Transfer-Oriented Symmetric Relay

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4-Card Transfer-Oriented

Canapé Symmetric Relay System

(affectionately known as TOSR)

1. Description of Opening Bids

2. 1C OPENING (15+ HCP any shape)

Continuations After Positive Responses To 1C

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Single-suited relay structure (5+ suit)

Rebids after relay with single-suited positive:

Continuations after 3C direct/indirect responses

2.3 Two-Suited Relay Structure

Continuations after 2S rerebid (showing 5/5)

Rebids when holding both minors

Rebids when holding both red suits

2.4 Three-Suited Relay Structure

2.5 Balanced Relay Structure

Reverse relay - not used here when using transfer responses

2.6 Controls and minimum/maximum

2.7 Denial Cue-bidding

Solid-suit Exceptions

Short-suit Cue-bidding

2.8 The 3NT Weak Relay

2.9 Game Probe Relay

Continuations after negative responses to 1C *

2.8 1D negative response to 1C *

After 1C-1D: *

After 1C-1D-1H: *

After 1C-1D-1H-1S: *

After 1C-1D-1H-1S-2C: *

After 1C-1D-1H-1S-2C-2D-2NT (23-24 balanced) *

3. 1D OPENING *

After 1D-1H *

After 1D-1H-1S-1NT (R) *

After 1D-1H-1S-1NT-2C-2D (R) *

After 1D-1H-1S-1NT-2D-2H (R) *

After 1D-1H-1NT-2C (R) *

After 1D-1H-2C-2D (R) *

After 1D-2H *

4. 1H OPENING *

After 1H-1S *

After 1H-1S-1NT-2C (R) *

After 1H-1S-1NT-2C-2D-2H (R) *

After 1H-1S-2C-2D (R) *

After 1H-1S-2C-2D-2H-2S (R) *

5. 1S OPENING *

After 1S-2C *

6. 1NT OPENING *

After 1NT-2H(R) GF established *

After 1NT-2H-2S-2NT (R) *

After 1NT-2H-2NT-3C (R) *

After 1NT-2S balanced invitation, minors takeout or diamond bust *

6.2 Transfer Sequences *

After 1NT-2C *

After 1NT-2C-2D *

After 1NT-2C-2H *

After 1NT-2D *

After 1NT-2D-2H *

After 1NT-2D-2S *

7. 2C OPENING *

After 2C-2D *

After 2C-2D-2H *

After 2C-2D-2H-2NT *

After 2C-2H: *

8. 2D OPENING *

After 2D-2H *

After 2D-2H-2S *

After 2D-2H-2S-2NT *

After 2D-2S : *

9. 2H OPENING *

After 2H-2S: *

After 2H-2NT: *

10. 2S OPENING *

After 2S-3C: *

After 2S-2NT: *

11. 2NT OPENING *

After 2NT-3H : *

12. COMPETITIVE BIDDING SITUATIONS *

12.1 Interference in relay Auctions *

3D Criterion *

Interference by 2^nd hand *

Interference by 4^th hand *

Exception to the 3D Criterion *

12.2 Interference after 1C opening *

Archimedes - one level interference up to 1NT *

ARCHIMEDES CONTINUATIONS *

After Double (0-4) *

After bid - semi positive level adjusted (control responses) *

After positive pass (begins relays) *

Relay responses *

Two level interference - Rubinsohl *

Three level interference *

12.3 Interference after 1D opening *

Suited overcalls *

Notrump overcalls *

After a double: *

After 1H takeout *

12.4 Interference after 1H opening *

Suited overcalls *

Notrump overcalls *

After a double: *

After 1S takeout *

12.5 Interference after 1S opening *

After a double: *

After an takeout cue (ie probably 2C or 2D) *

After an suit overcall (ie 2H or 2S) *

12.6 Interference after 1NT opening *

12.7 Interference after 2C/2D/ 2H/2S/2NT openings *

12.8 Interference over Blackwood *

DOPI and ROPI: *

13. DEFENSIVE BIDDING SITUATIONS *

13.1 Doubles *

Precision Double - NOT USED *

Responsive double *

Relay double *

Takeout doubles *

Takeout double with Rubinsohl *

Negative doubles *

Reopening doubles and balancing doubles *

Positive slam doubles *

Lightner double *

Weak notrump double *

SOS Redoubles *

Second-suit doubles *

Power Doubles *

Support Doubles and Redoubles *

13.2 Overcalls - see also Appendix 3 - The Overcall Structure *

Simple overcalls *

Responses: *

Responder's bids with support after partners overcall *

After sequence like 1S-(2C)-2D-? *

1NT overcall *

Jump overcalls *

Michaels *

Bidding in 4th seat after two suits by opponents *

13.3 Defence to strong 1C opening *

13.4 SWINE convention *

13.5 Defenses to various conventional openings by opponents *

European Multi 2D - ie strong hands or weak two in either major *

Forcing Pass *

Pass *

Fert Bid *

Transfer openings *

CRO, RCO, OCR etc bids *

13.6 2NT Seldom Natural in Competition *

14. LEADS, SIGNALS AND DISCARDS *

Suit contracts *

Leads from honours: *

Leads from length: *

Signals: *

Discards: *

No trump contracts *

Leads from honours: *

Leads from length: *

Signals: *

Discards: *

Appendices *

Appendix 1 - hand shapes *

Single-suiters *

Two-suiters *

Three-suiters *

balanced *

Appendix 2 - Possible future additions *

Rubens Advances (from Bridge World April 1981) *

Appendix 3 - The Overcall Structure *

Introduction *

One No Trump for Takeout (NTTO) *

Responses to a NTTO -- Uncontested Auction *

Responses to a NTTO - Contested Auction *

After a double *

After a new suit or a raise *

The Simple Overcall (SO) at the One Level *

Responses to a SO -- Uncontested Auction *

Responses to SO -- Contested Auction *

The Two Level Overcall (TLO) *

The Roman Jump Overcall (RJO) *

