What the Pros Play
by Stephen Levy

with an Introduction by
Fred Hamilton

Internet Publication: 1997

Part 2

 

6-5 hands
Pros like to open distributional 5-6 hands (five in the major, six in the minor) with the longer suit first - for both a longer minor and a 5-card major, and when 5-6 in the minors. So their reverses can be somewhat light, based on distribution. For the auction 1-1-2, opener might be showing this hand: AKxxx x AQJxxx x. Now suppose you hold AKxxx x x AKQxxx. You open this big hand 1 and partner responds 2NT (12-15). If you jump to 4 you may very well be passed out since you could be much lighter. So you temporize by bidding a singleton*. Over the expected rebid of 3NT you can now show your 5-card spade suit. Partner should get the picture. The other option is to simply bid standard Gerber over 2NT and just go for the club slam, but the first road is better - more descriptive, less unilateral.

Both minors forcing!
There is nothing wrong with Walsh’s biggest contribution - "New Minor Forcing." So why don’t the pros play it? There is something better - both minors forcing. The rebid of 2* shows invitational values and relays to 2*. The rebid of 2* is game forcing - responder is not 5-5 or more. This asks opener to further describe his hand:

	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2*	invitational values and relays to 2*
	Qx KJ10xx KQ xxxx

If responder has x AKxxx Axxx xxx, over the 2* relay, she’d bid 3.

1 - 1 - 1NT - 2*

invitational values and relays to 2*

(Or…responder could be weak and "getting out" with xx Axxx Jxxxx xx, intending to pass the relay.)

	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2*	game force, responder is not 5-5: may not have diamonds
	AKxxx Ax xx Axxx

	1 - 1 - 1NT - 3(or 3/3)*	game force, at least 5-5
	AQxxx void AKxxx xxx

Be careful as responder in bidding 2*. Since opener has 12-13, just any 11 is not good enough to invite with. Most 5-3-3-2 hands with bad 11-counts should not require further action. Holding Ax AQJ10x xx xxxx, I would bid 2* (relays to 2*) and then rebid 2. Add an ace: Ax AQJ10x Ax xxxx, and now I can force to game with 2*.

Other auctions where the system is on:

	1 - 1 - 1 - 2*	xx	AKxxx	A109x	xx
	1-1-1-2*	Ax	AKxxx	Axxx	xx

	1 - 1 - 2 - 2* GF	Ax	AKxxx	Axxx	xx
	1 - 1 - 2 - 3* artificial GF	AKxxx	AKxx	xx	Kx

Add a fifth , and you can jump to 3*.

1 - 1 - 2 - 2*

xxx

xxx

Qx

xxx

inv., may not have 4 spades:

1 - 1 - 2 - 2

Axxxx

Qxxxx

xx

x

natural and non-forcing:

Suppose you are dealt Jxxx x AJxxxx x. Partner opens 1. Many players would prefer to bid 1, but you can respond 1. When partner bids 1NT you can bluff with 2, which shows invitational values and relays to 2. Pass 2, and partner will understand.

The auction 1-1-1NT also carries Two-Way Minor Forcing:

	A.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2*	relays to 2, invitational
	B.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2* - 2* - 2*	AKQxx QJ xxx xxx
	C.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2*	artificial GF, responder is not 5-5
	D.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2*	non forcing: 5 good spades, 3 bad hearts (cf. B.)

Partner holds J10 KQJxx Jxx AJx, and opens 1. Your hand is AKQxx Ax xxx xxx. Seeing both hands it’s clear that your best game chance is playing a 5-2 fit in spades or hearts. But how do you get there? Your auction could go as follows: 1-1-1NT-2*-3-3-3-4, and each of you would only need your own hand to arrive.

Auctions beginning 1 - 1
We know 1-1-1-1 is natural and forcing. 1-1-1-2* is an artificial game force and denies 4 spades. 1-1-1NT-2/ we play as natural and non-forcing. So as responder what do we do with Ax xx AKQxxx xxx after partner opens 1? We bid 1. When partner rebids 1NT what do we bid? I held this hand and asked Jeff Meckstroth for his opinion. He seems to be in a minority but likes the rebid of 2 to be game forcing. It certainly solved the dilemma on this hand. Another convention will be offered later in this chapter.

What do these auctions mean?

	1.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2NT
	2.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2 - 2 - 2 - 4
	3.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2 - 2 - 2 - 3NT
	4.	1 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 4 - 4NT - 6
	5.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 3
	6.	1 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 3 - 4
	7.	1 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2NT
	8.	p - 1 - 1 - 1NT - 2
	9.	p - 1 - 1 - 1NT - 2
	10.	p - 1 - 1 - 1NT - 2

What is your 2nd rebid with AKJ10x K109x xx xx?

	A.	1 - 1 - 1NT - ?
	B.	1 - 1 - 2 - ?
	C.	1 - 1 - 1NT - ?
	D.	1 - 1 - 2 - ?
	E.	1 - 1 - 2 - ?

What is your 2nd rebid with Ax KJx Axxx Jxxx?

	F.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2 - ?
	G.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2 - ?
	H.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2 - ?
	I.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2 - ?
	J.	1 - 1 - 1NT - 2 - ?

1. Responder has 11-12 points, and probably 4-5 in the majors. Opener vetoes game and implies 3-2-4-4 distribution.
2. Responder has invitational values with 5 hearts. Though opener has only Ax Axx Axx xxxxx, his hard cards are perfect for the expected Kxx KQ10xx Kxx xx.
3. Opener likes the Qx, so jumps to the no trump game with 13 HCP.
4. The 2 bid created a game force. Responder probably has only four hearts and was suppressing his club fit until he called 3. His subsequent 4 bid was Redwood.
5. Responder with 5-5 jumps, avoiding the artificial game force.
6. 3 is an artificial game force, and the jump to 4 is Redwood.
7. 2 is game forcing and artificial - 2NT denies 3 hearts and is natural.
8. Once partner has passed, there is no need for 2-Way Minors Forcing. Pros revert to New Minor Forcing. Thus, 2 is invitational and forcing.
9. 2 is natural and non-forcing.
10. 2 is natural and non-forcing.

