SteveMoe

The minute I pass, hoping to make one more trick in the 4-4 fit, I'll rue that we're playing for 110 not 140. Grin and bear it - the major partial wins MPs. I'll bid 3♥ here. At IMPS I will pass.

Ever have partner play A then K then x, asking you (Dummy) to ruff low, when playing some level of NT? :blink:

In short my partners and I are more sensitive to biasing our leads to a(n Unbid) Major in the "No Major" NT auctions as in the book. Yes we do make attitude spot card leads, so 2 from Q92 but 9 from J92. Generally partner can figure out when I am trying to hit his/her long suit by their HCP Count and the auction context. You are right - I would not try this with an inexperienced partner unnecessarily.

Somewhat analogous poll at BridgeWinners show the "CWNN" is on in competition. Agree Neg Double = ♥. So 4♦ is CWNN. Somewhat bemused by "CWNN" - this seems to be a very early instance for Fit Jump - though perhaps that's unacceptable for this narrow construct. We used to call it a Source of Tricks Major Raise, not knowing any better.

What Phil says. "Action Doubles" seem to have many meanings and are context dependent - not sure there is one definition we'd all agree to.

Following Codo, adding the following perspective: Partner has a 7 loser hand. 1♥ - 4♣ - 4♦ - P 5♦ - P - ? Now your 5 loser looks golden. Partner should have 3+ card support and missing primes. I would bid 6♦ assured that 7 is too great a risk in most fields and not certain to make. Partner might correct to 6N, but we will be happy to play on the 6 level.

Bridge Master 2000 (see levels 4 and 5) helps hone visualization skills by causing you to interpret the known data and issues as declarer. Krystof Martens does a good job in his (expensive) books on both declarer playa and defense. So does Eddie Kantar... To build on points made by previous posters, you have to hone your counting skills in order to have good visualization ability. Bridgewinners.com has a counting game that times your ability to complete hand patterns given 3 of the 4 numbers. Agility there is an asset. Infering how HCP must lie based on what's been bid and what hasnt' also helps.

Ducking works whenever ♣s are 2-2 and partner has 1 entry. There are several honor card packages partner might have that serve the need. Try as I might, the limitations on partner's HCP (5-6) do not leave him/her enough entries to get done all that's needed when declarer has 3♣ cards. Partner can have either the ♠A or the ♥K but not both. Indeed partner might have ♥J ♦KJ ♣J and declarer wins the trick race even when losing 2 to partner (3=2=3=1 tricks - declarer can always lead a ♣ from dummy to hand if I win the first and switch). There are more successful cases where ♣ split 2-2 than when they split 3-1, so I will duck.

I like Danny Sprung's idea Two Places to Play from Bridge Winners.

♦10 voted ♦J as proxy...

