BALANCING – Reopening the Bidding    

When we are going to play first time with a partner, we normally make some basic agreements about the system but rarely say something about conventions to reopen the bidding (balancing), that is a danger omission.

So when we are in 4th position and dealer opens in suit at level one and two passes are followed, then we realize that no agreements to balancing was made! 

In fact many players suppose that 2/1 in balancing position is the same system after opponent opening in first position and you bid in second 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 cuebid is the most strong reopen possible and the reopen with 2NT is 20-21 balanced hand, but in modern competitive bridge's systems the Michaels Cuebid for weak 2 suits hands; the unusual 2NT for weak 2 suits; the modern Leaping Michaels with extensions for strong 2 suits are now established conventions in our days. Thus, we go change Lawrence’s recommendations in this proposed convention for balancing.

Furthermore, if opponents stopped bidding in level 1 or 2, or even in level 3, this is also a situation where there exists a possible balance in the 40 high card points between N-S and E-W, maybe 20-20 or 21-19. So, we need some agreements to reopen the bidding in a way that we know what we are bidding. The understanding between partners is an important rule for partnership's success.

1) REOPENING AT FORTH POSITION
Opponent opening at level 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 Cuebid convention and the Unusual No Trump convention, both with modifications, and to show 2 strong suits up to 4 losers we use the Leaping Michaels convention. It is essential that you and your partner take a preference between the traditional Michaels or the modified Michaels.

Michaels Cuebid – with modification
After any suit opening a reopen with cuebid shows 2 weak suits with 7-10 hcp:
East South West North
 1♣   pass   pass  2♣ => 2 suit 7-10 hcp 5major-5♦+
♠QJ1092 ♥43 ♦KQ1062 ♣3 or ♠3 ♥KJ874 ♦AJ9632 ♣7
---------------------------
  1♦  pass   pass   2♦ => 2 suits 7-10 hcp 5M-5♣+
♠AJ873 ♥42 ♦- ♣K109842 or ♠J3 ♥AJ764 ♦3 ♣QJ1082
------------------------
  1♥   pass  pass   2♥ => normal Michaels 5♠5m+ 7-10
♠KJ1092 ♥- ♦J108762 ♣K2 or ♠AQJ43 ♥4 ♦63 ♣Q9873
---------------------------
  1♠   pass  pass   2♠ => normal Michaels 5♥5m+ 7-10 ♦
♠3 ♥KJ953 ♦82 ♣AJ982 or ♠J ♥AJ1064 ♦QJ10854 ♣3

So the modified Michaels Cuebid after a minor opening shows 5-5+ not for both majors, but for the other minor and a major. The Advancer makes a sign-off when bid the other minor. If Advancer bids 2♥ that is a sign-off, then Overcaller can be correct to 2♠. In this case when Advancer has a good fit for Spades, he may bid invitation with 3♠, bid game with 5♠ cards. When Advancer bids 2♠ then this is sing-off in case the Overcaller major is Spades, but if it is Hearts the 5-major cards of Overcaller this is an invitation to game. So, if Overcaller bids 3♥ this minimum (refuse go to game) and bidding 4♥ is maximum, per example having 10 hcp with A or K in the minor suit and with 2 top honors in Hearts (x ♥AQ1064 ♦KJ1084 ♣xx).

Unusual No Trump modified
After a major opening followed by two passes the reopen in 2NT shows 2 weak minors and after a minor opening followed by two passes the reopen with 2NT shows 2 weak majors, in both cases 5-5 with 7-10 hcp:
East South West North
 1♣   pass   pass  2NT => 2 M suit (5♠-5♥)+ 7-10
 ♠QJ1092 ♥KJ984 ♦62 ♣3 or ♠AQ653 ♥J87432 ♦3 ♣7
----------------------------------
  1♦   pass  pass  2NT => 2 M suits (5♠-5♥)+ 7-10
 ♠AJ1073 ♥1098742 ♦- ♣Q2 or ♠QJ983 ♥KQ1064 ♦32 ♣8
---------------------------------
  1♥   pass  pass  2NT => 2 m suit (5♣-5♦)+ 7-10
 ♠QJ1092 ♥- ♦J108762 ♣K2 or ♠AQJ43 ♥4 ♦63 ♣Q9873
--------------------------------
  1♠   pass  pass  2NT => 2 m suits (5♣-5♦)+ 7-10
 ♠3 ♥Q3 ♦QJ1087 ♣AJ982 or  ♠J ♥3 ♦KJ10854 ♣AJ873

Leaping Michaels
After any suit opening the reopen or overcall in jump to level 4 shows 2 strong suits, up to 4 losers in distribution 5-5 or 6-5:
- If opening was in a minor suit,
  then the cuebid at level 4 shows both majors;
- If opening was in a major,
  then 4♣ shows Clubs and the other major;
- If opening was in a major,
  then 4♦ shows Diamonds and the other major;
- If opening was in a major,
  then 4NT shows both minors.
- But for any minor opening,
   a jump to 4♥ or 4♠ it is to play.
- Of course, for 1♥/2♥/3♥ the bid of 4♠ is to play.
- Of course, for 1♠/2♠/3♠ the bid of 4♥ is to play.

