Gabrial-Ui: Gabungan Bridge Alumni Universitas Indonesia
Gabrial-Ui: Gabungan Bridge Alumni Universitas Indonesia
Gabrial-Ui: Gabungan Bridge Alumni Universitas Indonesia
Indonesia
GABRIALUI
Jl. H. Junaedi, No.7, Cipete Selatan, Jakarta 12420, Telp. +62 751 4973, Facs. +62 7854 9074
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= POLISH CLUB =
The Polish Club is amenable to many styles after the natural 1D, 1H and 1S openings, and continuations
after 1C-1M,1NT and 1C-1H,1S. This discussion presents one approach. It is the companion to my
discussion of the Polish 1C, 2C and 1NT, 2NT and 1C-1D-xNT auctions. Note that an asterisk, "*",
indicates an advanced systemic bid that I consider to be optional. The remainder of this report is divided
into these sections:
Tempo
1NT response to a major
Checkback 2C
After a 1D opening
After a 1H or 1S opening
Tempo Style
Here is an overview of our particular tempo establishment approach. You will find a few modifications to
typical 2/1 practice which are designed to accomodate a slightly wider range 1NT rebid range (12-15) and
make the structure more uniform and easier (for me anyway) to remember.
Responses
The general responding style is 2/1 game forcing (except 1D-2C.)
The 2/1 response to a major suit opening (by an unpassed hand) is forcing to game. Following the
2/1, opener's first rebid is used to discribe his shape; reverses and new suits bid at the three level
promise no extra strength. Opener's 3NT rebid after a 2/1 response suggests a minimum 5332 hand
(doubleton in partner's suit) with stoppers in the unbid suits. 2NT suggests either more strength
(14+) or different shape, or possibly three card support for responder's minor.
The 2C response to 1D is not game forcing. It shows 11+ points and denies a four card major, thus
disambiguating subsequent major suit bids which always show stoppers. Responder may pass
opener's 2D rebid, otherwise the auction is forcing to 2NT.
The 3C response to 1D shows a strong club hand with no other suit (except possibly diamond
support.)
The 1NT response to a major suit opening by an unpassed hand is semi-forcing and is used on all
hands which have insufficient strength to show a new suit at the two level and cannot respond 1S
or raise opener's suit. 11-12 point hands with three card support that are willing to play in 1NT
opposite a minimum may also start with 1NT; a three card limit raise is available for other
supporting hands in this range. Opener's problem hand after 1H-1NT is the 4522 hand. If opener is
minimum 1NT can be passed. With 14+ points opener rebids 2C. See the 1NT Response discussion
below.
Opener's Rebids
Opener's jump rebid in his (red) suit after a major suit response shows the usual 16-18 and a six
card suit, but also promises three card support for responder's major. With that hand but 0-2 card
support opener rebids 2NT.
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GABRIALUI
Jl. H. Junaedi, No.7, Cipete Selatan, Jakarta 12420, Telp. +62 751 4973, Facs. +62 7854 9074
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Opener's reverses after 1D and 1H openings, while strong, are limited to a quite narrow range,
about 16-18 points, and therefore can be reasonably played as non-forcing when responder is weak
and prefers the second suit. With more than seven points, or lacking a fit for opener's second suit,
responder rebids:
o a 5+ card suit with less than 10 points. This is forcing for one round, but responder is free
to pass any rebid opener makes.
o 2NT, again forcing, but with less than 10 points and often with support for opener's first
suit. Note that responder doesn't go directly to opener's first suit because that shows a better
hand.
o Any other rebid, including preference for opener's first suit, suggests a stronger (11+ point)
hand and is forcing to game.
An alternative structure for rebidding after opener reverses is discussed later in this paper.
Responder's Rebids
If opener rebids at the one level (1S or 1NT) then responder follows these guidelines for selecting his rebid:
A checkback 2C rebid is used by responder after 1x-1major,1NT and 1minor-1H,1S with all
invitational strength hands, plus those game going hands that want clarification of opener's support
or have an unstopped suit.
Responder's weak rebids, when checkback is available, include 2D (even 1C-1H,1S-2D), 2H, 2S
(if not a reverse), and 2NT which is a puppet to 3C.
Responder's natural strong rebids in these auctions are 2S (only if a reverse), 3C, 3D, 3H and 3S,
even when these bids support one of opener's suits, e.g. 1D-1H,1S-3D or 3S. To raise
invitationally, responder must start with checkback. When these jumps are in a new suit they show
equal or greater length in the first suit, usually five but possibly four if 4144, singleton in opener's
suit.
Responder's 2NT rebid, again only when checkback is available, is used to show long weak clubs,
or a strong hands with a longer clubs or (only after a 1C opening) diamonds. See the Checkback
discussion below for details.
On the other hand, if opener rebids at the two level (without reversing) responder is more constrained. In
these cases our auctions proceed along fairly traditional 2/1 lines:
A bid in the fourth suit is an artificial game force.
Simple suit rebids (including the raise of opener's second suit) show no more than 10 points.
Jump rebids below game are invitational.
The 1NT Response Auctions
The 1NT response to a major by an unpassed hand is semi-forcing and shows 5-12 points. It can be the first
move on a balanced 11-12 point three card balanced raise when 1NT may be preferred to three of a major.
Opener may pass a balanced 12-13 point opening, and rebids naturally otherwise, avoiding a rebid in his
original suit with fewer than six cards. Opener may have to rebid a three card minor, or rarely 2C after 1H1NT when holding exactly 4522. After opener's rebid responder can finish describing his hand:
pass, happy with opener's rebid
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GABRIALUI
Jl. H. Junaedi, No.7, Cipete Selatan, Jakarta 12420, Telp. +62 751 4973, Facs. +62 7854 9074
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return to opener's first suit, usually shows two card support but may be three and a very weak hand,
5-6 points.
a new suit below opener's major (e.g. 1S-1NT,2C-2D) shows a long suit and no more than 10
points.
2NT is natural showing 11-12 points.
a jump in a new suit or a new suit at the three level after opener has rebid his major is invitational
(11-12) and shows a long suit.
a new suit at the three level after opener has rebid a new suit (e.g. 1S-1NT,2D-3C) is a long suit and
6-10; with more strength prefer 2NT.
three of opener's major is a balanced three card limit raise.
2S after 1H-1NT,2H (can't possibly be natural) shows 11-12 points and two card support for hearts.
Similarly after 1H-1NT,3H 3S shows two card support and 3NT shows a singleton or void.
2S after 1H-1NT,2minor shows 11-12 points and good support for opener's minor, giving him a
choice of contracts. Likewise after 1H-1NT,3minor.
Checkback 2C
Although the Polish Club can accomodate a variety of methods after 1x-1y,1NT (except 1C-1D,1NT) and
1minor-1H,1S, the system does suggest some unusual methods to assist with the relatively wide (12-15)
1NT rebid range, allowing many marginal invitational hands to stay below 2NT. In these auctions a
checkback 2C rebid is the first move on all invitational hands, even after a 1C opening. The 2NT rebid is
freed up for a transfer to clubs. Here is the schedule of responder's rebids which applies after 1x1major,1NT and 1minor-1H,1S:
2D, 2H and 2S (not a reverse) are weak.
1NT (after 1m-1H,1S) to play.
3C, 3D, 3H and 3S are forcing and natural (as is 2S when a reverse, specifically 1m-1H,1NT-2S,
showing 45xx). These bids are used on a variety of unbalanced game going and slammy hands.
