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Bridge World Standard - A consortium of leading Bridge professional
in North America, under the direction of the Bridge World company, who
maintain an agreed-upon bidding methodology.
Bridge World Standard
Complete System BWS 2001
Introduction
I. Definitions
II. General Understandings and
Defaults
III. Slam-Bidding Methods
IV. Partnership-Bidding Methods
A. Opening-Bid Requirements
B. Choice of Suit
C. After Our Preempt
D. After Our Two Clubs
E. After Our
Two-Notrump-Family Opening
F. After Our One-Notrump
Opening
G. After Our Major-Suit
Opening
H. After Our Minor-Suit
Opening
I. After Any Suit One-Bid
V. Competitive-Bidding Methods
A. Competition After Our
Preempt
B. Competition
After Our Two-Club Opening
C. Competition
After Our One-Notrump Opening
D. Competition
After Our Major-Suit Opening
E. Competition
After Our Minor-Suit Opening
F. Competition After
Any Suit One-Bid
VI. Defensive-Bidding Methods
A. Initial
Defensive-Action Requirements
B. After Our Double of a
One-Bid
C. After Our Suit
Overcall of a One-Bid
D. After Our One-Notrump
Overcall
E. After We Reopen a One-Bid
F. When the Opener has
Preempted
G. After Our
Sandwich-Position Action
H. Delayed Auction Entry
VII. Bridge World Standard Defense
Introduction
Bridge World Standard encapsultates common American expert
practices, determined by polls, as a set of partnership agreements (and, where
there is no consensus, non-agreements). It is used as a framework for problems
in the Master Solvers’ Club, by impromptu partnerships, and as a basis for
discussion by those who wish to formulate their own system.
Where the experts are in substantial agreement (with close cases
decided, when possible, by the votes of Bridge World readers at large), those
methods become part of the system. Where there are competing popular approaches,
alternative methods, called leaves, are listed.
I. Definitions
A distribution shown with hyphens refers to any pattern including
those suit lengths (for example, 5-4-3-1 means any hand with one five-card suit,
one four-card suit, one tripleton and one singleton). A distribution shown with
equal signs refers to specific suit lengths (for example, 5=4=3=1 means a hand
with five spades, four hearts, three diamonds and one club). Balanced means
4-3-3-3, 4-4-3-2 or 5-3-3-2.
A competitive action is one taken over an opponent’s bid, double or
redouble. An action taken in direct position immediately follows an opponent’s
action; one taken in reopening position follows an opponent’s action and two
passes.
Points refer to 4-3-2-1 high-card points (HCP).
II. General Understandings and
Defaults
Bypass rule: If a player bypasses a natural notrump bid to make a
nonforcing bid, then later bids notrump competitively uninvited, that notrump
bid is unusual (showing additional distribution, not offering to play in notrump).
Doubles subject to no explicit agreement:
(a) [default]
when a pass would be forcing, a double discourages further offensive bidding
[leaf]
is for penalty when partner is limited; discourages further offensive bidding
when partner is unlimited;
(b) [default]
when a pass would be nonforcing and both partners are unlimited, a double
indicates undescribed high-card values, with sufficient length in the suit
doubled to sustain a penalty pass on ordinary distribution
[leaf]
any other agreement;
(c) [default]
when a pass would be nonforcing, the doubler is unlimited but his partner is
limited, a double is for penalty
[leaf]
any other agreement;
(d) when a pass would be nonforcing, either the doubler is limited and his
partner is unlimited or both partners are limited, a double is for penalty.
Five notrump: If an undiscussed but clearly forcing noncompetitive
five-notrump bid might logically be interpreted as more than one of these
alternatives, the priority order of interpretation is
(1) Grand-Slam Force,
(2) choice of slam,
(3) control-showing bid.
Forcing vs. nonforcing: When a call could logically be interpreted
as either forcing or nonforcing and there is no explicit agreement:
In general:
[default]
In a competitive situation, treat as nonforcing; in a noncompetitive situation,
treat as forcing or nonforcing by which seems more sensible to the observer
[leaf]
forcing rather than nonforcing.
Specific cases:
(a) Vulnerability exerts influence solely in that some situations are forcing
only when our side is vulnerable against not. Those situations include at least
when the opponents bid at or above game and our side has shown strength or
itself bid game nonpreemptively (but there is no agreement on other cases).
(b) If we have been forced to game but have not bid game, competitive situations
thereafter above the game level are forcing.
(c) If we have bid game nonpreemptively, the default applies.
(d) If we have invited game and the invitation has not been declined,
competitive situations thereafter are forcing only as high as where the force
would have expired noncompetitively.
(e) A two-notrump opening does not create a force if the opponents bid.
(f) If a two-club opening is overcalled, responder’s pass is forcing at every
level.
(g) No force is created after
(1) our penalty double or penalty pass of a takeout double when the partnership
is not otherwise committed to further bidding;
(2) an opponent raises over our takeout double, simple overcall, or
jump-overcall of a preemptive opening;
(3) an opponent’s preemptive bid over our one-over-one response;
(4) a strength-showing redouble by an already-limited hand.
(h) A strength-showing redouble by an unlimited hand creates a force to at least
a level dictated by the logic of the auction.
Form of scoring: BWS makes no adjustments in its agreements to
match changes in the form of scoring (as in matchpoints vs. IMPs).
Four notrump:
(a) If an undiscussed but clearly forcing noncompetitive four-notrump bid might
logically be interpreted as more than one of these alternatives, the priority
order of interpretation is
(1) ace- or key-card-asking convention,
(2) offer of general slam encouragement,
(3) control-showing bid.
(b) There is no agreement about an undiscussed competitive four-notrump bid that
might logically be interpreted as ace-asking, key-card-asking, or something
else. However, if an undiscussed forcing competitive four-notrump bid cannot
logically be ace- or key-card-asking, it is for general takeout.
Interpretation priorities: When a call is subject to different
possible interpretations and there is no explicit system agreement, it should be
considered:
(a) natural rather than artificial;
(b) [default]
if a double, non-penalty or penalty by which seems more sensible to the observer
[leaf]
non-penalty rather than penalty;
(c) lead-directing or not by which seems more sensible to the observer;
(d) if a redouble, business or escape by which seems more sensible to the
observer;
(e) if a pass over an opponent’s redouble, penalty or escape by which seems more
sensible to the observer.
Jumps:
(a) The default interpretation of a bid one level above a strength-showing force
(e.g., one spade — four diamonds) is a splinter.
(b) The default interpretation of a bid one level above a splinter (e.g., one
spade — five diamonds) is Exclusion Key-Card Blackwood. (There are explicit
exceptions to this principle.)
Lead-directing doubles:
(a) A double of a suitless auction to three notrump or four notrump requests the
lead of leader’s shorter major.
(b) No special lead is suggested by a double
(1) of a suitless auction to six notrump or seven notrump;
(2) when some combination of dummy’s suit, leader’s suit, and doubler’s suit is
available;
(3) when there are expected and unexpected leads; or
(4) after the opponents’ previously uncontested Stayman auction.
(c) A double for an unusual lead against a suit contract cancels an earlier
lead-directional message.
Opposing doubles:
[default]
When a forcing bid is doubled and there is no contrary explicit system agreement
or logic from the auction, a pass is forcing and a redouble is to play (suggests
a contract).
