Henk UijterwaalMr. Henk Uijterwaal of Rozendaal, The Netherlands, originated the Trench War Club, which is a bidding system that combines both weak and strong holdings. In the wordsof the author the name of this bidding system is derived from a chapter in a 1980s book by Robert Sundby on his Breakthrough Club system.

Trench War ClubThe entire bidding system for the Trench War Club can be found on the website of the originator Mr. Henk Uijterwaal. Source.

This information has also been preserved and archived on this site in .pdf file format for future reference, and which is presented below

Like most people interested in bidding theory, I have my own favorite system. It is called Trench War Club (or TWC). TWC is based on a Polish Club, 5 card majors in Lawrence Style and Dutch 2’s. This probably doesn’t tell you too much, so some explanation is in order.

First, the name. The name is derived from a chapter in a 1980’s book by Robert Sundby on his Breakthrough Club system. In the 1980’s, the strong club was at the top of its popularity. For example, in the 1983 Bermuda Bowl final, all 6 pairs used a system with a 16+ or 17+ 1♣ opener. At that time, people also started to realize that big club systems were quite vulnerable to preemption. After a simple 1♣(16+)-(1♠)-X(5-8)-(2♠), one has a lot of guesswork to do. Sundby tried to solve this problem by limiting the strength of his 1♣ opener to 16-22. This indeed makes the 1♣ more playable. Besides that, Sundby did recognize that things aren’t that easy when the opponents start to overcall after a strong 1♣ and spent an entire chapter discussing this.

So what is the TWC? The C indeed stands for Club, so it is a club system. However, contrary to other club systems, TWC uses a 1♣ opener that combines both weak and strong hands. This makes it much harder for the opponents to preempt over our 1♣ opener, as they can easily make game or slam and need the bidding space themselves. And by the time that they know, we have already had a round of bidding. They can then still preempt, but the effect will much less than before. The idea of a two-way 1♣ opener is not new, it has been around since the 1940’s. It exists (or existed) in many systems, such as the Vienna club, the New South Wales System, Roman Club and, of course, Polish Club.

In the 1970’s, Polish Club used both a conventional 1♣ and 2♣ bid. 1♣ showed a 12-14 balanced hand, natural clubs or any hand in the 17-22 range. 2♣ showed the stronger hand. Other suit opening bids showed 11-16, 1NT was 16-18. Over the years, players started to realize that this was not the most efficient way to use the bids. The suit opening bids became a little stronger and all strong hands (18+) were moved into the 1♣ opener. To reduce the number of hands in the 1♣ opener, hands with long clubs were moved to the 2♣ opener. 2♣ would be standard precision: 6♣ or 5♣ with a 4 card major.

TWC uses the same base. It has a few changes though. First, in standard Polish Club, every balanced hand is opened 1♣ and 1♦ shows an unbalanced hand. While this has its advantages, a problem arises in competition: when a weak NT like hand is shown,all minor suit lengths are unknown. If there is a major suit fit, that is not a problem, if not, it is. In my version, a balanced hand denies long diamonds and promises clubs.

Second, the standard Precision 2♣ (6 card suit or 5 card suit with a 4 major) is hard to handle. Suppose you pick up (and this hand actually comes from a book on Precision):

♠ Q 10 8 4 3 ♥ 6 5 ♦ A Q 5 2 ♣ 7 2

and hear partner open 2♣. Do you pass or bid 2♠ (natural, forward going, but not forcing)? In the Precision book, partner will probably show up with:

♠ A K 7 6 ♥ 9 ♦ 10 9 6 ♣ A K 10 9 8

and you have nicely bid your cold game. However in practice, partner will probably show up with:

♠ 2 ♥ A J 4 3 ♦ 10 9 6 ♣ A K J 4 3

and you have bid yourself overboard. TWC solves this problem by opening 1♣ with5♣ and a 4 card major. Over a 1♦ response, one rebids 1M and any 4-4 fit is found.With 6 clubs, one does open 2♣. With the hand above you can respond 2♠ to finda fit. If partner rebids 3♣, not much harm has been done.

Finally, Standard Polish has problems handling strong hands with diamonds and a second suit. After 1♣ and any 1 level response, 2♦ is always conventional and 3♦has to cover all strong hands with diamonds, both single and two suited, not quiteGF or stronger. This leaves an unacceptable amount of guesswork. This issue has been solved by putting some strong hands in the 2♦ opener.

So much for the introduction. Let me end with a disclaimer. On the next pages, youwill find a collection of notes on the TWC. However, these are by no means complete,I have more notes but no time to work on them. Do not ask for stuff that isn’t there.

Sometimes there is an explanation why things are what they are, sometimes there isn’t. That doesn’t mean that there is no good reason, just that I haven’t bothered to type it in. Like any system, the TWC is never ready and the system may be modified at any time without advance notice. If you like today’s version, copy it. If you find things that you think are wrong or could be better, feel free to contact me.

Notation

How these notes are organized

First there is a page with all opening bids. This is followed by a page for each opening bid. On these pages, we first list the responses, then work out the sequences in detailed diagrams (see below). Some sequences can be grouped. These have been moved to the “conventions” and “slam bidding” pages. Defensive bidding (that is, bidding if the opponents bid first) and “Leads and Carding”.

Note that the “defensive bidding”, “leads” and “carding” pages have little to do with the TWC. Some conventions and slam conventions can be used in other systems as well. If I felt like it, then I have even added occasional notes about that.

Finally, there is a section “Exercises”. This page contains sets of hands that one can use to practice the system.

Diagrams

Most actions are in diagrams. The header shows the auction so-far and the explanation of the last bid. Below that are the next possible bids. Diagrams should be read top to bottom and left to right, one should never move from right to left. Bids by the opponents are in brackets, if nothing is specified, then it is assumed that the opponent passed. Obvious natural bids (usually pass, raise to game, etc) are not listed. For example:

1♥-1♠-1NT: 5♥-332, 12-15, NF1♥-1♠-1NT: 5♥-332, 12-15, NF1♥-1♠-1NT: 5♥-332, 12-15, NF

➡ 2♣: Forces 2♦➡ 2♣: Forces 2♦

➡ 2♦: Forced ➡ 2♦: Forced

➡ Pass: 4♠-6♦.➡ Pass: 4♠-6♦.

➡ 2♥: 5♠-3♥, invitational➡ 2♥: 5♠-3♥, invitational

➡ 2♦: GF relay➡ 2♦: GF relay

➡ 2♥: 4♣-3♥, invitational➡ 2♥: 4♣-3♥, invitational

This shows the auction starting 1♥ by opener, 1♠ by responder and a 1NT rebid. 1NT shows 12-15, 5♥-332 and is not forcing (NF). Possible rebids from responder as Pass, 3NT, etc are not listed. By reading the diagrams top-to-bottom and left to right, one can see that the auction 1♥-1♠;1NT-2Cl;2♦-2♥ shows 5♠-3♥ in an invitational hand. 1♥-1♠;1NT-2♥ shows 4♠-3♥.

Abbreviations

• N A number

• N+ N or more (points or cards)

• N-M N to M including (i.e. 15-17 = 15, 16 or 17)

• ABCD Any hand with A cards in one suit, B in a second suit, C in a third suit and D in the last suit. It doesn’t matter what the suits are. For example 4441 can be 4♠-4♥-4♦-1♣, 4♠-4♥-1♦-4♣ or any other variation

• A=B=C=D: A cards in ♠, B in ♥, C in ♦ and D in ♣. (5=3=1=4)

• A X = B Y = CD: A cards in X, B cards in Y and C and D cards in the other two suits: 5♠-4♥-31, so 3♣ and 1♦ or 1♣ and 3♦.

• MAX: Maximum hand (in light of the previous bids).

• MIN: Minimum

• BAL: Balanced (4333, 4432, 5332)

• UNBAL: Unbalanced (anything with a 6+ card suit or a singleton/void)

• (R): Relay

• m: Minor (so ♣ or ♦)

• M: Major (♥ or ♠), so 1m-1M;2M are the auctions 1♣-1♥;2♥, 1♣-1♠;2♠; 1♦-1♥;2♥; 1♦-1♠;2♠)

• om and oM: The other minor or the other Major, so 1♣-1M;2OM stands for both 1♣-1♥;2♠ and 1♣-1♠;2♥. m, om, M and oM are used to group similar auctions

• 2X(Y): 2 in X or Y. (2♥(♠): 2\♥ or 2♠).

• VUL: Vulnerable

• NV: Non-Vulnerable

• x/-: Singleton or void

• GF: Game Forcing (we must bid until we have reached game)

• FIR: Forcing for 1 Round (partner must bid)

• Invite: Invitational, partner may bid or not

• NF: Not forcing, weaker than an invite

• SO: Sign-off, partner must pass

Copyrights

These notes are made available “as-is”, without any guarantees. You may reproduce them for small audiences (i.e. you and a potential partner) in any medium you like. You may not reproduce the whole set for larger audiences without prior permission.

Opening Bids

Minimum requirement for an opening bid: Balanced 12 or Unbalanced 11. With any hand in the 11-18 range, check if you can open 1♦ through 2♣, if not, open 1♣. Stronger hands all open 1♣ unless suitable for a 2♦ opening bid.

For preempts, use your own preferred style. Mine is roughly the rule of 1-2-3 (1 down V against NV, 2 down at equal vulnerability, 3 down at favorable vulnerability), slightly less restrictive in 3rd seat. I don’t really believe in suit requirements but I do not like to have 2 first round controls in 1st and 2nd seat. Power Namyats can be replaced with anything you like.

