ETM Victory
Everything That Matters (ETM) Victory
A Weak Notrump System
© 2002, 2008 Glen Ashton BridgeMatters
Release 2.3i
Everything That Matters Victory is a bridge bidding system developed primarily for playing in general team competitions, such as the popular Swiss team events. These events often use Victory Point scoring (where the result of a match between two teams is assigned a victory point award). The system implements the weak notrump opening in a highly precise method that provides maximum knowledge of the partnership potential on each deal. It is a system with many common sense arrangements, though arrangements that one might not find used elsewhere.
Key to the system is the two point ranges used for balanced hands from 15 to 26 (with one partial exception), and a slightly tighter range for opening one trump. The two point ranges allow for accurate decisions by responder on how high to play the hand, and employ many game forcing sequences to find the right contract. The tighter range for opening one notrump means that purely quantitative game invites can be replaced by sequences that find the best game spot. In addition the active upgrade feature of the system upgrades balanced hands with playing value so that good games or slams might be reached even though there is slightly less points than one might normally have to have.
Bidding is made easier in the system by bidding balanced hands in one way, unbalanced hands another way. Thus responder knows the nature of opener’s hand and can evaluate properly towards the best contract.
ETM Victory is high definition system so it does take time to learn and play. For example, there are many times that a transfer bid is employed to show a suit, instead of just bidding it, to the point that sometimes ETM is nicknamed Every Transfer Method. However the system is designed to for maximum effectiveness, and it will provide substantial advantages to a partnership during a day’s competition. These advantages will mean better results for the partnership and the teams they play on. ETM Victory is the system for winners.
Table of Contents
ETM Victory Introduction and Notes..................................................................................................... 1
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Release Notes........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Contact Information...................................................................................................................................... 3
Definitions & Format....................................................................................................................................... 3
Legality and Alerts.......................................................................................................................................... 3
Abbreviations....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Bidding Sequences............................................................................................................................................... 4
Hand Shape Descriptions................................................................................................................................ 4
ETM Victory Style and Notes....................................................................................................................... 5
General Rules........................................................................................................................................................ 7
System Overview.................................................................................................................................................... 8
ETM Victory - One and Two Level Openings.......................................................................................... 8
ETM Multi Victory and ETM Total Victory - Introduction...................................................... 9
ETM Total Victory - One and Two Level Openings......................................................................... 10
Opening Bids and Responses......................................................................................................................... 15
Opening Bid Overview and Notrump Ladder..................................................................................... 15
One Club Opening, Hybrid: Clubs or Balanced 14/15-18 (14/15-16 with
Clubs)..................... 17
ETM Multi Victory/Total Victory Changes – Minor Suit Openings.................................... 20
ETM – Multi Victory- Useful Transfers (UT)..................................................................................... 28
ETM Gadget – A Relay for ETM Total Victory................................................................................. 30
One Diamond Opening, Natural, Balanced Only If 14/15-16...................................................... 32
Common Bidding after Minor Suit Opening...................................................................................... 36
1XYZ............................................................................................................................................................................ 38
Major Suit Openings - One Heart or One Spade Natural.......................................................... 40
Major Suit Openings - One Heart or One Spade Natural.......................................................... 40
Major Suit Openings – 2NT Response Structure.............................................................................. 41
Major Suit Openings - 2/1 Approach........................................................................................................ 43
Major Suit Openings - 1NT Forcing Approach................................................................................... 44
Major Suit Openings – Total Victory - Cheapest Bid Asking.................................................. 45
Major Suit Openings – Total Victory – Improving 1♥-1♠............................................................ 47
ETM Total Victory – Total 2/1................................................................................................................... 50
One Notrump Opening – Weak Notrump – 11/12-14 Balanced.................................................... 63
One Notrump In Competition...................................................................................................................... 75
Two Club Opening: Strong – 18/19-20 or 22/23+ Balanced or GF no 5+ card
major........ 82
Two Diamond Opening, Game Forcing Control Ask when no Multi.................................. 85
Two Hearts/Two Spades Openings, Weak Two Bids when no Multi................................... 86
Two Diamond Multi Opening – When Multi Allowed................................................................. 88
Two Diamond Multi in Competition – When Multi Allowed................................................. 90
Two Diamonds Multi – Fourth Seat..................................................................................................... 91
Goldilocks Two Bids – Two Hearts/Two Spades 10-13 When Multi Used.......................... 92
Two Notrump Opening – 20/21-22 Balanced......................................................................................... 94
Three Level and Higher Opening Bids..................................................................................................... 97
Competitive Bidding......................................................................................................................................... 98
Competitive Bidding After Our Suit Opening, Particular Cases........................................ 102
Choice of Strain Cuebids............................................................................................................................ 113
ETM Total Victory Swaps and Transfers....................................................................................... 115
Defenses................................................................................................................................................................ 121
Junkyard Defense vs. Flannery, Roman etc................................................................................... 126
Rumble vs Big One Club................................................................................................................................. 127
Slam Conventions.......................................................................................................................................... 129
Leads & Defensive Carding........................................................................................................................ 133
Release 2.3i
- First Internet release.
- Minor bug fixes.
For further information on these notes please contact:
BridgeMatters
K2G 5Y5
(613)-277-1721
High card points are given in ranges, such as 10-12. The ranges are not absolutes that must be followed - the bidder is expected to make any adjustments due to hand characteristics – see Over-Active Evaluation below.
Some ranges are given in the format nn/yy-zz or nn/xx/yy-zz. In this case it means that yy-zz is the normal range, but some hands of nn or xx points are included as well. For example 8/9/10-13 means the normal range is 10-13, but some 8 or 9 point hands are included depending on hand type.
Useful: ETM defines the “useful” range as decent constructive to game invitational (limit) values. It is a range just a bit wider and stronger than “constructive”. It is usually made with a bid that gives room for partner to make a game try opposite it to find out whether it is good “useful” or not so good “useful”.
ETM Victory is designed to be ACBL GCC (General Convention Chart) legal. There is no need to pre-alert the system, just when bidding one needs to alert all bids with special meanings. ETM Multi-Victory and ETM Total Victory is mid-chart legal (though it is necessary to have defenses handy for the opponents). It is necessary to pre-alert the Multi 2♦ opening.
