
Part 1
Originally developed as ACBL Standard Yellow Card.
Expanded by Mark London
Further Simplified and Expanded by Wayne Flournoy
and Anna Marsh (OKbridge user-name: "ana")
Other sources: "Modern Bridge Conventions" by William S. Root & Richard Pavlicek (http://www.rpbridge.net/). This book can be ordered (Worldwide) from Baron Barclay Bridge Supplies (http://www.baronbarclay.com/)
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Part 1 describes the SA-YC bidding system as played on OKbridge. SA-YC is normally a "five-card majors" bidding system, but players may exercise their own judgement to open a good four-card major in third seat. A few sequences are defined in the later rounds of SA-YC auctions. Players are free to assign "forcing", "invitational", or "non-forcing" meanings to natural calls in such sequences.
All artificial bids/conventions mentioned in Part 1 are standard SA-YC. A novice player may arrange with his partner not to use some of the standard conventions, but the partnership must agree explicitly which conventions are to be excluded. Suggested standard conventions for novices to specifically omit are marked as "1-Star" ( * ).
Overview Cont'd.®
Note: Throughout this document, the required alerts, based on the ACBL alert chart, are identified with an "exclamation mark" ( ! ) "HCP" is used for actual "high card points" – "Points" is used to include distributional points. NF=Non-Forcing.
1. Normally open five-card majors in all seats.
2. Open the higher of long suits of equal length: 5-5 or 6-6.
3. Normally open 1¨ with 4-4 in the minors.
4. Normally open 1§ with 3-3 in the minors.
5. No trump openings show a balanced hand but can be made with a five-card major or minor suit.
6. 1NT = 15-17HCP
7. 2NT = 20-21HCP
8. 3NT = 25-27HCP {See also Part 2 Gambling 3NT}
9. Strong artificial 2§ Opener = (22+ HCP)
10. Weak Two-bids in diamonds, hearts and spades. (5-11 Points, 6 card suit)
A response of 2§ after a 1NT opening by partner is Stayman. It shows 8+ HCP and at lease one 4-card major or an unbalanced, game-forcing hand with 5+ in a minor, with or without a side major. Stayman is normally avoided with 4333 or 3433 shape, just raise to 2NT or 3NT. Opener must rebid 2¨ (denying a 4-card major), 2©, or 2ª. If responder then rebids three of either minor, it shows game/slam interest and at least 5 cards in the bid suit.
If responder has 5/4 or 4/5 in the majors he can rebid the longer major when the response is the shorter major (or denial of a 4-card major) to show 5: eg., 1N-2§-2ª-3©(showing 5xhearts and 4xspades) or 1NT-2§-2¨-2©(showing 5xhearts and 4xspades)
Note 1: If opener has 4-4 in majors, opener bids 2© first: if responder's suit is spades, he will rebid 2NT and opener can then bid his 4-card spade suit if he feels a suit contract is best. For example:
|
Opener |
Responder |
Shows |
|
1NT |
2§ |
Opener has 4/4 majors,
minimum/maximum NT opener |
|
2© |
2NT |
|
|
3ª/4ª |
Pass |
Note 2: Stayman can also be used in cases where responder has fewer than 8 HCP and intends to pass any response, i.e. if responder has 4-4-4-1 shape (the club being a singleton), any response can be passed and hopefully improve the final contract. {see also Part 2 Minor Suit Stayman}
Jacoby transfers (Jxfrs) show a five+ card major suit:
2¨ is a transfer to 2©
2© is a transfer to 2ª
Opener MUST accept the transfer although he can jump to the three level with 17 points and four-card support for responder's major. Jacoby Transfers also apply when partner has made a strong natural NT overcall at any level e.g., 1§-1NT-P-2¨!-P-2©.
|
Opener |
Responder |
Shows |
|
1NT |
2¨! |
Responder has 0-7HCP with 5+hearts |
|
1NT |
2¨! |
Opener has 17HCP and 4 hearts (invitational) |
|
1NT |
2¨! |
Responder has 9+HCP (invitational to 3N or 4©) |
|
1NT |
2¨! |
Responder has 11+HCP, good side
suit, |
|
1NT |
2¨! |
Responder has 10+HCP asks pref 3NT or 4© |
|
1NT 2© |
2¨! 2ª |
11+HCP, 5-5 in the majors, invitational (NF). The sequence 1NT-2©!-2ª-3© is 5-5 spades/hearts, (GF), while 5-4 and 4-5 hands should use Stayman rather than a Jxfr |
Note 1: Jacoby Transfers are also used over openers of 2/3NT openers
Note 2: Jacoby Transfers are "off" if the 1NT
opening is overcalled.
Note 3: I have put alerts into the Jxfrs although the ACBL has taken them off the alertables – if playing with beginners err on the cautious side and explain Jxfrs to opps
Responses And Later Bidding After 1NT Opening Cont'd.®
Jacoby
Transfer to mMinors
(J4xf) ( ! ) *
Used if responder has a long minor, less than 8HCP, limited entry making a NT contract undesirable.