A. I call 2, which is invitational and relays to 2, then rebid 2. Bidding 2 initially is weak.
B. 2 is a game force, 2 is weak. Though very useful, the system isn’t perfect! Try 2NT, and maybe partner will bid his 4-card heart suit on the way to game.
C. Same approach as A.
D. Same as B, but I can’t blame those who risk 2.
E. 2 is perfect, although it will be alerted as 4th suit forcing.
F. 2.
G. 2 - forced.
H. Pass.
I. 3 is natural and reasonable, showing 2-3-4-4 distribution.
J. 2 - forced.

Notice that in examples A-E, if responder were 5-5 in the majors with 10-12 he would respond 1, and then over 1NT, bid 2*. After the forced 2* he could jump to the three level. But in problems B & D he is in a dilemma - rebid 2NT if partner wishes to accept with x AQxx xx AQJxxx he should rebid 3.

Bidding conventionally after a minor opening in 1st and 2nd seat:
Wold convention
Ron Andersen has contributed greatly to bidding theory in the area of reverses. Pros tend to play most reverses as forcing to game for simplicity. Therefore it should be responder’s duty early on to indicate weakness and caution partner not to venture past the three level. Responder can do this simply by rebidding 2NT. (Mr. Andersen will qualify this in his book - but for now we will consider the 2NT rebid a sign of weakness). After hearing 2NT opener must rebid his minor, and the auction can stop. If opener does not rebid his minor the partnership is forced to game.

Examples:

	1 - 1 - 2 - 3	AQxx	xx	xxx	Axxx
	game forcing
	1 - 1 - 2 - 2	AQxxx	xx	xx	Axxx
	5-card major - 3 can be passed
	1 - 1 - 2 - 2NT - 3	KQxx	Jxx	xx	xxxx
	non-forcing
	1 - 1 - 2 - 2	Axxx	AJxxx	xx	xx
	game forcing

Another strong auction is 1/1 - 1/1 - 2NT. Opener has 17-18 points in 1st or 2nd seat and no 4-card major. How can responder sign-off on the three level, try for slam or explore for additional information? Standard bidding and the Wolff convention are limited. So Eddie Wold and his circle play the Wold convention, and it’s the best thing on the market for pros.

When an auction starts 1m-1M-2NT:
1. 3* is a relay to 3*, and if responder rebids the major, opener must pass:xx Axxxxx xxx xx. Now if responder bids the other major, this is artificial and shows at least 5-card support for opener’s minor and slam interest: Qx Axxx xx AQxxx. Should responder rebid 3NT* over the relay, he holds 4 of opener’s minor and is making a slam try: Kx Axxx xxx AQxx.

1 - 1 - 2NT - 3* - 3* - 3* means stop; 1 - 1 - 2NT - 3* - 3* - 3* is a slam try in clubs with 5 pieces; and 1 - 1 - 2NT - 3* - 3* - 3NT is a mild slam try in clubs with 4 pieces.

2. 3* by responder asks opener to describe his major suit holding up the line. 1 - 1 - 2NT - 3* - 3* shows 3-card support, and possibly 4 spades: Axx Axx Ax AQxx. 1 - 1 - 2NT - 3* - 3* shows 4 spades and denies 3 hearts: Axxx Ax Axx AQxx. Opener shows neither by rebidding 3NT*.

3. Here comes the tricky auction: 1 - 1 - 2NT - 3*. It sounds natural, but it’s not. The 3* bid is artificial and shows 5 diamonds (5 of the other minor) with slam interest: Axxxx Ax Axxxx x.

4. 1 - 1 - 2NT - 3* is forcing and promises 6+ spades. 1 - 1 - 2NT - 4* is a 5-5 minimum. 1 - 1 - 2NT - 3* - 3NT* - 4* shows a slammy 5-5 hand.

If the Wold convention seems too complex, try this. Start off by using the 3* bid as a relay, and when partner rebids his suit use that as a signoff. Use 3* to explore the majors. Once you become comfortable with those bids, the minor suit slam bids fit in sensibly.

What do these auctions mean?

	1.	1 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 3
	2.	1 - 1 - 2 - 2NT - 3
	3.	1 - 1 - 2 - 2NT - 3
	4.	1 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 3 - 3
	5.	1 - 1 - 2 - 4
	6.	1 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2NT - 3 - 3
	7.	1 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
	8.	1 - 1 - 2 - 2NT - 3NT
	9.	1 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 3
	10.	1 - 1NT - 2

What do these auctions mean?

	A.	1 - 1 - 2NT - 3
	B.	1 - 1 - 2NT - 3
	C.	1 - 1 - 2NT - 3 - 3 - 3 - 4
	D.	1 - 1 - 2NT - 3 - 3 - 3
	E.	1 - 1 - 2NT - 3 - 3 - 3 - 4
	F.	1 - 1 - 2NT - 3 - 3 - 3
	G.	1 - 1 - 2NT - 3 - 3 - 4
	H.	1 - 1 - 2NT - 3 - 3 - 3NT
	I.	1 - 1 - 2NT - 3 - 3NT
	J.	1 - 1 - 2NT - 3 - 4 - 4

1. 3 is invitational by the opener. Perhaps he holds Axx AQxx x AQJ10x, which is a minimum.
2. Responder has minimum values and warns opener not to go beyond the three level with 17 or 18 points. Opener forces with a natural 3. 3 would probably be passed.
3. This is non-forcing.
4. Forcing and natural. Responder is 5-5 in the majors.
5. Since 3 is forcing, 4 should be Redwood.
6. A forcing auction where opener has honor-doubleton in spades. It is interesting to note that pros almost always prefer the 5-2 major fit to no trump, when the strong hand has QJ, or KQ, or any double honor combination. Another example is QJ Axxx AKx KQJx. The auction will go 2NT-3-3-3NT and the pro bids 4. Why? Because very often, good defense against a no trump contract can maroon declarer in her own hand, preventing her from ever enjoying dummy’s long suit.
7. 3 is a game force - 4 is therefore Redwood.
8. Opener has more than minimum values for his reverse and can’t stop short of game.
9. Tough hand! Strangely enough these hands seem to play well from the weak hand’s 6 or 7-card suit. I think 3 can be passed.
10. Some play this non-forcing. I think responder should support one of partner’s suits on the three level and assume that he could have 5-5 distribution.