1♣: Polish, 5 hand types1. Strong: 18+, any distribution 2. 16+, 5+♣3. 12-14 balanced without 4♦ (4♣-4♦-32 is opened 1♦).4. 11-17, 4441, singleton ♦5. 11-15, 5♣-4♥/♠

1♦: 11-17, 4+D• Longest suit first, with 55 the higher one.• 11-15, 5♣-4♦ (that is, a non-reversing hand).• 12-14, 4♣-4♦-32• 11-17, 4441 with 4♦ and any singleton

1♥/♠: 11-17, 5+♥/♠. Longest suit first, with 55 the higher ranking one1NT: 15-17, balanced2♣: 11-15, 6+♣2♦:

1. Weak 2 ♥/♠ (6♥/♠, 6-10). (With 6M-4m, open 2♦ unless the major is very weak.)2. Strong ♦ one-suiter3. 55m, GF4. 4441, 19+

2♥/♠: 6-10, 5♥(♠)-4+m (55 VUL against NV, 1st and 2nd seat). 6M-4m possible with a very weak major suit.2NT: 6-10, 5+♣-5+♦3♣/♦ Preemptive3♥/♠: Preemptive3NT: Minor suit preempt4♣/♦: Power Namyats4♥/♠: Standard preempt4NT: Asking for specific aces

1♣ Opening Bid

1♣ shows 5 types of hands:1. Strong: 18+, any distribution 2. 16+, 5+♣3. 12-14 balanced without 4♦4. 11-17, 4441, singleton ♦5. 11-15, 5♣-4♥/♠

Responses to 1♣:

➡ 1♦: All hands that do not qualify for any other response.• Negative: 0-6 hcp (but not 0-6 with 6♥/♠). • 0-8 hcp without 4 ♥/♠• Intermediate: 9-11, 5+♣/♦• 12+, balanced, not suitable for a 2NT bid (either too strong or with a weak suit).

➡ 1♥: 7+, 4+♥➡ 1♠: 7+, 4+♠➡ 1NT: 9-11, balanced, no 4♥/♠ ➡ 2♣: 12+, 5+♣, GF➡ 2♦: 12+, 5+♦, GF➡ 2♥/♠: 0-6, 6+♥(♠)➡ 2NT: 12-15, balanced, no 4♥/♠, no 5♣/♦, prefers to play NT from his side.➡ 3 ♣/♦: 9-11, 6♣/♦ to 2 of the 3 top honors➡ 3♥/♠: Like an opening preempt➡ 3NT: AKQJxxx of any suit

After interference: transfers

1♣-1♦With a weak hand (12-14 balanced, 4441, 11-15 4M-5♣), the first order of business is to find a playable spot. This is done by bidding 3+card majors up the line. Responder will pass the first playable contract, so in general, we will play in 1M with our 12-14 opposite 0-6 and a 7+ card fit. That is quite a comfortable spot. And if there isn’t a fit, then it is highly unlikely that the opponents can actually double this contract.

The 1M rebid can be a 3 card ♥ suit (occasional, with exactly 4333 or 4=3=2=4) or, very rare, a 3 card ♠ suit (rare, as opener should be exactly 3=2=3=5 for this). Responder thus should not jump raise without 5 card support.

➡ 1♥: 1. 12-14 balanced with 3 ♥ (even with 3♥ and 4♠).2. 11-20, 4/5♥. If responder passes with 0-4 hcp and 0-3♥, you aren’t worried about

missing a game. If you are, bid stronger.➡ Pass: 0-4. ➡ 1♠: 0-6, 4+♠. With 0-4, only bid with 0-2♥ and 4/5♠.

➡ Pass: 12-14 BAL or 11-17, 4441.➡ 1NT: 11-15, 4♥-5♣

➡ 2♣: Weak➡ 2♣...: STRONG

➡ 1NT: 5-9➡ Pass: Weak hand.➡ 2♣: 16+, 4♥-5♣, FIR➡ 2♥: 18-20.

➡ 2♣: 5-11, 5+♣➡ 2♦: 5-11, 5+♦➡ 2♥: 4-6, 4H➡ 2♠: 9-11, 54 in ♣/♦, either way➡ 2NT:16+ Balanced.➡ 3♣: 9-11, bad clubs➡ 3♦: 9-11, bad diamonds➡ 3♥: 5♥, 4-6.➡ 3♠: 12-15: bid 3NT with 12-14 balanced (or something else with stronger hands)➡ 3NT: 12-15.

➡1♠:1. 12-14 balanced with 4♠-2♥ or exactly 3♠-2♥-3♦-5♣2. 11-20, 4/5 ♠, see 1♥.➡ 3♥: 12-15, bid 3NT

➡ 1NT: 18-20 (or bad 21) balanced (usually no 5M)➡ As a NT opening bid

➡ 2♣: 15+➡ 3♥/♠: 12-15, balanced with ♥/♠ stop

➡2♦: 24+, GF➡ 2♥: Waiting

➡ 2NT: 24-25 NT➡ Other: Natural

➡ 2♥/♠: 6+/5-5/5332 20-23➡ 2NT: (good) 21-23 balanced (Note: no 5♥/♠)

➡ Stayman, Transfers. 3♠: 54 minors, 4m natural➡ 3♣: 18-22, 6+♣➡ 3♦: 8/9 tricks with 6♣ and 4M

➡ 3♥: 5-5 ♥ and a second suit, 9+ tricks (with less, bid 2♥)➡ 3♠: Spade preference➡ 3NT: Asks➡ 4m: Cuebid for ♥

➡ 3♠: 5-5 ♠ and m, 9+ tricks➡ 3NT: Asks➡ 4m/♥: Cuebid for ♥

➡ 3NT: 9 tricks at NT with long ♣.

1♣-(P)-1♦➡ (X): XX= 19+➡ (1M): X=15+, take-out, 1N=18+➡ (2y): X is 15+, take-out

1♣-1♥➡ 1♠: 4♠, FIR (usually 12-14 balanced but can be much stronger)

➡ 1NT: 5-9➡ 2♣: 16+, 4S-5♣, FIR➡ 2♦: 18+, 4S-5♦, GF➡ 2S: 18+, 5+S➡ 3C:/♦: 18+, 5♠-5♦

➡ 2♣/♦: XYZ➡ 2♥: 5+♥, 5-9

➡ 3♣: 16+, 5+♣-4♠, GF➡

➡ 2♣: 15+, 5+♣, no 4♠➡ 2♦: Artificial raise (18+, GF)

➡ 2♥: 4♥, 7-10➡ 2♠: 4♠➡ 2NT: no 4♠

➡ 3♥: 4441➡ 2♠: 4♥, 11+

➡ 2NT: See 2NT rebid➡ 3♣/♦: Natural

➡ 2NT: 5+♥, 11+➡ 3♣/♦: 4♥-5♣/♦, 9-11➡ 3♥: 5♥, 7-10

➡ 3♠: Shortness➡ 3NT: Side suit

➡ 3♠: 5♥, 7-10, 5332➡ 3NT: 6♥, 7-10, 6332➡ 4♣/♦/♥: 6♥, 7-10, shortness

➡ 2♥: 12-14➡ 2♠: 18+, 5+♠

➡ 2NT: 18+ balanced, may have 4♠, may not have 3♥➡ 3♣/♦: 6, 18+➡ 3♥: 15-17, fit➡ 3♠, 4♣, 4♦: Splinters➡ 3NT: ➡ 4♥:

1♣-1♠➡ 1NT: BAL or 11-15, 4♥-5♣ (and 0/1 ♠) (note to myself: check XYZ)➡ 2♦: Raise➡ 2♥: 18, 5+♥➡ 2NT: 18+ balanced

1♣-1NT➡ 2♣: 15+➡ 2♦: ➡ 2♥/♠: 18+, 5+➡ 2NT: Invite➡ 3♣/♦: 6 cards ➡ 3♥/♠: 2 suiters

1♣-2♣

1♣-2♦

1♣-2♥/♠

1♣-2NT

1♣-3♣/♦

1♣-3♥/♠

1♣-3NT

1♦ Opening Bid

Responses

• Pass• 1♥/♠: 6+, 4+♥/♠, longest suit first, with 55 the higher ranking. • 1NT: 6-10(11), not 4M• 2♣: a) 9-11, 6+♣, invitational, b) 12+, 5+♣, forcing to game• 2♦: 10+, 4+♦, no 4♥/♠• 2♥/♠: 0-6, 6+♥(♠)• 2NT: 11-12, balanced, not 4♥/♠• 3♣: 6-9, 4+♦• 3♦: 0-5, 5+♦• 3♥/♠/4♣: Splinter (12+, 4+D, singleton in suit bid).• 3NT: 13-15, balanced• 4♦: Asking for aces with ♦ trumps• 4♥/♠: To play

Notes:

1. With 4♥(♠) and 5+♣, respond 1♥/1♠ with 6-11 (and ignore clubs), respond 2♣ with 12+. This also applies to 4♠-5♣/♦ over 1♥.