East South West North
 1♣    pass  pass 4♣ => 5♠-5♥+ 2 M suits up to 4 losers
 ♠KQJ103 ♥AKJ102 ♦872 ♣- or ♠AK1092 ♥AKQ84 ♦J3 ♣2
--------------------------------
  1♣   pass   pass  4♦ => 5M-5♦+ 2 suits up to 4 losers
 ♠KQJ103 ♥42 ♦AKJ982 ♣- or ♠3 ♥AQJ103 ♦AKQJ83 ♣2
--------------------------------
  1♦   pass   pass  4♦ => 5♠-5♥+ 2 M suits up to 4 losers
 ♠KQJ932 ♥AKJ102 ♦2 ♣3 or ♠AK1092 ♥AKQ43 ♦- ♣Q102
--------------------------------
  1♦   pass   pass  4♣ => 5M-5♣+ 2 suits up to 4 losers
 ♠AKQJ3 ♥42 ♦- ♣KQ10982 or ♠J3 ♥AKJ104 ♦3 ♣AQJ108
--------------------------------
  1♥    pass  pass   4♥ => 5♦-5♣+ 2 m suits up to 4 losers
 ♠97 ♥- ♦AKQJ2 ♣AQJ987 or ♠3 ♥4 ♦AKJ93 ♣AKQ973
--------------------------------
  1♥    pass  pass  4♣ => 5♠-5♣+ 2 suits up to 4 losers
 ♠KQJ109 ♥4 ♦J2 ♣AKQ95 or ♠AQJ103 ♥4 ♦3 ♣AKQ973
--------------------------------
  1♥     pass  pass  4♦ => 5♠-5♦+ 2 m suit up to 4 losers
 ♠AQ109x ♥4 ♦AKQJ2 ♣K3 or ♠AKQ93 ♥4 ♦AKQ973 ♣3
--------------------------------
  1♠     pass  pass  4♠ => 5♦-5♣+ 2 m suit up to 4 losers
 ♠- ♥95 ♦AKJ107 ♣AKQJ82 or ♠J ♥4 ♦AKQJ8 ♣AK10973
--------------------------------
  1♠     pass  pass  4♣ => 5♥-5♣+ 2 suits up to 4 losers
 ♠3 ♥AKJ95 ♦2 ♣AKQJ82 or ♠J ♥KQJ104 ♦8 ♣AK9732
-------------------------------
  1♠     pass  pass  4♦=> 5♥-5♦+ 2 m suit up to 4 losers
 ♠3 ♥AKJ95 ♦AKQJ82 ♣J or ♠J ♥AKJ104 ♦AKQJ8 ♣J3

 

Rule#2- A reopen with double 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 should be careful to not overbid supposing partner has a regular double with 12+ hcp.
Examples: double = X
  East   South  West   North
    1♥     Pass    Pass      ?
 ♠A743 ♥87    ♦K643   ♣A85     => X
 ♠A74   ♥84    ♦AK54   ♣K854   => X
 ♠A843 ♥53    ♦AK643 ♣K74     => X
 ♠A763 ♥854  ♦K74      ♣A73     => X
 ♠QJ83 ♥-       ♦97643  ♣AJ104  => X
 ♠K1063 ♥8    ♦K87      ♣Q1073 => X
 ♠KQ93  ♥8     ♦KQ97   ♣AKQJ    => X
 ♠K102  ♥AKJ  ♦KQJ8   ♣KJ8      => 3NT
 ♠J1073 ♥A4   ♦AKQ83 ♣AK9     => X
 ♠QJ10  ♥KJ5  ♦KJ        ♣AKQ82 => X
 ♠AQJ9  ♥AJ10 ♦QJ83   ♣AQ7     => X

Rule#3- reopen in jump to level 2 in 4^th position it is NOT showing a weak hand. But it shows good strength around 15 hcp with 6/7 cards not forcing (Acol system style).
East South West North
  1♣  pass   pass  2♦/2♥/2♠ =>14-16 hcp 6 cards
  1♦  pass   pass  2♥/2♠/3♣ =>14-16 hcp 6 cards 
  1♥  pass   pass  2♠/3♦/3♣ =>14-16 hcp 6 cards
  1♠  pass   pass  3♥/3♦/3♣ =>14-16 hcp 6 cards

Note1: when the reopen is a single jump to a minor 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. So, without AK at top do not jump, just overcall. When the reopen is in a major just need a good suit like QJ109xx or KQ109xx or AQJxxx with 15 hcp.
 
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♥ => ♠4 ♥QJ98432 ♦AKJ ♣A4

Rule#4- reopening with jump
- if bid at level 4 is Leaping Michaels - 2 strong suits 6/5 cards where the minor is always equal or more long than major – up to 4 losers;
- if bid in 4♥ or 4♠ it is to play - up to 5 losers;
- reopen in another suit in double jump at level 3 is a preemptive bid with 7+ cards;
- if bid in simple jump at level 2 is middle hand 14-16 hcp with 6-card suit;
- cuebid at level 3 ask to bid 3NT with stopper in the opening suit, otherwise next suit:
 East South West North
  1♣   pass   pass  3♣ <= asks for ♣ stopper
  1♦   pass   pass  3♦ <= asks for ♦ stopper
  1♥   pass   pass  3♥ <= asks for ♥ stopper
  1♠   pass   pass  3♠ <= asks for ♠ stopper  

Examples of reopen with double jump 
East South West North
 1♣   pass   pass 3♣ ask to bid 3NT with ♣ stopper
                                     ♠Ax ♥QJ8 ♦AKQ97632 ♣-
 1♣   pass   pass 3♦ weak > ♠3 ♥J104 ♦AK98762 ♣94
 1♣   pass   pass 3♥ weak > ♠97 ♥AQ98543 ♦K102 ♣6
 1♣   pass   pass 3♠ weak > ♠KJ1098532 ♥Q4 ♦K4 ♣6
 1♣   pass   pass 4♣ strong (5♠-5♥)+
 1♣   pass   pass 4♦ strong 5♦+ and  (5♠ or 5♥)
 1♣   pass   pass 4♥ to play 7/8 cards up to 5 losers
 1♣   pass   pass 4♠ to play 7/8 cards up to 5 losers
 1♦   pass   pass 3♦ ask to bid 3NT with ♦ stopper
                                     ♠Ax ♥K108 ♦-  ♣AKJ97632
 1♦   pass   pass 3♥ weak > ♠Q7 ♥KJ109543 ♦Q102 ♣6
 1♦   pass   pass 3♠ weak > ♠KQJ9872 ♥43 ♦2 ♣K64  
 1♦   pass   pass 4♣ strong 5♣+ and (5♠ or 5♥)+
 1♦   pass   pass 4♦ strong (5♠-5♥)+
 1♦   pass   pass 4♥ to play 7/8 cards up to 5 losers
 1♦   pass   pass 4♠ to play 7/8 cards up to 5 losers
 1♥   pass   pass 3♥ ask to bid 3NT with ♥ stopper
                                     ♠Ax ♥4 ♦KQ  ♣AKJ97632
 1♥   pass   pass 3♠ weak > ♠AJ109872 ♥4 ♦QJ2 ♣64
 1♥   pass   pass 4♣ strong 5♣+ and 5♠
 1♥   pass   pass 4♦ strong 5♦+ and 5♠
 1♥   pass   pass 4♥ both minors (5♣-5♦)+  
 1♥   pass   pass 4♠ to play 7/8 cards up to 5 losers
 1♠   pass   pass 3♠ ask to bid 3NT with ♠ stopper
                                     ♠- ♥A4 ♦QJ9  ♣AKQ97632
 1♠   pass   pass 4♣ strong 5♣+ and 5♥
 1♠   pass   pass 4♦ strong 5♦+ and 5♥
 1♠   pass   pass 4♥ to play > ♠- ♥KQJ64324 ♦QJ98 ♣4
 1♠   pass   pass 4♠  strong both minors (5♣-5♦)+