Responses to a RJO - Uncontested Auction *

Responses to a RJO - Contested Auction *

The Two-suited Cue Bid (QB) *

The 2 No Trump Overcall *

Responses to 2NT - Uncontested Auction *

Responses to 2NT - Contested Auction *

The Power Double (PD) *

Transfer-Oriented Symmetric Relay Extensions to the Power Double *

The Intermediate Jump Overcall (IJO) *

NAMYATS *

Responses to NAMYATS *

2S Jump Over 1C *

3 Level Jump Cue Bid *

Alerts in the Structure *

Back to Table of Contents

1. Description of Opening Bids

1C	15+ HCP, any shape.
1D	10-14 HCP, 4+H, may have a longer suit, may be three-suited, may be balanced.
1H	10-14 HCP, 4+S, 0-3H, may have a longer minor suit, may be balanced.
1S	10-14 HCP, 4+/4+ in minors, may be three-suited with both minors.
1NT	11-14 HCP, balanced, no 4 card major (4333,4432,5332 with 5 card minor)
2C	10-14 HCP 6+C; or 6-9 HCP, 6+D; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ in H +S
2D	10-14 HCP 6+D; or 6-9 HCP, 6+H; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ in S+C
2H	Acol II (8-9 PT) in H, usually less than 15 HCP; or 6-9 HCP, 6+S; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ in D+C
2S	Acol II (8-9 PT) in S, usually less than 15 HCP; or 6-9 HCP, with 6+C; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ in H+D
2NT	6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ in S+D or H+C
3C	Weak III in D (transfer preempt)
3D	Weak III in H (transfer preempt)
3H	Weak III in S (transfer preempt)
3S	Unspecified nine-card suit, no minimum strength
3NT	Gambling in S, AKQxxxx, no outside controls
4C-4S	Preemptive with suit bid
4NT	Extreme minors
5C,5D	Preemptive in suit bid
5H,5S	11 playing trick hands missing A & K of trumps

2. 1C OPENING (15+ HCP any shape)
RESPONSES SUMMARY

1D	Negative: either 0-7 HCP any shape, or less than 2 controls (A=2, K=1), or both.
1H	4+ S, 8+ HCP, 2+ controls.
1S	Any 4333 or 4432, or any red two-suited hand, 8+ HCP, 2+ controls.
1NT	4+ H, 8+ HCP, 2+ controls, 0-3S, 0-3D.
2C	4+ D, 8+ HCP, 2+ controls, may be three-suited with both minors.
2D	5+ C, 8+ HCP, 2+ controls and no other suit longer than 3.
2H+	both MINORS, 8+ HCP, 2+ controls and no other suit.

The transfer-oriented responses are designed to accommodate the desire, wherever possible, to have the unrevealed strong 1C hand declare the contract. The 1H response permits the unrevealed hand to declare a spade contract. The 1S response permits the unrevealed hand to declare a notrump contract in either case, and a diamond contract in the case of any red two-suiter, and when responder holds more than four hearts, the unrevealed hand may still be able to declare a heart contract. The 1NT response may enable the unrevealed hand to declare a heart contract, but not if responder holds four hearts and longer clubs. The 2C and 2D responses and rebids allow the unrevealed hand to declare both club and diamond contracts when appropriate.

Continuations After Positive Responses To 1C

2.1 Introduction

The 1C opener will almost always make the cheapest call which is a relay whose only meaning is "tell me more". Eventually the 1C opener will break the relay sequence to name the final contract. NOTE: 3NT is never a relay. When 3NT is the cheapest call, 4C is the relay.

2.2 Single-suited relay structure (5+ suit)

STEP 1 Give positive response in the single suit (1H,1NT,2C,2D).

STEP 2 After relay by 1C opener, rebid 2S or higher as indicated below.

Rebids after relay with single-suited positive:

2S	High shortage - at most 2 cards in highest ranking outside suit, i.e. after 1C-1NT-2C-2S shows a spade shortage and a hand with 5+ heart suit.
2NT	Middle shortage - at most 2 cards in middle ranking outside suit; diamond shortage if a major is the long suit, heart shortage if a minor is the long suit. e.g. 1C-1H-1S-2NT shows spades and a diamond shortage; and 1C-2D-2H-2NT shows clubs and a heart shortage.
3C	Even shortage - showing two or three doubletons. If 3C is bid directly (1C-1H-1S-3C) this shows either 6322 (i.e. two low doubletons) or 7222. If 3C is bid indirectly (via 2S - high shortage, i.e. 1C-1H-1S-2S-2NT-3C), this shows a high doubleton and one other doubleton, i.e. either 6232 or 6223. See continuations below.
3D	5332 type shape. If 3D is reached directly (i.e. not via 2S or 2NT) then this implies low shortage.
3H	6331 type shape. If 3H is reached directly (i.e. not via 2S or 2NT) then this implies low shortage.
3S	7330 type shape, etc.
3NT	7321 or 7231 type shape (only identity of 7 card suit and singleton known - low shortage), minimum (8-11 HCP)
4C	7321 or 7231 type shape (only identity of 7 card suit and singleton known - low shortage), maximum (12+ HCP), 0-2 controls; etc.

Continuations after 3C direct/indirect responses

A. Indirect 3C (Even shortage).

After the 3D relay,

3H	1 High and 1 Middle doubleton (i.e. 223 residue).
3S	1 High and 1 Low doubleton (i.e. 232 residue), minimum
3NT	1 High and 1 Low doubleton (i.e. 232 residue), maximum, and 2 controls; etc.