After a 1NT opener, a 2ª! response is a transfer to 3§, which can be passed with clubs or responder can rebid 3¨ if his suit is diamonds. J4xfer also on over opening 2N. Over opening of 3N, 4ª is to play unless J4xfer is on by partnership agreement.
Note: Jacoby Transfer to minors is "off" altogether if the NT opening is overcalled or doubled
|
Opener |
Responder |
Shows |
|
1NT |
2NT |
8-9HCP usually denies 4-card major |
|
3§/3¨ |
6-8Points, 6+ minor suit - limited entries (NF) |
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|
3©/3ª |
6+card suit and slam interest (GF+) |
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4ª/4©/5¨/5§ |
6+card suit no slam interest |
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4§ |
Gerber asking for Aces |
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4NT |
Quantative not Blackwood:
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Example
Example
|
North |
East |
South |
Response Shows |
|
1NT |
2§/2¨ |
3§/3¨ |
South has 4/4 majors,
opener bids 4 of a |
|
2©/2ª |
3©/3ª |
South has 4 of the unbid major,
|
Opener’s possible Calls |
Resonder’s possible Calls |
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Pass |
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XX (strong holding in dbled suit) |
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Complete Xfer to show 3+ trumps |
Pass or bid on |
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Jump to 3 of suit |
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Opener’s possible Calls |
Resonder’s possible Calls |
|
Pass |
1. Make natural bid
|
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X for penalty |
Pass or bid on |
|
Bid 3 of major with good supporting hand |
|
Opener’s possible Calls |
Resonder’s possible Calls |
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Pass with 4xclubs |
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XX with 5xclubs or 4xgood clubs |
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Make any natural rebid |
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Opener’s possible Calls |
Resonder’s possible Calls |
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Pass |
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X for penalty |
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Bid 4-card major at 2 level |
Stayman and Jacoby Xfers are "on". J4xfers are on over 2N openers not 3N openers unless by partnership agreement.
|
North |
South |
Shows |
|
2NT |
3§ |
|
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3¨/3©! |
JXfer to 3©/3ª |
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3ª! |
J4xfer to 4§ and correct if ¨ |
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4§ |
||
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4NT |
Quantitative, invites 6NT if max |
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3NT |
4§ |
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4¨/4©! |
JXfer to 4©/4ª |
|
|
4NT |
Blackwood (not Quantitative since 4§ would be used for Stayman) |
Example Responses to 1© Opener
|
North |
South |
Shows |
|
1© |
1ª |
min 6 Points, at least 4xª. unlimited bid does not necessarily deny 3x© |
|
1NT |
6-10HCP balanced hand. denies 4xª and (usually) 3x© (NF) |
|
|
2© |
(a) 6-10 Points + at
least 3x©
limit bid, can be passed |
|
|
2§/2¨ |
11+Points and 4+card minor suit. |
|
|
2NT! |
J2NT, 13+points, asks partner to show short suit while agreeing trump fit(GF+) Note: If not playing J2N, responses of 2NT and 3NT are defined in SAYC as standard, 13-15 and 16-17; however, many OKb players prefer 2NT=11-12 and 3NT=13+, so you should agree 'forcing' or 'limit' 2NT response or else you'll have to guess. If in doubt try to find a new suit bid and then bid 2N/3N |
|
|
2ª/3§/3¨ |
(Jump Shift) 17+Points (forcing+) |
|
|
3© |
10-12 Points + 3+ trumps. limit raise (invitational but non-forcing) |
|
|
3NT |
15-17HCP, balanced hand, at least 2x hearts (NF) |
|
|
4© |
usually 5+ hearts, a singleton or void, and fewer than 10 HCP (NF) |
Note: In an uncontested auction any new suit bid (where it is not preemptive) at the 3 level is 100% forcing. This applies to both opener’s and responder’s calls. SAYC, in common with all versions of Standard American, adheres to the new-suit forcing principle, ie., a new suit by responder is forcing for 1 round, unless reponder has previously passed or either player has bid notrump. Having said this, very few 1st/2nd round bids in uncontested auctions are 100% forcing in SAYC – J2N, a jump shift, and a new suit bid at the 3 level are forcing. If responder makes a 2 level first round bid then he usually promises a rebid. See also Splinters in Part 2
Responses/Rebids to 1 of a Suit Opener Cont'd. →
A 1¨ opener suggests at least a 4-card diamond suit, since 1§ is preferred on hands where a 3-card minor suit must be opened. The exception is a hand with 4-4-3-2 shape, which should be opened 1¨. Responses and later bidding generally follow the same principles as "Responses to 1 of a Major". Bidding at the one level is "up-the-line" in principle ie., bid next-ranking 4-card suit if no 5+-card suit to bid. Bidding "up-the-line" does not constitute a "reverse bid"
Example Responses to 1§ Opener
|
North |
East |
South |
West |
Shows |
|
1§ |
Pass |
1¨ |
Pass |
6+ Points, 4+diamonds, does not deny the majors or a club fit (unlimited hand) |
|
1© |
6+ Points, does not deny 4 diamonds/spades or a club fit (unlimited hand) |
|||
|
1ª |
6+ Points, does not deny 4 hearts
/diamonds or a club fit |
|||
|
1NT |
6-10 Points, denies 4 diamonds, 4 hearts,
4 spades |
Note 1: Over a 1§/1¨ opener, without a
higher-ranking 4-card suit to show, responder needs 5 trumps to raise 1§, or 4 trumps to raise 1¨, (one less trump will do
in a competitive sequence)
Note 2: Responses of 2NT/3NT are standard: (ie., responses of 2NT and 3NT are
defined in SAYC as standard, 13-15 and 16-17; however, many OKb players prefer
2NT=11-12 and 3NT=13+, so you should agree 'forcing' or 'limit' 2NT response or
else you'll have to guess. If in doubt try to find a new suit bid and then bid
2N/3N)
Note 3:There is no forcing minor-suit raise. {See also Part 2 Splinters,
Inverted Minors and Bergen Raises}
|
Minimum Opener or 13-16HCP |
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|
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17-18 Points |
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4. Jump in Partner's suit, invitational with 3+ trumps. (NF) |
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|
5. Bid in a new suit at the 3 level without jumping(15+points)(GF) |
|
|
19-22 Points |
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Note: After a rebid of 1NT by opener, a reverse or jump shift by responder is forcing possible slam interest (eg.1§-1©-1NT-2ª/3¨).