Rebids

1♦-1♥1♠: 4+, NF1NT: See XYZ for followup2♣2♦2♥: 11-(bad) 15, 4♥-4+♦. See trials for followup2♠2NT: MAX, 6 good ♦, 0-2♥, values in ♠ and ♣3♣: MAX, 5♦-5♣3♦: MAX, 6 good ♦, 3♥3♥: 4♥-5♦, 15-173♠, 4♣: 4♥-5♦, 15-17, singleton3NT: 4♥-6 solid ♦4♦: 4♥-6 non solid ♦

1♦-1M-2♦2OM: Forcing, artificial1♦-1♥-2♠: 16+, 4+♠-5+♦1♦-1♠-2♥: 16+, 4+♥-5+♦

1♥/1♠ Opening Bid

Responses to 1♥:

• 1♠: 6+, 4+♠. Notes: with 3♥-4♠, bid 2♥ with 6-9 hcp. With 4♠-5♦, see 1♦ opening bid• 1NT: Semi-forcing (5-11). (Essentially any hand that does not qualify for 1♠ or 2♣ and

higher).• 2♣: 12+, Relay or 9-11, 6+♣.• 2♦: 12+, 5+♦, forcing to game or 9-11, 6+♦• 2♥: 6-9, 3♥• 2♠: Artificial heart raise

• 9-11, 4♥, Singleton/void somewhere• 16+, 4♥, Singleton/void somewhere• 16+, 4♥, balanced

• 2NT: 12+, 6+♠• 3♣: 6-9, 4♥• 3♦: 10-11, 4♥, no singleton/void• 3♥: 0-5, 4♥• 3♠, 4♣/♦: Splinter, 4+♥, 12-15, Singleton/void• 3NT: 12-15, 4♥, balanced.• 4♥: 0-10, 5+♥• 4♠: To play

Differences over 1♠:

• 2♥: 12+, 5+♥, forcing to game• 2♠: 6-9, 3♠• 2NT: Artificial space raise

• 9-11, 4♠, Singleton/void somewhere• 16+, 4♠, Singleton/void somewhere• 16+, 3♠, balanced• 12-15, 4♠, Singleton/void ♥

• 3♣: 6-9, 4♠• 3♦: 10-11, 4♠, no singleton/void• 3♥: 9-11, 6 ♥, invitational• 3♠: 0-5, 4♠• 4♥: To play• 4♠: 0-10, 5+♠

Development of the auction:

1♥-1♠-2♥:2NT: Forcing

1♥-2♣:• 2♦: MIN

• 2♥: Relay• Responses as 1♥-2♣-2♠...4♥

• 2♠: 12+, 4♠-5♣• 2NT: • 3♣: 9-11, 6♣

• 2♥: Min/Max, 4OM• 2♠: Relay• 2NT: Minimum• 3♣...4♥: As 1♥-2♣-(3♣...4♥)

• 2♠: Max, 4♦• 2NT: Max, 1-suited• 3♣• 3♦• 3♥• 3♠• 3NT• 4♣• 4♦• 4♥

After interference

1♥-(X)-1♠: Natural

1NT/2♣: Transfer

2♦: contructive 3 card raise

2♥: weak 3 card raise

2NT: Limit raise

3m: fit bid

Same over 1S-X

1NT Opening Bid

Responses:

• 2♣: Stayman• 2♦/♥: Transfer to ♥/♠• 2♠: Transfer to ♣• 2NT: Transfer to ♦• 3♣:5♣-4♦, GF• 3♦: 5♦-4♣, GF• 3♥: 5♥-5♠, invitational• 3♠: 5♥-5♠, GF• 3NT: To play• 4♣/4♦: Transfer to ♥/♠• 4♥/4♠: To Play• 4NT: Quantitative

Stayman

1NT-2♣-2♦➡ Pass:➡ 2♥:➡ 2♠: (R)

➡ 2NT: 5♣➡ 3♣: (R)

➡ 3♦: 2335➡ 3♥: 3235➡ 3♠: 3325

➡ 3♣: 5♦➡ 3♦: (R)

➡ 3♥: 2353➡ 3♠: 3253➡ 3NT: 3352

➡ 3♦: 2344➡ 3♥: 3244➡ 3♠: 3334➡ 3NT: 3343

➡ 2NT: Invite➡ 3♣: 4M-5+♣

➡ 3♦ (R)➡ 3♥➡ 3♠➡ 3NT➡ 4♣

➡ 3♥, ♠: 4-3 fit➡

➡ 3♦: 4M-5+♦➡ 3♥: 4♥-5♠, GF➡ 3♠: 4♠-5♥, GF➡ 3NT: SO➡ 4♣, ♦: Transfer➡ 4♥, ♠: To Play➡ 4NT: Quantitative

1NT-2♣-2♥➡ 2♠:(R)

➡ 2NT: 4m➡ 3♣

➡ 3♦: 2434➡ 3♥: 2443➡ 3♠: 3424➡ 3NT: 3442

➡ 3♣: 5♥➡ 3♦: 4423➡ 3♥: 4432➡ 3NT: 3433

➡ 2NT: Invite➡ 3♣: 4♠-5♣➡ 3♦: 4♠-5♦➡ 3♥: Limit➡ 3♠: Splinter➡ 3NT: To play (but with 4♠)➡ 4♣, ♦: 4♥-5♣➡ 4♠: RKCBW

1NT-2♣-2♠➡3 ♣: (R)

➡ 3♦: 4432➡ 3♥: 4432➡ 3♠: 5332➡ 3NT: 4333

➡ 3♦: 4♥-5m➡ 3♥: Any splinter➡ 3♠: Limit

1NT-2♦-2♥➡ Pass➡ 2♠

➡ 2NT➡ 3♣: 5+♥, 4+♣, GF (and interested in more than just 3NT/4♥)

➡ 3♦: 4♣ and values in ♦➡ 3♥: 3♥, maximum➡ 3♠: 4♣ and values in ♠➡ 3NT: 2♥, 2-3 ♣➡ 4♣: 3♥-4♣➡ 4♥: 3♥, minimum

➡ 3♦➡ 3♥➡ 3♠➡ 3NT➡ 4♣➡ 4♦➡ 4♥

2♣ Opening Bid

Responses:

➡ 2♦: Relay, asks for clarification1. 19+, 3+♣2. 12+, any (except 55 without ♣).

➡ 2 ♥/♠: 5+♥/♠, 7-11, not forcing but constructive➡ 2NT: Forces 3♣ rebid, either:

1. 0-4, 3+♣2. 12+, 5-5 without ♣

➡ 3C: 5-8, 3+♣ (invitational).➡ 3♦/♥/♠: 9-11, 6+, invitational. ➡ 3NT: To play➡ 4♣: Preemptive➡ 4♦: Asking for aces with ♣ trumps➡ 4♥/♠/5♣: To play➡: Asking for aces without a trump suit

Rebids:

2♣-2♦➡ 2♥: 4♥

➡ 2♠: Relay➡ 2NT: 1=4=2=6

➡ 3NT, 4♥, 5♣: To Play➡ 3♥: Sets ♥ as trumps➡ 4♣: Sets ♣ as trumps➡ 4♦: Asks for aces with ♣ trumps

➡ 3♣: 2=4=1=6 ➡ 3♦: 0=4=3=6, MIN➡ 3♥: 3=4=0=6, MIN➡ 3♠: 0=4=3=6, MAX➡ 3NT: 3=4=0=6, MAX

➡ 2NT: Natural, invite➡ 3♣: 9-11, ♣-fit, NF➡ 3♦/♠: 5+, GF➡ 3♥: 4♥, invite➡ 4♣: Sets ♣ as trumps➡ 4♦: Asks for aces with ♣ trumps

➡ 2♠: 4♠➡ 2NT: Relay

➡ 3♣: Any 6421➡ 3♦: Relay➡ 3♥: 1426

➡ 3♠: 2416➡ 3♦: 4036, MIN➡ 3♥: 4306, MIN➡ 3♠: 4036, MAX➡ 3NT: 4306, MAX

➡ Other as over 2♥ (switching ♥ and ♠).➡ 2NT: Max, 6 decent clubs (KQxxxx/AQxxxx or better but not AKQxxx)

➡ 3♣: 9-11, ♣-fit, NF➡ 3♦: Asks shortness

➡ 3♥: 0/1 ♥➡ 3♠: 0/1 ♠➡ 3NT: No singleton/void➡ 4♣: 0/1 ♦

➡ 3♥/♠: 5+♥/♠, GF➡ 4♣: Sets ♣ as trumps➡ 4♦: Asks for aces with ♣ trumps

➡ 3♣: Min➡ See 2NT

➡ 3♦: 6♣-4♦, MAX➡ 4♣: Set ♣ as trumps, asks for cuebid➡ Other: Cuebid with ♦ trumps

➡ 3♥/♠: 6♣-5♥/♠➡ See 3♦

➡ 3NT: Solid ♣ (AKQxxx or better) ➡4 ♣: Set ♣ as trumps, asks for cuebid➡ 4♦: Asks for aces with ♣ trumps

2♣-2♥

➡ Pass: Minimum, 2/3 ♥➡ 2♠: 4S-6♣, 0-2 ♥➡ 3♣: 6♣, 0-1♥➡ 3♥: 3 ♥, max or 4♥, min➡ 3♠, 4♦: 4♥, void ♠/♦➡ 4 ♥: 4♥, no void

2♣-2♠: Same as 2♣-2♥

2♣-2NT

➡ 3♣: Forced➡ Pass: 0-4, 3+♣

➡ 3♦: 5+♦-5+♥➡ 3♥: Sets ♥ as trumps➡ 3NT: SO

➡ Other: Cuebid with ♦ trumps➡ 3♥: 5+♥-5+♠

➡ 3♠: Sets ♠ as trumps➡ 3NT: SO➡ Other: Cuebid with ♦ trumps

➡ 3♠: 5+♠-5+♦➡ 3NT: SO➡ 4♦: Set ♦ as trumps➡ Other: Cuebid with ♠ trumps

2♣-4♦

➡ 4♥: 1/4 Aces➡ 4♠: 0/3 Aces➡ 4NT: 2/5 Aces, no ♣-Q➡ 5♣: 2/5 Aces, plus ♣-Q (See notes on Blackwood for follow-up).

