kes

I never and nowhere played Strong Pass .

In our experience 1C with 14+ P any is better than 13+ P any and 1C 1D with 0-7 P any , 1C 1H with 8-10 P any is best.

If you open 1C as weak as with 14 P and partner shows weakness with 1D , it is important that opener can stop with natural 1H / 1S - in our experience .

1C with 14+ P any and then 1D 0-7 P any --- 1H 8-10 P any --- 1S and beyond Game-forcing has proved its worth in the system Malex --- have look at the topic Malex - complete in this (Non-Natural System) Discussion area

----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- As TcyK and helene_t are mistaken in opening without 4 card major , i repeat this part of the system ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N - with 11-13 P , no 4 card major , not 4333 2N - with 11-13 P , 55+ minors or 4= diamonds and 5= clubs , not 22.4=5= 3m - with 11-13 P , 6+ cards , not 6322 , no 4 card major ---------- ---------- ---------- With 4333 , 4= minor (and with 31.5=4=) pass up to 12 P , bid 1C with 13= P ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Tcyk wrote : I can not open with a good minor unless i have 14+ HCP. ----- ----- NO - as helene_t told (thank you Dear). ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Tcyk wrote : Are opening requirements in third and forth position the same as first and second position ? ----- ----- YES - a changing is not possible in this version (see the handling of the 4333 hands) and it is not nessesary (we have experienced in an older version with 4333 at 1N). ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Tcyk wrote : Wont failore to show a major suit aid your major … ----- ----- YES - it's a pity , but each information , you give to your pardner , is open to the opponents too. BUT - therefore you should give in your bidding only the real important information. Par example the exact lenth of your major(s) - that is why Malex was born. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Tcyk wrote : If you like systems like this , why not just play … Rebids can define suit lengths to a great extent. ----- ----- YES - and the rebids are the problem , obviously if the opponents intervene. But even in an undisturbed auction , it is better to know the exact lenth at once. The rebids can be used for other investigations (strength , second suit). ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- gwnn wrote : This is not the first time that you post this system here … ----- ----- The opening bids : YES - The system : NO . ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- gwnn wrote : … but it still looks like a system that only works on a piece of paper and a pen , but not at the bridge table. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Au contraire : It works very well at the bridge table , it is tested since 5 years. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Malex "Major's Length Exact" bridge bidding system ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- The system separates in the opening bids (and in most continuations) the 4= / 5= / 6+ lengths of the majors , with spezial treatments for hands with both majors and for hands with 4333 . ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Often used : 2C with 5= hearts / 2D with 5= spades / 2H with 6+ hearts / 2S with 6+ spades and 0-3 in the other major (and analogical at level 3) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 1 - the opening bids ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C - each hand with 14+ P , some hands with 13 P (see beneath) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1D - with 9-13 P , 4+ hearts and 4+ spades ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1H - with 9-13 P , 4= spades (and 0-3 hearts) and 4+ cards in a minor 1S - with 9-13 P , 4= hearts (and 0-3 spades) and 4+ cards in a minor ---------- ---------- ---------- With 4333 , 4= major - pass up to 12 P , bid 1C with 13= P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2C - with 9-13 P , 5= hearts (and 0-3 spades) 2D - with 9-13 P , 5= spades (and 0-3 hearts) 2H - with 9-13 P , 6+ hearts (and 0-3 spades) 2S - with 9-13 P , 6+ spades (and 0-3 hearts) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N - with 11-13 P , no 4 card major , not 4333 2N - with 11-13 P , 55+ minors or 4= diamonds and 5= clubs , not 22.4=5= 3m - with 11-13 P , 6+ cards , not 6322 , no 4 card major ---------- ---------- ---------- With 4333 , 4= minor (and with 31.5=4=) pass up to 12 P , bid 1C with 13= P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Notice 1 : When they open - you can often use the opening bids (1m) - double stolen bid (and / or strong) - 1N with 5+ other minor - other bids as own opening (1M) - double stolen bid (or strong) - 1N with both minors - other bids natural ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Notice 1 : When they intervene after our 1C (simple version) Double / redouble / cuebid / jump bid forcing - other bids natural , non-forcing ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Notice 3 : Slam bidding (simple version) : Looking for Fit - ask for strength , answer in steps - ask for controlls ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 2 - after opening 1C (- each hand with 14+ P , some hands with 13 P) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1D - each Hand with 0- 7 P 1C 1H - each Hand with 8-10 P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1S - with 11+ P , 4+ hearts and 4+ spades 1C 1N - with 11+ P , no 5+ major (may be unbalanced) ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 2C - with 11+ P , 5= hearts (and 0-3 spades) 1C 2D - with 11+ P , 5= spades (and 0-3 hearts) 1C 2H - with 11+ P , 6+ hearts (and 0-3 spades) 1C 2S - with 11+ P , 6+ spades (and 0-3 hearts) ---------- ---------- ---------- Continuations in parts 13-20 at the end ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 3 - after opening 1D (- with 9-13 P , 4+ hearts and 4+ spades) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1D 1M (with 3=) / 2M / 3M (barrage) / 4M - all to play ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1D PS (or 2D) - weak with diamonds 1D 2C - weak with clubs ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1D 1N - ask for distribution in the majors - no specific bids for 6 & 5 and 7 & 4 ---------- ---------- ---------- 1D 1N 2C - with 4= hearts and 4= spades 1D 1N 2D - with 5+ hearts and 5+ spades 1D 1N 2H - with 5= hearts and 4= spades 1D 1N 2S - with 4= hearts and 5= spades ---------- ---------- ---------- 