A. Forcing with 6+ hearts
B. Shows 5+ diamonds, "slammy." Probably only 4 spades.
C. Opener shows his 4-card heart holding before a 3-card spade holding since "Wold" bids the major holdings "up-the-line." Notice that responder holds a 5-card spade suit and simply rebids it, since he has no interest in hearts.
D. Sign-off.
E. Once again opener must convey that he holds 3 hearts for partner. Responder could hold 4 spades and 5 hearts, and rebid 3 to show a 4-card spade suit. Opener would accept with his 4 pieces. But in this hand, responder is simply 4-4 in the majors.
F. Responder has 5+ diamonds and 4 spades and is making a slam try. In diamonds.
G. Responder has 5 spades and 4 hearts.
H. A mild slam try in clubs with 4 clubs.
I. Wold is off in this auction—all bids are standard.
J. Shows 5 diamonds, 4 hearts and a slam try. Opener accepts with 4, and 4 should be Redwood.

Levy 2
In a Houston Sunday Swiss Teams, playing with Geoff Hampson, I held Axx xx AKQJxx xx. I responded 1 and partner rebid 1NT. It is very difficult at this point to show my hand in most standard methods - 3 is non-forcing, and a spade reverse may never allow the true nature of the hand to be revealed. Mary and Max hardy force with 3, for clubs or diamonds - but there are unanswered questions and we’re already at the three level. Jeff Meckstroth rebids 2 with my hand and plays this as part of "Both Minors Forcing." There are arguments for and against playing both minors forcing over 1-1-1NT, but the majority of pros do not like it here. The result with the hand was down in 3NT when 5 would have been a cinch. Partner held KQx Jxx xxx AKxx.

To complement the conventional jump shifts already discussed (1-3*: invitational; 1/1-2*/2*: game forcing Soloway jump shifts; and Bergen raises after partner’s major suit opening in 1st and 2nd seat), I would like to introduce my own conventional meaning for 1-2*. Responder will have a game forcing hand of two types: either 6+ diamonds, or 5+ diamonds and 4 clubs (and no 4-card major). Rebids by opener will clarify his point count, number of clubs and/or his tolerance for diamonds.

	1 - 2* - ?
	2*	Axxx	KQxx	xx	Axx
	artificial, balanced hand and 3 clubs
	2*	Axx	AJx	xx	KJxxxx
	artificial, balanced hand and 4 or 5 clubs
	2NT*	AQxx	Axx	xx	AQJx
	balanced hand, 17+ HCP
	3*	QJxxx	Axx	x	AQxxx
	unbalanced hand with 5+ clubs
	3*	x	Axxx	Kxx	AQxxx
	honor 3 times in diamonds, unbalanced
	3*	AQ10x	x	Axx	AQJxx
	a hand opener intended to reverse, with heart shortness
	3*	A	AQJ10	xxx	AKxx
	a hand opener intended to reverse, with spade shortness
	3NT*	KQx	AKJx	J	KQJx
	a hand opener intended to reverse, with diamond shortness

Of course, all balanced 14-16 hands would have begun with 1NT.

There seems to be a need for "Levy 2" over partner’s 1 opening. The auction in the hand described above could have gone 1-2*-2*-3*-3*-5. Note that 3 is forcing and 3 indicates weakness in hearts.

Remember, responder may have a club slam in mind with Axx x AKxxx KQxx. After opener shows his hand type, a jump to 4 is Redwood, since 3 is forcing. Not all opening hands can be exactly described with these rebids, so opener must choose the one that fits best.

You open each of these hands 1 and partner responds with "Levy 2." What now?

	A.	Axxx	Axxx	Q	KJxx
	B.	Axx	Axxx	xx	AJxx
	C.	Ax	Ax	Jxxx	AKxxx
	D.	Axx	x	Qxxx	AQJxx
	E.	Axx	QJx	Ax	Q10xxx

Your hand is Axx x AKxxx Axxx. Partner opens 1 and you respond 2*. Partner rebids as follows. What is your course of action after each rebid?

	F.	2
	G.	2
	H.	3
	I.	2NT
	J.	3

A. Nothing is perfect. So we "judge" the hand to be balanced and rebid 2.
B. A better 2 rebid.
C. This hand is slammy in diamonds (and perhaps clubs as well). We could bid 3 and let partner take control, but I think our side recognizes the slam potential immediately. I like a jump to 4, which is "Redwood Keycard" in diamonds.
D. Not good enough for a jump to 3, so I just raise diamonds.
E. Once again, 2.
F. Partner’s 2 bid does not excite me. I certainly do not want to declare no trump. I bid 2 and let partner bid no trump or raise diamonds.
G. I know we have at least a 4-4 club fit. 3NT still may be the limit of the hand—I bid 3 allowing partner to declare or bid on.
H. Diamonds may be the safest place. I try 3 to get partner’s reaction.
I. Partner has 17+. I must describe my hand. I’ll bid 3 to let him know the story. I should not have 5+ clubs because I could have started with an inverted raise.
J. Partner has a reversible hand with a singleton spade. I envision a grand slam in clubs. A bid of 4 Redwood could be misconstrued, since I may not have clubs and could just be rebidding my diamonds. 4NT is clear Key Card in clubs.