Over interference:

• 2♣-(2/3 ♥/♠)-X: Negative: 4OM plus ♣ tolerance• 2♣-(2/3 ♦)-X: Negative: 4♥-4♠, or 4M-♣ fit• 2♣-(2X)-P-(P); X: Take-out• 2♣-(2♥)-2♠: NF (rule: new suits NF at the 2 level, GF at the 3 level).• 2♣-(2♥)-3♦/♠: GF• 2♣-(Pass)-2♦-(X): XX: 4♦-6♣, other as without X• 2♣-(X)-XX: 10+, no fit.

2♦ Opening Bid

Responses:

➡ 2♥: Relay (pass/correct)➡ Pass: Weak 2♥➡ 2♠: Weak 2♠➡ 2NT: Any 4441

➡ 3♣: Relay➡ 3♦: x♥,4441 (see below for follow-up)➡ 3♥:x♠➡ 3♠:x♣➡ 3NT:x♦, 19-22➡ 4♣:x♦: 23+

➡ 3♣: 55 minors, GF➡ 3NT: To play➡ 3♦: Sets ♦ as trumps➡ Other: Sets ♣ as trumps, cuebid

➡ 3♦: 8/9 tricks with ♦, GF➡3♥/♠: Natural, 5+ cards

➡ 3♥/♠: 6♦-4♥/♠➡ 3NT: 6 solid ♦ and stoppers in the other suits. About 9 tricks in NT.

➡ 2♠: NF Relay, with a ♥-fit➡ Pass: Weak 2♠➡ 2NT/3♣/3♦/3♠/3NT: See 2♦-2♥➡ 3♥: Weak 2♥, minimum➡ 4♥: Weak 2♠, maximum➡ 4♣/♦: 6♦-4♥, singleton ♣/♠

➡ 2NT: Forcing relay➡ 3♣: Weak 2♥, min

➡ 3♥/NT/4♥: To play➡ 4♣: RKC for ♥. (Note: Details are included below.)

Key Card After A Preempt (Source) (Included below.)

Asking for aces after a preempt (2♥-3♠). The asking bid is usually 4♣ or 4♦. Also applies after 4♥-5♦.

Responses:

• 1st Step: 0 keycards• 2nd Step: 1 • 3rd Step: 1 + Queen of trumps• 4th Step: 2• 5th Step: 2 + Queen of trumps

D0P1 and R0P1 apply, so after a bid (or double), (re)double shows 0, pass shows 1, etc.

➡ 3♦: Weak 2♠, min➡ 3♥: Weak 2♠, max➡ 3♠: Weak 2♥, max➡ 3NT: Weak 2, with AKQxxx➡ 4♣...NT: As 2♦-2♥-3♣...NT, one level higher

➡ 3♣/♦: Natural, GF. Assumes a weak 2, partner may bid 3♥/♠ with a weak 2 and no fit, support with Qxx or better, bid 3NT with a good weak 2 and outside values.➡ 3♥/♠: Pass/Correct (3+♥-3+♠), weak ➡ 3NT: To play if partner has a weak 2.➡ 4♣: Transfer into your weak 2.

➡ 4♦: I have ♥➡ 4♥: To play

➡ 4♥: I have ♠➡ 4♠: To play

➡ 4♦: Bid your long suit:➡ 4♥: Weak 2 ♥➡ 4♠: Weak 2 ♠

➡ 4♥/♠: To Play

Responses after X (regardless of what X shows)

2♦-(X)

➡ Pass: 5+♦, to play 2♦ if partner has some ♦ support➡ XX: Bid your suit

➡ 2♥/♠: Weak 2♥/♠➡ Note: 2♦-(X)-XX-(P);2♥-(P)-2♠: Prefers ♠ even if partner has ♥.

➡ 2♥: To play (prefers ♥ even if partner has 6♠)➡ 2♠: NF-relay with ♥-fit

Responses after overcall

• 2♦-(2♥/♠)-X: Penalty, even if that is not your long suit• 2♦-(3♣/♦)-3♥: Pass/Correct• 2♦-(2NT/3♣/♦)-4♣/4♦: still as without overcall

Note: If the opponents use the SF-defense (2NT=♣, 3♣=♦) then those bids are treated as a regular 3♣/♦ overcall.

Rebids showing 4441

The traditional approach is to use the short suit to ask for controls (1st step 0-6, 2nd step 7, etc). The problem with that is that opener never knows which suit will be trumps

and ends up showing cards that are not relevant. An improvement is to use the short suit as an Orlow End Signal and all other bids as RKC. After the shortness has been shown:

➡ 3NT: to play

➡ 1st step (excluding 3NT): Puppet to the next higher suit. Partner then picks the final contract

➡ 2nd...4th step: sets trumps in the order ♥, ♠, ♣, ♦ (excluding the singleton)

Responses to RKC are standard (1-4, 0-3, 2, 2+) as are any followups. A few examples:

Example 1:

2♦-2♥; 2NT-3♣; 3♦

• 3♥: Forces 3♠• 3♠: forced

• Pass, 3NT, 4♣, 4♦: to play3♠: 2nd step. ♥ is the short suit. ♠ are trumps3NT: To play4♣: 3rd step: ♣ are trumps4♦: 4th step: ♦ are trumps4♥: 5th step: ♥ are trumps

Example 2:

♠ AQJ8 ♠ K4♥ KQJ5 ♥ A10987♦ QJ107 ♦ K5♣ A ♣ 8765

2♦ 2♠: Relay (note the ♥-fit)2NT: 4441 3♣: Relay3♠: x♣ 4♣: ♥-trumps4NT: ♥-Q 6♥: To play (Note: 4NT: ♥-Q - (no outside K))Pass Example 3:

♠ AQJ8 ♠ K10987♥ KQJ5 ♥ A4♦ A1097 ♦ K5♣ A ♣ 8765

2♦ 2♥: Relay2NT: 4441 3♣: Relay3♠: x♣ 4♥: ♠-trumps4NT: 0 or 3 4♠: Trump Q?5♥: ♠Q, ♥K 7♠Pass

Note: 5♥ shows either ♥ K or (♦ K plus ♣ K). The latter is obviously impossible as partner has already shown a singleton ♣ and that must be the A.

Example 4:

♠ AQJ8 ♠ K10987♥ KQJ5 ♥ A42♦ A1097 ♦ K5♣ A ♣ 876

2♦ 2♥: Relay2NT: 4441 3♣: Relay3♠: x♣ 4♥: ♠-trumps4NT: 0 or 3 4♠: Trump Q?5♥: ♠Q, ♥K 6♥: Anything other useful in ♥?7♠: Yes, the Q

2♥/♠ Opening Bid

Responses to 2♥

➡ Pass➡ 2♠: Natural, NF➡ 2NT: Asks for 2nd suit, invitational or better

➡ 3♣: 4♣ (min 55 when VUL against not)➡ 3♥: Sign-off. Note: this is not standard but a lot better than than what most pairs play, as it allows you to bid 2NT over 2♥ with an invitational hand. If a double fit is found, one can bid game. If not, one can return to 3♥.➡ 3♦/♠: Natural, forcing, looking for 3NT➡ 4♣: Keycard ask with ♣ trumps (See Slam Bidding below)➡ 4♦: Keycard ask with ♥ trumps➡ 3NT, 4♥, 5♣(♦): To play

➡ 3♦: 4♦ (min 55 when VUL against NV)➡ 4♣: Keycard ask with ♥ trumps➡ 4♦: Keycard ask with ♦ trumps

➡ 3♥/♠: 5♣/♦ (max when VUL against NV)➡ As over 3♣/♦.

➡ 3♣: Pass/Correct: ➡ Pass: ♣➡ 3♦: ♦ (now 3♥ is to play)

➡ 3♦: Invitational in ♥. Bid 3♥ with a bad hand, 4♥ with a good one.➡ 3♥: Preemptive.➡ 3♠: Natural (choice of 3NT, 4♥ or 4♠)➡ 3 NT, 4♥, 4♠: To play➡ 4♣/♦: Fitbid (4+♥, 5+m, values to raise to game). Partner returns to 4♥ but is invited to bid on if the opponents compete and there is a double fit.

After interference

➡ 2♥-(X)➡ XX: Please bid 2♠ and I’ll bid the final contract➡ 2NT: Both minors➡ All other bids don’t change

➡ 2♥-(2♠, NT)➡ X: Penalty➡ 2NT: both minors➡ 3♣: Pass/Correct

➡ 2♥-(3♣/♦):➡ 3♦/4♦: pass/correct.

➡ 2♥-(pass)-pass-(X); (pass)➡ XX: Please bid 2♠ and I’ll bid the final contract➡ 2NT: both minors

Responses to 2♠

➡ 3♦: Invitational or better with ♥➡ 3♥: Minimum, some ♥-fit➡ 3♠: No ♥-fit (0-1) ➡ 4♥: Maximum with ♥-fit

➡ 3♥: Invitational in ♠. Bid 3♠ with a bad hand, 4♠ with a good one. ➡ 3♠: Preemptive

Everything not listed here is the same as over 2♥.