Rule#5- if opponent open in a minor suit followed by two passes the reopen in 1NT is weak, just a balanced hand with 12-14 hcp with a stopper in the Opener’s suit, and:
- Stayman and transfer to majors are on;
- Transfer for the other minor is made in 2♠ and Reopener bids the other minor showing Hxx with maximum (I like) and bids 2NT if not like.  
- In case the open is 1♦, Reopener bids 3♦ to shows I Like Diamonds but and bid 2NT to show I do not Like.
- The bid in 2NT by Advancer is invitation with 11-12 hcp and some good 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 reopen in 1NT, but with 4-2 or 3-2 or 3-3 in majors the hand is more for reopen in 1NT.
Note3: some players reopen in 1NT without a stopper in Opener suit, but this is not a good strategy for reopen in 1NT.
Examples with reopen in 1NT after minor opening:

East South West North
 1♣   pass   pass  1NT => 12-14 hcp balanced
        ♠QJ3 ♥K4 ♦KQJ2 ♣Q1084 or
        ♠J972 ♥A10 ♦AJ10 ♣K1094 or
        ♠A3 ♥K104 ♦KJ9 ♣Q1092
  1♦  pass   pass  1NT => 12-14 hcp balanced
        ♠AJ3 ♥K104 ♦QJ92 ♣Q109 or
        ♠Q92 ♥K10 ♦AJ7 ♣KJ1084 or
        ♠Q92 ♥K10 ♦A107 ♣K10984

Rule#6- if opponent opens in a major followed by two passes the reopen in 1NT need 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 also asking for maximum (16+ hcp not in 4333) a good way to avoid additional information about Reopener suits, that occurs if Stayman is made in 2♣, is making a transfer with 2♠ for 3♣, and if Reopener is maximum he bids 3♣ and then advancer bids 3NT, but if reopener is minimum then he bids 2NT and then advancer 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 ♠AQ or
         ♠AQ ♥J75 ♦A107 ♣KQJ104
             
Rule#7- If the open is in any suit at level 1, followed by two passes, the reopen in 3NT is to play based in a long and solid minor with stopper in Opener's suit.
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 ♥K4 ♦AKQJ82 ♣107
 1♠    pass  pass  3NT => to play
         ♠A3 ♥K4 ♦Q2 ♣AKQ10942

1) SUMMARY OF REOPEN IN FOURTH POSITION
1.1 Sequences after 1♣ opening followed by two passes
East South West North
         1♣     pass   pass     
  ?       
pass => good 4♣+ and short in majors up to 11 hcp
double => 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 supposing always sure tricks in partner’s hand.
  ?  <= reopener bids:
 1♦  => overcall 8-14 hcp – lead indication 4♦+
 1♥  => overcall 8-14 hcp – lead indication 4♥+
 1♠  => overcall 8-14 hcp – lead indication 4♠+
1NT => 12-14 hcp – denies 4-3 in majors -
         promises stopper in ♣ and all system is on
         2♠ is transfer to 3♦ and 2NT is invitation
 2♣ => modifies Michaels 5M-5♦+
           ♠KQJ64 ♥4 ♦QJ953 ♣J2 or 
           ♠3 ♥K10984 ♦AJ8543 ♣2
 2♦ => 6♦+ 14-16 hcp - invitation to 3NT
            ♠QJ9 ♥K94 ♦AKQ982 ♣2
 2♥ => 6♥+ 14-16 hcp – invitation to 4♥
            ♠K3 ♥KQJ984 ♦AJ105 ♣2
 2♠ => 6♠+ 14-16 hcp – invitation to 4♠
            ♠QJ109763 ♥AQ4 ♦AJ ♣2
2NT => weak 2 majors suits 7-10 hcp
             Unusual NT
               ♠KQJ64 ♥QJ9832 ♦3 ♣2  or
            ♠AJ1053 ♥KJ1084 ♦43 ♣2
 3♣ => ask to partner bid 3NT with ♣ stopper
               ♠QJ3 ♥AJ9 ♦AKQJ853 ♣2 or
            ♠Q105 ♥A2 ♦AKQJ10872 ♣-
3♦/3♥/3♠ => preemptive bid – 7 cards 7-10 hcp
           AQ98432 or AK75432 or KQ98732
3NT => to play - 7♦+ solid suit and stopper in ♣
            ♠AK3 ♥J4 ♦AKQ1082 ♣K2 or
            ♠J ♥AJ4 ♦AKQJ862 ♣A2
 4♣ => (5♥-5♠)+ strong 2M suits up to 4 losers 
            ♠KQJ873 ♥AKQ104 ♦Q2 ♣- or
            ♠AKQJ5 ♥KQJ106 ♦J4 ♣7 
 4♦ => 5major-5♦+ strong 2 suits up to 4 losers
            ♠AKQ106 ♥4 ♦KQJ984 ♣5 or
            ♠J7 ♥KQJ106 ♦AKJ1092 ♣-  
 4♥/4♠ => to play - long suit 7/8 cards 5 losers
            ♠KJ4 ♥KQJ10764 ♦A3 ♣2 or
            ♠AKJ109873 ♥K104 ♦Q2 ♣-
4NT => Blackwood for Aces
            ♠3 ♥AKQ ♦AKQJ9862 ♣6 /  
 5♦ => to play - distributional
            ♠Q3 ♥KQ4 ♦KQJ98732 ♣- or
            ♠3 ♥A54 ♦AKJ987432 ♣-