General Comment: The above rebid structure is peculiar to the OKb version of SAYC and should not be assumed when playing elsewhere. In particular, OKb suggests opener rebid the cheapest of his two suits with any weak hand lacking 3 card support for responder's first suit; so after 1¨-1ª-2§-2©!, opener's 3§ could be a minimum with 2254 shape, while 3¨ would promise extra shape and strength. When playing SAYC outside of OKb, opener should just rebid naturally, jumping to show extra values.
Jacoby 2NT (J2NT) ( ! ) *
If responder jumps to 2NT over a 1©/1ª opener, it is J2NT asking opener to show a singleton or void. It shows 13+Points, good support for opener's suit and is game forcing. Opener rebids as follows:
|
North |
South |
North |
Shows |
South |
|
1© |
2NT! |
3©! |
max hand, 18+Points and strong
suit |
Either sign |
|
3§/3¨/3ª! |
singleton or void in bid suit |
|||
|
3NT |
medium hand, 15-17 Points, denies |
|||
|
4© |
minimum hand and denies short suit |
|||
|
4§/4¨/4ª! |
strong 5-card side suit |
When responder is an unpassed hand and rebids the 4th suit in an uncontested auction, it is game forcing and may be artificial.(eg. 1¨-P-1©-P-1ª-P-2§!-?). Responder is using the 4th suit to indicate a good hand with 11+ points and no attractive rebid. Opener should respond with a natural bid that further describes his hand. Taking the above bidding sequence as an example, opener should rebid as follows:
|
Opener's Rebid |
Shows |
|
2¨ |
Rebid own suit with weak hand (NF); semi-artificial, does not promise extra length |
|
2© |
Prefer reponder's 1st suit with 3+ trumps and a minimum (NF), jump with 15+ (GF) |
|
2ª |
Rebid second suit showing 6-5 and good hand (forcing) |
|
2NT |
Bid NT to show stop in 4th suit and a extra values, jump with exceptional strength (19+?) |
|
3§ |
Raise 4th suit with 4+ and extra strength |
|
3¨ |
Rebid of opening suit showing
extra length and strength. |
4SF does not apply in the following situations:
1. In an "up the line" bidding sequence, e.g., 1§-1¨-1©-1ª. This is peculiar to OKb and not so in the original ACBL SAYC booklet. When not playing on OKb, it is forcing and could be 4+ spades with 6+ points or it could be 10+ without spades.
3. In competition, do not count the opponent's suit as one of the first three, e.g., 1§-(P)-1©-(1ª)- P-(P)-2¨: responder's 2¨ bid is forcing (new suit), but natural. Experts commonly use the cue-bid of the oponents suit as a general forcing bid (2ª in this case) such as with a balanced hand lacking a stopper in spades
In general a 2§ opener shows 22+ points, and is forcing for one round. If opener rebids 2NT after 2¨ response, showing 23-24HCP and a balanced hand, the same responses may be used as over a 2NT opener There are exceptions to the number of HCP needed for a 2§ Opener. The following are guidelines only:
· 23HCP min if hand is balanced
· 17HCP min if 1-suited hand within one trick of game (9 playing tricks) or 3 loser hand
· 21 Points if hand has 8 playing tricks
Responses
|
North |
South |
Shows |
|
2§ |
2¨ |
artificial negative, (usually less than 7HCP) (may be "waiting" with a good hand unsuited to a positive response) |
|
2©-ª/3§-¨ |
8+HCP (or 1.5 honour tricks) + 5-card suit headed by Q or better |
|
|
2NT |
8+HCP, balanced hand |
Blackwood 4NT is used to ask for Aces. Responses to 4NT show the number of Aces by steps. A 5NT bid that follows Blackwood 4NT asks for Kings.
