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1NT OPENING - 15-17 hcp
Considerations for a disciplined No Trump opening
The 1nt
opening is the most important opening in any bridge system because it
shows a balanced hand (no singleton/void) in distribution
4333 (10,54%), 4432 (21,55%) or 5332 (15.52%), so here we will discuss many
agreements used inside this convention adopting the range of 15-17 hcp (many
partnership prefer to use a weak nt opening 12-14 hcp or 14-16 hcp),
Some partnership, like us, do not like to open 1nt with a 5 card major and
15 hcp but for hands 5332 with 16-17 hcp, depending on if the hand will
allow more defense for some honors (Kx / AQ) to receive the lead it is
recommended to be open in 1nt.
Hands 5422
with 16-17
hcp having
5 cards
minor and 4
cards major should be opening in the
minor and after the major is bid in reverse at level 2 mostly when these suits have
good top cards. The opening in 1nt
with
15 hcp and 5422 distribution it is not recommended because we should increase
the chances to find a fit bidding 2 suits:
 AQ  QJ84  AQ  J8543
should be open 1nt
KQ109 K18 A9 KQ1083 should
be open 1
KQJ8 Q4 AK1054 Q3 should be open 1
K1092 K10 A6543 AQ should be open 1nt
K1092 K10 AJ543 A2 should be open 1
We recommende the opening in the 3 cards minor in hands 4432 with both majors and 15-17 hcp
when there are no stopper in the 2 cards
suit. This will help to find a fit in a major
because Responder having 5-7 hcp will pass with a 4 cards major if we use
1nt opening:
AQ32Q1084AQ2J3 opening 1 and if partner
bids a major raise to 2
KQ97AK10292KQ9 opening 1 and if
partner bids a major jump to 3
KQJ8QJ104AK4J3 opening 1 and if partner
bids a major jump to 3
AKQ9J1032AK273
opening 1
and if partner bids a major jump to 3
KJ92KQ10343AQJ
opening 1 and if partner
bids a major jump to 3
Hands 5332 with 5 cards major and 15-17 hcp it is a open problem in the 2/1
system. If the opening is 1nt then how to find a 5-3 fit using Stayman? Some
partnership use the bid of 3
puppet to ask for 5 card major or good 4 cards major, but this breaks the
structure of convention for nt not allowing the bids at level 3 to show 2
minors suits. That is, the opening in 1nt with a major 5 cards may
lose not only a fit 5-3 in the major but also a fit 5-4.
Let's remember
the recommended
words by Alvin
Roth, "Always plan a second bid before you choose a
first". In fact there are hands where 1nt opening is more apropriated
for a major 5 cards openig despites the difficult in show hand's range when
we have 16-17 hcp.
However playing at level 2 in a major with 5-3 fit it is more confortable than play in 1nt where we need
stoppers in more than one suit.
A recommended rule to decide is:
- with a good major suit open in the major: KQJ102 K43 AQJ 93
- with good stoppers open 1nt:
J8432 AQ10 KQ9 K8
However some
hands
are more diffiuclt to decide in the opening like the follow that may be
opened in 1nt or in a
major:
Opener: KJ1082 QJ4 K10 AQ3 or AQ10 AJ1082 K9 K103
One drawback for opening major with 5332 having 16-17 hcp in our 2/1 system is that after
Responder bids 1nt Opener's second bid will be in a minor with 3 card and
not the classical invitation in 2nt showing 16-17 because the 2nt bid is
reserved to show GF hand with 18+ hcp. may provoke an underbid if Responder
has 8-9 hcp and pass.
Of course if Responder bids again then we can show our 16-17 hcp bidding 2nt
to make an
invitation to 3nt:
Opener Responder
1
1nt <= forcing
2 2 <= 6-9 hcp 2 cards
support
2nt <= 16-17 hcp invitation
Opener Responder
1
1nt
2 2nt
<= 10-11 hcp invitation
3nt <= 15-17 hcp or pass with 12-13 hcp
Opener Responder
1
1nt
2 3 <= 10-11 hcp invitation
3nt <= 15-17 hcp or pass with 12-13 hcp
Opener Responder
1
1nt
2nt <= GF read explanation
here Responder can't pass!
?
After 1nt opening showing a balanced hand if partnership have together 25-26 hcp
there is
a great chance of success in 3nt/4/4. Thus, Responder, that is the captain for final
contract, with a 4333 and 10-15 hcp should bid 3nt to avoid give opponents
information about Opener's hand (but may lose a 5-4 fit ?): convention.