From Meckwell Lite notes (Walter BigTrain Johnson) Here's what they say about the 1♦ opening: (Formatting lost on pasting - no solution) NEBULOUS DIAMOND OPENING 1 ♦ Opening: 10+-15, usually 2+D, but might be the singleton DK (possibly even the A or Q). Responses to 1 ♦ 1♦- 1♥: 4+card suit, may be light. 1♠: 4+card suit, may be light. 2♣: Natural, not GF if you rebid 3♣ (can be 2-suited in minors with GF+ values). 2♦: Usually 5+D, one round force, values but not GF if you rebid 3♣ or 3♦. 1N: BAL, 7-11-. 2N: BAL, 11+ to 13-. 3N: BAL, 13-16. 2♥: 5S & 4+H, less than invitational values. 2♠: 5S & 4+H, invitational (if 5422, about 10++-12). 3♣: Both minors (usually 54+), up to ~9 HCP. 3♦: Weak with usually 6+D (RARELY a good 5-carder). 3M: Preemptive. 4m: NAT, 7+card suit, very suit-oriented, i.e, were not missing a 3NT game. 4M: NAT, no slam interest. Reverse Flannery Responses 1♦-2♥ 1♦-2♠ 2N(ask)-3♣: 5-4 minimum. 2N: Natural, GI 3♦: 5-4 maximum (~8-10-). 3♣(Ask)-3♦: All 5-4. 3♥: 5-5 minimum. 3♥: 5-5 minimum (~9-10). 3♠: 5-5 maximum (~8-9). 3♠: 5-5 maximum (~10-12). 1♦-2♠ 1♦-2♠ 3♣-3♦ 3♠: Strongest game try. 3♥: Invites game, if maximum. 3♠: Lighter game try, R needs super-max to bid game. Continuations after 1♦-2m 1♦-2minor: Not GF if you rebid the minor. 2♥: ART, BALANCED 11-13 HCP (at least, those without 5-card support). 2N: 4441 WITH SNEAK CLUB (doesnt apply after 1♦-2♦ - open 2♦ with that shape). 3L raise: Balanced with 5FIT. 3M: Splinter, 4+fit. 1♦-2m 2♥-3N: Wants to play from that side. 2♠: Relay to 2NT. 2N-3N: Wants to play from openers side! Continuations after 2♥ with one-suited minor GF After 2/1 response in minor, a 2♠ relay followed by a rebid of the minor shows slam interest. 3NT by opener shows little or no interest. In a very few cases, opener may jump to 5m to show no interest with 3NT being, obviously, a less safe contract. Note that bidding your minor directly over 2♥ is NF… 1♦-2♣ 1♦-2♦ 2♥-3♣: NF. 2♥-3♣,3♦: NF. 1♦-2♣ 1♦-2♦ 2♥-2♠ 2♥-2♠ 2N-3♣ 2N-3♦: GF. 3♦: S1P, ART slam interest. 3♥: Q, cooperating. 3N: Little or no interest. -4♥: RKC-D. 1♦-2♣ 2♥-2♠ 2N-4♦: RKC-C. Minor 2-suiters With at least 5-5 in the minors, ALL GF hands start with 2♣ and follow with 3♦ (reverse). Hands are usually UNBALANCED, but a concentrated 22(54) hand may qualify (can be 5-4+ either way). EXCEPTION: Over a 2♥ rebid (ART BAL), same treatment as 1-suit GF. Here, 1st minor is the longer suit (minors clarified). 1♦-2♦ 2♥-3♣: INVITATIONAL with (54)+ minors. 1♦-2♣ 2♥-3♦: GF with (usually) 55+ minors. Shows a GOOD hand, not just shape. 1♦-2♣ 1♦-2♦ 2♥-2♠ 2♥-2♠ 2N-3♦: GF, C longer than D. 2N-3♣: GF, D longer than C. Continuations after an invitational 3♣ 1♦-2♦ 2♥-3♣ P: Preference to play C. 3♦: Preference to play D. 3M: Game interest, shows values in THAT Major. Responder will bid 3NT if short in that Major or bid 4 of longest minor with shortness in the OTHER Major. KQJ10 x KQJ10 Axx 10xx AJx 10xx x QJxx K10xx QJxx K10xx Ax KJxxx Ax KJxxx 1♦ 2♦ 1♦ 2♦ 2♥ 3♣ 2♥ 3♣ 3♠ 3N: Short S. 3♠ 4♣: Showing 5C, short H. 5♦(4♠ proposing a 4-3, is also possible) Continuations after 3♦ 1♦-2♣ 2N-3♦ 4♦: Good slam hand. 3♥: Values in H, responder bids 3NT if H short, longer minor if S short (if C, suit playable opposite a stiff). 3♠: Values in S, responder bids 3NT if S short, longer minor if H short (ditto). AQ10x x KQ8x Jxx Qxxx KJx Jxx x Qxx Kxxx AQx KJ9xx Kx AQJ10x 10xx AQJx 1♦ 2♣ 1♦ 2♦ 2♥ 3♦ 2♥ 3♣ 3N: H/S stopped. 3♠: S values. 