|
Blackwood asking for Aces |
Blackwood asking for Kings |
|
||||
|
North |
South |
Shows |
North |
South |
Shows |
|
|
4NT |
5§ |
0 or 4 Aces |
5NT |
6§ |
0 or 4 Kings |
|
|
5¨ |
1 Ace |
6¨ |
1 King |
|||
|
5© |
2 Aces |
6© |
2 Kings |
|||
|
5ª |
3 Aces |
6ª |
3 Kings |
|||
Note: If the Blackwood bidder wishes to sign off in 5NT, he should bid an "unplayable" suit at the 5 level (ie. an unbid suit or opp's suit) and the responder is obliged to bid 5NT eg. 1©-2¨-3¨-4NT-5§-5ª(unbid suit)-5NT. {See also Part 2 Roman Key Card Blackwood}
A direct raise after 1NT/2NT to 4NT is Quantitative and invites 6NT if opener is maximum or pass if minimum. Also applies over partner's direct overcall of 1NT if no interference from RHO. (Over an opener of 3NT, 4NT is Blackwood).
"Double with 0 Aces, Pass with 1". Allows response to Blackwood over opponent's interference.
|
The Calls Are: |
|
|
Double |
0 Aces |
|
Pass |
1 Ace |
|
Next available bid |
2 Aces |
|
2nd available bid |
3 Aces |
|
3rd available bid |
4 Aces |
Note: ROPI = Redouble with 0, pass with 1
Slam Bidding Cont'd.→
A control-showing bid may be used to find 1st and 2nd round controls once the trump suit has been agreed. The control-showing bid is a non-jump bid at or above the 3-level (if agreed trump suit is a major) or the 4-level (if trump suit is a minor) in an unbid suit.
Rules for control-showing bids:
1. With two controls, it is usually better to first bid the one that keeps the bidding lower. In some cases it is better to reverse the order, i.e., 4§-4©-4ª rather than 3ª-4©-5§.
2. Bid suits first that have not been bid by your partnership. Bid Aces 1st, Voids 2nd, Kings 3rd. An exception is to bid a 2nd round control in an unbid suit before-cueing 1st round control in a suit that has been shown or denied. Avoid bidding a singleton or void in a suit bid naturally by your partner.
3. Return to the agreed trump suit below game to discourage a slam try. If partner bids above game you must return the bid if possible.
4. If a control-showing bid is doubled, redouble shows 2nd round control of that suit. A pass encourages partner (versus a return to agreed trump suit to discourage).
5. Control-showing bids above five of the trump suit are a try for seven.
6. If either partner is able to judge the correct final contract he should bid it as soon as possible.
7. The partnership is committed to playing in the agreed trump suit once a control-showing bid is made.
Gerber *
Gerber is used to ask for Aces and Kings over an opening 1NT or 2NT bid by partner or a rebid of 1NT or 2NT by partner. 4§ asks for Aces and 5§ for Kings. (Over an opening bid of 3NT, 4§ is Stayman).
|
Responses to Gerber are: |
|||||
|
4§ |
4¨ |
0 or 4 |
5§ |
5¨ |
0 or 4 |
|
4© |
1 |
5© |
1 |
||
|
4ª |
2 |
5ª |
2 |
||
|
4NT |
3 |
5NT |
3 |
||
Note: If the Gerber initiator makes any call other than 5§, it is to play (including 4NT)
A bid of 5NT without the preceding 4NT Blackwood bid is a GSF and asks partner to bid 7 of the agreed trump suit if he has 2 of the 3 top trump honours (ie.A,K,Q)
· Bid 7 if you have 2
{See also Part 2 Voluntary Bid of 5 of a Major}
|
Defensive Overcalls after an Opening of 1 of a Suit |
|
|
at 1 level |
with 8-16 Points |
|
Overcall |
with 8-16 Points and a substantial suit or excellent distribution |
|
1NT |
15-18HCP with stop in opener's suit. (Jxfers are "off" Stayman is "on") |
|
Double |
Opening hand possible shortage in opener's suit |
|
Cuebid! |
8+Points. Michaels Cuebid asking for takeout in majors |
|
Cuebid! |
10+Points. Michaels
Cuebid showing 2-suited hand |
|
Jump in a suit |
Pre-emptive: same values as opening pre-empts |
|
2NT |
Unusual NT showing 8+Points and
at least |
|
Responses to 1 Level Overcalls |
|
|
Raise |
6-11 Points and 3+ trumps |
|
Jump Raise |
10-12 Points and 4+ trumps |
|
Raise to Game |
(a) Weak distributional hand with
v good trump support |
|
New Suit |
9-13 Points, usually denies fit in partner's suit (non-forcing) |
|
Jump Shift |
12-14 Points with good 6-carder |
|
1NT |
9-12HCP, balanced hand. Implies
stops in the unbid suits. |
|
2NT (non-jump) |
11-13HCP, balanced. Implies stops
in the unbid suits. |
|
2NT (jump) |
13-15HCP, balanced. Implies stops
in unbid suits. |
|
3NT |
15-16HCP, balanced. Implies stops
in unbid suits. |
|
Cuebid |
Asks pard about strength of his
overcall (forcing 1 rnd, invitational). O/caller can (a) Bid 2 of own suit =
minimum overcall |
Note: Responses to 2-level overcall may be made with a weaker hand, since overcaller has indicated a stronger hand.
