Strong Club

Point count ranges for all openings.

• Balanced 11-14 HCP, 1NT all seats.
• Unbalanced 11-16 HCP, 1 of longest suit unless it is clubs. With 5 or more clubs 11-16 HCP open 2 , unless you can open 11-14 1NT.
• 1 opening shows all hands over 16 HCP except a 21-22 HCP balanced hand which are opened 2NT.
• 1 opening and cheapest NT response shows 17-20 HCP
• 1 opening and one level NT jump response shows 23 24 HCP
• 1 opening and 2 level NT jump response shows 25-28 HCP.
• Balanced 15-16 point hands are opened 1/1/1 and after a bid by responder, opener bids NT at the cheapest level. There are exceptions to this rule: If opener opens with 1 of a major and responder raises to 2, the next available bid is Nagy/Kokish Game tries. If responder bids openers second 4 card suit, opener should jump raise If responder has made a response at the 2 level (not a negative double), a 2NT bid shows that opener's suit is only 4 cards. With a longer suit opener bids 3NT.
• Balanced 21 22 HCP are opened 2NT.
• 2 openers show 11-16 HCP with clubs as the longest suit and a decent suit.

1NT 11-14 all seats

• 1NT 2 is stayman
• 1NT 222 shows 5-4 in majors and is to play.
• Also to invite partner to 3NT you must first bid 2 , then bid 2NT over any response.
• 1NT-2 is game forcing stayman..

1NT -P - 2 Forcing to Game, does not promise a 4 card major.

Responses:

• 2shows 4/5 , (may have 4 if only 4 )
• 2shows 4/5 (does not have 4 )
• 2NT denies a 4 card major or a 5 card minor
• 3denies a 4 card major but shows 5 or more
• 3denies a 4 card major but shows 5 or more

1NT-2-2- 2 (responder has 5 or more )

Responses are:

• 2NT max hand doubleton
• 3/3honor 3rd support with 1st or 2nd rd control of bid suit.
• 3shows 5 If opener bids his major twice (showing a 5 card suit)but not denying 3, and responder bids 3NT he would be denying 3 and a hand no longer interested in slam.. Opener can pass or now take this opportunity to show his spade support.There are 2 ways he can show 3: 1: 4 shows 3 card support but a hand not suited for slam 2: Cuebid a suit (hearts included)to show a hand where slam is possible.
• 3 honor 3rd support or better, either a minimum or no cue-bid.
• 3NT minimum hand with xx 4 xxx in
• 4NT RKC

INT-2-2- 2NT - asks shape

Responses are:

• 3 = 4 + 4
• 3= 4 + 4
• 3 = 5
• 3 = 4 + 4
• 3NT = 3,4,3,3

INT-2-2- 3(responder has 5 or more - slam try)

Responses are:

• 3promises honor 3rd or better and a control
• 3 shows 5
• 3promises honor 3rd or better and a control
• 3NT a doubleton or no cue-bid available
• 4 RKC

1NT-2-2-3(responder has 5 or more - slam try).

Responses are:

• 3 shows 5
• 3 promises honor 3rd or better and a control
• 3NT a doubleton or no cue-bid available.
• 4 promises honor 3rd or better and a control
• 4 RKC for

1NT-2-2

• 3 (responder has 14 or more HCP & 4 or more , slam try ).
• 3 splinter 14 or more HCP, 4 or more , slam try,
• 3NT to play
• 4NT is RKC
• 4/ splinter 14 or more HCP, 4 or more , slam try,
• 4NT is RKC

1NT-2-2- 2NT asks shape

Responses are:

• 3 = 4 + 4,
• 3 = 4 + 4 ,
• 3 = 5 ,
• 3NT = 4,3,3,3

1NT-2 -2 -3 (responder has 5 or more - slam try)

Responses are:

• 3promises honor 3rd or better and a control
• 3 promises honor 3rd or better and a control
• 3 promises honor 3rd or better and a control
• 3NT a doubleton or no cue-bid available
• 4 RKC

1NT-2-2 -3 (responder has 5 or more - slam try)

Responses are:

• 3promises honor 3rd or better and a control
• 3shows 5
• 3NT a doubleton or no cue-bid available.
• 4 promises honor 3rd or better and a control
• 4 RKC for