Responder:
J1082 QJ4 K108 A103 or Q102 K1082 A95 Q103
Opener Responder
1nt 3nt (with 4333)
pass
1NT OPENING AND RESPONSES:
For an auction without interference we have the follows responses:
Opener
Responder
1nt pass <= nothing to do
2
<= Stayman (asking for major)
2 <= transfer to 2
2 <= transfer to 2
2 <= transfer to 3
2nt
<= transfer to 3
3 <= 5-4 in minors with
5431
and singleton in Hearts
3 <= 5-4 in minors with
5431 and singleton in Spades
3
<= hand 5-5 in with singleton in Hearts
3
<= hand 5-5 in with singleton in Spades
3nt <= to play shows 10-15 hcp in 4333 or good long suit 6+ cards
4 <= Gerber (asking for Aces 4=0/4, 4=1, 4=2, 4nt=3)
4 <= transfer to 4 (no Slam
interest - just long suit)
4 <= transfer to 4 (no Slam
interest - just long suit)
4 <= transfer to 5 sign-off
4nt <= quantitative
shows
16-17 hcp - with 17 or
16+
bids
6nt
5 <= transfer to 5 sign-off
5nt <= shows
19-20 hcp -
invitation
to 7nt with 16- bids 6nt
6nt <= to play (18 hcp 4432 or 4333)
1) when Responder should pass?
If Responder has a balanced hand 4333 or 4432 and less than 8 hcp he should
pass, include in 5332 with 5 cards minor, but with 5 cards major or 6 cards
minor Responder should transfer for Opener play the hand because there is
good chance that Responder's long suit stay with the 4th and 5th cards
good but without a entry in dummy. In other words when Responder's hand is
poor the hand must be played in Responder's long suit:
Opener Responder
1nt ?
- J8432 74 J92 K108
Responder transfer bidding 2
- 32 1095432 A4 K108 Responder
transfer bidding 2
- J843 42 9 K108432
Responder transfer bidding 2
- 98432 Q64 Q92 Q10
Responder should pass
- J842 Q32 Q9432 8
Responder should bid 2
Stayman and after pass
2) When should Responder use the 2 Stayman?
There are many hands to use it - the propose is to find a fit to play
the hand in a suit. The Stayman convention used by Samuel M Stayman (1909-1993) and his partner
George N Rapée (1915-1999), published in 1945 in
the Bridge World, and it is a standard way to search the hand, initially for major,
after for minors using a posteriori innovation with a Extended Stayman (or second Stayman).
2.1) So after 1nt opening the first Stayman uses 2 Clubs to
ask for a major suit and Opener has only 3 answers possible
Opener Responder
1nt 2
?
2 <= no major
2 <= 4 cards and
can also have 4 cards
2 <= 4 cards and
denies 4 cards
2.2.1) After first Stayman Responder may continue searching
Opener's hand for other suit and distribution with the Extended Stayman
bidding now 3:
Opener Responder
1nt 2
2 3
<= Extended Stayman, now for minors
?
3 <=
5 cards minor
3 relay asking the minor and the Opener bids:
3
= 5 cards or 3nt =
5 cards <= responses up the line
3 <= both minors and 3
cards => 2344
3 <= both minors and 3
cards => 3244
3ST <=
4333 and
bad distribution to play in a minor - undefined minor
All fpllow bids out of these sequences are natural and the captain for final contract
continue to be the Responder.
2.2.2) After Opener bids 2 the Extended Stayman continue:
Opener Responder
1nt 2
2 3
<= Extended Stayman continuation to search for other suit
?
3 <= shows 4-4
3 <= shows 4-4
3 <= shows 4-4
3ST <= shows only one suit: 3-4-3-3
2.2.3) After Opener bids 2 the Extended Stayman continue:
Opener Responder
1nt 2
2 3
<= Extended Stayman continuation to search for other suit
?
3 <= shows 4-4
3
<= shows 4-4 (Hearts
suit was denied bidding 2)
3 <= shows 5 in 5332
3ST <= shows only one suit: 4-3-3-3
Note1: When Responder has a GF hand with 4 cards in a major and 5+ cards in a
minor, he first search Opener's hand for a fit in a major using Stayman and if he has a singleton or void he
may continue the search
for a fit in a minor suit using Extended Stayman trying not play in nt with unbalanced hand.
2.2.4) After the Stayman Responder can
also make invitation
to game asking Opener if he has maximum (17 hcp or 16+ good hcp) to bid game:
Opener Responder
1nt 2
?