Note that many auctions that would sound invitational by standard practice are in fact forcing, e.g.
1D-1H,1NT-3D and 1D-1H,1S-3S and 1H-1S,1NT-3H. These forcing bids pave the way for low
level slam investigations. (The invitational equivalents of these auctions start with the 2C
checkback) In these auctions the second suit tends to be shorter than the first suit.
2NT shows either a weak hand with six clubs (and the four card major), or (only after a minor suit
opening) a strong hand with longer clubs, or (only after a 1C opening) a strong hand with longer
diamonds. Opener must rebid 3C (except 3D when strong after 1m-1H,1S) and responder passes
this with a weak hand. With the strong hands responder makes another move after opener's forced
3C rebid. Here are the possibilities:
o After a 1C opening responder needs this sequence for both club and diamond hands when
a four card major is shown first. (With a five card major just jump to three of the minor
after opener's rebid.) After the forced 3C responder rebids:
3D with long diamonds.
3H with long clubs.
o After a 1D opening 2NT always shows long clubs. After opener's forced 3C rebid
responder bids 3D to show the big club hand.
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Jl. H. Junaedi, No.7, Cipete Selatan, Jakarta 12420, Telp. +62 751 4973, Facs. +62 7854 9074
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After a 1H opening (necessarily 1H-1S,1NT-2NT,3C) responder will start with a 2/1 with
a longer minor so 2NT is only really needed for the weak club case (but could be pushed
into service for the big 4144 hand.)
3NT to play.
2C shows some invitational (or occasionally better) hand. This could be one of the following:
o Invitational (10-12) balanced hands (responder then rebids 2NT, e.g. 1D-1H,1NT-2C,2H2NT.)
o Invitational hands seeking a fit for responder's 5+ card major.
o Invitational hands with support for opener's suit.
o Invitational hands with a second suit, a typical auction: 1D-1H,1NT-2C,2D-3C with x QJxx
xx AQxxxx
o Game going hands that intend to play in 3NT (or higher) unless opener has three card
support.
o Some flawed notrump hands.
o
After the 2C checkback opener clarifies his support for responder's major, bidding 2D with two
cards (possibly fewer after 1minor-1H,1S) or returning to responder's major with three. Except
when the auction begins 1C-1H,1S we extend this rebid schedule to allow opener to further limit
the strength of his non-supporting hands. In all of these auctions the major that responder didn't bid
is largely meaningless and therefore available. (After 1H-1S,1NT,2C the meaningless rebid is 2H,
opener cannot have six.) If opener rebids that suit in response to the checkback 2C (e.g. 1D1H,1NT-2C,2S or 1D-1H,1NT,2C-2H) he is showing 14-15 points without support.
The advantage of this scheme is that it often allows responder to sign off at the two level when
holding 10-12 points and no fit. Consider this auction: 1D-1H,1NT-2C,2D. Opener has shown 1213 points and two hearts. Holding 10-11 points, responder can pass 2D or rebid 2H with five (or
six) or 2S asking opener to rebid 2NT; with 12 points responder can invite with 2NT or jump to 3H
with a six card suit. If opener had rebid 2S instead of 2D responder would rebid 2NT or 3H with
10-11 and a game with 12. After a 2D reply all of responder's suit rebids at the two level are
discouraging while 2NT and (most, see below) three of a suit bids are invitational. After a 2S reply
(14-15) all responder's rebids are invitational. Note that this technique operates fine after 1D1H,1S-2C because opener will unlikely want to rebid 2S naturally, but is not used after 1C-1H,1S2C because, in this case, opener may have a biggish hand with five spades and needs the 2S rebid to
show that. There are some additional rebids after 2C if the opening was 1C. Here is the complete
schedule of opener's possible rebids after 1C-1H,1S-2C:
o 2D shows minimum (12-15) values, only two cards in partner's suit.
o 2H shows minimum with three hearts.
o 2S shows a 19+ point hand with exactly five spades. (With six spades and 19+ points the
auction would have proceeded 1C-1H,2S.)
o 2NT shows some sort of 19+ hand that didn't want to rebid 2NT after partner's 1H
response, something like 4144, 4225, or 4252.
o 3C shows some 16-18 hand with four spades, five or more clubs and fewer than three
hearts. Forcing, since responder is promising 11+ by bidding 2C.
o 3D shows a 19+ hand with four spades and five diamonds and fewer than three hearts.
Obviously forcing.
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Jl. H. Junaedi, No.7, Cipete Selatan, Jakarta 12420, Telp. +62 751 4973, Facs. +62 7854 9074
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o
3H shows 16-18, three hearts, four spades and five card minor. (With a four card minor the
hand would be balanced and would therefore open 1NT. With a stronger hand and three
hearts opener should have rebid 2D instead of 1S.)
The 2C checkback can be used on a few game going hand types, specifically balanced and semibalanced hands with a five card major, and balanced hands with a vulnerable minor suit. The first
case simply uses 2C to check for a fit, then bids the appropriate game. The second case is dependent
on how the auction proceeds. Here are some examples of these types of responding hands:
o with KQxx Axxx KJx xx one might bid: 1D-1H,1NT-2C,2H-3S or 1D-1H,1NT-2C,2D-3S,
suggesting that the clubs are vulnerable and only four hearts are held. With five hearts jump
to 3S immediately after opener's 1NT.
o with KQxx Axxx xx KJx the auction could go: 1C-1H,1NT-2C,2H-3S or 1C-1H,1NT2C,2D-3S, again, suggesting that the clubs are vulnerable and only four hearts are held.
A final note, after 1D-1H,1S opener could be quite strong with long diamonds. In this case, after
responder's checkback 2C opener may show this by rebiding 3D. A typical hand might be AJxx x
AQJxxx Kx.
Opener Rebids Above 1NT
Checkback style auctions are not available when opener rebids above 1NT, e.g. 1H-1S,2C. In these (non2/1) cases a fourth suit forcing to game approach is recommended, thus, after 1H-1S,2C:
2D is artificial and forcing to game
2H is to play
2S is to play (nominally 6-10 and a six card suit)
2NT is invitational
3C is mildly invitational (about 8-11), protecting opener whose 2C rebid could be quite strong, up
to a bad 18
3D is to play, a six card suit and a weak hand
3H is invitational, three hearts and probably six spades
3S is inviational, a six card or longer suit
3NT is to play.
After a 1D Opening
Any structure can be adopted after the Polish 12-18 four card 1D opening. The following sections discuss
raises, dealing with minor two suiters, and the often confusing auctions that begin with 1D-2C.
Diamond Raises
Here is our raise structure after the 1D opening. Note that only four card support is sufficient. (Five for the
preemptive 3D.)
2D shows 6-10 and four card support.
2H is an 11-12 point limit raise.
2S is a 12-15 point forcing raise.
2NT is natural and non-forcing, showing an 11-12 point hand.
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GABRIALUI
Jl. H. Junaedi, No.7, Cipete Selatan, Jakarta 12420, Telp. +62 751 4973, Facs. +62 7854 9074
Em@ail: [email protected], Website: www.gabrial-ui.com, Mailing List: [email protected]
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Jl. H. Junaedi, No.7, Cipete Selatan, Jakarta 12420, Telp. +62 751 4973, Facs. +62 7854 9074
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1D-2C,2M
This nominally shows a stopper in a minimum hand with exactly four diamonds, but if opener rebids 3D,
e.g. 1D-2C,2H-3C,3D, opener is showing reversing values with a good four card major and suggesting it as
a possible denomination.