1.2 Sequences after 1♦ opening followed by two passes 
 East South West North
           1♦    pass   pass    
  ?     
pass => good 4♦+ short in majors < 12 hcp
  X => promise 4-3 in majors with 10+ hcp
 1♥ => overcall 8-14 hcp 4♥+ cards
 1♠ => overcall 8-14 hcp 4♠+ cards
1NT => 12-14 probable 3-3 in majors
             promise stopper in ♦ system is on
             2♠ transfer to the other minor 3♣
             2NT invitation 11-12 hcp
 2♣ => overcall 9-14 hcp – lead indication
 2♦ => modified Michaels 5major-5♣+
            ♠KQJ64 ♥4 ♦J2 ♣QJ953 or  
            ♠3 ♥K10984 ♦2 ♣AJ8543
 2♥ => 6♥+ with 14-16 hcp
            ♠J3 ♥AQJ10976 ♦8 ♣AK4
 2♠ => 6♠+ with 14-16 hcp
            ♠AKQ943 ♥K4 ♦84 ♣QJ2
2NT => weak 2 majors suits 7-10 hcp
              Unusual NT
 3♣ => solid 6♣+ with 14-16 hcp
            ♠J32 ♥4 ♦J2 ♣AKJ9832
 3♦ => ask to bid 3NT with stopper in ♦
            ♠QJ3 ♥A9 ♦4 ♣AKQJ986 or
            ♠Q105 ♥4 ♦J2 ♣AKQJ10872
3♥/3♠ => preemptive 7+ cards less than 11 hcp
            AQ98432 or AK75432 or KQ98732
 3NT => to play - 6♣+ solid minor with stopper
            ♠AK3 ♥J4 ♦K10 ♣AKJ10872
            ♠A3 ♥J4 ♦A2 ♣AKQJ432
 4♣ => 5major-5♣+ strong 2 suits up to 4 losers
            ♠AKQ106 ♥42 ♦- ♣KQJ984 or
            ♠J ♥KQ1098 ♦5 ♣AKJ1092  
 4♦ => (5♠-5♥)+ strong 2 major suits up to 4 losers
            ♠AKQ106 ♥AQJ1064 ♦8 ♣3 or
            ♠AK1097 ♥AK1094 ♦Q32 ♣-
4♥/4♠ => to play – distributional 5 losers     
            ♠6 ♥KQJ107654 ♦- ♣Q92  
            ♠AKJ10973 ♥K10 ♦2 ♣Q92
4NT => Blackwood for Aces
            ♠3 ♥AKQ ♦2 ♣AKQJ9862 or
            ♠3 ♥AKQJ954 ♦2 ♣AKQ10 
 5♣ => to play - ♠A93 ♥4 ♦10 ♣AKJ1087632

1.3 Sequences after 1♥ opening followed by two passes  
East South West North
         1♥     pass   pass   
  ?       
pass  => good 4♥+ and short in Spades up to 11 hcp
  X => tend to promise 3♠+ and 10+ hcp
 1♠  => 8-14 hcp – lead indication - 4♠+ cards
1NT => 15-17 hcp denies 4♠ cards 1,5 stopper in ♥
           all partnership conventions for 1NT are on
 2♣ => 8-14 hcp 5♣+ cards - lead indication
 2♦ => 8-14 hcp 5♦+ cards - lead indication
 2♥ => Michaels cuebid 5♠5m+ 7-10 hcp
            ♠KQ954 ♥4 ♦KJ932 ♣J9 or
            ♠AQ1093 ♥- ♦Q87 ♣K9764
 2♠ => 6♠+ with 14-16 hcp - invitation to game
2NT => weak 2 minors suits 7 - 10 hcp
              Unusual NT
 3♣ => 6♣+ with 14-16 hcp – invitation to game
 3♦ => 6♦+ with 14-16 hcp – invitation to game
 3♥ => ask to partner bid 3NT with ♥ stopper
            ♠QJ3 ♥4 ♦AKJ9432 ♣A3 or
            ♠A10 ♥4 ♦K92 ♣AKQJ1072
 3♠ => preemptive - 7+ cards - 7-10 hcp 2 top honors
3NT => to play - solid minor suit - stopper in ♥
            ♠A3 ♥K3 ♦AKQ10842 ♣Q2 or
            ♠J3 ♥A4 ♦K3 ♣AKQJ862
 4♣  => 5♣+(5♠ or 5♥) strong 2 M suits up to 4 losers
            ♠AKQ106 ♣KQJ1083 or
            ♠J7 ♥KQJ1064 ♦- ♣AKJ1092
 4♦ => 5♠-5♦+ strong 2 suits up to 4 losers  
            ♠AK1098 ♥5 ♦KQJ98 ♣J4 or
            ♠AKJ52 ♥7 ♦AK10932 ♣3
 4♥ => (5♦-5♣)+ strong 2 minors suits up to 4 losers
           ♠4 ♥- ♦AK10953 ♣QJ10942 or
           ♠4 ♥5 ♦KQJ853 ♣AK1098
 4♠ => to play - 7/8 cards and good suit      
           ♠KQJ10652 ♥43 ♦QJ2 ♣2 or
           ♠AKJ109873 ♥4 ♦QJ2 ♣6
4NT => Blackwood for Aces
 5♣ => to play - ♣7/8 cards
 5♦ => to play - ♦7/8 cards

