An Unassuming Club (2005 update) by Don Varvel notes by Daniel Neill Opening Bids Summary: 1C = a) any 19+ HCP unbal, or any 18+ bal b) 16-18, club 1-suiter c) 15-17 NT, no 5M or 4D d) 11+, 4414/4405 exactly e) 11+, 5+C-4M FORCING 1D = 4+D, unbal 11-18 or bal 15-17, may be 4D-5C, 5D-6C 1M = 5+M, 11(+)-18 1N = 12-14, no 5M 2C = 10(+)-15, 6+C, no major 2D/H/S/N = your favorite preempt structure (2N not needed as strong) default is weak two's and unusual 2N Opening 1C: 1C = a) any 19+ HCP unbal, or any 18+ bal b) 16-18, club 1-suiter c) 15-17 NT, no 5M or 4D d) 11+, 4414/4405 exactly e) 11+, 5+C-4M Responses: 1D = [0-5(6), any] OR [6-9 no 4M] 1M = good 6+, 4+ crds, MAFIA style 1N = 10-15, bal, no M, no 5m if maximum 2C = 10+, 5+(good 4) crds, no M 2D = 10+, 5+ crds, no M 2M = good 6-crd suit, 5-8 HCP (use your weak two methods here, default is feature-ask) 2N = 16+ HCP, bal, no 4M or 5m 3C = 3-6, 6+clubs, not very useful hand Developments: 1C-1D-? 1H = Kokish'ish - any 19+ unbal or 18+ bal that can't rebid something else 1S = 2nd negative, 0-5(6) 1N = 18-20 NT 2C = art. GF (incl. 25-26 [rebid 2N] and 31-32 NT [rebid 3N]) 2D = 3rd negative (no A, no K, no 2 Q's) 2D = flexible hand looking for major fit, can be less than GF 2M = 4M 2N = nothing to say 3m = 5 decent m 2M = usu. 5-crds only, flexible, unsuitable for 2M on prev. round, NF step 1 = herbert negative, asks for scramble 2N = 23-24 NT 3N = 29-30 NT 1N = 3 Kings precisely (the Magi convention) - no 4M by inference 2N = 23-24 NT 3N = 18-20 NT (since 99% of time that's final place) else = nat 2C = 6-9, but not 3 Kings (and no 4M) 2N = 23-24 NT 3N = 18-20 NT (since 99% of time that's final place) else = nat 2D/H/S = 0-5, 6(7)-crd suit (treat as weak 2: 2N asks feature in non-minimum hand, NS = forcing) 3y = 0-5, 7-crd suit (clubs sometimes 6) - treat as opening preempt 1S = 4S-5+C, or 4414, 11-18 natural continuations, non-forcing 1N = 15-17 NT, may have a 4M 2C = 4H-5+C, 11-18 NS = nat, constructive, but NF 2D = either near-GF minor 1-suiter, or strong 5D-5C, or 27-28 NT (rebid 3N) 2H = 0-5, any dist. 2S = 5-5 minors, spade frag, forcing 2N = most 5-5 minor hands 3m = near-GF single-suiter, NF 3H = GF 5-5 minors, heart frag 2S = 6-9, not 3 Kings 2N = 5-5 minors 3m = near-GF single-suiter, GF now of course 3M = 5-5 minors, frag 2N = 6-9, the Magi (3 Kings) 3m = near-GF single-suiter 3M = 5-5 minors, frag 2M = good 6-crd suit, no side 4M or good 4m, semi-forcing but rarely passed 5+ controls, 17+ HCP Pass = (rare) - unlikely to take even 1 trick 1-step = 2nd negative (the way to make an invit. raise) 3M rebid = NF, minimum NS = concentration, maximum (but 3C is NF) 2N (over 2H) = scattered values, suggests NT game NS = natural with some values, NF but op. usually bids again 3M raise = GF, maximum raise, 3-crd supp. 4M raise = barely GF, distributional 2N = 21-22 NT (Stayman, transfers) 3C = 16-18, club 1-suiter, NF (NS = stopper for NT) 3D = RKC 1430 for diamonds (can continue spiral'ish scan, except 3N or yD) 3M = RKC 1430 for M (can continue spiral'ish scan) 4C = RKC 1430 for C (can continue spiral'ish scan) 3N = Specific-Ace Ask (quite rare) 4C = none (4D asks specific Kings same way) 4D/H/S/5C = just that Ace (relay asks specific Kings same way) 4N = 2 Aces (5C asks: 5D = colored, 5H = ranked, 5S = shaped) 4M = ?? 1C-1H-? 