After opener's 2H or 2S rebid responder rebids 2NT, 3C or 3NT to play, 3D shows four diamonds and at
least game going strength, and 3H and 3S are advance cue bids showing the strong club hand -- opener
rebids 3NT with fewer than two clubs or soft values.
1D-2C,2N
Opener's 2NT rebid shows a balanced minimum with the majors stopped, or possibly 4441, or even 4450!
Responder can raise this to 3NT to play, or rebid a natural (and forcing) 3C or 3D. Responder advance cue
bids a major suit with strong clubs, and opener continues with 3NT declining interest.
1D-2C,3C
Opener's raise of responder's clubs is forcing, the auction must get to 3NT or 4C, but doesn't promise much
extra except four or more clubs. Responder rebids 3NT to play, or 3H or 3S, nominally a notrump try but
also with a slammy hand, which is shown by bidding again. (An exception being 1D-2C,3C-3H,3S-4C is to
play, the 3S bid showing only a partial stopper.) Responder's 3D rebid is always a slam try, and his 4C* can
reasonably be RKG.
Other 1D-2C Auctions
1D-2C,3D is forcing to game, and shows a long diamond suit and 16-18 points. Responder can rebid a
major suit stopper or 3NT, just as after 1D-2C,3C. After 1D-2C,3D-3M opener should rebid 4C with three
card support if bypassing 3NT.
1D-2C,3M is a splinter bid in support of clubs, forcing to game so must have a bit extra in high cards, or a
void.
1D-2C,3N is to play with a singleton or void in clubs. With a more balanced hand opener should rebid a
stopper first so that responder can better assess the club fit.
The Extended Lebensohl Option after the 1D-1S,2H Reverse
Little has been written about responder's continuations after opener has reversed. Extended Lebensohl
allows responder to express three strength ranges by giving some bids double duty. After 1D-1S,2H
responder rebids:
2S, forcing with at least five spades.
2NT to show either a weak hand with diamonds or hearts and game forcing strength. Responder
clarifies after opener rebids a forced 3C.
3C to show either a weak hand with hearts or a game force in diamonds. Opener must rebid 3D.
3D and 3H are natural and invitational.
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Jl. H. Junaedi, No.7, Cipete Selatan, Jakarta 12420, Telp. +62 751 4973, Facs. +62 7854 9074
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After the 1H and 1S Openings
A slightly modified Bergen/Cohen style raise structure is used in response to the major suit openings. The
following list describes these raises in order of increasing strength. Note that the 1NT response is a semiforce -- opener can pass with a balanced 12 or poor 13 count.
Double raise is preemptive with four, sometimes five, card support.
Triple raise shows a poor preemptive raise.
1NT (semi-forcing) then preference at the two level shows 7-10 and two card support. Avoid
1NT with less than 7 points, particularly after a 1S opening, so that opener doesn't get caught
playing 2NT with 16 opposite 6.
Single raise shows 7-10 and three card support, possibly four at unfavorable vulnerability or after
1S.
2S (after 1H) shows 7-10 and four card support. (No corresponding raise is available after 1S.)
4D shows a good preemptive raise, about 7-10 hcp with five trump.
1NT (semi-forcing) followed by a raise to the three level shows a balanced hand with three card
support and 11-12 points; willing to be passed in 1NT if opener is weak and balanced.
3C shows a three card 11-12 point raise that is unwilling to risk being passed out in 1NT.
3D shows a four card 11-12 point raise.
3 of the other major is an 'unspecified splinter' raise with a relay asking where the short suit is.
After 1H-3S,3NT, 4H shows a singleton spade.
3NT is a balanced, three card 13-15 point raise. Not forcing.
2/1 then game is a balanced, 13-15 point four card raise.
2NT shows a 16+ point four or more card raise.
4C is a balanced three card 16+ point raise.
1M-1NT,2NT shows a good hand with a six card suit and scattered strength. 1H-1S, 2NT denies three
spades and 1H-1S,3H promises three spades. This is just like after 1D-1M,2NT.
The Polish Club: Summary and 1C Auctions
This report describes only the unique features of the the Polish Club bidding system -- the auctions that
proceed from the nebulous 1C opening and, to a lesser extent, the club showing 2C opening. The system
mandates no unusual procedures for auctions that begin with the remaining constructive openings (1D, 1H,
1S and 1NT). Partnerships may use their favorite five card major style, noting that:
The 1D, 1H and 1S openings are limited to about 18 hcp.
The 1D opening promises four diamonds, but may conceal longer clubs, even when quite strong
(up to 18).
The 2C opening shows 12-15 points and six clubs, or five clubs and a four card major.
The various strength ranges for balanced hands are developed in the following fashion:
o 12-15 rebid 1NT after opening 1D, 1H or 1S, or after 1C-1major. After 1C-1D rebid one of
a major, even if only on three cards (rarely on two hearts if 3235.)
o 16-18 open 1NT (although a weak NT may be used, possibly only in third and fourth seat.).
o 19-21 open 1C and after a 1D response rebid 1NT; after 1C-1H or 1C-1S rebid 2NT
(forcing, could also be 24+, afterwhich rebid naturally); after 1C-1NT rebid 3NT.
o 22-23 open 2NT.
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o
24+ open 1C and after a 1D response jump to 2NT. After any other response find a
forcing rebid, usually 1S, 2C, 2D or 2NT.
Two companion papers discuss workable approachs to these suit and notrump openings. The remainder of
this report is divided into these sections:
1C Opening
Constructive responses
o Balanced
o With a major
o With clubs
o With diamonds
The 1D response
o Opener's rebids
Interference after 1C
The 1D opening - special considerations
The 2C opening
Alternative treatments - weak notrump
Oddball sequences
Learning a new system is often a struggle for a while. I have marked the inessential bids with an asterisk (*)
to help the reader initially focus on the important sequences. Two excellent writeups on related systems can
be found at http://ace.alleg.edu/~varvel/auc.html and http://www.novasoft.com/~binkley/bridge/chicagoclub.html.
The 1C Opening
The Polish Club system opens 1C on all hands of 19+ points (except the 22-23 point balanced hands which
are opened 2NT) and weaker hands (12-18 hcp) unsuited for any other opening bid. There are three of these
weaker types:
1. 12-15 hcp, balanced, with no five card major and fewer than four diamonds. Opener may have 5
clubs (e.g. 2335), but in this case will not have a four card major. (The 2C opening describes the 1215 point x4x5 and 4xx5 hands, along with one suited hands with six or more clubs.) Opener may
have as few as two clubs (specifically 4432) when less than 19 points, but generally has three or
more. Note that hands in this range with four diamonds (and possibly longer clubs) prefer the 1D
opening.
2. 12-18 hcp and specifically 4414 (short diamonds).
3. 16-18 hcp and either six or more clubs, or five clubs and a four card major.
After a forward going response opener can generally clarify the situation on his next bid: jumps and
reverses show the big (19+ point) hand types, a minimum club rebid shows the 16+ club hand, a minimum
diamond rebid is always artificial and strong. Other rebids are natural. The rebid structure after a 1D
response (usually showing 0-6 points) is necessarily more constrained.
Constructive Responses and Continuations to 1C
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The 1D response to 1C is artificial and usually shows a weak hand (0-6 hcp or 7 without a five card major)
but is also used on some stronger hands that lack a major. The auctions that begin 1C-1D make more sense
once the remaining (constructive) responses are understood so they will explored first.