Minor roundup
Time for a breather. When the opponents come in after a minor opening (and they find any excuse to do it), we should be comfortable with our negative doubles. Sometimes we will actually have support for partner and would like to encourage game. Sometimes we will want to attempt to get to game but don’t know the correct strain, and sometimes we want to double them.

For simplicity’s sake, let’s jump raise partner with 10-12 points and five-card support. Let’s invite with a natural 2NT bid if we have RHO’s suit stopped twice. The cue bid almost always guarantees good support (this is not "Western cue"—and if you think it is stop using it here!). If you feel bold, you can preempt to the 4 or 5-level (Dallas is off in competition) with weak hands.

Opponent’s overcalls are in parentheses. What do the auctions mean?

	A.	1 - (1) - X
	B.	1 - (1) - 1
	C.	1 - (1) - 1
	D.	1 - (1) - X
	E.	1 - (1) - X
	F.	1 - (1) - 1
	G.	1 - (2) - X
	H.	1 - (1) - 2
	I.	1 - (2) - 2
	J.	1 - (2) - 2

Partner opens 1 and RHO overcalls 1. What is your approach?

	1.	x	Axx	xxxxx	QJxx
	2.	KQx	Axx	Qxx	Axxx
	3.	KJ10x	Ax	Q109x	Jxx
	4.	xx	Axxx	xxx	Axxx
	5.	x	Axx	Axx	Axxxxx
	6.	xx	Axx	xx	KQJxxx
	7.	void	xx	AKxxx	Axxxxx
	8.	x	KQJxxx	Axx	xxx
	9.	x	KQJxx	Axxxx	xx
	10.	xx	Axx	Axxx	Kxxx

A. Assume responder is 4-4 in the majors. He could have 4 spades and 5 hearts or vice versa, with 5 bad spades. He will not be 4-3 or 5-5 in the majors.
B. Responder has at least 4 hearts.
C. Responder has at least 4 spades.
D. Responder has precisely 4 spades. Pace Paul Ivaska and Gerry Miller, who have successfully played a double here as denying 4 spades. Obviously, they bid spades with 4+.
E. We like it to show 4 hearts, but we’re not perfect.
F. Responder has 5+ spades.
G. Responder generally has both majors. He could, however, be stuck for a bid—5+ in one major and enough values to bid, but not enough to force to game.
H. An old-fashioned standard club raise. This is not inverted.
I. Forcing and always 5+ in the major.
J. Same as I.

1. Simply raise clubs.
2. Bid a proud 3NT.
3. Just enough texture to invite with 2NT.
4. A negative double.
5. Force with 2!
6. Invite with 3.
7. I actually bid 6, certain that the man on my left was going to bid 6. This was doubled and down 3. The limit for us was 4.
8. Bid 2 forcing for one round.
9. Bid 2, eschewing the negative double.
10. A happy conservative bid of 2.

Preempts

Major weak two bids in 1st and 2nd seat
Let’s dispel some myths! You can bid a weak two with 4 cards in the other major, you can do it with a good 5-card suit, and you can be 6-5 or 5-5. It can also be OK to make a weak two bid with a void. Of course, the pros know from experience when to be very discerning. Let’s look at the pros’ approach to major weak two bids in 1st and 2nd seat, over a range of 5-10 points:

• S Never open with a weak two when you would cringe if partner led K from king doubleton.
• Open a weak two when 6-4 in the majors holding a 6-card suit like KQJ10xx, since there is probably going to be only one loser at worst, no matter which major you play in.
• Open two with high-quality 5-card suits, but avoid it when 5-3-3-2.
• Voids are assets—think twice about preempting with a void.

Responding to major weak twos
2NT is a force and asks for a feature. Once a feature is given (or not given), a bid of the next available suit "relays to x"—opener must show his shortness (x). Responder should raise with 3 trumps (non-forcing). Responder should generally bid game with 4 trumps. A new suit over a major weak two is forcing. Opener should support with two to an honor or 3 small. When opener starts with any weak two bid, responder’s jump to 4 is Keycard in opener’s suit.

At favorable vulnerability things loosen up, and though the weak two bid in a major is generally constructive, it can also be used to preempt the auction and deprive vulnerable opponents of room. So although opener can and often will meet all the classic criteria for a disciplined weak two bid, when white against red he certainly can open 2 with Q10xxxx Kx xxx xx. Also, 5-3-3-2 hands with good 5-card majors can be opened with two at this vulnerability: KQJxx xx xxx xxx. He would probably think twice at unfavorable vulnerability about both of these bids. Therefore, when you’re white against red, the response of 2NT*, though still forcing, asks a different question. 2-2NT* asks, How many and how strong? Opener’s rebids are as follows:

	3*	5 card suit/min	KQJxx	xxx	xxx	xx
	3*	5 card suit/max	AQJ10x	xx	Kx	xxxx
	3*	6 card suit/min	QJxxxx	xxx	xx	Kx
	3*	6 card suit/max	KQ10xxx	Ax	xx	xxx

At equal or unfavorable vulnerability, what do these auctions mean when opener is in 1st or 2nd seat?

	1.	2 - 4
	2.	2 - 3NT
	3.	2 - 3 - 4
	4.	2 - 2NT - 3 - 3 - 3 - 4 - 4 - 6
	5.	2 - 4 - 4 - 4
	6.	2 - 2 - 2NT - 3NT
	7.	2 - 3 - 4
	8.	2 - 3 - 3 - 3NT
	9.	2 - 2NT - 3 - 3 - 3 - 4 - 4
	10.	2 - 4 - 4

At favorable vulnerability, how would you bid these hands in 1st seat?

	A.	QJ10xx	Axx	xxx	xx
	B.	KQJ9x	xxx	xxxx	x
	C.	Qxxxxxx	xx	xxx	x
	D.	QJ10xx	xx	x	Qxxxx
	E.	KQJ10xx	Ax	xxxx	x

Partner opens 2 in 1st seat at favorable vulnerability. What is your plan with each hand?

