volvox1955

Thanks to all who responded. To Mbodell.... I will look into 5551 and the variants you mention to see if it matches the system these folks seem to be using. I am aware that this lunchtime group's system is non-transferable. I understand enough about SA to get by and have played in a few novice duplicate games. I do not know too many conventions (just Blackwood, Stayman and weak 2's)...but then they do not use many conventions either...not even weak 2's. I suspect the system may be ad hoc. This game started years and years ago...some of the original players have retired and the newbies learn this system that has been in place. The players are pretty easy going which is one reason why I continue to play in it. But making some of the adjustments have been difficult....it is a bit of a dilemma. I kibbitzed a hand on which one of the players opened 1 club with a 19-point hand and five good spades. The idea seemed to be "I have got opening strength..and I will show my suit and whopper of a hand after I get some basic info from you partner." I can see it preserved bidding room but I think there is a greater downside in that it failed to convey important information at the first opportunity.

Hi all, I am playing in a casual lunchtime bridge game at work. The bidding system that I am familiar with is SAYC. But my bridge friends play a different system that I am completely unfamiliar with...and I cannot seem to find any information on it. I am hoping someone out there can point me in the right direction. The main feature of the system is that a 1 club opening bid is forcing unless there is an intervening bid by the LHO. 1 club bid simply means that the opener has 13 high card points. The opener may or may not have a five card minor. An opening bid of 1 diamond will generally promise a five card diamond suit. An opening of 1 heart and spade guarantees five in the suit. If I open as South, my partner must have 10 points in order to bid if West happens to overcall or bid a takeout double. otherwise 6 points is sufficient for a 1 over 1 raise. The strongest player in this game called this system the big club convention. When I google "big club" the systems I find are not the system these gentlemen are playing. My knowledge of SAYC has tended to hurt my game in this group. If South opens 1 of a minor, and West passes, a raise of 1 in a major by NORTH promises a five card suit. There are very few contracts where trumps are split 4-4 between declarer and dummy. I think the system also leads to more game contracts in minor suits than SAYC. I would be very appreciative if anyone recognizes this system and can tell me where to find a more complete description of it (and the logic behind it). Thanks Jeff