Free Website | free host | Free Web Page | BlueHost Review  

 

 

 

 

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/)

 

 

Index

Page

Overview

1

Standard SA-YC Conventions

2

General Approach

2

Responses and Later Bidding after 1NT Opening

3

2NT and 3NT Opening

6

1st Level Bidding/Responses/Rebids

6

Strong 2§ Opener

8

Slam Bidding Conventions

9

Defensive Bidding

11

Balancing Seat Bids

14

Competitive Bidding

15

Leads and Signals

19

Default OKbridge SA-YC CC

20

ACBL CC                                                                                   

21

Document Links, etc.

22

 

 

Overview

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.®


 

 

Overview (Cont'd.)

 

Standard SA-YC Conventions

Page

Stayman

3

Jacoby Transfers to Majors!  Jacoby Xfer to Minors! *

3/4

Jacoby 2NT! *

8

Strong 2§Opener

9

4th Suit Forcing! *

8

Blackwood

9

Quantitative 4NT

9

DOPI *

9

Control Showing Cuebids

10

Gerber *

10

Grand Slam Force! *

10

Weak 2/3 Bids

12

2NT! Response to Opening Weak 2

12

Raise only Non-Forcing (R-O-N-F)

12

Unusual NT! *

12

Michael's Cuebid! *

13

Negative Doubles!

17

SOS Redoubles

18

 

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.

 

General Approach

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)

 


 

 

Responses And Later Bidding After 1NT Opening

Stayman

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
(NF)

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 to Majors ( ! )

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
©

2¨!
Pass

Responder has 0-7HCP with 5+hearts

1NT
3
©

2¨!
Pass/3NT/4
©

Opener has 17HCP and 4 hearts (invitational)

1NT
2
©

2¨!
2NT/3
©

Responder has 9+HCP (invitational to 3N or 4©)

1NT
2
©

2¨!
3
§-¨

Responder has 11+HCP, good side suit,
but may not be long (GF, poss slam interest)

1NT
2
©

2¨!
3NT

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.®

 

 

 

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

 

Other Responses to 1NT

 

 

 

Opener

Responder

Shows

1NT

2NT

8-9HCP usually denies 4-card major
but can be used on v balanced hand

3§/3¨

6-8Points, 6+ minor suit - limited entries (NF)

3©/3ª

6+card suit and slam interest (GF+)

4ª/4©/5¨/5§

6+card suit no slam interest
and limited entries for NT (NF)

4§

Gerber asking for Aces

4NT

Quantative not Blackwood:
opener bids 6NT if max, Pass if min

 

 

Interference After 1NT Opening Bids

 

If Opponents Double Stayman and Jacoby Xfers are "on"

Example

 

Opener

Opp

Responder

Response Shows

1NT

X

2§

Stayman

2¨/2© !

Xfer to 2©/2ª

 

If Opponents Bid over 1NT Opener Stayman and Jacoby Xfers are "off". Bids are natural except for a cuebid (ie. a bid of opp's suit), which can be used with game force strength as a substitute for Stayman
 

Example

 

North

East

South

Response Shows

1NT

2§/2¨

3§/3¨

South has 4/4 majors, opener bids 4 of a
4-card major or 3NT if no 4-card major or a pref for NT

2©/2ª

3©/3ª

South has 4 of the unbid major,
opener rebids 4 of the unbid major with 4
or 3NT without 4 of the required major or a pref for NT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Responses And Later Bidding After 1NT Opening Cont'd.®


 

 

 

 

Responses And Later Bidding After 1NT Opening Cont'd

 

Interference After 1NT Opening Bids (Cont'd.)