Responding with Balanced Hands Lacking a Major
Most 1C openings are balanced minimums, 12-15 points. Catering to this the system uses a ladder of NT
responses that deny a four card major and suggest notrump possibilities. When opener isn't balanced his
hand types fall into just a few rather specific categories which his rebid can describe quite clearly. This
makes the space consuming 2NT and 3NT responses much more playable than they are in standard systems.
Here is the schedule of balanced hand responses:
1NT: 7-10 hcp.
2NT: 11-12.
3NT: 13-15.
*3H/S: 13-15, asks for a stopper in bid suit, something like xx KJx AQxx KJxx. Should have three
of other major.
*1D: With 16+ hcp and after the expected 1H or 1S rebid, jump to 2NT. (Opener rebids 3C with
five clubs, 3NT with two or three and his shortest suit with four, to facilitate a club slam search.)
After a 1NT response opener passes all weak balanced and three suited hands, raises to 3NT with the 19-21
point balanced hand, or 2NT or 3NT with an otherwise suitable 16+ club hand. Opener's minimum club
rebid shows some sort of strongish club hand with reservations about notrump. 3NT after 1C-2NT is to
play. Other rebids (xD, xH and xS) after both 1NT and 2NT responses show 19+ points. Here is the
schedule of opener's strong rebids after 1C-xNT:
Minimum club rebid shows 16+ and clubs, one round force. Responder rebids a stopper or notrump.
Minimum diamond rebid shows 19+, minor suit interest, and requests shape clarification:
o xH shows five clubs.
o xS shows five diamonds.
o xNT denies a five card minor, must be at least xx34 because responder has denied holding a
four card major.
o *jump to 3C or 3D after 1C-1NT shows a six card suit.
o *jump to 3H or 3S after 1C-1NT shows a seven card club or diamond suit respectively.
Alternatively could be used to show the weaker range (7-8) with a five card suit.
o *Jump to 3NT after 2D optionally shows 7-8 with no five card minor.
Minimum major suit rebid shows 19+ and a 5+ card suit.
*After 1C-1NT, 3 of a suit shows 19+, sets the trump suit and ask responder to cue bid cheapest
control.
*After 1C-1NT and 1C-2NT, 4D and 4H are Roman Keycard Kickback in clubs and diamonds
respectively.
*After 1C-3NT, 4C and 4D ask that responder cue bid with three card support or better, otherwise
bid 4NT.
Responding to 1C With a (four or more card) Major Suit
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The 1H and 1S responses to 1C show four or more cards in the bid suit and 7 or more points, possibly as
few as six points with a suit of five or more cards. These responses may be made with a longer minor, the
ambiguity is sorted out in subsequent rounds if need be.
After 1C-1major opener has a variety of ways to show stronger hands while largely retaining the natural
(and limited) meaning of his raises and minimum rebids. Opener's 1S and 2C rebids are forcing and are
used on a variety of otherwise awkward hands in addition to their natural uses. Here is the general plan for
opener's rebids after 1C-1major:
After a 1H response, 1S (forcing) shows, if less than 19 points, exactly four spades and fewer than
four hearts. In the 19+ point case opener's spades could be longer. This case is revealed when
opener rebids the suit, thus: 1C-1H,1S-any,2S. Note that with 19+ points and four spades (and
fewer than three hearts) a 1S rebid is always preferred except when holding five or more clubs (in
which case opener rebids 2C.) Responder sorts this out using the Checkback convention.
Opener must rebid 1NT after a 1H or 1S response, not 2C, even when holding the 12-15 2335 type
1C opener, because...
2C (forcing) depicts 16-18 and clubs (with fewer than four spades after 1C-1H) or 19+ points and a
variety of hands that include clubs, including 2254 or (after 1S) 1444 or 4225 (after 1H). After 1C1major,2C responder's only forcing rebids are jumps, 2D (artificial) and the reverse into 2S. If
responder doesn't force opener can continue without forcing by rebidding 2NT, 3C or raising one of
responder's suits. 1C-1M,2C-2D is artificial, much like 2D after the 2C opening. It is forcing (and
promises a rebid) but possibly of only invitational strength; opener and responder rebid naturally.
Note that after 1C-1H opener rebids 1S with 16-18 points and 4xx5 in order to anticipate problems
that responder may have when holding both majors. Thus 1C-1S,2C-2D,2H may reflect as few as
16 points, but 1C-1H,2C-2D,2S will always be 19+ because with less opener would have rebid 1S
after 1C-1H.
2D shows at least 19+ points, three card support for responder's major and asks for more
information. A variety of reply schemes are possible at this point, but a simple and natural one can
be quite effective:
o two of the original suit with five or more and a good hand (10+ hcp), sets the trump suit.
o three of the original suit with five or more and a weak hand (6-9 hcp), sets the trump suit.
o 2NT with only a four card suit but good hand. No trump agreement is implied until opener
rebids the suit.
o a new suit with only four cards in the first suit and a weak hand. Again, no trump
agreement is implied.
2S (after 1H) shows 19+ and 6+ spades. Game force. (Rarely necessary, candidate for alternate use,
such as 22+ 3154.)
2H (after 1S) shows 19+ and 5+ hearts (of any quality). Game force.
2NT shows 19-21 or 24+ balanced and little support for responder. Game force, natural
continuations.
3C shows 19+ and a very good six card or longer suit. Forcing
3D shows 19+ and diamonds with no four card side suit (see 3H and 3NT below). Suit quality less
strict than 3C because 2D rebid to show diamonds isn't available.
*3H (after 1S) shows 19-21 and specifically 1453. This is one distribution that is particularly
difficult to develop after 1C-1S given that the auction 1C-1S,2D is reserved for a strong supporting
hand, and 1C-1S,3D must deny another four card suit in order to be manageable. The system uses
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this artificial 3H rebid to compensate for the loss of a natural 2D bid. Note that a similar kludge
isn't needed with 4153 after 1C-1H because opener can rebid 1S which is forcing.
*3NT shows 19-21 and 1354 or 3154 -- singleton in partner's suit. Similar to the 3H bid above, this
again compensates for the loss of the natural 2D rebid.
*4C shows 17-18, four card support and a near solid six card club suit.
double jump shifts are splinter raises of responder's major (as per standard practice).
*Edward Sheldon suggested that the 2H and 2S responses to 1C could be pressed into effective service to
show a five card suit, 7-10 points and four clubs. This bid makes it more difficult for the opponents to enter
the auction and keeps you from missing your club fit (which is certain to exist when opener doesn't have
support for responder's major, the worst case being 4234.)
Responder to 1C has Clubs
The responding structure for hands that are dominated by a club suit is based on the presumption that
opener will generally have the balanced 12-15 point 1C hand. The various possibilities for responder
include:
With a good club suit and little else, something like xxx xx Jx AQ10xxx, 3C may steer you into
3NT and will preempt the opponents. A new suit by partner at this point suggests the big opening
and is forcing.
With a worse suit and 7-10 hcp the choice is between a speculative 1NT, and 1D, expecting to
rebid 2C on the next round (although a slight underbid opener's expected 12-15 points makes it
unlikely that you will miss a game.)
With a powerful club suit, 13+ points and slam interest, start with 1D and on the next round jump
to
o 3C, or
o *3H or 3S, an unbid major suit singleton (e.g. 1C-1D,1S-3H on Kxx x QJx AKJxxx.)