1D 1N 2XY 2N - with 12-13 P , no fit in a major 1D 1N 2XY 3C - asks for strength , heart-fit assumed - 3 steps 1D 1N 2XY 3D - asks for strength , spade-fit assured - 3 steps ---------- ---------- ---------- 1D 1N 3C - with 6= hearts and 4= spades , not minimum 1D 1N 3D - with 4= hearts and 6= spades , not minimum 1D 1N 3H - with 6= hearts and 4= spades , minimum 1D 1N 3S - with 6= hearts and 4= spades , minimum ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 4 - after opening 1H (- with 9-13 P , 4= spades (and 0-3 hearts) and 4+ in a minor) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1H 1S (with 3= spades) / 2S / 3S (barrage) / 4S - all of them to play ---------- ---------- ---------- 1H 1S 1N - with 4=1=4=4= 1H 1S 2m - with (4= spades and) 5+ in this minor ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1H PS - weak with hearts , not 3 spades 1H 2m - weak with 5+ cards in this minor ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1H 1N - forcing to 2m (opener has a 4+ minor) ---------- ---------- ---------- 1H 1N 2m PS - to play 1H 1N 2m 2H - inviting (to 4H) with 5= hearts 1H 1N 2m 2S - inviting (to 4S) with 4+ spades 1H 1N 2m 2N - inviting (to 3N) with about 12 P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1H 2H - inviting (to 4H) with 6+ hearts 1H 2N - inviting (to 3N) with about 13 P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1H 3C - SlamTry , in spades or in no-trump - asks for strength , 3 steps ---------- ---------- ---------- 1H 3D - game-forcing with 5= hearts , with Fit PFA (principle of fast arrival) 1H 3H - game-forcing with 6+ hearts , with Fit PFA ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 5 - after opening 1S (- with 9-13 P , 4= hearts (and 0-3 spades) and 4+ in a minor) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1S 2H (with 3+ hearts , 3= only if 4=3=.42) / 3H (barrage) / 4H - all to play ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1S PS - weak with spades 1S 2m - weak with 5+ cards in this minor ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1S 1N - forcing to 2m (opener has a 4+ minor) ---------- ---------- ---------- 1S 1N 2m PS - to play 1S 1N 2m 2H - inviting (to 4H) with 4+ hearts 1S 1N 2m 2S - inviting (to 4S) with 5= spades 1S 1N 2m 2N - inviting (to 3N) with about 12 P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1S 2S - inviting (to 4S) with 6+ spades 1S 2N - inviting (to 3N) with about 13 P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1S 3C - SlamTry , in hearts or in no-trump - asks for strength , 3 steps ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1S 3D - game-forcing with 5= spades , with Fit PFA 1S 3S - game-forcing with 6+ spades , with Fit PFA ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 6 - after opening 2C - with 9-13 P , 5= hearts (and 0-3 spades) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2C 2H (with 2+ hearts) / 3H (barrage) / 4H - all to play 2C PS / 2D / 2S - weak with 5+ cards , not 3 hearts 2C 2N - with 12-13 P , no Fit in hearts ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2C 3C - game / slam try with fit in hearts (rarely slamtry in notrump) - asks for strength , 3 steps ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2C 3D - game-forcing with 5= spades , with Fit PFA 2C 3S - game-forcing with 6+ spades , with Fit PFA ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 7 - after opening 2D - with 9-13 P , 5= spades (and 0-3 hearts) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2D 2S (with 2+ spades) / 3S (barrage) / 4S - all to play 2D PS / 2H - weak with 5+ cards , not 3 spades 2D 2N - with 12-13 P , no Fit in spades ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2D 3C - game / slam try with fit in spades (rarely slamtry in notrump) - asks for strength , 3 steps ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2D 3D - game-forcing with 5= hearts , with Fit PFA 2D 3S - game-forcing with 6+ hearts , with Fit PFA ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 8 - after opening 2H - with 9-13 P , 6+ hearts (and 0-3 spades) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2H PS / 3H (barrage) / 4H - all to play 2H 2N - with 12-13 P , no Fit in hearts ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2H 3C - game / slam try with fit in hearts (rarely slamtry in notrump) - asks for strength , 3 steps ---------- ---------- ---------- 2H 3D - game-forcing with 5= spades , with Fit PFA 2H 3S - game-forcing with 6+ spades , with Fit PFA ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 9 - after opening 2S - with 9-13 P , 6+ spades (and 0-3 hearts) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2S PS / 3S (barrage) / 4S - all to play 2S 2N - with 12-13 P , no Fit in spades ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2S 3C - game / slam try with fit in spades (rarely slamtry in notrump) - asks for strength , 3 steps ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2S 3D - game-forcing with 5= hearts , with Fit PFA 2S 3H - game-forcing with 6+ hearts , with Fit PFA ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 10 - after opening 1N (- with 11-13 P , no 4 card major , not 4333) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N 2C - escape , weak (with 2+ clubs) ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N 2C PS - with 5-6 clubs 1N 2C 2D - otherwise (opener has 4+ diamonds) - partner bids naturally ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N 2D - inviting (or slamtry) with 5+ hearts , may be also 5 spades ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N 2D 2H - with minimum , 2= hearts 1N 2D 3H - with minimum , 3= hearts ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N 2D 3S - with maximum , 2= hearts and 3= spades 1N 2D 3N - with maximum , 2= hearts and 2= spades 1N 2D 4H - with maximum , 3= hearts ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N 2H - inviting (or slamtry) with 5+ spades , not 5 hearts ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N 2D 2S - with minimum , 2= spades 1N 2D 3S - with minimum , 3= spades ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N 2D 3N - with maximum , 2= spades 1N 2D 4S - with maximum , 3= spades ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N 2S - inviting with 12 P or Slamtry ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N 2S 2N (or 3m) - with minimum 1N 2S 3N - with maximun ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1N 2N - inviting with 13 P 1N 3m - barrage 1N 3M - game-forcing ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 