	F.	x	xxxx	Jxxxx	xxx
	G.	KQ10xxx	x	Axx	AKx
	H.	AKQJx	x	KQ	AQxx
	I.	Axxxx	QJxx	Axx	x
	J.	Axxx	xxx	xxx	Kxx

1. Responder is strong and intends to make, or simply has 4 trumps and is preempting the auction. No one knows for sure except responder.
2. Responder decides that 3NT is the best strain. He could hold x Kx AKQxxxx Qxx.
3. Responder has a good hand with a heart suit. Opener could have AJ10xxx K xxxx xxx. The king of trump is gold.
4. Responder has a good hand and wishes to coax more information from opener. 2NT asks for a feature and 3 shows some value in clubs. 3 relays the opener to a singleton or void if he should have one. 3 shows shortness in hearts. 4 makes another probe and…bingo! Opener has a heart void or the singleton ace.
5. Responder Key Cards in spades with 4 - opener shows one or four and responder signs off.
6. 2 by responder is forcing and natural. Opener’s 2NT rebid might show x KQ10xxx Qxx Qxx. Responder signs off in game.
7. Most of the time opener would never consider raising the major boost to the three level, but with A Qxxxxxx Kxxx x, who could blame opener?
8. 3 is natural and so is the 3 bid. Opener has KJx QJ10xxxx J Jxx.
9. Once again responder forces with 2NT and opener shows his club feature. 3 relays to "x," which is spades. Had opener no singleton or void he’d rebid his suit. 4 is forcing and opener has nothing else to say.
10. Responder employed Key Card.

A. Pass with 5-3-3-2.
B. Open 2 with good shape and good distribution and most of all, good vulnerability!
C. It would be illegal to open 2, since you don’t have the required point count. So open 3!
D. Open 2 with this great shape. If LHO doubles and there are two passes, run to 3.
E. Be daring and open 1!
F. Be imaginative! It’s time to get creative. Your opponents are cold for a spade game at least. LHO probably holds a 20 count and 5-6 spades - so make things difficult! Bid 5. Lefty probably has an easy bid over just 4.
G. Bid 2 and hope for a raise (it never happens). You are not sure of the right strain yet. 3NT looks like the easy way out, but it’s likely to be a tough one to play.
H. Start with 2. If you get a raise, a spade slam is possible. Otherwise 3NT should be a good contract.
I. You have an easy game probably, despite the meager combined point count. Jump to it directly.
J. Raise partner to 3 without even thinking.

Weak 2 openings
We play 2 weak. There is a case for multi-2, but it’s not convincing. Flannery is barely tolerated. Mini Roman is abhorred! Mexican 2 is not needed in 1st or 2nd seat.

We need 6 diamonds to open 2 in 1st or 2nd seat, or a decent hand with five diamonds and a four-card major! Other decent hands include 3-card majors, with a tendency for 6 diamonds. If we open 2 outside of the preceding boundaries, we hold a bad to mediocre hand, with little or no constructive intent. 2NT* by responder is forcing, and the rebids are as follows:

	3*	xx	Kx	AQ109xx	xxx
	good hand, no 4-card major
	3*	x	xx	KQ10xxx	xxxx
	bad hand, 5 or 6 diamonds
	3*	KJxx	x	KQJxx	xxx
	4 spades, good hand
	3*	x	QJ10x	KQJ10x	xxx
	4 hearts, good hand
	3NT*	xx	x	AKQxxx	xxxx
	Solid 6-card suit

If opener rebids 3*, then responder may ask for additional information by rebidding 3*. The responses to 2-2NT*3*-3* are:

	3*	3-card spade holding
	3*	3-card heart holdin
	3NT*	no 3-card major
	4*	3-3-6-1
	4*	3-3-7-0

Note that the principle of "puppeting" comes into play. Responder should declare these hands, not the weaker opener. Over 2, 2 of a major is non-forcing and alertable. Responder must be prepared for a 3 rebid.

	2 - 4	Key Card in diamonds
	2 - 3/3	invitational in major
	2 - 3/4	non-forcing raise
	2 - 4/4	to play
	2 - 3NT	to play

Remember that negative doubles do not exist over weak preemptive openings. In the auction that goes 2-(2)-X, the double is for business.

When the opponents double our weak 2 bids
If the double is direct, a redouble by responder shows a good hand with a desire to defend: 2-(X)-XX. After their double, a 2NT* bid from responder has nothing to do with the aforementioned methods. It is a relay that orders opener to bid 3*. Responder has a suit, and a reason to believe that his suit is a better bet. Bidding a new suit over the double (McCabe convention) is forcing, implies a fit, and is lead directing: 2-(X)-3*. Holding xx Qxx xxxx AKJ10, responder senses that partner will be on lead against a spade partial and requests a club lead. McCabe is only played over partner’s major suit weak two bids. In the auction 2-(X)-2/2, the major suit bid by responder tends to be natural as well as lead directive. Remember: if the opponent’s make a take-out double of our weak two bids, 2NT* is a relay to 3*. If they bid a suit over our weak two bid, 2NT is natural and invitational. If the opponents have passed, 2NT* is forcing and conventional.

Explain the following auctions. The opponents’ bids are in parentheses.

	1.	2 - 4
	2.	2 - 3
	3.	2 - 4
	4.	2 - 2
	5.	2 - 2NT - 3 - 3 - 3 - 4
	6.	2 - 2NT - 3 - 4NT - 5 - 6
	7.	2 - 2NT - 3 - 3NT
	8.	2 - 2NT - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3NT
	9.	2 - (2) - 2NT
	10.	2 - (X) - 3

What do these auctions mean?