B. Direct 3C (Even shortage).

After the 3D relay,

3H	Seven carder (i.e. 222 residue).
3S	Six carder (i.e. 322 residue), minimum
3NT	Six carder (i.e. 322 residue), maximum and 2 controls; etc.

2.3 Two-Suited Relay Structure

STEP 1 Give positive response in cheaper major suit (for both minors or reds see later)

STEP 2 After relay by 1C opener, rebid from 1NT to 2H:

1NT	Hearts
2C	Diamonds
2D	Clubs (and 5+ card major)
2H	Reverser (if bid directly after showing a major, shows a 4 card major and 5+ clubs)

STEP 3 After both suits have been shown, rerebid 2H or higher:

2H	Reverser, the higher-ranking suit is exactly 4 cards and other 5+ cards.
2S	5/5+ shape (See below).
2NT	High shortage (if bid directly, shows lower ranking suit is exactly 4 cards).
3C	Even shortage, 5422 or 7411
	3D Relay	3H	7411
		3S	5422, minimum
		3NT	5422, maximum, 2 controls; etc.
3D	5431 type shape.
3H	6421 type shape.
3S	7420 type shape.
3NT	6430 type shape, minimum
4C	6430 type shape, maximum, 2 controls; etc.
	Note: Any bid of 3C upwards bid directly, shows the lower ranking suit is four cards exactly, the higher ranking suit is longer and a LOW shortage.

Continuations after 2S rerebid (showing 5/5)

After the 2NT relay,

3C	High shortage.
3D	Even shortage (6511, 5611 shape).
	3H Relay	3S	High shortage (5611).
		3NT	Low shortage (6511), minimum
		4C	Low shortage (6511), maximum, 2 controls; etc.
3H	5521 type shape.
3S	5530 type shape.
3NT	5620 type shape (high shortage).
4C	6520 type shape, minimum
4D	6520 type shape, maximum, 2 controls; etc.
	Note: Any bid of 3H upwards bid directly (i.e. not via 3C/3D) shows a LOW shortage.

Rebids when holding both minors

Initial positive response to 1C is 2H or higher as follows:

2H	Reverser (i.e. 4 diamonds and 5+ clubs).
2S	5/5 type hand (i.e. 5+ diamonds and 5+ clubs)
2NT	High shortage (if bid directly shows 4 clubs, 5+ diamonds and a spade shortage. If bid indirectly via 2H, shows 4 diamonds, 5+ clubs and a spade shortage).
3C	Even shortage, 5422 or 7411 with longer diamonds. With longer clubs, bid 2H first then 3C over the relay, etc.)
	3D Relay	3H	7411 (note, the cheapest bid here is not the most common shape)
		3S	5422, minimum
		3NT	5422, maximum, 2 controls; etc.
3D	5431 type shape.
3H	6421 type shape.
3S	7420 type shape.
3NT	6430 type shape, minimum
4C	6430 type shape, maximum, 2 controls; etc.
	Note: To show longer clubs, bid 2H first. To show longer diamonds make a bid from 2NT upwards directly. With a spade shortage bid via 2NT, with a heart shortage bid directly from 3D upwards depending on hand shape.

Rebids when holding both red suits

Initial positive response to 1C is 1S, and after the 1NT relay, bid 2C showing the red two-suiter. Then rebid 2H or higher as follows:

2H	Reverser (i.e. 4 hearts and 5+ diamonds).
2S	5/5 type hand (i.e. 5+ hearts and 5+ diamonds).
2NT	High shortage (if bid directly shows 4 diamonds, 5+ hearts and a spade shortage. If bid indirectly via 2H, shows 4 hearts, 5+ diamonds and a spade shortage); etc.
	Note: To show longer diamonds, bid 2H first. To show longer hearts make a bid from 2NT upwards directly. With a spade shortage bid via 2NT; with a club shortage bid directly from 3D upwards depending on hand shape.

2.4 Three-Suited Relay Structure

A three-suited hand will use either of the following structures:

(a) Three-suited with both majors:

1C	1H	(Positive with spades)
1S	1NT	(and hearts)
2C	2D	(and a minor)

(b) Three-suited with both minors:

1C	2C	(Positive with diamonds)
2D	2H	(and clubs and a major - NB: this is not a reverser since minor two-suiters start at 2H)

After three-suiter has been established, step responses follow:

1st Step	High shortage.
2nd Step	4441 (i.e. low shortage)
3rd Step	4450 (i.e. low shortage)
4th Step	4540 (i.e. low shortage)
5th Step	5440, minimum
6th Step	5440, maximum, 2 controls, etc.

2.5 Balanced Relay Structure

With any 4333 or 4432, or a red two-suiter, with 8+ HCP and 2+ controls, respond 1S to an opening 1C. After the 1NT relay, a CRASH (Colour, RAnk, SHape) relay structure is used.

2C	Red two-suiter (for continuations see Section 2.3)
2D	Two four card suits of the same *Colour* or 4333 with a four card major
	2H Relay	2S	4333 or 3433
			2NT Relay	3C	4333
				3D	3433, minimum
				3H	3433, maximum, 2 controls, etc.
		2NT	2443
		3C	3442
		3D	4324
		3H	4234, minimum
		3S	4234, maximum, 2 controls, etc.
		Note : Bid the doubleton
2H	Two four card suits of the same *Rank*.
	2S Relay	2NT	2344
		3C	4432
		3D	4423
		3H	3244, minimum
		3S	3244, maximum, 2 controls, etc.
		Note : Bid the doubleton
2S	4333 (bid directly shows a four card minor, bid via 2D shows 4 card major)
	2NT Relay	3C	3343
		3D	3334, minimum
		3H	3334, maximum, 2 controls, etc.
2NT	Doubleton spade (C/H), 2434
3C	Doubleton club (D/S), 4342
3D	Doubleton diamond (C/H), 3424
3H	Doubleton heart (D/S), 4243, minimum
3S	Doubleton heart (D/S), 4243, maximum, 2 controls, etc.
	Note : Bid the doubleton
	Note : Two 4 card suits of the same shape are shown with an immediate response of 2NT or higher.