© 2002, 2008 Glen Ashton BridgeMatters
|
Code |
Meaning |
|
C |
Constructive |
|
F |
Forcing |
|
GF |
Game Forcing |
|
GI |
Game Invitational |
|
HCP |
High Card Points |
|
L |
Limit (L+ = limit or better) |
|
M |
Major |
|
M |
Minor |
|
NF |
Not forcing |
|
NT |
Notrump |
|
|
|
|
Ph |
Passed Hand |
|
R |
Reverse |
|
Uph |
Unpassed Hand |
|
U |
Useful – see definitions |
|
W |
Weak |
|
X, Y, Z |
Any Strain |
|
[text] |
Name of Conventional Call, Treatment, or Sub-Section Title |
When bidding sequences are given, the end of a round of bidding is shown by a semi-colon, not the usual hypen. For example if two people were bidding (the opponents passing), it looks like this:
bid-bid;bid-bid;bid-bid.
If the calls of all four people were shown, it looks like this:
call-call-call-call;call-call-call-call;call-call-call-call
For hand shapes, normally the format is N-N-N-N, where N is the length of each suit. If the lengths are not in descending order, that it is an exact shape. For example 3-4-3-3 is an exactly hand shape, since the lengths are not in descending order. When the lengths are in descending order, the word ‘exactly’ will be included when the shape is exact (so 4-3-3-3 means any suit could be the four card suit, while ‘4-3-3-3 exactly’ means four spades), or the equal sign will be used instead of the hyphen (so 4=3=3=3 is an exact shape).
ETM Victory recommends using “Active Upgrade”, where hands are often updated when the playing value of the hand is more than what is usually expected. Factors considered in making this upgrade are usually length in a suit or suits, good controls, and high spot cards in the long suits.
For balanced hands, ETM Victory asks that opener add a point if holding a five card suit, unless the suit is poor. So if holding Q8xxx or Kxxxx or better five card suit, add a point to the hand. If no five card suit, add a point if two four card suits and either great controls (the hand is almost all aces and kings), or good controls and tens found in the four card suits. These active upgrades are frequent for balanced hands, so the system states balanced ranges in the format nn/yy-zz, where nn is one point less than yy and represents hands that can be upgraded to yy. For example a 1NT rebid can be 14/15-16, where many 14 counts are upgraded to 15. When informing the opponents of the range, include the lower number so that opponents know the lower number is quite possible – thus announce that the weak notrump opening is “11 to 14”, or tell them it is “a good 11 to an okay 14.”
ETM Victory does not usually downgrade hands but there is one exception. With 4-3-3-3 shape and 12 points without great controls (i.e. not rich in aces and kings), never open the bidding, as this hand is often better served by being on defense.
Here is a table of when to use active upgrades sometimes and more often:
|
Range |
Bid
by |
When
to Upgrade |
|
11/12-14 |
1NT opening |
Upgrade often with 5 card suit, but very rarely upgrade otherwise since 4-4-3-2 11 counts not great playing value. |
|
14/15-16 |
1♦ opening then 1NT or 1♣ opening if exactly 2♦s |
Upgrade always with 5 card suit. Upgrade with any 4‑4‑3‑2 shape that has at least one 4 card major, good controls and a hand that would not want to miss game with a 4-4 major fit when responder has a decent 10 count (so opening 1NT would miss the 4-4 major game). |
|
16/17-18 |
1♣ opening then 1NT |
Upgrade always with 5 card suit. Upgrade with great controls and 4-4-3-2 shape. Upgrade with good tenaces that can be protected by transfer sequences over 1♣ opening. |
|
18/19-20 |
2♣ opening |
Upgrade often with 5 card suit. Rarely upgrade otherwise to avoid playing in 2NT when responder is very weak. |
|
20/21-22 |
2NT |
Upgrade often with 5 card suit but rarely upgrade otherwise so can use 2♣ opening to find major fit. |
ETM Victory does not use quantitative game invites opposite balanced hands, as these are not that effective since opener can only evaluate on point count, not location of high cards. Instead responder is expected to bid game when game will be possible, and is given the tools to find the right game contract to play in. Sometimes a poor game contract will be reached, but the opponents will be under pressure to find the defense to beat it. For example, ETM Victory recommends at IMPs that all 11 counts, not 4-3-3-3, bid game when vulnerable opposite the 1NT 11/12-14 opening. This will sometimes mean a 23 or even a 22 point game will be reached. However with the points evenly distributed between the two hands, declarer will be able to continually lead towards honors to set up tricks. In addition if only holding a 11 count, opener should have a five card or longer suit that can be used as a source of tricks and to apply pressure on the opponents to make discards.
ETM Victory requires that two hand types be treated as balanced if conditions are met. First, a 5-4-2-2 hand is treated as balanced if the five-card suit is a minor, and both doubletons are Qx or better. Second, a 6-3-2-2 hand may be treated as balanced if the six-card suit is a minor, and both doubletons are Qx or better, and a rebid will not be a problem. This treatment means that opener is significantly unbalanced when a minor suit is opened and notrump is not rebid, and this assists responder in properly evaluating the hand’s potential.
ETM Victory requires balanced hands that open the bidding either open notrump or rebid notrump (or raise partner). Except for raising partner, the only exception is that in competitive bidding opener, having opened a suit bid with a balanced hand, can choose not to rebid notrump if the opponent’s bidding reveals that notrump would be an awful contract. In general though if opener makes a suit opening bid and rebids a suit, then an unbalanced hand is shown.
ETM Victory is designed so that a shapely hand opposite a balanced hand will describe the shape, instead of asking questions of partner. The shape to be shown is both the one or two longest suits, and then after that the short suit. If a one-suiter hand, after showing the long suit, next the short suit will be shown. If a two or three suiter hand, often the two long suits will be shown, then the third bid to describe shape will show the shortness. To assist in providing room to show shape, ETM Victory employs many transfers. For example 1NT(11/12-14)-2♥(transfer to ♠s);2♠-2NT(transfer to ♣s);3♣-3♦(short ♦s). This shape showing bid opposite balance hands provides very accurate placement of game and slam contracts. So when partner shows a balanced hand and you have an unbalanced hand with enough values for game then shape out!
ETM Victory uses a keycard asking bid called Optional RKCB, which is abbreviated ORB. RKCB stands for Roman KeyCard Blackwood, an Ace asking method which includes the King of the trump suit. ORB, or Optional Roman Blackwood, has a unique first step, which declines to answer the keycard ask. Usually it shows either no fit for the trump suit, or if a fit was already promised, then a poor minimum hand, relative to the bidding so far. Over this bid, partner can still use normal RKCB to insist on an answer. Further details on ORB are found in the slam conventions section.
ETM Victory is a MAFIA system – Majors Always First In Answering. This means that in responding to an opening bid, one bids a four card or longer major first even with a longer minor. In addition, ETM Multi Victory and Total Victory introduce methods that focus even more on the majors.
[General Notes]
- After suit opening and 2NT GI bid by responder at some point, return to opener’s lower ranking suit is NF, all other bids are forcing.
- Fourth Suit Forcing as an artificial force by an unpassed hand.