1.4 Sequences after 1♠ opening followed by two passes 
East South West North
         1♠      pass  pass   
  ?       
pass  => probable 4♠+ and short in ♥ up to 11 hcp
  X => tend to promise 4♥ cards - 10+ hcp
1NT  => 15-17 hcp denies 4♥ cards - 1,5 stopper in ♠
              all partnership conventions for 1NT are on
 2♣ => 8-14 hcp 5♣+ - lead indication
 2♦ => 8-14 hcp 5♦+ cards - lead indication
 2♥ => 8-14 hcp 5♦+ cards - lead indication
 2♠ => Michaels cuebid 5♥-5m+ 7-10 hcp
             ♠4 ♥KQJ64 ♦K9763 ♣J3 or
             ♠- ♥AJ1093 ♦Q8 ♣QJ8654  
2NT => 2 weak minors suits 7-10 hcp
              Unusual NT
 3♣ => 6♣+ with 14-16 hcp invitation to game
            ♠3 ♥KJ4 ♦Q104 ♣AKJ9832 or
            ♠3 ♥KJ4 ♦Q104 ♣AKJ9832
 3♦ => 6♦+ with 14-16 hcp invitation to game
            ♠3 ♥Q4 ♦AKJ1042 ♣KJ98
            ♠3 ♥J4 ♦AKQJ1042 ♣KJ9 
 3♥ => 6♥+ with 14-16 hcp invitation to game
            ♠5 ♥KQJ1086 ♦KJ9 ♣A104 or 
            ♠- ♥QJ108643 ♦AJ9 ♣AQ4  
 3♠ => ask to partner bid 3NT with ♠ stopper
            ♠3 ♥Q4 ♦AKJ1042 ♣A3
            ♠10 ♥K104 ♦A4 ♣AKQJ1072
3NT => to play - long minor solid and stopper in ♠
            ♠A3 ♥J4 ♦AKQ10982 ♣A2 or
            ♠QJ10 ♥4 ♦A2 ♣AKQJ872
 4♣  => 5♥-5♣+ strong 2 suits up 4 to losers
            ♠4 ♥KQJ64 ♦3 ♣KQJ1083 or
            ♠J7 ♥KQJ1064 ♦- ♣AKJ1092
 4♦ => 5♥-5♦+ strong 2 suits up to 4 losers 
            ♠4 ♥AK1095 ♦KQ10987 ♣9 or
            ♠- ♥KQJ83 ♦AK10543 ♣52
 4♥ => to play - ♥7/8 cards and good suit
4NT => Blackwood for Aces          
 5♣ => to play - good suit ♣7/8 cards 
 5♦ => to play - good suit ♦7/8 cards


 

1.5 HOW TO SHOW BALANCED 15-17/18-19/20+ 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 bidding 1NT means 15-17 hcp and bidding 2NT means 18-19 hcp and bidding 3NT means 20+ hcp, denying 4 cards support to partner’s major bid:
East South West North
       1♣/1♦  pass  pass
  X   pass     1M    pass
1NT => 15-17
=> ♠AQ9 ♥K109 ♦Q1097 ♣KJ9
      ♠A109 ♥AJ10 ♦Q1087  ♣KQx
----------------------------
 East South West North
         1♣/1♦  pass  pass
   X     pass    1M    pass
 2NT =>18-19 hcp:
=> ♠AJ9 ♥AQ10 ♦K1097 ♣AJ9
      ♠AQ3 ♥A1085 ♦KQ10  ♣KJ9
-----------------------------
East South West North
         1♣/1♦  pass  pass
   X     pass    1M    pass
 3NT =>20+ hcp:
=> ♠AJ9 ♥AKQ ♦K1097 ♣AJ9
      ♠AKQ ♥A1085 ♦KQ10  ♣KJ9
----------------------------

Note5: when a reopener in 4^th position is made by double, if partner bids a major that fits 4-card then Reopener should raise to level 2 with up to 16 hcp, should raise to level 3 with 17-18 hcp and should cuebid with 19+ hcp.
In fact, Reopener hand has some weakness because is under Opener’s hand, so the bad position needs be considered.
Per example, AQ10 may lose 2 tricks and KJ9 may lose 3 tricks. But good sequences of cards like KQJ are plus value while KJx or AQx has negative values. Of course, if you are a passed hand with ♠KJ9x ♥KJ10x ♦Q10x ♣xx and opponent opens 1♣ in 4^th position, now your honors are well positioned and you may double to compete for a part-score.

1.6 HOW TO SHOW BALANCED 18-19 HCP AFTER A MAJOR OPEN
Suppose South opens 1♥ and after two passes East reopens with a double, if South passes and West bids 1♠, East's second bid in 1NT means 18-19 hcp - with less East reopen with 1NT or pass in 1♠. If West bids a minor and East's second bid is 2NT this shows 18-19 hcp.

East South West North
         1♥      pass  pass
  X    pass    1♠     pass
1NT <= 18-19 hcp balanced hand
              ♠A93 ♥KJ4 ♦KJ0 ♣AK109
              ♠K98 ♥AJ4 ♦K104 ♣AK9x   

 East South West North
          1♠      pass   pass
    X   pass  2♣/2♦ pass
  2NT => 18-19 hcp balanced hand
              ♠AQ2 ♥QJ4 ♦KJ4 ♣AJ109
              ♠K1097 ♥K94 ♦AK ♣KQJ9

Note6: After the reopen with double, in case West bids 1♠ after 1♥ opening, East with 18-19 hcp and 4♠ cards support could cuebid 2♥ to show 18-19 hcp, but with a 4333 hand also can bid 1NT because 1♠ after 1♥ opening could be only 3 cards to show a maximum negative hand with 4♥-card in distribution 4333. But, 1NT forces lead comes to the strong hand.

SUMMARY TO REOPEN WITH BALANCED HAND
12-14 hcp - reopen with 1NT after minor open
                    (denying major 4-3)
15-17 hcp - reopen 1NT after major open
                    (denying other major)
18-19 hcp - reopen with double
                    and after bid NT at level
20+ hcp    - reopen with double and after cuebid
                    with support or jump to 2NT or 3NT

 

TEST YOURSELF
Supposing the auction goes: 1♠ pass pass ?
Suppose both are nVul.
How do you bid in reopen position with:

a) ♠2 ♥AKQ75 ♦AQJ1093 ♣2
Suggestion: Use Leaping Michaels bidding 4♦ that shows 5♥-5♦ and promises up to 4 losers but isn't GF. Advancer could decide for: pass, 4♥ or 5♦.

b) ♠KJ1032 ♥9 ♦AQ10 ♣A952 
Suggestion: pass, probably they have fit in Hearts, and even if your partner has 9-10 hcp, opponent playing in 1♠ will be a good score 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♥, normal bid – remember that 3♥ shows 14-16 hcp.  

e) ♠1073 ♥AK4 ♦Q1095 ♣Q82
Suggestion: you are nVul, so, 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 choice with 3-card Spades losers.

f) ♠92 ♥94 ♦AKQ1032 ♣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 3NT if partner bids 1NT, 2♥ or 2♦, but bid only 2NT if partner bids 2♣ that could be maximum negative.

h) ♠9 ♥9754 ♦AJ108 ♣J1082
Suggestion: pass quickly, but if you if you have in your Hearts suit the ♥K or ♥Q you can reopen with double based in this 4441 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 bid 2♥ to show your good hand; 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 without good distributional hand because partner could compete at level 3 if opponent rebid 2♥ or 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 even less hcp.