Reverse relay - not used with transfer responses to 1C opening

In auctions beginning 1C-1NT (i.e. balanced), if opener rebids 2C as a relay then this denies 15-17 HCP and 4333 or 4432 type shapes. When holding these two hand types (and only these two), opener is required to rebid a reverse relay of 2D or higher on the same basis as the CRASH structure employed by responder after the normal 2C relay. Responder now takes charge of the relays and the 1C opener is required to show controls starting with a minimum of 2.

Controls and minimum/maximum

In most relay auctions, after exact shape has been shown, next relay asks for hand strength, with a run-on to the number of controls held if the hand is maximum. Controls are counted as ace = 2 and king = 1, and singleton aces and kings are counted.

After positive responses to 1C by an unpassed hand

The response structure is:

1st step	minimum (8-11 HCP)
2nd step	maximum (12+ HCP) + 2 controls
3rd step	maximum (12+ HCP) + 3 controls; etc.

After a 1st step minimum response the next relay asks for controls. The maximum number of controls in a minimum hand is five (A, A, K = 11 HCP = 5 controls). Therefore the responses are:

1st step	2 controls
2nd step	3 controls
3rd step	4 controls
4th step	5 controls

After controls are shown, denial cue bidding begins (see Section 2.7)

Note: when a Game Probe Relay (see Section 2.9) has been used, minimum/maximum is not shown as 10+ HCP is known.

After positive responses to 1C by a passed hand

A passed hand giving a positive response to a 1C opening is limited to 8-9 HCP unless it is either 4333, 4432, or 5332 with a 5-card minor, in which case it is 8-10 HCP. In either case, no minimum or maximum is shown after shape is fully described, and the relays run directly into the number of controls held (2,3 or 4), and thence into denial cue bidding as normal.

After semi-positive responses to 1C

Semi-positive hands (5-7 HCP, or 8+ HCP with 0-1 controls) may give level-adjusted relay responses after the sequence 1C-1D-1H, or after 1-level interference to the 1C opening. In both cases, the response structure applicable after an ask that would normally ask for minimum/maximum (or in the case of a run-on) is:

1st step	8+ points, 0-1 controls
2nd step	5-7, 0 control
3rd step	5-7, 1 control
4th step	5-7, 2 controls
5th step	5-7, 3 controls

After the 1st step response & next relay, the responses are:

1st step	8-11, 0 control
2nd step	8-11, 1 control
3rd step	12-15, 0 control
4th step	12-15, 1 control

2.7 Denial Cue-bidding

After controls have been shown, next relay starts denial cue bidding. Responder looks at their longest suit, then next longest suit. When ties in suit length occur, look at highest-ranking suit first. Singletons (including singleton honours) are not looked at in denial cue bidding and are shown by inference only. Doubletons are looked at once. Tripletons are looked at twice (on the second time round queens are investigated). Longer suits are looked at three times. On the first look at a suit, it is inspected for an ace or king. On the second look, it is inspected for an additional top honour (usually a queen) and on the third look, jacks are checked. If the first suit looked at does not have the required honour, the responder denies it by making the cheapest bid. If the responder holds a required honour in the longest suit but not in the second longest suit, then he/she bids the second cheapest bid. Future relays continue asking from where you left off. The highest relay ask is 5NT.

1st step	No ace or king in longest suit.
2nd step	Ace or king in longest suit and no ace or king in second longest suit.
3rd step	Ace or king in longest suit and ace or king in second longest suit and no ace or king in third longest suit; etc.

Solid-suit Exceptions

When holding a solid suit of at least six cards, responder denies that suit on the first scan if the suit is not headed by at least two of the A, K or Q. Having intially shown at least two of the top three honours, on the second scan, responder shows that suit only if it is AKQxxx or better. Having initially denied at least two of the top three honours, a second denial is made if none of the top three honours is held.

When holding a three-card to five-card suit headed by at least AKQ then on the first scan, responder will deny holding the suit, and on the second scan show the suit. The three-control difference should be recognisable to relayer.

Short-suit Cue-bidding

Occasions arise when the relayer is unconcerned about the controls in the responder's suit(s) (either because they are held by relayer, or must be held by responder, or are opposite relayer's singletons or voids). In such circumstances, after the number of controls has been shown, if the previous response was 4H or below, then 4NT is a short suit ask, and responder must begin denial cue bidding, but ignoring his suit(s). Singleton kings are still not shown. 4NT must be Step 2 or higher, and the exact number of controls must have been shown for short suit denial cue bidding to apply. After the response to 4NT, normal step 1 relays continue the short suit denial cue bidding.

2.8 The 3NT Weak Relay

There are a number of situations where the relayer fears that an auction is getting too high where responder might only have 3 or 4 controls. In these situations, the relayer bids 3NT as a weak relay. Responder is usually required to pass with fewer than 5 controls (except - see 4NT bid below) but with more bids as follows:

4C	5 controls
4D	6 controls
4H	7 controls
4S	8 controls
4NT	only 4 controls but lots of queens and jacks.

Exception: if 3NT weak relay has been made when the responder has shown 5422 or 7411, then:

4C	7411, 2+ controls
4D	5422, 5 controls
4H	5422, 6 controls
4S	5422, 7 controls
4NT	5422, only 4 controls but lots of queens and jacks.

