

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4-Card Canapé

Symmetric Relay System

Mark Abraham / Tim Johnson

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Back

1. Description of Opening Bids *

2. 1§ OPENING (15+ HCP any shape) *

RESPONSES SUMMARY *

Continuations After Positive Responses To 1§ *

2.1 Introduction *

2.2 Single-suited relay structure (5+ suit) *

Rebids after relay with single-suited positive: *

Continuations after 3§ direct/indirect responses *

A. Indirect 3§ (Even shortage). *

B. Direct 3§ (Even shortage). *

2.3 Two-Suited Relay Structure *

Continuations after 2ª rerebid (showing 5/5) *

Rebids when holding both minors *

2.4 Three-Suited Relay Structure *

(a) Three-suited with both majors: *

(b) Three-suited with both minors: *

2.5 Balanced Relay Structure *

Reverse relay *

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 *

Negative response *

Game Force response *

After Interference *

Continuations after negative responses to 1§ *

2.10 1¨ negative response to 1§ *

After 1§-1¨: *

After 1§-1¨-1©: *

After 1§-1¨-1©-1ª: *

After 1§-1¨-1©-1ª-2§: *

After 1§-1¨-1©-1ª-2§-2¨-2NT (23-24 balanced) *

3. 1¨ OPENING *

REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 4+/4+ minors, may be three-suited *

RESPONSES SUMMARY *

After 1ª-2§ *

4. 1© OPENING *

REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 4+ª, 0-3©, may be three-suited, may have a longer minor *

RESPONSES SUMMARY *

After 1©-1ª *

After 1©-1ª -1NT-2§ (R) *

5. 1ª OPENING *

REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 4+ ª, may have longer minor *

RESPONSES SUMMARY *

After 1ª -1NT *

After 1ª-1NT-2§ -2¨ (R) *

After 1ª-1NT-2¨ -2© (R) *

6. 1NT OPENING *

REQUIREMENT: 11-14 HCP, balanced, 4333, 4432, 5332 with a minor *

RESPONSES SUMMARY *

After 1N-2§ *

After 1N-2§-2¨ *

After 1N-2§-2¨-2© (R) *

After 1N-2§-2© *

After 1N-2§-2©-2ª (R) *

3© 4 diamonds, low shortage, 3442 *

After 1N-2§-2ª *

After 1N-2§-2ª -3§ (R) *

6.2 Major Suit Transfer Sequences *

After 1NT-2¨ -2© *

After 1NT-2© -2ª *

7. 2§ OPENING *

REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 6+§; or 6-9 HCP, 6+¨; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ ©&ª *

RESPONSES SUMMARY *

After 2§ -2¨ *

After 2§ -2¨ -2© *

After 2§ -2¨ -2©-2NT *

After 2§-2©: *

8. 2¨ OPENING *

REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 6+¨; or 6-9 HCP, 6+©; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ ª&§ *

RESPONSES SUMMARY *

After 2¨ -2© *

After 2¨ -2©-2ª *

After 2¨ -2©-2ª -2NT *

After 2¨ -2ª : *

9. 2© OPENING *

REQUIREMENT: Acol II in ©(8-9 PT), usually < 15 HCP; or 6-9 HCP, 6+ª; or 6-9 HCP 5+/5+ §&¨ *

RESPONSES SUMMARY *

After 2©-2ª: *

After 2©-2NT: *

10. 2ª OPENING *

REQUIREMENT: Acol II IN ª (8-9 PT), usually < 15 HCP; or 6-9 HCP, 6+§; or 6-9 HCP 5+/5+ ¨&© *

RESPONSES SUMMARY *

After 2ª-3§: *

After 2ª-2NT: *

11. 2NT OPENING *

REQUIREMENT: 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ in ª&¨ or ª&§ *

RESPONSES SUMMARY *

After 2NT-3©: *

12. COMPETITIVE BIDDING SITUATIONS *

12.1 Interference in relay Auctions *

3¨ Criterion *

Interference by 2^nd hand *

Call Meaning *

Interference by 4^th hand *

Exception to the 3¨ Criterion *

12.2 Interference after 1§ 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 1¨ opening *

After a double: *

After an suit overcall *

12.4 Interference after 1© opening *

Suited overcalls *

Notrump overcalls *

After a double: *

12.5 Interference after 1ª opening *

Suited overcalls *

Notrump overcalls *

After a double: *

12.6 Interference after 1NT opening *

12.7 Interference after 2§/2¨/ 2©/2ª/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 1ª-(2§)-2¨-? *

1NT overcall *

Jump overcalls *

Michaels *

Bidding in 4th seat after two suits by opponents *

13.3 Defence to strong 1§ opening *

13.4 SWINE convention *

13.5 Defenses to various conventional openings by opponents *

European Multi 2D - i.e. 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-Ori.e.nted Symmetric Relay Extensions to the Power Double *

The Intermediate Jump Overcall (IJO) *

NAMYATS *

Responses to NAMYATS *

2ª Jump Over 1§ *

3 Level Jump Cue Bid *

Alerts in the Structure *

1. Description of Opening Bids

1§	15+ HCP, any shape.
1¨	10-14 HCP, 4+/4+ in minors, may be three-suited with both minors.
1©	10-14 HCP, 4+©, may have a longer suit, may be three-suited.
1ª	10-14 HCP, 4+ª , 0-3©, may have a longer minor suit. In third or fourth position we open 1ª with longer spades than hearts.
1NT	11-14 HCP, balanced i.e. 4333, 4432, 5332 with 5 card minor.
2§	10-14 HCP 6+§; or 6-9 HCP, 6+¨; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ in ©+ª
2¨	10-14 HCP 6+¨; or 6-9 HCP, 6+©; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ in ª +§
2©	Acol II (8-9 PT) in ©, usually less than 15 HCP; or 6-9 HCP, 6+ª; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ in ¨+§
2ª	Acol II (8-9 PT) in ª, usually less than 15 HCP; or 6-9 HCP, with 6+§; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ in ©+¨
2NT	6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ in ª+¨ or ©+§
3§	Weak III in ¨ (transfer pre-empt)
3¨	Weak III in © (transfer pre-empt)
3©	Weak III in ª (transfer pre-empt)
3ª	Unspecified nine-card suit, no minimum strength
3NT	Gambling in ª , AKQxxxx, no outside controls
4§-4ª	Pre-emptive with suit bid
4NT	Extreme minors
5§ /5¨	Pre-emptive in suit bid
5©/5ª	11 playing trick hands missing A & K of trumps

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

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

Continuations After Positive Responses To 1§

2.1 Introduction

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

2.2 Single-suited relay structure (5+ suit)

	STEP 1 Give positive response in the single suit (1©,1ª ,2§,2¨).
	STEP 2 After relay by 1§ opener, rebid 2ª or higher as indicated below.

Rebids after relay with single-suited positive:

2ª	High shortage - at most 2 cards in highest ranking outside suit, i.e. 1§-1ª -1NT-2ª shows a spade shortage and a hand with 5+ heart suit.
2NT	Middle shortage - at most 2 cards in the middle ranking outside suit; diamond shortage if a major is the long suit, heart shortage if a minor is the long suit. e.g. 1§-1ª -1NT-2NT shows spades and a diamond shortage; and 1§-2§ -2¨ -2NT shows clubs and a heart shortage.
3§	Even shortage - showing two or three doubletons. If 3§ is bid directly (1§-1©-1ª-3§) this shows either 3622 (i.e. two low doubletons) or 7222. If 3§ is bid indirectly (via 2ª - high shortage) i.e. 1§-1©-1ª-2ª-2NT-3§, this shows a high doubleton and one other doubleton i.e. either 2632 or 2623. See continuations below.
3¨	5332 type shape. If 3¨ is reached directly (i.e. not via 2ª or 2NT) then this implies low shortage.
3©	6331 type shape. If 3© is reached directly (i.e. not via 2ª or 2NT) then this implies low shortage.
3ª	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)
4§	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 3§ direct/indirect responses

A. Indirect 3§ (Even shortage).

(3¨ Relay)

3©	1 High and 1 Middle doubleton (i.e. 223 residue).
3ª	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 3§ (Even shortage).