4♦: Short H, 5+D. 5♦ or pass NOTE: A balanced hand, 22(54), is fine to treat as a 2-suit GF when concentrated and strong enough to consider a high-level minor suit contract. However, it must be a good hand (17+ HCP). 4-6 Major-minor hands With 4M-5m and GF values, ALWAYS bid the Major first. Bidding 2♣ or 2♦ immediately followed by 3M shows 6-4 GF. However, a GOOD (re: concentrated) 4-5 may qualify… AKxx/x/Kxx/AKJxx. 1♦-2♣ 1♦-2♦ 2♥-3♥: Shows 6C and 4 H, GF. 2♥-3♠: Shows 6D and 4S, GF. Sequences after 1-level Major response After a ONE-level Major response, a 2♣ rebid shows the classic shape hand. Opener will ALWAYS BE, with 3 exceptions, at least 5-4 in the minors. The exceptions are 2♣ rebids after a 1♠ response. These can be 1-4-4-4, 1-4-5-3 or 1-4-3-5. A 1NT rebid by opener ALWAYS PROMISES at least TWO in responders M. A 4441 is barred from rebidding 1NT. 1♦-1♥ 1♠: All hands with 4S, EVEN 4333. 1N: BAL 11-13, denies 4S. 2♣: Classic shape, at least 5-4 in minors, denies 4S. 2♦: 6+D. 2♥: Promises a 4fit. 1♦-1♠ 2♠: Usually 4-card support, BUT can be 3-4-5-1. With 3-4-6-0, rebid 2♦. 2♠: Natural 2N: Balanced maximum, with 6+D (or GREAT 5). 3♣: Maximum shaped hand, but NF since opener is limited. 1♦-1♠ 2♥: Also maximum shaped hand, NF (5/6 or 5/7). Only 5-4 allowed contains 3S. 2N: Lebensohl denies 5S. 2♠: 5+S, forcing one round, not necessarily strong. 3♦: NAT 6+D, invitational. 3♥: Invitational, shapely 4+fit. 3♠,4♣: Splinter raise. Other 1♦ Sequences 1♦-1♠ 3♣: Maximum shape hand, but NON-FORCING since opener is limited. 1♦-1♠ 3♦-3♠: FORCING, opener can raise with 2S. 1♦-1♠ 1N-2♣: Relay to 2♦ for invitational sequence. 2♦: ART GF. 1♦-1♠ 2♣: 54+ minors or any EIGHT minors w/4H (1NT rebid is BARRED, except in competition). 1♦-1♥-X(1♠)-P 1N: Can have a stiff S here. 1♦-1♠ 2♣-2♦: Preference, as in standard. Always pref to 2♦ over 2♣ with equal minor length. 2♥: Opener has only 3♦ (1-4-3-5). Responder places contract. 1♦-1♠ 2♣-2♥: ART, 4th suit forcing to game. 3♥: All hands with 4H; other bids are natural denying 4♥. 1♦-1M 2♦-2OM: ART GF (3rd suit forcing to game). 3♥: 55+, GF. 1♦-1♥ 1N-2♠: NAT 5-6, FORCING. 1♦-1♥ 2♦-3♠: 5-6+, GF. NO SPLINTER JUMPS BY MAJOR RESPONDER EXCEPT TO 4m. 1♦-1♥ 1♠-4♦: Splinter raise for S. Openers D bid is considered artificial since may only have 2. SPECIAL SEQUENCES AFTER COMPETITION After opponents double When the opponents double 1♦, transfer sequences are used. HCP ranges follow standard practice… 1♦-X-XX: 4+H. 1♥: 4+S. 1♠: BAL, 7-11-. 1N: 2♣ response, NF! Systems off! 2♣: Good 6-card suit, NT interest from openers side. 2♦: 5+D, NF. 2NT: CLUBS, weak or GF. 3♣: (Usually) 5C & 4+D, NF. 3♦: 6+D, weak. 3♥,3♠: Sneak/Void, GF w/54+ minors or GF w/ just a D suit. P-f-2/3♦: NAT 5+D, invitational. P-f-Q: 5+D, GF. After opponents 2♣ ot 3 ♣ When the opponents compete to either 2,3♣, transfers are on. Two level Major transfers can be weak-ish. Two level ♦ transfers are invitational or better. Three level transfers are better. Applies only when responder is an UNPASSED hand. 1♦-2♣-2♦: 5+H, could be weakish. 2♠: 5+D, GI+. 1♦-2♣-2♥-P 2♠: Shows a hand that would pass 2♠ NF. Does NOT promise 3fit. 2N: Invitational, as you would bid if partner had bid 2♠. 3♦: NAT, again as you would bid as if partner had bid 2♠. 3♣: Either a good S raise, or looking for a C stopper. Qx KJxxx Axx Jxx AJxx Kx KJxx A10xxxx KQxx J10xx Axx Kx xxx xx xxx xx 1♦ (2♣) 2♥: 5+S. This is a minimum. 1♦ (2♣) 2♦: 5+H. 2♠ P: Happy to find a resting place. 3♥: Not the best. P: Close decision. Axx xx KJxx AQ109xx A10xx xxx xx xx 1♦ (2♣) 2♦ 3♣: Best hand. 3♥: Weak. Over acceptance, if responder bids again, he is inviting game. A new suit is FORCING one round. 