2NT Opening Bid

Responses

➡ 3♣/♦: Preference➡ 3♥: Relay

➡ 3♠: singleton ♠➡ 4♣/♦: Keycard for ♣/♦➡ 4♥: Natural, to play

➡ 3NT: singleton ♥➡ 4♣/♦: 6♣(♦)-5♦(♣)➡ 4♥/♠: 3♥/♠-5-5-0

➡ 3♠: Natural, 6+♠, Forcing➡ 3NT: To play➡ 4♣/♦: Preemptive➡ 4♥/♠, 5♣/♦: To play

After Interference

➡ 2NT-(X)-XX: Please bid 3♣ and I’ll pick the final contract➡ 2NT-(any)-X: Penalty

3 Level Opening Bid

Responses:

• 3♦/♥/♠: Natural, forcing• 3NT: To play• 4♣ (over 3♦/♥/♠): Keycard ask with the long suit as trumps• 4♦ (over 3♣): Keycard ask• Raises: To play• 3♣/♦-4♥/♠: To play

Note: The continuances have not been included by Mr. Henk Uijterwaal of Rozendaal, The Netherlands. The presentation below is as the author has left it without changes.

\section{3~\club}

\begin{bidlist}\bid{3~\diam} Natural, F1R (Also after interference). \begin{bidlist} \bid{Repeat suit} minimum, no fit. \bid{3~NT} 1 loser suit. \bid{Raise} Fit, minimum. \bid{New suit} Fit, cuebid. \end{bidlist}\bid{3~\heart} Natural, F1R.\bid{3~\spade} Natural, F1R.\bid{3~NT} Sign-off. Might be phony, but opener is never allowed to to act again.\bid{4~\club} Preemptive. If the opponents compete, opener is allowed to sacrefice. \bid{4~\diam} RKCBW\bid{4~\heart} Control Asking Bid. After the response, responder can ask in another suit, return to the trump suit or bid 5~\diam as GSF.\bid{4~\spade} Control Asking Bid.\bid{4~NT} Control Asking Bid~\diamns.\bid{5~\club} Sign-off.\end{bidlist}

\section{3~\diam}

As over 3~\club but:\begin{bidlist}\bid{4~\club} RKCBW\bid{4~NT} Control Asking Bid~\clubns.

\bid{5~\club} Natural.\end{bidlist}

\section{3~\heart}

\begin{bidlist}\bid{3~\spade} Natural, F1R.\bid{3~NT} Sign-off.\bid{4~\club} RKCBW\bid{4~\diam} Natural, F1R.\bid{4~\heart} Sign-off.\bid{4~\spade} Control Asking Bid.\bid{4~NT} Control Asking Bid \diamns.\bid{5~\club} Control Asking Bid.\bid{5~\heart} Asks opener to bid 6 with 2 out of 3 honnors.\end{bidlist}

\section{3~\spade}

\begin{bidlist}\bid{3~NT} Sign-off.\bid{4~\club} RKCBW\bid{4~\diam} Natural, F1R.\bid{4~\heart} Natural, NF.\bid{4~\spade} Sign-off.\bid{4~NT} Control Asking Bid \heartns.\bid{5~\club} Control Asking Bid.\bid{5~\diam} Control Asking Bid.\bid{5~\spade} Asks opener to bid 6 with 2 out of 3 honnors.\end{bidlist}

3NT Opening Bid

The 3~NT opening bid is Gambling, a solid 7 or 8 card minor, no outside A, K or QJx combination, not more than 11 HCP.

Responses

➡ Pass:➡ 4♣: Pass or Correct to 4♦➡ 4♦: Forcing Relay

➡ 4♥: x/- in ♥➡ 4♠: Asks

➡ 4NT: Singleton➡ 5♣: Void

➡ 4♠: x/- in ♠➡ 4NT: Asks

➡ 4NT: x/- in ♣ or ♦➡ 5♣: Pass/Correct➡ 5♦: Asks

➡ 5♣: 2=2=2=7➡ 5♦: 2=2=7=2

➡ 4♥/♠: To play➡ 4NT: Bid 6 with an 8 card suit, 5 otherwise➡ 5♣: Pass/Correct to 5♦

4♣/♦ Opening Bid

The system uses Power Namyats.

Traditional Namyats (4♣/♦) to show a “good'' 4♥/♠ (0 or 1 loser suit, 7 or 8 tricks) opening bid have the disadvantage that responder doesn't know below the 5 level if opener has a solid suit and/or where his outside control (if any) is. This problem is solved using Power Namyats: 4♣ and 4♦ are used to show different suit strengths. Responder either knows which suit partner has or he is so weak that he doesn't care anyway. If responder knows, he is in a much better position to evaluate the slam potential of the hand. So, the opening bids show:

• 4♣: 7/8 ♥/♠, 1 loser suit, 7/8 tricks (AKJ, AQJ, KQJ, one expects to lose only 1 trick opposite a singleton or void).

• 4♦: 7/8 ♥/♠, 0 loser suit, 7/8 tricks (AKQ or better)

It is a matter of partnership style if these bids are allowed with 7 tricks when vulnerable. I believe they should.

Responses to 4♣

➡ 4♦: Control Asking Bid (CAB) in ♦➡ 4♥: Pass or Correct to 4♠➡ 4♠: To play if opener has spades, CAB in ♠ if opener has hearts➡ 4NT: Asks for suit quality

➡ 5♣: KQJ➡ 5♦: AQJ➡ 5♥: AKJ

➡ 5♣: CAB in ♣➡ 5♦: CAB in ♥➡ 5♥: Asks for an extra trick: opener passes or bids 5♠ with 7 tricks, 6♥/♠ with 8.➡ 5NT: Asks for an extra trick: opener bids 6 ♥/♠ with 7 tricks, 7♥/♠ with 8

Responses to 4♦

➡ 4♥: Pass or Correct to 4♠➡ 4♠: To play if opener has spades, CAB in ♠ if opener has hearts➡ 4NT: CAB in ♥➡ 5♣: CAB in ♣➡ 5♦: CAB in ♦➡ 5♥: Asks for an extra trick➡ 5NT: Asks for an extra trick

Responses to CAB

➡ 1st step: no control ➡ 2nd step: Singleton➡ 3rd step: King➡ 4th step: A➡ 5th step: Void

After the response, responder may bid a new suit as another CAB, sign off in responders long suit or bid 5NT to ask for suit quality (using the responses after 4♣-4NT).

4♥/♠, 5♣/♦ Opening Bid

These preempts obviously deny the strength for 3NT, 4♣/♦ preempts. 7-4 distributions are possible.

Note: The continuances have not been included by Mr. Henk Uijterwaal of Rozendaal, The Netherlands. The presentation below is as the author has left it without changes.

*\section{4~\heart}**\begin{bidlist}* \bid{4~\spade} RKCBW.* \bid{4~NT} Control asking bid in \spadens.* After the response, responder can ask in another suit,* sign-off in openers suit or bid 5~\spade as Grand Slam Force.* \bid{5~\club} Control asking bid.* \bid{5~\diam} Control asking bid.* \bid{5~\heart} Asks opener to bid 6 with 2 out of 3 \heart honnors.* \bid{5~\spade} Grand Slam Force.*\end{bidlist}**\section{4~\spade}**\begin{bidlist}* \bid{4~NT} RKCBW.* \bid{5~\club} Control asking bid.* After the response, responder can ask in another suit,* sign-off in openers suit or bid 5~NT as Grand Slam Force.* \bid{5~\diam} Control asking bid.* \bid{5~\heart} Control asking bid.* \bid{5~\spade} Asks opener to bid 6 with 2 out of 3 \heart honnors.* \bid{5~NT} Grand Slam Force.*\end{bidlist}**\section{5~\club}**\begin{bidlist}* \bid{5~\diam} RKCBW.* \bid{5~\heart} Control asking bid.* \bid{5~\spade} Control asking bid.* \bid{5~NT} Grand Slam Force.*\end{bidlist}**\section{5~\diam}

**\begin{bidlist}* \bid{5~\heart} RKCBW.* \bid{5~\spade} Control asking bid.* \bid{5~NT} Grand Slam Force.*\end{bidlist}

4NT Opening Bid

A 4NT opening bid asks for specific aces. It comes up about once every 5 years. The responses are:

➡ 5♣: No ace➡ 5♦: ♦ ace➡ 5♥: ♥ ace➡ 5♠: ♠ ace➡ 5NT: ♣ ace➡ 6♣: Any 2 aces

Opener should now be able to place the final contract. 5NT asks for specific kings, with the same responses, if it ever comes up.

Conventions

1. Trials after 1M-2M and 1x-1M-2M - See description below.

2. XYZ: after 1x-1y-1NT or 1♣-1♥-1♠ - See description below.

3. 4th suit forcing

4. Rubensohl after they overcall over our 1NT - See description below.

5. Lebensohl - See description below.

A. Over reverses

B.

C.

Trials after 1M-2M

We play two way trials. Direct 3 level bid show shortness (singleton/void). Long suit trials are bid through a relay (1♥-2♥-2♠ or 1♠-2♠-2NT). Long suit trials show suits with 3 quick losers. Responses are Kokish style, i.e. responder shows the suit(s) where he can prevent the losers, rather than having opener specify his weak suit. 1♥-2♥-3♥ is preemptive (in particular in competition). There are two cases:

Case 1: 1♥-2♥ or 1♠-2♠Case 2: 1m-1M-2M or 1M-1OM-2OM

2 cases are shown below, the rest is left as an exercise to the reader.