(3¨ Relay)

3©	Seven carder (i.e. 222 residue).
3ª	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 see later)
STEP 2 After relay by 1§ opener, rebid from 1NT to 2©:
Rebids:
1NT	Spades
2§	Clubs
2¨	Diamonds (and 5+ card major)
2©	Reverser (if bid directly after showing a major, shows a 4 card major and 5+ diamonds)
STEP 3 After both suits have been shown, rerebid 2© or higher:
Rerebids:
2©	Reverser, the higher-ranking suit is exactly 4 cards and other 5+ cards.
2ª	5/5+ shape (See below).
2NT	High shortage (if bid directly, shows lower ranking suit is exactly 4 cards).
3§	Even shortage, 5422 or 7411
	(3¨ Relay):
	3©	7411
	3ª	5422, minimum
	3NT	5422, maximum, 2 controls; etc
3¨	5431 type shape.
3©	6421 type shape.
3ª	7420 type shape.
3NT	6430 type shape, minimum
4§	6430 type shape, maximum, 2 controls; etc
Note: any bid of 3§ upwards bid directly, shows the lower ranking suit is four cards exactly, the higher ranking suit is longer and a LOW shortage.

Continuations after 2ª rerebid (showing 5/5)

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

Rebids when holding both minors

Initial positive response to 1§ is 2© or higher as follows:

2©	Reverser (i.e. 4 diamonds and 5+ clubs).
2ª	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 2©, shows 4 diamonds, 5+ clubs and a spade shortage).
3§	Even shortage, 5422 or 7411 with longer diamonds. With longer clubs, bid 2© first then 3§ over the relay etc)
	(3¨ Relay):
	3©	7411
	3ª	5422, minimum
	3NT	5422, maximum, 2 controls; etc.
3¨	5431 type shape.
3©	6421 type shape.
3ª	7420 type shape.
3NT	6430 type shape, minimum
4§	6430 type shape, maximum, 2 controls; etc
	Note: to show longer clubs, bid 2© 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 3¨ upwards depending on hand shape.

* for hands with three suits including both minors - see the next section on next page.
2.4 Three-Suited Relay Structure

Either

(a) Three-suited with both majors:

1§	1©	(Positive with hearts)
1ª	1NT	(and spades)
2§	2¨	(and a minor)

Or:

(b) Three-suited with both minors:

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

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

1§-1NT shows any 4333 or 4432, or a red two-suiter, with 8+ HCP and 2+ controls. A CRASH (Colour, RAnk, SHape) Relay Structure is used here.

(2§ Relay)
2¨
	2© (Relay)
	2ª	4333 or 3433
		2NT Relay
		3§	3433
		3¨	4333, minimum
		3©	4333, maximum, 2 c’s, etc.
	2NT
	3§	3442
	3¨	4324
	3©	4234, minimum
	3ª	4234, maximum, 2 controls, etc.

22	Two four card suits of the same *Rank*.
next	2ª Relay	2NT	2344
			3§
			3¨
			3©
			3ª
	Note : bid the doubleton
2ª	4333 (bid directly shows a four card minor, bid via 2¨ shows 4 card major)
next	2NT Relay	3§	3334
			3¨
			3©
2NT	Doubleton spade (§/©), 2434
3§	Doubleton club (¨/ª), 4342
3¨	Doubleton diamond (§/©), 3424
3©	Doubleton heart (¨/ª), 4243, minimum
3ª	Doubleton heart (¨/ª), 4243, maximum, 2 controls, etc.
	Note : bid the doubleton

Reverse relay

In auctions beginning 1§ - 1NT, if opener rebids 2§ 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 2¨ or higher on the same basis as the CRASH structure employed by responder after the normal 2§ relay. Responder now takes charge of the relays and the 1§ opener is required to show controls starting with a minimum of 2. This exception is designed to have the undescribed hand play 3NT contracts wherever possible. A better relay structure allows the strong hand to bid notrumps, and the weak hand to be described, but the transfer structure is better learned as a variation of this fairly natural one.

2.6 Controls and minimum/maximum

In most relay auctions (except those starting 1§-1¨-1©-1NT+), after exact shape has been shown, the next relay asks for strength and then controls (Ace = 2, King = 1). Singleton kings are counted:

1st step minimum (8-11)

2nd step maximum (12+) + 2 controls

3rd step maximum (12+) + 3 controls; etc

After a 1st step minimum response the next relay asks for controls. The maximum number of controls 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

A hand limited to 10-14 HCP gives a minimum response on 10-12 HCP and a maximum on 13-14.

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, and so on down, then cycling back to their 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 shown at least two of the top three honours, on the second scan, responder denies that suit if it is not AKQxxx or better. After a first denial, 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 4© 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:

4§ 5 controls

4¨ 6 controls

4© 7 controls

4ª 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:

4§ 7411, 2+ controls

4¨ 5422, 5 controls

4© 5422, 6 controls

4ª 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 1§ 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 2©, 2ª , 2NT or even in three-level contracts is likely to be superior if 3NT is uncertain.

After a positive suit response, with a possible misfit and a balanced 15-16 HCP hand, opener cannot determine whether game will be playable, as the minimum range for responder's hand is 8-11. Hence being able to inquire at a low level about responder's game prospects opposite a balanced 15-16 count is advantageous.

After responder makes a positive suit response to 1§ , if relayer has a balanced 15-16 HCP hand with no primary fit, or an even better hand with expectation of significant duplication of values, or wastage of secondary honour cards opposite shortness, 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 no-fit minimal hand. It denies slam interest. If responder shows a two- or three-suited hand at or below 2¨ , then the Game Probe Relay is available to opener to show a balanced 15-16 HCP hand with no fits (the 2¨ limit ensures the bidding can stop at 2NT)

Negative response

Responder repli.e.s 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. 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). 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 relay response (which normally requires min or max with controls to be shown) then relayer shows first the 2 control hand, etc. The 4NT short suit ask appli.e.s 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.

Continuations after negative responses to 1§

2.10 1¨ negative response to 1§

After 1§-1¨:

1© 19+ HCP any shape.

1ª-2© natural 15-18 HCP.

2ª+ 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 1§-1¨-1©:

1ª Second negative, 0-4 HCP

1NT 5+ HCP and 4+ hearts, could be three-suited with both majors

2§ 5+ HCP and 4+ spades, 0-3 hearts, could have longer minor

2¨ 5+ HCP balanced

2© 5+ HCP and 4+ clubs, could be three-suited with both minors

2ª 5+ HCP and 5+ diamonds and denies other suits.

2NT 5+ HCP, reverser, 4 diamonds, 5+ clubs.

3§ 5+ HCP 5/5 in the minors.

3¨ 5+ HCP, spade shortage, both minors with longer diamonds if bid directly.

3© 5+ HCP, even shortage, both minors with longer diamonds if bid directly.

3ª 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.

4§ 5+ HCP, 7420 shape with low shortage, and longer diamonds if bid directly.

4¨ 5+ HCP, 6430 shape with 8+ points

4© 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 1§-1¨-1©-1ª:

1NT 19-22 balanced.

2§ 23+ any shape.

2¨, 2©, 2ª, 3§, 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 1§-1¨-1©-1ª-2§:

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

2© 4+ ©

2ª relay 2NT = spades

3§ = clubs

3¨ = diamonds

3© = reverser

3ª = 5©, single-suiter

3NT = 6©, single-suiter

4§ = 7+ª , single-suiter

2ª 4+ spades and deni.e.s ©

2NT relay 3§ = clubs

3¨ = diamonds

3© = reverser

3ª = 5 spades, single-suiter

3NT = 6 spades, single-suiter

4§ = 7+ spades, single-suiter

2NT NOT BID

3§ 4+ clubs

3¨ relay 3© = three-suiter

3ª = 5 clubs

3NT= 6 clubs etc

3¨ 5+ diamonds.

3© relay 3ª = 5 diamonds

3NT= 6 diamonds etc

3© minors, longer clubs

3ª 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.

eg: 1§ 1¨

1© 1ª

2§ 2© hearts

2ª* 2NT & spades.

3§* 3© reverser i.e. 4 spades and 5+ hearts.

3ª* 3NT 4 spades and 5 hearts.

