WJ XXI by Wladyslaw Izdebski source: articles on http://www.bridgeok.republika.pl/WJXXI.html notes: Daniel J Neill last updated: 01/10/06 Description: A souped-up WJ for regular partnerships only. Particularly of interest are the checkback structures and strong club auctions. Izdebski is a well-published author in Poland. Lots of areas are not (yet) discussed in the articles. It is a work in progress. A few articles or topics are not considered important enough to include here by Dan. ******************* Opening Bid Summary ******************* 1C = normal WJ a) 12-14 bal/3-suited without 5M/4D b) 15+ natural c) any 18+ 1D = 4+D, (11)12-17 (18 with 3-suiter ok), includes 4D-5C 11-14 1H = 5+ crds, 11-17 1S = 5+ crds, 11-17 1N = 15-17, 5M ok 2C = 10(+)-14, 6+C or 5C-4M 2D = mini-Multi (weak 2 either major) 2H = 5H + 5 other, weak 2S = 5S + 5m, weak 2N = natural, (20)21-22 3y = normal preempt 3N = gambling 4m = Namyats, no side A/K 4M = normal preempt ************** 1C Opening ************** 1D = 0-6 any, or 7-10 no major, or 11-12 balanced 1H = 3+ cards, NF 1S = 4+S, 4-6 1N = C xfer 2C = D xfer 2D = accepts pass = weak, 3C = invit 5-4 2D = H raise 2H = 6 hearts 2S = 11-12 bal, no S stop (2N/3N = 12-14 min/max, else strong club) 2N = 11-12 bal, S stop 3C = 7-9, 5-5 minors 3D = v. good 6+D, invit. 3M = 10-11, 5-5 minors, splinter 1S = 3+ crds, NF 1N = C xfer 2C = D xfer 2D = accepts, 12-14 Pass = weak 2S = 3154 invit. 2N = 5D-332 invit. 3C = 5D-4C invit. 3D = 6+ avg. D, invit 3H = 2155 invit. 4C = 6D-5C invit. else = 18+ 2D = H xfer 2H = S raise 2S = 11-12 bal, no H stop (2N/3N = 12-14 min/max, else strong club) 2N = 11-12 bal, H stop 3C = 7-9, 5-5 minors 3D = v. good 6+D, invit. 3M = 10-11, 5-5 minors, splinter 2D = artif GF, denies 5-5 shape 2H = transfer to 4+S, may have longer side suit 2S = 4S, or 3crd unbal 2N = nat, no side 5-crd suit 3C/D/H = 5+ crds (JS = splinter for that suit) 3S = 5S, suit-oriented, usually side 4-crd suit 3N = 5S-332, NT-oriented 4C/D/H = splinter, 6+S 2N = 1-2 S, or 3crd quite bal 3C = modif. puppet Stayman 3D = 4H, maybe 3S (3H = 3S [3S sets S], 3S = 4H, 3N = nada) 3H = 5H, maybe 3S 3S = 3S, denies H 3N = denies 3S or 4H 4m = 5-crds, 1-3-5m-4om usu. 3D = 5+H 3H = 6+S (3S = sets S) 3S = 5S-5m, conc. 5-6 HCP 3N = 4S-2H usu. 4m = 4S-5+ good m, max negative 3S = 5+ crd super-accept, sets suit other = natural, maybe 3S but only if own suit is great 2S = transfer to NT, bal or semibal, or weak minor 2-suiter, denies 4S 2N = accepts xfer 3C = modified puppet stayman 3D = exactly 4H (may have 5S) 3H = 3S, denies 4H (3S sets S, 4C nat 4crds) 3S = 4H, sets suit 3N = neither 3S nor 4H 3M = 5crds M 3N = no 5M, no 4H (may have 4S but who cares) 4C = 4144 strong 3D = 5H, worse than 2N earlier 3H = 5C-4D, 5-7, but still slam interest (4m = minorwood) 3S = 5D-4C, 5-7 (4m = minorwood) 3N = to play, no interest in 5-crd major 3C = nat, 5+ crds (3S = denies any other bid) 3D = nat, 5+ crds 3H = nat, 5+ crds (3S = no H fit, xfer to 3N; 3N = S stop) 2N = 5+H 3C = 5+C, 2 honors or decent 6-crd suit (otherwise xfer to 2N) 3D = 5+D, 2 honors or decent 6-crd suit (otherwise xfer to 2N) 3H = nat (3S = xfer to 3N, no S stopper; 3N = S stopper) 3N = negative (4C = nat extras [4D sets D, 4M cue for C, 4N neg]) 4D = "negative Blackwood" for D (see special bids) 3M = 5431 convention - 7-11 5-4+ minors, short M 3N = 11-12 NT, no major 4C = relay (4D/N = 3343/3334, 4H/S = 2344/3244) later 5m is RKC for that minor 4D/M = RKC, setting suit bid 2N = 23 HCP, NF 3H = 5H + 5 minor, GF (3S = 6+S, 3N asks minor, 4m honor cue for H) 3S = 5S + 5 minor, GF (3N asks minor, 4m honor cue for S, 4H 6+ H) 4C = 5-5 majors, GF (4D sets H, 4H sets S) 4D = 5-5 minors, GF (4H/S sets C/D, 5m to play) 1H = 4+H, 7+ HCP 1S = 12-14 bal 4crds, or 19+ 3-suiter - otherwise use 2C/2D/2S/2N... 1N = to play 2C = 19+ 4144/4045/4054 3D = long C fit, D conc. 2C = 2-way checkback (xfer to 2D) 2D = forced 2H = 5H invit (Pass = any min, 2N = max, waiting) 2S = power invite, not distributional 2N = 5D-4H invit 3C = 5C-4H power invite 3D = 6D-4H invit 3H = 5H-5C invit 3N = 5H-332 c.o.g. 2H = 4054 19+ 2S/3C/3D = 19+ 4144, best