Relayer can resume relaying by making the cheapest bid. Any other bid is a signoff.

2.9 Game Probe Relay

The positive balanced 1NT response to the opening 1C requires responder to bid a reverse relay with a 15-17 balanced hand. This requirement allows responder to choose to play in a low-level suit suit or notrump contract with a poorly fitting minimal balanced hand of 8-9 HCP. It is clearly an inferior result to play in 3NT with a balanced 15 HCP hand opposite a balanced 8 HCP hand with poor fits and/or wasted values. Playing in 2H, 2S, 2NT or even in three-level contracts is likely to be superior if 3NT is uncertain.

After responder makes a positive suit response to 1C, if relayer has a balanced 15-16 HCP hand with no primary fit, or even a better hand with expectation of significant duplication of values, relayer may show this by bidding Step 2 for relay, rather than the normal Step 1. The Step 2 bid is known as a Game Probe Relay, and asks responder if that hand can sustain game opposite relayer's announced hand. It denies slam interest. If responder shows a one-, two- or three-suited hand at or below 2D, then the Game Probe Relay is available to opener to show a balanced 15-16 HCP hand with no fits (the 2D limit ensures the bidding can stop at 2NT)

Negative response

Responder replies Step 1 with a balanced (5332) or poor semi-balanced (5422, 6322) 8 HCP hand (up to a 10 HCP hand, with poor values in the hand's suits, or other wasted values). Opener than makes the appropriate signoff (which may include a pass)

Game Force response

With an appropriately unbalanced minimal hand, or nearly all 10+ HCP hands, responder makes a Game Force relay response at Step 2 or higher. The response give is that which would have been made over a normal Step 1 relay, but shifted up two steps. Normal relays then continue, but responder no longer gives the minimum/maximum responses. Specifically, over a control ask, responder makes a Step 1 response with 2 controls, with other steps showing more controls as normal. If relayer gives the highest shape-showing relay response (which normally requires min or max with controls to be shown) then relayer shows first the 2 control hand, etc. Over a 3NT signoff (as in 2.8 3NT Weak Relay) responder bids on with 5+ controls only if responder's hand makes slam likely opposite relayer's announced hand (this usually means holding 15+ HCP also, as opener knows relayer's shape). The 4NT short suit ask applies subject to the usual Step 2 criterion.

After interference

When the opponents intervene, opener is better placed to judge the potential of the hand, in particular the ability to stop the opponents' suit(s). The Game Probe Relay is not available after any interference, including those that cause steps to be gained. Penalty doubles and passes may prove adequate compensation subject to vulnerability concerns.

2.10 Continuations after 1D negative response to 1C

After 1C-1D:

1H	19+ HCP any shape.
1S-2H	natural 15-18 HCP.
2S+	natural 15-18 HCP, good suit and playing strength; except
2NT	5/5 minors, 15-18 HCP.
3NT	to play, based on long running suit with side stoppers, 15-18 HCP.

After 1C-1D-1H:

1S	Second negative, 0-4 HCP
1NT	5+ HCP and 4+ spades
2C	5+ HCP, balanced, or a red two-suiter
2D	5+ HCP and 4+ hearts and denies spades and diamonds
2H	5+ HCP and 4+ diamonds
2S	5+ HCP and 5+ clubs and denies other suit.
2NT	5+ HCP, reverser, 4 diamonds, 5+ clubs.
3C	5+ HCP 5/5 in the minors.
3D	5+ HCP, spade shortage, both minors with longer diamonds if bid directly.
3H	5+ HCP, even shortage, both minors with longer diamonds if bid directly.
3S	5+ HCP, 5431 shape with low shortage, and longer diamonds if bid directly.
3NT	5+ HCP, 6421 shape with low shortage, and longer diamonds if bid directly.
4C	5+ HCP, 7420 shape with low shortage, and longer diamonds if bid directly.
4D	5+ HCP, 6430 shape with 8+ points
4H	5+ HCP, 6430 shape with 0 controls; etc. (NB maximum controls = 3)

NOTE: The full relay structure is used as normal but shifted up 2 steps.

After 1C-1D-1H-1S:

1NT 19-22 balanced.

2C 23+ any shape.

2D, 2H, 2S, 3C, Natural, non-forcing, 19-22 HCP.

2NT 19-22 at least 5/5 in minors.

3NT to play, based on long running suit with side stoppers.

After 1C-1D-1H-1S-2C:

2D balanced (and now 2NT response = 23-24 balanced).

2H 4+ H

2S relay 2NT = spades

3C = clubs

3D = diamonds

3H = reverser

3S = 5H, single-suiter

3NT = 6H, single-suiter

4C = 7+S, single-suiter

2S 4+ spades and denies H

2NT relay 3C = clubs

3D = diamonds

3H = reverser

3S = 5 spades, single-suiter

3NT = 6 spades, single-suiter

4C = 7+ spades, single-suiter

2NT NOT BID

3C 4+ clubs

3D relay 3H = three-suiter

3S = 5 clubs

3NT= 6 clubs etc.

3D 5+ diamonds.

3H relay 3S = 5 diamonds

3NT= 6 diamonds etc.

3H minors, longer clubs

3S minors, 5-5 or longer

3NT minors, longer diamonds

Opener may relay again to find shortages, then 0-2 controls then showing the feature with 1 or 2 controls. With no controls the opener now make the final decision.

After two suits have been shown with the relative lengths the next relay is to identify the length of the longer suit as in the example below.

e.g.: 1C 1D

1H 1S

2C 2H hearts

2S* 2NT & spades.

3C* 3H reverser i.e. 4 spades and 5+ hearts.

3S* 3NT 4 spades and 5 hearts.

4C 4 spades and 6 hearts.

4D 4 spades and 7 hearts.