[leaf]
pass and redouble are both nonforcing (suggest a contract).
Passed-hand situations: When it is logically possible and there is
no explicit understanding to the contrary, an action taken by a passed hand has
the same general meaning as the corresponding action taken by an unpassed hand,
subject to whatever constraints are imposed by the failure to open the bidding.
Passes over redoubles: A pass over a redouble is
(a) for penalty when a preemptive opening is doubled in either position, a suit
one-bid is doubled in reopening position, a bid at the two level or higher is
doubled after the opponents have bid three or more times;
(b) for takeout when a suit one-bid is doubled in direct position or a new-suit
response is doubled;
(c) subject to no special agreement when a raise of a one-bid, or a one-notrump
response, or a one-level bid after the opponents have bid three or more times is
doubled.
Redoubles: A redouble is natural (to play) except the following,
which are for takeout: opener’s redouble of the direct double of a suit one-bid
passed for penalty; advancer’s redouble of either the penalty double of a simple
overcall of a one-bid or the double of a two-notrump overcall of a weak two-bid.
Splinters vs. Fragments: When two bids are to be used systemically
to show distribution, and either each will show shortness in the suit bid
(“splinter”) or each will show shortness in the suit left unbid (“fragment”),
the splinter interpretation applies in all cases.
Suit jumps:
[default]
If an undiscussed competitive suit jump might logically be interpreted in more
than one way, it is natural
[leaf]
a fit-jump.
Two notrump: Competitive two-notrump bids that might be used
artificially to help distinguish actions designed to contest the auction from
those of a constructive nature are natural.
III. Slam-Bidding Methods
Ace- and Key-Card-Asking:
(a) When a four-notrump bid is Key-Card Blackwood (KCB), the replies are:
0|3-1|4
[default] five clubs = 0 or 3 key cards; five diamonds = 1 or 4; five hearts
(spades) = 2 without (with) the trump queen
[leaf] 1|4-3|0 (five clubs = 1 or 4 key cards; five diamonds = 0 or 3; five
hearts (spades) = 2 without (with) the trump queen)
(b) When a four-notrump bid is Six-Key-Card Blackwood (6KCB), the replies are
similar with “trump queen” replaced by “key queen.”
(c) When a four-notrump bid is Blackwood but is neither KCB nor 6KCB, or when a
bid other than four notrump asks for aces, the replies are 0|3-1|4 [one step = 0
or 3 aces; two steps = 1 or 4; three steps = 2].
(d) When Gerber (four clubs asking for aces) is used, the replies are in steps:
one step = 0 aces, two steps = 1 ace, and so forth.
Agreed Suit and Number of Keys: When four-notrump is a key-card
ask, it is 6KCB when and only when two suits have been supported.
In KCB, absent an explicit agreement, the priority order for
determining the agreed suit is: the only supported suit; the only shown suit;
the most recently shown suit.
Specific cases:
(a) [default]
After a two-club opening and a later Blackwood four-notrump bid by opener when
there is no explicitly agreed suit: If opener has shown length in only one suit,
four notrump is KCB with that suit agreed; otherwise, it is KCB and the usual
rules apply.
[leaf]
four notrump is KCB and the usual agreed-suit rules apply.;
(b) [default]
When responder to a suit one-bid jump-shifts and then bids four notrump, that is
Key-Card Blackwood in responder’s suit.
[leaf]
Key-Card Blackwood in opener’s suit.
[leaf]
not Key-Card Blackwood.
Approaches to slam decisions:
Kaplan Control Principles: When there is an agreed suit:
(a) After a slam-try by one partner below four of the agreed suit,
(1) a non-signoff bid or redouble by the other is slam-positive and indicates a
specific control;
(2) failure to show a control is slam-negative, but does not deny that control.
(b) After a slam-try by one partner above four of the agreed suit, the other
must show any biddable control below five of the agreed suit (and doing so
carries no implication of overall extra values).
Last Train: Any time there is only one call that indicates slam
interest or further slam interest without raising the partnership’s level of
commitment, it is a “Last Train” slam-try, unrelated to the strain named (unless
followed by an uninvited further action).
Open suit: When one partner has requested that the other
(“replier”) bid slam with at least second-round control of a particular suit
(the “open” suit) regardless of the rest of his hand, this scheme is used for
replier’s actions: with no control in the open suit, pass or return to (usually
five of) the agreed suit; with second-round control, bid six of the agreed suit
(or five notrump with the guarded king); with first-round control, control-bid
in the open suit (or, with, additionally, first-round or maximum-possible and an
as-yet-unshown control in another suit, control-bid in that suit).
Blackwood follow-ups:
(a) a later bid in the agreed suit (or, in 6KCB, in one of the raised suits) is
nonforcing.
(b) After a 0|3 or 1|4 reply to KCB, the cheapest forcing bid by the Blackwood
bidder is a trump-queen-ask if it is below five of the agreed suit, and the
negative reply is a return to the agreed suit. After a 0|3 or 1|4 reply to 6KCB,
the cheapest bid by the Blackwood bidder below five of a raised suit is a
queen-ask relating to both raised suits, with replies in steps: one step, no
queen; two steps, one queen; three or more steps, two queens.
(c) A five-notrump bid by the Blackwood (or KCB or 6KCB) bidder confirms
partnership possession of all the aces (or of all key cards and the trump queen
or key queens or equivalent), invites a grand slam, and asks for specific kings
outside the agreed suit (in KCB) or outside the raised suits (in 6KCB).
Exclusion Blackwood: When a call is defined as Exclusion Blackwood
(EB), the replies are in steps similar to Key-Card Blackwood, but the replier
does not count the ace of an excluded suit. The EB interpretation applies to
certain jumps that name an excluded suit, and also when a player makes a
slam-try, indicates a short suit, receives no encouragement, and then bids four
notrump (in which case the short suit is an excluded suit).
Grand-Slam Force: When a five-notrump bid is the Grand-Slam Force (GSF):
(a) The scheme for determining the agreed suit is the same as it is for Key-Card
Blackwood.
(b) Replier bids above the agreed suit with two (or three) of the top three
trump honors. With a lesser trump holding, he bids cheapest-weakest (the higher
the bid, the stronger the holding).
Interference:
(a) When there is interference after an ace- or key-card-ask, the replies are:
(1) at low enough levels, DOPI (double or redouble = 0 or 0|3, pass = 1 or 1|4,
cheapest bid = 2 or 2 without the trump queen, etc.);
(2) at high enough levels, DEPO (double = even, pass = odd).
(b) When there is interference after a Grand-Slam Force, the replies are:
(1) at low enough levels, DOPI (double or redouble substitutes for what would
have been the cheapest bid, pass substitutes for what would have been the
second-cheapest bid, the cheapest bid substitutes for what would have been the
third-cheapest bid, etc., subject to the logic of the auction);
(2) at high enough levels, DEPO (double = even, pass = odd).
(c) When an artificial slam-try (such as a control-bid or a splinter) is
doubled, the weakest action by the next player to speak is a return to the
agreed suit (or whatever would have been the weakest action without the double).