2 2NT =>
invitation with 8-9 hcp
2 3
=> invitation with 8-9 hcp balanced
with 4
cards
....... 2 => invitation with 8-9 hcp balanced with 4 cards
2 => 3
=> invitation with 8-9 hcp balanced with 4
cards
.......
2nt => invitation with 8-9 hcp balanced hand (no promise 4)
2.2.5) After the Stayman Responder jumps to game (no Slam interest)
Opener Responder
1nt 2
?
2 => 3nt => sign-off the
auction
2 => 4 =>
sign-off the auction
....... 3nt
=> showing 4 cards so Opener can bid 4
2 => 4
=>
sign-off the auction
.......
3nt => sign-off the auction
2.2.6) After the Stayman Responder can try Slam:
Opener Responder
1nt 2
?
2 => 4 => Gerber
asking for aces (Slam interest)
......
4 => transfer to 4 -
showing 46
......
4
=> transfer to 4 -
showing 64
2 => 3/4/4 splinters with 4
cards (Slam
interest)
......
4nt is RKB0314 for asking for keycards (Slam interest)
2 => 4/4/4 splinters with 4
cards (Slam interest)
......
4nt is RKB0314 for asking for keycards (Slam interest)
Obs:
Note2: After a splinter Opener makes evaluation of his hand and rebid his suit to
sign-off or try Slam bidding RKC1430 in 4nt asking for keycards or depending
on the convention used by partnership:
1- may use cuebid or
2- may use show Opener's honors in 4 steps:
first step: 2A+1K+Queen;
second step: 3A+1K;
third step: 3A+1K+Queen
fourth step: 4 keycards
read more in aces-conventions
(after splinter) or in splinter
2.3) Garbage Stayman - considering that the Opener have only 3 answers for a
2 Stayman it is possibly make a Stayman bid with
weak hand and pass at any bid from Opener, but in this case Responder must be shorter
in Clubs (0/1) having 4/3 in majors and 5 cards in Diamonds to do that (with
only 4 cards in Diamonds it is danger finish in a fit 4-2 if Opener has 3325). Responder's distribution should be 4450 or 4360 or
3460 or 4351 or 3451.
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <= Stayman
?
2
pass <= means garbage hand
2
pass <= means garbage hand
2
pass <= means garbage hand
2.4) After the Stayman a sign-off in a major. When
the Responder has less than 8 hcp and a 54xx in the majors or a 44xx with
both majors 4-4 Responder can also create a sign-off sequence hoping
that is a better contract in a fit 4-3 in a major:
Opener Responder
1nt 2
2 ?
...... 2 <=shows 54xx <= sign-off
......
2 <=shows 45xx or 44xx so Opener with 3
......
cards in
pass and with only 2 cards in
bids 2
Note3: this
is one reason that 1nt opening can't have
2-2 in the majors.
2.5) Smolen - created by Mike Smolen (1940-1992) is a forcing bid with 5-4
cards majors distribution and 9+ hcp. The objective is to transfer the play to
the strong hand if a fit 5-3 is found.
Opener Responder
1nt 2
2 ?
...... 3 <= shows 5 cards and
only 4 cards
...... 3 <= shows 5 cards and only 4 cards
? <= Opener can find a 5-3 fit in a major or bid 3nt.
3) Major with 6-4
When Responder has a 6-4 in the majors after the 3/3 Smolen bid in level 3, if Opener bids 3nt then
Responder may force a transfer to major at level 4 bidding 4 transfer to 4 or bidding 4 transfer to
4.
Of course after response 2 the texas
transfer in 4 or 4 could be done but in hands that
Responder is also interested in Slam but need a fit 6-3 even with 6 cards
in a major he may use Smolen to know if Opener has 3 cards or no.
Opener Responder
1nt 2
2 3/3 <= Smolen
3nt ?
...... 4 <= transfer to 4
...... 4 <= transfer to 4
3.1) Jacoby transfer - 2 transfer to 2
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <=
transfer to 2
?
2 <= denies 4 cards support or maximum with 3
cards and 2 top honors
2nt <= 17 hcp and 3 cards support with 2 top honors
(AK/AQ/KQ)
3 <= 4 cards support and 16-17 hcp
Responder decide:
- pass in 2,
- 3 for a sign-off transfer in 3 after Opener's
2nt
- 3 with 6 and 8 hcp -
invitation after Opwne's 2
- bidding another suit for GF or Slam try / 4nt asking for
aces
3.2) Jacoby transfer - 2 transfer to 2
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <=
transfer to 2
?