suit 2N = 4144 19+ stiff honor in H 2D = 2-way checkback (artif. GF) 2H = 3 crds, if 4333 then suit-oriented honors 2S = 4234 2N = max, 4333, both side suits stopped 3H = max, 4324 3N = min, 4333, both side suits stopped 3C/3D/3S = rare 19+ 3-suiter with short H; bid best 4-crd suit 2H = to play 2S = 7-10 raise 2N = invite (3C = 4144 19+) 3C = 5+C invit 3D = 5-5 GF 3H = 6+ good H, GF 3S = distributional invit raise (not power) 1N = 12-14, no major 2C = 2-way checkback (xfer to 2D - will pass or make invit. bid) 2D = forced 2H = invit, 5H 2S = invit, 6H-4S 2N = invit, 4H-5D 3C = 5C-4H power invite 3D = invit, 4H-6D 3H = 5H-5C 3N = 5H-332 c.o.g. 2D = 2-way checkback, GF artif. 2H = 3 crds, if 3334 then suit oriented honors 2S = waiting, denies 3S (3235, or 3244 bad diamonds) 2N = max, 3334 both side suits stopped 3C = max, 5C-2H-(3-3) 3D = max, 2-3-4-4 (bad diamonds) 3H = max, 5C-3H-(3-2) 3N = min, 3334 both side suits stopped 2H = to play 2S = 5+H, 4(good 3)S, GF 2N = 4H-5D, solid invit (3C/H/S = max concentration, 3D to play) 3C = distributional invit., 8-9 HCP (opener has clubs at this pt) 3D = 5-5 GF 3S/4m = auto-splinter for H 2C = F1, 15+, may have 4S or 3H 2D = any 10+ 2H = 5+C-4D 2S = 5+C-4S 2N = 5C-332 15-17 (decided not to open 1N) 3C = 6C-322 3D/H/S = typically 6331 splinter ** 2N/3C by opener opposite negatives below are NF** 2H = 7-9, 5+H 2S = 7-9, 4H-4S, F1 (3D = 4th suit, extras) 2N = 7-9 NF 3C = 7-9 NF raise 3D = 4H, 6 decent D, 7-9, NF 3H = KQJ sixth, but not enough for immediate 2H response 3S = 4H, 4+C, splinter, 7-9 3N = 3433, 7-9, all side suits stopped somehow 2D = 2-way odwrotka: 18+ 5+D, or 4+H support (see other special raises below though) 2H = 5+H 2S = 4H-4S 3H = 4+H 2N = 5D-332, or 5D-4C maybe (3C = 4414), extras 3C = 4th suit, 5+D, worry about clubs 3D = 6+D 3S = 4S, 5+D 3N = 18-19, 5332, clubs stopped 2N = bal 3C = 4H-5+C (3H sets suit) 3D = 4H-5+D 3H = 6+H, good suit, 12+ 3S/4C = splinter, 7-9(10), 4H-4+D 3N = 3433 7-9 2H = 12-14, 4-crd raise 2S = 5+S, 18+ 2N = 18-19(20) or 23+, may have 3H or 4S 3S = 4H-4S (cue = nice 18-19 for S, at least) 3N = to play opposite 18-19 (4m = 4-crds, 23+) 3C = FSJ - 15-16 5+C-4H (can still stop in 3H) - 3D asks for sing. (3H=5422, 3S=S, 3N=D) 3D = FSJ - 18-19 5+D-4H, GF (with more use odwrotka) - 3H asks for sing. (3S=S, 3N=5422 nonmin, 4C=C, 4H=5422 min) 3H = FSJ - 17-18 5+C-4H, GF (with more use odwrotka) - 3S asks for sing. (3N=S, 4C=5422 nonmin, 4D=D, 4H=5422 min) 3S = FSJ - 18-19 5+S-4H, GF (with more use odwrotka) - 3N asks for sing. (4C=C, 4D=D, 4H=5422) 4D/H = 6C-4H 14-15 sing. D/S 1S = 4+S, 7+ HCP 1N = 12-14 2C = 2-way checkback (xfer to 2D: to play or an invit. rebid) 2D = forced 2H = 5+S, 4+H invit but F1 2S = invit, 5S 2N = invit, 4S-5D 3C = solid invite, 4S-5C 3D = invit, 4S-6D 3H = 5S-5H 3S = 5S-5C 3N = 5S-332 c.o.g. 2D = 2-way checkback: artif. GF (here, either 5+S or 4S-5+C) 2H = artif, waiting, denies 3S (so 2434 or 2344 [bad D's]) 2S = 5+S 2N = nat. 3C = nat 3H = 4H, worry about D (4H sugg. moysian) 2N = 4S, waiting - could be strain search, or level search 3C = 5C-4S 3D = 5C-3D-4S 2S = 3 crds, if 4333 then suit-oriented honors 3C = 4S-5+C 3D/H = 4S-5C, fragment 3S/4S = slammish/to play 4m/H = splinter 2N = max, 3334, stoppers in side suits 3C = max, 5C-3-3-2S 3D = max, 3S-2H-4D-4C, bad diamonds (else open 1D) 3H = max, 3S-4H-2D-4C 3S = art: asking D stop, or setting long good S and slammish 4H = moysian, to play 3S = max, 3S-5C-(3-2) 3N = min, 3334 2H = to play 2S = to play, weak 2N = power invite 3C = invite 3D/H = 5-5 GF 2C = F1, 15+, denies 4S 2D = 10(9)+ HCP, any shape 2H = 5+C-4H, or 1444 18+ 2S asks (2N = 1444, 3C = 6C, 3D/S = 1435/3415, 3H = 2425) 2S = 5+C-4D 2N = 5332 15-17, didn't want to open 1N 3C = 6+C, no sing. 3D/H/S = typically 6331 splinter ** 2N/3C by opener opposite negatives below are NF** 2H = 5S-4+H 7-9, F1 (3D = 4th suit, extras) 2S = 5+S, 7-9 NF 2N = 7-9, NF 3C = 7-9 raise, NF 3D = 6 good D, 4S, NF 3H = 4S-4+C splinter, 7-9 3S = great 6-crd suit, 6-7(8) HCP, not enough for immediate 2S response 3N = 4333 7-9, all side suits stopped, probably relying on clubs 2D = 2-way odwrotka: 18+ 5+D, or 4+S support (but note other special raises below) 2H = 4+H (5+S) 2S = 5+S 2N = bal 3C = 5+C-4S 3D = 5+D-4S 3H/4C = splinter, 7-9(10), 4S-4+D 3S = 6+S, good suit, 12+ 3N = 4333 7-9 2H = 5+H 18+ 2S = 12-14, 4-crd raise 2N = 18-19(20) or 23+, may have 3S 3N = to play opposite 18-19 (4m = 4-crds, 23+) 3C = FSJ - 15-16 5+C-4S (can still stop in 3S) - 3D asks for sing. 3D = FSJ - 18-19 5+D-4S, GF (with more use odwrotka) - 3H asks for sing.