Defensive Bidding Cont'd.→
Defensive Bidding (Cont'd.)
Pre-empt bids are weak 2 (except 2§)/3 bids showing a 6/7-card suit of reasonable quality and 5-11 Points. If the hand also has a 4-card major then pre-empt bids should not be used. Pre-empting is intended to keep the opposition out of the bidding, not one's partner. It is better to wait until your partner has passed before pre-empting.
Note: A 4© or 4ª opener is pre-emptive but stronger than an opening 2 or 3 bid and should have good distributional values. A double over an opening 4©/4ª bid is for takeout but can be passed if you think penalty would be more profitable. 5§/5¨ openers are also pre-emptive, but a double over such a bid is penalty oriented.
Over an opening 3 bid, partner should pass unless he has 15+ points. Over an opening weak 2 bid:
1. 2NT response is forcing and shows game interest (even if the opps intervene). Opener should show a "feature": ie. a suit with Ace or King. With no feature, rebid suit (if v weak) or raise to 3NT. {See also Part 2 Ogust}
A method of responding to weak 2 openers which utilises both 2NT and a new suit as forcing responses. Hence, the raise of partner's suit is the only non-forcing response below game.
1. A jump overcall of 2NT over a 1 of a suit opener is Unusual NT and shows at least 5/5 or better in the lower 2 unbid suits. It is normally used defensively with a weak hand (8-10 Points in the 2 suits).
3. A jump overcall of 2NT followed by a raise of partner's suit, or a cuebid indicating control in opp's suit, shows a strong hand (16-18 Points)
4. After opp opener of 1NT, 2NT is also Unusual NT showing both minors
1. Preference bid
6. Bid 4NT which would be Blackwood
Note 1: Except 3NT, any other NT bid after both opponents have bid and partner
has passed can also be considered as Unusual NT
Note 2: If opps have bid and your side hasn't then 4NT is also Unusual
NT, also over a 4©/ª
preempt opener.
Defensive Bidding Cont'd→
The Michaels Cuebid promises a 2-suited hand.
Examples
|
West |
North |
Shows |
|
1§ |
2§! |
8+Points showing both majors |
|
1¨ |
2¨! |
8+Points showing both majors |
|
1© |
2©! |
10+Points showing spades and an undisclosed minor |
|
1ª |
2ª! |
10+Points showing hearts and an undisclosed minor |
Note 1: A response of 2NT over the major suit cuebid asks partner
to bid his minor
Note 2: In a competitive auction, if 2NT is unavailable, responder can bid 4§ (non-forcing) or 4NT (forcing) to locate the minor. 3NT is always to play.
Note 3: The strength of the Michaels Cuebid follows the same guidelines as used for Unusual NT overcall. It is "shape" rather than HCP that counts and both are defensive bids.
Note 4: Michaels Cuebid typically shows at least 5/5 shape, but over a minor-suit opening, just 5/4 shape in the majors is permissible so long as the 4-carder is reasonably good.
Note 5: Novice players may choose to use the Michaels Cuebid overcall for the majors only ("higher-suits cuebid"). ie. When opps have bid 1 of a minor, a cuebid of the minor shows at least 5/5 in the majors
Example
|
West |
North |
Shows |
|
1§ |
2§! |
8+Points and 5/5+ in the majors |
|
1¨ |
2¨! |
8+Points and 5/5+ in the majors |
You are in the balancing seat after a bid (usually an opening bid) followed by 2 passes: you may double for takeout or overcall with a weaker hand than you would in the direct seat. Partner should recognise this and adjust his responses accordingly.
Note: After 2 passes, as the third (4th by agreement only) seat you may open 1 of a suit with a weaker hand than normal - again, partner should recognise this and adjust his responses accordingly: your rebid will tell him your strength. {see also Part 2 Drury and Reverse Drury}
|
West |
North |
East |
South |
Shows |
|
1© |
Pass |
Pass |
1ª |
can be weaker than in direct seat |
|
1© |
Pass |
Pass |
1NT |
10-15 Points + heart stop |
|
1© |
Pass |
Pass |
2ª |
at least 13 Points and good 6-card suit |
|
1© |
Pass |
Pass |
X |
12+Points support for the unbid suits |
|
1© Pass |
Pass 1ª |
Pass Pass |
X 2NT |
19+Points with stop in hearts
|
|
1© |
Pass |
Pass |
2NT(!) |
Unusual NT! or 15-18HCP with good heart stop, balanced if NOT playing Unusual NT |
|
1© |
Pass |
Pass |
2© |
strong hand with 2 good suits, |
|
1© |
Pass |
Pass |
3NT |
to play |
|
1© |
Pass |
Pass |
X |
Blackwood asking for Aces |
|
Pass |
1ª |
Pass |
4NT |
|
West |
North |
East |
South |
Shows |
|
1© |
Pass |
2© |
Pass |