	A.	2 - (X) - XX
	B.	2 - (X) - 2
	C.	2 - (X) - 2NT
	D.	2 - (X) - 2
	E.	2 - (X) - 3
	F.	2 - (X) - 2NT
	G.	2 - (X) - 3
	H.	2 - (3) - 3
	I.	2 - (3) - 3
	J.	2 - (3) - X

1. This is Key Card Blackwood for diamonds.
2. An invitation in spades.
3. 4 or 5 diamonds and no game interest.
4. 2 is natural, non-forcing, and alertable.
5. Opener’s 3 bid shows a good hand, no 4-card major. 3 by responder asks if opener has 3-card major support. The bid of 3 shows three hearts. 4 is the place to be.
6. Opener has 5 or 6 diamonds and 4 hearts. NT is key-card in hearts, and a slam is born.
7 Responder has a great hand, but opener doesn’t.
8. Note that the 3 bid is forcing. A 3NT rebid by opener simply implies bad spades and perhaps something in hearts. Opener has xxx Ax KQxxxx xx.
9. 2NT here is natural and invitational.
10. 3-card support—no game interest.

A. The redouble tells partner the opponents are in trouble! Partner has a good hand for defense, something like AQxx AQxx x KJxx, and all of our "good stuff" is directly over their "good stuff." If they are "red," you can smell blood!
B. 2 is natural, non-forcing and lead directing.
C. 2NT is conventional and relays to clubs.
D. Responder has heart support and desires a spade lead against a no trump or minor suit contract.
E. Responder has a heart fit, and thinks that clubs should be led against their likely spade contract.
F. Relay to 3. Responder has void xxx QJxxxxx xxx. After the relay he will bid diamonds to play. He cannot bid diamonds immediately, because that would be McCabe.
G. 3-card support, not invitational.
H. Natural and forcing.
I. Natural and forcing.
J. Business!

Higher level preempts
A combination of "old school" thought, instinct and experience guides pros in their decisions to preempt at the three level. And experience teaches that at favorable vulnerability, anything goes. In third seat, white vs. red, partner may have a standard, classic 3-bid hand for his call. But then again, he could have Qxxxxxx x xxxx x - a hand that some adventuresome pros might even open 4. You can often get away with murder at the three level, because your preempt poses a psychological threat to the opponents. They worry they are being robbed of their vulnerable game or slam. Seldom will they be eager to defend. 4 following an opening of 3, 3, and 3 is Key Card The auction 3-4 is natural, so Key Card for clubs is 3-4*.

3NT* openings should be gambling. Whether you play an Acol type bid here or something less constraining is a matter of partnership choice. I prefer to promise a solid running minor with no outside control (A or K) for my 3NT openings. Partner will know whether to 1) pass, 2) run to 4, 3) bid a minor game, 4) bid a minor slam, or 5) bid a no trump slam. Above all, this way of bidding should insure that no slams will be lost. In 3rd or 4th seat, since partner has passed, 3NT is a judgment bid with fewer restrictions. It could be better, or it could be worse.

Opening bids of 4* and 4* are preemptive. Sound long major openings are covered by the Namyats convention, to be discussed later. Go by the old-fashioned Rule of 2 and 3: when vulnerable, try to have 7 or 8 tricks. At favorable vulnerability, of course, you can be more "reckless."

Opening 5 of a minor should be guided by the Rule of 2 and 3 as well. And of course in 3rd seat, at favorable vulnerability, we would open 5 with x x Qxxxxxxx xxx.

After 3 passes, the situation is different. Now a plus score is the only reason to bid; otherwise it would be better to just get on to the next deal. In 4th seat (the "pass-out seat"), preemptive openings are pointless, and consequently jumps after three passes have a different meaning to most pros. Opening two bids are good hands, as are three bids, and sometimes they should be raised to game by a passed hand.

At equal vulnerability, what is your opening call in 1st and 2nd seat?

	1.	QJ10xxxx	x	x	xxxx
	2.	x	x	KJ10xxx	xxxxx
	3.	xx	xx	AKQ10xxx	xx
	4.	AKJ10xxx	x	Qxxx	x
	5.	xx	xx	xx	KQJ10xxx
	6.	Qxxxxxxx	xx	xxx	void
	7.	QJ10xxxx	x	KQJ10	x
	8.	KQJ10xxxx	KQJ	A	A
	9.	x	QJxxxxx	Qxx	xx
	10.	xx	xx	void	KJxxxxxxx

At favorable vulnerability, after 2 passes, what is your opening call?

	A.	Jxxxxx	Qx	Qxx	Qx
	B.	x	x	xxxxx	Jxxxxx
	C.	x	x	AKJ10xxx	Kxxx
	D.	QJ10xxxxx	Kx	xx	x
	E.	QJ10xxx	x	Jxxx	xx

What is your call in 4th seat at equal vulnerability?

	F.	KQJ10xx	x	Axxx	xx
	G.	QJ10xxx	Ax	xxx	xx
	H.	x	A	KQJ10xxx	Kxxx
	I.	x	KQJ10xx	Axxx	Kx
	J.	Qx	Kx	AKJ10xxx	Kx

1. I really like 3. Not so much because of the 7 spades, but because the 7-4-1-1 distribution plays so well.
2. Not enough in values for 2 (the call would be illegal). So open 3. "6-5, come alive," says Grant Baze.
3. 3NT.
4. I like 4.
5. 3 is pretty standard but I have the worst possible distribution: 7-2-2-2.
6. 3 or 4. The pro knows which is right by "table feel."
7. 4.
8. 4NT - plain old Blackwood. A strong 2 bid would be asking for interference. All you care about is aces.
9. 2. Very conservative.
10. 5.

