
Opener Responder
1NT 3♠
<= singleton Spades 5521
Rule#7.8:
Considering that
there is no space to search honors in the 2-card suit the Opener can’t
bid game without control in the shorts suit. Opener must have A in the
singleton or K in the 2-card suit or A in 2-card suit to bid game in the
minors.
By rule 3
we have:
Opener Responder
1NT 3♥/3♠
4♣/4♦/5♣/5♦ <=
sign-off
Here we bid directly 4♥
to Search keycards (2A 2K 2Q) in the minors using RKB322224 in 6 steps.
Opener Responder
1NT 3♥/3♠
<= singleton
4♥ <=
asking for keycards in minors
like RKB322224 to remember
?
step1 (4♠)
=> 3 keycards
step2 (4NT) => 2 keycards without Queen
step3 (5♣)
=> 2 keycards with
♣Q
step4 (5♦)
=> 2 keycards with
♦Q
step5 (5♥)
=> 2 Keycards with
♦Q
and
♣Q
step6 (5♠)
=> 4 keycards (14 hcp)
After response in 4♠
(3 keycards) Opener bidding 5♣
or 5♦
it is
sign-off, but 4NT ask for Queens in 4 steps:
step1 (5♣) =>
no Queen (2A+1K or 1A+2K)
step2 (5♦)
=>
♣Q
(1A+2K+Q♣
or 2A+1K+Q♣)
step3 (5♥)
=>
♦Q
(1A+2K+Q♦
or 2A+1K+Q♦)
step4 (5♠) =>
both Queens (1A+2K+Q♣+Q♦)
Note: the
maximum is 14 hcp
At this point Opener must decide:
if pass in 5♣;
if correct to 5♦
sign-off;
if bids slam: 6♣,
6♦,
7♣,
or 7♦
Example7:
Opener =
♠Axx
♥Axx
♦K3
♣KJxxx
Responder =
♠Kx
♥x
♦AJ1083
♣A10xxx
Opener Responder
1NT 3♥
<= singleton Hearts (hands fit)
4♠
5♣
<= 2 keycards without Queen
Analyses: considering that we have a 10-card fit in Clubs the Queen of
Clubs should assume second, so this hands just need find Q♦
second (16%) third (36%) to
have discard for the 2 losers spades. But if we make agreement with our
partner that the 5♠
bid,
in this sequence, ask
Responder
to bid 5NT without A or K
in the 2-card suit and to bid 6♣
with A or K in Spades, then now it is easy to bid 7♣
after the response in 6♣.
Rule#7.9: In hands
5521 after Opener Search for keycards the bidding “an passant” of the
2-card suit ask Responder the possession of A or K in this suit and
Responder denies bidding the next suit and confirm bidding the next
suit+1.
Example8:
Opener =
♠Kx
♥Axx
♦Axx
♣KQxxx
Responder =
♠Axx
♥x
♦KQ1083
♣A10xxx
Opener Responder
1NT 3♥
<= singleton
♥
(hands fit) 5521
4♥
<= search for keycards in both minors
......... 5♥
<= 2 keycards +
♦Q
5♠
<= ask “an passant” if Responder has honor (A or K) in the 2-cards suit.
......... 6♣ <=
confirm A♠
or K♠
7♣
pass
Note: when both hands have the possession of Aces and Kings if a 9-cards
fit is finding we should bid slam. When hands are minimum, and do not
fit, we should sign off the bidding at level 4 in a minor.
----------------------------------
Example9
Opener Responder
1NT 3♥ <=
singleton Hearts 5521
?
4♣
=>
♠QJxx
♥KQ53
♦AQ
♣J72
sign-off 4♣
because we may suppose two losers in Spades and one loser in Hearts and
one more in trump. But if Responder has a maximum hand like:
♠Ax
♥7
♦KJxxx
♣AQxxx
he should try game in 5♣
--------------------------------
Example10
Opener Responder
1NT 3♠
<= singleton Spades 5521
?
4♦
=>
♠Qx
♥KQJx
♦AJ10x
♣QJx
sign-off in 4♦
and Responder with maximum:
♠Jx
♥x
♦AQxxx
♣AKxxx
should pass
no Spades control
----------------------------------
Example11 – no Aces weakness hand
Opener Responder
1NT 3♣
<= singleton Hearts 5431
Opener:
♠KQJ
♥Kxx
♦K7x
♣QJ52
<=Only one stopper in Hearts
should sign-off in 4♣
------------------------------
Example12
Opener Responder
1NT 3♠
singleton Spades 5521
Opener:
♠Kxxx
♥KQxx
♦Kx
♣KJx
should sing-off in 4♣
<= hands not fit
------------------------------
Example13
Opener Responder
1NT 3♥
<= singleton Hearts 5521
?
If Opener has maximum:
♠Kxx
♥A43
♦AK
♣QJ952
hands fit, then to know Queens here is not relevant, so must Search
control in the other suits bidding 4♠;
4♠ <=
ask for control in the minors + 2-cars suit
?
4NT => up to 2 controls (1A or 2K) missing 1A and 1K
5♣
=> 3 controls so Responder has
♣AK
Opener bids 6♣
but now we search for A/K in the 2-cards suit bidding 5NT and Responder
without A/K in the 2-cards suit must bid 6♣
but here we have a problem because the hand must be played by Opener to
defend against a Spades lead. Thus, to avoid this half-loser possibility
in this hand Opener must bid directly 6♣.
=========================
3.8-
Competitive Bidding During our 1NT Bid
What to
do if an opponent at level 2 makes interference?
If Opponent bids 2♣
(DONT or CAPP or Meck-Well or Multi-Landy or Natural overcall …) then
using Lebensohl convention, there are no more transfers at level 2 after
interference. This means "system is off". Of course, at level 4
transfers to majors still are on after interference at level 2 (4♦
=> 4♥
=> 4♠).
Using Lebensohl (vide appendix) a double in interference is penalty and
any suit bid at level 2 is sign-off, but a cuebid is now a Stayman
asking for major 4-card. The 2NT is a transfer to 3♣
starting a sign-off that may be corrected or pass. Finally, a major bid
at level 3 is GF.
Many players do not use Lebensohl, they use Stollen bid. So, the
Responder double it is not punitive. The double forces Opener to bid his
major or pass if has the Overcaller suit, but our recommendation is for
Lebensohl.
If we make a Stayman and opponents double our 2♣,
Opener without a major just bid 2♦
if Opener has only 3 cards in Clubs, but if Opener has 4♣
cards, then he should pass, and should redouble with 5♣
cards. This is a reliable information to Responder accept to play in 2♣
doubled with good hand.
If
opponent double punitive our 1NT then we bid:
- pass - nothing to do and Opener having 5-card suit must bid it
- redouble - asking for Opener bid 2♣
and that can be corrected to 2♦
- 2♣
=> Stayman (ignoring the double) 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-card major.
- 2♦
=> transfer to 2♥
- 2♥
=> transfer to 2♠
Note: After Opponent double our 1NT, Responder with 6+ hcp and balanced
hand must pass and after Advancer (partner of the Doubler) bid any suit
Responder may double opponent as a penalty double if opponent suit is
also his suit.
Another interest structure for defense of our 1NT doubled is the
MackWell Scape:
Responder Opponent Opener Opponent
…………………………. 1NT double*
? ……………………………. *Punitive
pass <= force relay to 2♣ to show
……. one minor 5-card or both majors 4-4
XX <= 6+ hcp
2♣ <= 4♣+ 4+ another suit
2♦
<= 4♦+
and 4M+
2♥
<= natural sign-off
2♠ <= natural sign-off
/ / /
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