(3S=5422 nonmin, 3N=H, 4C=C, 4S=5422 min) 3H = FSJ - 18-19 5+H-4S, GF (with more use odwrotka) - 3S asks for sing.(3N=5422 nonmin, 4C=C, 4D=D, 4S=5422 min) 3S = FSJ - 17-18 5+C-4S, GF (with more use odwrotka) - 3N asks for sing.(4C=5422 nonmin, 4D=D, 4H=H, 4S=5422 min) 4C = 5C-4S-2-2 17-18 4D/H = splinter, 5C-4S, 17-18 1N = 7-10 bal, no major 2C = inverted minor, 10+ HCP, 5+C no major 2D = artificial, any 18+ hand 2M = 3-crds (3N = no slam) 2S/3m = 5+ suit 18+ 2H = some shortness, 11-13 or 17/18+ (2S asks, then...) 2N = 11-13 4414 3C/D/H = 17+ sing. S/D/H 2S = no shortness, extras, asks about shortness 2N = no shortness, slam interest relay 3C = 6+C 1-suiter, 15-17 3D/H/S = 5C-4y-2-2 15-17 3N = 14, 4C or 5C-(332) 3C = no shortness, does not want to declare NT 3N = minimum, NT-oriented 3D/M = splinter, not too strong (else pretend with 2N bid) 2N = min bal, NT-oriented, NF 3C = min bal, suit-oriented, NF 3D/H/S = splinter, 15-17 3N = 14 HCP, NT-oriented 2D = GF, 5+D, may have a major 2M = good 6-crd suit, (8)9-11, NF 2M = 2+crd supp, invit or better, F NS = 18+, 5+ crds 3M = counter-invite, 3crds 3N = to play 4C = fit-showing, 15-16, slam interest JS = splinter, 15-16, 3+crd supp. and 5+C 4N = BW 2N = 13-15 or 18+ bal, no major 3N = all 12-14 hands (4m now 4-crds 18+) 3C = natural, 15+ (bid seminaturally) 3C/D = ~10 HCP, 1-suiter with 2 top honors, angling for 3N 3H/S = 7-crds to 2/top 3 honors, nothing else 3N = 16-17 bal, no major ************** 1D Opening ************** 1H = 4+ crds, up the line 1S = 4 crds 2C = 2-way checkback (xfer to 2D or some invite or 5332 GF) 2D = forced Pass = weak D fit 2H = 5H, invit 2S = bal. power invite 2N = 4H-5C invit. 3C = 4H-6C invit. 3D = power invite, 4+D-4H 3H = 5H-5D invit 3N = 5H-332 c.o.g. 2D = 2-way checkback (artif. GF) 2H = 3H 2S = no H fit, maybe 4144 2N = max, no fit, side stops 3C = max, 4153 3D = max, 6D-4S 3H = max, 4351 3N = min, no fit, side stops 2H = to play 2S = 7-10 raise 3C = 5-5 GF 3D = 5+D 4H, distrib. invite (8-9 HCP usu.) 3H = 5H-5D invite 3S = distrib. invite 1N = 12-14, no major, 2-3 H 2C = 2-way checkback (xfer to 2D: to play or some invite, or c.o.g.) 2D = forced Pass = weak D fit 2H = 5H invit 2S = 6H-4S invit 2N = 4H-5C invit 3C = 4H-6C invit 3D = power invit. 3H = 5H-5D invit 3N = 5H-332 c.o.g. 2D = 2-way checkback (artif. GF) 2H = 3-crds, if 3343 then suit-oriented honors 2S = catchall misfit minimum 2N = max, 3343, side stoppers 3C = max, 2344 3D = max, 5D-2H-3-3 3H = max, 5D-3H 3N = min, 3343, side stoppers 2H = 6H, to play 3H = 6+ good H, GF 2C = 5-4 either way 3H = 6+ good H, GF 2D = 6+ crds 2H = 4-crds, or 3-crds in 1354 shape (with 4S or 5C, choose those instead) 2N = invite to game (or slam), just 4H 3C/D = 1354 min/max 3H/4H = 4crds bal, min/max 4D = 2452 max, conc. 3S/4C = 4crds, splinter 2S/3m = invite to game (or slam), 5+H 2N = 15-17, 6D without 3H 3D/H = to play 3C = stopper relay (3D = no S stop, 3H = Hx S, 3S = no C stop, 3N = both stops) 3S = nat or conc., worry about clubs 3N/4H = to play 3D = 15-17, 6D-3H 3H = either shows C stopper, asks S stopper; or sets H for slam (cue later) 3S = half-stopper in S 3N = full stopper in S 3S = shows stopper, asks about C stopper 3H = max raise unbal (3S asks sing. [3N=S, 4C=C, 4D=5422 nonmin, 4H=5422min]) 1S = 4+ crds, up the line 1N = 12-14, singleton spade ok 2C = 2-way checkback 2D = 2-3 S Pass = D sign-off 2H = 3rd suit transfer (similar to Gawrys 4th suit of WJ05) 2S = forced Pass = to play, was 5S-4+m weak 2N = 5S-4H invit. 3C/D = 5S-4H-3m GF 3H = 5+S-4H slammish 3S = 6S-4H invite 3N = 5S-4H no slam 2S = 5S, invit. to game 2N = 4S-5+C, invit 3C = 6+C, weak, to play 3D = power invit. raise 3H = 5S-5H invit 3S = 5S-5D invit 3N = 5S-332, c.o.g. 2H = Alert! singleton spade Pass = 5314 weak 2S = weak 5S-4+m 2N = 1453 3C = 1444 2N = 5S, invit. 