With 10+ hcp, 5+ clubs and notrump interest, bid 2C, forcing to 2NT or 3C. After 1C-2C opener
rebids:
o 2D showing one of these hand types:
a good hand in the 12-15 range. After hearing about responder's stoppers opener
can sign off in 2NT or 3C if game looks doubtful.
a variety of 19+ point hands that lack club interest. Opener rebids 3D, 3H or 3S on
the next round to complete the picture.
o
o
o
After opener's 2D responder shows a major suit stopper, rebids a (forcing and) natural 2NT
with both majors, or, if lacking heart and spade stoppers, rebids 3C or 3D. Note that
responder never rebids 3NT. This ensures that if opener has a 19+ point hand it can be
described economically.
2H/S showing a stopper on a poor hand in the 12-15 range, responder rebids naturally.
Note, do not use the 2H/2S rebid with a a 19+ hand and that suit; you wouldn't want to be
exploring at the four level after responder rebids 3NT.
2NT invitational, 12-13 points.
3C with 13+ and good clubs, forcing one round, may have slam interest.
*3D/H/S splinter bid in a 16+ point club hand. Sets clubs as the trump suit.
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o
o
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2.
3.
4.
5.
there is rarely sufficient strength for game so little harm is done. In the case where opener's major
suit rebid actually was strong, you will get another chance to clarify your strength.
10-12 point hands with 6+ diamonds. After opener's minimum rebid jump to 3D. (Could also be 1012 and xx54 after 1C-1D,1S, see case 3 below.)
10-12 point hands with 5+ diamonds and 4+ clubs (unsuitable for 2NT, not strong enough for 2D)
rebid 2S over opener's 1H (1C-1D,1H-2S), or 3D over 1S (1C-1D,1S-3D).
13+ point hands with a powerful 6+ card club suit and slam interest that would be difficult to
express after 1C-2C. After opener's expected 1H or 1S rebid, continue with:
o 1C-1D,1M-3C, or
o *3H or 3S, a singleton or void suit.
16+ point balanced hands lacking a four card major or five card minor, jump to 2NT after opener's
1H/1S rebid.
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4. a balanced hand (which may contain a five card major):
o 1NT with 19-21 points. Afterwhich any rational notrump structure will work fine, such as
the one described in the companion paper.
o 2NT with 24-25 points, use the same basic responding structure.
Hands that want to force game regardless of responder's holding use the 2D rebid after 1C-1D to show
much the same as a standard 2C opener -- nine or more tricks or, if balanced, 26+ points. It requires that
game be reached or that the opponents be doubled if they enter into the auction. A natural rebid structure
can be used but there are better alternatives. Here are two of them.
Bidding 'one under' responder's natural rebid often saves space and puts the declaration in the strong hand..
The whole scheme after 1C-1D,2D looks like this:
2H 4+ points, only 'positive' rebid after a 1D response. If opener rebids 2NT (since opener didn't
rebid 2NT this must be a really big hand, or a balanced hand with a notrump flaw, a small
doubleton) then responder can use the agreed upon notrump system.
2S 0-3 balanced points; if opener rebids 2NT then the notrump system is on.
2NT 0-3 points and a club suit.
3C 0-3 points and a diamond suit.
3D 0-3 points and a heart suit.
3H 0-3 points and a spade suit.
*3S 0-3 points and 5-5 in the minors.
*3NT 0-3 points and 5-5 in the majors.
Note that opener is under no obligation to accept a transfer response. Acceptance in a suit constitutes trump
agreement whereas in notrump initiates the agreed upon notrump search structure.
Here is a simpler alternative approach that, after 1C-1D,2D, melds better with the constraints that the 1D
response has already imposed on responder's hand:
2H shows 0-3 points.
2S shows 4-6 points.
2NT shows 7+ points and 5-4 or better in the minors. (The hand that is to scared to respond 1NT.)
3C shows 7-9 and 5+ clubs. (The hand that is too weak to respond 2C.)
3D shows 7-12 and 5+ diamonds. (The hand that is too weak to respond 2D.)
3H and 3S show 0-3 points and a 6+ card suit.
3NT shows the 16+ point balanced hand (should it ever come up.)
After these rebids the auction proceeds naturally.
Interference after 1C
When the 1C opening is doubled (for takeout or to show clubs) responder operates as if the opening was
natural. Should the auction proceed 1C-X-p-p opener's redouble asks responder to bid something. Here is
the the rest of the structure after 1C-X:
Pass with 0-6 points, to maybe 10 without a major.
1D is natural, showing diamonds and 6+ points.
1H/S are the same as without the double (forcing).
2C shows clubs and 6-10 points.
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After a (usually natural) overcall your usual freebid approach can be used, i.e. negative doubles,
constructive or non-forcing freebids, natural NT bids. It is recommended that a cue bid of the overcalled
suit be used to show a good hand with clubs. You will want to discuss whether competitive jump shifts are
to be weak (complements forcing freebids) or strong (if the freebid in that suit would be non-forcing.)
The 1D Opening
General, auctions after the 1D opening operate along standard lines. The only unusual area concerns the
case when opener has four diamonds and longer clubs, and a good hand. (With a weak hand treat the clubs
and diamonds as if they were equal length.) Here is the recommended rebid structure after 1D-1S with the
various strong (16-18) hands:
2H and 2S are the standard x45x and 4x5x reverses.
2NT shows a six card diamond suit and 0-2 cards in partner's suit.
3C shows exactly five clubs and 4-5 diamonds.
3D shows six diamonds and exactly three card support for responder's major.
2C is ambiguous, showing four clubs and 12-18 points. Responder must take into account that
opener could be quite strong (this is not that different from standard practice.)
Alternative Treatments
Many alternative treatments can be incorporated into the Polish Club system. Here is a popular one.
Weak 1NT Opening
It is possible to play a weak (12-15 point) 1NT within the system. It is recommended that these openings do
not have a four card spade suit which is unlikely to get lost in a competitive auction after a 1C opening
anyway. The adjustments to the system are are:
1C shows either 12-15 balanced with four spades or 16-18 balanced and fewer than four diamonds,
or, as before, 4414 or 19+ points.
1D shows either 12-15 unbalanced or balanced with four spades, or any suitable 16-18.
1NT shows 12-15 balanced with 2-3 spades.
An excellent writeup of a Polish-like system with weak 1NT openings can be found at
http://ace.alleg.edu/~varvel/auc.html.
Review of Oddball Sequences
1C-1D, 2D
This bid creates a game forcing auction and is used on hands that, in traditional methods, would open 2C.
Responder's only strong rebid at this point is 2H, which shows 4-7 points, any distribution. All of the
remaining responses show 0-3 points and transfer to the next higher bid (2S->2NT). 3S shows 5-5 in the
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minors, 0-3, and 3NT shows 5-5 in the majors, 0-3. The subsequent auction is natural except after opener's
2NT rebid (1C-1D,2D-2H,2N and 1C-1D,2D-2S,2N) the notrump system is on .
1C-1H/S, 2C
In this sequence opener will always have at least 16 points and usually six clubs, but could have an
otherwise awkward hand with shortness in partner's suit or various minor two and three suiters. Responder's
jump shift rebids are forcing, non-jump rebids are not, except 2D is artificial and of at least invitational
strength to which opener rebids naturally.