2 <= denies 4 cards support or maximum with 3 cards
and 2 top honors
2nt <= 17 hcp and 3 cards support with 2 top honors
(AK/AQ/KQ)
3 <= 4 cards support and 16-17 hcp
Responder decide:
- pass,
- 3 to show 5-5 in majors and GF
after Opener's 2,
- 3 with 6 and 8 hcp -
invitation after Opener's 2,
- bidding another suit for GF or Slam try / 4nt
asking for aces
4) 4 way transfer with pre accept is a extension of
Jacoby transfers applied for minors with additional that the response shows
if Opener is maximum with good support in that minor (I like - I can play
3nt) or if Opener is minimum (I don't like - I can't play 3nt).
4.1) Transfer for Clubs - 2 transfer to 3 (normally 6 unless Responder's hand is 5431 and very weak) or search for maximum
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <=
transfer to 3
?
2nt <= minimum or no good support for 3 (means don't like)
3 <= maximum and 3+ cards support with
A or K (I like and want 3nt)
Opener Responder
1nt
2 <=
transfer to 3
2nt pass with invitation hand 8-9 hcp like
Axx
Jxx
Axxx
10xx
this strategic way to search for max/min in 1nt open avoid
Opener give inform hand to opponents if has or no 4 cards major.
3 <= Opener
has maximum, so pass with < 8 hcp or bid game or try Slam
4.2) Transfer to Diamonds - 2nt transfer to 3 (normally 6 cards but with 5-5 in the minors and very weak hand it is better try to
play in a minor)
Opener Responder
1nt 2nt <= transfer to 3
?
3 <= minimum or no good support for 3 (means don't like)
if Responder has weak 5-5 now he may pass
3 <= maximum and 3+ cards support with
A or K (I like)
if Responder has no A or K and less than 7 hcp he must pass
Responder bids 3nt with 6+ hcp and 6 cards with a top honor A/K
Examples:
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <= transfer to Clubs
3 <= I like
?
....... with (a) xx Jx xxx KQ10xxx => bid 3nt
.......
(b) xx xx xxx AJ10xxx => bid 3nt
.......
(c) xx Kxx xx J1098xx => pass
Opener Responder
1nt 2nt <= transfer
to
Diamonds
3 <= I
like
?
....... with (d) xx Jxx KQ10xxx xx=> bid
3nt
.......
(e) xx xx AJ9xxx Jxx => bid 3nt
.......
(f) xx Qxx Q76xxx xx =>
pass
Note4: When Responder has a total sign-off hand in a minor and Opener
denies interest in his suit, Responder must correct the auction and sign-off
in his long suit.
************************************************************
HOW TO TRANSFER WITH TWO MAJORS SUITS 5-5
5)
When
Responder has 2 majors there are two situations to analyses:
5.1) showing a 5-5 GF:
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <= transfer to 2
2 3 < 5-5 GF
? <= in this case Opener can also shows his hand:
...... 3nt
means weak hand and poor support for majors;
...... 4 is a cue bid with maximum showing interest in Slam and
...... then Responder with singleton in Diamonds bids 4;
...... 4 is a cue bid with maximum showing interest in Slam and
...... then Responder with singleton in Clubs can try Slam;
...... 4/4 is minimum (it is a nt with many Q and J).
5.2) showing a 5-5 SIGN-OFF:
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <= transfer to 2
2 2 <= 5-5 WEAK
? <= Opener with 3 cards pass
......
Opener with
only 2 cards in then bids 3
...... even
with 4 cards in a major Opener must sign-off because
......
Responder can have a hand like: J10xxx Q10xxx x xx
SHOWING 2 SUITS 5-5+ GF - A
MINOR AND A MAJOR
6) How
Responder shows
5 cards major and
5 card minor in GF?
If Responder transfer first to the major and then bids
the minor this shows 5-4 and the minor is 4 cards, but if Responder has 5 cards major and 5 cards minor he
needs first to transfer for the minor (m) then he bids the
major (M). Thus now we have a convention to know when Responder is 5M4m and
when Responder is 5M5m and 10+ hcp.
6.1)
Opener Responder
1nt 2 <= transfer to 3
2nt <= don't like
.......
3 <= 55 Game Force (GF)
.......
3 <= 55 GF
3 <= I like
.......
3 <= 55 GF
.......