this is also a balancing seat
situation for |
|
Pass |
? |
--- |
--- |
Since there are almost endless possible sequences, it pays to have simple guidelines to prevent bidding misunderstandings. Bids have the same meaning as they would have without the interference bid. ie.they do not guarantee extra HCP: however, there are one or two extra bidding options now open to both opener and responder:
Example A
|
North |
East |
South |
West |
Shows |
|
1ª |
2§ |
3§ |
Pass |
as South the 3§ cuebid is game forcing |
|
1ª |
2§ |
X! |
Pass |
Example B
|
North |
East |
South |
West |
Shows |
|
1¨ 2ª
|
Pass - ? -
|
1ª - ? - |
2§ - ? - |
as North with a holding of, say, ªJxx ©Axxx ¨AQJx §Jx |
|
and no interference, your correct
bid is 1NT, § stop you must bid your 2nd choice of 2ª |
|
Call |
Shows |
|
X! |
Negative Double, 6+ Points |
|
Raise |
6-10 Points + 3x major- or 4x minor-trump support |
|
Jump Raise |
10-12 Points with 4 trumps (invitational) |
|
New Suit at 1-level |
8+Points and 4+-card suit (unlimited forcing 1 rnd) |
|
1NT |
8-11HCP balanced with stop in opp's suit (NF) |
|
2over1 |
9+Points, 5-card suit (forcing for 1 rnd) |
|
2NT |
12-15HCP, balanced with stop in opp's suit (invitational) |
|
Jump Shift |
17-19 Points with support for
pard's suit or 5-card suit |
|
Cuebid |
17+Points, support for pards suit
+ 1st or 2nd rnd |
Competitive Auction Cont'd.→
|
Call |
Shows |
|
Double |
9+Points and can be penalty oriented |
|
Raise |
5-8 Points with 3+ trump support |
|
New Suit |
5-8 Points with good 5-card suit |
|
Pass |
no support for pard and no good suit |
|
North |
East |
South |
Shows |
|
1¨ |
X |
1©/1ª |
unlimited (forcing 1 rnd) |
|
1NT |
6-8HCP denies 4 diamonds, balanced (NF) |
||
|
2§ |
6-10 Points + 6-carder or v good 5-carder (NF) |
||
|
2NT |
4+ trumps, 10+HCP, limit raise (NF) |
||
|
promises 10+Points, without support(NF) Note:it is better to make a more descriptive bid of 1©, 1ª,or 2NT, unless you are preparing the way to penalty X opps |
|||
|
2©/2ª/3§ |
6/7-card suit, pre-emptive (NF) |
||
|
3¨ |
less than 10 Points + good trump support (pre-emptive) (NF) |
1. Double for takeout {See also Part 2 Lebensohl}
The double of an opening suit bid at the 1 or 2 level or over a pre-empt bid is a takeout double. Minimum requirements vary, depending on distribution and the level of bidding at which partner must respond.
1. A hand that has at least 3 cards in all the unbid suits may make a t/oX with 13+Points
Competitive Auction - Takeout Doubles Cont'd.→
Responses to Partner's t/oX if RHO Passes
|
Call |
Shows |
|
Minimum bid |
0-9 Points |
|
1NT |
6-10HCP balanced with stop in opp's suit |
|
Jump bid (below game) |
10-12 Points (invitational) |
|
2NT |
10-12HCP with stop in opp's suit and no 4-card major |
|
Cuebid |
13+Points or 10-12 Points with 2x4-card majors (forcing) |
|
3NT |
13-16HCP |
|
Double Jump |
Less than 10 Points with 6-carder (pre-emptive) |
|
Pass |
At least 5 of opp's suit. Guarantees 3 trump tricks |
Rebids by Takeout Doubler after Minimum Response
|
Call |
Shows |
|
Pass |
15 Points or less |
|
Raise |
16-18 Points + 4-card trump support18-20 Points if raise is at 3 level in non-competitive auction |
|
Jump Raise |
18-20 Points + 4-card trump support |
|
New Suit |
18-20 Points, 5+-card suit. Fewer Points if you also have a 4-card unbid major |
|
Jump Shift |
6+card self-sufficient suit and strong hand (NF) |
|
1NT |
18-20HCP |
|
2NT |
19-21HCP if non-jump or 21-22HCP if jump |
|
3NT |
9 playing tricks |
|
Cuebid of opp's suit |
21+Points, slam interest |
A double at the 1 or 2 level after partner has opened and RHO has overcalled, is a Negative Double and is used to indicate a biddable hand promising the other 2 suits, but leaves bidding room for partner.
Note: Bidding a major at the 2 level or higher shows 11+Points and a 5+-card suit.
Use of Negative Doubles
|
North |
East |
South |
Shows |
|
1¨ |
1© |
X! |
6+HCP and 4(+)ª and 4(+)§ (bid of 1ª is natural up the line – at least 4). Note: if pd’s next bid has to be at the 2+ level then 9+points, eg., 1ª-(2¨)-X! |
|
1¨ |
1ª |
X! |
6+Points and 4(+)© and 4(+)§ |
|
1§ |
1¨ |
X! |
6+Points and 4/4(+) in the majors |
|
1© |
1ª |
X! |
4/4+ in the minors |
Note 1: A direct double over opponent's opening of 1NT is usually
penalty oriented.
Note 2: Negative Doubles are on through 2ª unless the partnership agree otherwise
Competitive Auction - Negative Doubles Cont'd.→
Competitive Auction (Cont'd.)