Slow arrival: Except where there is a specific agreement to the
contrary, when there is a choice between two game-forcing bids in a particular
strain, BWS uses “slow arrival” (a jump is either stronger than a simple bid or
it is a “picture bid” with a specific descriptive meaning).
Voids: A reply to an ace- or key-card-ask above the usual range
shows a void:
(a) the cheapest void-showing reply shows two [or an even number of] aces/key
cards plus a void;
(b) a higher action indicates one [or an odd number of] ace[s]/key card[s] plus
a void and, when possible, indicates the suit of the void.
IV. Partnership-Bidding Methods
This section describes agreements about auctions in which our side
makes the first bid and the opponents do nothing but pass.
A. Opening-Bid Requirements
BWS-2001 is a mostly natural system based on an artificial strong
two-club opening, weak two-bids in the other suits, strong notrump (with Stayman
and transfers), and five-card majors (with a semi-forcing one-notrump response).
Opening requirements are neither extremely sound nor light. The minimum
requirement to open with a long minor is about half a point higher than with a
long major.
A Q x x x A x x J x x x x
is a minimum one-spade opening bid as dealer with neither side vulnerable.
A K Q J 10 A K Q K 10 9 x x
or
A K Q J 10 A K Q Q 10 9 x x
is a minimum two-club opening bid as dealer with neither side vulnerable.
This scheme is used for opening the bidding with a balanced hand:
[default] suit, then minimum notrump: 12 to 14
[leaf] suit, then minimum notrump: strong 12 to 14
one notrump: 15 to 17
suit, then strong action in notrump: 18 to 19
two notrump: 20 to weak 22
two clubs, then minimum notrump: strong 22 to 24
[default] two clubs, then two hearts (Kokish) over a two-diamond
response, then two notrump over a two-spade relay: 25-plus
[leaf] two clubs, then single jump in notrump: 25 to 27
It is optional to open one notrump with any of these distributions:
5-3-3-2 with a long major, 2=4=2=5, 2=4=5=2, 6-3-2-2 with a long minor.
It is acceptable to open two notrump (or two clubs, intending to
rebid in notrump) with an unstopped doubleton, a five-card major, a six-card
minor, or five-four distribution including a five-card minor.
On the understanding that requirements within an overall style vary
with form of scoring, table position and vulnerability, the BWS requirements for
initial preemptive openings are not extreme in any direction.
A three-notrump opening is gambling (solid seven-card minor) with
little side strength.
An opening of four of a minor is natural. [default] { Namyats: a
strong four-of-a-major opening, clubs = hearts or diamonds = spades. [leaf]}
A first- or second-position weak two-bid that includes three of
this list of characteristics is unacceptable: five cards in the bid suit; seven
cards in the bid suit; flimsy (definition adjusted to suit the vulnerability)
six cards in the bid suit; side void; side four-card or longer suit. Otherwise,
opener may use his judgment.
B. Choice of Suit
When opening a one-bid in a minor suit: with three-three in the
minors, always bid one club; with either four-four in the minors or four
diamonds, five clubs and a minimum-range hand, use judgment to decide which
minor to open.
With a minimum-range five-six hand, open in the higher and shorter
suit only when the long suits are adjacent.
On a hand calling for an opening one-bid with five-five in the
black suits, opener should always bid one spade. [default] { bid one spade
unless the hand is strong. [leaf] } { use some other criterion to decide which
suit to open. [leaf] }
In third or fourth position, it is acceptable to open in a strong
four-card major if the auction rates to be manageable thereafter.
C. After Our Preempt
Responding to preemptive openings in a suit: When responder is an
unpassed hand:
(a) a four-notrump response or a jump-response of four clubs is a key-card-ask
[in opener’s implied major when Namyats is used];
(b) a raise of a major-suit preempt to five is a trump-ask after a four-bid,
otherwise preemptive (a bar);
(c) a simple new-suit response to partner’s game-level preemptive opening is an
asking-bid about the suit named (replies: one step, neither first- nor
second-round control; two steps, second-round control; three steps, first-round
control; higher, first- and second-round controls);
(d) a simple below-game new-suit response is a one-round force;
(e) a below-game, jump new-suit response other than four clubs is
[default:] an asking-bid about the bid suit
[leaf] preemptive.;
(f) when Namyats is used, a one-step response to a four-of-a-minor opening is a
slam-try;
(g) a two-notrump response to a weak two-bid invites game and suggests a fit for
opener’s suit.
Responses to a three-notrump opening:
(a) club bids are “pass or correct”;
(b) four notrump is invitational;
(c) four diamonds asks for side shortness (opener bids four of a major with
shortness there, four notrump with no shortness, or five of a minor with
shortness in the other minor;
(d) any other bid is natural.
Weak two-bidder’s continuations: After a two-notrump response to a
weak two-bid, opener’s rebids are:
[default]
Feature-showing with a maximum.
[leaf]
Ogust (three clubs = minimum, weak suit; three diamonds = minimum, strong suit;
three hearts = maximum, weak suit; three spades = maximum, strong suit).
D. After Our Two Clubs
A two-diamond response to two clubs . . .
[default]
denies the values for a positive response in a hand with either a strong suit
(at least six-card length or five cards headed by at least two honors) or
acceptable orientation to bid notrump.
[leaf]
denies the values for a positive response.
[leaf]
denies a hand suitable for a positive response but shows strength beyond a
double negative (a two-heart response would show double-negative strength).
A suit-bid response to two clubs from three hearts to four diamonds
indicates a one-loser suit.
After a two-diamond response and a natural simple new-suit rebid by
opener, responder’s cheapest minor-suit bid through three diamonds is a double
negative (after which opener’s same-suit rebid of three of a major may be
passed), new-suit single jump is a splinter raise, and double raise is a picture
bid (strong trumps and little else).
When two clubs — two diamonds — three notrump shows 25-27 HCP:
four clubs = Stayman; four of a red suit = Texas; four spades = minors; five
clubs asks for aces (0, 1, 2, . . . replies)
E. After Our Two-Notrump-Family
Opening
These methods apply after a two-notrump opening bid, a two-notrump
rebid by a two-club opener following a two-diamond response, and a two-notrump
rerebid by a two-club opener in the sequence two clubs — two diamonds — two
hearts (Kokish) — two spades (relay) — two notrump:
(a) Texas (four-level) transfers, after which four notrump is Key-Card Blackwood
and a new-suit bid is Exclusion Key-Card Blackwood;
(b) Gerber;
(c) three spades showing both minors;
(d) Jacoby (three-level) transfers, after which a notrump bid or a new-suit bid
is natural, a self-raise to the four level is a slam-try, and a new-suit jump is
an “auto splinter” (a one-suiter with shortness in the bid suit);
(e) Stayman, with responder’s three-of-a-major rebid over three diamonds Smolen.
There is no agreement on the difference between showing the same major-suit
shape via transfer and via Smolen.