3 <= 55 GF
? <= Opener with minimum and stoppers in the others
suits bid 3nt;
...... Opener
with minimum and 3 cards in the major bid game in major;
...... Opener
without 3 cards in the Responder's major and poor stoppers
......
in
the other major can prefer the minor at level 4 or level 5;
...... Opener
with maximum can cuebid in the other minor minor
or in
......
the other major showing interest in Slam;
...... Responder
with a 6m5M hand can bid/rebid his minor 6 cards suit
......
at level 5 denying interesting to play 3nt.
6.2)
Opener Responder
1nt 2nt <= transfer to 3
3 <= don't like
3 <= 55 GF
3 <= 55 GF
3 <= I like
3 <= 55 GF
3 <= 55 GF
? <= Opener with minimum and good stoppers in the others suits
bid 3nt;
Opener
with minimum and 3 cards in the major bid game in major;
Opener
without 3 cards in the Responder's major and poor stop in
the other major can prefer the minor
at level 4 or level 5;
Opener
with maximum can cuebid in the other minor minor
or in
the other major showing interest in Slam;
Responder with a
6m5M hand can bid/rebid his minor 6 cards suit
,.....
at level 5 denying interest to play 3nt.
6.3) showing 6 card minor with 2 top honors = Slam interest
Opener Responder
1NT 2
2NT/3 4
<=
6+ cards - 2 top honors
- asking for Opener cuebid
Opener Responder
1NT 2NT
3/3 4 <=
6+
cards 2 top honors - asking for Opener cuebid
6.4) showing long weak major
When pd opening is 1nt and we have a weak 7/8 cards in a major we may transfer to
level 4 hoping Opener have 3 aces.
Responder have K10xxxxx x 98xx x
Opener Responder
1nt 4 <= transfer for 4
4
pass <= if pd has 3 aces great chances to make 4!
Responder have
x
K10965432
98x
x
Opener Responder
1nt 4 <= transfer for 4
4 pass <= if
pd has 3 aces great chances to make 4!
***********************************************************
What to do if opponent at level 2 makes
interference (except when is x
penalty)? If Opponent bids 2 DONT or 2
CAPP or a
Natural overcall of 2 our bids at level 2 are sign-off. Using Lebensohl
convention there are no more transfers at
level 2 after
interference, this means "system is off". Of course at level 4 transfers
to majors still are on after interference at level 2 (4 => 4 and 4 => 4).
If we make a Stayman and opponents double our 2, Opener without a major
just bid 2 if Opener has only 3 cards in Clubs. If
Opener has 4 cards he
should pass and
should redouble with 5. This information will be important to
Responder accept to play in 2 doubled!
If opponent double penalty 1nt then we can use:
- pass - nothing to do - Opener with a 5 cards suit must bid it
- redouble - asking for Opener bid 2 and that can be corrected to 2
- 2 is Stayman and shows both majors
- so
Opener with no major and 5 cards can pass;
- Opener
with no major and 5 cards bids
2;
- Opener with no major in a 4333 or 4432
bids his best 3 cards major.
- 2 is transfer to 2
- 2 is transfer to 2
Note: Responder with 6+ hcp and balanced hand must pass and after advancer
bids then Responder may double
opponent as a penalty double.
7- AFTER 1NT OPENING
RESPONSES
AT LEVEL IS RESERVED TO SHOWS MINORS SUITS WITH 10-14 HCP HAVING DISTRIBUTION
5431 OR 5521
CONSIDERATIONS: When partner opens in
1nt 15-17 hcp and we have both minors in 5422 (no singleton) with a limited hand
of 10-14
hcp the chances for Slam
are few. So, unless we have cards in sequence in both suit making it solid
(KQJ108 or AQJ109), it is recommended that we
bid directly 3nt to sign-off the bidding and not try to find a better contract in a minor suit at
level 5 that also could help opponents find the best lead for defense.
Even when our partnership has no stopper in a specific major the chances of
this suit be divided 4-4 (33%) is significant. Thus
only when there is a singleton in a major because that threat
for our contract increase and so we should show our singleton to partners
take decision, like in a splinter, because with a singleton there are un improvement in
the chances for a Slam with less high cards points needed.
So when Responder's hand is 5521 or 5431 with 10-14 hcp Opener
should be inform by Responder about his shorter major suit. However the information about what minor is 4 cards or 5 cards it
is not so revelant than the information of what is the singleton suit. Thus
we make an agreement that after 1nt opening
all suit bided at level 3 shows a singleton major with both minors 5-4 or
5-5:
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= 31?? <=
54 or 54 with singleton
Hearts
3 <=
13??