Call |
Shows |
|
Minimum (below game) |
upto 16HCP (non-forcing) |
|
Jump |
16-18 Points (non-forcing) |
|
Cuebid of opps suit |
19+Points (forcing to game) |
|
Pass (rare) |
for penalty |
Note 1: All rebids by the Neg Xer below game are non-forcing,
except a cuebid of opps suit.
Note 2: Using Neg Xes means that partner is unable to double for
penalty. Therefore, when an opp's suit overcall is followed by 2 passes, opener
should try to re-open with a double, if he has 2 or less cards in the opp's
suit, since partner may have passed with a good hand for penalties.
If your agreement is to play Negative Xes to 2ª then a penalty oriented double would be:
1. X of a 3+ level bid (except over opp’s preemptive opener – see takeout doubles above)
8. X of an opening game bid in the minors
Note 1: Be wary of doubling for penalty on the strength of partner's overcall
Note 2: Unless noted elsewhere, any bid or double by the opponents
cancels any convention intended for non-competitive auctions
Note 3: If the opponents use a convention (such as Michaels or
the Unusual
NT), you can double the artificial bid to show at least
10HCP or cuebid one of the opps' shown suits to force to game
Note 4: A forcing pass is used when opps are clearly competitively
bidding for pre-emptive reasons and you are unsure if you should double or bid
higher (usually further than game). A pass forces partner to either double or
bid.
A redouble can have 5 different meanings:
|
No. |
North |
East |
South |
West |
Shows |
||
|
1. |
4ª (or higher) |
X |
XX |
Pass |
Penalty to play |
||
|
2. |
1NT XX |
Pass Pass |
2¨! Pass |
X Pass |
Penalty - good diamond suit |
||
|
3. |
1ª |
X |
XX |
Pass |
10+HCP - to play |
||
|
4. |
1¨ Pass |
Pass Pass |
Pass XX |
X -?- |
SOS - Responder cannot
stand the X but |
||
|
1§ XX |
X Pass |
Pass-?- |
Pass-?- |
SOS - Opener does not relish playing in 1§X and is asking pard to bid his best suit (rescue) |
|||
Note: SOS redoubles are recognisable if you remember that there would be no point in redoubling a cheap contract since it would force the Opps to enter the bidding.
Defensive Leads and Signals
Defensive signals when following suit or discarding are High Encourages, Low Discourages. Leads are Top of Touching Honours. {See also Part 2 Lavinthal Discards and Odd/Even (Roman) Discards}
|
OKbridge SA-YC Default Carding |
|
|
Carding |
High discard encourages, Low discourages: infrequent count signals |
|
4th best, Kqx, Qjx, Jtx, T9x, kJtx, kT9x, qT9x, xxX, xxxX, xxxXx, aKx |
|
|
NT-leads |
4th
best, aKjx, aQjx, aJt9, aT98, Kqjx, kQt9,
kJt9, kT98, Qjtx, qT98, |
Pairs may choose to change these options and mark their leads with a "circle". Where no card is marked with a "circle", those marked in "bold italics" will be presumed to be the agreement.Some choices to consider are:
6. Whether or not infrequent count signals are given
Note 1: Normally do not lead unsupported honours from a suit not bid by partner
Note 2: It is Declarer's responsibility to look at opponents' carding
agreements.
OKbridge Example SA-YC CC→
|
OKBRIDGE SA-YC CC Omitting Jxfer to Minors, J2NT, Michaels, Unusual NT, Gerber, GSF, DOPI, 4SF |
|
|
System |
Standard American Yellow Card |
|
NT |
1N=15-17: 2N=20-21: 3N=25-27: JXF to Mjors: 3C/3D= invitational |
|
Majors |
5cm: Direct Raise = limit (pre-empt over X) |
|
Minors |
1D shows 4/4432: DR=limit: 1N/1m:6-10: 2N/1m:13-15: 3N/1m:16-17 |
|
Strong |
2C shows 22+ balanced or 9+ tricks, 2D response artificial, may be waiting |
|
Weak |
2D, 2H, 2S shows 5-11 hcp, good 6 cards, RONF, 2N reqs feature |
|
Overcalls |
8-16 HCP: cue is 1 Rnd force: jump overcall is pre-emptive |
|
NT-Over |
1N=15-18, 2C= Stayman, other systems off |
|
Doubles |
Negative -> 2S |
|
VS.Doubles |
New Suit Force 1-level: 2N = Limit raise or better |
|
Preempts |
May be light |
|
Vs.Preempts |
Dbl is takeout at 2 and 3 level, 2N/weak 2 = 16-19 HCP Bal |
|
Cuebids |
Natural |
|
Slam-Bids |
Blackwood |
|
Suit-leads |
4th best, Kqx, Qjx, Jtx,
T9x, kJtx, kT9x, qT9x, |
|
NT-leads |
4th best, aKjx, aQjx, aJt9,
aT98, Kqjx, kQt9, kJt9,
kT98, |
|
Carding |
High discard encourages, low discourages: infreq count signals |
|
Misc |
(insert any non-standard SAYC conventions agreed upon) |
1. To include Jxfer to minors add to "NT", "2S forces to 3C/D"
ACBL CC →
|