F. After Our One-Notrump Opening
Response to a one-notrump opening:
(a) Texas (four-level) transfers, after which four notrump is Key-Card
Blackwood, and a new-suit bid is Exclusion Key-Card Blackwood;
(b) Gerber;
(c) Jacoby (two-level) transfers, after which a notrump bid or a new-suit bid is
natural (transferring to spades and then bidding hearts shows at least
five-five), a self-raise to the three level is invitational, a self-raise to the
four level is a slam-try, and a new-suit jump is an “auto splinter” (a one-suiter
with shortness in the bid suit);
(d) Stayman (possibly a weak hand; opener bids hearts with both majors),
followed by responder’s bid of:
(i) two hearts is weak (scrambling for a two-level contract with length in both
majors);
(ii) two spades is invitational;
(iii) three of a major is invitational if a direct raise, or Smolen (forcing;
ostensibly four of the bid major and five of the other) if over two diamonds, or
a slam-try in opener’s shown major if in the unbid major;
(e) [default] four-suit transfers with
two spades = clubs (simple new-suit rebid by responder shows shortness),
two notrump = diamonds (simple new-suit rebid by responder shows shortness),
three clubs = both minors weak (nonforcing),
three of another suit = both minors strong (three diamonds = no major-suit
shortness; three of a major = at most one card in the suit bid).
[leaf] { two spades to show minors (or a weak hand with diamonds), two notrump
as invitational, three of a minor as weak.}
[leaf] { two spades to show minors (or a weak hand with diamonds), two notrump
as invitational, three of a minor as invitational.}
G. After Our Major-Suit Opening
(See also section I., below)
Responder is unpassed except where otherwise stated.
Responses: These methods apply to responding to a major-suit
opening:
(a) a one-notrump response is “semi-forcing” (limited to at most
game-invitational strength);
(b) a two-over-one response is forcing to game except where responder rebids his
suit simply after opener has not promised extra values;
(c) a single raise is moderately constructive (when responding with a weaker
fitting hand, bid one notrump planning to rebid two of the major, a sequence
that could also show 6-9 HCP and a doubleton fit);
(d) a double raise is invitational with four or more trumps (with equivalent
values and only three trumps, respond one notrump planning to rebid three of the
major after a minimum new-suit rebid);
(e) two notrump (no side shortness) or a new-suit double jump (splinter) shows
game-forcing strength with at least a four-card fit;
(f) a jump-shift followed by support indicates a hand stronger than ordinary
game-going values [a jump-shift shows more than ordinary game-going strength
(the equivalent of 16 HCP plus), a substantial suit (at least five-card length
with at least two of the top three honors), and one of three hand-types:
balanced, one-suited, support];
(g) three notrump or a triple raise is a weak preemptive raise, the former
showing some defensive strength.
Opener’s rebids:
After a one-spade response to one heart:
(a) a one-notrump or two-notrump rebid may include a singleton spade;
(b) a three-notrump rebid shows long, strong hearts;
(c) a four-heart rebid is unrestricted as to spade length;
(d) a four-of-a-minor rebid is a splinter raise.
One heart — one notrump — two spades is forcing.
After one spade — one notrump — two clubs — ?, a two-diamond rebid
is [default:] Bart, artificially temporarily suggesting five hearts and
converting natural rebids by responder to showing stronger hands than if the
same action had been taken directly. { natural. [leaf] }
One of a major — one notrump — rebid one level above a forcing
reverse or jump-shift is an autosplinter (big one-suiter; shortness bid).
After a two-over-one response, a two-level reverse or a non-jump
three-level new-suit bid shows extra strength, but two notrump or a single raise
may be based on a minimum hand.
After a single raise:
(a) a reraise to three is preemptive;
(b) two notrump is forcing, ostensibly a game-invitation;
(c) a simple new-suit bid is a game-try showing length (or a suit where honor
strength would be helpful).
After a two-notrump forcing raise: a simple new-suit bid shows
shortness, a new-suit jump shows a two-suiter, and the three other
game-and-below bids (simple same-suit rebid, three notrump, jump same-suit rebid),
herein called TOBs, deny the requirements for any new-suit bid. The TOBs are
graded from strongest to weakest (cheapest bid is strongest).
After a direct game-invitational raise to three of opener’s major:
the cheapest bid asks for shortness. One heart — three hearts — three notrump is
a control-bid in spades.
Passed-Hand Situations: These methods apply to responding to a
major-suit opening by a passed hand:
(a) one notrump is semi-forcing (6-12 points);
(b) two clubs is Drury-Fit (a hand too strong for a single raise, but unsuited
to a higher bid);
(c) three clubs is natural, similar to two diamonds but with long clubs;
(d) a jump-shift other than three clubs is a strong raise with length in the
suit bid;
(e) a double jump-shift is a splinter raise.
H. After Our Minor-Suit Opening
(See also section I., below)
Responder is unpassed except where otherwise stated.
Responses:
After a one-club opening, responder normally bids one diamond with
longer diamonds than either major, or with four-four in diamonds and a major in
a hand worth at least a game invitation; but the normal response is in a
four-card major with a minimum-range response and four-four in a major and
diamonds.
A one-notrump response to a minor opening shows 6-10 points.
A two-club response to one diamond is forcing to game except where
responder rebids his suit simply after opener has not promised extra values.
(Thus, in particular, one diamond — two clubs — three clubs and one diamond —
two clubs — two diamonds — three diamonds are forcing. With three=six in the
minors and invitational strength, responder’s normal plan is two clubs followed
by three clubs.)
A two-notrump response to a minor opening is natural and
invitational.
A single minor-suit raise is game-invitational or stronger and
denies a four-card or longer major; a double raise is preemptive (but of
sufficient strength to support a contract of three notrump or four of the minor
opposite a balanced hand with 18-19 HCP); a double jump-shift is a game-forcing
splinter.
A jump-shift response shows a strong suit (at least five to at
least two of the top three honors) and one of three hand-types: long suit, good
support, balanced or near-balanced.
A three-notrump response to a minor-suit opening shows a balanced
hand, 16-17 HCP, and little suit-slam interest.
A triple jump-shift response to a minor-suit opening is natural (an
exception to “one level above a splinter is Exclusion Key-Card Blackwood”).
Opener’s Rebids:
A one-notrump rebid [default] may not { [leaf] may } include a
singleton in responder’s suit.
In rebidding, after having opened in a minor suit:
(a) with 4=3=3=3 or 3=4=3=3, rebid in notrump over a one-over-one response that
does not hit a four-card fit;
(b) with 4-4-3-2 too weak to open one notrump and lacking four-card support,
rebid in a four-card suit at the one level when possible;
(c) with 4-4-3-2 too strong to open one notrump and lacking four-card support:
(1) with 4=4=2=3 after a one-diamond response, rebid two notrump;
(2) otherwise use judgment to decide whether to rebid two notrump or a four-card
suit at the one level.
Opener’s reverse after a one-level suit response is forcing and
promises a rebid below game.
Opener’s rebid one level above either a jump-shift or a forcing
reverse is a game-forcing splinter raise.
Opener’s reverse after a one-notrump response is forcing.
Opener’s double jump to three notrump shows a long, usually strong
suit.
After a strong single minor raise, opener can
(1) show willingness to play in three of his minor by bidding it,
(2) bid two notrump nonforcing, or
(3) bid a new suit (after which the bidding may still stop at three of the
agreed minor).
Opener’s reverse of the form one diamond — two clubs — two of a
major does not promise extra values.
After a natural, nonforcing two-notrump response:
(a) a simple rebid of opener’s suit is nonforcing;
(b) any new-suit bid at the three level is forcing.