After 1C-1D-1H-1S-2C:

After 2 H-2S relay 2NT (showing spades)

3C (relay) 3D shows three-suiter, with the majors

3H shows reverser

3S shows 5-5

After 2 S-2NT (relay) 3C clubs

3D relay 3H shows reverser

3S shows 5-5

After 2 S-2NT (relay) 3D diamonds (longer spades)

3H relay 3S shows 5-5

After 3 C-3D (relay) 3H three-suiter

3Sshows 5-5

After 1C-1D-1H-1S-2C-2D-2NT (23-24 balanced)

3C 5 card Stayman.

3D 1 or 2 four card majors

After 3C-3D:

3H Four H, may have 4S

3S Four S, denies 4H

3NT No major

3H 5 H

3S 5 spades

3NT No 4 or 5 card major

3. 1D OPENING
REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 4+H, may be balanced, may have longer suit, may be three-suited

Point ranges for some of the responses below vary with vulnerability. 8+/6+ indicates 8+ non-vulnerable and 6+ vulnerable. 0-7/0-5 indicates 0-7 non-vulnerable and 0-5 vulnerable

RESPONSES SUMMARY

Pass	To play in diamonds or 0-7/0-5
1H	RELAY - at least invitational to game - 8-10 with 3 hearts by a passed hand
1S	Natural 4+ spades, non-forcing, may be invitational, 8+/6+
1NT	Natural, non-forcing, 8-11
2C	Natural, 5+ clubs, non-forcing, may be invitational, 8+/6+
2D	Natural, 5+ diamonds, non-forcing, may be invitational, 8+/6+
2H	8 - 12 HCP, 3 or 4 hearts, NOT 11-12 and 4 hearts (relay first) - 8-10 with 4 hearts by a passed hand
2S	Fit showing jump with spades, invitational in hearts
2NT	At least 5-5 minors
3C	Fit showing jump with clubs, invitational in hearts
3D	Fit showing jumps with diamonds, invitational in hearts
3H	Pre-emptive
3S	Pre-emptive with at least nine cards in H + S
3NT	To play
4C	Pre-emptive with at least nine cards in H + C
4D	Pre-emptive with at least nine cards in H + D

After 1D-1H

1S	Balanced, either 3433 or 4432 with hearts and another
1NT	4+ S, may be three-suited with both majors
2C	4+ D
2D	4+ C, 5+ H
2H	Reverser, 5+ C, 4 H
2S	High shortage, 5+H, etc.

After 1D-1H-1S-1NT (R)

2C	C shortage, either 3442 or 4432
2D	D shortage, either 3424 or 4423
2H	Even shortage, 3433
2S	S shortage, second high shortage, 2434
2NT	S shortage, second high shortage, 2443 minimum 10-12
3C	S shortage, second high shortage, 2443 maximum 13-14, 0-2 controls, etc.
	Note: bid the shortage

After 1D-1H-1S-1NT-2C-2D (R)

2H	Second high shortage, 3442
2S	Second high shortage, 4432, minimum 10-12
2NT	Second high shortage, 4432, maximum 13-14, 0-2 controls, etc.
	Note: bid the shortage

After 1D-1H-1S-1NT-2D-2H (R)

2S	Second high shortage, 3424
2NT	Second high shortage, 4423, minimum 10-12
3C	Second high shortage, 4423, maximum 13-14, 0-2 controls, etc.
	Note: bid the shortage

After 1D-1H-1NT-2C (R)

2D	Three-suited, both majors (see 2.4 for continuations)
2H	Reverser, 5+ H, 4S
2S	5/5, H + S
2NT	5+S, 4H, high shortage, etc.

After 1D-1H-2C-2D (R)

2H	Reverser, 5+D, 4H
2S	5/5, H +D
2NT	5+H, 4D, high shortage, etc.

After 1D-2H

2NT	Inquiry
	3C	minimum with clubs, 3 hearts
	3D	minimum with diamonds, 3 hearts
	3H	minimum with 4 hearts
	3S	maximum with spades, 3 hearts
	3NT	maximum with 3 hearts
	4H	maximum (9 or 10) with 4 hearts
2S, 3C, 3D	Long suit trials

4. 1H OPENING
REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 4+S, 0-3H, may be balanced, may have a longer minor

Point ranges for some of the responses below vary with vulnerability. 8+/6+ indicates 8+ non-vulnerable and 6+ vulnerable. 0-7/0-5 indicates 0-7 non-vulnerable and 0-5 vulnerable

RESPONSES SUMMARY

Pass	To play in hearts or 0-7/0-5
1S	RELAY - at least invitational to game - 8-10 with 3 spades by a passed hand
1NT	Natural, non-forcing, 8-11
2C	Natural, 5+ clubs, non-forcing, may be invitational, 8+/6+
2D	Natural, 5+ diamonds, non-forcing, may be invitational, 8+/6+
2H	Natural, 6+ H (or very strong 5), non-forcing but highly invitational
2S	8 - 12 HCP, 3 or 4 spades, NOT 11-12 and 4 spades (relay first) - 8-10 with 4 spades by a passed hand
2NT	At least 5-5 minors
3C	Fit showing jump with clubs, invitational in spades
3D	Fit showing jumps with diamonds, invitational in spades
3H	Fit showing jump with hearts, invitational in spades
3S	Pre-emptive
3NT	To play
4C	Pre-emptive with at least nine cards in S + C
4D	Pre-emptive with at least nine cards in S + D
4H	Pre-emptive with at least nine cards in S + H

After 1H-1S

1NT	4+ clubs, could be balanced or two-suited
2C	4+ diamonds, could be balanced 4342 or 4243
2D	Balanced, 4333 with spades
2H	Reverser, 5+ D, 4 S exactly
2S	High shortage, 5+S, etc.