4§ 4 spades and 6 hearts.

4¨ 4 spades and 7 hearts.

After 1§-1¨-1©-1ª-2§:

After 2 © - 2ª relay 2NT (showing spades)

3§ (relay) 3¨ shows three-suiter, with the majors

3© shows reverser

3ª shows 5-5

After 2 ª - 2NT (relay) 3§ clubs

3¨ relay 3© shows reverser

3ª shows 5-5

After 2 ª - 2NT (relay) 3¨ diamonds (longer spades)

3© relay 3ª shows 5-5

After 3 § - 3¨ (relay) 3© three-suiter

3ªshows 5-5

After 1§-1¨-1©-1ª-2§-2¨-2NT (23-24 balanced)

3§ 5 card Stayman.

3¨ 1 or 2 four card majors

After 3§ - 3¨:

3© Four ©, may have 4 spades

3ª Four spades, deni.e.s 4 ©

3NT No major

3© 5 ©

3ª 5 spades

3NT No 4 or 5 card major

3. 1¨ 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 diamonds or weak

1© Natural, 5+©, non-forcing, may be invitational. Opener raises on 3+© or bids longer minor or 1ª with a three-suiter.

1ª Natural, 5+ª , non-forcing, may be invitational. Opener raises on 3+ª or bids longer minor or 1NT with a three-suiter.

1NT Natural, non-forcing, may include club tolerance, 8-11 – natural, no club preference by a passed hand

2§ GAME FORCE RELAY - natural by a passed hand 8-10/6-10

2¨ Natural, non-forcing, may be invitational.

2© Fit showing jump for a minor - 2NT enquires

2ª Fit showing jump for a minor - 2NT enquires

2NT Pre-emptive with both minors

3§ Pre-emptive

3¨ Pre-emptive

3© Pre-emptive with 9 cards in hearts and a minor

3ª Pre-emptive with 9 cards in spades and a minor

3NT To play

4§ Preemptive

4¨ Preemptive

After 1ª-2§

2¨ Three-suiter with both minors

2© Reverser: 5+ §, 4¨

2ª 5/5

2NT High shortage, 5+¨, 4§, etc.

4. 1© OPENING
REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 4+ª, 0-3©, may be three-suited, 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

1NT Natural, implies 3 to a bad 5 spades. Opener bids spades with 4 card support. 8-11/6-11

2§ Natural, 5+ clubs, non-forcing, may be invitational, 8+/6+

2¨ Natural, 5+ diamonds, non-forcing, may be invitational, 8+/6+

2© 8 - 12 HCP, 3 or 4 hearts, NOT 11-12 and 4 hearts - 8-10 with 4 hearts by a passed hand

next 2NT trial 3§ minimum with clubs, 3 hearts

3¨ minimum with diamonds, 3 hearts

3© minimum with 4 hearts

3ª maximum with spades, 3 hearts

3NT maximum with 3 hearts

4© maximum (9 or 10) with 4 hearts

any suit bid = long suit trial

2ª Fit-showing jump in spades, invitational in hearts.

2NT 5-5 minors, non-forcing

3§ Fit-showing jump in clubs, invitational in hearts.

3¨ Fit-showing jump in diamonds, invitational in hearts.

3© Fit-showing jump in diamonds, invitational in hearts.

3ª Preemptive

3NT To play

4§ Preemptive with hearts + clubs with at least 9 cards in the two suits.

4¨ Preemptive with hearts + diamonds with at least 9 cards in the two suits.

4© Preemptive with hearts + spades with at least 9 cards in the two suits.

After 1©-1ª

1NT 4+ spades

2§ 4+ clubs

2¨ 4+ diamonds

2© Reverser, 5+ diamonds, 4 hearts exactly.

2ª High shortage, 5+© etc.

After 1©-1ª -1NT-2§ (R)

2¨ Three-suiter with both majors (see 2.4 for continuations)

2© Reverser, 5+© and 4ª

2ª 5/5+ ©+ª

2NT High shortage, 5+ª and 4©

5. 1ª OPENING
REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 4+ ª, may have 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 spades or 0-7/0-5

1NT RELAY - at least invitational to game - 8-10 with 3 spades by a passed hand

2§ Natural, 5+ clubs, non-forcing, may be invitational, 8+/6+

2¨ Natural, 5+ diamonds, non-forcing, may be invitational, 8+/6+

2© Natural, 5+ hearts, non-forcing, may be invitational, 8+/6+

2ª 8 - 12 HCP, 3 or 4 spades, NOT 11-12 and 4 spades (relay first) - 8-10 with 4 spades by a passed hand

next 2NT trial 3§ minimum with clubs, 3 spades

3¨ minimum with diamonds, 3 spades

3© minimum with 4 spades

3ª maximum with hearts, 3 spades

3NT maximum with 3 spades

4© maximum (9 or 10) with 4 spades

any suit bid = long suit trial

2NT Minors, non-forcing

3§ Fit showing jump with clubs

3¨ Fit showing jumps with diamonds

3© Fit showing jump with hearts

3ª Pre-emptive

3NT To play

4§ Pre-emptive with at least nine cards in © + §

4¨ Pre-emptive with at least nine cards in © + ¨

After 1ª -1NT

2§ 4+ §

2¨ 4+ ¨

2© Reverser, 5+¨, 4ª .

2ª High shortage, 5+ª .

After 1ª-1NT-2§ -2¨ (R)

2© Reverser, 5+§ , 4ª

2ª 5/5, § + ª

2NT 5+ª , 4§ , high shortage, etc.

After 1ª-1NT-2¨ -2© (R)

2ª 5/5, ¨ + ª

2NT 5+ª , 4¨ , high shortage, etc.

6. 1NT OPENING
REQUIREMENT: 11-14 HCP, balanced, 4333, 4432, 5332 with a minor

RESPONSES SUMMARY

2§ Stayman with relay extensions

2¨ Transfer to hearts

2© Transfer to spades

2ª transfer to clubs

2NT Invitational, no 4-card major unless 4333 or 3433

3§ Transfer to diamonds

3¨ 6-card suit, invitational, at least 2/3 top honours.

3© 6-card suit, invitational, at least 2/3 top honours.

3ª 6-card suit, invitational, at least 2/3 top honours.

3NT To play

4§ Preemptive in hearts

4¨ Preemptive in spades

4© To play

4ª To play

4NT Blackwood

Note: You can still use a weak Stayman. The initial 2§ bid does not promise a relay sequence will ensue – intially it is still a standard Stayman sequence. With a weak hand and 5ª 4©, you can still rebid 2ª after a 2¨ denial; HOWEVER you cannot Stayman with a weak 5©4ª as 2© over a 2¨ major denial is a RELAY.

After 1N-2§

2¨ No 4 card major.

2© 4 hearts, may have 4 spades.

2ª 4 spades and not 4 hearts.

After 1N-2§-2¨

2© RELAY

2ª Signoff (5 spades and 4 hearts).

2N Invitation (and 4 of a major).

3§ Signoff (5 clubs and a major).

3¨ Signoff (5 diamonds and a major).

3© Invitation (5 hearts and 4 spades).

3ª Invitation (5 spades and 4 hearts).

3N Signoff (and 4 of a major).

After 1N-2§-2¨-2© (R)

I think this structure is poor.

2ª 5 card minor

2N (relay) 3§ = clubs

3¨ (relay) 3§ = high shortage 2335

3ª = mid shortage 3235

3N = low shortage 3325

3¨ = diamonds, high shortage 2353

3© = diamonds, mid shortage 3253

3ª = diamonds, low shortage 3352

2N 3334 or 3343

3§ (relay) 3¨ = clubs, 3334

3© = diamonds, 3343

3§ minors, high shortage, 2344

3¨ minors, low shortage, 3244

Next suit up asks for controls, 1 step = 0-2 controls, 2 steps = 3 controls etc.

After 1N-2§-2©

2ª RELAY

2N Invitation (and 4 spades)

3§ Non forcing (5+ clubs and 4 spades).

3¨ Non forcing (5+ diamonds and 4 spades).

3© Invitation (4 hearts).

3ª Cue bid accepting hearts.

3N Signoff (and 4 spades).

4§/4¨ Cue bids accepting hearts.