3C = 4S-5C invit. 3D = power invit. raise 3H = 5S-4H slammish 3S = 5S-5D invit. 3N = 5S-332 4H = 5S-5H to play 2D = GF checkback, denies 5S-4+H (go through 2C instead) 3H = 1444 2H = 5S-4+H, weak 3S = 6+ good S, GF 2C = 5-4 or better in minors (with 6C-4D open 1C or 2C instead) 2D = to play 2H = Gawrys 4th suit, forces 2S: signoff or some GF hand 2S = forced Pass = S signoff 2N = general GF 3m = GF raise 3H = classic 4th suit, asks for stopper 3S = 6+S, forcing 2S = 5+S invit 2N = invit, 4S 3m = invit. 3H = 5-5 GF 3S = GF, 6+ good S (invite 6S instead goes through 1D-2S) 2D = 6+ crds (with 5D-4H or 1444 rebid 1N) 2H = 3rd suit transfer (similar to Gawrys 4th suit of WJ05 after 1D-1S-2C) 2S = forced Pass = signoff in S else = nat, GF 2S = 5+S, invit 2N = 4S, invit 3C = semi-natural, focus is on heart stopper 3D = invit, D fit and 4S 3H = 5-5 GF 3S = 6+ good S, GF 2H = reverse, 5+D-4H, 15-17 3H = GF raise (show shortness: 3S=S, 3N=C, 4C/D=5422 honor cue, 4H=5422 no cue) 2S = 4-crds, or 3-crds with 3154 shape and bad clubs 2N = invite to game (or slam), just 4 spades 3C/N = min/max, 3154 3D/H = min/max, 3451 3S = min, 4-crds 4C/H = max, 4-crds, splinter 4D = max, 4252 4S = max, 4-crds bal 3C+ = invite to game (or slam), 5+S 2N = 15-17, 6D without 3S (same cont's as over 1D-1S-2N?) 3D = 15-17, 6D-3S (same cont's as over 1D-1S-3D?) 3S = max raise unbal (3N asks sing. [4C=C, 4D=5422 nonmin, 4H=H, 4S=5422min]) 1N = 6-10 2C = nat, if has major then GF, may be invit if C or C-D or bal. 2D = 11-14, 5+D, may have major 2H = GF relay, denies 4S 2S = third-suit, semi-natural 2N = 5332, ideally, both majors stopped 3C = 4C or good 3 with bad M doubleton, v. minimum 3H = 4H, no S stopper 3S = 1453 3N = 4H, S stopper, tends to be 3451 2S = intended as natural, GF 2N/3m = nat, NF 3M = splinter for D, 4crd supp. 2H = a) 11-13, just 4D (bal or 4441) b) nat. reverse 15-17 2S = waiting relay 2N = minimum bal/4441 without 4C, NF (all bids by responder GF now) 3C = 6+C, suit-oriented, maybe slammish 3N = 4441 3M = 4 or good 3 crds, worry about oM 3D = 3343 4C = good C fit, slammish honors 3D = nat, GF 3M = nat 4-crds 3C = 4+C, minimum, bal, NF 3D = reverse, 6D-4H 3H = reverse, 1453 3S = reverse, 4th suit, worry about S stop 3N = reverse, 5D-4H with S stopper 3m = NF 2N = GF, 6+C, good for declaring NT 3M = GF, 6+C, sing. 3N = 5332 with M stoppers 2S = GF, 15+ reverse or 4441 16-17 2N = relay 3C = 4153 3D = 6D-4S 3H = 4351 3S = 4252 3N = 4441 16-17 (4C = slammish H raise) 3S = sets S 2N = GF, bal or 14-15/18-19 4441 (3M = nat) 3C = GF raise, non-minimum (13-14+) 3D = GF, 6+ good D 3M = GF, 4+C splinter, decent hand 2D = inverted, 10+, F1, if GF then may have a 4-crd major 2H = 11-13/16-18, any splinter (2S asks, then...) 2N/3C/3D = 11-13 sing S/C/H (3D NF) 3H/3S/3N = 16-18 sing H/S/C 2S = extras, no splinter, asks for shortness 2N = no shortness (or 16+ hiding it), some slam interest 3C = 2254, 3D = 5+D 1-suiter, 3M = 5D-4M-2-2, 3N = 4D bal, 4D = 18 val 3D = no shortness, does not want to declare NT 3N = minimum, bal 3C = 10-15 splinter, 6+D 3M = 10-12 splinter (13-15 instead splinters 3M over 1D immediately) 2N = NT-oriented, minimum, NF 3C = 5C-4D, 11-14 (3D NF) 3D = suit-oriented, minimum, NF 3M = GF splinter, 14-15 HCP 3N = 14 HCP, good for NT (3343 usu., major concentration) 2M = good 6-crd suit, (8)9-11, NF Pass/3D = minimum, non-forcing 2N = extras, asking relay, 2+ crd supp. 3M = minimum, obv. a good suit NS = extras, conc. 3N = AKQxxx, nothing else JS = auto-splinter, max 4M = 7-crds NS = extras, forcing, semi-natural 3M = counter-invite, 3-crd supp 3N = to play 4D = long good D, good S fit, slammish 4C/H = splinter, some slam interest 2N = 13-15 or 18+ 3C = 11-12 HCP, unbal invit. D raise 3D = preempt 3M = splinter, 13-15 3N = 16-17 ************** 1H Opening ************** 1S = 4+ crds, F 1N = nat, 5332 12-14 2C = 2-way checkback (xfer to 2D: to play in a minor, or some invite) 2D = forced 2H = 5+C-4S, invit (5S-3H invit just rebids 1s...2H) 2S = min, 3S, not