1♦-2♣-2♠: GI+ w/D. 3♦ 3♥, 3♠: 4-card suit, 5+D, forcing one round. AJxx Kxxx AJxx Kx Kxx Ax Kxx Axxx Kxx AJ9xxx Kxx AJ9xxx xxx x xxx x 1♦ (2♣) 2♠ 1♦ (2♣) 2♠ 3♦ 3♠: 4S. 3♦ 3♥ 4♠ 4♦: NF. Opponents compete to 2M: openers minors unclarified If they compete to 2♥ or 2♠, 2NT is artificial, asking opener to pick a minor if opener has NOT CLARIFIED his minor suit lengths… 1♦-P-1♥-1♠ P: Denies 3H, minor suits not clarified. 1N: Minor suits not clarified. X: Support X, minor suits not clarified. 2♠-2N: Takeout for a minor. Might be a hand planning to sign off in 3♦, 3♥ or even 4♣. Responders DIRECT 3-level bids are INVITATIONAL… 1♦-P-1♥-1♠ P -2♠-X: Cards, 11+ HCP. 2N: Asks minor preference. 3L: NAT, invitational. With a GF or a BAL GI, responder can start with a X of 2 Major, showing cards (11+ HCP)… 1♦-P-1♥-1♠ P -2♠-X: Cards, 11+ HCP. Opener can pass with 4 good ♠, bid 3NT, or bid some partial. If responder follows with a suit bid at the 3-level, that is GF. 1♦-P -1♥-1♠ P -2♠-X -P 2N -P-3♣: NAT, GF. If GF and short in the overcalled suit, responder can Q (usually void)… 1♦- P -1♥-1♠ 2♣-2♠- X - P 3♠: GF, short in S. If the response was 1NT, ANY bid of 2NT when the opponents bid 2M is takeout for the minors, but NF… 1♦-P-1N-2♠ 2N: 44+ in minors. Please bid one if you have a 4+card minor, otherwise PASS. 1♦-P-1N-2♠ 2N: 44+ minors, NF. 3♣: 54+ minors, demands playing in a minor. Pass or correct to D. Responder bids both minors When responder bids 2♣ over opponents Major overcall, which is raised and opener bids 2NT or passes, 3♦ by responder is GF, showing both minors. Any subsequent bid of 5NT by responder is pick a minor slam. Whenever responder bids ♣ followed by ♦, that is GF with minors (5/4 or 5/5)… 1♦-1♠-2♣-2♠ P - P - 3♦: Forcing, both minors (5-4+ either way). 3N- P - 5N: Pick a minor slam. Opponents compete to 2M: openers minors clarified When opener rebids 2♣ or 2♦, Opener HAS clarified his minor suit lengths. So, 2NT over 2M is LEBENSOHL. Other bids are the same as when minors have not been clarified… 1♦-P-1♥-1♠ 2♣-2♠-2N: Lebensohl, relay to 3♣. 3♣ -P- P: To play. 3♦: To play. 3♥: To compete to 3♥. 1♦-P-1♥-1♠ 2♦-2♠-3♣: Invite. 3♦: Invite. 3♥: Invite. 1♦-P-1♥-1♠ 2♣-2♠-X: Cards (11+ HCP). 3♠: GF, short in S (usually void). CONTINUATIONS AFTER MAJOR RAISES When responders Major is raised, hands with game interest start with the artificial ask of 2NT. 1♦-1♥ 2♥-2N: Artificial (random) game try. S1: Prime minimum. S2: Soft maximum. 3♥: Rejection, crappy minimum. 4♥: Acceptance, good hand. Raises of 1♥ always promise 4. However, when 1♠ is raised, opener can have 3 when exactly 3-4-5-1. 15 Direct bids to the 3-level over the raise are NAT and indicate slam interest. 1♦-1♠ 2♠-3♦: GF, slam interest… KQx/AQJxx/AQxx/x SOME 1♦ COMPETITIVE RULES 1♦-1♠-2♥-2♠ P- P - X : Re-opening, but NOT GF and short in S. 3♠: Since X is available, GF and short in S (tends to be a void). 3♦: D raise, NF but values. 3♣: New suits after a competitive 2/1 are Forcing One Round. Remember I: Clubs followed by D is GF. Diamonds followed by ♣ is invitational (can be 54+ either way). 1♦-1♥-2♣-2♥ 1♦-1♥-2♣-2♥(or pass) P- P - 3♦: GF… Kxx/x/AJxx/AJ10xx 3♣- P - 3♦: GF! vs 1♦-1♥-2♦-X P - P- 3♣: Invitational either suit can be longer in either auction. Remember II: Double of direct bid and raise is not penalty. 1♦-1♥-2♣-3♥ P - P - X: NOT penalty but Cards. Partner might pass with H stack. 3♠: Forcing, and natural (but not necessarily 4+S)… Qxx/ void/QJxx/AQxxxx.