After 1N-2§-2©-2ª (R)

2N 4 spades

3§ (relay) 3¨= high shortage, 4423

3©= low shortage, 4432

3§ 4 clubs

3¨ (relay) 3©= high shortage, 2434

3ª= low shortage, 3424

3¨ 4 diamonds, high shortage, 2443

3© 4 diamonds, low shortage, 3442

3N 3433

Next suit up asks for controls, 1 step = 0-2 controls, 2 steps = 3 controls etc.

After 1N-2§-2ª

2N invitational (NOT RELAY)

3§ RELAY

3¨ signoff, 5+ diamonds 4 hearts

3© invitational, 5 good hearts 4 poor spades

3ª invitational

3N to play

After 1N-2§-2ª -3§ (R)

3¨ 4 clubs

3© (Relay) 3ª = high shortage 4234

3N = low shortage 4324

3© 4 diamonds, high shortage, 4243

3ª 4 diamonds , low shortage, 4342

3N 4333

Next suit up asks for controls, 1 step = 0-2 controls, 2 steps = 3 controls etc.

6.2 Major Suit Transfer Sequences

With a 5-card or longer minor and invitational values then tend to play in notrumps.

With an invitational two-suiter including a 5-card major that is not 5422, transfer into the major, and after the accept, bid the shortage naturally with any unbalanced hand. Partner might attempt to signoff elsewhere with a 5-card minor and only 2-card support. Bid intelligently.

With a balanced, semi-balanced or single-suited invitational hand including a 5-card major (5332, 6322, 6331, 5422), transfer into the major, and 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. The primary use of the splinter is to learn about wastage – something the relay structure won’t find out until much later.

After 1NT-2¨ -2©

2ª , 3§ , 3¨ ª ,§ ,¨ shortage <2, game try or better

3© Wastage

4© Game values anyway – had slam interest opposite no wastage

2NT Invitational 5332, 5422

3© Invitational 6322, 6331

3ª , 4§ ,4¨ Shortage in 6331 or 7330, semi-solid major suit, 15-17 HCP or better

3NT Game values only, 5332 or 5422

4© Game values only, 6332 or 6331

After 1NT-2© -2ª

2NT Invitational 5332, 5422

3§ , 3¨ , 3© § ,¨ ,© shortage <2, game try or better

3ª Wastage

4ª Game values anyway – had slam interest opposite no wastage

3ª Invitational 6322, 6331

3NT Game values only, 5332 or 5422

4§ , 4¨ , 4© Shortage in 6331 or 7330, semi-solid major suit, 15-17 HCP or better

4ª Game values only, 6322 or 6331

7. 2§ OPENING
REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 6+§; or 6-9 HCP, 6+¨; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ ©&ª

RESPONSES SUMMARY

2¨ Non-forcing relay

2© Forcing relay

Other suit bids are correctable.

After 2§ -2¨

Pass 6-9 HCP, 6+¨

2© 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ majors

2ª Maximum semi-solid 6+§ , at least 3 honours, doesn't want to declare possible 3NT

2NT Maximum semi-solid 6+§ , at least 3 honours, wants to declare possible 3NT

3§ Normal 10-14 HCP, 6+§

After 2§ -2¨ -2©

Pass To play

2ª To play

2NT Inquiry

After 2§ -2¨ -2©-2NT

3§ Minimum, better ©

3¨ Minimum, better ª

3© Maximum, better ©

3ª Maximum, better ª

3NT Any 66

After 2§-2©:

2ª 5+/5+ in majors, then usual relays

2NT Normal 10-14 HCP, 6+§

3§ Maximum semi-solid 6+§, at least 3 honours, doesn’t want to declare 3NT

3¨ Minimum, 6+¨

3© Maximum, 6+¨

3ª Maximum, solid 7+§ with probable entry

3NT Maximum semi-solid 6§, at least 3 honours, want to declare 3NT

8. 2¨ OPENING
REQUIREMENT: 10-14 HCP, 6+¨; or 6-9 HCP, 6+©; or 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ ª&§

RESPONSES SUMMARY

2© Non-forcing relay

2ª Forcing relay

Other suit bids are correctable.

After 2¨ -2©

Pass 6-9 HCP, 6+©

2ª 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ blacks

2NT Maximum semi-solid 6+¨, at least 3 honours, wants to declare possible 3NT

3§ Maximum semi-solid 6+¨, at least 3 honours, doesn't want to declare possible 3NT

3¨ Normal 10-14 HCP, 6+¨

After 2¨ -2©-2ª

Pass To play

2NT Inquiry

3§ To play

After 2¨ -2©-2ª -2NT

3§ Minimum, better §

3¨ Minimum, better ª

3© Maximum, better §

3ª Maximum, better ª

3NT Any 66

After 2¨ -2ª :

2NT Normal 10-14 HCP, 6+¨

3§ 5+/5+ in the blacks

3¨ Maximum semi-solid 6+¨, at least 3 honours, doesn’t want to declare 3NT

3© Minimum, 6+©

3ª Maximum, 6+©

3NT Maximum semi-solid 6¨, at least 3 honours, want to declare 3NT

9. 2© OPENING
REQUIREMENT: Acol II in ©(8-9 PT), usually < 15 HCP; or 6-9 HCP, 6+ª; or 6-9 HCP 5+/5+ §&¨

RESPONSES SUMMARY

2ª Non-forcing relay

2NT Forcing relay

Other suit bids correctable.

After 2©-2ª:

Pass 6-9 HCP, 6+ª

2NT 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ minors

3§ 8 PT in ©

3¨ 8.5 PT in ©

3© 9 PT in ©

After 2©-2NT:

3§ Minimum, 5+/5+ minors

3¨ Maximum, 5+/5+ minors

3© Minmum, 6+ª

3ª Maximum, 6+ª

3NT 8-9 PT in © and suitable for notrump

4§ 8-9 PT in ©, also § suit

4¨ 8-9 PT in ©, also ¨ suit

4© 8-9 PT in ©

10. 2ª OPENING
REQUIREMENT: Acol II IN ª (8-9 PT), usually < 15 HCP; or 6-9 HCP, 6+§; or 6-9 HCP 5+/5+ ¨&©

RESPONSES SUMMARY

2NT Forcing relay

3§ Non-forcing relay

Other suit bids are correctable.

After 2ª-3§:

Pass 6-9 HCP, 6+§

3¨ 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ reds

3© 8-8.5 PT in ª

3ª 9 PT in ª

After 2ª-2NT:

3§ Minmum, 6+§

3§ Minimum, 5+/5+ reds

3¨ Maximum, 5+/5+ reds

3ª Maximum, 6+§

3NT 8-9 PT in ª and suitable for notrump

4§ 8-9 PT in ª, also § suit

4¨ 8-9 PT in ª, also ¨ suit

4© 8-9 PT in ª, also © suit

4© 8-9 PT in ª

11. 2NT OPENING
REQUIREMENT: 6-9 HCP, 5+/5+ in ª&¨ or ª&§

RESPONSES SUMMARY

3© Forcing Inquiry

All other bids to play

After 2NT-3©:

3ª Minimum, ª+¨

3NT Minimum, ©+§

4§ Maximum, better §

4¨ Maximum, better ¨

4© Maximum, better ©

4ª Maximum, better ª

12. COMPETITIVE BIDDING SITUATIONS
12.1 Interference in relay Auctions

3¨ Criterion

Once interference occurs it is vital that responder and relayer know whether relays are still available. If the hand shape that would have been shown with 3¨ can be shown at the level of 3NT or below then relays will continue (the 3¨ Criterion). Note that it is quite possible to gain up to two steps after interference. If relays are broken, then Rubinsohl appli.e.s over two level interference (see 12.2), and takeout doubles and natural bidding appli.e.s over three level interference.

There are two situations that arise which will be covered separately, using the following definitions which apply only after relays have begun :

Relayer Bids the asking relays

Responder Answers the relays

2^nd hand Bids after relayer and before responder

4^th hand Bids after responder and before relayer

Interference before relays have begun is covered in sections 12.2-12.4.