Passed-Hand Situations: When responder to a minor-suit opening is a
passed hand:
(a) A one notrump response shows 6-10; two notrump shows 11-12.
(b) A single raise is invitational or stronger, but not forcing.
(c) A preemptive double raise has the same range as by an unpassed hand.
(d) A jump-shift shows a strong hand, a fit, and length in the bid suit.
(e) A double jump-shift is a splinter raise.
I. After Any Suit One-Bid
Responder is unpassed except where otherwise stated.
After a new-suit one-level response:
(a) opener’s single raise shows a minimum opening of requisite shape;
(b) with 4=3=5=1 or 4=3=1=5 distribution, opener should rebid in spades after a
one-heart response.
After a one-level new-suit response and opener’s simple new-suit
rebid:
(a) two notrump or three of any suit previously bid is invitational;
(b) a fourth-suit bid that is either a reverse or a three-level bid is forcing
to game;
(c) a fourth-suit non-reverse at the two level is [default:] forcing for one
round, and responder may pass if opener bids two of responder’s first suit, two
notrump, or a non-reverse minimum number in one of his own suits { forcing to
game [leaf] };
(d) a bid one level above a not-game-forcing fourth-suit bid is natural
(five-five or more) and game-forcing (to invite with the same shape, responder
bids the fourth suit cheaply twice);
(e) a bid one level above a game-forcing fourth-suit bid is a splinter;
(f) [default]
after one club — one diamond — one heart — ?,
[leaf]
one spade shows spades and is similar to a one-over-one response, two spades is
an artificial fourth-suit bid { one spade is a fourth-suit bid but may be weak
After opener’s one-notrump rebid:
(a) responder’s rebid of the cheapest two of an unbid minor is artificial,
forcing, and promising at least game-invitational strength (opener’s priorities
over such a bid are: show three-card fit for responder’s original suit, show
four-card length in the unbid major, show a minimum with the cheapest other bid,
show a maximum descriptively with anything else; responder’s next bid is forcing
unless it is two of his original suit, two notrump, or a raise to three of the
major just bid by opener);
(b) responder’s rebid of three of the cheapest unbid minor is weak.
(c) four clubs is Gerber.
After a one-level suit response and opener’s simple same-suit rebid:
(a) a third-suit bid that is a reverse or a three-level bid is forcing to game;
(b) a third-suit non-reverse at the two level is forcing for one round, and
responder may pass if opener bids two of responder’s first suit or three of
opener’s suit;
(c) a non-reverse jump to three of a third suit is natural (five-five or more)
and game-forcing (to invite with the same shape, responder bids two and then
three of the third suit);
(d) a bid one level above a game-forcing third-suit bid is a splinter.
After a one-level new-suit response and opener’s rebid-promising
reverse, any rebid by responder is forcing to game except two of his original
suit and the cheaper of a fourth-suit bid and two notrump.
After a one-level new-suit response and opener’s (game-forcing)
jump-shift, responder bids naturally.
After opener’s raise of a one-level major-suit response to two:
(a) a reraise and two notrump are invitational and nonforcing;
(b) three of opener’s minor is forcing for one round;
(c) one heart — one spade — two spades — three hearts is forcing to game
(similar to after a response of two of a minor; with only invitational strength,
responder must either choose a different game-try or bid one notrump
originally).
After a one-level new-suit response and opener’s two-notrump rebid:
(a) responder’s three-club rebid is artificial, and opener bids three diamonds
unless he has three-card support for responder’s major (responder’s next bid up
to and including three of his original suit is nonforcing; otherwise,
responder’s next bid is a signoff if that is possible; otherwise, it is a choice
of games if that is possible; otherwise, it is a checkback for an eight-card
major-suit fit if possible; otherwise, it converts the three-club rebid into a
natural bid in the minor three diamonds over two notrump would not have shown);
(b) [default]
responder’s three-diamond rebid shows a fit for opener’s minor
[leaf]
shows diamonds.
(c) for clubs is Gerber.
After a one-notrump response and opener’s reverse, responder’s
rebids of two notrump, three of opener’s first-bid suit, and three of a suit
ranking below opener’s original suit are nonforcing.
After a one-level new-suit response, a responder’s rebid of four of
opener’s minor is:
(a) a splinter after opener’s simple new-suit rebid;
(b) natural and forcing after opener’s simple or jump same-suit rebid.
Passed-Hand Situations: When responder is a passed hand, a
third-suit or fourth-suit bid is not forcing unless it is a reverse.
V. Competitive-Bidding Methods
This section describes agreements about auctions in which our side
makes the first bid and the opponents do something other than pass.
A. Competition After Our Preempt
When our preemptive opening is doubled:
(a) Responder’s redouble is strength-showing, temporarily suggests playing for a
penalty, and creates a force to the next level of opener’s suit.
(b) [default]
Responder’s simple new-suit bid below game is forcing, but lead-directional
(presumably with a fit).
[leaf]
nonforcing.
(c) [default]
Responder’s jump new-suit bid below game is forcing, fit-showing,
lead-directional.
[leaf]
forcing, fit-showing, suggesting length.
When our preemptive opening is overcalled:
(a)[default]
Responder’s simple new-suit bid below game is forcing, suggesting length (can be
raised).
[leaf]
nonforcing.
(b) Responder’s jump new-suit bid below game is forcing and fit-showing.
When our weak two-bid is overcalled, responder’s competitive two-notrump
response is forcing and similar to the same bid made noncompetitively.
When responder raises a preempt to game, whether competitively or
not, and an opponent bids, opener may not bid but may double (indicating maximum
defensive potential).
When responder raises a preempt below game, whether competitively
or not, and an opponent overcalls, opener may not bid and there is no special
agreement over whether he may double.
B. Competition After Our
Two-Club Opening
If two clubs is overcalled, responder’s double shows
double-negative strength and a pass is forcing. Opener’s double of the overcall
shows a balanced hand.
There is no agreement about responder’s actions after two clubs is
doubled.
After a negative response to two clubs and an overcall,
(a) opener’s pass is forcing;
(b) opener’s double is for penalty.
C. Competition After Our
One-Notrump Opening
After competition following our one-notrump opening:
(a) A double of a natural two- or three-level overcall is negative, of a higher
bid is for penalty.
(b) Over a two-level overcall: lebensohl [two notrump is a puppet to three clubs
and responder’s rebid below three of overcaller’s suit is nonforcing; a direct
bid of three of an underranking suit is forcing] applies, with “fast denies
stopper” for cue-bid and three-notrump direct responses versus responder’s
rebids following a two-notrump response. An artificial action is treated as
though it had been a natural bid in an anchor suit indicated.
(c) A below-game new-suit jump is forcing.
(d) A redouble of an artificial double is strength-showing.
(e) A double of an artificial bid suggests a penalty double of the escape.
(f) After any penalty suggestion: the opening side is forced to two notrump,
below-game new-suit bids are forcing, raises and two notrump are not forcing.
(g) A bid in a suit shown by an artificial defense indicates at least a
game-invitation and is forcing to two notrump.
(h) Bids in suits not indicated (although possibly bid) by an artificial action
have the same meaning as if the interference had been a natural bid in an
indicated suit [for example, one notrump — (two hearts, showing spades) — three
hearts is equivalent to one notrump — (two spades, natural) — three hearts].
