I know some people use 4S over 4H as a "cheap" version of Roman Keycard Blackwood. All responses are one step lower than normal. The maximum response of 5H (2 + Q) does not commit you to a small slam. I use this principle over the minor suits as well. I am wondering if the convention has a name. For example, 1D pass 3D pass 4H(asking for keycards with diamonds as trumps) Or partner opens 1H and you respond 2 clubs with Kx Qx Kx AKxxxxx. Thus 1H pass 2C pass 3C pass 4D(asking) pass 4S (1 keycard) pass 4N(to play*) pass pass pass. *4NT is to play because 5D is asking for kings. I think 5S here over the 4S response would tell partner to bid 5NT if you wanted him to play it. You have not forced yourself into a slam with 2 missing keycards and may be able to ask for keycards freely without missing the notrump game, or the minor game if appropriate. Even this auction is possible: 1C pass 5C pass 5D(asking for keycards) and partner may even have a hand that can stop at 5NT if there is no slam. Does the treatment/convention have a name (I call it "Stepwood")? It is similar (in the king-asking bid) to a convention I once played called "minorwood". Michael Macrossan