After 1H-1S-1NT-2C (R)

2D	Balanced, 4324 or 4234
2H	Reverser, 5+ C, 4 S exactly
2S	5/5+ S + C
2NT	5+S, 4C, high shortage, etc.

After 1H-1S-1NT-2C-2D-2H (R)

2S	Second high shortage, 4234
2NT	Second high shortage, 4324, minimum 10-12
3C	Second high shortage, 4324, maximum 13-14, 0-2 controls, etc.

After 1H-1S-2C-2D (R)

2H	Balanced, 4243 or 4342
2S	5/5+ S + D
2NT	5+S, 4D, high shortage, etc.

After 1H-1S-2C-2D-2H-2S (R)

2NT	Second high shortage, 4243
3C	Second high shortage, 4342, minimum 10-12
3D	Second high shortage, 4342, maximum 13-14, 0-2 controls, etc.

5. 1S OPENING
REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 4+/4+ minors, may be three-suited

Point ranges for some of the responses below vary with vulnerability. 8+/6+ indicates 8+ non-vulnerable and 6+ vulnerable. 0-7/0-5 indicates 0-7 non-vulnerable and 0-5 vulnerable

RESPONSES SUMMARY

Pass	To play with spades or 0-7/0-5
1NT	Natural, non-forcing, may include club tolerance, 8-11 - natural, no club preference by a passed hand
2C	GAME FORCE RELAY - natural by a passed hand 8-10/6-10
2D	Signoff
2H	Fit showing jump for a minor - 2NT enquires
2S	Fit showing jump for a minor - 2NT enquires
2NT	Pre-emptive with both minors
3C	Pre-emptive
3D	Pre-emptive
3H	Pre-emptive with 9 cards in hearts and a minor
3S	Pre-emptive with 9 cards in spades and a minor
3NT	To play
4C	Preemptive
4D	Preemptive

After 1S-2C

2D	Three-suiter with both minors (see 2.4 for continuations)
2H	Reverser: 5+ C, 4D
2S	5/5
2NT	High shortage, 5+D, 4C, etc.

6. 1NT OPENING
REQUIREMENT: 11-14 HCP, balanced, 4333, 4432, 5332, no four card major

RESPONSES SUMMARY

2C	Transfer to hearts, 2D = 3 card support, outside doubleton and maximum
2D	Transfer to spades, 2H = 3 card support, outside doubleton and maximum
2H	GAME FORCE RELAY - diamond bust by a passed hand
2S	Minors takeout - either balanced game invitation, or takeout with 4+4+ minors, or diamond bust - minors takeout only by a passed hand
2NT	transfer to clubs
3C	6-card suit, invitational, at least 2/3 top honours.
3D	6-card suit, invitational, at least 2/3 top honours.
3H	6-card suit, invitational, at least 2/3 top honours.
3S	6-card suit, invitational, at least 2/3 top honours.
3NT	To play
4C	Preemptive in hearts
4D	Preemptive in spades
4H	To play
4S	To play
4NT	Blackwood

After 1NT-2H(R) GF established

(Diamond bust by a passed hand)

Note : minimum/maximum or number of controls is never shown past 3NT without a 4C ask

2S	Flat, either 33(43) or (23)44
2NT	5C, (332)5
3C	5D, 2C, i.e. 3352
3D	5D, 2S, i.e. 2353
3H	5D, 2H, i.e. 3253 minimum, 10-12
3S	5D, 2H, i.e. 3253, maximum, 13-14, 0-2 controls
3NT	5D, 2H, i.e. 3253, maximum, 13-14, 3+ controls

After 1NT-2H-2S-2NT (R)

3C	3343
3D	3334
3H	3244
3S	2344, minimum, 10-12
3NT	3244, maximum, 13-14, 0+ controls
	Note: bid shortage

After 1NT-2H-2NT-3C (R)

3D	2D, 3325
3H	2H, 3235
3S	2S, 2335, minimum, 10-12
3NT	2S, 2335, maximum, 13-14, 0+ controls

After 1NT-2S balanced invitation, minors takeout, or diamond bust

2NT	minimum, 11-12 HCP
	3C			signoff, minors takeout with club preference or no preference
		3D	3352 or 3343
	3D		signoff, minors takeout with clear diamond preference (64) or diamond bust
	3H		3244, game forcing
	3S		2344, game forcing
3C	maximum, 13-14 HCP, 4+C, may have 4D
	3D		signoff, minors takeout with clear diamond preference (64) or diamond bust
	3NT		conversion by a balanced invitation hand
3D	maximum, 13-14 HCP, 4+D
	3NT			conversion by a balanced invitation hand
	Note: with equal length, opener will usually give a 3D rather than a 3C response to conceal the balanced hand when opposite diamond bust hands.

6.2 Major Suit Transfer Sequences

The most important factor is the absence of a four-card major from opener's hand. The presence of a 5-3 major-suit fit shows a hand with a five-card minor, or four-four in the minors with a major-suit doubleton. Opener will hold 5-6 major-suit cards but 7-8 minor-suit cards.

With a 5-card or longer minor in a balanced or semi-balanced hand with invitational values, then tend to play in notrumps. Hands with major-suit singletons with weak to invitational strength should look for alternate contracts, as the defence has a 9-card fit to find. Options include transferring to a strong four-card major and hoping to strike a Moysian fit (with (14)(53)-type shapes), transferring to clubs, or bidding 2S as either a diamond transfer or a minor-suit takeout (with (13)(54)-type shapes).