1S = 11-18, natural, could have 3H Pass = bad hand, 4(3) spades 1N = 6-9, may be unbal with long diamonds, no 8-crd black fit 2C = 6+C 2D = fragment, unbalanced, suggests playing if responder has 5+D 2H = 4315 2N = 17-18 3C = 6+C, max 2C = 6-9, natural 2D = general force 2H = constructive, 3H 2N = 17-18 3C = invite (to 3N) 2D = 4th suit if rebid 2N, NF if rebid unraised suit (own or opener's), is GF if re-raise (e.g. 3H), is invite if rebid 3D, is GF canape 2H = good suit, less than invite (op. may raise with 3-crds 16 HCP) 2S = courtesy raise, 4crds (or 3 with reason), not a bad hand 2N = 10-11 3C = invite, 4-crds - op's bids are forcing to 4C; immediate 4C = RKC 1430 3D = 6+D, 4H, 8-11 or exciting distribution 3H = invite, self-suff. suit 3S = invite 3N = 12-15, bal 1N = 15-16 NT, denies 4H, only skip spades if 4333 2C = invit. puppet (forces 2D, then make a nat. invite bid) 2D = GF checkback (bid side major, 3-crd raise, or 3C with 5, else 2N) 2H = to play 2S = invite, 4S-6H 2N = Baron, slam-interest, asks for suits with extra cards up-the-line, bid 3C with 4-crds, 3D with 3-crds, etc. 3m = to play 2C = only GF rebid, some 19+ unbal. or 19+ NT, incl. v. strong raises 2D = artif, 10-12 HCP, nat. cont's 2H = 3+ crds NS = possibly just 4H (now 3H confirms 4, Serious 3N on) 3H = confirms 5+H (now Serious 3N on) else = nat, 6-9 or 13+ HCP 2S after 1H doesn't promise 5H-4S, 2H after 1S promises 5+S 2H after 1H just shows 5+ crds 2N doesn't promise stoppers 3m promises at least Qxxx Responder shows 13+ HCP by going past game or bidding Serious 3N 2D = either C-S reverse, or 4H-4+C and short diamonds 2H = relay 2S = C-S reverse 2N = 4414 heart raise 3C = 4H-6C heart raise, short diamonds 3D = 4H-5+C short diamonds, spade values 3H = good 4H, 5+C, short diamonds 2H = 3H unbal 11-13, 3H bal 15 with some xx, or 4H about 13-16 value 2N = invite, just 4H, forcing (could be a slam try getting more info) 3C = min, 5+C, just 3H 3D/S = max, 3H 3H = min, 4H 3N = bal 15, 3-crds, some xx 4H = max, 4H 3C = invite, just 4H, 3+C as above 2S/3D = 5+H, nat, invite to 4H 3H = 5+H, invite to 4H 3S/4m = splinter 3N = to play opposite 3-crds 2S = Bridge World Death Hand (6+C, 3H, 16-18), or short spades and 4H-4+C 2N = relay 3C = Bridge World Death Hand 3D = short spades, 4H, some D strength, club-based 3H = short spades, 4H, C strength, club-based 3H = to play 2N = 17-18 NT 3any = nat, forcing 3N = to play 4C = Gerber 4N = quant. 3C = 16-18, 6+ clubs, denies 3+H NS = may be stopper or preface to forcing C raise 3M = forcing 4C = invite 3D = RKC 1430 for D (as above) 3H = 17-18 value, 4H, bal (3S = artif. Serious slam try, 3N = c.o.g., cue = non-serious) 3S = RKC 1430 for S (as above) 3N = Specific-Ace Ask (as above) 4C = RKC 1430 for C (as above) 4H raise = bal 4-crd supp, but about 18- that has been upgraded (4N RKC 1430, else cue) 1C-1S-? 1N = 15-16 NT, denies 4S 2C = invit. puppet (forces 2D, then make a nat. invite bid) 2D = GF checkback (bid side major, 3-crd raise, or 3C with 5, else 2N) 2S = to play 2N = Baron, slam-interest, asks for suits with extra cards up-the-line, bid 3C with 4-crds, 3D with 3-crds, etc. 3m = to play 2C = only GF rebid, some 19+ unbal. or 19+ NT, incl. v. strong raises 2D = artif, 10-12 HCP, nat. cont's 2S = 3+ crds NS = possibly just 4S (now 3S confirms 4, Serious 3N on) 3S = confirms 5+S (now Serious 3N on) else = nat, 6-9 or 13+ HCP 2S after 1H doesn't promise 5H-4S, 2H after 1S promises 5+S 2H after 1H just shows 5+ crds 2N doesn't promise stoppers 3m promises at least Qxxx Responder shows 13+ HCP by going past game or bidding Serious 3N 2D = 5+C-4H "weak reverse", 11-14 (rarely passed, but NF) 2H = preference, to play 2S = to play (opener may occ. raise) 2N = invite 3C = 6-11, nat 3D = 4th suit GF (3H normal