 

 

If Jacoby Xfer is Doubled

Opener’s possible Calls

Resonder’s possible Calls

Pass

  1. Make natural bid
  2. XX
  3. Pass (to play)
  4. Bid 2 of a major (sign off)

XX (strong holding in dbled suit)

Complete Xfer to show 3+ trumps

Pass or bid on

Jump to 3 of suit

If Jacoby Xfer is Overcalled

Opener’s possible Calls

Resonder’s possible Calls

Pass

1.       Make natural bid

  1. X to show strength
  2. Pass

X for penalty

Pass or bid on

Bid 3 of major with good supporting hand

If Stayman is Doubled

Opener’s possible Calls

Resonder’s possible Calls

Pass with 4xclubs

  1. Make any natural rebid
  2. X for penalty

XX with 5xclubs or 4xgood clubs

Make any natural rebid

If Stayman is Overcalled

Opener’s possible Calls

Resonder’s possible Calls

Pass

  1. Make a natural rebid
  2. X for penalty

X for penalty

Bid 4-card major at 2 level


 

 

Responses to 2NT and 3NT Openers

Stayman and Jacoby Xfers are "on". J4xfers are on over 2N openers not 3N openers unless by partnership agreement.

 

North

South

Shows

2NT

3§

Stayman

3¨/3©!

JXfer to 3©/3ª

3ª!

J4xfer  to 4§ and correct if ¨

4§

Gerber

4NT

Quantitative, invites 6NT if max

3NT

4§

Stayman

4¨/4©!

JXfer to 4©/4ª

4NT

Blackwood (not Quantitative since 4§ would be used for Stayman)

 

 

Responses/Rebids to 1 of a Suit Opener

Responses to 1 of a major

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
(b) Over opener of 1
ª would show 5x©, 11+Points. unlimited bid

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. →


 

Responses/Rebids to 1 of a Suit Opener (Cont'd.)

 

Responses to 1 of a Minor Opener

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
(It is normal to respond 1ª with 5/4 or 5/5 majors) (unlimited hand)

1NT

6-10 Points,  denies 4 diamonds, 4 hearts, 4 spades
and 5 clubs
(limited hand, NF)

 

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}

 

Opener's (non-artificial) Rebids

Minimum

Opener

or

13-16HCP

  1. NT at cheapest possible level (NF)
  1. rebid own suit at cheapest available level (NF)
  1. raise partner's suit at cheapest available level (promises min 3+ trumps) (NF)
  1. bid "1 over 1" (eg.,1¨-P-1©-P-1ª) (has a wider range of 13-18 points) (NF)
  1. non-reverse bid in a new suit (has a wider range of 13-18 points) (forcing if 3 level)

17-18 Points

  1. jump in own suit (invitational but not forcing)
  1. Bid higher-ranking 4-card suit (this "up the line bid" has a wider range of 13-18 points)(NF)-If bid at the 2 level over a 1 level response, it is a reverse, 17-18 points, 1st suit longer than 2nd (NF): if bid at the 2 level over a 2 level response, 17+ (GF)
  1. Bid a lower-ranking 4-card suit at the two level (also 13-18 points), NF over 1 level response, forcing after 2 level response since responder promised a rebid

      4.    Jump in Partner's suit, invitational with 3+ trumps. (NF)

      5.    Bid in a new suit at the 3 level without jumping(15+points)(GF)

19-22 Points

  1. jump in NT (forcing)
  1. double jump in partner's suit (strongly invitational if not game bid)
  1. double jump in own suit (strongly invitational if not game bid)
  1. jump in new suit (forcing)

 

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
but denies short suit

Either sign
off in game
or look
for slam

3§/3¨/3ª!

singleton or void in bid suit

3NT

medium hand, 15-17 Points, denies
short suit (artificial)

4©

minimum hand and denies short suit

4§/4¨/4ª!

strong 5-card side suit

 

4th Suit Forcing (4sf) ( ! ) *

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.
(Jump rebid would show extra values)

 

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.

  1. When responder's rebid is a jump bid in the 4th suit, e.g., 1©-1ª-2§-3¨. The jump rebid of the 4th suit is undefined. We recommend it show invitational values and at least 5/5 in the bid suits, so that a bid and rebid of the 4th suit would be natural and game forcing. Since 1ª is treated as always natural (on OKb), it is sensible to play responder's jump to 2ª (after 1§-1¨-1©, opps silent) as 4SF, eg., xx-AQx-AKxx-xxx. Opener's 4th suit bids are natural.