1C-1H/S, 2D
This bid shows 19+ points and support for responder's major, at least three, and asks responder to clarify his
hand. Responder's rebids are oriented toward disclosing strength and discovering if a real (8+ card) fit is
present. With only a four card suit and a minimum hand (6-9) responder rebids a second suit, or, with 4333,
3NT. With a four card suit and 10 or more points responder rebids 2NT. With five or more cards responder
rebids his suit at the two level on a good hand and at the three level on a weak hand. When responder's suit
has been rebid, either by responder, or opener, a fit has been confirmed and the auction proceeds with cue
bids and/or some form of Blackwood.
1C-1NT, 2D and 1C-2NT, 3D
These diamond rebids show minor suit interest, 19+ points (after 1NT) and request shape clarification.
Responder necessarily has at least seven cards in the minors (3-3 at most in the majors). He rebids
minimum NT to show no five card minor and a major to show five in the corresponding minor (hearts show
clubs, spades show diamonds). After 1C-1NT, 2D responder may have a six or seven card minor. This can
be shown with three level rebids, 3C and 3D showing six and 3H and 3S showing seven.
1C-2C
This shows 10+ points and at least five clubs. Opener's rebids are nominally notrump oriented with 2D used
on balanced hands which would accept an invitation and 2H/S used to start weaker hands. The 2D rebid is
also used as the first move on 19+ point hands.
1C-1D On More Than 5-6 Points
There are five cases where a 1D response is made holding more than six points. These are hands that
couldn't easily be bid with an available positive response. These hands are distinguished from their weak
brothers by responder's unusual rebid. The problem hand types are:
1. 7-10 point hands with shortness in one or both majors. After opener's minimum rebid show a long
minor.
2. 10-12 point hands with 6+ diamonds. After opener's minimum rebid jump to 3D.
3. 10-12 point hands with 5+ diamonds and 4+ clubs. Rebid 2S over opener's 1H; 3D over 1S.
4. 13+ point hands with a powerful 6+ card club suit. Jump rebid to 3C or 3H/D/S: a singleton or void.
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5. 16+ point hands without a four card major or five card minor. Jump to 2NT after opener's 1H/1S
rebid.
1C-1S, 3H and 1C-1M, 3NT
These unusual jumps show various unbalanced 19-21 point hands containing five diamonds and shortness
in responder's suit. The 3H rebid shows four hearts, thus 1453; the 3NT rebid shows four clubs, thus 1354
or 3154. The remaining distribution with five diamonds, 4153, presents no problem as opener can simply
rebid 1S (forcing) aftger 1C-1H.
Polish 2C Auctions
The Polish Club 2C opening shows 12-15 points and six or more clubs or five clubs, a four card major.
(Balanced hands in this range with five clubs, i.e. 2335, 3235 and 3325, are opened 1C.) The 2C opening
generally promises fewer than four diamonds, but with a concentrated xx46 or xx47 2C will often be a
better tactical call. The 2C opening is much like the Precision 2C opening and the Precision responding
structure can be used, however, a broader range of hands can be accomodated with a transfer based
approach. Here is an outline of our transfer response structure to 2C. (The subsequent development of the
auction is detailed in the following sections.)
2D shows either five or more hearts or exactly four spades. Strength should be invitational or better
(8+ hcp) but may be shaded with long hearts or club fit. 44xx hands of invitational strength are also
developed with 2D.
2H shows five or more spades and invitational or better strength. Responder may also have heart
length.
2S shows exactly four hearts and is of invitational or better strength. 44xx hands of game going
strength also begin with 2S.
2NT is natural and invitational.
3C and 4C are weak raises.
3D is a game going hand with good diamonds (usually six or more.) Opener rebids a major suit
stopper, 3NT with both, or 4C or 4D with neither.
3H and 3S show strong supporting hands with either notrump or slam interest. Opener should
initially assume that the responder's bid shows a stopper. If responder later bids above 3NT he is
indicating slam interest.
3NT is to play.
4D is RKC kickback in clubs.
This system is OFF when the opponents overcall or double the 2C opening. Negative doubles / freebids can
be used in a fashion consistent with the rest of your methods. The auction development after the 2D, 2H and
2S responses is explored in the following sections.
The Transfer Responses
The transfer auctions operate somewhat differently after a 2C opening than they do after 1NT. This is
mostly because opener is not assured of having any support for responder's suit. To make up for the
possibility of a misfit responder must hold a decent hand or, lacking that, a very long suit to use these
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responses. This allows opener some freedom in choosing a descriptive rebid while retaining a margin of
safety. The rebid scheme accomodates these constraints and is discribed in separate sections for each
transfer below. One hint for learning the system - responder's 3D rebid is always an artificial force,
depicting a hand that would otherwise be difficult to develop. Specific interpretations of 3D can usually be
worked out by a process of elimination.
The 2C - 2D Auction
2D shows long hearts or exactly four spades and at least some game interest. 2D is also used on invitational
strength hands which are 4-4 in the majors. Here is the schedule of opener's rebids and a discussion of the
subsequent development of the auction.
2H shows tolerance for hearts, i.e. two or more hearts, three or more with a maximum opening.
Responder now chooses from these common options (you are on your own with the bids that are
not described here):
o pass with a long suit and no game interest.
o 2S when the intent was to show exactly four spades. Forcing. With 44xx and invitational
strength responder can later rebid 3H. With game going 44xx responder should begin with
2S instead of 2D.
o 2NT with five hearts and invitational strength. (This is akin to invitational transfer
sequences after a 1NT opening.)
o 3C with a marginally invitational hand containing five hearts and three or more clubs that is
unsuited for notrump.
o 3D is ambiguous and forcing. Opener should initially assume that it shows a stopper and
doubts about spades. Subsequent action would suggest it was a cue bid with slam interest in
hearts.
o 3H shows six or more hearts and is invitational.
o 3S is ambiguous and forcing. Opener should initially assume that it shows a stopper and
doubts about diamonds. Subsequent action would suggest it was a cue bid with slam
interest in hearts.
o 3NT is to play, with five hearts.
o 4C gives opener a choice of round suit games, likely with five hearts and at least four clubs.
o 4H is to play.
o 4S can reasonably be used as Roman Kickback in hearts.
2S denies heart tolerance (singleton or two with a maximum) and shows four spades. Forcing.
Responder rebids:
o 2NT with five hearts but no spade fit. Opener can pass, press on to 3NT, or try 3C with a
notrump averse hand.
o 3C with five hearts and club support, unsuited for notrump. Not forcing.
o 3D shows a heart stack and is forcing to game.
o 3H shows a heart stack and is not forcing.
o 3S shows an invitational strength hand with four spades.
o 3NT is to play.
o 4S is to play.
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2NT shows a maximum hand with six or more clubs (remember, with only five clubs opener will
have one of the majors, and therefore will be able to rebid either 2H or 2S) and denies heart
tolerance as well as four spades.
3C shows a minimum hand with six or more clubs and denies heart tolerance as well as four spades.
The 2C - 2H Auction
The 2H response to 2C depicts hands with five or more spades and invitational or better strength.
Responder could also have four or five hearts. Here is an outline of opener's rebid choices:
2S shows spade tolerance, three spades if a maximum opener, two otherwise. Responder's rebids
are pretty natural:
o pass with a long suit and no game interest.
o 2NT shows five spades and about 11-12 points. Not forcing.
o 3C shows club support, five spades and about 8 to 10 points.
o 3D suggests a strong, awkward hand, possibly a major two suiter, and asks opener to bid
something descriptive. Forcing to game.
o 3H shows an invitational 54xx or 55xx hand. Not forcing.
o 3S shows a six card spade suit and is invitational.
o 3NT shows a five card spade suit and is natural.
o 4H shows a major two suiter with no slam interest.
o 4S is to play.