11 - after opening 2N (- with 11-13 P , 4+ diamonds and 5+ clubs , not 22.4=5=) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 2N 3m - to play 2N 3M - game-forcing , with 5+ cards 2N 4m - slam-try in this minor (or no-trump) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 12 - after opening 3m (- with 11-13 P and 6+ cards , not 6322) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 3m PS - to play 3m 3M - game-forcing , with 5+ cards 3m 4C - slam-try ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 13 - after 1C 1D (- each hand with 0-7 P) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1D PS - with 5+ diamonds , no interest in game 1C 1D 1M - with 4+ cards , no interest in game 1C 1D 1N - no interest in game 1C 1D 2C - with 5+ clubs , no interest in game ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1D 2D - with 21+ P ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1D 2D 2H - each Hand with 0-3 P 1C 1D 2D 2S - each Hand with 4-6 P 1C 1D 2D 2N - with 7 P , no 5+ major (may be unbalanced) 1C 1D 2D 3C - with 7 P , 5= hearts 1C 1D 2D 3D - with 7 P , 5= spades 1C 1D 2D 3H - with 7 P , 6+ hearts 1C 1D 2D 3S - with 7 P , 6+ spades ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1D 2H - with 16-18 P , 5+ hearts 1C 1D 2S - with 16-18 P , 5+ spades 1C 1D 2N - with 19-20 P , no 5+ major (may be unbalanced) 1C 1D 3C - with 19-20 P , 5= hearts 1C 1D 3D - with 19-20 P , 5= spades 1C 1D 3H - with 19-20 P , 6+ hearts 1C 1D 3S - with 19-20 P , 6+ spades ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 14 - after 1C 1H (- each hand with 8-10 P) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1H 1S - asking for min / max ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1H 1S 1N - min , no 5+ major (may be unbalanced) ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1H 1S 2C - min , 5= hearts 1C 1H 1S 2D - min , 5= spades 1C 1H 1S 2H - min , 6+ hearts 1C 1H 1S 2S - min , 6+ spades ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1H 1S 2N - max , no 5+ major (may be unbalanced) ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1H 1S 3C - max , 5= hearts 1C 1H 1S 3D - max , 5= spades 1C 1H 1S 3H - max , 6+ hearts 1C 1H 1S 3S - max , 6+ spades ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1H 1N - with 13= P (and 4333 or 31.5=4=) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1H 2C - with 5= hearts , no interest in game (except for good Fit) 1C 1H 2D - with 5= spades , no interest in game (except for good Fit) 1C 1H 2H - with 6+ hearts , no interest in game (except for good Fit) 1C 1H 2S - with 6+ spades , no interest in game (except for good Fit) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1H 2N - no 5+ major (may be unbalanced) , game-forcing ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1H 2N 3C - Stayman 1C 1H 2N 3D - with an (unknown) 5= major 1C 1H 2N 3M - with 6+ cards ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1H 3C - with 5= hearts , game-forcing 1C 1H 3D - with 5= spades , game-forcing 1C 1H 3H - with 6+ hearts , game-forcing 1C 1H 3S - with 6+ spades , game-forcing ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 15 - after 1C 1S (- with 11+ P , 4+ hearts and 4+ spades) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1S - 1N asks for distribution in majors - no specific bids for 6&5 and 7&4 ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1S 1N 2C - with 4= spades and 4= hearts 1C 1S 1N 2D - with 5= spades and 5= hearts ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1S 1N 2H - with 4= spades and 5= hearts 1C 1S 1N 2S - with 5= spades and 4= hearts ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1S 1N 3C - with 4= spades and 6= hearts 1C 1S 1N 3D - with 6= spades and 4= hearts ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Opener asks with the next free bid for strength - step 1 with 11 P and +1 step / 2 P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 16 - after 1C 1N (- with 11+ P , no 5+ major (may be unbalanced)) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1N 2C - Stayman 1C 1N 2D - with an (unknown) 5= major 1C 1N 2M - with 6+ cards ---------- ---------- ---------- Opener asks with the next free bid for strength - step 1 with 11 P and +1 step / 2 P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 1N 2N - asks for strength 1C 1N 3N - with 13= P (and 4333 or 31.5=4=) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 17 - after 1C 2C (- with 11+ P , 5= hearts (and 0-3 spades)) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 2C 2H - with fit in hearts , asks for strength 1C 2C 2N - no interest in majors , asks for strenth ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 2C 2D - with 5= spades , no fit in hearts 1C 2C 2S - with 6+ spades , no fit in hearts ---------- ---------- ---------- Opener asks with the next free bid for strength - step 1 with 11 P and +1 step / 2 P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 18 - after 1C 2D (- with 11+ P , 5= spades (and 0-3 hearts)) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 2D 2S - with Fit in spades , asks for strength 1C 2D 2N - no interest in majors , asks for strength ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 2D 2H - with 6+ hearts , no fit in spades 1C 2D 3D - with 5= hearts , no fit in spades ---------- ---------- ---------- Opener asks with the next free bid for strength - step 1 with 11 P and +1 step / 2 P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 19 - after 1C 2H (- with 11+ P , 6+ hearts (and 0-3 spades)) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 2H 3C - with fit in hearts , asks for strength 1C 2H 2N - no interest in majors , asks for strength ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 2H 2S - with 6+ spades , no fit in hearts 1C 2H 3D - with 5= spades , no fit in hearts ---------- ---------- ---------- Opener asks with the next free bid for strength - step 1 with 11 P and +1 step / 2 P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Part 20 - after 1C 2S (- with 11+ P , 6+ spades (and 0-3 hearts)) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 2S 3C - with Fit in spades , asks for strength 1C 2S 2N - no interest in majors , asks for strength ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 1C 2S 3D - with 5= hearts , no fit in spades 1C 2S 3H - with 6+ hearts , no fit in spades ---------- ---------- ---------- Opener asks with the next free bid for strength - step 1 with 11 P and +1 step / 2 P ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