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

 


 

 

Strong 2§ Opener

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

 

Slam Bidding

 

Blackwood Convention

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}

Quantitative 4NT

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).

DOPI *

"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.→


 

Slam Bidding (Cont'd.)

 

Control-Showing Cuebids

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§
asking for Aces

4¨

0 or 4

5§
asking for Kings

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)

 

Grand Slam Force (GSF) (also known as Josephine) *

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 Bidding

 

 

Defensive Overcalls after an Opening of 1 of a Suit

at 1 level

with 8-16 Points
(a) bid good 5-card suit. Suit quality depends on HCP
(b) bid a very strong 4-card suit if max HCP

Overcall
at 2 level

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!
(minor)

8+Points. Michaels Cuebid asking for takeout in majors

Cuebid!
(major)

10+Points. Michaels Cuebid showing 2-suited hand
(Other major + unidentified minor suit –responder bids 2NT to locate minor)

Jump in a suit

Pre-emptive: same values as opening pre-empts

2NT

Unusual NT showing 8+Points and at least
5/5 in the lower 2 unbid suits

 

 

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
(b) Strong HCP and adequate trump support, no slam interest

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.
Guarantees stop in opp's suit

2NT (non-jump)

11-13HCP, balanced. Implies stops in the unbid suits.
Guarantees stop in opp's suit

2NT (jump)

13-15HCP, balanced. Implies stops in unbid suits.
Guarantees stop in opp's suit

3NT

15-16HCP, balanced. Implies stops in unbid suits.
Guarantees stop in opp's suit

Cuebid
opp's suit

Asks pard about strength of his overcall (forcing 1 rnd, invitational). O/caller can (a) Bid 2 of own suit = minimum overcall
(b) Any other bid = 11+Points

 

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

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.

Responses to Opening Pre-empt Bids

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}

  1. 3NT is to play.
  2. A raise in opener's suit is invitational but not forcing. (See R-O-N-F below)
  3. A new suit response (5+carder) is forcing for one round. Opener can bid a 4-card minor (headed at least by Q) or bid NT showing 8-11 Points, support partner's suit (if 3 of them or dblton with honour), rebid own suit (showing minimum 5-8 Points)

 

Raise Only Non-Forcing (R-O-N-F)

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.

 

Unusual NT ( ! ) *

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).

  1. After a strong 2§ opener, an overcall of 2NT may be used in the same manner but should have 16-19 Points

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

Responses to Unusual 2NT are:

1.       Preference bid

  1. Jump preference bid (mostly pre-emptive)
  2. Cuebid for game or slam invitation
  3. Bid another suit (non-forcing)
  4. Bid 3NT with stops in the other 2 suits and enough entries for the long suits

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→


 

 

 

 

Defensive Bidding (Cont'd.)

 

 

Michaels Cuebid  ( ! ) *

 

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

 


 

 

 

Balancing Seat Bids

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}

 

Balancing Calls
after Opener Followed by 2 Passes

West

North

East

South

Shows

1©

Pass

Pass

1ª

can be weaker than in direct seat
with 5-card suit or good 4-carder

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
and balanced hand

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,
void in hearts (or A
© singleton)

1©

Pass

Pass

3NT

to play

1©

Pass

Pass

X

Blackwood asking for Aces

Pass

1ª

Pass

4NT

 

 

Note

West

North

East

South

Shows

1©

Pass

2©

Pass

this is also a balancing seat situation for
North, since opps have limited their hands

Pass

?

---

---

 


 

 

Competitive Auction

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
and usually indicates support for pard's suit

1ª

2§

X!

Pass

Negative Double

 

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,
but, since West bid 2
§ and you do not have a

§ stop you must bid your 2nd choice of 2ª

 

Responses (by an unpassed hand) after Opp's Overcall of 1 of a Suit

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
(forcing to game)

Cuebid

17+Points, support for pards suit + 1st or 2nd rnd
control in opp's suit. (forcing to game, slam invitation)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Competitive Auction Cont'd.→


 

 

Competitive Auction (Cont'd.)

