Lebensohl

Lebensohl is used when the opponents have overcalled 1NT.

A 2NT bid by responder is a relay to 3. Most of the time responder usually has a weak, one-suited hand. The 1NT bidder must relay to 3, which responder can then pass with clubs or correct.

As a result, a direct new suit bid by responder at the THREE level is forcing.

• 1NT (2) 2NT! (2NT is a relay to 3). Responder's rebids after the 3 Relay
  • Pass: Weak hand with at least five
  • New suit BELOW the overcaller's suit: Weak, natural , For instance: 1NT (2) 2NT! 3! 3(3 is a signoff bid showing at least five ).
  • New suit ABOVE the overcaller's suit: Invitational, natural, For instance: 1NT (2) 2NT! 3!  3. Since responder could have just bid 2 to show a weak hand, he is now inviting game in spades.
  • Cuebid of the enemy suit: Stayman, promising a stopper in the enemy suit. A direct cuebid would DENY a stopper.
• 1NT (2) 2 (2 is weak and natural).
• 1NT (2) 3(Responder has made a bid at the 3-level.This is natural and forcing).
• 1NT (2) 3 (3 is Stayman, denying a heart guard).
• 1NT (2) 2NT! 3  3 (3 is Stayman, promising a heart guard).
• 1NT (2) 2NT! 3 3NT ( Natural, promises a stopper in the enemy suit).
• A direct 3NT bid would DENY a stopper in the enemy suit.
• 1NT (2) 2NT! 3!  3NT (3NT shows a spade stopper).
• 1NT (2) 3NT  (3NT denies a spade stopper).