1NT - 2 - 2NT -3 (responder has 10 or more HCP 5 )

Responses are:

• 3/4/4 honor 3rd support or better with 1st or 2nd rd contol of bid suit
• 3NT doubleton
• 4 xxx

1NT-2-2

• 3 (responder has 4 or more ,14 or more HCP - slam try)
• 3NT to play
• 4// splinter 14 or more HCP, 4 or more , slam try ,
• 4NT is RKC

1NT-2-2NT-3 asks shape Responses are:

• 3 = 3,3,4,3
• 3 = 2,3,4,4
• 3 = 3,2,4,4
• 3NT = 3,3,3,4

1NT-2-2NT

• 3 shows 5 or more slam try
• 3 shows 14+ HCP and 5 slam try
• 3 shows 14+ HCP and 5 slam try

1NT 2/2 to play

1NT-2NT is a transfer to 3

1NT-3 is a transfer to 3 If responder bids a new suit it is a cuebid and a slam try, Opener must cuebid , WITH NO ace or king bid 3NT Raise of minor is Key Card Blackwood.

1NT 3/3 are transfers to and (these are invitational bids)Accept the transfer cheaply with 11 or 12 HCP + 2 card support Bid 3NT to show 13 HCP + 2 card support Cuebid 1st or 2nd round control to show 4 card support. Accept at the 4 level with at least 3 card support but with hand no good for slam

1NT-3 shows 5-5 Majors.

Responses are:

• 3NT shows 2-2 in the Majors
• 4 Heart fit + good controls
• 4 Spade fit + good controls
• 4 Heart fit + poor controls
• 4 Spade fit + good controls

1NT-4 Responses are :

• 4 shows 11 HCP
• 4 shows 12 HCP or 11 with good 5 carder
• 4NT shows 13 HCP or 12 with good 5 carder
• 5 shows 14 HCP or 13 with good 5 carder

1NT-4/4 to play

When our 1NT gets doubled by responder`s RHO. An immediate bid shows touching suits. Redouble shows a single suited hand and directs opener to bid 2 unless opener`s RHO bids. Pass forces opener to redouble unless opener`s RHO bids.This is either being left in (9 HCP+)or if responder bids it shows non touching suits. If responder has a bad 4-3-3-3 hand and INT gets doubled they redouble and pass opener`s 2 bid. If 2 gets doubled responder can redouble for rescue. When our 1NT gets doubled by responder`s LHO Redouble by opener promises 4 A direct bid of a suit shows a 5 card suit or a 6 card suit (6cs would be a minor)

One Level Openings

Except for 1, a 1 level opening shows the longest suit (unless opener has a bad club suit)and is made on unbalanced hands of 11 to 16 points or balanced hands of 15-16 points. With 5 or more clubs and a 4 card major the hand is opened 2 (except when the club suit is poor). With 2 four card suits, the lower suit is opened unless it is a club. With 4-5 in the red suits and a singleton spade, 1 might be opened to solve rebid problems. 1 : This bid shows 17 or more HCP. It is forcing for 1 round. After responder's bid, opener will bid NT at the appropriate level with a balanced hand, or will bid his suit or suits.

a)11 This is a negative response. It shows 0 to a bad 7 HCP. All non-jump responses by opener are not forcing. (Opener might prefer to bid a good 4 card major at the 1 level instead of a bad 5 card minor). A jump response creates a 1 round force. A double jump sets trump and is game forcing.

b)11 This shows a good 7 or more HCP , but it shows less than 3 controls (ACE 2 controls  KING 1 control). It creates a force to 2NT unless a fit is found, in which case it is game forcing.

c)11 This shows exactly 3 controls.

d)11NT This shows exactly 4 controls

e)12 This shows exactly 5 controls

f)12/2/2 These are weak bids showing a 6 or 7 card suit with less than 3 HCP. With more values , respond 1 .

g)12NT This shows 6 or more controls

h)13/3/3/3 These bids show a 6 or 7 card suit that can be played for one loser opposite a void. The minimum holding is KQJ10xx . Responder can have one ace or king outside his suit.These 3 level bids are all transfers. 3 being a transfer to Clubs. After opener accepts the transfer then it is now up to responder to 1. raise the suit with extra length 2. cuebid first or second round control. 3 .bid NT at the cheapest level denying an outside ace or king or extra length. Opener can refuse the transfer by bidding 3NT to play or another suit , which is natural and forcing.

i)13NT This shows a 7 card suit with no loser opposite a void (minimum AKQJxxx)and no side ace. Opener can select the final contract.