1♥-2♥➡ 2♠: Relay

➡ 2NT: Accepts spades➡ 3♥, 4♥: To play➡ 3♣, 3♦: Long suit trial in ♣ or ♦, responder bids 3♥/4♥.

➡ 3♣: Accepts clubs, does not accept spades➡ 3♦: Accepts diamonds, does not accepts spades or club➡ 3♥: Does not accept anything➡ 3NT: Accept in all suits with 4333➡ 4♥: Accept in all suits

➡ 2NT: short ♠➡ 3♣: short ♣➡ 3♦: short ♦➡ 3♥: Preemptive.➡ 4♣, 4♦: Strong 5-5

1♦-1♠-2♠

TO DO: Deal with 3 card raises.

➡ 2NT: Relay➡ 3♣: Accepts clubs ➡ 3♦: 5♦-3♠ and some reason for rebidding 2♠ on a 3 card suit.➡ 3♥: Accepts hearts➡ 3♠: Does not accept anything➡ 3NT: Accept in all suits with 4432 (or 4333 after 1♣-1♠-2♠)➡ 4♠: Accept in all suits

➡ 3♣: Short ♣➡ 3♦: Short ♦➡ 3♥: Short ♥➡ 3♠: Preemptive

XYZ

XYZ is our version of checkback stayman. The name comes from “there were 3 bids at the one level. 1X-1Y-1Z. It applies in the following sequencesZ

Note for natural bidders: this version of XYZ can be used after 1♣ (natural or 2+) as well as conventional. Figuring out the bids after 1♣-1♦ (natural) is left as an exercise to the reader.

Note for those playing Transfer-Walsh: this can be played as well after 1♣ and a transfer, though it will be rare for opener to have 3 card support after 1♣-1♦/♥-1NT.

1. 1♣/♦-1♥/♠-1NT2. 1♥-1♠-1NT3. 1♣-1♥-1♠4. ♣/♦-(1♥/♠)-X-(P); 1NT

It does not apply in the sequence 1♦-1♥-1♠ (here 2♣ would be 4th suit forcing). Nor does it apply to 1♣-1♦-1NT (as 1♣-1♦ in TWC is conventional). An easy way to remember this: XYZ if 1 or 2 suits have been bid. A negative double at the 1 level counts as a suit bid. Basic bids are:

1. 2♣ forces 2♦ from opener. This is how we get to play 2♦ or show an invitational hand2. 2♦ shows a game forcing hand and asks opener to describe3. 2NT forces 3♣, this is to play ♣ or show a GF, 5-5.

1♣-1♥-1NT

➡ 2♣: forces 2♦ from opener➡ 2♦: Obligatory

➡ Pass: To play in 2♦ (typically 4♥-5+♦, 6-9).➡ 2♥: Invitational with 5♥

➡ Pass: 3♥, min➡ 2NT: doubleton ♥, min

➡ 3♣: 5♥-5+♣➡ 3♣: 5♣-2♥, max➡ 3♥: 3♥, in between hand➡ 3NT, 4♥: Max, 2/3 ♥

➡ 2NT: Invitational with 4♥➡ 3♣: 4♥-5+♣➡ 3♥: 6♥, bad suit➡ 3NT: 5♥-332, choice of games

➡ 2♦: GF relay, opener describes his hand by bidding:➡ 2♥: 3♥➡ 2NT: Forcing, asks opener to bid a 4m.

➡ 2♠: 4♠, 2♥➡ 2NT: Forcing, asks opener to bid a 4m

➡ 2NT: 2♥, extra values➡ 3♣/♦: looking for a 4-4 fit.

➡ 3♣: 5♣-2♥➡ 3♦: 4♣-4♦-2♥

➡ 2♥: To play➡ 2♠: 4♠-5♥, GF➡2NT: forces 3♣

➡3♣: Obligatory➡ Pass: To play 3♣➡ 3♦: 5♥-5♦, GF➡ 3♥: 5♥-5♣, GF

➡ 3♣: 5♥-5♣, INV➡ 3♦: 5♥-5♦, INV➡ 3♥: 6♥, INV, good suit

1♦-1♠-1NT

Here we only list what is different from 1♣-1♥-1NT

➡ 2♣: forces 2♦ from opener➡ 2♦: Obligatory

➡ 2♥: 5♠-4♥, Inv➡ 2♦: GF relay, opener describes his hand by bidding:

➡ 2♥: 4♥, may have 3♠➡ 2♠: 5♠➡ 2NT: Forcing, asks opener to bid a 4m.

➡ 2♠: 3♠, 2-3♥ ➡ 2NT: Forcing, asks opener to bid a 4m

➡ 2♥: 5♠-4+♥, NF➡ 2♠: To play➡ 2NT: forces 3♣

➡ 3♣: Obligatory➡ Pass: To play 3♣➡ 3♦: 5♠-5♦, GF➡ 3♥: 5♠-5♥, GF➡ 3♠: 5♠-5♣, GF

➡ 3♣: 5♠-5♣, INV➡ 3♦: 5♠-5♦, INV➡ 3♥: 5♠-5♥, INV

1♣/♦-(1♥/♠)-X-(P); 1NT

X show 4+♥(♠), regard these sequences as the uncontested auction 1♣/♦-1♥/♠-1NT

1♥-1♠-1NT

Again, we only list exceptions.

➡ 2♣: forces 2♦ from opener➡ 2♦: Obligatory

➡ 2♥: Invitational with 3♥ and 5♠➡ 2♦: GF relay, opener describes his hand by bidding:

➡ 2♥: 2♠, 5♥➡ 2NT: Forcing, asks opener to bid a 3m.

➡ 2♠: 3♠, 5♥➡ 2NT: Forcing, asks opener to bid a 3m

➡ 2NT: 2♠, 5♥, MAX➡ 2♥: Invitational, 3♥-4♠ (remember, with a minimum hand and 4♠-3♥, one bids 1♥-2♥)

1♣-1♥-1♠

➡ 2♣: Forces 2♦ from opener. ➡ 2♦: Not quite as obligatory as before. Opener should realize that responder may pass with 4♥-6♦ and about 7-9 hcp. If he does not want that to happen, he should be more than 2♦.

➡ 2♠: 18+, 5+♠ ➡ 2NT: 18-20, 5♠-332➡ 3♣: 15+, 5+♣, 4♠➡ 3♦: 18+, 5+♦, 4♠➡ 3♥: 18+, 5+♠, 3♥➡ 3♠: 18+, 5+♠

➡ 2♦: GF relay➡ 2NT: Forces 3♣, again opener should bid more if he does not want responder to pass with 4♥-6♣ and about 7-9.

Rubensohl (they overcall after our 1NT)

This pages deals with what happens if they interfere over our 1NT opening bid. The page assumes a 15-17 NT, so invitational hands are roughly 8+ points, GF hands are 10+, 2 level bids are roughly 0-7.

1NT-(X)

There are a lot of doubles around, so ask what the double shows. Regardless of the meaning of the double:

➡ Pass: happy to play in 1NT doubled.➡ XX: Forces 2♣ from opener, weak hand with a long minor

➡ 2♣ (forced)➡ Pass/2♦: To play

➡ All other bids: ignore the double

If responder first passed 1NT-(X), then all subsequent doubles are for penalties.

1NT-(P)-P-(X)

Opener will, of course, always pass. If responder redoubles in 4th seat, that forces 2♣ as above.

1NT-(P)-2♣-(X)

Double asks for a club lead, so the first thing is to sort out if we prepared for that:

➡ P: ♣ stop➡ XX: Repeats Stayman

➡ XX: 5 ♣➡ 2♦/♥/♠: Regular responses without ♣ stop

1NT-(P)-2♦(♥)-(X)

➡ XX: 5 cards in their suit➡ P: 2 ♥

➡ XX: Repeats the transfer➡ 2♥: 3♥

1NT-(2♣/♦/♥/♠)

First ask what the overcall shows (as there are lots of conventions around). There are several cases:

1. Natural (it just shows the suit bid):

➡ P: Nothing to bid➡ X: Penalty (NOTE: TO BE FIXED)➡ 2 level bids: Natural and to play.➡ 2NT/3♣/3♦/3♥: Transfer to the next higher suit.

A) Transfer to a new suit: 5+, invitational values. Opener accepts the transfer with a minimum, bids game with a maximum. Responder can bid on if he likes.B)Transfer to their suit: Replaces Stayman:

➡ Accept transfer: no stop in their suit. Now 3♥/♠ by responder shows 4♥/♠➡ 3♥/♠: 4♥/♠➡3 NT: Stop but no 4♥/♠

➡ 3♠: Asks for a stop in their suit. If you have it, we can make 3NT, if not, I know what we’ll play instead.

➡ 3NT: Yes, I have it➡ 4♣: No, I don’t. Responder will now bid the final contract.

➡ 3NT: To play, with a stop in their suit.➡ 4♣/♦: Transfer to 4♥/♠, 6+♥/♠.

2. Conventional: two suits shown, one suit is known. If the suit bid, is the suit shown, then all bids as above apply. The other suit is ignored. If the suit bid is not the suit shown, then X is a generic take-out of the suit that was shown. If you want to double them for penalties: pass, then double the correction to their suit.

Fine tuning: if we can bid their suit at the 2 level, then this replaces the 3♠ bid.

3. Conventional: 2 known suits. We now have 2 transfers. Both transfers replace Stayman. One always transfers to the suit where one does not have a stop. 3♠ refers to the first suit.

Fine tuning: if we can bid (one of) their suits at the 2 level, then this replaces the 3♠ bid. 3♠ then refers to the other suit.