Interference by 2^nd hand

Responder has two additional steps available with which to describe his hand, namely pass and double (or redouble if appropriate), and must determine by the 3¨ Criterion whether relays continue. The following relay structure will apply if responder has deni.e.d possession of at least 4 cards of the suit shown (if only one has been shown) (else see the Exception below):

Call Meaning

Pass Step 1 from the original relay

Double/Redouble Step 2 from the original relay

Step 1 Step 3 from the original relay, etc.

After a relay step pass, double by relayer without further interference is for relay. After a relay step double/redouble, Step 1 by relayer without further interference is for relay. If further interference by 4^th hand occurs, see immediately below.

If relays are broken, then the provisions of 12.2 apply for two- and three-level interference.

Interference by 4^th hand

If responder has not deni.e.d possession of at least 4 cards of the suit shown (if only one has been shown), and if relays are not broken (3© Criterion), then relayer may pass for relay. Else, if relays are not broken (3¨ Criterion), then relayer may pass for relay.

In all cases double by relayer is for penalty of the suit shown.

If further interference by 2^nd hand occurs, see immediately above.

If relays are broken, then the provisions of 12.2 apply for two- and three-level interference.

Exception to the 3¨ Criterion

After interference after a positive response to a 1§ opening, and if responder has not deni.e.d holding the suit shown, then responder's double is strictly for penalty, and the 3© Criterion rather than the 3¨ Criterion appli.e.s for determining the relay status for interference by both 2^nd and 4^th hands.

After interference after a positive response to a 1§ opening, either by a positive pass or by a normal positive response, then if responder has not deni.e.d holding the suit shown, responder needs on occasions to be able to penalise the interference rather than give a relay response. Relayer can always penalise by doubling, rather than passing for relay, but responder’s double would then systemically be the first or second step in the relay. Thus an exception is made in this case. Note that a balanced positive response has not deni.e.d holding the suit shown. It is still possible to give a relay response in the suit that would have been penalised. Hence a penalty double is not automatic (else opponents could always break the relays by psyching and correcting), and may be desirable when the penalti.e.s gained would be insuffici.e.nt to compensate for game or slam.

If relays are broken, then the provisions of 12.2 apply for two- and three-level interference.

12.2 Interference after 1§ opening

Archimedes - one level interference up to 1NT

Pass = full positive

Double = 0 - 4 with Archimedes continuations

1st step = Semi-positive in hearts.

2nd step = Semi-positive, spades.

3rd step = Semi-positive, balanced

4th step = Semi-positive in clubs.

5th step = Semi-positive in diamonds

6th step = Semi-positive, 4 diamonds, 5+ clubs.

7th step = Semi-positive, 5+ diamonds, 5+ clubs

8th step = Semi-positive, spade shortage and longer diamonds than clubs

9th step = Semi-positive, even shortage (5422 or 7411) and longer diamonds than clubs.

10th step = Semi-positive, 3154

11th step = Semi-positive, 2164

12th step = Semi-positive 2074

13th step = Semi positive 3064, 8+ HCP, 0 - 1 controls (see below for continuations)

14th step = Semi positive 3064, 5-7 HCP, 0 controls; etc

* Semi positive = 5-7 HCP or 8+ HCP with 0-1 controls. (see below)

ARCHIMEDES CONTINUATIONS

After Double (0-4)

Non jump suit bid - 15-18

1NT - 15 - 22

2NT - double suited minor hand 15 - 22

Jump suit bid - 19 - 22

Cue bid 23+, game force

Responses

Rubinsohl

After bid - semi positive level adjusted (control responses)

Control responses

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 1st step response & next relay

1st step 8-11, 0 control

2nd step 8-11, 1 control

3rd step 12-15, 0 control

4th step 12-15, 1 control

After positive pass (begins relays)

Double is relay

Other bids are level adjusted reverse relays

i.e. 1§ 1© Pass Pass

X relay

1ª 15-17, colour (4432) or 4333 or 3433

1NT 15-17, rank (4432)

2§ 15-17, 3343 or 3334

2¨ 15-17, 2434

2© 15-17, 4342

2ª 15-17, 3424

2NT 15-17, 4243, 0-2 controls

3§ 15-17, 4243, 3 controls; etc

if another bid opponents before double then pass = relay if loss is three steps or less

i.e. 1§ 1ª Pass 2¨

Pass relay

X 15-17, colour (4432) or 4333 or 3433; etc

if another bid opponents before double and loss is greater than three steps

X takeout

other suit natural

min NT bid stopper and minimum

cue stopper ask

jump cue Michaels

Relay responses

The guiding principle for responder is that they must use a relay structure that does not bid the denomination they intend to show. In general the transfer responses will still apply, with a few exceptions noted below.

Examples

Against an opponent using a transfer style overcall (e.g. TWERB), and assessing the subsquent interference with the 3§ Criterion:

1§ 1¨ (=©) P (+ve) 1©

P (relay) P X penalty

1ª ©

1NT ª, 0-3©

2§ balanced (natural responses)

Against overcalls showing the bid suit (with or without another suit), and assessing the subsequent interference with the 3§ Criterion:

1§ 1© (nat) P (+ve) P

X(relay) P P penalty

1ª ©

1NT ª, 0-3©

2§ balanced

1§ 1NT P (+ve) 2§

P(relay!) P X penalty

2¨ ©

2© ª

2ª balanced

Two level interference - Rubinsohl

Pass 0 - 4 HCP or penalty pass

X 5 - 7 HCP balanced.

2 bid 5-7 HCP, natural and non-forcing.

2NT transfer to clubs, see below.

3§ transfer to diamonds, see below

3¨ transfer to hearts, see below

3© transfer to spades, see below

3ª HELP - balanced game force, no stopper, no 4 card major

3NT Balanced game force, stopper(s), no 4 card major

Notes: Transfer into the overcall suit = balanced game force with at least one 4 card major

Cue of overcall by either opener or responder (except initial transfer) is stopper ask

Transfer to a suit at 3 level which could be bid at 2 level is invitational. Opener must break transfer with a maximum.

Reopening double by opener is usually mandatory with very few exceptions.

Three level interference

Bid by responder is game forcing.

Double by responder is takeout.

Bid by opener is non forcing.

Double by opener is for takeout.

12.3 Interference after 1¨ opening

After a double:

Pass Poor hand

XX Majors, looking for blood

1© Natural, non-forcing

1ª Natural, non-forcing

1NT Natural

2§ GF RELAY (by unpassed hand; by passed hand, no minor preference)

2¨ Natural

2©/2ª Fit showing jump for a minor, 2NT inquires

2NT Preemptive with both minors

3§ Preemptive

3¨ Preemptive

3© Hearts and a minor, at least 9 cards

3ª Spades and a minor, at least 9 cards

After an suit overcall

Double is PENALTY

2NT+ RUBINSOHL

12.4 Interference after 1© opening

Suited overcalls

Pass If responder is an unpassed hand, and the 3¨ Criterion is satisfi.e.d (overcall <=2§), strongly encouraging a reopening double if suitable.

X If responder is an unpassed hand, and the 3¨ Criterion is satisfi.e.d (overcall <= 2§), double is for GF RELAY; else double is takeout (negative) up to 3ª; else double is for penalty

2Y Natural non-forcing, or cue raises of hearts

2NT+ Rubinsohl

4§,4¨ Splinters for ©

Notrump overcalls

X If responder is an unpassed hand, and the 3¨ Criterion is satisfi.e.d (1NT overcall), double is for GF RELAY; else double is for penalty

2Y Natural non-forcing, or cue raises of hearts

2NT+ Rubinsohl

After a double:

1ª, 2Y Natural non-forcing, or cue raises of hearts

Jump in new suit is fit showing jump.

2NT Natural and invitational

3© Preemptive

12.5 Interference after 1ª opening

Suited overcalls

Pass If responder is an unpassed hand, and the 3¨ Criterion is satisfi.e.d (overcall <=2¨), strongly encouraging a reopening double if suitable

X If responder is an unpassed hand, and the 3¨ Criterion is satisfi.e.d (overcall <= 2¨), double is for GF RELAY; else double is takeout (negative) up to 3©; else double is for penalty

2Y Natural, non-forcing, or cue raises of spades

2NT+ Rubinsohl

Notrump overcalls

X If responder is an unpassed hand, and the 3¨ Criterion is satisfi.e.d (1NT overcall), double is for GF RELAY; else double is for penalty

2Y Natural, non-forcing, or cue raises of spades

2NT+ Rubinsohl

After a double:

XX Shortage in ª and looking for blood.