too long in D (3C = 6crds) 2N = min, D length 2S = 5S, invite 2N = 5D-4S invit (3C = 4th suit) 3C = 6+C-4S, to play 3D = 6+D-4S, invite 3H = waiting, can't bid 3N [3S = xx C, 3N = Hx C, else short C] 3N = 5S-2-3-3, c.o.g. 2D = 2-way checkback (artif. GF, or may have a 5S-5m invite) 2H = min, denies 3S (pass with 5S-5m invite) 2S = min, 3S (pass with 5S-5m invite) 2N = 4S, descriptive, waiting (3C = frag) 4m = splinter 2N = max, denies 3S (bid 3m with 5S-5m invite) 3m = max, 3S-3m (bid 4S with 5S-5m invite) 3H = max, 3S, everything in majors basically (bid 4S with 5S-5m invite) 2H = invit, 5S-3H 2S = to play 3m = 5-5 GF 3S = 6+ good S, GF 2C = nat 2H = pref 2S = to play 3H = invit. 2D = nat 2H = pref 2S = to play 3H = invit. 2H = 6+H 2S = 4-crd raise, or 35(41) 1N = nat, semi-forcing (pass with bal 11-13) 2C = natural, maybe 3 cards 3D = max, good long clubs, D conc. 2C = 2+ crds, GF unless suit rebid (most bal hands go through 2C and rebid 2N) 2D = 4+ crds 2H = nat or too weak for higher bid 2N = forcing waiting (later 3H is 15+ raise) 3C = 4C 3D = 3 good C and extras 3H = 6H (3S sets H, asks shortness [3N = S]) 3S = 4513 3N = 5332 or 5H-4S without C fit 3H = raise, some extras 4H = raise, bare minimum 2S = 4+C, extras (Martel suggestion) 2N waiting (3C = 5-5) 3C = sets C 2N = 15-17 3C = 4S, extras (Martel suggestion) 3D = 4th suit 3S = sets S (show shortness: 3N=D, 4C=C, 4D/H = 5422 cue, 4S=5422 no cue) 3D+ = nat, extras 2D = 5+ crds, GF unless suit rebid 2H = nat or waiting, too weak for higher bid 2N = forcing, waiting (later 3H is 15+ raise) 3C = 4+C 3D = 3+D, extras within context of 2H rebid 3H = 6H (3S asks shortness) 3S = 4531 3N = 5332, if 3 bad D then minimum 3D = NF 2S = 4+C, extras (Martel suggestion) (2N waiting [3C = 5-5], 3C = 4C) 2N = 15-17 3C = 4S, extras (Martel suggestion) (3D/H/N = nat, 3S = asks C stop, 4D+ = cue for S) 3D+ = nat, extras 2H = (6)7-10, 3 crds 2S = invit, 6+ good S, (8)9-11 2N = invit val. raise, 3+ crds 3C = game relay 3D = min, 4-crd fit 3H = min, 3-crd fit 3N = max, 3-crd fit, bal, good NT structure 4H = max 3D = slam relay 4H = min, 3-crd fit 3H = max, 3-crd fit (3S asks shortness [3N = S]) 3S/4m = splinter, 4-crd fit, min or max 3N = bal, 4-crd fit, min or max 3S/4m = splinter 3C = 7-10 4+ crd raise 3D = art. invit. 3D = any 9-12 HCP splinter (mini-splinter - 3H asks: 3N = D) 3H = pree. 0-5 4+ crd raise (3S asks shortness: 3N=S) 3S/4m = 13+ splinter 3N = bal 12-14 3-crd (usu.) raise (NS = nat) 4H = pree ************** 1S Responses: ************** 1N = nat, semi-forcing (pass with bal 11-13) 2H = 4+ crds 3S = long H fit, S honor 3N = long H fit, S void 3m = 5-5, GF 2C = 2+ crds, GF unless suit rebid (most bal hands go through 2C and rebid 2N) 2D = 4+ crds 2H = 4th suit (but may be real suit) 2S = catchall, no other bid 2N = waiting, H was natural 3C = extras, strength in C 3H = 6S (Martens suggestion) (3S asks sing [NT=H]) 3S = 5341 (Martens suggestion) 3C = extra length (4D = cue for C) 2N = H stopper 3D = 2344 type D raise 3C = 5143 3D = 5-5 3H = 6S, extras (Martens suggestion) (3S asks sing [NT=H]) 3S = 3H but no stopper, extras (Martens suggestion) 3N = minimum, good H stopper and NT orientation 2S = 15+ raise 2N = 5242 3C = 5143 3D = 5-5 3H = 5341 3S = 6S-4D (relay asks sing.) 2N = waiting 3C = NF 3D = suit-oriented 4-crd raise 3S = 3S-5C, minimum, bal, rather pictured 3N = stiff S, minimum, H well-stopped 4D = slammish raise, cues 4S = 4S-5C, minimum, picture, no side control 4N = quant. (to RKC for D, use forcing 2N, or bid 4D) 2H = 4+ crds 2N = forcing (later raise is 15+) 3H = ok raise (show shortness: 3S=C, 3N=D, 4C/D = 5422 cue, 4H = 5422 no m cue) 4H = bare minimum 2S = nat or too weak for higher bid 2N = forcing (later raise is 15+) 3C = 4C 3D = 3 good C and extras (3H = waiting, some slam interest) 3H = 6S unbal, not great suit (3S sets suit, asks shortness [3N = H]) 3S = 6S without shortness 3N = 5332, if has 3C, then minimum 4D/H = auto-splinter, good 6+ S suit 3S = ok hand 4S = bare minimum 2N+ = natural, extras 3C = raise, extras (3H = 3rd suit, 3S = good raise, 4S = bad raise) 2D = 5+ crds, GF unless suit rebid 2H = 4+ crds 