SPECIAL DOUBLES Negative :thru______thru 4ª_____ Responsive : thru____Maximal ____ Support: dbl thru______ Redouble Card-showing : Min.Offshape T/O __ _________________________________ |
NOTRUMP OVERCALLS Direct: _____to_____Systems on
___________________________________________________________ Two over One:
Game
Forcing GF.Except when Suit Rebid VERY LIGHT: Opening 3rd hand Overcalls
Preempts
FORCING OPENING 1§ 2§ Natural
2 Bids Other ______ Balancing: ______to______ Jump to 2NT: Minors 2 Lowest Conv. _______________________ |
NAMES_________________________________________________________#______
|
|||||
|
DEFENCE VS NOTRUMP vs: ____________ ____________ 2§ ____________ ____________ 2¨ ____________ ____________ 2© ____________ ____________ 2ª ____________ ____________ Dbl: ___________ ____________ Other: _______________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ |
|||||||
|
2NT _____ to _______ Puppet Stayman Transfer Responses: Jacoby
Texas 3ª ________________ 3NT ______ to ______ 1 level______ to _____HCP (usually) often 4 cards very light style Responses: New Suit Forcing NFConst NF Jump Raise Forcing Inv. Weak _________________________________
|
|||||||
|
NOTRUMP OPENING BIDS
1NT _______to______ 3§ ______________ _______to______ 3¨ ______________ 5-card Major common 3© ______________ System on over ________ 3ª ______________
2¨ Transfer to © 4¨, 4© Transfer Forcing Stayman Smolen 2© Transfer to ª Lebensohl (______denies) Conventional NT Openings 2ª _________________ Neg.Double ___________ ______________________ 2NT ________________ Other: __________________ _______________________ |
|||||||
|
JUMP OVERCALL
Strong Intermediate Weak _________________________________ |
OVER OPP'S TAKEOUT DBL New Suit Forcing: 1level 2level Jump Shift: Forcing Inv. Weak Redouble Implies no fit
2NT OVER Limit+ Limit Weak Majors Minors Other: ________________________ _____________________________ |
||||||
|
OPENING PREEMPTS Sound Light Very Light 3/4-bids Conv./Resp.__________________________________________________________ |
|||||||
|
MAJOR OPENINGS Expected Min.Length 4 5 1st/2nd 3rd/4th RESPONSES Double Raise: Force Inv. Weak After Overcall: Force Inv. Weak Conv.Raise: 2NT 3NT Splinter Other _____________________________ 1NT: Forcing ÿ Semi-Forcing 2NT: Forcing Inv. _____ to _____ 3NT: ______ to ______ Drury Reverse 2-Way Fit Other: ____________________________ |
MINOR OPENINGS Expected Min.Length 4 3 2 Other 1§ 1¨ RESPONSES Double Raise: Force Inv. Weak After Overcall: Force Inv. Weak Forcing Raise: J/S in other Minor Single Raise Other _____________ Frequently bypass 4+¨ 1NT/1§ ________ to ________ 2NT Forcing Inv. _____to_____ 3NT: _______ to _______ Other: ___________________________ |
||||||
|
DIRECT CUEBID OVER: Minor Major Artif. Bid Natural O Strong T/O Michaels _________________________________ |
Vs.Opening Preempts Double is: Takeout thru ______ Penalty Conv.Takeout _________________ Lebensohl 2NT Response Other ________________________ ______________________________ |
||||||
|
SLAM CONVENTIONS Gerber: 4NT: Blackwood RKC 1430 3014 ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ vs.Interference : DOPI DEPO Level: _______________ ROPI |
|||||||
|
xx xxxx xx xxxx xxx xxxxx xxx xxxxx AKx T9x AKJx AQTx KQx KJTx AJT9 AT9x QJx KT9x KQJx KQT9 JT9 QT9x QJTx QT9x KQT JT9x T9xx LENGTH LEADS: 4th Best vs SUITS vs NT 3rd/5th Best vs SUITS va NT Attitude vs. NT
|
DEFENSIVE CARDING vs SUITS vs NT Standard: Except ______________________________ Upside-Down: count attitude
___________________ Lavinthal Odd/Even ________________ OTHER CARDING Smith Echo Trump Suit Pref. Foster Echo
|
||||||
|
DESCRIBE RESPONSES/REBIDS 2§ ______to______HCP ________________________________________ Strong Other 2¨ Resp: Neg. Waiting |
|||||||
|
2¨ ______to______HCP ________________________________________ Strong Other |
|||||||
|
2© ______to______HCP ________________________________________ Strong Other |
|||||||
|
Primary Signal to Partner's Leads
Attidude Count Suit Preference |
2ª ______to______HCP ________________________________________ Strong Other |
||||||
|
OTHER CONVENTIONAL CALLS
New Minor Forcing ________________ 2-Way NMF ____________________ Weak Jump Shifts ________________ 4th Suit Forcing: 1 Round Game ______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ |
|||||||
|
SPECIAL CARDING PLEASE ASK |
|||||||

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