<= 54 or 54 with singleton
Spades
3 <=
2155 <= singleton
Hearts
3 <= 1255 <=
singleton
Spades
Now let's establish some bids conventions to search more information in
Responder's hand making to Opener the principal captain of the final
contract.
Fisrt Opener should observe if hands fits (Axx - x or Jxx - x). In
case there are KQx - x with 1nt minimum it is the case to stop the bidding
in a partial score of
4/4. But if hands
fit and Opener has good support for one of Responder's minor then Opener should take charge and search Responder's hand for
maximum and minimum.
But what is a minimum or maximum hand to decide to stop in a
partial score or try a game in a minor or even try Slam? Can we have a criterion to help
our decision? Let's propose 2 ways to search Responder's hand:
A) by searching controls in 3 suits (the singleton should not be A or K) when distribution is 5521
and hands
fits (Jxx - x or Axx - x) with 4+ cards in a minor.
Let A=2
controls and K=1 control, so we may consider when Opener has 7+ controls
(3A+1K or 2A+3K or 4A) that he is maximum and when Responder has 5+ controls (2A+1K or
1A+3K) that he
is also maximum. Of course the Queens are very important cards but
for this specific search we enphasize the value of A and K to think in game
or in Slam.
Opener controls examples:
a)
Axx
Kx
AJx
AJ98x = 3 A +
1 K
= 7 controls => maximum
b)
AJx
Qx
Kxxx
AKxx = 2 A + 2 K
= 6 controls => minimum
c)
AKx
9xxx
Kx
AKxx = 2 A + 3 K
= 7 controls => maximum
d)
KJx
KJx
KJx
KQxx = 0 A + 4 K
= 4 controls => minimum
e)
Ax
Axxx
Axx
Axxx = 4 A + 0 K
= 8 controls => maximum
f)
QJ09
QJx
KQx
AQx = 1 A + 1 K
= 3 controls => minimum
g)KJ10
AJx
AJx
Qxxx = 2 A + 1 K
= 5 controls => minimum
Responder controls examples:
h)
Ax
x
K10xxx
KQJxx = 4 controls =>
minimum
i)
Jx
x
KJxxx
AK9xx
= 1 A + 2 K
= 4 controls => minimum
j)
xx
x
KQxxx
KQJxx = 0 A + 2 K
= 2 controls => minimum
k)
x
Qx
AKJxx
K9xxx = 1 A + 2 K
= 4 controls => minimum
l)
x
Kx
AJ9xx
AQxxx =
2 A + 1 K
= 5 controls => maximum
m)
x
Qx
KQxxx
AQJxx = 1 A + 1 K
= 3 controls => minimum
n)x
Axx
AJ10xx
Kxxxx = 2 A + 1 K
= 5 controls => maximum
Rule#7.1: When Responder distribution is 5521
we use the artificial bid of 4 to search
for controls in Responder's hand, but we assume that in the major 2 cards
can have only A or K and never both,
and each minor may have 3 controls (A+K). Considering that the point range
is limited to 10-14 hcp the maximum controls are 2A+2K = 14 hcp and let's assume a minimum
of 3 controls
(A+K) or (3K) for make a mental evaluation of Responder's hand when
searching for controls.
Opener Responder
1nt 3 or 3 <= shows
distribution 5521
4 <= asking for
controls in 3 suits (excluding the singleton suit)
......... ?
......... 4nt <= 3 controls (1A+1K) or (3K) (rarely less)
......... 5 <= 4 controls
(2A) or (1A+2K)
......... 5 <= 5
controls (2A+1K) or (1A+3K)
......... 5 <= 6
controls (3A) or (2A+2K)
If Opener has both majors aces after 5 or 5 probably he
will be able to bid Slam based in this simple information. So as
observed a disciplined response bid to show 5521 is very important for a
partnership know what they are bidding.
suppose Opener =
Axx
Axx
K3
KJxxx
and Responder =
Kx
x
AJ1083
A10xxx
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= singleton Heart (so hands fits)
4
5 <= 5
controls (partnership has all controls)
7
pass
Hands fits and with a fit of 10 cards and all controls we bid Grand Slam.
Note that when we have a 10 cards fit the trump's Queen has only 22% in be
third against 52% in be second and 26% in be singleton.
B) by searching keycards and Queens in the minors in steps.