- By ph, Fourth Suit is natural/semi natural, intended as forcing but does not promise rebid.
- 4NT is takeout if non-jump bid over opponents bid and fit not established.
- Reopening jump overcall is intermediate, too strong for reopening suit bid but not wanting to double first.
- 3rd seat openers not to be much weaker than 1st opener, with bad hand bid on two+ level or pass.
- Fast arrival is a picture bid, values in suit(s) already bid, not much else.
- Any below game jump raise of an already bid suit is invitational unless GF already established.
- Jump shifts by opener are game forcing.
[Forcing Pass]
When a forcing pass is made it means partner must not pass but must either double or take some other action if the next opponent does not bid. Forcing passes can be made when partner makes a forcing bid and opponents intervene; then passes are forcing if at or below the level forced to. If partner shows support for suit (or if not support has big hand), then the level forced to is the cheapest bid in partnership’s suit. Once a fit is implied and the cheapest bid in the partnership’s suit is still available, the weakest bid is not pass but the cheapest bid in the partnership’s suit. However the pass is not forcing if the hand making the pass is limited. Also, forcing passes are not set up if game was bid but without room to show stronger hand by cuebidding etc.
Examples:
1♠-Pass-2♦-4♥;Pass: Forcing, since 2¨ forced to game or the opponents playing doubled contract.
1¨-1♠-Double-2♦;2♥-Pass: As the weakest bid would be 2♠, pass shows something here since the 2♦ cuebid is forcing to 2♠.
1¨-1♥-Double-2♦;2♠-Pass: The cuebid only forced to 2♥, so pass says nothing.
1♥-1♠-2♠-3♣;Pass: The cuebid forced to 3♥, so pass shows something here, and is forcing since opener’s hand is unlimited.
1♥-1♠-2♠-3♠;Pass: The cuebid only forced to 3♥ so the pass here says nothing.
1♥-2♠-3♠-4♠;Pass: The 3♠ cuebid forced to game, so pass is forcing here.
1♥-3♠-4♥-4♠;Pass: The 4♥ bid may just be to play, so pass is NF.
[Showing Shortness]
The Victory style when showing shortness is that bids show shortness in the suit bid when possible.
[Transfers Off When Natural Rebid]
The Multi Victory and Total Victory systems provide for extended use of transfers. However transfers are almost never on when opener or overcaller makes a natural suit rebid in a new suit or in the opened/overcalled suit. The only time transfers are on is when ETM Gadget is used, a bid used by responder after opener opens a minor, responder shows a major, and opener rebids on the two level, but not a reverse or a raise.
1♣ is a hybrid opening and it shows either a natural unbalanced club opening 11-22 or a balanced hand with 14/15-16 and 3+♣s & exactly two ¨s, or a balanced hand (e.g. with at least 2♣s) with 16/17-18, can have a five card major. After 1♣, responses can be light, one level responses natural, 1NT shows 11+ balanced or semi-balanced, forcing, can have a four card major if GF values. Two level responses are special, 2♣ is game forcing with both majors, 2¨ and 2♥ are game forcing transfers to the next major with six or longer in the suit. 2♠ is a limit raise or better in ♣s and often unbalanced, 2NT is a limit raise in ♣s but balanced with spread out values, 3♣ is a constructive raise in ♣s. 3♦ is to play opposite balanced 14/15-18. 3♥ or 3♠ is natural and GI based on long suit, not points. 3NT is 13-15. 4§ is preemptive, and 4♥ or 4♠ is to play.
1¨ opening is a natural opening, 11-22 unbalanced or 15-16 balanced with 3+¨s and may have longer ♣s but no five card major. After 1¨, major suit responses natural, 2♣ shows 9+ points and 3+♣s with perhaps longer ¨s, 2♦ and 2♥ are game forcing transfers to the next major with six or longer in the suit, 2♠ is a limit raise or better in ♦s, 2NT is a limit raise in ♦s but balanced with spread out values, 3♣ is to play opposite balanced 14/15-16 with 6+§s. 3¨ is to play, up to constructive values. 3♥ or 3♠ is GI based on long suit, not points. Notrump replies: 1NT: 4/5-8, 3NT: 13-15, with 9-12 bid 2♣ first then pass 2¨ or bid 2NT or raise 2NT rebid to 3NT.
1♥ or 1♠ openings are natural
openings with 10/11-22. Semi-forcing 1NT response.
2/1 game forcing. 2NT is limit raise or better with 4 or longer
in the M. Jump shifts are fit showing except for the cheapest
jump shift which shows 4 trumps & constructive values, and the jump shift
just below 3M shows a fit showing
jump in the cheapest jump shift suit. 3M is semi-preemptive. 3OM
is natural GI but if 3♠ based on very long suit only, not points. 3NT shows support & singleton/void in
1NT opening is 11/12-14, can have a five
card major if three cards in other major and not 14. Not 4-3-3-3 if 11-12. 2♣ is Stayman with 2♥ rebid
non-forcing, 2♠ invitational, and 3♣ transfer to ♦s, and 3♦
showing ♣s. 2♦ and 2♥
are Jacoby transfers but 2♦ can also be used like Forcing Stayman so it
is called Jacoby Stayman (JS). Over the
Jacoby transfers, which are never GI, if opener bids 2M, then 2NT on up are all transfer
bids. 2♠ response to 1NT is either
GI with 5♥s & less than 4♠s, or 4♠s & singleton
♥ & 4-4/5-4/4-5 in minors GF+, or 4♠s & 5+♥s GF that
wants to show shortness. 2NT is a
transfer to ♣s. 3♣ is a
transfer to ♦s. 3♦ shows GF
with singleton/void in one major, 3 in
2♣ opening is strong, either 18/19-20 balanced or 22/23 balanced, or a GF without a five card major. Asks for a four card or longer major. After 2♣, 2♦ shows 4+♥s with perhaps longer second suit, 2♥ shows 4+♠s with perhaps longer minor. 2♠ shows no four card major. 2NT is 0 point hand with no four card major. 3m is very weak hand with long minor. 3M shows a six card or longer major with at most one loser in the major.
2♦ opening is strong, either a game force with a five card or longer major, or a game force with a rebid plan. Responses are controls: 2♥: 0-1 controls (A=2 control, K=1), 2♠: 2 controls, 2NT: 3 controls, 3♣: 4 controls, 3¨: 5 controls, 3♥: 6 controls, 3♠: 7 controls.
2♥ or 2♠ openings are natural, weak twos, 4-10. Bids in M are to play. New suit bids NF, but constructive. 4♣ is ORB for M.