rebid, but 3S/4C ok) 3H = invite 3S = strong invite, 6 or very good 5 3N = to play 4C = invite, v. good C 4D = splinter for H 4H = to play (bid 3D first if stronger) 4S = to play 2H = strong reverse, 16-18, NF 2S = 5+S, any strength, forcing (later 3S is constructive NF) 2N = art. neg, 4S (op often bids 3C here) 3C = GF nat 3D = GF 4th suit, asks stopper or will clarify other 3H = GF nat 3S = GF, good 6+ crd suit 3N = to play 2S = 3S unbal 11-13, 3S bal 15 with some xx, or 4S about 13-16 value 2N = invite, just 4S, forcing (could be a slam try getting more info) 3C = min, 5+C, just 3S 3H/S = max, 3S 3S = min, 4S 3N = bal 15, 3-crds, some xx 4S = max, 4S 3C = invite, just 4S, 3+C as above 3D/3H = 5+S, nat, invite to 4S 3S = 5+S, invite to 4S 4m/H = splinter 3N = to play opposite 3-crds 2N = 17-18 NT 3any = nat, forcing 3N = to play 4C = Gerber 4N = quant. 3C = 16-18, 6+ clubs, denies 3+S NS = may be stopper or preface to forcing C raise 3M = forcing 4C = invite 3D = RKC 1430 for D (as above) 3H = any red splinter, for spades 3S = 17-18 value, 4S, bal (3N = c.o.g.) 3N = Specific-Ace Ask (as above) 4C = RKC 1430 for C (as above) 4S raise = bal 4-crd supp, but about 18- that has been upgraded (4N RKC 1430, else cue) 1C-1N-? 2C = minimum, nat, NF (NS = F1) 2D = artif, GF, not too strong (NS = values) 2M = 19+, 5+ crds (raise immed. requires Hxx) 2N = 19+, minors (3m = pref, 3M = 4-4 with control in M) 3C = 16+, 5+C (NS = solid stoppers for NT) 3D = 19+, 5+D 3M = shortness, could be c.o.g. between 3N and 5m, asks for solid stopper 3N = 15-17, or 14 with 5C-4-2-2 4C = Gerber 4N = quant. 1C-2C-? 2D = artif. neg, 11-14 3C = NF 2N = stronger than 3N else = GF 2M = good 14+, GF, cheapest stopper 2N = 15+, both majors stopped 3C = GF, no M stopper, or just a big C hand 3D/M = 19+, 5+ crds 1C-2D-? 2H = artif. neg, 11-14 (continue as above) else = as above, but 3D is a raise 1C-2N-? as over 1C-1N, but 3C is forcing 1C-3C-? NS = stopper for 3N, unless logic proves it natural 19+ Handling Interference: 1C-(X)-? Pass = 0-5, any XX = the 2C positive, but 1-level lower 1D = 6-9, 5+D, no 4M 2C = 6-9, 5+C, no 4M else = as normal 1C-(1D)-? assuming 1D is natural (if not, then X = length in suit) Pass = 0-5, or 10+ with 5+ diamonds X = 6-9, 5+D 2C = 6-9, 5+C 2D = 10+, 5(4)+ C else = as normal 1C-(1H)-? Pass = 0-5, or 5+H (opener bids as over 1C-(P)-1D-(1H);) X = 6+ HCP, denies 4S, usu. 4+D (now 2C by opener is strong) 1S = as normal 1N = 8-10, denies S, has stopper 2C = 6-9, 5+C 2H = 10+, 5+C else = as if no interference 1C-(1S)-? Pass = 0-5 or 5+S or just too weak for anything else X = normal 1H response (cue asks stopper), bid as over normal 1H response 1N = 8-10, S stopper, denies H 2C = 6-9, 5+C 2H = 10+ HCP, 5+H, F 2S = 10+ HCP, 5+C else = as if no interference 1C-(1N = 14-19 bal)-? Pass = weak X = 9(8)+ (forcing to 3C) bids = to play 2N = some GF 2-suiter 1C-(1N = some takeout)-? X = 10+ bal (forcing to 3C) 1C-(2y)-? X = penalty opposite 15-17(18) - tend to do with 7-9 and Hxx, or 6 and any 4 Pass = any strong NT, or suitable defense cue = GF opposite minimum double 2NS = 4-crds (now 2N = strong by responder, 3C = NF) 2N = artif., strong 3C = may contain preempted 4-crd side suit, minimum 3-lower suit = invitational, C + that suit 2NS = NNF, some reason to bid it 3NS = constructive, invite opposite strong NT 1C-(3y)-? X = negative, values for the 3-level, will often be passed exception: X of 3C = penalty else = GF Pass = neutral (opener's reopening is takeout) 1C-(P)-1D-(X); ? XX = strong hand without diamond stopper (assuming X = diamonds) else = normal, except NT bids promise D stopper 1C-(P)-1D-(1H); ? Pass = normally 4+ hearts X = takeout, usu. 4 spades exactly, but occ. any 19+ or 3136 else = normal as if no interference, except NT bids show H stopper, and cue denies 2C = strong 1C-(P)-1D-(1S); ? Pass = 4S, or minimum hand with nothing to say X = takeout, but includes lots of strong hands 1N = 17-20, with stopper; strong NT methods on else - normal as if no interference, except NT bids show S stopper, and cue denies 2C = strong 1C-(P)-1D-(2C+); ? direct bids usually the 19+ hand 3C often just natural X = not well-defined 2N = strong hand (others not so strong) 1D Opening 1D = 4+D 11-18 unbal, or 4-5 D 15-17 bal 1H = 4+ crds, forcing (default: MAFIA style, but optional) 1N = 15-17 (denies 4H, 4S) - same 2-way checkback as over 1C 2C = 5-4 either way, 11-15 2S = Marvelous Toy - either unbal raise to 3H, or Bridge World Death Hand 2N = asks 3C = frag, short S, 4H 3D = BWDH 3H = S frag, short C, 4H 2N = minor-suit reverse, longer clubs than diamonds, maximum 3m/3H = NF 3oM = general force 3C = 16-18 value, 5+D, 4+C, NF Pass/3D/3H = NF 3S = artif. force 1S = as 1H, except: 2H = 16-18, NF reverse Pass = weak, xxx or better 2S = 5+S, forcing, any strength 2N = artif. negative 3-bids = GF 3H = unbal raise to 3S (now 3N Serious, 4C asks shortness [4D = C, 4H = H]) 2C = nat, but not GF (Kokish rebids) 2D = 5+D, any strength (now 2N/3m NF) 2H = 4441's, any strength (now 2N/3m NF) 2S = bal GF, club supp. 2N = bal GF, not club supp. 3C = minimum, club supp., NF 3D = max, 6+D 3M = splinter for clubs 2D = 10+ value, 4+D (3D = all minimums, else = stopperish maximums, 3M = splinter) 1N Opening 1N = 12-14 bal, no 5M Responses: 2C = Inv. Stayman (occ. just wants to avoid D lead with GF hand that will place contract on next round) 2D = GF Stayman (by a passed hand, 2D = to play) 2M = 4-crds 2S over 2H = 5+ crds (so 2N is bid with just 4S) 2N = Baron 3m = 5-crds, no M 3M = concentrated 4M 2M = to play (op. may raise with 4-crds, NS = doubleton) 2N = nat invite, no M 3m = to play 3H = 5-5 majors, invite 3S = 5-5 majors GF 3N = to play 4C = Gerber 4red = Texas (then 4N = RKC) 4S = slammish, 4+ 4+ minors 4N = quant (suit = suggests suit slam) Handling Interference: Basically, use Leb. 1N-(2y)-P-(P); X = takeout, max weak NT, weak doubleton Vs. penalty/strength-showing double, any run-out will suffice. Default: XX = near-GF, suit bids = long suit or shortness scramble (XX if X'd), Pass = neutral Recommends responding over 1N-(P) with 0-5 HCP since double is anticipated. 2C Opening: 2C = 6+C, 10(+)-15, no 4M Responses: 2D = transfer to hearts 2H = 0-2 H (now 3H invite) 2S/3D = shortness, 3H (3D now re-transfer, 3H invite if re-transfer available) 2N/3C = nat, 3H (3D now re-transfer, 3H invite) 2H = transfer to spades bid as above over 2H 2S = artif. asking bid 2N = min, 2 side stops (3C to play, 3D asks unstopped suit, else nat forc) 3C = min, 1 side stop (Pass = to play, 3D asks stopped suit) 3D = max, D stopper (bid stoppers up the line) 3H = max, H stopper, no D stopper (3S = asks for S stopper) 3S = max, S stopper, no red stopper 3N = max, all side suits stopped, weak clubs after any of these responder's 4D/H/S = cue for clubs 2N = invite, nat 3C = preemptive (op. requires 7-crd suit to bid higher) 3D/M = GF, 6+ suit (D occ. 5) 3N = to play 4C = pree. 4D = RKC 1430 for C 4M/5m = to play Handling Interference: 2C-(2y)- ? X = penalty free-bid = F1 2N = invite? 3C = pree 2C-(X)- ? XX = penalty-seeking hand else = as undisturbed