 

 

Responses (by an unpassed hand) after Opps' Overcall of 1NT

 

 

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

 

Responses after Opp's Takeout Double

 

 

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)

XX

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)

 

Calls over Opponent's Pre-empt

 

1.       Double for takeout {See also Part 2 Lebensohl}

  1. Overcalling a suit or NT is natural and non-forcing
  2. Cuebid (minor)! is Michaels Cuebid
  3. Cuebid (major) Strong showing good stop, single or void in opp's suit - asks partner for his best suit (game forcing+)

 

Takeout Doubles (t/oX)

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

  1. A hand that has at least 4 cards in all the unbid suits may make a t/oX with 11+Points
  2. If the doubler has previously passed, a t/oX promises 9-11 Points and 4 cards in the unbid suits
  3. With 17+Points you can use the t/oX with 1 or more very good suits (or NT stops in all the suits). The t/oX is followed by a suit bid to indicate a strong hand.
  4. A jump bid after the t/oX is forcing.
  5. A 4NT bid after the t/oX is Blackwood

 

 

 

Competitive Auction - Takeout Doubles Cont'd.→


 

 

Competitive Auction (Cont'd.)

 

Takeout Doubles (t/oX) (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

 

Negative Doubles ( ! )

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.)

 

Negative Doubles ( ! ) (Cont'd.)

Responses to Negative Doubles

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.

 

Penalty Doubles

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)

  1. Direct X of a NT bid
  2. Direct X of opp's overcall of 1NT
  3. X after partner has accurately described both his strength and distribution
  4. X after either partner has made an earlier redouble
  5. X after either partner has made a penalty X earlier or passed a takeout double
  6. X of any artificial bid (eg. Stayman, Cuebid, Blackwood) or responses. This is also lead directing

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.

Redoubles

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
can support at least 2 of the unbid suits

5.

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

Suit-leads

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,
Jt9x, T98x, xxX, xxxX, xxxXx

 

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:

  1. Which card is led from AKx. Ace for attitude and King for count?
  2. Which card is led from AK. Does the reverse sequence indicate AK doubleton?
  3. Which card is led from xxx, xxxx, xxxxx
  4. Whether 3rd and/or 5th best leads are used
  5. Whether 3rd best is led from KJ10x, K109x, or Q109x (or from AJ10x or A109x vs. NT)

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 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,
xxX, xxxX, xxxXx, aKx

NT-leads

4th best, aKjx, aQjx, aJt9, aT98, Kqjx, kQt9, kJt9, kT98,
Qjtx, qT98, Jt9x, T98x, xxX, xxxX, xxxXx

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"

  1. To include J2NT add to "Majors", "J2NT"
  2. To include Unusual NT add to "NT-Over", "UNU NT for lower 2 unbids"
  3. To include Michaels add to "Cuebids", "Michaels, Natural if opps have bid 2 suits"
  4. To include Gerber and Grand Slam Force add to "Slam-Bids", "Gerber over NT, GSF"
  5. To include DOPI /ROPI add to either "Slam-Bids" or "Misc", "dopi" “ropi”
  6. To include 4th suit forcing add to "Misc", "4sf"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACBL CC →


 

ACBL CC (as at May 1999)

 

 

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

GENERAL APPROACH

___________________________________________________________

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  ______

 

 
Conv.  ______________________

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 ______

 
SIMPLE OVERCALL

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§ Stayman   Puppet   _________________

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 

LEADS    (Circle card led if not in Bold)

versuss. Suits               versus NoTrump

xx   xxxx     xx    xxxx

xxx  xxxxx    xxx   xxxxx

AKT9x      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             

          ___________________
FIRST DISCARD

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

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Links
 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Links to my friends pages
Boobs, Tits, Free Sex Directory
For Powerbook 500 go here
Mature Sex Entertainment Links
Apple, Commodore, Atari, Sinclair