2NT is 20/21-22 balanced. 3♣ is Stayman. 3♦ and 3♥ are Jacoby transfers. 3♠ is a relay to 3NT, slam try with a long minor or both minors with unequal length. 3NT is to play. 4♣ is both majors, at least 5-5. 4¨ is Ace asking. 4♥ is equal length in the minors, 5-5 or better, slam try. 4♠ is transfer to ♣s. 4NT is Quantitative. 5♣ is transfer to ♦s. 5♦ is suit fit ask – asks opener to bid naturally up-the-line.
[ETM Multi Victory]
When permitted the following changes are recommended to ETM Victory.
Ř 2♦ opening is Multi, either a weak two in a major, 4-9, can be just a decent five card suit, or a game force with a five card or longer major.
Ř 2♥ or 2♠ openings show 8/9/10-13 with 6 or longer in the major.
Ř 2♦ and 2♥ responses to 1m openings are still transfers but show useful to minimum GF values, about 8 to poor 15.
Ř 2§ response to 1§ still shows both majors, but 5+♠s & 4+♥s 0 to 9.
Ř Transfers are played over the 1§ opening: 1♦=♥s, 1♥=♠s, 1♠=no four card major.
These changes are covered in this document.
[ETM Total Victory]
ETM Multi Victory can be extended with the
following methods:
Ř 1§-1NT is used by game forcing balanced or semi-balanced hands to ask hand type.
Ř 1♦-2§ is used by game forcing balanced or semi-balanced hands to ask hand type.
Ř 1M-2♣ is either a GF with either a balanced hand or with either minor.
Ř 1♥-2♦ shows 3+♦s, 9+, awkward hands to bid otherwise.
Ř 1♠-2♦ is a transfer to ♥s, 5♥s, GI or better.
Ř 1♠-2♥ shows 6+♥s, maximum of 10 HCP, less than GI values.
Ř ETM Gadget is used to ask after some of opener’s rebids to provide game forcing sequences on some difficult auctions, and to show a “useful” type hand that is difficult to both show and stay low.
Ř ETM Swaps and Transfers are used in competition to place overcaller on lead and to provide extended bidding space for majors.
1♣: Unbalanced ♣s 11-22 or balanced 14/15-16 & 2¨s, or bal. hand with 16/17-18 (then can be 5M).
1♦, 1♥: Transfers
to M. 1M
rebid is 3 in M unbalanced, 4/5 in M and 14/15-18 balanced, or 14/15-16
balanced with 2♦s and 3 in M. 2♣ asks which.
1♠: No four card major. 1NT rebid
is 15-17, 17 if not good ♦s. 2NT
is 17-18. Over 1NT or 2NT, ♣s
relays to ♦s, cheapest ♦ asks for five card major, and M bids show weakness.
1NT: 11+ balanced or semi-balanced, can have four card major if GF values. Rebids:
2♣: ♣s unbalanced & maximum of 15 OR no singleton/void & 6/7♣s & 16+.
2♦: 16/17-18 balanced but not a 4‑3-3-3 shape.
2♥: 4♠s unbalanced & 16+ or any 4-3-3-3 with 17-18 balanced. With 4-4-1-4 rebid 2♥, then over 2♠ ask, bid 3♦(shortness), and now 3♥ asks if 4♥s, with 3♠=yes.
2♠: 4♥s unbalanced & 16+, not 4♠s.
2NT: 14/15-16 balanced & 2♦s. 3♣ asks, bid 4 card major not held, 3♦ with both.
3♣: Unbalanced 16+ with no second suit but a singleton/void. 3♦ ask shortness.
3♦: 6+♣s 4+♦s & 16+.
3M: 5♣s & 4♦s and short in M,
3NT (16-19) or 4♣ (19/20-22) if 2-2-4-5.
After these bids,
cheapest bid re-asks. Replies to
1♣-1NT;2♣-2♦ are designed to show
minimum hands in same way as maximum hands.
4m is always ORB for that
suit, and after re-ask, 3M is ORB
for M.
2♣: 5+♠s, 4+♥s, 0-9. 2♦ or 2NT asks. Over 2♦, 2♥ or 2♠ rebid with 0-6, 2♠=5-5+ in majors.
2♦,2♥: Transfer Useful Jump Shifts. 2M signoff, 3M mild invite, 2NT asks:
3 suit bid below M: Retransfer, no singleton/void, minimum or near game going+.
3♣: Singleton/void in minor, 6 in M, any strength. 3♦ asks singleton with 3M and 3NT showing singleton/void in opener’s minor.
3M: Singleton/void in
3♠(if M=♥), 3♦(if M=♦): Singleton/void in
3NT: No singleton/void, good GI.
4X: Singleton/void in suit, 7+ in M.
4M: 7-2-2-2-, better than bidding game over
opening originally.
2♠: Limit+, 2NT rebid with balanced hand.
2NT: Limit with stoppers.
3♣: Constructive raise, opener to bid if 16/17-18.
3♦: To play opposite balanced hand, long suit.
3M: Natural, GI.
4♣: Preemptive.
Games: Essentially to play, 3NT showing 13-15 and no four card major.
Competitive:
2♣ by responder if available is 8-11 with 3/4♣s. System on over double except 1NT is 4-4 in
majors with
Total Victory summary continued…
1♣-1red-1NT and 1♦-1M-1NT basic structure
2♣: Asks for five card major, 2♦ says no. Now 2♥ asks for further shape, 2♠ shows GF in ♦s and only 4 in M (2NT now asks for further shape), 2NT is Delayed Scanian.
2red: The retransfer to the major, 5+ in M. Responder’s next bid is often transfer, 3♣=♦s. With 5♥s & 4♠s, retransfer with 2♦, then rebid 2NT to show 4♠s & 5+♥s. Note that retransfer to ♥s, then 2♠ is used to show ♣s (not 2NT which with shows ♠s!).
2♦: If
♠s=M, 2♦ shows either
5-5 in majors 9/10+ or signoff in ♠s with other strains playable.
2♥: If ♥s=M, 2♥ is signoff but other
strains playable, often with 4♠s.
2♠: GF in ♣s with only 4 in M.
2NT now asks for further shape.
2NT: Exactly 4 in
3m: 5+ in om, 5 in M, GF.
3♥: GF, Singleton/void in in
3♠: GF, Singleton/void in in
1¨: Unbalanced ♦s 11-22 or balanced 15-16 with 3+¨s, may have longer ♣s but no five card major.
1M: Natural.
1NT: Maximum of 8.
2♣: Asks, 3+♣s.
2♦: Unbalanced minimum. Now pass or 3♣ with 9-10, 2♥ asks for more information, 2♠ shows GF in ♣s, 2NT is 11-12, 3♣ is long clubs & NF.