2NT shows a minimum hand without spade tolerance (0-1 spades) and five clubs. Note that, as
opener doesn't have spade tolerance and doesn't have six clubs, this hand necessarily has four
hearts. The 2NT rebid is also acceptable on a hand with six clubs and four spades. Responder can
rebid:
o pass - to play.
o 3C - natural, to play.
o 3D - suggests a strong, awkward hand, possibly a major two suiter or big spade stack, and
asks opener to bid something descriptive. Forcing to game.
o 3H - natural, acknowledging the heart fit, not forcing.
o 3S - big spade stack, not forcing.
o 3NT - to play.
o 4S - to play.
3C shows a minimum hand without spade tolerance and six or more clubs. Responder rebids:
o pass - to play.
o 3D - suggests a strong, awkward hand, possibly a major two suiter or big spade stack, and
asks opener to bid something descriptive. Forcing to game.
o 3H - 55xx hand, not forcing.
o 3S - big spade stack, not forcing.
o 3NT - to play.
3D and 3H promise six or more clubs, maximum values, no tolerance for spades, and a stopper in
the suit bid.
3NT is to play.
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The 2C - 2S Auction
The 2S response to 2C shows exactly four hearts and at least invitational strength. 2S can also be used with
game going 44xx responding hands. Here is an outline of opener's rebids and responder's continuations.
2NT shows a minimum opener, five clubs, fewer than four hearts and necessarily four spades.
(Note that a 2C hand containing only five clubs and lacking four hearts will always have four
spades, the only possible distributions being 4135 4225 and 4315! The balanced hands with five
clubs, 3235 and the like, are opened 1C.) Opener may rebid 2NT on minimum 4xx6 hands also.
Responder has a variety of options at this point.
o pass - sounds good to me partner.
o 3C is natural and to play.
o 3S shows 44xx and is forcing - with invitational strength 44xx responder starts with 2D, not
2S.
o 3NT and 4S are to play.
o 4C is natural and forcing.
o 4D is Roman Kickback in clubs.
3C shows a minimum hand with a six card or longer suit. Responder may pass or continue
naturally.
3D shows a maximum opener with a six card or longer club suit. Responder rebids:
o 3H or 3S - stoppers, could be first move on big hand supporting clubs.
o 3NT - to play.
o 4C - invitational, majors unstopped.
o 4D - Roman Kickback in clubs.
3H shows a minimum hand with four hearts. Not forcing
3S shows a maximum 4xx5 opener.
3NT is to play on a maximum hand for which 3NT looks to be the right spot. Denies holding four
spades.
4C and 4D are cue bids, agreeing on hearts.
4H shows a maximum hand with four hearts.
Fiskforsk Notrump Structure
The Fiskforsk complex of notrump responses is named after the URL of Petter Olsen's website that inspired
the ideas. In it's original form it was designed to economically use the limited bidding space over 2NT
openings to best advantage, accomodating the possibility that opener could hold a useful five card major or
minor suit. The principles, with minor modifications, can be adapted to 1NT auctions, both of which are
discussed below.
This paper is part of a series on the Polish Club bidding system. Although applicable to all strong notrump
opening ranges, the remainder of this paper focuses on those used by this system.
12-15
Open 1D, 1H or 1S and rebid 1NT or open 1C and rebid 1NT after a major suit response or a
major after a 1D response. Fiskforsk is not applied to this point range.
16-18
19-21
Open 1C and rebid 1NT after a 1D response or 2NT after a major suit response. (This denies
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good 3 card support.) May conceal a five card major. Note 1C-1Maj,2NT may also be 24+.
22-23
24-25
Open 1C. After a 1D response rebid 2NT. After a positive response find a forcing continuation
(usually 1S, 2C, 2D or 2NT.) This implies that 1C-1D,2D is either unbalanced or 26+ points!
General Approach The structure following the 1NT opening and 1C-1D,1NT sequence (the "1NT
auctions") are identical, as are those that follow the 2NT opening and the 1C-1D,2NT sequence
(the "2NT auctions.") The main differences between the 1NT and 2NT cases involve the need for
invitational auctions in the former, and the availability of an additional level of bidding below
game. In both cases the non-jump suit responses (1NT-2C, 2D, 2H and 2S and 2NT-3C, 3D, 3H
and 3S) and the four level responses have common meanings. The 2NT and three level suit
responses to 1NT have meanings that have no anaolgy in the 2NT case.
Here is an outline of the responses that both cases have in common followed by detailed discussions.
The Fiskforsk Stayman inquiry hands that don't have an otherwise clear cut
action, including: invitational or better hands hands with a three or four card
major and slammy hands with a minor suit or six card major and four card side
suit.
Transfer to hearts, could be 45xx.
Transfer to spades. Could be 55xx (with no slam ambitions) but not 54xx.
1NT-2NT
Invitational
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1NT-3H
1NT-3S
1NT-3NT
2NT-3NT
1NT-4C,4D,4H,4S
2NT-4C,4D,4H,4S
and
To play.
and
Roman Keycard Gerber in hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds respectively. The
suits are reversed (e.g. clubs shows hearts) so that the ask can be repeated at the
five level for kings without it sounding like a signoff, thus 1NT-4C,4S-5C sets
hearts as trump and asks about kings.
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with spades but not hearts he rebids 2/3NT. This latter bid can be passed by opener so should be avoided on
slam going (after 2NT) or game going (after 1NT) hands.
1NT-2C, 2D-2S ... responder is invitational with tolerance for hearts but not spades, something like
xx Kxx Kxxx QJxx.
2NT-3C, 3D-3NT ... responder might have something like Qxx xx QJxxx xx, that is, spade
tolerance; opener can pass.
After 1NT-2C,2D responder is free to bid a suit of his own at the three level. (Similarly after 2NT-3C,3D
four of a minor shows that suit and slam interest.) The minor suits promise five or more cards and slam
interest. The majors are forcing and show a five card suit with three cards in the other major, which may
match opener's five card suit. (Note with a five card major and anything but three in the other major
responder will begin with a transfer, or 2S with 54xx.)
If responder rebid a minor (1N-2C,2D-3m) and opener's five card suit is a major then he bids it - he can
always show interest in partner's suit on the next round. Opener rebids 3N with five cards in the other
minor. Any other rebid shows support for responder.
If responder rebid a major (1N-2C,2D-3M, showing 5-3) the auction can proceed pretty much naturally.
Opener rebids 3N to deny interest. Any other rebid shows support for responder. Here are some examples of
all this:
1NT-2C, 2D-3S ... responder has five spades and three hearts, something like: KJxxx Qxx AJx xx.
1NT-2C, 2D-3C ... responder has a good hand with at least five clubs: Kx xx KQx AQxxxx.
1NT-2C, 2D-3C, 3H ... opener's suit is hearts.
1NT-2C, 2D-3D, 3N ... opener's suit is clubs with a doubleton diamond.
1NT-2C, 2D-3D, 4C/4D ... diamond agreement, 4N next is rkc.
There are a few auctions that need clarification when responder pursues opener's five card suit with 2H
(1N-2C,2D-2H). Regardless of the suit opener shows, responder's rebid in opener's suit is invitational, 3N is
to play and 4N is quantitative 4C is RKC in opener's suit and anything else is a cue bid.