2- AFTER A REOPEN IN 4^th HOW TO BID STRENGTH:

IF THE REOPEN IS MADE WITH A DOUBLE,
THEN 1NT BID BY ADVANCER SHOWS 8-11 HCP

a) 1NT bid shows 1,5 stopper
    with no 4-card major 8-11 hcp

 East South West North
  1♣   pass   pass  double
pass  1NT <= 8-11 hcp balanced 
          ♠Q72 ♥J104 ♦AQ10 ♣Q1098

East South West North
  1♦    pass  pass  double
 pass  1NT <= 8-11 hcp balanced 
          ♠J7 ♥J104 ♦AQ10 ♣QJ982

East South West North
  1♥    pass  pass  double
 pass  1NT <= 8-11 hcp balanced  
          ♠Q7 ♥K1084 ♦QJ108 ♣K95

East South West North
  1♠    pass  pass double
 pass  1NT <= 8-11 hcp balanced  
          ♠QJ72 ♥J4 ♦A109 ♣QJ92
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 

b) pass means good 5+ cards (not 976543)
 in Opener's suit and hand 5332 with 8+ 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 <= ♠2  ♥QJ10842 ♦AJ10 ♣J102

East South West North
  1♠   pass  pass  double
pass pass <= ♠AQJ82  ♥94 ♦A10 ♣J1098

Note: experience shows that for a double contract at level 1 the lead with trump is a good lead to avoid Declarer make tricks with low trumps. Partner could have QJ1097.

------------------------------
c) 2NT shows 12-13 hcp with stoppers,
 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 ♥Q104 ♦AJ10 ♣K982

East South West North
 1♦    pass  pass  double
 pass  2NT <= 12-13 hcp balanced:
            ♠A7 ♥J104 ♦AQ9 ♣Q9832

East South West North
 1♥    pass  pass  double
 pass  2NT <= 12-13 hcp balanced:
           ♠Q7 ♥Q1082 ♦QJ108 ♣AJ9

East South West North
 1♠    pass  pass  double
 pass  2NT <= 12-13 hcp balanced:
            ♠AJ97 ♥J4 ♦A109 ♣Q1092

Note: When declarer open in a major after a reopen with double Advancer should not pass with only 4-card trump.

-------------------------------
d) bidding next suit shows weak hand and can be done with only 3 cards when partner has low 4+ cards in Opener's suit and distribution 4333.

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 
     ♠87432 ♥K4 ♦Q94 ♣952
------------------------------------

 

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 overcall (subtle observation) with only one top honor or without 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 =>
         ♠J76543 ♥Q4 ♦2 ♣AQ98

East South West North
 1♥   pass   pass  double
pass  2♠ <= 5♠+ 10-12 hcp =>
        ♠108732 ♥42 ♦AK3 ♣K94

East South West North
 1♠    pass  pass  double
pass  3♥ <= 5♥+ 10-12 hcp => 
        ♠AQ2 ♥108754 ♦42 ♣A92

---------------------------------------
f) cuebid by a passed hand is an invitation to game (after minor open cuebid 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 hcp - so Reopener sign-off the auction bidding his 4 cards suit at level 2 or make a GF bidding at level 3.

East South West North
  1♣  pass   pass  double
 pass  2♣ <= shows both majors =>
           ♠AQ87 ♥KJ104 ♦5 ♣10542

East South West North
  1♦   pass  pass   double
pass  2♦ <= shows both majors =>
           ♠Q752 ♥K1094 ♦92 ♣AQ9

East South West North
  1♥   pass  pass  double
pass   2♥ <= shows 4♠ with 10 hcp =>
           ♠KJ102 ♥84 ♦K983 ♣A94

East South West North
  1♠   pass  pass  double
 pass 2♠ <= shows 4♥ with 10 hcp =>
            ♠A6 ♥KQ104 ♦J9842 ♣K9

--------------------------------

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 very danger because Reopener may have singleton Spades in 4441 and only 8-10 hcp – Thus, not easy to make 9 tricks. So, a reasonable bid is not 3NT but bidding 2NT allowing partner to pass. 

-----------------------------------
h) After a minor opening the reopen after two passes in 1NT shows weak 1NT 12-14 hcp, and transfer for major is on, but transfer for the other minor is made in 2♠. So, response in 2NT is invitation with 11-12 hcp. 
 East    South West North
1♣/1♦  pass   pass  1NT
 pass    2NT <=invitation to 3NT
  ♠Q102 ♥K942 ♦A1084 ♣Q92 or
  ♠Q102 ♥J42 ♦AJ084 ♣QJ92
Advancer 2NT shows 11-12 hcp.

 East    South West North
1♣/1♦  pass   pass  1NT
 pass    3NT <= balanced hand
   ♠Q1097 ♥K982 ♦A104 ♣K10 or
   ♠J1076 ♥K983 ♦A5 ♣QJ10
South with balanced hand card and 12+ hcp may prefer bid 3NT, and not bid Stayman to not inform opponents of North’s hand.

 East  South West North
  1♦    pass   pass  1NT
 pass   2♠ <= transfer for the other minor
   ♠Q2 ♥9 ♦J104 ♣KJ10932 or
   ♠62 ♥92 ♦J8 ♣Q1076543
   here a transfer for sign-off
------------------------------------
i) After major opening the reopen in 1NT is 15-17 hcp
 East    South  West North
1♠/1♥  pass    pass   1NT
 pass    2NT <= invitation to 3NT
     ♠A102 ♥Q94 ♦104 ♣Q9872 or
     ♠Q102 ♥J1042 ♦AJ1084 ♣94
South with balanced hand having 8-9 hcp and good 5-card minor bid 2NT invitation.

 East    South West North
1♠/1♥  pass   pass  1NT
 pass    3NT <= 10+ hcp
   ♠Q1072 ♥K109 ♦A8 ♣J1093 or
   ♠J1092 ♥K984 ♦A10 ♣QJ9
South with balanced hand having 10+ hcp prefer contract of 9 tricks bidding 3NT.
------------------------------------
j) When reopen after 2 passes is made in suit at level 1, then his partner bid:
- pass, no support and less than 10 hcp, and no long suit;
- without support and stopper, may bid another 6+ cards suit sign-off;
- bid 1NT with 9-11 hcp showing stopper, 2-card support - invitation to 3NT;
- bid 2NT with 12-13 hcp showing stoppers, 2-card support - invitation to 3NT;
- support at level 2 means 3-card and 6-9 hcp;
- support in jump need 4-card and 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: When Reopener in 4^th position bids a major if Advancer has 5+ cards support with good distribution like 5431 or 5521 and around 10 hcp Advancer should bid game because statistics are favorable to make 10 tricks with a fit 5-5 even with 20 hcp.