The bidding system MALEX (Major's Length Exact) has these opening bids : 1C each hand with 14 P (and some with 13 P) Rule of 18 up to 13 P : 1D with 4= Hearts & 0-3 Spades - not 3433 , may have a longer minor 1H with 4= Spades & 0-3 Hearts - not 4333 , may have a longer minor 1S with 4+ Hearts & 4+ Spades With 9 - 13 P : 2C with 5= Hearts & 0-3 Spades 2D with 5= Spades & 0-3 Hearts 2H with 6+ Hearts & 0-3 Spades 2S with 6+ Spades & 0-3 Hearts With 11 - 13 P : 1N semi-balanced (4432 , 5422 , 5332 , 6322) , no 4card Major (and not 4333) 2N with 5+ Clubs & 4+ Diamonds 3m with 6+ cards Pass up to 13 P (good 13 are always 14) with 4333 and with 31 Majors & 5= Diamonds & 4= Clubs - no place to open , sorry The system works fine , at least to us non-top-player - konstructive advices are welcome KES - still trying to re-invent the wheel

------------------------------------------ 1C with 13+ P , each distribution May be , you prefer another strength - you may transfer the following answers ------------------------------------------ 1C 2C with 5-7 P and 5= Hearts , non-forcing 1C 2D with 5-7 P and 5= Spades , non-forcing 1C 2H with 5-7 P and 6+ Hearts , non-forcing 1C 2S with 5-7 P and 6+ Spades , non-forcing 1C 1D with 0-7 P , other hands , non-forcing ------------------------------------------ 1C 1H with 8-10 P , each distribution , (nearly) forcing ------------------------------------------ 1C 1S with 11+ P and an unknown 5+ M , also 54+ both Ms 1C 1N with 11+ P and no 5+ M , forcing up to 2N ------------------------------------------