The minors suits together have 4 keycards (A A K K)
and 2 Queens
(Q
Q) so now we
build a list or relationship of steps assuming that Responder's hand needs
10-14 hcp and a minimum of 2 keycards in the minors.
Rule#7.2: When distribution is 5431 Opener
search for honors in the 3 cards major bidding a relais (next suit) and the
responses are:
Opener Responder
.... Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= singleton
Hearts 1nt
3 <= singleton
Spades
3 <= relais to
search Spades 3 <=
relais to search Hearts
........ ?
..................
?
........ 3 <= Ace
Spades ..........
3 <= Ace Hearts
........ 3 <= King
Spades ..........
3nt <= King or Queen Hearts
........ 3nt <= Queen Spades ..........
we lose a response step
........ 4 <= no honor and
5 cards
4 <= no honor and
5 cards
........ 4 <= no honor
and 5 cards
4 <= no honor
and 5 cards
Rule#7.3: Only after apply the Rule#2 Opener
may search for keycards in the minors bidding 4:
Opener
4 <= asking
for keycards in minors with th follow responses:
step1 (4)
=> 2 keycards (2A) or (2K) or (1A+1K) and no Queen
step2 (4nt) => 2 keycards + 1 Queen
step3 (5)
=> 2 keycards + 2 Queens
step4 (5)
=> 3 keycards (3A) or (3K) or (1A+2K) or (2A+1K)
step5 (5)
=> 3 keycards + 1 Queen <= maximum 14 hcp
step6 (5)
=> 3 keycards + 2 Queens <= maximum 14 hcp
step7 (5nt) => 4 keycards (2A+2K) <= maximum 14 hcp
Thus these 3 Rules allow search information to give conditions to Opener
decide to abort possible game, to bid game and also to bid Slam;
suppose
Opener =
Kx
Axx
Axx
KQxxx
and Responder =
Axx
x
KQ1083
A10xxx
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= singleton Hearts (so hands fits)
3
<= relais asking for honors in Spades
.......... 3 <= Responder shows Ace of Spades
4
<= search for keycards in both minors
......... 4nt <= 2 keycards + 1 Queen
Thus partnership has all keycards for minors and all controls in the
majors.
7
pass
REVIEWING
WHAT TO BID AFTER
5431
1- Opener bids 3nt when hands does not fits but Opener has good hand with
stoppers in the Responder's singleton suit and also in the other major suit like:
example7.1
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= singleton
Hearts 5431
3nt <=
AJ10
KQ10x
Q83
K52
example7.2
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= singleton
Spades 5431
3nt <=
QJ108
AK107
A8
J102
So without 4 cards in a minor try for Slam is out of cogitation
--------------------------------------------------------
2- Opener jumps to the major Responder's 3 cards when he has 5 cards or good 4
cards in this suit and no good option to play 3nt:
example7.3
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= singleton
Hearts
4 <=
AK1082
Kxx
K83
K5
example7.4
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= singleton
Spades
4
<=
J623
AKQ2
K8
K102
Considering that Responder has 3 cards support in Hearts we can play in 4 even with a 4-3 fit.
--------------------------------------------------------
3- When Opener has good stoppers in the Responder's
singleton major suit but has poor stopper (Jxx or Q2) in the other majoror it is possible search this major in Responder's hand
bidding a relais in the next suit.
example7.5
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= singleton
Hearts
3 <=
relais asking for honor in 3 cards major suit (Spades)
and the
responses are:
?
3 <= Ace Spades
3 <= King Spades
3nt <= Queen Spades
4 <= no
third control and 5 cards
4 <= no
third control and 5 cards
?
so now Opener can decide:
- to stop in 3nt;
- try Slam bidding 4 for keycards;
- pass in 4/4 if the hand
loses 3 tricks in the majors;
- sign-off in 4;
- bid 4nt to show 3-3 in the minors asking for Responder to bid his 5 cards
minor;
- bid sign-off in 5 or
5 when have 4
cards minor.
When Responder bids 3 the
relais responses lose one step:
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= singleton
Spades
3
<= relais asking for honor in Jearts
and the
responses are now:
?
3 <= ace
Hearts
3nt <= King or
Queen Jearts
4 <= no
third control and 5 cards
4 <= no
third control and 5 cards
And then Opener may decide if bids 4 to try Slam in
case hands fits and Opener is maximum.