3) REOPEN WHEN OPPONENT STOP AT LEVEL 2
LEMMA: To be competitive we should not let opponents play at level 2 when they find a fit 4-4 or 5-3. So, we must reopen to push them to level 3 even if we need go first to level 3.
East South West North
  1♣   pass   1♥     pass
  2♥   pass   pass    ?
North is in the reopen position
-------------------------------
East South West North
  1♥    pass   2♥     pass
 pass    ?
South is in the reopen position
-------------------------------
East South West North
  1♦   pass   1♠     pass
  2♠   pass   pass    ?
North is in the reopen position

Thus after two passes the last player to bid (that is at reopen position) must evaluate if his hand has condition to reopen (9-10 hcp with some distributional points and good suits with jack, tens and nines in the intermediate cards):
- bid his 5th card suit or
- double to show a major + minor or
- bid 2NT to show both minors.
The 5332 is not a good distributional hand, but 5431 it is satisfactory if the 5-card and the 4-card have some honors like KJ10xx AJ9x or Q1097x AQ10x.

Let’s analyze some examples:
a) East     South West North
      1♥      pass       2♥      pass
     pass     
- if South X he shows 4♠ and a minor suit
   ♠QJ92  ♥94 ♦A74 ♣K1092 <= X
   ♠A873  ♥942 ♦A10974 ♣2 <= X
----------------------------------
- if South bid 2NT he denies 4♠-card and shows both minors (4-4 or 5-4) North must bid his best minors suit;
      ♠92  ♥94 ♦AJ74 ♣KQ952  <= 2NT
      ♠3 ♥9842 ♦A1097 ♣KJ98 <= 2NT
----------------------------------
- if South reopen bidding a suit this means 5+ cards, but it is also possible the reopen with a good 4♠-card in Spades in a 4333 distribution no Vul:
      ♠AKJ9 ♥1094 ♦Q103 ♣J108 <= 2♠
      ♠A83 ♥942 ♦AJ1097 ♣J2 <= 3♦
------------------------------------
b) East     South West North
      1♠      pass      2♠     pass
     pass      ?
if South X means 4♥-card and a minor, so North bids:
1- with 5♥+ cards => 3♥ and partner pass;
2- with both minors => 2NT and partner choose;
3- with 5♣+ cards => 3♣ and partner pass with 2♣ cards but with singleton bid 3♦;
4- with 5♦+ cards => 3♦ and partner pass.

------------------------------------
c) East South West North
    1♣     pass   2♣*   pass  
   pass     ? (*2♣ => 5♣ 6-9 hcp)
- double shows any two suits (4-4 or 5-4), so if South X, then North with 5♠-4♥-2♦-2♣ or 5♠-2♥-4♦-2♣ should not bid his 5-card suit because South could have 1♠-4♥-5♦-3♣.
- to bid a suit needs 5 cards and denies other suit with 4 cards;
- 2NT shows any two suits 5-5 and partner bid first his 3-card suit.
 
Note9: Careful must be taken because Opener could have only 3 cards Clubs with both majors.             

----------------------------------------
d) East  South West North
      1♦    pass    2♦*  pass      
    pass     ?     *2♦ => 6-9 hcp
Same as case (c) Opener could have 3♦-card.

----------------------------------------
e) East   South West     North
   1♣/1♦  pass  3♣/3♦*  pass 
    pass      ?  *minors support 5-9 hcp

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 opening is made after partner had passed, they could use the jump support as being 10-11 hcp, as we recommend for passed hands.
Thus the double by South in this situation must promise both majors and by security we should be singleton in opponent's minor (5431).

---------------------------------------
f) East    South  West    North
  1♠/1♥   pass   3♠/3♥*  pass
    pass      ?       * Bergen weak jump support

When opponents play Bergen raises this jump support is made with less than 6 hcp and in this bidding, North could have passed with 12-14 hcp considering that a double is danger because his partner is passed and could have less than 6 hcp.

So, if East pass, then South is now in the reopen position, and with 10-11 hcp having a 5431 or 4441 distribution WITH SINGLETON IN OPPONENT SUIT he may now reopen the bidding with:
 1- Double if have the other major;
 2- 3NT to show both minors 5/4+.

--------------------------------------
g) East   South West North
     1♣      pass   1NT  pass    
     pass     ?
If reopen is X this is punitive and ask partner to lead dummy suit.
If reopen is in suit this probably is a weak 6-card suit to justify a not bid overcall;
If the reopen is in Opener’s suit it is to play. 

Sometimes we have no strength to reopen but having a long suit 6+ cards reopen could be made just to push opponents to level 3:
 East South West North
  1♣    pass   1♥     pass
 1NT   pass  pass     ?  
North with ♠J107654 ♥QJ2 ♦K108 ♣2 => 2♠ because partner probably has 13+ hcp – but West may have 4♠ cards, so this reopen should be done only nVul.
-----------------------------------
 

h) East  South West North
   1♣/1♦ pass    1♠     pass
   2♣/2♦ pass   pass     ?
When Opener rebids his minor suit means normally 6+ cards and if opponents stop the bidding this may be a misfit situation, so to reopen we must be careful and an important condition to reopen is be shorter in opponent minor.
East  South West North
 1♣    pass    1♥     pass
 2♣    pass   pass     ?  
 ♠K976 ♥A75 ♦Q10983 ♣2 => double
East   South West North
  1♦    pass    1♠     pass
  2♦    pass   pass       ?  
  ♠K97 ♥A1085 ♦3 ♣A10864 => double

---------------------------------
i) East  South West North
 1major pass  1NT   pass
 2major pass  pass    ?