2S = nat or waiting, too weak for higher bid 2N = forcing, waiting (later 3S is 15+ raise) 3C = 4C 3D = 3+D, extras within context of 2S 3H = 6S with a sing. (3S sets S, asks shortness) 3S = 6S without shortness 3N = 5332, if with 3 bad diamonds then minimum 3C/H = 3rd suit, worry about 4th suit, or natural 3D = NF 3S = raise, some extras 4S = raise, bare minimum 2N+ = natural, extras 2H = 5+H, GF unless suit rebid 2S = nat or waiting, too weak for higher bids 3N = sing. S 2N = 15-17, waiting (may have bal 3-crd H raise) 3N = to play (4H = medium bal 3-crd raise, cue = supermax bal 3-crd raise) 3C = 15+, natural (later 4H is 5314) 3H = 5422, 15-17 raise (3S/4m = short, 3N = slamtry no short) 3N = 12-14, 5S-3H-(4-1), mini-splinter (4C asks which) 4m = splinter, 4-crd supp. 4H = 5422, 12-14 raise 2S = (6)7-10, 3-crd raise 2N = invit val. raise, 3+ supp. 3C = game relay 3D = min, 4-crd fit 3H = 4+H, min or max 3S = min, 3-crd fit 3N = max, 3-crd fit, bal, good NT structure 4S = max 3D = slam relay 4S = min, 3-crd fit 3S = max, 3-crd fit (3N asks shortness) 3H = 4H, min or max 4m/4H = splinter, 4-crd fit, min or max 3N = bal, 4-crd fit, min or max 4m/H = splinter 3C = 7-10 4+ crd raise 3D = artif. invit. 3D = any 9-12 HCP splinter (mini-splinter - 3H asks: 3N = H) 3S = 0-5 4+ crd raise (3N asks sing.) 3H/4m = 13+ splinter 3N = bal 12-14 3-crd (usu.) raise (NS = nat) 4H = 13+ void splinter 4S = pree. ************** 1N Responses: *************** 2C = Stayman 2D = no major 2M = invite Smolen (sugg. by Marek Rajca) 3M = GF Smolen 4C = Gerber 4D/H = 6-4 Texsmolen, GF, no slam (slam goes through normal Smolen) 4N = quant. 5N = forc 2H = 4H 2S = art. slammish H raise 3S/4m = splinter for H 2S = 4S, denies 4S 3H = art. slammish S raise 4C/D/H = splinter for S 2N = 15-16, 5H 3C = relay for doubleton (l/m/h) 3D = transfer 3C = 15-16, 5S 3D = relay for doubleton (l/m/h) 3H = transfer 2D = transfer to H 2H = normal 2S = 5S-5H invite 2N/3N = invit/GF 3m = GF 3S/4m = auto-splinter 4N = 5332 quant 3H = superaccept (however you want) (3S/4m = shortness slamtry, 3N=no shortness slamtry) 2H = transfer to S 2S = normal 2N/3N = invit/GF 3m = GF 3H = 5S-5H GF 4m/4H = auto-splinter 4N = 5332 quant 3S = superaccept (however you want) (3N= no shortness slamtry, NS = shortness slamtry) 2S = invit to 3N, or clubs 2N = min 3C = max Pass/3C = to play 3NS = splinter, GF 6+C 3N = mild invite to slam, good 6C 4C = slammish, 6+C bal, invites cues (4N negative) 2N = a) minors 5-5, weak or slammish b) 6+D, weak or GF Opener chooses best minor, bidding diamonds with no preference Pass/3D = weak 3M = GF D, splinter 3N = GF D, C splinter, no slam 4C = GF D, C splinter, slammish 4D = GF 6D-322 slammish, invites cues (but 4N to play) 4M = 5-5 minors slammish, splinter 3m = invite, 6-crd suit 3M = 5431 convention - 5+-4+ minors, 2-3 crds oM, 0-1 crds in M, GF 4C = Gerber (1430) 4D/H = Texas (then 4N = RKC 1430, NS = voidwood 1430) 4S = slammish, 5-4 minors, 2-2 majors with no control (4N to play) 4N = quant 5N = forc Handling Interference: (2C) X = negative, 4-7 HCP 2y = to play 2N = Leb 3C = Stayman (3D = no stopper [nat conts], 3M/N = stopper, nat) 3y = GF 3N = stopper, no major 4C = Gerber 4D/H = Texas (2D) X = negative, 4-7 HCP 2M = to play 3C = invit 3M = GF 2N = Leb (without stopper if 3N, with stopper if cue) 3D = Stayman without stopper 3N = with stopper 4C = nat slammish 4D/H = Texas (2H) X = negative 2S = to play 2N = Leb (without stopper if 3N, with stopper if cue) 3m = invit 3H = Stayman, no stopper 3S = GF 3N = stopper (2S) X = negative 2N = Leb (without stopper if 3N, with stopper if cue) 3m/H = invit 3S = Stayman, no stopper 3N = with stopper *************** 2C Opening *************** 2D = relay 2H = 4H, min or max 2S = third-suit, may be 4+ crds, may just be worried about D 3S = 3-crds 2N = invit. 3C = invit. 3D = third-suit, may be 4+ crds, may just be worried about S 3N = S stop; 3M = descriptive, no S stop 3H = invit. 3S/4D = cue for H 4C = sets C 2S = 4S, min or max 2N = invit., promises 4H 3C = invit. 3D = 3rd suit (3N = H stop, 3H = 4th suit, 3S = descriptive no H stop) 3H = 3rd suit (3N = D stop, 3S = descriptive [4C NF]) 3S = invit. 