Responders bids after 1 opener rebids 1NT.

2is Stayman.Responses to are:

• 2shows at least a 4 card suit, does not deny 4
• 2 shows at least a 4 card suit, denies 4
• 2NT shows 19-20 HCP, 3 now becomes Puppet Stayman

2/2 are transfer bids. Openers rebids are:

• Accept the transfer
• Super accept by bidding 2NT(maximum with 3 trump), or 3 of major(maximum with 4 trump)
• Bid another suit
• 3NT to play.

2 is Minor Suit Stayman asking opener to show a 4 card minor.

2NT/3/3/3 are transfers showing a 6 card suit.

 

Dealing with interference over our 1opener

a)1 Double

• Pass 0-3 HCP
• Redouble  -  4 to a bad 7 and club length
• 1  -  4 to a bad 7 without clubs
• Other bids remain the same.

b)1   1 (Overcall)

• Pass 0 to a bad 7
• Double 7-8 HCP   0-2 controls
• 1 9+ HCP   0-2 controls
• Other bids remain the same.

c)1 1 (Overcall)

• Pass  0 to a bad 7
• Double 7+ HCP 0-2 controls
• Other bids remain the same.

d)1      1 (Overcall)

• Pass   -   0 to a bad 7
• Double   -  7+ HCP 0-2 controls
• 1NT    -   3 controls
• 2    -    4 controls
• 2   -   5 controls Other bids remain the same

e)1      1NT(Overcall)

• Pass    -   0 to a bad 7
• Double    -   7+ HCP 0-2 controls
• 2 Level bid   -   Decent 5+ card suit 1-2 controls
• 2NT    -   3-4 Controls
• 3NT   -   5 or more controls

f)1       2 Level overcalls

• Pass   -  Nothing to say
• Double  -  8+ HCP 0-2 controls No 5 card suit
• New Suit  -  4+ HCP 0-2 controls decent 5 card suit
• 2NT  -  3-4 controls   
• 3/// Jump to the 3 level in a new suit shows a decent 5 card suit and 3-4 controls.
• Cue-bid   -   5 or more controls      

g)1      2NT or higher overcalls

• Pass    -   Nothing to say
• Double   -  Scattered values 7-10 HCP
• New suit  -  5+ card suit.forcing
• 3NT    -  To Play

h)1 and interference after responder has bid by 4^th hand.

If after responder has bid showing his range and/or controls, fourth hand interferes with a suit bid up to 2 then double by opener is for takeout.

Example:

1      Pass   1    2

Double (Takeout)

1     Pass    1 1NT

Double (Penalty: interference was not in a suit. Opener is showing a very strong balanced hand.)

1C   Pass     1    2

Double (Takeout)

So in the following auction , responder should tend to re-open with a double when short in hearts.

1     Pass     1    2

Pass  Pass   ?

If opener bids NT at the cheapest level after 4^th hand interference (up to 2 ), he is showing a 17-20 balanced hand with the suit shown well stopped or a 19-20 balanced hand with at least one stopper.With  17-18 and only one stopper, opener passes and rebids NT at his next opportunity or bids the opponents suit if he thinks NT will play better from partner`s side.Without a stopper (and a balanced hand), opener passes and starts bidding 4 card suits up the line at his next opportunity.

Example:

1 Pass 1   2

• Pass (balanced 17-20)
• 2NT (balanced 17-18 with hearts well stopped or balanced 19-20 with at least one heart stopper)

1   Pass  1   2 Pass   Pass    Double   Pass 3 (denies 4 spades, denies a heart stopper, only shows 4 clubs)

1 openings

This bid shows 11-16 HCP. It guarantees at least 4 diamonds (unless the hand is 3-3-3-4)or even (2-3-3-5 with bad clubs and 15-16 HCP) Over this bid:

• 1 and 1 are forcing (only promises 4 cards).
• 1NT shows 8-10 HCP.
• 2 shows at least 10 HCP.
• 2 is game forcing
• 2 , 2 , are weak bids (4-6 HCP with a six card suit).
• 3 is a limit raise
• 2NT is invitational (10-12 HCP Note: over this bid 3 by opener is not forcing and 3 of a major shows shortness).
• 3 is weak.
• 3 & 3 are splinters            
• 3NT is to play.