(i) one notrump — (overcall) — pass — (pass) — double is for takeout, but one
notrump — (pass) — pass — (overcall) — double is for penalty.
After one notrump — (pass) — two clubs — (double) — ?, opener
should determine his action by first evaluating his club holding (bid if
especially weak, pass if average, redouble if especially strong). [default] {
take his normal action had intervenor passed when that action is a major-suit
bid (otherwise examine his club holding). [leaf] }
After a two-level transfer response to one notrump is doubled
[e.g., one notrump — (pass) — two hearts = spades — (double) — ?], opener should
(a) superaccept (bid above two of the suit indicated by responder) with any of
the same, or roughly the same, set of hands that would have been suitable for
superacceptance had intervenor passed;
(b) accept (or, if appropriate, superaccept) the transfer with at least
three-card support for the suit indicated by responder;
(c) redouble rather than pass with significant length and strength in the suit
bid.
D. Competition After Our
Major-Suit Opening
(See also section F., below)
In responding to a major-suit opening over a takeout double
(a) a one-spade response is forcing (by an unpassed hand);
(b) a two-level new-suit response is not forcing;
(c) two notrump shows a game-invitational or stronger raise of the major (direct
jump-raises are preemptive);
(d) a jump-shift is preemptive;
(e) a double jump-shift is a splinter raise;
(f) a redouble shows any other hand-type with 10-plus HCP.
In responding to a major-suit opening over an overcall:
(a) a double is negative through three spades;
(b) two notrump is natural (invitational) and nonforcing (jump or not);
(c) over a simple overcall, a cue-bid shows a raise with game-invitational or
greater strength, and a jump cue-bid is a splinter (direct jump-raises are
preemptive);
(d) four-notrump is Key-Card Blackwood (jump or not);
(e) [default]
a jump-shift is preemptive.
[leaf]
fit-showing.
In responding to a major-suit opening over an artificial action:
Over a Michaels cue-bid (other major plus a minor):
(a) a bid in a minor is nonforcing;
(b) a virtual cue-bid in overcaller’s anchor major is a game-invitational-plus
raise.
Over a bid showing two fixed suits:
(a) a bid in the remaining suit is nonforcing;
(b) the cheapest cue-bid (actual or virtual) is a game-invitational or stronger
raise;
(c) the second-cheapest cue-bid is a one-round force with the remaining suit.
After one of a major — (pass) — one notrump — (overcall) — ?: a
double by opener is for takeout, a double by responder (after two passes) is for
penalty
E. Competition After Our
Minor-Suit Opening
(See also section F., below)
After our minor-suit opening and a takeout double:
(a) a one-level new-suit response is forcing (by an unpassed hand);
(b) one diamond — (double) — two clubs is not forcing;
(c) two notrump shows a game-invitational or stronger raise of opener’s suit
(direct jump-raises are preemptive);
(d) a direct single raise is natural, similar to a single major-suit raise;
(e) a jump-shift is preemptive;
(f) a double jump-shift is a splinter raise;
(g) a redouble shows any hand with 10-plus HCP that is not suitable for a raise
or a new-suit bid.
After our minor-suit opening and an overcall:
(a) a double is negative through three spades;
(b) two notrump is natural (invitational) and nonforcing (jump or not);
(c) over a simple overcall, a cue-bid shows a raise with game-invitational or
greater strength, and a jump cue-bid is a splinter (direct jump-raises are
preemptive);
(d) a jump-shift is preemptive.
In responding to a minor-suit opening over an artificial action:
Over a Michaels cue-bid (both majors):
(a) a bid in the unbid minor is nonforcing;
(b) [default:]
the cheapest virtual cue-bid shows a game-invitational or stronger action in the
unbid minor; the second-cheapest virtual cue-bid shows a game-invitational or
stronger raise of opener’s minor
[leaf]
any virtual cue-bid is a stopper-showing raise of opener’s minor
Over another bid showing two fixed suits:
(a) a response in the remaining suit is nonforcing;
(b) the cheapest cue-bid (actual or virtual) shows at least game-invitational
strength and the remaining suit; the second-cheapest cue-bid (actual or virtual)
shows a game-invitational or stronger raise of opener’s minor.
F. Competition After Any Suit
One-Bid
A simple new-suit response over an overcall is forcing (by an
unpassed hand). If at the two level, it is forcing to the next level of opener’s
suit.
Negative doubles: A negative double at the one level or when there
is exactly one unbid major guarantees at least four cards in any unbid major
(opener may rebid in a three-card suit there in a pinch); otherwise, that
requirement is only tentative (opener should not rebid in a three-card suit).
When responder’s negative double guarantees length in an unbid major, opener’s
bids in that suit function as would raises in the corresponding noncompetitive
auction. After one club — (one of a major) — double — (pass) — ?, opener’s
two-diamond rebid does not show extra values.
Support and related doubles and redoubles: After a major-suit
one-level response and a sandwich double or overcall below two of responder’s
suit, opener’s redouble or double (even of a natural or artificial one notrump)
shows a three-card fit for responder’s suit. After a one-diamond response,
opener’s double of a sandwich one-spade overcall shows four hearts.
Maximal overcall doubles: After a simple overcall in the suit
ranking one below the opened suit, a single raise by responder, and a single
raise by advancer, a double is an artificial game-try. [e.g., one spade -- (two
hearts) -- two spades -- (three hearts) -- double]
After a redouble:
(a) [default]
After one of a suit — (double) — redouble — (bid) — ?, opener’s pass is forcing
everywhere.
[leaf]
through the two level.
(b) [default]
After one of a suit — (double) — redouble — (pass) — pass — (bid)— ?,
responder’s pass is forcing everywhere.
[leaf]
through the two level.
VI. Defensive-Bidding Methods
This section describes agreements about auctions in which the
opponents makes the first bid.
A. Initial Defensive-Action
Requirements
Generally, the BWS requirements for initial constructive defensive
actions (takeout doubles and overcalls) are moderate, but two-level overcalls
are sound. The vulnerability somewhat affects the minimum strength required.
The requirements for initial preemptive defensive actions (jump
overcalls; the weak version of two-suited actions) are possibly light.
A Q x x x x x x Q x x x x
is a minimum one-spade overcall of one club with neither side vulnerable.
A x x x A x x x Q x x x x
is a minimum takeout double of one club with neither side vulnerable.
BWS [default:] does not use minimum equal-level conversions (minELC),
in which doubler’s same-level suit bids over a suit advance may be based on
minimum high-card strength (with appropriate shape).
{ [leaf:] minELC is used when doubler of a major-suit opening converts a club
advance to the same number of diamonds and
(1) advancer has bid at the two level or competitively at the three level; or
(2) doubler is a passed hand. }
A K Q 10 x A K x Q x x x x
is slightly too strong for a one-spade overcall of one club with neither side
vulnerable.
The normal simple overcall maximum is 18 HCP with 5-3-3-2
distribution or the equivalent after trading off high cards for shape.
A direct-position one-notrump overcall shows a strong 15 to 18
points, regardless of the suit opened.
In reopening-position, a one-notrump overcall shows 10-14 (by a
passed hand, 10 to a maximum non-opening), a two-notrump overcall 18-19,
regardless of the suit opened.