4D/H = cue for S 4C = sets C 2N = 6322 max 3C = NF still, was straining for major 3D = nat or semi-nat (3M = just that stopper, 3N = both M stops) 3M = 5+ crds, GF 4C = sets C, wants cues 4D = sets D, wants cues 3C = 6+C, min 3D = nat or semi-nat (3M = just that stopper 3N = both M stops) 3M = 5+ crds, GF (if 3S then 4H, shows 5-5 with slam interest) 4C = slammish C raise 3D/H/S = max, auto-splinter 3M = sets suit, slammish 4C = sets suit, slammish 4D = RKC for C 4M = to play 3N = 6322 max, solid clubs 2H = 5+H, NF (bid this with 5H-5S invite... jump to 4S later if not raised) 2S = 5+S, NF 2N = nat invit. to 3N, no major 3C = nat invit, no major 3D = invit, 6+ crds 3M = invit, 6+ crds 4C = pree 4D = 5-5 majors, game or slam-going (RKC if the latter, go via 2D if slam-invitational) 4M/5C = to play *********** 2D Opening *********** 2H = p/c, or 5+ good H GF Pass = H 2S = S 2N = invit+ in S 3m = 5H-5m GF 3H = 6+H GF 3N = 5H GF 2S = p/c, invit. opposite hearts, or 5+ good S GF Pass = S 2N = H 3m = 5S-5m GF 3H = invit. 3S = 6+S GF 3N = 5S GF 2N = invit+ ask 3C = max, either major 3D = asks to bid wrong major 3H = 6S (3S asks shortness, sets S: 3N = 6322 slammish, NS = short, 4S = 6322 not slammish) 3S = 6H (3N asks shortness, sets H: NS = short, 4H = no short) 3M = p/c 4C = asks to xfer to suit 4D = asks to bid suit 3D = min, H (3H to play, 3S asks sing [3N = S]) 3H = min, S (3S to play) 3m = nat, F1 3H = preemptive p/c 4C = asks pd to transfer to suit 4D = asks pd to bid suit 4M = to play Handling Interference: (X) Pass = 5+D, opener passes with 2+D, otherwise runs XX = forces 2H for a 1-suited signoff else = as before (2M) X = pen oM = to play in partner's suit 2N = normal relay 3m = BUPH: nat forcing, BPH: fit-showing raise of partner (3y) X = pen 3M = p/c (over 3S, pd bids 3N with H) 3D over 3C, 4C over 3D = nat forcing 4C over 3C = asks transfer to major 4D = natural 4M = to play **************** 2H/2S Openings **************** 2H Responses: 2S = p/c for 2nd suit 2N = invit+ relay 3m = nat 3H NF 4m invit cheap side suit = M slamtry ---| other side suit = m slamtry ---|- both ask shortness M slamtry cases: S-C: 3H= H short, rest D short - 3S = waiting, 3N = honors both red suits, 4C/H = cue, 4D = void S-D: 3S= H short, rest C short - 3N = honors both round suits, 4C = void, 4D/H = cue H-C: 3H= D short, rest S short - 3S = void, 3N = honors both ptd suits, 4C/D = cue H-D: 3N= S short, rest C short - 4C = void, 4D = cue m slamtry cases: S-C: 3S= H short, rest D short - 3N = honors both red suits, 4C = waiting, 4D = void, 4M = cue S-D: 4D= C short, rest H short - 4H = void, 4S/5C = cue, 4N = honors both rd suits H-C: 3N= S short, rest D short - 4C = waiting, 4D = void, 4M = cue, 4N = honors both ptd suits H-D: 4D= C short, rest S short - 4H/5C = cue, 4S = void, 4N = honors both black suits 3H = 5H-5S (3S = forcing, 4m cue for H) 3m = 6+ suit, NF (op must raise with doubleton) 3H = pree 3S = 6+ good S, invit 2S Responses: 2N = invit+ relay 3m = nat 3S NF 4m invit cheap side suit = S slamtry, other side suit = m slamtry step 1 = lo short, else = descriptive cue with high short 3C = p/c for minor 3D/H = 6+ suit, NF but pd must raise with doubleton 3S = pree Handling Interference: (X) XX = head-hunting 2N = asks 2nd suit NS = nat, to play raise = pree (NS) X = p/c at 2-level, pen at 3-level 2N = asks 2nd suit raise = to play NS = p/c **************** 3N Opening **************** 3N Responses: 4C = p/c for minor 4D = asking bid 4M = shortness 4N = 7222 4C = solid C, sing. D 4D = solid D, sing. C 4M = ? 