1 & 1 openings 11-16 HCP. It guarantees a 4-card suit and will tend to be opener’s longest suit. responses:

• 2 of the major shows between 7 and a bad 10 HCP (responder will tend to have 4 trumps but not always). After a single raise, Nagy or Kokish game tries are in effect. Nagy/Kokish Game Tries.So 1 2 2NT asks responder where he would accept a game try. Other bids are game tries showing shortness. When opener uses the cheapest bid (not showing any shortness)he rates to have a strong NT. If after a response opener bids a new suit he is asking for help in that suit.
  • 1 2 2 asks where is your help and
  • 1 2 2NT is a game try with shortage in
  • Example: 1 2 2 (where is your help)
    • 3 (I have club help)
      • 3 (How about diamond help).
  • 1 2 3 is a game try showing short clubs.
• A jump to 3NT after a single raise shows a balanced 15-16 with a 5+ card major. Responder can pass or correct to 4 of the major. If the opponents interfere with a double, the Nagy-Kokish game tries are still on. If they interfere with a suit bid, normal game tries are used.
• 3 of partner`s major is a limit raise
• Jump shift is a mini or better splinter.
• New suits will be forcing with 2 level bids promising at least 10 HCP.
• 2NT is Jacoby. responses to Jacoby are:
  • Opener will show shortness at the 3 level.
  • Without shortness, opener bids 3 of the major with a 5 trump and a decent hand(14+HCP)
  • 4 of the major with 5 trump and a poor hand(11-14 HCP)
  • 3NT with 4 trumps(must be 15-16 HCP).
  • A four level bid shows another decent 5 card suit.
• 3NT shows 5 card support and a strong raise to 4 of the major
• 4 of the major shows 5 card support and a weak hand with not one defensive trick.
• 4 level jump bids show a void in bid suit and at least 4 trump

If responder is a passed hand, then 2 way Reverse Drury is in effect.

• 2 shows a limit raise with 4 trumps
• 2 shows a limit raise with 3 trumps
• 3 of the major shows a limit raise with 5 trumps. Therefore, a 1NT bid by responder denies a major suit fit but shows 8-11 HCP.

1 /1   2NT or 1 /1  2NT. A jump to 2NT after a 1 over 1 response shows an unbalanced raise of responder`s suit. Opener will be at least 4-4 in his and partner`s suit and have a decent hand. He will have shortness in another suit. To find opener`s short suit, responder bids 3 .

3 bid shows the lower ranking suit

3 bid shows the higher ranking suit.

Therefore a double jump shows a void.

Example: 1 1   3 . This shows a spade fit and a heart void.

1 /1     1 /1     2 /2 If opener raises responder`s suit after a 1 over 1 response, he should have a minimum unbalanced hand. (One possible unlikely exception: opener has a 5-4-2-2 hand with 12-14 HCP that he elected not to open 1NT). Opener will tend to have 4 card support, but he might have only 3, In either case, he should have an unbalanced minimum.

Jump shift and reverse by opener: Since opener is limited to 16 HCP, these bids show a powerful distributional hand. These bids are game forcing unless responder bids 2NT, which is a relay to 3 . If opener wants to insist on game, he simply does not bid 3 over 2NT. (Note 1   1   2 is a strong jump shift not a splinter.) The reverse only applies after a 1 over 1 response After a 2 over 1 response, a reverse by opener just shows shape not extra values. Example: 1    2    2 Opener rates to be 4-4-4-1 with club shortness and has not promised extra values.

Opener and responder`s rebid after a 2 over 1 response.

A 2 over 1 response (as in 2 over 1 ) only promises 10 HCP. If opener makes a bid at the 3 level he creates a game force. A 2 over 1 response is forcing to at least 2NT. To avoid creating a game force, opener can rebid his suit or another suit at the 2 level. If opener bids 2NT, this creates a game force since he is showing a 15-16 balanced hand. Responder creates a game force if his next bid is at the 3 level unless he supports opener`s suit or rebids his own (invitational).