When Opener rebids this major after response 1NT, if bidding is stopped 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 also be shorter in Opener major with a 5431 distribution and considering 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;
  East   South West North
   1♥     pass    1NT    pass
   2♥     pass    pass      ?  
    ♠K976 ♥5 ♦Q10983 ♣A72 => double
 East   South West North
   1♠    pass    1NT    pass
   2♠    pass    pass      ?  
    ♠7 ♥K10985 ♦K94 ♣KJ94 => double
 East   South West North
   1♥    pass    1NT    pass
   2♥    pass    pass     ?  
    ♠Ax ♥5 ♦Q10983 ♣KJ109 => 2NT
 East   South West North
   1♠    pass    1NT    pass
   2♠    pass    pass      ?  
    ♠7 ♥A94 ♦K1094 ♣KJ942 => 2NT

--------------------------------
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 South don’t know what to lead or what is the partner good and long suit. The usual conventions are:
Disturbing Opponent No Trump (DONT); Multi Landy; MeckWell; Wooley

4) REOPENING AGAINST 2 WEAK OPEN
k)  East  South West North
       2♠    pass   pass    ?

Considerations: First we should observe that Responder (West) do not support Opener suit. This denies the standard 10-11 hcp with 3 cards support to make difficult a possible reopen. So, we need be careful to reopen with no good distribution/strength, because Responder may have passed with 14-15 hcp and singleton in Opener suit. Furthermore, our partner is passed hand. So, with 3 losers in Opener suit and up to 13 hcp we should refuse the reopen.

- reopen with double means, in general, 5431 or 4441 distributions. Or Ax (not Kx or Qxx) in Opener suit with 4432 distribution and 14+ hcp.
We can’t double a weak opening without at least Hxx in the other major suit.
In case the weak opening is a minor we need at least 4-3 in the majors.
Thus, to compete we need be shorter in opponent suit without 3-loser in Opener suit.
Of course with 4441 or 5431 having 4-card in the unbid major we can bid double.
To bid an overcall we must 6-card with 2 top honors, or a 5-card suit good like AKQxx.
In case we have favorable vulnerability and good distributional hand our strength could be 11-13 hcp, but if we are Vul against nVul we must have good distribution like 5431 and 15+ hcp to double. 

- with 2 weak suits 5-5+ cards nVul with 9-11 hcp we reopen after 2♥ using Michaels cuebid, but after 2♠ it is more difficult and rarer to find the safety suits to bid. Of course, with a hand like: ♠7 ♥KQ1098 ♦QJ10964 ♣4 it is a tempting to bid 3♠ Michaels-cuebid after 2♠ pass pass.
  We Opener partner Responder
          2♦        pass      pass
    ?
   3♦ <= 5♠+5♥+ 9-10 hcp
    X <= at least 4-3 in majors 13+ hcp
   4♦ <= Leaping Michaels 5♠-5♥+
              strong 2 suits up to 4 losers
-----------------------------
- with 2 strong suits 5-5+ cards and up to 4 losers we reopen using Leaping Michaels:
  We Opener partner Responder
          2♠        pass      pass
    ?
  4♣ <= 5♥-5♣+ up to 4 losers
  4♦ <= 5♥-5♦+ up to 4 losers
  4♠ <= 5♦+5♣+ up to 4 losers
-------------------------------- 
We Opener partner Responder
          2♥        pass      pass
   ?
  4♣ <= 5♠-5♣+ up to 4 losers
  4♦ <= 5♠-5♦+ up to 4 losers
  4♥ <= 5♦+5♣+ up to 4 losers 

Note10: Of course, when we show a 5-5 distribution and partner bids our doubleton we bid the other suit up the line then partner will know our two suits.

Nota11: When we make an informative double after a weak two open and partner bids a suit at level 2, if we cuebid this shows strong hand (18+ hcp) trying to find a game contract. 
 
Nota12: the Lebensohl convention against weak 2 opening applies only when we are in second position and double the weak 2 opening. Like in the following sequence: 
East South West North
 2♠     X      pass   ? <= Leb may be used
but not for reopen situation
East South West North
  2♠  pass    pass   X <= there is no Leb here

So, North bids are:
double  => 12+ hcp and shorter in Opener's suit;
bid 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;
  3♠       => Micheals weak distributional hand 5/6;
  4♥       => to play
4♣/4♦   => jump to a minor 5M-5m+ is Leaping Micheals;  
  4♠       => strong 2 minors suits – Leaping Michaels
-----------------------------

 

5) AMBUSH PASS
Considering that is not possible double punitive the opponent opening when we have strong hand with strong cards in opener’s suit, we must pass and wait the auction goes up to a desired level for then double penalty showing an indication of lead for partner if is the case.

When to use the Ambush Pass?
If opponent opens with 1♠ and we have all this hands below we should consider in use the Ambush 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♠      ?
After response in 1NT, like this sequence, double by South is penalty and partner must know that is not a reopening for 3 suits (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 punitive when the auction is still 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 decide 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 question 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 PUNITIVE 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 to 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 ♥QJ98 ♦K3 ♣KJ983 => Double

Note13: Remember, when Opener rebids his suit after Responder bid 1NT our double is penalty, not a reopen bid and this is a rare situation applied in Match Point context where a score of 200 or 300 will be a top.
 

7) WHEN DO NOT REOPEN
a) having a weak hand
We can't reopen without good distribution and honors in the unbid suits even when they stop at level 1!
Opener partner Responder we
  1suit    pass       pass          ?
♠1074 ♥Q754 ♦Q43 ♣A85 <= pass

b) having the opponents suit
A fundamental reason for pass in the reopen position is when we have 4+ cards in the opponents suit because if we reopen we show to our partner the opposite card configuration normally shorter in opponent suit.

East  South West North
 1♠    pass    pass    ?
In all hands below we must pass
♠KJ1054 ♥85   ♦A43   ♣954  pass
♠AJ103   ♥A74 ♦J53    ♣743  pass
♠QJ643   ♥AK   ♦A843 ♣63    pass
We know our partner is weak because he is shorter in Spades and not overcall. If we reopen even having strength to do, we will play a bad contract or correct opponents to a good contract.

8) REOPENING AFTER OPPONENTS FIND A FIT
The reopen after opponents find a fit is relatively more safety because if they stop the auction in a partial score means that the 40 hcp are divided 20-20 or 21-19 or even 22-18

 East  South West North
 pass   1♥      Pass   2♥    
 pass  pass      ?

suggestion for reopen:
West ♠K743 ♥A52 ♦KQ4  ♣843 => 2♠
West ♠QJ6 ♥84 ♦J1053 ♣AQ75 => X