4. Conventional: No known suits. 2NT... 3♥ are all transfers, showing the next higher suit. There is no equivalent of Stayman, if you want that, then pass and bid their suit a round later.

Fine tuning: over 2♣ not showing any suits, it is probably better to use: X replaces Stayman, then all other bids as if there wasn’t a 2♣ bid.

1NT-(2NT)

This usually shows minors:

➡ X: Penalty oriented➡ 3♣/♦: GF with ♥/♠➡ 3♥/♠: ♥/♠, NF

1NT-(3♣/♦/♥/♠)

➡ X is negative

Examples

1NT-(2♥): 2♥ shows ♥ (or ♥ and a second suit)

➡ X: Penalty➡ 2♠: To play➡ 2NT: 5+♣, invitational. Partner bids 3♣, 3NT or 4♣.➡ 3♣: 5+♦, invitational➡ 3♦: Transfer to ♥ (replaces Stayman), partner bids:

➡ 3♥: No ♥-stop, no 4♠➡ 3♠: 4♠➡ 3NT: ♥-stop, no 4♠

➡ 3♥: 5+♠, invitational➡ 3♠: Do you have a ♥ stop?➡ 3NT: To play➡ 4♦: Transfer to ♠

1NT-(2♦). 2♦ is Astro, showing ♠ and a second suit.

➡ X: Take-out of Spades (typically a 1♠-4-4-4 distribution)➡ 2♥: To play➡ 2♠: Asks for a ♠ stop➡ 2NT: 5+♣, invitational. Partner bids 3♣, 3NT or 4♣.➡ 3♣: 5+♦, invitational➡ 3♦: 5+♥, invitational➡ 3♥: Transfer to ♠, replaces Stayman. partner bids:

➡ 3♠: No Spade stop, no 4♥➡ 4♥: 4♥➡ 3NT: ♠-stop, no 4♥

➡ 3♠: --➡ 3NT: To play➡ 4♣: Transfer to ♥

1NT-(2♦), 2♦ shows ♦ and a major (or just ♦ for that matter).

➡ 3♣: Transfer to ♦, replaces Stayman. partner bids:➡ 3♦: No Diamond stop

➡ 3♥/♠: 4♥/♠➡ 3♥/♠: 4♥/♠ with a ♦ stop (with 4♥-4♠, bid 3♥)➡ 3NT: ♠-stop, no 4♥

All other bid should be clear by now.

1NT-(2♦), 2♦ shows both majors

➡ X: Take-out, both minors➡ 2♥/♠: Asks for a ♥/♠ stop➡ 2NT: 5+♣, invitational. Partner bids 3♣, 3NT or 4♣.➡ 3♣: 5+♦, invitational➡ 3♦/♥: No ♥/♠ stop, with ♠/♥ length➡ 3♠: --➡ 3NT: To play➡ 4♣/♦: Transfer to ♥/♠

Lebensohl

A.Over reverses

The basic principle applies: 2NT forces 3♣, the next bid is a sign-off (or rather non-forcing, opener can still bid on with a really strong hand).

1♦-1♠-2♥➡ 2♠: 5+♠, constructive➡ 2NT: Forces 3♣

➡ 3♣:➡ 3♦: 3♦, 5-8➡ 3♥: 4♥, 5-8

➡ 3♣: 4th suit forcing➡ 3♦: ♦-support, 8+➡ 3♥: 4♥, 8+➡ 3♠: 6♠, 9-11➡ 3NT: Natural➡ 4♣: 4♥, 8+, splinter

Slam Bidding

Cuebids (also known as controls). Cuebids are used to avoid bidding slam missing AK of a suit. See description below.

Roman Keycard Blackwood - 1430: Asking for aces, used to avoid bidding slams missing 2 aces or an ace and the K of trumps. See description below.

Ace asking after a preempt: (any opening bid of 2♦...3♠)

Splinters and no-splinters: to show singletons and voids. See description below.

Cuebids

The term “cuebid” is somewhat confusing as it refers to two different situations.

a) A bid in the opponents suit, for example west opens 1♠, north overcalls 2♠b) Bidding controls (aces, kings, singletons, voids)

Here we deal with case (b): we have set on trumps, have values for slam but liketo explore if all suits under control. (a) is discussed elsewhere.

Rules for cuebids:

1. After trumps have been set, game is certain and slam is likely, both players start bidding controls in side suits.

2. Mixed controls are use, that is aces, voids (“first round controls”), kings and singletons (“second round controls) all considered the same. RKCBW is used later to sort this out.

3. Cuebids are bid up the line, skipping a suit denies a control. 4. As a consequence, continuing after partner denied a cuebid, implies a control in

that suit. A return to the trump suit denies a control as well. 5. If the opponents double our cuebid: R0P1 (Redouble = zero losers, pass = 1

loser).➡ Redouble by partner shows a cuebid as well, pass denies a control in the suit and the ability to bid something else➡If the double is passed back to the cuebidder, redouble shows first round control.

6. Do not cuebid a singleton in partners (known) strong suit.7. Repeating a cuebid shows first round control.

Examples

♠ AK984 ♠ Q983♥ KQ43 ♥ A10♦ xx ♦ AKQ32♣ xx ♣ 87

1♠ 2♦2♥ 3♠ (♠ are trumps, forcing to game)4♥ (A or K of ♥, nothing in ♦ or ♣) 4♠ (I’m not interested anymore)Pass

♠ AK984 ♠ Q983♥ KQ43 ♥ A10♦ Q53 ♦ AKJ62♣ 2 ♣ 87

1♠ 2♦2♥ 3♠ (♠ are trumps, forcing to game)4♣ (Cuebid) 4♦ (Cuebid)4♥ (Cuebid) 4NT (RKCBW)5♥ 6♠Pass

Spades are trumps, one player bids 4♦ as a cuebid.... - (pass) - 4 ♦ - (Dbl)Pass: no ♦ control, nothing else to showRDBL: ♦ control... - (pass) - 4 ♦ - (Dbl)Pass - (pass) -RDBL: 1st round ♦ control (A or void)Any bid: no first round ♦ control.

Advanced stuff (TO BE DONE LATER)

Are there more exceptions? Yes, but they’ll come later.Last Train to ClarksvilleSerious 3NT

Roman Keycard Blackwood - 1430

Asking for aces. We play keycard Blackwood, meaning that there are 5 aces: the 4 real ones and the king of the trump suit.

What is the trump suit?

There is a trump suit, if:

1. We have bid and raised a suit

2. If two suits have been bid and raised, the last one.

3. There is no forcing raise of the last suit bid available below game.

There is no trump suit if:

1. 4NT is bid directly over an opening bid.

2. NT is raised

When should you not use Blackwood?

Quite simple: if you don’t know what to do after a response, then Blackwood was probably the wrong bid. One should have cuebid along the way or not used Blackwood at all. The most common case is having a void or two small cards in a side suit.

Before using Blackwood, mentally go through the 4 possible responses. If you find one where you have no idea what to bid next, then Blackwood is probably wrong.

Responses to 4NT:

• 5♣: 1 or 4• 5♦: 0 or 3• 5♥: 2 or 5, without the trump queen• 5♠: 2 or 5 with the trump queen

Note 1: There are a few cases where the Blackwood bid isn’t 4NT. 2♣-4♦ is one of them, more examples in the text. In that case: lowest bid is the first step (1/4), next bid 0/3, etc.

Note 2: If the opponents double 4NT: R0P1. This stands for Redouble 0, Pass 1. In other words, Redouble is the bid with 0 aces, Pass with 1 and the next 2 bids show 2/5 without and with the queen.

Note 3: If the opponents bid over 4NT: D0P1: Double 0 (or 3), Pass 1 (or 4), the next 2 bids show 2/5.

Further bidding

a) After a 0/3 or 1/4 response

a1) Return to the trump suit

This is a sign-off if partner has 0 or 1 ace. With 3 or 4 and the logic of the auction is such that there is ambiguity, partner should bid again. 3 extra aces can never be bad.

a2) The next step

The next step (that is, the lowest bid excluding the trump suit) asks for the trump queen and keycards. Asking for the trump queen guarantees all 5 keycards IF we have passed 5 of the trump suit (and thus is a try for 7). Partner can use this and bid 7 if he sees 13 tricks. If not, then it doesn’t and partner obviously cannot bid 7.

Background: if you cannot stop below 6 and are not interested in 7, why help the opponents by telling where your points are? If you can stop, then one can use RKCBW to avoid slams missing a keycard and the Q of trumps.

Responses:

• Cheapest bid: No trump Q. All other bids imply the trump Q. Over the response, the next step asks for kings, see a3) for responses.

• 6 trump suit: No outside K

• 5, 6 of a suit: King in the suit bid OR the two other kings.

• 5NT: If it isn’t the cheapest bid, then it shows the highest step

• 7♣: All 3 kings

a3) The second step

This shows that partner isn’t interested in the queen of trumps (he probably has it himself). It asks for kings following the same principles: 6 of the trump suit denies, all other show that one or the two other ones.

a4) All other bids

All other bids below 6 of the trump suit ask for 3rd round control in the suit bid. Partner should bid 7 if he has Qxx or xx in the suit bid.

b) After a 2 ace response

Next step asks for kings outside the trump suit. This is always a try for 7, responder can be certain that all keycards are there and can bid 7 if he sees 13 tricks. See (a3) for responses.

Examples.

Confused? Here are some examples. ♥ are trumps.