With an invitational two-suiter including a 5-card major that is not 5422, transfer into the major, and:

if a super accept occurs:

with a 55, bid Step 2. Pard will then bid Step 1 to ask for the second suit if he is interested (very probably).
with a 54 or 64, bid the shortage at least the level of 2NT (i.e. show 15(43) with 2NT over 2D accept).

if a normal accept occurs, bid the shortage naturally with any unbalanced hand. We'd like to show the 55, but we still need two balanced invitational bids, and we have only five bids to play with. Bid intelligently.

After responder has shown 55 location or shortage location, opener may make a counter trial below three of the transfer suit with no wastage and at least a four-card holding. This will be very descriptive if a super-accept was previously given, but will not always be available. Opener's bids above three of the agreed major confim no wastage, maximal values and show a first-round control in the suit bid.
With a balanced, semi-balanced or single-suited invitational hand including a 5-card major (5332, 6322, 6331, 5422), transfer into the major, and:

if a super accept occurs, bid 3NT for pard to correct to 4H or 4S .
if a normal accept occurs, bid 2NT with 5332 or 5422, or raise with 6332 or 6331

With a 6331 or 7330 hand with a semi-solid major and 15-17 HCP, transfer and splinter in the short suit. This is a slam try. With a stronger hand, cuebid if opener attempts to signoff.

After 1NT-2C

2D	13-14, 3H, outside doubleton
2H	Other hands

After 1NT-2C-2D

2H				Weak, signoff
2S				55 game try or better, values concentrated in suits
	2NT			asking relay
		3C, 3D		C,D suit
		3H		S suit, H preference
2NT, 3C, 3D			S,C,D shortage <2, game try or better
	3H			Wastage
		4H		Game values anyway - had slam interest opposite no wastage
3S, 4C, 4D			Shortage in 6331 or 7330, semi-solid major suit, 15-17 HCP or better
3NT				Game values only, 5332, 5422, 6322 or 6331.
	4H			Correction (nearly forced)

After 1NT-2C-2H

2S, 3C, 3D			S,C,D shortage <2, game try or better
	3H			Wastage
		4H		Game values anyway - had slam interest opposite no wastage
2NT				Invitational 5332, 5422
3H				Invitational 6322, 6331
3S, 4C, 4D			Shortage in 6331 or 7330, semi-solid major suit, 15-17 HCP or better
3NT				Game values only, 5332 or 5422
4H				Game values only, 6332 or 6331

After 1NT-2D

2H	13-14, 3S, outside doubleton
2S	Other hands

After 1NT-2D-2H

2S			Weak, signoff
2NT			55 game try or better, values concentrated in suits
	3C		asking relay
		3D	D suit
		3H	H suit, S preference
		3S	C suit
3C, 3D, 3H			C,D,H shortage <2, game try or better
	3S		Wastage
		4S	Game values anyway - had slam interest opposite no wastage
4C, 4D, 4H			Shortage in 6331 or 7330, semi-solid major suit, 15-17 HCP or better
3NT			Game values only, 5332, 5422, 6322 or 6331.
	4S		Correction (nearly forced)

After 1NT-2D-2S

2NT			Invitational 5332, 5422
3C, 3D, 3H			C,D,H shortage <2, game try or better
	3S		Wastage
		4S	Game values anyway - had slam interest opposite no wastage
3S			Invitational 6322, 6331
3NT			Game values only, 5332 or 5422
4C, 4D, 4H			Shortage in 6331 or 7330, semi-solid major suit, 15-17 HCP or better
4S			Game values only, 6322 or 6331

7. 2C OPENING
REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 6+C; or 6-9 HCP, 6+D; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ H &S

RESPONSES SUMMARY

Pass	Shows club suit, or weakness and C shortage that would rather risk playing a no-fit 2C contract than force a 3C contract to be played opposite the 10-14 HCP 6+C hand.
2D	Non-forcing relay
2H	Forcing relay
Suits	Correctable

After 2C-2D

Pass	6-9 HCP, 6+D
2H	6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ majors
2S	Maximum semi-solid 6+C, at least 3 honours, doesn't want to declare possible 3NT
2NT	Maximum semi-solid 6+C, at least 3 honours, wants to declare possible 3NT
3C	Normal 10-14 HCP, 6+C

After 2C-2D-2H

Pass	To play
2S	To play
2NT	Inquiry

After 2C-2D-2H-2NT

3C	Minimum, better H
3D	Minimum, better S
3H	Maximum, better H
3S	Maximum, better S
3NT	Any 66

After 2C-2H:

2S	5+/5+ in majors, then usual relays
2NT	Normal 10-14 HCP, 6+C
3C	Maximum semi-solid 6+C, at least 3 honours, doesn't want to declare 3NT
3D	Minimum, 6+D
3H	Maximum, 6+D
3S	Maximum, solid 7+C with probable entry
3NT	Maximum semi-solid 6C, at least 3 honours, want to declare 3NT

8. 2D OPENING
REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 6+D; or 6-9 HCP, 6+H; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ S&C

RESPONSES SUMMARY

Pass	Shows D suit, or weakness and D shortage that would rather risk playing a no-fit 2D contract than force a 3D contract to be played opposite the 10-14 HCP 6+D hand.
2H	Non-forcing relay
2S	Forcing relay
Suits	Correctable

After 2D-2H

Pass	6-9 HCP, 6+H
2S	6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ blacks
2NT	Maximum semi-solid 6+D, at least 3 honours, wants to declare possible 3NT
3C	Maximum semi-solid 6+D, at least 3 honours, doesn't want to declare possible 3NT
3D	Normal 10-14 HCP, 6+D

After 2D-2H-2S

Pass	To play
2NT	Inquiry
3C	To play

After 2D-2H-2S-2NT


3C 3D	Minimum, better S
3H	Maximum, better C
3S	Maximum, better S
3NT	Any 66

After 2D-2S :

2NT