2♥: Unbalanced near GF with less than 3♣s or balanced major & minor (4-4+, usually 4-4) or 3-3-3-4/3-3-4-3 exactly. Now 2♠ asks, can have ♣s GF or just asking (2NT with balanced major & minor or 3-3-3-4/3-3-4-3 with 3♣ reasking, and above 2NT with unbalanced) and 2NT is used to show GF in ♣s.
2♠: Unbalanced GF with ♣s. 2NT or 3♣ both ask.
2NT: Balanced but not major & minor, 3♣ asks. Other bids show ♣s, 3M if weak.
3X: Unbalanced GF with
3♣s and descriptive.
3♣: To play opposite balanced hand.
3♦: To play opposite balanced hand.
Rest: as over 1♣ opening.
Competitive:
2♦ by responder if available is 8-11 with 3/4♦s. System on over double except flip-flop majors
(1♥ shows ♠s, 1♠ shows ♥s),
1NT is 4-4 in majors with
1XYZ is used on sequences where opener’s second bid is a new suit at the one level. 2♣ is a puppet to 2♦ with a ♦ signoff or a GI hand. 2♦ is an artificial GF. Other bids are signoffs/close to signoffs.
ETM Gadget is used on these sequences:
1) 1§-1♦(♥s);2§-2¨. 2) 1§-1♥(♠s);2§-2♥. 3) 1¨-1Ş;2¨-2©. 4) 1¨-1Ş;2§-2©.
Last
bid is a transfer to 2M, either
signoff in M, or any GF. If opener bids 2M, responder’s next bid shows nature of GF. Special sequence: 1♦-1♥;2♦-2NT forcing – no Gadget so 2NT forcing.
ETM uses many transfers – here is the defense if they are doubled:
- Without much values/length in suit doubled make normal response to partner’s bid.
- If values/length, pass which asks partner to redouble if not void. Then make normal rebid or pass the redouble with great length in the suit. Partner can decide to pass too if playing doubled contract right.
- With Hxxxx or HHxx of the suit make a direct redouble – partner will pass or bid as appropriate – after the redouble if the bid doubled was a transfer then system is on, but if the bid doubled was an asking bid (like Stayman) then natural bidding is used and a cuebid of the suit doubled is used to force if no other forcing sequence exists. Jacoby Stayman is considered a transfer.
Total Victory summary continued…
Competitive Notes:
1) 1m-1NT(by opponents)-2m shows limited hand with both majors or major & minor – responder will pass or correct as appropriate.
2)
If player just before opener
bids, regardless if responder or player’s partner has bid or not, then 2NT by
opener is Lebenshol – it shows a hand that wants to compete to the three level
but not enough values to make a direct three level bid.
1♥, 1♠: Natural openings with 10/11-22, five or longer always in 1st or 2nd seat.
Semi-forcing 1NT response, 1st or 2nd seat opener only passing with 11/12 & 5♠s & 3-3 in minors, or 11/12 & 5♥s & 4♠s.
After opener’s rebid, 2OM is forcing asking for further details, often:
Signoff in ♣s if opener rebid ♦s. Good raise in opener’s minor.
If ♠=M, 9-10 balanced. Good limit raise.
Cheapest suit bid at three level re-asks are used after opener’s 2NT or higher reply to 1NT. 3♠ shows whatever cheapest bid would have shown.
1M-1NT;2m-2M is 5-8, but by passed hand 1♥-1NT;2m-2♥ shows 5-10.
2♣ asks hand type, basic replies:
2♦: Waiting, 2♥ reasks (2♠ showing ♦s), 2♠ shows ♦s GF, and 3X shows ♣s GF.
2♥: 4 in
2♠: 6+ in
2NT: 14-16 balanced or 17/18+ with 6 in M but no shortness. 3♣ re-asks.
3♣: 4♣s & 5 in M, 16+. 3♦ reasks.
3♦: 5 in M & 5+♣s & 15+.
3NT: 6 in M,
singleton in
Other: Semi-natural, very big hand, double jumps to the four level showing shortness.
1♥-2♦: 3+♦s, either 9-10 balanced or GI with long ♦s, or GF with ♦s & distribution.
1♠-2♦: 10/11+ with 5+♥s. 2♥ now waiting (2♠ then artificially sets GF). Other bids GF.
1♠-2♥: 6+♥s, maximum of 9/10.
Cheapest jump shift: 7 to 9 with 4+ trumps.
Other
jump shifts: Fit showing,
with bid below 3M showing fit in
cheapest jump shift suit.
3M: 4
to 6 with 4+ trumps.
2NT: Limit raise or
better. 3♣=signoff with no
shortness or slam interest opposite GF (3♦ now reasks). 3♦= GF opposite limit but no slam
interest opposite GF (3♥ now re-asks).
3♠: Natural, GI based on long suit.
3NT: Support & singleton/void in
4m: Singleton/void in minor,
4OM or 4M is to play.
2♣ by passed hand: Drury with useful values or better. 2♦ reasks: 2♥=3 trumps min, 2♠=3 trumps maximum, 2NT=4 trumps no shortness. 3♣=3 trumps & shortness.
2♦, 2♥ by passed hand: 2♦
shows 6+♦s, 7/8-11.
1♠-2♥ shows 5/6♥s, 8-11. 2M
rebid 14+ & F.
2NT by passed hand: 4+ trumps, singleton/void, good hand. 3♣ asks shortness.
After 1♥-1♠, special sequences are available to show strong hand:
2♠ is minimum raise with 3/4♠s, 10/11-13.
2♥ shows ♥s & ♣s minimum, usually 5-5+.
2♣ is artificial, and responder usually bids 2♦. Then 2♥ shows 6+♥s, 14-17, 2♠ shows good raise with 3/4♠s 13/14-16, and 2NT or 3♣ shows ♣s & ♥s, 14/15-17/18.
Optionally opener can play jump shift transfers - 3♣ shows ♦s etc.
Competitive: Drury not on in competition. Over opponent’s takeout double 2♦ is artificial, good raise in M, while 2♣ shows a long minor (could be either suit). 2NT by responder if not over a pass or double is a major suit raise with useful values, 4+ in M. Optionally special negative double if M overcalled with OM where double shows ♦s and ♦ bid is used to show good raise.
Total Victory summary continued…
1NT: 11/12-14, can have a 5 card major if 3 cards in other major and not 14. Not 4-3-3-3 if 11-12.
2♣: Stayman with 2♥ rebid non-forcing, 2♠ invitational (handles all ♠ invites), 3♣ transfer to ♦s, and 3♦ showing ♣s.