• 4NT-5♣• 5♦ asks

• 5♥: no trump Q, now• 5♠: Asks for Kings

• 5NT: ♠-K or ♣&♦ K• 6♣: ♣-K or ♦&♠ K • 6♦: ♠-K or ♦&♣ K• 6♥: No K• 7♣: All 3K’s

• 5♠: trump Q plus ♠-K or ♦&♣ K• 5NT: trump Q plus ♦-K or ♣&♠ K• 6♣: trump Q plus ♣-K or ♦&♠ K

• 5♥: to play• 5♠: Asks for Kings

• 4NT-5♦; 5♠ asks• 5NT: no trump Q • 6♣: trump Q plus ♣-K or ♦&♠ K • 6♦: trump Q plus ♦-K or ♣&♠ K• 6♥: trump Q but no K• 6♠: trump Q plus ♠-K or ♣&♦ K• 7♣: trump Q, all 3 K’s

• 4NT-5♥; 5♠: Asks. 5NT is available as a response, so:• 6♥: None• 6♣: ♣-K or ♦-♠-K• 6♦: ♦-K or ♣-♠ K• 5NT: ♠-K or ♣-♦ K

• 4NT-5♠; 5NT: Asks. 5NT is not available as a response, so:• 6♥: None• 6♣/♦/7♣ as in the previous example• 6♠: ♠-K or ♣-♦ K

Still confused? Take a paper and pencil and write out the situation with ♠ trumps.

(No-)Splinters

Splinters are used to show singleton and voids. The bid is typically a double-jump in a new suit, this shows:

• Values to bid game (sometimes with an upper limit, specified in the text).• 4+ trumps • A singleton or void in the suit bid. Note: do not splinter with a singleton ace.

Exceptions:

If we have established a game-forcing auction, then a single jump is a splinter. (This is sometimes called a “mini-splinter”).

• If we have denied 4+ trumps, then the splinter shows 3 card support. • Obviously, we do not splinter in partner’s suit(s). • Some auctions have been defined as a splinter.

Related to the splinter is the no-splinter. This only applies to the auction 1♥/♠-3NT. A no-splinter shows values to bid game but denies a singleton or void (though singleton ace is acceptable).

Follow-up on splinters is what you’d expect:

• Return to the trump suit with a totally unsuitable hand or a hand that has become worse over the splinter. For example, KJxx is a horrible holding opposite a singleton, xxx is a very good one.

• Make a cuebid.• RKCBW

Examples

AKxxx QJxxAQx KJxxxxxx xx Axxx1♠-4♦; 4NT-5♣; 5♦-5NT;6♠-PassOpener can ruff 2 diamonds in dummy for 12 tricks. Change the west hand into:

AKxxx QJxxAxx KJxxKJxx xxx AxxxOpener will rebid 4♠ over 4♦. His hand just got a lot worse.

Axxx KQxxAKQxx xxx xxxxKxx Axx1 He 1♠4 ♦ ...And we are on our way to 6♠: 1♥-1♠;4♦-4NT;5♥-6♠ would not be unreasonable. Change the west hand into

AxxxAKQxxKxxxand responder simply bids 4♠ over 4♦.

1♥-2♦; 2♥-4♣: This is a splinter, as 3♣ would already be GF. It shows 3♥, with 4♥ responder would have raised 1♥ immediately.

1♥-2♣;2♦-3♥ (and 4♥): these are obviously natural.

Advanced stuff (TO BE DONE LATER)

Splinters violate the numerical principle. Also, 1♥-3♠ allows for an easy double to show spades. This can be solved by playing splinters one under: 1♥-3♠ shows a club splinter, etc.

Defensive Bidding

These pages discuss bidding after they have opened the bidding.

Note: The continuances have not been included by Mr. Henk Uijterwaal of Rozendaal, The Netherlands. The presentation below is as the author has left it without changes.

Leads

Leads against NT.

Basic principles: K is the strongest lead, asking partner to unblock the Q or J (or overtake the A and return the suit), if partner cannot do this, give count. The A lead asks for attitude, partner should not unblock an honor. 10 and 9 show 0 or 2 higher honors. In all other cases, 1st, 3rd and 5th best. Obviously, this table does not tell you to lead a particular suit if you have the specific holding, but rather once you have selected to lead a suit, which card to lead from that suit. In more detail:

• AK3, AK32, AK543, AK5432: A or 3 (depending on entries).

• AKJx(...), AKQx(...), AKJ10x. Partner should unblock the J or 10.

• KQJx(...), KQ10x(...): overtake with A or unblock J or 10.

• AQJx(...): Q

• AJ3, AJ32, AJ543: 3

• AJ10x(...), KJ10x 10

• KQx(...): Q or x depending on entries.

• QJx(...): Q or x depending on entries.

• QJ10, QJ9: Q

• Q109: 9

• J10x, J109, J108: J or x

• 109(...), 10x(...): 10 (though one would probably start with 3 from 106543).

• 98x: 9

• •4, 543: 5

• •532, 76543: 7 or 3.

• X53, X532, X6543, X65432, XY32, XY543. (X=A, K, Q or J), (XY = AQ, AJ or KJ): 3

Leads against a suit contract.

Basic principles: 3rd and 5th from length, top of sequence, A aces for attitude, K for count. 10 or 9 is 0 or 2 higher. Obviously, this table does not tell you to lead a particular suit if you have the specific holding, but rather once you have selected to lead a suit, which card to lead from that suit. In more detail:

• AK(x...): A or K, K when looking for a ruff, A when looking for a switch or continuation.

• KQ(x...): K or Q.

• KJ3, KJ32, KJ543: 3

• KJ10x 10

• QJx(...): Q

• QJ10, QJ9: Q

• Q109: 9

• J10x, J109, J108: J

• 109(...), 10x(...): 10 (though one would probably start with 3 from 106543).

• 98: 9

• 7532, 76543: 7 or 3.

• X3: (X = A, K, Q or J).

• X53, X532, X6543, X65432, XY32, XY543. (X=A, K, Q or J), (XY = AQ, AJ, KJ): 3

When leading partner’s suit.

Same principles apply. Obviously, we may lead from unsupported honors if we expect strength in partner’s suit in the dummy.

Returning the suit led.

Play the 4th best from the original holding.

Leads later in the play.

Same principles as above apply.

Carding

1. Partner leads a suit and we are not involved in winning the trick:

A. Attitude situations: Odd (9, 7, 5, 3) encourages, Even (8, 6, 4, 2) discourages. If you don’t have an odd or even card, play the highest even or odd card.

B. Count situations: High shows an even (2, 4, ...) number, Low shows an odd (3, 5, ...) number.

C. Exception 1: If it is clear that dummy will win the second trick in the suit, then give suit preference: high shows interest in the higher ranking suit (except trumps), low the lower ranking.

D. Exception 2: If partner leads an honor and we all lower honors in the suit, play the highest ranking honor. (Example: partner leads the K, dummy has xx, we have J109x: play the J).

2. Declarer leads a suit, we follow suit.

A. NT contract: Odd Ball. On the first suit played by declarer (and assuming we do not have to play an honor or cover a card), high-low encourages partner to continue the suit we led. Low-high discourages and suggests a switch.

B. Suit contract: Trump-Echo If declarer starts drawing trumps, high-low (i.e. the unnatural order) shows 3+ trumps and the possibility to ruff something if partner gets the lead (soon enough).

C. In all other cases, we tend to give count when following suit. High-low shows an even number, low-high an odd number. Obviously, do not signal with cards that may become important like the 10 or 9. Also, do not give count when it is clear that it shows no purpose.

3.We cannot follow suit.

• In all cases, an odd card encourages in the suit discarded, an even card discourages. If you cannot encourage, discourage in another suit and assume that partner can work it out.

4. Other

• When giving a ruff: Lavinthal. A high card asks for a return in the highest suit, a low card in the lowest suit (excluding trumps).

Exercises

This page contains hands that one can use to practice the system.

These pages have been generated with the dealer program. Dealer takes a description of a hand (for example, west should have 11-17 points and at least 5♠, east has 6-9 points and less than 3 ♠) as input and then generates a set of hands that match these criteria. For this page, I have produced a large set of description files for specific auctions, generated 50 hands for each situation and printed the west and east hands. All hands are in the output column of the table below. That gives you a couple of 1000 practice hands. Unlike a bidding contest, these hands do not have a particular point, they are just random hands that you might pick up in your next game.

To use them: select the auction that you want to practice and print the file. There are3 pages, one with the east and west hands next to each other, one with only the east hands and one with only the west hands. Take one of the last 2, give the other to your partner, then start bidding. The first page is handy for discussing the auction afterwards or just to practice on your own. West is always the dealer, when that gets boring, swap the sheets. Vulnerability has not been added, just do that yourself whenever necessary.

Generating more hands: The input files are also in the column below. If you want to generate different sets of hands, they might be a good starting point. I occasionally add more auctions or update the descriptions, then regenerate the whole set.

Finally, getting the description files right is extremely hard, in particular for preemptsand for all the exceptions. It might be that you get a hand that doesn’t meet your requirements for a bid. Simply skip them and discuss why you think the hand doesn’t qualify.

WARNING: These hands have been generated with a program that generates hands for training purposes. These hands are (intentionally) highly biased and do not match the normal statistical properties of randomly dealt hands. These hands should only be used for teaching and training, not in any kind of competition.

TABLE GOES ♥RE

Note: The continuances have not been included by Mr. Henk Uijterwaal of Rozendaal, The Netherlands. The presentation below is as the author has left it without changes.