--------------------------------------------------------
4- When hands fits (Axx - x or Jxx - x) Opener
must first search the major 3 cards and then use 4 to search for keycards both minors (excluding keycards
for the major suit 3 card) like in the follows examples:
example7.6 When hands fits
opener:
AJ10
J65
A3
KQ1032
Responder:
Q32
5
KJ982
A976
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= singleton
Hearts 5431
3
<= relais asking for honors in Spades
........... 3nt <= shows
Qxx
5
<= sign-off - Responder will be declarer and lead in Spades no good
........... pass
example7.7
opener:
A83
KJ3
K3
AQ865
Responder:
2
A85
AJ972
K1092
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= singleton
Spades
3
<= relais asking for honors in Hearts
........... 3 <= shows
Axx
4
<= RKB (for 2A 2K 2Q)
............ 4nt <=
2 keycards
6
pass
example7.8 when hand fits
opener:
Axx
AK
QJ5
QJ1052
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <= singleton
Spades 5431
3
<= relais asking for honors in Hearts
............ 4 <= no A or K
or Q in Hearts - 5 cards
4
<= search keycards only for both minors (2A-2K-2Q)
...........
?
.........if 4 <= 2
keycards then 5 - missing 2
keycards (2A or 1A+1K)
.........if
5 <= 3 keycards
then 6 -
missing 1 keycard (A or K)
.........if 5 <= 4 keycards
then 7
---------------------------------------------------------
5- When Opener hands is minimum and hand does not fits Opener try to stop
the bidding at a minor in level 4:
example7.9
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <=
singleton Hearts
?
4 =>
QJx
KJ543
AQ
KJ2
sign-off but with A and
5 cards support Responder may bid 5
example7.10
Opener Responder
1nt 3
<= singleton Spades
?
4 =>
KQJx
K6xz
A7x
Qx
sign-off but with
A and
maximum Responder may bid 5
example7.11 for Opener weak hand after 1nt response 3
a) KQJ
Kxx
K7x
QJ52 <= with
only 1 stopper in Hearts this hand have a great chances in down in 3nt
and without aces have 2 losers in the majors, so only if Responder has
AQ in
Diamonds and
AK in Clubs it
will be possible have success in 5 or 5. For Opener
point of view the hand
should stop at 4. Thus opener
bids 4
letting
Responder decide and with 3 keycards and a Queen Responder may bid game in 5.
b) Kxx
KJxx
KJx
KJx <= here
Opener has a poor stopper in Spades for 3nt and has a sure loser
Hearts without 4 cards fit in a minor. So this hands not fits for his point
of view and Opener must bid 4. Of course Responder with maximum, 5 cards support
(Responder should be aware that Opener may have only 3 cards in Clubs) and a top honor
in the major may try game.
WHAT TO BID AFTER 5521?
6- 3nt is to play - means that Opener has good stoppers in both
majors as we show in some examples;
7- 4 or 4 shows that
3nt is impossible to bid due to the major singleton card, and also shows a
minimum hand that does not fits - of course if Responder has a maximum hand
with Ace in the 2 cards major assuring
that the hand will not lose 3 tricks in both majors he may
try
game;
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <=
5521 with singleton in Hearts
3 <=
5521 with singleton in Spades
?
3nt <= to play
4/4 <=
minimum - Responder decide pass or game
4
<= search for keycards in minors (4 keycards + 2 Queens)
4
<=
asking for controls in 3 suits
5/5 <= to play
- Responder with maximum can't bid Slam
example7.12:
Opener Responder
1nt 3 <=
singleton Hearts 5521
?
- suppose Opener with maximum:
Kxx
A43
AK
QJ952
Hand fits and the information about Queen it is not so relevant than the
information about controls. Total points in the relevants controls are 11 and
Opener has 6
points-controls, so controls should be serached:
4 <= ask
for controls
?
4nt => up to 2 controls then Opener bids 5 missing 1 ace
and 1 king
5 =>
3 controls then Openr bid 6 missing 1 ace
5 => 4
controls missing
one King then Opener bids 6
5 => 5
controls all relevants controls - Opener bids 7
example7.13
1nt 3
<= singleton Spades
?
4 =>
KQx
KJxx
AJx
Qxx
sign-off but with maximum (x
Qx
KQxxx
AKxxx)
Responder may bid 5
but if
Opener has no
A or
K the contract lose 3 tricks in the majors.
In cases like this if Vul bid game if nVul pass.
/ / /
|
double 1nt (trf) <= shows 6
+
and 6-9 hcp
+
and 6-9 hcp
+
and 6-9 hcp