2Y Natural, non-forcing, or cue raises of spades

Jump in new suit is fit showing jump.

2NT Natural and invitational

2ª Usual meaning

3ª Preemptive

12.6 Interference after 1NT opening

Rubinsohl, penalty doubles (at the 2 level) and SWINE. Over 3 level interference X = penalty, suits = forcing for 1 round

Double is correctable

12.8 Interference over Blackwood

DOPI and ROPI:

Double (or redouble) = zero

Pass = one

1st step = two, etc.

13. DEFENSIVE BIDDING SITUATIONS
13.1 Doubles

Precision Double - NOT USED

Double of 1 level opening by opponents in 2nd or 4th seat = 15+ with usual relay responses.

i.e. 1x - X or 1x - P - P - X = Precision double

Responsive double

In non-relay auctions, when partner has shown a suit and opponents have found a fit at the two level, double is for takeout promising the unbid suits. Note: if partner has made a takeout double and opponents have found a fit at the two level, double is responsive.

Relay double

If partner has opened 1§ (or made a Precision double) and right hand opponent bids at the one level, a double (or redouble) promises a negative response with 0-4 HCP (see 12.2).

Subject to the 3¨ Criterion, other doubles or redoubles of suit or NT overcalls may be for relay, takeout (negative) or penalty as specifi.e.d in Section 12.

Takeout doubles

Takeout double with Rubinsohl

Used after opponent's weak two openings or after partner has opened 1§ and opponents have made a weak jump overcall. Shows 5-7 semi-balanced.

Negative doubles

Used up to and including 3ª, subject to the 3¨ Criterion being broken.

The higher the level, the more frequently the double in the negative position should be passed for penalti.e.s. See 12.3-12.5

Reopening doubles and balancing doubles

Show maximal values. When in doubt, do not reopen/balance, but this is automatic up to 2NT after 1§ has been opened. Experi.e.nce shows that the part score swings gained are outweighed by the games the opponents now bid and make or the penalti.e.s the opponents collect.

Positive slam doubles

In a competitive auction, when opponents have bid a slam to make, double in direct seat shows 2 or more defensive tricks. Double in passout seat shows exactly one defensive trick.

Lightner double

An unusual double asking for an unusual lead. A double of 3NT asks for dummy’s first bid suit, or if no suit, asks for a spade lead.

Weak notrump double

A double of a Stayman or transfer response to a weak no trump shows a penalty double of 1NT.

SOS Redoubles

If not specifi.e.d as an asking relay, relay response, part of the SWINE convention, in some correctable situations, the specific sequence 1S-(X)-XX, or a blood-search, redoubles are strictly penalty, although some judgement may be exercised at game level. SOS redoubles, as such, are not used.

Second-suit doubles

When the opposition have found a fit in a competitive auction and then bid a second natural suit, then doubles by either defender is for takeout of that second suit. In this way both defenders have an opportunity to penalise, and balancing doubles are almost mandatory.

Power Doubles

Power doubles are used in "The Overcall Structure". They are made of one-level suit openings with a balanced 15+ hand with at least a doubleton in the bid suit, when no other suitable systemic description is available.

Support Doubles and Redoubles

Support doubles and redoubles are used widely in "The Overcall Structure" when raising potential four-card suits

13.2 Overcalls – see also Appendix 3 - The Overcall Structure

Where applicable, the below is NOT superseded by the contents of Appendix 3 - The Overcall Structure

Simple overcalls

Are constructive in nature.

Responses:

New suit is constructive, non-forcing.

Cue bid is unassuming, asks about quality of overcall.

Responder’s bids with support after partners overcall

raise to 2 3 card support (except 4333 or adverse)

raise to 3 4 card support (except 4333 or adverse)

raise to 4 5 card support (except adverse)

jump raise preemptive.

jump in new suit fit showing jump

jump cue I invitation to game

double jump cue game raise and defensive values

After sequence like 1ª-(2§)-2¨-?

X 4ª + § support

2ª forcing, § support

2NT § support with defensive values

1NT overcall

In the 4th (balancing) seat any vulnerability shows 12-15 HCP and balanced. Other NT overcalls are 16-18 HCP balanced.

By a passed hand, the 1NT overcall is clearly Unusual, and shows the highest and lowest unbid suits. Thus a Michaels Cuebid of a major suit in this position shows the other major and diamonds. In these sequences, the overcaller chose not to open a two-suited multi option for some reason.

Jump overcalls

Except : (1§)-2¨ by an unpassed hand (see below)

Two level - weak with a six card suit.

Three level - weak with a seven card suit.

Michaels

Direct cue of a suit shows 5/5, 6-10 HCP or 17+ HCP and at least one major.

A bid of 2NT shows 5/5, 6-10 HCP or 17+ HCP and at least one minor.

The sequence (1§)-2¨ by an unpassed hand is an Unusual 2NT style hand showing spades and diamonds. By a passed hand it is a jump overcall, with No-(No)-No-(1§)-1NT showing the Unusual spades and diamonds hand (dealer chose not to open a two-suited multi option for some reason).

Bidding in 4th seat after two suits by opponents

One banana - Pass - One grape - ?

Double is for takeout, opening values.

2 bananas is natural with bananas.

2 grapes is natural with grapes.

1NT = 15-18 HCP balanced.

2NT = weak 5/5 in unbid suits.

13.3 Defence to strong 1§ opening

Double § +ª , or ¨ +ª

1¨ ¨ +©

1© majors.

1ª ª +§

1NT minors.

2 level bids are weak jump overcalls.

13.4 SWINE convention

1NT - Double - ?

Pass forces opener to redouble.

next pass to play

2§ § and ¨

2¨ ¨ and ª

2© © and ª

2ª 5 ª and §

XX forces opener to bid 2§, promises any weak single-suited hand.

2§ § and a major.

2¨ ¨ and spades.

3§,3¨

2NT game forcing two-suiter

13.5 Defenses to various conventional openings by opponents

European Multi 2D - i.e. strong hands or weak two in either major

Double takeout of spades

2NT strong balanced hand with stoppers in both majors

Forcing Pass
Pass

Brozel

1§ clubs and hearts (0-9 and 4-4 min in the suits shown)

1¨ diamonds and hearts (0-9 and 4-4 min in the suits shown)

1ª spades and a minor (0-9 and 4-4 min in the suits shown)

1NT minors (0-9 and 4-4 min in the suits shown)

2 levels bids are weak jump overcalls or a good 5 card suit ( 0-9 HCP)

Fert Bid

Pass 15+

Dbl 0 - 8

1NT 11 - 14 balanced

other bids 9 14

Transfer openings

bid of opponents suit takeout

Dbl good hand/good suit in suit opened; or 15+ unbalanced

or 19+ balanced

2NT 15-18 HCP, with stopper(s)

jump cue of suit shown Michaels - less than 15 HCP

CRO, RCO, OCR etc bids

Dbl good hand/good suit in suit opened; or 15+ unbalanced or 19+ balanced

bid good hand, good suit 11-14

cue Michaels - less than 15 HCP

2NT 15-18 HCP, with stoppers in at least 3 suits

2NT Seldom Natural in Competition

See appendix.

14. LEADS, SIGNALS AND DISCARDS
Suit contracts

Leads from honours:

Overlead sequences except King from Ace-King

At trick one, top from doubleton honours

Leads from length:

2nd bottom from an odd number.

Bottom from four or 4th highest from 6 card or 8 card suits.

Signals:

Primarily reverse attitude on the opening lead from any suit led by partner.

Reverse (initial) count, except for

(even = higher, odd = lower) suit preference when obvious

Discards:

Usually initial count

suit preference when obvious

No trump contracts

Leads from honours:

Ace - asks partner to unblock king queen or jack. If no honour, give inverse count. Exception: against gambling 3NT, the ace lead asks for reverse attitude.

King - promises ace or queen and asks for reverse attitude.

Queen - either top of sequence or from KQ10. Partner must unblock the jack.

Jack - deni.e.s a higher honour, promises the ten.