An unpassed-hand’s cue-bid in opener’s suit, in either direct or
reopening position, shows either a weakish or a very strong hand with
(a) both majors if the cue-bid is in a minor, or
(b) the unbid major and an unspecified minor if the cue-bid is in a major. The
same bid by a passed hand shows a strength range consistent with security and
the initial pass.
A direct two-notrump overcall of a suit one-bid shows either a
weakish or a very strong hand with length in the two lowest unbid suits. By a
passed hand, the strength is limited by failure to open; a one-notrump overcall
by a passed hand shows a similar hand-type but less playing strength.
A jump cue-bid is:
(a) natural in direct position in opener’s minor;
(b) asking for a stopper for three notrump (suggesting a solid suit elsewhere)
in direct position in opener’s major and in reopening position.
A single jump-overcall of a suit opening in direct position is
preemptive, in reopening position has a strength range roughly equal to the
value of one king and shows at least an opening bid with at least a strong
six-card suit (by a passed hand, shows a similar hand limited by context).
Special-situation defenses:
Against a natural preempt:
(a) A double of an opening through four spades is for takeout.
(b) A four-notrump overcall:
(1) of four spades shows a non-spade two-suiter;
(2) of four hearts shows minors;
(3) of four of a minor is natural.
(c) A strength-showing jump in a new suit is natural, except when the jump is to
four of a minor, in which case it shows that minor and the unbid major.
(d) A three-level cue-bid asks for a stopper for notrump.
(e) A four-level cue-bid shows majors over a minor, other major plus unspecified
minor over a major.
Against two hearts Flannery: defensive meanings as against a weak
two hearts.
Against two diamonds Flannery: double shows high cards, two hearts
for takeout of hearts.
Against two diamonds used as a weak-two in either major: double
shows general strength.
Against strong, artificial one club or two clubs, or a matching
weak, artificial one-diamond or two-diamond response: double shows majors,
notrump shows minors.
Against Namyats: double of opening (or of the next-bid relay
response) for takeout of opener’s real suit; delayed double for penalty.
Against transfer and unspecified preempts: double shows strength
but does not create a force.
Against two-suited pre-empts: double, a bid in the other suit
shown, and a delayed double all for takeout.
Against natural one-notrump openings: Cappelletti (two clubs =
unspecified one-suiter; two diamonds = majors; two of a major = that major plus
an unspecified minor) in both direct and reopening positions. Double, for
penalty, shows at least as strong a hand in direct position, may be as light as
opener’s minimum in reopening position (except against a mini notrump).
Against a limited, natural two-bid (e.g., a Precision two-club
opening showing long clubs and a minimum opening): as against a weak two-bid in
the same suit.
An undiscussed auction-entry double of an artificial suit bid shows
that suit (and whichever interpretation makes the most sense among penalty,
value-showing and lead-directional).
Actions in sandwich position:
Over an opposing opening bid and one-over-one response:
(a) one notrump, two or more of opener’s suit, or two of responder’s suit is
natural;
(b) two notrump shows the unbid suits;
(c) three of responder’s suit asks for a stopper in that suit for three notrump
(suggesting a solid suit elsewhere).
Over an opposing opening and one-notrump response:
(a) double is takeout of opener’s suit;
(b) a two-level cue-bid is similar to that bid directly over the opening bid;
(c) two notrump shows the two lowest unbid suits.
Over an opposing opening and two-over-one response:
(a) a cue-bid in opener’s suit or two notrump is takeout;
(b) [default]
a cue-bid in responder’s suit is natural.
[leaf]
takeout.
As far as basic meanings of defensive actions are concerned, an
opposing sequence of a one-bid and a strong jump-shift should be treated
similarly to a one-bid and a two-over-one response. However, that approach does
not apply when the jump-shift is weak.
When the opponents raise a one-bid to two, there are no special
system agreements other than those listed here:
(a) a cue-bid shows majors over a minor, unbid major plus unspecified minor over
a major;
(b) [default]
a jump overcall is preemptive or sacrifice-suggestive.
[leaf]
value-showing.
In these situations, actions by the sandwich-position intervenor
have the same fundamental meanings as if made in direct position over
responder’s call as an opening bid:
(a) preemptive opening plus raise;
(b) one-bid plus constructive jump-raise;
(c) one-bid plus preemptive jump-raise.
A double of one of these opposing artificial raises of a one-bid
via a different-suit bid is for takeout of opener’s suit if the raise is marked
T (with a leaf of lead-directional if it is also marked l), or lead-directional
and/or sacrifice-oriented if the raise is marked L (with a leaf of takeout of
opener’s suit if it is also marked t):
game-forcing splinter L
non-game-forcing splinter Lt
range-showing game-force L
range-showing game-invitational raise Tl
range-showing weak (i.e., single) raise T
passed-hand fit-showing device T
other, not individually discussed, artificial raise Lt
After an opposing weak two-bid and (forcing) two-notrump response,
an action by the sandwiched intervenor is analogous to the same action taken
directly over the opening bid.
After an opposing preempt and a new-suit response (jump or not), a
double shows the two unbid suits. [default] { when the response is forcing,
double is takeout of opener’s suit. [leaf] }
After an artificial semi-positive or positive response to a strong,
artificial opening, a double shows the suit doubled.
After (one notrump; strong) — pass — (two clubs; Stayman) — ?, a
double shows clubs, strength unspecified.
After (one notrump; weak) — pass — (two clubs) — ?, a double shows
general strength.
After an opposing two-level transfer response to one notrump
(whether the opening is weak or strong):
(a) double shows the suit doubled;
(b) a bid of the indicated suit is for takeout of that suit.
B. After Our Double of a One-Bid
A one-notrump advance of a takeout double shows 7-10 points and a
stopper in opener’s suit, regardless of vulnerability and suit opened.
A cue-bid advance of a takeout double shows at least game interest
and creates a force until either a suit is bid twice or game is reached.
A noncompetitive raise of a noncompetitive one-level advance of a
takeout double indicates four-card support and approximately a four-HCP range
beginning one ace above a minimum double. When (only) the advance is
competitive, the minimum strength for the raise is one ace above minimum.
[default] { one queen above minimum. [leaf] } When (only) the raise is
competitive, the minimum strength requirement is one queen above a minimum. When
both the advance and the raise are competitive, the minimum strength requirement
is the takeout-double minimum.
After a noncompetitive advance, doubler’s strength-showing cue-bid
does not promise another bid if advancer bids no higher than two of his original
suit, but the cue-bid promises another bid if advancer bids higher than that
(but below game). That cue-bid may be used with four-card support for advancer’s
major suit in a hand too strong for a direct single raise.
After doubler’s strength-showing new-suit bid, advancer may correct
without showing any high-card values, but only to the next level of his own suit
or to an unbid suit that underranks it, and advancer’s simple notrump bid
guarantees a stopper in opener’s suit.
Among advancer’s actions over responder’s redouble:
(a) a new-suit jump is preemptive;
(b) when the suit opened is a major, one notrump is for escape, and a cue-bid is
constructive (forcing for one round).
Among advancer’s actions over responder’s new-suit bid:
(a) a double is for penalty;
(b) a non-jump cue-bid in opener’s suit is natural;
(c) a cue-bid in responder’s suit is artificial and forcing.