2♦, 2♥: Jacoby transfers but 2♦ can also be used like Forcing Stayman so it is called Jacoby Stayman (JS). Over the Jacoby transfers, which are never GI, if opener bids 2M, then 2NT on up are all transfer bids. Replies to 2♦ Jacoby transfer are: 2♥=not 4♥s,2♠=4+♥s & not 4♠s, 2NT=4-4 in majors.
2♠: GI with 5♥s & less than 4♠s, or 4♠s & singleton ♥ & 4-4/5-4/4-5 in minors GF+, or 4♠s & 5+♥s GF that wants to show shortness.
2NT: Transfer to ♣s. 3♦ rebids show major shortness, 3♥=6+♣s & 4+♦s, 3♠=5-5+ in minors.
3♣: Transfer to ♦s. New suit rebids show singleton/void.
3♦: GF with
singleton/void in one major, 3 in
3♥: 4+♣s & 6+♦s & GF+ with ♦s at least two cards longer than ♣s.
3♠: Singleton/void in ♠s, 4♥s, 4-4/5-4/4-5 in minors.
4♣, 4♦: 4♣ is a transfer to ♥s and 4♦ is a transfer to ♠s, opener to not bid 4M only if 3 aces.
Games: To play.
Competitive: Negative Doubles, Lebenshol, over double redouble shows ♣s to play at two level or ♠s and another, pass forces redouble with power or minors to play at two level or ♦s to play at two level, m bids show m & ♥s, M bids natural, 2NT Lebenshol. If the auction goes 1NT-Double-Pass-Pass;Redouble-Pass-Pass(Power!)-?, Garozzo 2/3 doubles are now on.
If opponents
balance with a double, redouble by either player shows five card suit, while a
bid shows that suit and another (if no redouble opener usually passes
instead). If opponents balance with a
suit, double is takeout of the suit bid (not necessarily the suit shown).
2♣: Strong, either 18/19-20 balanced or 22/23+ balanced, or a GF without a five card major. Asks for a four card or longer major. After 2♣, 2♦ shows 4+♥s with perhaps longer second suit, 2♥ shows 4+♠s with perhaps longer minor. 2♠ shows no four card major. 2NT is 0 point hand with no four card major. 3m is very weak hand with long minor. 3M shows a six card or longer major with at most one loser in the major.
Competitive: Double by either player is takeout, but by opener suggests a balanced or semi-balanced hand. Major bids by opener only show 4 in the suit, often has longer minor.
2♦: Multi, either weak two bid in ♥s or ♠s, 4 to 9 HCP, can have a five card major, does not have two of top three honours and an ace (so not AKQ in suit either), OR a game forcing hand with at least one five card or longer major, and not 5-3-3-2. After 2♦, bids of M pass or correct, 3m natural & forcing. 2NT asks hand type:
3♣: minimum in ♥s or ♠s, or good suit in ♥s or ♠s. 3♥ now pass or correct, 3♦ reasks:
3♥: poor with ♠s or good suit ♠s. 3♠ NF so pass with poor ♠s.
3♠: poor with ♥s.
Above 3♠: good suit ♥s.
3¨: ♥s more than a
minimum, not good suit ♥s.
3♥ asks hand type, 3X
showing 5♥s.
3♥: ♠s more than a minimum, not good suit ♠s. 3♠ asks hand type, 3NT showing 5♠s.
3♠: Game forcing opening with 5 or longer ♠s.
3NT: Artificial, game forcing opening with 5 or longer ♥s.
4X: Weak two - good suit ♠s, unbalanced, second suit or extra M length.
Competitive:
Double of m is penalty, double of M bid is pass
or correct. If opponents overcall
3♥ or 3♠, a bid of game in the other major is to play – to play in
opener’s major bid 4♣ (transfer me to your major) or 4♦ (bid your
major).
Style note: Never lead a singleton honor in a major after partner opens 2♦ with weak hand.
Total Victory summary continued…
2♥,
2♠: 8/9/10-13, 6+ in M.
If 9 HCP and only six in M,
AKQ in suit or KQ in suit & an outside ace.
Otherwise if 8/9 HCP, 7+ in M and some defensive values.
If 4 in
3♣: promises
singleton or void in some suit, not 4 in
3¨: no singleton or void,
6 in M. 3OM
re-asks.
3♥: 6+ in M, 4 in
3♠: 6+ in M, 4♣s, not dead minimum. 4♣ is ORB, other bids for M.
3NT: 6+ in M, 4¨s, not dead minimum. 4¨s is ORB, other bids for M.
4X: 6-5 two suiter, likely minimum (or would have open 1M).
4M: 7-2-2-2 shape.
Competitive: Double by responder is penalty except not of
suit overcall just below 3M. If opponents suit overcall on three level, 3M is to
play while cheapest suit bid below 3M
is artificial, GI in M – if suit
overcall just below 3M double is not
penalty but instead shows GI in M. Over
takeout double use ETM Defense to Double (transfer bids that can be lead
directional only). If responder bids 3M or 4M and opponents bid
2NT: 20/21-22 balanced. 3♣ is Stayman. 3♦ and 3♥ are Jacoby transfers. 3♠ is a relay to 3NT, slam try with a long minor or both minors with unequal length. 3NT is to play. 4♣ is both majors, at least 5-5. 4¨ is Ace asking. 4♥ is equal length in the minors, 5-5 or better, slam try. 4♠ is transfer to ♣s. 4NT is Quantitative. 5♣ is transfer to ♦s. 5♦ is suit fit ask – asks opener to bid naturally up-the-line. Competitive: double by either player shows values, lets partner decide.
General Approach: Hybrid 1♣, natural 1♦, 1♥ and 1♠ openings, weak notrump, 2♣ 18/19-20 balanced or GF, weak two 2, 2♥ and 2♠ openings, 2NT 20/21-22 balanced.