Ten - suggests an interior sequence - AJ10, KJ10, A109, K109, Q109.

Leads from length:

4^th highest

Signals:

Primarily reverse count.

Reverse attitude when obvious.

Suit preference when obvious.

Discards:

First discard at NT, McKenney suit preference

Reverse count when obvious, or after first discard

Suit preference when obvious.

Appendices
Appendix 1 - hand shapes

Single-suiters

2ª high shortage

2NT middle shortage 2NT relay

3§ even shortage 3§

3¨ 5332 3¨ relay 3¨ relay

3ª 7330 3ª 6332 3ª 6232

3NT 7321

Two-suiters

2© reverser

2ª 5/5 shape

2NT high shortage 2NT relay

3§ even shortage 3§ high shortage

3¨ 5431 3¨ relay 3¨ even shortage

3ª 7420 3ª 5422 3ª 5530 3ª 5611

3NT 6430 3NT 5620 3NT 6511

4§ 6520

Three-suiters

1 step high shortage

2 steps 4441 ask

3 steps 4450 4441

4 steps 4540 4450

5 steps 5440 4540

6 steps 5440

balanced

2¨ colour 4432 ;

or 4333/3433

2ª minor 4333 2ª major 4333

2NT 2434 2NT 2344 2NT relay

3§ 4342 3§ 3442 3§ low 4

3¨ 3424 3¨ 4324 3¨ high 4, min

3NT 4234, max, 2 c’s 3NT 2443, max, 2 c’s

Appendix 2 - Possible future additions

Rubens Advances (from Bridge World April 1981)

· Used when opponents overcall.

· A single or double raise of the opened suit is as normal according to partnership agreement.

· A NT bid is as per normal according to partnership understanding.

· To make a cue raise of the opened suit, bid the suit below the overcall.

· Any suit bid between the overcall and the suit below the overcall are natural and forcing

· Starting with the cue bid and up to but not including the raise are transfer advances.

* opener completes the transfer if he would have passed a non-forcing bid in that suit. At worst the advance would be made with a long weak single-suiter (7 or solid 6) with no particular fit with opener and is merely trying to improve the spot. This is the usual meaning).

* Opener can raise the transfer via a superaccept.

* A rebid of the opened suit is very strong and forcing.

* A cue bid of the overcalled suit is very strong and asks for a half stopper.

* A rebid of the 4th suit is very strong and forcing.

* The transfer will normally pass the transfer acceptance. However bidding of the 4th suit is forcing while returning to the opened suit is invitational and equivalent to a fit showing jump. A cue of the overcalled suit is a half stopper ask.

· As we now have no need for immediate fit showing jump, the jump in a suit can now mean a splinter or a transfer splinter.

· The immediate jump cue asks for full stopper.

Appendix 3 - The Overcall Structure

revised by John E. Fout

Introduction

When the opponents open the bidding, they have already garnered an advantage. Standard defensive bidding methods generally allow the overcalling side to compete, but this requires holding a good hand. The overcalling side never have good hands; they want to compete anyway. The Overcall Structure has been created so that partners will be able to bid intelligently, catering for weak and/or distributional overcalling hands. It appli.e.s only in the direct seat after a one-level opening showing at least two cards in a known suit. If the opening bid is passed around to the fourth seat, the inability of the direct seat to act (i.e.. to prebalance) will influence the tendency to balance – more hands will be passed at low level.

The basis for this system is that ease in handling a few relatively infrequent strong hands is traded off to increase the action available to lighter and more frequent hands. Specific description is used to reduce the strength necessary to compete successfully, and to hasten the arrival at the par contract. The overcalling hand may be weaker, but if its exposure to danger is shorter, it does not need as much raw power to be relatively secure.

One No Trump for Takeout (NTTO)

This is the central bid of the Overcall Structure. The NTTO comes up frequently and creates havoc in the opponents' auction while letting us know in what suits we should be competing. The NTTO can be described as a light three-suited takeout, showing three cards in all the unbid suits, and generally 6-15 HCP at equal vulnerability. The minimum shape here is 4432, and a NTTO must be made on any hand satisfying the above requirements, with a few exceptions opposite a passed hand.

Responses to a NTTO -- Uncontested Auction

Auction: 1X 1NT P ?

2-suit To play. If the NTTO bidder raises, expect a shapely maximum with four card support (in some cases it could be blocking with 5+ card support).

2-cue Asks for a four card major, but if advancer later bids a new suit, then this reveals an invitational sequence for a major but not necessarily invitational for a minor. A follow-up cue-bid by advancer demonstrates a strong interest in game - probably in the suit you've bid - opposite any hand with reasonable cover cards.

3-suit Pre-emptive even if opposite a maximum, unless bid at adverse vulnerability. Shows any six card suit or a good five card suit with a little shape.

2NT Lower unbid suits.

Responses to a NTTO - Contested Auction

After a double

A runout system is used to find eight-card fits.

Auction: 1-suit 1NT X ?

2-suit Five card suit

XX Exactly four cards in the highest unbid suit.

Pass Deni.e.s either of the above, but could still have a lower four card suit.

2-cue As for uncontested auction

Auction: 1-suit 1NT X P

P ?

XX Shows a five-card or longer suit. Advancer then responds in the lowest suit that would be reasonable to play in opposite a five-card suit.

2-suit Four-card suit, starts a run-out.

2-cue As for uncontested auction

After a new suit or a raise

Auction: 1-suit 1NT 2-suit ?

X Responsive style showing at least one of the unbid suits - usually the other major - but not promising both.

2NT (Lower) unbid suits with a weaker hand.

Suit Non-forcing and usually lead directing.

Cue Constructive responsive-double-style hand. Later rebidding a new suit or raising overcaller shows a good hand.

The Simple Overcall (SO) at the One Level

A simple overcall shows around 6-15 HCP and may quite often be made on a four-card suit, however statistically it tends to be a five-card suit. There are no suit quality requirements, and the shape requirements are that neither a NTTO nor a RJO could have been bid with this hand, nor is the shape 4333. These requirements are occasionally relaxed vulnerable, or opposite a passed partner, or with skewed playing strength. Four-card SOs are usually bid up-the-line, and a (higher-ranking) five-card suit is shown before a four-card suit. The inferences available from an SO are:

overcaller will have a shortage (<3) in at least one unbid suit because of his failure to use an NTTO
if the SO has a four-card suit, it has no lower-ranking four-card suit biddable at the 1-level
if the SO has a four-card suit, it has no unbid five-card suit (i.e either 4432, 4441 or with 5+ in the opened suit)
if the SO has a five-card suit (or longer) it has no higher-ranking unbid four-card suit
if the SO has a five-card suit (or longer) it has no unbid five-card suit
the SO hand tends not to be short in the opened suit
the higher the ranking of the overcalled suit, the more likely the hand holds a five-card overcall

Raises are generally cautious, and support doubles and redoubles are used to show three-card support where possible. The Law of Total Tricks is appli.e.d frequently.

Responses to a SO -- Uncontested Auction

Auction: 1-suit 1-suit P ?

The aggressive nature of our overcalls require a delicate response structure to handle various possibiliti.e.s:

1-suit Not constructive, strong suggestion of shortage in overcaller’s suit

1NT Lebensohl, requires 2§ puppet (continuations later)

2-suit (non-jumps) Fit-showing, 3+ support and 4+ in bid suit, 10-12, non-forcing

2-cue opening hand with 4+ support, not forcing to game if overcaller is minimum

2/3-suit (jumps, including jump cues) Mini-splinters, 4+ support, 0-1 in suit bid, 10+

2NT Strong no-fit game try, looking for game in notrump or in own suit

Auction: 1-suit 1-suit P 1NT

P 2§ P ?

Pass Runout to five-card § suit

2-raise Fit-showing, 2+ support and 4+ in overcaller’s suit, 10-12, non-forcing

2-suit (lower than overcalled suit) To play, runout with five-card suit

2-suit (higher than overcalled suit) Invitational, five-card suit

2NT Invitational, balanced, holds stopper

3-suit Invitational, five-card suit

Responses to SO -- Contested Auction

The responses are similar but modifi.e.d. A 1 over 1 tends to be more constructive. A new suit at the two level is a flower bid in that suit or length with that suit and enough values to force a level higher. Cue-bids are a limit raise or better for partner's suit while single jumps are still mini-splinters. Remember that support doubles and redoubles apply and come up quite frequently.