5C = p/c **************** 4m Openings **************** 4C Responses: 4D = slammish relay 4H = 7H (4S asks shortness [4N=S]) 4N = 9H 4S/5m = 8H, shortness 4H = to play 4D Responses: 4H = slammish relay 4S = 7S (4N asks shortness) 4N = 9S 5D/H/S = 8S, shortness 4S = to play ************** Other Notes: ************** Passed Hand modifications 2-way checkback: 2D instead is natural (5 cards if new suit) and invite, 2C is D signoff or some other invite, 3C nat invite Drury: 1H- 1N = wide-range 2C = Drury 2H = sub-minimum 2D = asking 2H = nothing special 2S = 3 crd supp, any splinter (2N asks), some extras 2N = 4 trumps bal, some extras 3C = 3 crd supp, bal, maximum 2S = 6H-4S 2N = 17, 5332 3m = 5-5 4H = to play 2H = raise 2S = any splinter, 10 HCP, 4+H (2N asks which) 2N/3m = FSJ in S/m 1S- 1N = wide-range 2C = Drury, or 10 HCP with exactly 4H 2D = full opening 2H = 4H, no S fit, NF 2S = spade limit, nothing special 2N = any 3-crd supp. splinter, some extras (3C asks which) 3C = 4S bal, some extras 3D = 3-crd supp, bal, max 2H = sub-minimum, 4+H 2S = sub-minimum, denies H 2N+ = nat GF 2N = 4S, any splinter, 10 HCP (3C asks which) JS = FSJ, 10 HCP ************************************** 2/1 Style Responder can raise opener via direct raises/splinters, or via forcing 2N. 1S 2C 2D 2S = extras 3S = minimum, 3-crd S support, but picture, no side controls 4S = minimum, 4225 picture, no side controls 1S 2C 2S 2N....raise = 15+ fit 3S = raise, some extras 4S = bare minimum raise 1S 2C 2H 2N...3H = 15+ fit 3H = raise, some extras 4H = bare minimum raise ************************************** Slam Bidding Theory When partner sets a suit for slam, your hand can be one of four general strengths: 1. Sub-minimum, or minimum with no fitting cards. 2. Minimum with fitting cards, or extras without fitting cards. 3. Extras with fitting cards, or super-max but can't force to slam yet, perhaps missing a key control. 4. Slam-forcing. With 1, refuse to cue-bid if invited to. With 2, cue-bid in cooperation but let it go at game if partner suggests. With 3, cue-bid, and then cue-bid further after a sign-off. With 4, proceed immediately to RKC, or cue-bid with the plan to RKC later no matter what. ************************************** Cue-bids Cue-bid 1st or 2nd round control up the line. However, if the first chance to cue-bid is at the 5-level, it should be 1st round. After a splinter that leaves only one step below game, that relay is Last Train, as an artificial slamtry. Often after 3-level agreement, a hand that is 5-4+ cue-bids first shortness. ************************************** RKC 1430 14, 30, 2 with Q, 2 without Q. For the majors, 4N is RKC 1430. After a 14 or 30 response, the cheapest non-trump relay asks for the Queen. step 1 = no Queen step 2 = Queen, but no side Kings NS above step 2 = Queen + cheapest King (or Queen if previous bidding denied the King) 5N (over 5D ask) = Queen + King (or Queen) in other major 6 of trumps = Queen + lots of extras unshowable otherwise After any response, 5N is a grand slam try, asks to cue cheapest King (or Queen if denied earlier) After any response, a non-Queen-ask side suit asks for King in that suit, or 3rd rd control if ctrl denied earlier If asking for 3rd rd control, step reponses are 1st step = no Queen or doubleton 2nd step = doubleton 3rd step = Queen 4th step = Queen + Jack (if available at 6N or below) After cue-bids that bypass 4N, 5N becomes available as RKC 1430. Redwood: If clubs are agreed, 4D is RKC 1430. If diamonds, then 4H is RKC 1430. If cue-bidding takes the partnership past normal Redwood, then 5D or 5H become Redwood. Minorwood: If someone jumps to 3m and then rebids 4m, or bids a m and then jumps to 4m, then 4m is RKC 1430 for that suit. e.g. 1H-3D-3H-4D, or 1S-2C-2N-4C. Voidwood: A jump to the level above game is Voidwood 1430, asking for keycards outside of the jumped suit. Negative Blackwood: opposite known negative hand RKC is 0, 1 no Q, 1 with Q (and so nothing else). e.g. 1C-1D-2D- and responder shows a major subsequently. Interference in RKC: Vs. (X) of 4N Pass = 1st step XX = 2nd step 5C = 3rd step, etc... Vs. (bid) over 4N Pass = 1st step XX = 2nd step step 1 = 3rd step, etc... ********************************* Support Doubles Opener can make a support double (even 1C-(P)-1M-(2D); X = support), or cue to GF without 3-crd support. With a penalty double, responder can reopen with a takeout double. ********************************** Vs. Enemy weak 2 opening (2H) X = takeout (play your favorite Lebensohl) 2N = 15-18(-) 3H = either asking for a stopper, or 5C-5oM 3S = invit. 4C = 5-5 minors, avg. opening strength 4D = 5D-5oM, avg 4N = 5-5 minors, strong Same Leb over (1M)-X-(2M).