New Minor Forcing.

Example: 1 1 1NT 2 Opener `s responses are:

• 2 shows 4 , denies 3
• 2 shows 3 , denies 4
• 2NT denies 4  or 3
• 3 shows 4  & 3 .
• If opener opened 1, then rebidding 2 would show 5 and rebidding 3 would show 5  & 3 .

2 Openings

This bid shows opener`s longest suit ( ) and a range of 11 to 16 HCP. The club suit will be a decent suit. (For example with AKQJ  A  1075  T9642, we open 1 ). Also with 11-14 HCP and no 4 card major it is probably better to open 1NT to avoid rebid problems when partner bids 2 to ask about your hand. Over that bid, we play negative doubles up to 4 . Responder can force with 2 , which asks opener to describe his hand. With a minimum hand (11-12), opener will have good shape (5-4-3-1 with a 4 card major) or a good club suit.

• If opener has a 4 card major and minimum values(11-12) they bid the major at the 2 level.
• With a 4 card major and maximum values 13-14 he bids the major at the 3 level.
• With 15-16 HCP strong NT he bids 3NT.

A:    2    2 : This is an artificial bid asking opener to bid his hand. responses:

• 2/2 opener has a 4 card major and minimum values,
• 3/3 opener has a 4 card major and maximum values
• 2NT opener has a strong NT(15-16),
• 3 opener has minimum values and no 4 card major
• 3 opener has maximum hand with no 4 card major

B: 2   2 2 /2 After opener has shown a minimum hand with a 4 card major, responder can splinter or keycard. A new suit is forcing and shows a stopper for NT purpose. A raise to the 3 level sets trump and asks for cuebids. If after 2 /2 , responder bids 3 , then it is to play. 2NT would be invitational.

C: 2   2 2NT Opener has shown a strong NT(15-16)without a 4 card major. A game force has been created unless responder passes 2NT. 3 would be slammish in clubs. 3 /3 are Jacoby transfers. 3 is slammish for diamonds.

D: 2  2 3 Opener has shown a minimum hand. 3 now asks opener for his NT stopper outside of clubs. A 3NT response shows a diamond stopper. If responder bypasses 3 and bids a major at the 3 level it is natural (at least 5 cards)and forcing. Jumps to the 4 level are splinters(2 2 3 4 for example).

E: 2  2 3 Opener has shown a decent hand without a 4 card major. He has also denied a strong NT. This bid creates a game force. Opener`s hand should be unbalanced. If responder bids a major he is showing a 5 card suit. Opener can bid 3NT to deny a fit(probably opener`s singleton or void)or show a fit by cue-bidding.

F: 2 2 3 /3 Opener has shown a maximum with a 4 card major(might be 5 card major if he has 6 clubs). It has created a game force. New suits are cuebids. 4 is to play 4NT is 1430 RKC. Splinters can also be used.

G: 2 2 4 /4 Opener has shown a weak 5-6. Responder can place the contract. 4NT would be 1430 RKC with 6 keycards(both kings count)With  a better hand opener would respond at the 3 level and rebid his major.

H: 2   2 /2 These bids are invitational. They show a 5 card suit with 8-11 HCP. Opener can pass, correct to 3 , or cue-bid with a good suit.

I: 2   2NT/3NT These bids show balanced hands of either 9-12 HCP or 13-15 HCP. They show stoppers or length in the unbid suits. Over 2NT opener can bid 3NT or sign off in 3 . With a good club fit, responder can upgrade his hand.

J: 2    3 3 shows a club fit and 4-8 HCP. Opener should be only interested in game if he has hopes of making 5 or making many club tricks in 3NT. 3 level bids by opener are showing a stopper for NT and asks responder to bid 3NT, show a stopper, or go back to 4 when a suit is not stopped. If opener bids 4 over 3 , he is inviting 5 .

K: 2      3 / / : These bids are game forcing and show a decent 6 card suit.

L: 2         4 This bid is preemptive.

M: 2          4 / / These are splinters inviting slam.