The Two Level Overcall (TLO)

The TLO approximates a normal five-card two-level overcall, but can be made on hands that would normally make a weak jump overcall (unavailable except 2ª over 1§ ) that are too week for an Intermediate Jump Overcall (see later). It will not be made on hands suitable for a NTTO or a RJO. After a TLO, changes of suit are non-forcing. In competition, a double or redouble by advancer shows a good raise to three, while the direct raise does not show values. A cue-bid in competition just promises a good hand either in support of partner or in another suit.

The Roman Jump Overcall (RJO)

The two cheapest jump overcalls over a one level bid by opener show the suit bid and the higher touching suit with generally 6-15 HCP. It will not be made on 5431, 6430 or 5440 hands suitable for a NTTO. If there are only nine cards in the shown suits, the lower ranking will always have five cards and the higher ranking will have four. Specifically:

1§ 2¨ 5 diamonds and often only 4 hearts

1¨ 2ª 5 clubs and 4 spades; 5-5 if vulnerable

1ª 3§ 5 clubs and 4 diamonds; tends to be 5-5

1ª 3¨ 5 diamonds and 4 hearts; tends to be 5-5

The point ranges and limitations are very sensitive to relative vulnerability.

Responses to a RJO - Uncontested Auction

Cue Best possible hand; either interested in one of overcaller's suits or the fourth suit. Responses are logical

2NT At least invitational values; tends to show interest in the higher ranking suit

Raises Blocking

4^th-suit (non-jump) Non-forcing

(jump, non-game) Splinter

(game) To play

Responses to a RJO - Contested Auction

If the opponents double, redouble replaces the cue-bid above. Pass is to play. Any other bid is essentially as above.

If the opponents raise or bid the 4th suit, a double replaces the cue bid. A double at a very high level just shows values.

The Two-suited Cue Bid (QB)

This bid shows a 6-37 HCP hand with the two suits left out by the RJO, i.e. the suits above and below the cue bid suit. Specifically:

1§ 2§ 5 diamonds and 4 spades

1¨ 2¨ 5 clubs and 4 hearts

1ª 2ª 5 clubs and 4 hearts, tends to be 5-5

The responses for these are exactly the same as for the RJO, but overcaller is unlimited here.

The 2 No Trump Overcall

The 2NT bid shows a strong two-suited hand with £ 4.5 AKQ losers (according to the Losing Trick Count). The non-touching suit is always held; over 1§ it's hearts and over 1¨ it's spades and vice versa. Shape is normally 5-5 or a good 6-4. The shown suit is the anchor suit and the other (unknown) suit held is the back suit.

Responses to 2NT - Uncontested Auction

Anchor suit To play, very weak

Other suit To play in back suit, weak (can bypass lower back suit to show preference for higher back suit or the anchor suit)

Cue Asking, good invitation or better, doesn’t promise more than one trick

Jump in anchor To play or invitational if not already game.

Other jump Splinter for anchor suit

Responses to 2NT - Contested Auction

If the opponents bid a suit, the bid of anchor suit is weak and to play. Double is the same as cue bid if anchor suit could be bid at 3 level, or value-showing if anchor suit cannot be bid at 3 level, and tends to deny fit for anchor suit.

If the opponents double, bidding anchor suit is to play, redouble is the same as cue bid above, and pass forces either a redouble or bid of second suit if lower than anchor.

The Power Double (PD)

Doubles cater for 15+ hands that tend to be balanced and hold 2+ cards in the opened suit. It tends not to be a strong two-suiter, but may have NTTO shape.

Responses are logical. A free bid limits a hand to less than invitational values. A jump shows invitational values. A cue-bid is forcing. Both responder and the PDer follow up with natural bids allowing room to find the best spot. South African Transfers apply over the PD - a transfer to four of a major by bidding the corresponding minor, C => H & D => S, and this allows the PDer to super accept by bidding the step in between. Notrump response ranges are 1 NT = a good 4 to a bad 7, 2 NT = a good 7 to a bad 9, 3 NT = 10-14, etc. A PD will often be passed for penalty when advancer has a good holding in the opened suit, or fairly balanced with some trump tricks. If the opener runs from the double, further doubles are for penalty, and bids of the initially-opened suit are natural and constructive.

Transfer-Ori.e.nted Symmetric Relay Extensions to the Power Double

Clearly after a PD opposite a non-passed hand (or even shapely passed hands) the overcalling side may well have a constructive game to bid, especially with the majority of the outstanding HCP conveni.e.ntly located. If the double is passed around to advancer, with a positive hand and 4+ length in the opened suit responder will normally pass the double for a penalty more than the value of the overcalling side's possible game. The normal transfer relay structure appli.e.s with Step 1 negative, and the other steps shifted up appropriately, omitting any steps showing the suit opened. Exception : after a 1¨ opening, the responses are natural responses, not transfer responses, to avoid wrong-siding the hand. Care must be exercised when the opened suit is the reverser suit (clubs, using transfer responses, diamonds in the exception) - a single-suited hand's second response will be two steps lower, because the implicit reverser does not arise (e.g. (1§ )-X-(P)-1©-(P)-1ª -(P)-2¨ shows spades and a heart shortage since clubs cannot be held – two steps have been gained) – however after showing a balanced hand the relay structure is not altered to reflect the absence of the overcalled suit. After negative responses, PDer can bid naturally, showing a stopper and balanced with a NT rebid, or bidding a suit naturally. Many times this will right-side the hand with respect to the alternate non-relay auction.

The Intermediate Jump Overcall (IJO)

Bids at the 3 level when higher than the two cheapest jump shifts show a single-suited hand with the values to bid to the 3 level in competition. The hands generally range from 12 HCP and a 7 card suit to a bad 17 HCP with a six card suit. Suit quality is generally about a 1 loser maximum. The available bids are:

1§ 3¨ /3©/3ª

1¨ 3§ /3©/3ª

1© 3¨ /3ª

1ª 3©.

In a major, one top trick and a fit by responder is usually suffici.e.nt to bid game vul. vs. nonvul, but nonvul vs. vul even 1 & 1/2 tricks with a fit would probably be insuffici.e.nt (overcaller has a NAMYATS bid available showing 8 to 8 1/2 tricks). All game bids are to play, and 4 level bids below game are usually slam tri.e.s for overcaller's suit.

NAMYATS

Bids at the 4 level are NAMYATS style showing 8 to 8-1/2 playing tricks. Bid 4 of the corresponding minor to show the strong hand while bidding 4 of the major shows the more pre-emptive hand: 4§ => 4© and 4¨ = > 4ª . Over 1© and 1ª , 4§ and 4¨ are normal 4 minor pre-empts.

Responses to NAMYATS

Accepting the transfer deni.e.s interest in slam.

Bidding the step in between, shows a mild interest in slam.

Bidding a new suit asks for a control in that suit; 4NT would be RKC.

2ª Jump Over 1§

This is the only existing jump pre-empt available below the 4 level; it shows a weak jump overcall, 6-10 HCP and at least a six-card suit with reasonable quality. A 1ª overcall of 1§ thus tends to deny the pre-emptive style hand.

3 Level Jump Cue Bid

This bid asks advancer for a stopper in the bid suit and tends to show a long minor with a couple of outside cards.

Alerts in the Structure

Clearly, many calls in the structure are alertable as they differ greatly from standard practices. In particular, NTTOs, SOs, TLOs and most of their responses are alertable. Even though the latter two are natural, they diverge from standard, both in the nature of positive inferences, and in the nature and number of negative inferences. These calls will be alerted - generally, this is only alerting the opponents to the negative inferences from the call. Clearly pre-alerts are required to explain the basic structure, along with the knowledge that the overcalling side are willing and able to describe all the negative inferences in specific cases if requested. Minimally, the side must disclose that most direct-seat actions have abnormal or supranormal meanings, and that balancing situations will use this information. Care must be taken to inform the opponents that a large number of negative inferences are commonly available, to avoid creating a highly illegal concealed partnership agreement.