|
Opening |
Style |
Description |
|
1♣ |
Hybrid |
Hybrid, clubs or balanced, 11-22, one of: 1) Clubs unbalanced, 11-22. 2) Balanced 16/17-18, 2+♣s, can have a five card major. 3) Balanced 14/15-16, with exactly 2♦s, 3+♣s, no five card major. |
|
1¨ |
Natural |
Diamonds, can be: 1) 4+♦s, natural, unbalanced, 10/11-22. 2) Balanced 14/15-16 with 3+♦s, may have longer ♣s, no five card major. |
|
1♥, 1♠ |
Natural |
5+ in M, 10/11-22. Not 5-3-3-2 if 3 in other major and 11-13. Not 5‑3‑3‑2 if 17/18+ (system does not provide 2NT rebid). |
|
1NT |
Weak |
11/12-14, balanced, can have a five card major if 3 in the other major and 11-13. 5-4-2-2 possible with a five card minor. A six card minor can be held. |
|
2♣ |
Strong |
18/19-20 balanced (can have five card major) or 22/23+ balanced (can have five card major) or any GF without a five card major. Asks for a four card major. |
|
2♦ |
Strong or Multi |
When Multi not allowed it shows a GF with a five card major (not balanced) or any GF with a rebid plan. Asks for controls. When Multi allowed it shows a weak two in a major, five or longer suit, 3/4-9, or a GF with a five card or longer major, unbalanced. |
|
2♥, 2♠ |
Weak/ Intermediate |
5 or 6 card suit 4/5-10. If five card suit good suit. Can be 6-5 hand planning on rebidding second suit. If Multi allowed it shows a 6 card or longer suit, 8/9/10-13, if 8-9 solid suit or seven card suit. Can have second suit. |
|
2NT |
Balanced |
20/21-22 balanced. |
|
3♣, 3♦ |
Preemptive |
Six or longer suit, 4/5-9, not solid seven card suit (open 3NT). |
|
3♥, 3♠ |
Preemptive |
Seven card suit, 3/4-9. Not 9 if 2♥ or 2♠ opening shows 8/9/10-13. |
|
3NT |
Preemptive |
Seven card suit to the AKQ or, if a minor, AKJ, little outside. |
|
4♣ |
Artificial |
Unknown long major, too much playing value for 4♥ or 4♠ opening. |
|
4♦ |
Preemptive |
Long broken suit, weak hand. |
|
4♥, 4♠ |
Preemptive |
Long major suit, not great playing value since no 4♣ opening. |
|
4NT |
Asking |
Specific ace asking, bid 5♣ with no ace, otherwise bid suit with ace, 5NT shows two or more aces held, 6♣ shows just club ace. |
|
5♣, 5♦ |
Preemptive |
Very long minor suit, no outside ace or king. |
General Approach: Suit openings at any level but one natural and preemptive, 3NT to play, 2NT.
|
Opening |
Style |
Description |
|
1♥,1♠ |
Natural |
Can have a decent four card suit or 5-3-3-2 if minimum, planning on passing a 1NT response, or if 5-3-3-2, rebidding at two level. |
|
2♥,2♠ |
Preemptive |
If Multi not allowed then wide ranging in 3rd seat, up to 12/13. About 11-13 in 4th suit. |
|
3X |
Preemptive |
Wide ranging preempt in 3rd seat, about 11-13 HCP in 4th seat. |
|
3NT |
To play |
To play, “Gambling” but any type of hand. |
|
4X |
Preemptive |
Preemptive, in 4th seat with values so contract is possible make. |
|
5X |
Preemptive |
To play. |
|
Range |
Opening |
Notes |
|
0-11 |
Pass |
|
|
11/12-14 |
1NT |
Weak notrump – not normally 14 with a five card or longer suit. |
|
14/15-16 |
1¨, 1♣ |
Open 1¨ unless 2¨s, then open 1♣ |
|
16/17-18 |
1♣ |
|
|
18/19-20 |
2♣ |
|
|
20/21-22 |
2NT |
|
|
22/23-24 |
2♣ |
|
|
24/25+ |
2♣ |
|
The ETM Victory 1♣ opening is a hybrid almost forcing opening – it shows either a natural club opening or a balanced hand 16/17-18, or an in-between hand, balanced 14/15-16 with 3+♣s & exactly 2♦s. The hand types are:
1) Clubs unbalanced, 11-22.
2) Balanced 16/17-18, 2+♣s, can have a five card major.
3) Balanced 14/15-16, with exactly 2¨s, 3+♣s, no five card major.
General approach: natural, useful jump shifts.
|
Response |
Style |
Description |
|
Pass |
Rare |
0-3 points, or 4-5/6 with some length in ♣s. |
|
1♦ |
Natural or semi-natural |
4+ diamonds & no four card major & any strength, or 3+♦s & balanced hand 4-10 with no four card major. Forcing. |
|
1♥, 1♠ |
Natural |
4+ in M, 3/4+ points. |
|
1NT |
Natural |
Balanced or semi-balanced, game forcing with any or game invite with no four card major. 11+ without a four card major, 13+ with a four card major. |
|
2♣ |
Majors |
Both majors, game forcing values. |
|
2♦, 2♥ |
Transfer |
Six or longer in major suit one above bid made (2♦=♥s, 2♥=♠s), game forcing. |
|
2♠ |
Limit+ |
Limit raise or better, 9+, enough for game opposite 14/15+. |
|
2NT |
Limit |
Spread out values, balanced, 4/5♣s, enough for game opposite 14/15+, 9-11. Denies a four card major. |
|
3♣ |
Constructive |
5+♣s, no four card major, enough for game opposite 17-18 balanced but passable if 15-16, about 6/7-8. |
|
3♦ |
To Play |
Long ♦s, weak hand, to play opposite 14/15-18 balanced. |
|
3♥, 3♠ |
Natural |
|
|
3NT |
Strong |
NF, Balanced, 12-14, 4-3-3-3 with spread out values, no four card major. |
|
4X, 5♣. 5♦ |
Preemptive |
Very long suit, no ace, no outside king, not much in values, sets trump suit so if opener bids it is a cuebid, and 4NT is RKCB for suit. |
See the section following, ETM Multi Victory/Total Victory Changes – Minor Suit Openings, but details on transfer one level responses to 1♣.
|
Range |
Rebid |
|
14/15-16 |
1 of a major if four card major, otherwise 1NT. |
|
16/17-18 |
1NT. |
|
Range |
Rebid |
|
14/15-16 |
2M if four card support, 2M or 1NT if three card support. |
|
16/17-18 |
1NT if less than four card support, 3M if four card support. |
|
Range |
Rebid |
|
14/15-16 |
2¨ if no four card major, 2M with a four card major. |
|
16/17-18 |
2NT, no five card
or longer suit. 3X with five or longer suit, no other four card suit, 3NT with 5-4
either way in the minors. |
|
Range |
Rebid |
|
14/15-16 |
2NT or 3¨ (3♦s with weak doubleton in ♦s). |
|
16/17-18 |
2NT (or 3NT with flat hand). |
The 1NT rebid shows 16/17-18 balanced, or 14/15-16 with a particular hand type. If 14/15-16, 1♣-1¨;1NT shows 3-3-2-5 exactly, and 1♣-1M;1NT shows 3 in M. The 1XYZ convention is used over 1NT, see the section following the minor suit openings.
After 1♣-1Y;1Z, the 1XYZ convention is used, covered in separate section. So 1♣-1¨;1♠-2¨ is artificial GF, like fourth suit forcing. Note that 1§-1♥-1♠ can have up to maximum opening values, since 1§-1♥-2♠ is an artificial raise in ♥s.