A. Pass. I have too many intermediaries outside the spade suit. These are good defensive cards.
B. 3! Brave, aren’t I?
C. 3NT. Since partner has passed we have more freedom.
D. I like 4.
E. 3 or pass, because 2 is illegal. I opt for the former.
F. Although 1 is fine, 2 inhibits interference.
G. Pass. This hand belongs to the opponents.
H. 3. Both sides may take 9 tricks. They are less likely to come in over 3. Should partner have two aces, game may be makeable. Partner should raise all 4th seat preempts with 2 aces and some support!
I. 1 is fine, but I prefer 2.
J. 3NT.

Strong hands

The strong balanced hands begin with a very good 21 HCP and up. AK KQx KQJ10x K10x just qualifies for a 2 bid of the strong balanced variety. Remember that 2-2*-2NT* does not limit opener. (Since the positive 2* forces the partnership to game, opener may have 25+ HCP and simply be conserving bidding space.) However, after the negative 2* by responder, NT rebids in auctions such as 2-2*-2NT(3NT) do limit opener. After the negative 2*, opener’s rebid of 2NT is non-forcing. Because one-suiters are so common, you and your partner may want to play the Namyats convention (Stayman backwards). This bid shows major one-suiters with about 8 1/2 playing tricks not vulnerable, and 9 playing tricks vulnerable. I still prefer opening 2 with 10 playing tricks. So with AKQ10xxx AQJ xx x, a Namyats bid of 4* is suggested. But with x AKQ10xxx AK Axx I choose 2 followed by a rebid of 3, hoping the opponents won’t jam our bidding with their likely spade suit. Jump to four in the major with 10 tricks but a broken suit, missing one of the top three honors.

Opening 2 with a one-suiter should be game forcing, otherwise opener should have started out on the one level. This is controversial. There are pros and cons, but played correctly it works. Another controversial axiom: do not open 2 with a two-suiter unless it is very, very, strong, or strong with both majors. Suppose you hold AKQxx AKQxx xx x. The big club bidders have the luxury of opening 1*. Most everyone else must open 1, hoping not to be passed out. But suppose partner holds xxx xxx xxxx xxx, the classic Yarborough? Can we make 4 with a reasonable split in the majors? Yes. Therefore I like opening this hand 2, the exception to never opening two-suiters with 2. With x x AKQJxx AKQJx I like to open with 4NT, just old-fashioned Blackwood. With no aces I’ll sign off in 5, with one I’ll try for 6 and with two I’ll bid a grand. But with xx void AKQJ10x AKQJx, I’ll just open 2, the minimum of the very, very strong two-suiters.

Decide how to open the following hands:

	1.	AKQ10xxx	Kx	Kx	AK
	2.	AKQJx	AKJ10x	xx	x
	3.	x	x	KQJ10xx	AKQJx
	4.	x	x	AKQJxxx	AKJx
	5.	KJ109xxxxx	AK	AQ	void
	6.	KQJ10xx	x	AKQJx	x
	7.	x	AKQJxxxx	Axx	x
	8.	AKQJ	K	AJ10x	KQ10x
	9.	QJ109xxxx	AK	A	AK
	10.	x	x	AKQJxxxx	KQJ

1. I like 2. If partner has a red queen we should be okay in 4. Worst case scenario, partner has a void in spades and no red queen or ace. Even then you can pull trump, and you’re okay if trumps are 3-3, or 4-2 with doubleton jack. After all 7 trumps are exhausted, cash A, K, and then exit the right red suit so that the opponents have to break the other red suit. No guarantees. Some Namyats bidders will open 4.
2. Open 1 and rebid 3 - not enough for 2. Pros play that the rebid of 3 always shows five hearts. What does the pro system advocate with AKQJx AKQx xx xx? You rebid 3, which shows four hearts or a genuine club suit. Partner inquires by rebidding 3.
3. Not 2. 1 is okay; but in practice 4NT works well. It’s true that partner may respond 5 to Blackwood, and then you’re down 1 in 5, but often the opponents are anxious to come in and rescue you. If partner has an ace he’ll bid 5, and maybe you’ll get to play it there. Don’t forget you’re playing D0P1 (double with none, pass with 1) when they interfere over 4NT.
4. 1!
5. 2, and when partner responds 2 or 2, jump to 4. The suit should be broken - otherwise you’d bid 3. Partner would have to have the queen of trump and a helpful ace or king to carry on.
6. It is very likely that you will make 4. Start with 1 and then jump shift in diamonds.
7. A perfect Namyats 4 bid. Too good to open 4 in standard and too weak to open 2. Open 1 if not playing Namyats.
8. A controversial hand but most pros would handle it by opening 2 and rebidding 2NT, instead of 2. Nothing is perfect unless you are playing the real Roman 2, the way it was intended.
9. Some 50 years ago, a good player held this hand and took it to Charles Goren. 5 was the bid then, and 5 is the bid now. I have never held this hand, but if partner opens 5 and you hold an honor, go to 6. Should you hold the ace and king, you’ll know what to do.
10. I use the same logic here as on 3. Do not open 2.

Responding to partner’s 2 opening
Your first obligation is to decide whether you are going to give a positive or negative response. A hand without an ace, a king, or 2 queens is not likely to be of much use to partner in a slam. Show this bad hand at once by bidding 2*. All other hands are positive and you should begin bidding them with 2*. 2* shows a hand with at least an ace, a king, or two queens - and at the same time it denies a five-card suit headed by two of the top three honors. Any hand with as little as KQxxx must be shown early by bidding the suit. If the suit is hearts, bid 2NT*. This is artificial and shows a five-card or longer heart suit headed by two of the top three honors.

The auction 2-4NT does not exist! Don’t preempt your own partner, denying him the right to show his hand. Only opener can jump: by bidding a solid major on the 3-level, or a broken major on the 4-level. In the auction that begins 2-2*-3, partner has a solid heart suit and has set hearts as trump. You should not be worried about a void. Now, bid your cheapest ace. If you don’t have one you may bid 3NT, or raise partner to the four level. Either of these bids denies an ace.