Nice solution by Quiddity - Hats off! Avoids the risk of placing the ♥9 completely.

Joining the Yes chorus, in a nanosecond.

Some conversation in Bridgewinners might help: 2/1 Minimum Response Need System Advice 2/1 Rebids Respond 2C or 1 S

Take II I'm still allergic to finesses. If East holds 4♦ the ♥9 and ♠s split 3-2/2-3 we can get home by: ♣A then ♣ ruff. ♦A then ♦K and ♦ ruff. {spades] AK pitching the 3rd ♣ then ♠ ruff then ♦ruff, holding our breath a little. If the ♥8 survives, we have 13 tricks.

Congrats of sorts - we managed 6th. Don't think 3 have ever dropped out from D11 before> :blink:

What billw55 said... works well against a lurking AJ10x trump holding off side. Since we're MPing, will lead ♥6 toward the K, hoping for Ax, AJ or A10 onside (5 cases).

agree with 2♠. 2nd seat preempts should be (very) disciplined. Besides, partner deserves to see some hands from the top half of the promised range from time to time, no? Quoting a favorite partner, "Never apologize for extras!" Would want a 7th spade for a 3-bid.

I'm allergic to finesses. ♣A then ♣ruff ♦A then ♣ruff ♦K then ♦ruff ♠AK pitching 4th ♦ leaving 5 top trumps. Giving up to 2-5 Diamonds with the trump 9 in the short hand. Say, do we qualify for D20 if we get all these hands right??? :rolleyes: NOTE: completely missed the 3♣ bid by West. Rethinking.

Wasn't in the C. C. Wei book covered by Charles Goren (Red cover paperback). Seemto recall it was Ewens book on Opening leads about that time...

After 1♣-P-2♦: With one partner, 2M is 5+ cards (alpha). 2N sets up a "4-card suit transfer sequence": 3♣ = 4 ♥ 3♦ = single suited ♦ 3♥= 4 ♠ 3♠= 4 ♣ Generically 1♣-P-2m: 2M 5+ cards (alpha) 3m = single suit 3om = 4 ♥ 3♥ = 4 ♠ 3♠ = 4 om. With another partner we adjust the 1N, 2♣ and 2♦ responses to 1♣ as follows: 1N = single suited clubs 6 + or 5+ ♣ 4+ diamonds (♣ dominant) Denies 4-card majors. 2♣ = one or both 4-card majors (not 4441) 2♦ = exclusion stayman (♥=♠; ♠=♥; 2N=both; 3♣/♦=4405/50 respectively. Opener rebids 2M with 5+ but uses 2♦ with 5+/4 majors. 2♦ = balanced hand or single suited ♦ or 5+♦/4+♣ 2-suiter (♦ dominant). Denies 4-card major. (We use 1♣-P-2N to show 4M=6+m with 3♣ relay steps showing ♥&♣, ♠&♣, ♥&♦, ♠&♦).

I've a few partners who would insist a double by opener here shows 3-card ♠ support. I think 2♠ is the best way to give opponent's the last guess. Then my ♥ will come into play...

Agreeing Fluffy. Impatient, not aggressive.

3♦

Thanks. Many of my partners would interpret the 3♠ rebid as showing 5=6. :huh: With x xxx AKxx A10xxx I would hope partner would rebid 3N not 3♦. I've already warned about ♥.