After 1♣-1♥ and 1♣-1♠ which shows 4+ in the major, opener has these raises rebids available, with M being responder’s major suit:
|
2M |
Unbalanced up to 14 or bad 15, or balanced 14/15-16. Four card support, or three cards with a singleton or void or if 14/15-16 with weak doubleton ¨. 2NT is an artificial game try/asking bid – see the section on common methods after minor suit openings. All of responder’s other bids non-jump bids are natural game tries, with 3M showing good trumps. Jump new suit bids by responder show singleton/void in suit bid, slam try. |
|
2♠/1♥ |
Four card support, singleton/void in ♠s, about 15-17. |
|
3♦ |
Four card support, singleton/void in ♦s, about 15-17. |
|
3♥/1♠ |
Four card support, singleton/void in ♥s, about 15-17. |
|
3M |
Four or five card support, ♣s, 16/17-18 balanced or 5-4-2-2 shape 15-17. |
|
3♠/1♥, 4¨, 4♥/1♠ |
Singleton/void in suit bid, four card support, ♣s, 18+ |
|
4♣ |
Four card support, good six card or longer suit, 18+. |
|
4M |
No singleton/void, four card support, 5-4-2-2 shape, 18/19+. |
After 1♣-1NT, opener describes hand as follows:
2♣: Natural unbalanced opening, not maximum, 10/11-15, OR 16-21/22, 6/7♣s, no singleton/void.
2♦: 16/17-18 balanced, but not any 4-3-3-3 shape. 2♥ now asks for shape information:
2♠: 4/5♥s. 2NT asks second suit, 3♥=5♥s, 3♠=4-4 & 2♣s, 3NT=4-4 majors & 2♦s.
2NT: 4/5♠s without 4♥s. 2NT asks second suit, 3♠=5♠s, 3♥=♣s&2♥s, 3NT=♣s&2♦s.
3m: 5/6 in m, no other second suit.
3M: two in M, 4-4 in minors.
3NT: 2-2 in minors, 5-4 or 4-5 in minors.
For next responses note memory aid: Majors are flip-flopped to get responder to play hand often.
2♥: 4+♠s & unbalanced hand more than a minimum so 16-21/22, or 16/17-18 balanced with any 4-3-3-3. 2♠ asks, 2NT shows the 4-3-3-3 hand (3♣ then asks for 4 card suit), and 3X shows 4+♠s unbalanced with ♦ or ♥ bids showing singleton/void, 3♣ showing 6+♣s (3♦ asks shortness then). After 3♦ rebid (short ♦s), 3♥ asks if 4♥s (i.e. 4-4-1-4 or 4-4-0-5), 3♠ showing 4♥s, and 3NT+ showing 4-3-1-5 exactly.
2♠: 4+♥s
& unbalanced hand more than a minimum so 16-21/22, not 4♠s. 2NT asks with ♦ or ♠ bids showing
singleton/void, 3♣ showing 6+♣s (3♦ asks shortness then).
2NT: 14/15-16 balanced, 2♦s. 3♣ asks opener to bid 3♦ if 4-4 in majors, 3 of a major with 4 in the other major, 3NT if 3-3-2-5.
3♣: 6+♣s, more than a minimum so 16-21/22, singleton/void in a suit, no 4 card or longer second suit. 3♦ asks short suit with 3NT showing short ♦s.
3♦: 6+♣s, 4+♦s, more than a minimum so 16-21/22. 3♥ asks short suit, 3NT shows short ♥s, 4♣ shows 7-4+, 4♦ shows 6-5+.
Above 3♦: 5♣s, 4♦s, more than a minimum so 16-21/22. 3M shows singleton/void, 4♣ maximum opening bid with 2-2-4-5.
After 2♣ response, 2♦ re-asks with rebids like when holding 16-21/22, except:
2♥: Either 4♠s & 10/11-15 OR unbalanced 6/7♣s & no singleton/void & 16+. 2♠ asks which, with 2NT showing second hand type (rebids as over 2NT below), while 3X shows first hand type (4♠s, unbalanced, with 3♦ or 3♥ showing shortness).
2NT: Minimum,
10/11-15, 6/7♣s & no singleton void.
3♣ asks for 3 card suit, 3NT showing none (2-2-2-7).
After bids above 2♣
and opener’s response, bidding is natural except cheapest bid is used to
re-ask, and once opener shows two suits, a bid of a third suit is shortness. 4m
is always ORB for m, and once
responder re-asks, 3M is ORB for
that suit. 3NT by responder is always to
play. 1♣-1NT;2NT-3NT is to play,
can be 11-12 balanced with no four card major, though can be other hand types
as well with no slam interest. After
2♣ rebid, 2NT or 3♣ shows game invite with no four card major. These are
the only non-GF sequences. 2NT over
1♣-1NT;2♦ shows 11-12 balanced, and invites opener to bid a 4+ card
minor suit if slam possible, or to bid 3M
if a major suit is weak or has just Ax or Axx.
Examples:
1♣-1NT;2♣(♣s)-2♦(asks, GF);2♠(5+♣s&4+♥s, minimum)-2NT(re-asks);3♠(short ♠s)-3NT (to play)
1♣-1NT;2♣(♣s)-2♦(asks, GF);3♣(6+♣s, no second suit, shortness)-3♦(re-asks);3NT(short ♦s)
1♣-1NT;2♣(♣s, usually minimum)-2♥(♥s, GF);3♣(long ♣s).
1♣-1NT;2♣(♣s, usually minimum)-2NT(11-12 balanced, game invite, no four card major);3♣(to play).
1♣-1NT;2♣(♣s, usually minimum)-3♣(11-12 balanced, 4+♣s, game invite).
1♣-1NT;2NT(14/15-16 balanced with 2♦s)-3♠(natural);3NT(not 4♠s, 14/15-16 balanced).
1♣-1NT;2NT (14/15-16 balanced with 2♦s);3NT(to play).
After 1♣-3♣, a constructive raise in ♣s. Bidding is like over 1♣-2NT, with 1♣-3♣-4♣ ORB for ♣s.
|
Response |
Style |
Description |
|
Pass |
Rare |
0-5, no four card major. If short ♣s prefer to bid 1♠ or 3♦ if 4/5. |
|
1♦, 1♥ |
Transfer |
Transfer to the next major, 0+ points, major suit 4 or longer, may have a longer minor. |
|
1♠ |
Diamonds |
4+♦s or 3-3-3-4 exactly, 4/5+, no four card or longer major. |
|
2♣ |
Majors |
Both majors, 5+♠s, 4+♥s, 0-9. |
|
2♦, 2♥ |
Transfer |
Six or longer in major suit one above bid mad |