A tough auction is 2-2NT*-3NT. You often took away partner’s 2NT rebid when you showed your 5-card heart suit with two of the top three honors. Partner probably has a doubleton (sometimes singleton) in the suit and 22-23 points. You have to decide whether to pass or invite. 4NT would be invitational.

Suppose you hold Q Axxx xxxx xxxx. Partner opens 2, you respond 2* and partner rebids 4. Your spade queen has grown enormous, but the ace of hearts might be useless. So cue 5, and partner will bid slam with KJ10xxxxx x AKQ A. Anytime partner opens 2 with a one-suiter and you’re looking at an ace and king, you’d better think hard about slam.

How do you respond after partner opens 2?

	1.	QJxx	Jxx	Jxx	Jxx
	2.	xxx	xx	AQxxx	xxx
	3.	QJ10xxxx	xx	xx	xx
	4.	AQ	KJxxx	xxx	QJx
	5.	xx	KQxxx	Qxxxx	x
	6.	Jxxxx	KQxxx	xx	x
	7.	AQJxxxx	xx	xx	xx
	8.	AKQx	xxx	xxx	xxx
	9.	Qxxxx	Jxxxxx	x	x
	10.	Axxx	Axx	Kxx	xxx

1. Despite its 6 points, this hand is worth only a 2 response, since it does not have 2 queens. If partner rebids 3NT, give him a boost to 4NT. He’ll get the picture.
2. A positive response in diamonds is required, so you must bid 3 even though you are not leaving much room for partner. A good example why it’s usually not a good idea to open a two-suiter with 2.
3. Although you are enamored of the spade suit, if partner has a one-suiter your spades are probably worthless. Start off with the required 2 response.
4. You would like to do something dramatic at this point, but there is no rush. For now, simply start with 2: anything else may lead to disaster. If partner has a one-suiter you will push for grand slam. If partner has a no trump type hand you will transfer to hearts and invite a grand: 2-2-2NT-3-3-6NT. Partner may have KJ10 A AKQJ10 Axxx and pass 6NT, or he may bid a grand with Kxx AQx AKQx AKx. He might hold 25HCP or more and still have rebid only 2NT after your game force of 2, to leave room for transfers and Puppet Stayman.
5. Bid 2NT*, showing a positive response in hearts.
6. We bid the higher-ranking suit before the lower when we are 5-5, but since the heart suit has 2 of the top three honors, we must begin with 2NT. This is one of those rare occasions when we break the responding rule.
7. A simple bid of 2 for starters. Then rebid the suit twice.
8. I like 2. Yes, you should have a five-card suit. But I have had great luck showing partner a four-card suit when it’s headed by the AKQ.
9. Must start with 2.
10. I held this hand in the Spingold Knockouts. Both tables declared 4NT after 2-2-2NT-4NT. Both sides took 11 tricks with their 34 high card points. Can you see why they stopped?

When the opponents interfere in our strong auctions
When the opponents bid over your ace or key card-asking auctions, it is imperative that you have agreed on how to show aces. D0P1 (double with 0 and pass with 1 ace, or double for the first step and pass for the second step) is popular and wise. An example: 1NT-(p)-4-(4)-? Here partner has used Pro Gerber, so double is for the 1st step, 0 or 3, and pass is for the 2nd step, 1 or 4. A bid of 4NT would show 2 aces with a minimum hand and 5ß shows 2 aces with a maximum hand.

A similar agreement may be necessary on the six level should partner bid 5NT and the opponents intrude. More frequently, they interfere when partner opens 2, usually on a one-suiter, and the next opponent to bid has one too. Here is what I like when the auction goes 2-(2)-?:

Double: a negative response: xx xxx QJx Jxxx
Pass: a positive response: Axx xxx xxx Jxxx
Bid: 6-card suit with at least 1 of the top 3 honors: xxx Qxx Kxxxxx x (3)
Cheapest NT: soft stopper (QJx)

Sometimes the opponent’s bids are artificial. I suggest that you use the above treatment anyway, for simplicity.

What is your bid after partner opens with 2 and your right hand opponent bids 2?

	1.	xx	Qxx	Jxxxx	xxx
	2.	xx	Axx	xxx	xxxxx
	3.	Q10xx	xxx	xxx	xxx
	4.	xx	Qxxxxx	xxx	xx
	5.	QJ109	Axxxxx	xx	x

What do these auctions mean?

	6.	1 - 2 - 3 - 4NT - (5) - X
	7.	2 - 2 - 2NT - 4 - (4) - 4NT
	8.	2 - (2) - 4 - (4) - p
	9.	2 - (2) - p - (p) - X
	10.	3 - (p) - 4 - (4) - p

1. Double to show the negative hand. Don’t be frightened if partner passes. If he does he probably holds 23 HCP and a soft spade stopper, and there may be no game. Defend well, playing your spades upside down when declarer pulls trumps, to show the Q. What a pro you are!
2. Pass to show a positive hand (2 without interference). If partner doubles, I would pass and defend. Partner holds 23-25 and may not have a good stopper for no trump.
3. Bid 2NT.
4. Risk 3 - it may be your last chance to bid the 6-card suit. Partner will not expect two of the top three honors in competition.
5. Tough hand, but I’m going to bid 3.
6. Responder has a forcing Bergenstyle raise of hearts, and 3 shows a singleton or void. 4NT is Keycard Blackwood for hearts, and the opponent interferes. Double = the first step, which is 0 or 3 key cards.
7. Responder has a positive hand and after the 2NT rebid jumps to 4, which is Pro Gerber. The opponent comes in with 4 and opener must answer. He says 4NT, which is the third step: 2 aces and a minimum 22 HCP.
8. Partner’s 4 bid is Keycard for hearts, but the opponent gets in the way with 4. Pass is the second step, showing 1 key card.
9. Responder’s pass shows positive values. Opener then reopens with a double, showing a minimum.
10. 4 is Keycard and the pass equals the 2nd step, 1 key card.

 

 

 

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