Among advancer’s actions over responder’s raise: a double is
responsive (for takeout or showing general values, depending on level).
C. After Our Suit Overcall of a
One-Bid
After our simple overcall of a one-bid:
(a) [default]
A new-suit bid by an unpassed advancer is natural and nonforcing in all cases.
[leaf]
natural and forcing.
[leaf]
always natural, but forcing only after a two-level overcall.
(b1) [default]
When new-suit advances are forcing, a cue-bid guarantees a fit, a jump cue-bid
is a mixed (i.e., semi-preemptive) raise that shows at least one defensive
trick, a new-suit bid followed by a same-suit rebid is invitational, and a
new-suit jump is a fit-jump.
[leaf]
weakish.
(b2) When new-suit advances are nonforcing, a cue-bid may be either a strong
raise or a prelude to a forcing bid in a new suit, a jump cue-bid is a mixed
(i.e., semi-preemptive) raise that shows at least one defensive trick, a
new-suit bid followed by a same-suit rebid is weakish, and a new-suit jump is
invitational.
(c1) [default]
When a new-suit advance would have been forcing over responder’s pass, if that
opponent should bid, the new-suit advance is nonforcing.
[leaf]
forcing.
(d) [default]
Over a bid by responder, a jump below-game new-suit advance of an overcall is a
fit-jump.
[leaf]
invitational.
[leaf]
preemptive.
(e) Single raise similar to single raise of major-suitone-bid; direct
jump-raises preemptive.
A one-notrump advance of an overcall shows 8-11 points and a
stopper in opener’s suit, regardless of vulnerability and suit opened; two
notrump is similar, 12-13 points (less after a two-level overcall).
Among advancer’s actions when responder bids a new suit:
(a) a double shows length in the unbid suit plus a tolerance for overcaller’s
suit;
(b) a cue-bid in opener’s suit is similar to one had responder passed;
(c) a cue-bid in responder’s suit is a strong raise of overcaller’s suit;
(d) a simple bid in the unbid suit is nonforcing (default; see c1 above).
Among advancer’s actions when responder raises opener: a double is
not for penalty (for takeout or showing general values, depending on level).
After (suit opening) - simple overcall - (single raise) - single
raise - (same-suit rebid) - ?, a double is a game-try when (and only when) there
is no new-suit bid available below three of the overcalled suit.
Among advancer’s actions after responder’s negative double: a
redouble shows strength.
D. After Our One-Notrump Overcall
Advancer’s methods after either a direct- or reopening-position
one-notrump overcall are the same as responder’s after a one-notrump opening.
E. After We Reopen a One-Bid
In advancing a reopening single-jump overcall, two notrump and a
new-suit bid are forcing for one round. After a reopening simple suit overcall
and a new-suit bid by opener, a cue-bid in opener’s first suit is forcing and
artificial.
F. When the Opener has Preempted
In advancing a takeout double of a weak two-bid (or the
equivalent), lebensohl applies (two notrump is a marionette to three clubs
[opener bids above three clubs only with significant extra strength], after
which advancer can pass or bid lower than three of opener’s suit to show a weak
hand; direct non-jump three-level new-suit advances show moderate values). A
direct natural three-notrump advance strongly suggests that strain (bidding two
notrump first is more tentative about notrump). A direct unbid-major-suit
inquiry cue-bid suggests that doubler, if not replying in a major, not bid
notrump without a full stopper in opener’s suit (bidding two notrump first
suggests that doubler can return to notrump with no help in opener’s suit.
[default] { with only a partial stopper in opener’s suit. [leaf] } A jump to
three spades over a double of two hearts is invitaertional and shows at least
five spades (bidding two notrump first makes a three-spade rebid forcing).
In advancing either a direct-position or a reopening-position two-notrump
overcall (showing strong-notrump values) of either a weak two-bid or an opening
treated equivalently:
(a) if the opening was in a major, all three-level suit bids are transfers to
the next higher-ranking suit (three spades shows clubs), with a transfer into
the suit of the opening functioning as Stayman;
(b) if the opening was in a minor, three clubs is Stayman [by default, Smolen is
not used], three diamonds and three hearts are transfers to the next higher
suit, three spades shows the other minor.
G. After Our Sandwich-Position
Action
After a sandwich-position double of a new-suit response:
(a) advancer’s cue-bid in opener’s suit is natural;
(b) advancer’s cue-bid in responder’s suit [default:] is forcing and promises
another bid below game. { followus the usual BWS defensive cue-bid rule. [leaf]
}
After a sandwich-position one-notrump overcall, advancer uses the
same bidding structure as responder to a one-notrump opening.
H. Delayed Auction Entry
If a player who passed over the opening bid next
(a) bids two of opener’s minor to overcall a one-notrump response or rebid, that
is natural;
(b) doubles a one-notrump response, one-notrump rebid, or simple rebid in
opener’s suit, that is for penalty.
VII. Bridge World Standard Defense
1. Opening Leads
(A) Against suit contracts
(1) Honor leads: ace from ace-king; top from a sequence; highest equal from an
interior sequence
(2) Spot-card leads: third highest from even length; lowest from odd length
(3) Alarm-clock leads (to suggest an unusual situation, such as a ruff
possibility): fourth highest from five or six cards; fifth highest from seven
cards
(B) Against notrump contracts
(1) Honor leads: ace requests unblock or count signal; queen requests jack;
highest equal from non-ace sequences and interior sequences
(2) Spot-card leads: fourth highest; second highest from weak suits
2. Later Leads
(A) Against suit contracts
(1) Honor leads: king from ace-king; otherwise, highest equal from sequences and
interior sequences
(2) Spot-card leads in opening leader’s suit: high from remaining doubleton; low
from remaining tripleton
(3) Spot-card leads in a new suit: third highest from even length; lowest from
odd length
(B) Against notrump contracts
(1) Honor leads: highest equal from sequences and interior sequences
(2) Spot-card leads in opening leader’s suit: original fourth highest
(3) Spot-card leads in a new suit: attitude
3. Signaling Techniques (How to Send Messages)
(A) Attitude signals: low discourages; high encourages
(B) Count signals: high even; low odd [Exception: in the trump suit, upside-down
count]
(C) What a count signal shows: present count
(D) Suit-preference signals: high prefers higher suit; low prefers lower suit
4. Signal Meanings (When to Send Which Message)
(A) When following to partner’s lead: attitude (discouraging signal suggests the
ability to support the obvious shift), but
(1) suit-preference when a high honor is led and dummy has a singleton and can
trump, and
(2) count at trick one when not beating dummy’s card or finessing and dummy’s
highest is the jack or lower or the equivalent
(B) When following to declarer’s or dummy’s lead: count
(C) When playing trumps: count, but suit-preference when there is a clear issue
for the defense
(D) When discarding:
(1) from sequences and interior sequences with significant trick-taking ability:
highest equal
(2) first discard in a particular suit: attitude
(3) second discard in a particular suit: count
(4) discard relating to a different suit: suit-preference
(E) When splitting honors as second hand: king from ace-king; otherwise highest
equal
(F) Throughout the defense:
(1) Special situations where count takes precedence: at trick one against a suit
slam, after a king-lead
(2) In general: unusual play shows unusual holding or requests unusual play
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