1NT-2C, 2D-2H, 3C-3D ... opener has a good hand with a diamond suit and responder, probably
looking for a major, thinks that may be best.
1NT-2C, 2D-2H, 3C-3M ... responder likes opener's diamonds and is cue bidding.
1NT-2C, 2D-2H, 3C-4C ... RKC in diamonds.
1NT-2C, 2D-2H, 3H-4N ... opener has spades and responder is inviting slam in NT.
When opener shows a four card major after 1NT-2C things develop pretty much as with standard Stayman.
Responder's 2S rebid after 1NT-2C-2H shows four spades and is forcing one round; without support opener
rebids 2NT when minimum and his four card minor at the three level on a maximum (or 3H or 3N with
none) to facilitate the slam search when responder holds a five card minor. (This is similar in spirit to the
1NT-2C,3x auctions.) Responder's 3C and 3D rebids (e.g. 1NT-2C,2any-3m) show five or more and slam
interest.
1NT-2C, 2S-2N ... responder is invitational and may only have a three card major.
1NT-2C, 2H-3C ... responder has a strong club hand and may not have a four card major at all.
1NT-2C, 2H-2S, 3C ... opener is a maximum 3424.
1NT-2C, 2H-2S, 3H ... opener is a maximum 3433.
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When opener rebids 2NT showing a minimum hand without a five card suit or a four card major responder's
rebids are much the same: 3C and 3D set the trump suit and ask opener to cuebid with four or bid 3NT with
only three (opener will never have just two.) Responder's rebid in a major after 1NT-2C,2NT shows a five
card suit.
1NT-2C, 2NT-3D, 3H ... responder has a strong hand with diamonds, opener likes it and cue bids
hearts.
1NT-2C, 2NT-3S ... responder has five spades (and three hearts) and wants opener to set the
contract.
When opener rebids a three level fragment showing a maximum hand without a five card suit or four card
major responder knows more about opener but is more constrained. A suit bid below game is forcing, sets
the trump suit and initiates cue bidding. 3NT and four of a major are signoffs. 4NT is quantatative. (Note
that the awkward auction 1NT-2C, 3S-4H need never occur.) Here are some examples:
1NT-2C, 3H-3NT ... opener is 2344 and responder wants to play 3NT.
1NT-2C, 3H-4C ... opener is again 2344 but now responder has a club fit and slam interest. Opener
is invited to cue bid.
1NT-2C, 3D-3S ... opener is 3343 and responder has five spades and slam interest. With only game
interest he would bid 4S directly.
Transfers: 1NT-2D, 1NT-2H, 2NT-3D and 2NT-3H
Auctions that follow these transfer bids follow pretty much standard practice. Opener must minimally rebid
responder's 'anchor' suit except when holding four card support. With four and a minimum hand opener
jump rebids in the anchor suit. With a maximum opener rebids a doubleton, or NT with 4333.
1NT-2H, 2NT ... opener holds a maximum 4333.
1NT-2H, 3H ... opener holds a maximum 42xx.
1NT-2H, 3S ... opener holds a minimum 4xxx.
1NT-2D,2S ... opener holds a maximum 24xx.
After opener's simple rebid responder passes with no game interest; otherwise rebids 2 or 3NT with a five
card suit and no slam interest, asking opener to show three card support, or 3 or 4 of the anchor suit with six
or more and no slam interest.
1NT-2H, 2S-2NT, 3S ... responder has five spades and opener has 3S and a minimum hand.
1NT-2H, 2S-3S ... responder has an invitational hand and six or more spades.
1NT-2H, 2S-3NT ... responder has five spades and is asking opener to choose the best game.
With slam interest responder rebids 3C and 3D (4C and 4D after 2NT.) This minor may be a bogus suit
when responder holds something like AQxxx Axx Kxx Qx; other times it will show a real four or five card
suit. In any case, opener rebids the anchor suit with three card support, some other suit with four card
support for responder's second suit, and 3NT (4NT after the 2NT opening) with neither.
1NT-2H, 2S-3C, 3S ... opener has three spades.
1NT-2H, 2S-3C, 4S ... opener has three spades but doesn't like his hand much.
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1NT-2H, 2S-3C, 3D ... opener has four clubs but only 2 spades. 3D is a cue bid but clubs are not yet
agreed - remember that responder's clubs may be bogus.
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This system is ON after a double, with the added element that redouble is a puppet to 2C intending to sign
off in a minor suit -- opener must rebid 2C and responder corrects to diamonds if that is his suit.
The system is ON responding to a 1NT overcall. This system is replaced by lebensohl after an overcall.
Summary of 1NT Auctions (1NT opening and 1C-1D,1NT)
1NT-2C asks about four card majors and any five card suit. Opener rebids:
o 2D to show an unknown five card suit, to which responder bids:
2H to ask which one and opener rebids:
2S to show clubs,
2NT to show diamonds and a minimum opener,
3C to show diamonds and a maximum opener,
3D to show hearts and
3H to show spades.
2S showing an invitational strength hand (not more) that would accept hearts if that
is opener's suit. Opener rebids 3H or 4H holding five hearts, otherwise 2NT or 3NT
with a maximum.
2NT showing an invitational strength hand (not more) that would accept spades if
that is opener's suit. Opener rebids 3S or 4S holding five spades, otherwise 2NT or
3NT with a maximum.
3C or 3D showing a slammy hand with a five card or longer minor. Promises
nothing in the majors.
3H or 3S showing 35xx or 53xx and forcing.
o 2H and 2S show four cards in the bid suit (bid 2H with both), after which responder's:
2S (after 2H) shows four spades, forcing one round.
2N is natural.
3H and 3N show a maximum and 3433.
3C shows a maximum and 3424.
3D shows a maximum and 3442.
2NT and 3NT are natural.
3C and 3D show a five or more card suit, slam oriented.
o 2NT shows minimum hand with no four card major or five card suit.
o 3C, 3D, 3H and 3S show a maximum opening and deny holding a four card major or five
card suit. The particular suit shows the obvious fragment for these hand types: 3334, 3343,
2344 and 3244 respectively.
1NT-2D is a transfer to hearts, possibly 45xx. 1NT-2D,2H-2S is forcing one round.
1NT-2H is a transfer to spades.
1NT-2S is either a club or diamond bust or 54xx and at least invitational strength. Opener rebids:
o 2NT with a minimum and no major suit tolerance. Responder rebids:
pass with invitational 54xx.
3C or 3D with the minor suit bust.
3NT with game going 54xx.
o 3C shows a maximum opening or tolerance for one of the majors. Responder rebids:
pass or 3D with a minor suit bust.
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3H with invitational 54xx.
3S with forcing 54xx.
1NT-2NT is invitational.
1NT-3C and 3D are invitational with a broken six card suit and little else.
1NT-3H shows a strong minor two suiter, less than 5-5.Opener rebids:
o 3NT with no interest.
o 4C or 4D to set the suit and initiate cue bidding.
o 3S to get more information, to which responder rebids:
3NT with xx44.
4C or 4D with xx45 or xx54 respectively. This bid sets the trump suit and initiates
cue bidding.
1NT-4C, 4D, 4H and 4S are Roman Keycard Gerber in hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds
respectively. The suit reversal of these bids makes available a rebid of the same suit to ask for
kings, thus: 1NT-4D,4NT(=2)-5D.
1NT-4NT is quantatative.
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