If it's your turn to open , you are - in first hand - in second hand after pass - in third hand after pass pass - in forth hand after pass pass pass . Is there a special technical term for this position ?

We use 1C (13+HCPs , each distribution) - 1D (5-7 HCPs without 5+M or 0-4 HCPs) and then 2D with 22+ HCPs . I would never use the proposed 2D opening .

This is a common problem . Our 1C with 13+ and a (in principle) game-forcing answer with 11+ may be 13= & 11=. Therefore we have intercorporated an "emergency brake". If opener leaves the relays and bids 2NT he tells "only bad 13 , no fit - you may pass" . 2NT is not a good contract , but at least there are 13 + 11 = 24 on board .

No need to meditate about the (may be superior) Forcing Pass System , as in Germany it is illegal (nearly) always . Playing Strong Club Systems since nearly 20 years , in my experience the 1 Club opening with 13+ HCP (no problem with the german regulations) is best , as Paul Marston said . This opening leaves enough space for explorations , it limits the other openings in a very comfortable manner and , as I said in a previous post , reasonable opponents will not throw trash into the bidding . They will expect us to have only a partscore and they have to fear that they have still game .

Paul Marston in reg.games.bridge in May, 25. 2005 "I would put forward 8-12 HCP openers and 13+ 1C as being my first guess at optimal design" . hrothgar here , Sep 19. 2006 "I quite certain about Paul's beliefs on these matters. The only reason he switched away from light opening systems was series of ugly fights with the regulatory authorities." BUT hrothgar here , Aug 24. 2007 (in his kind answer to my post) " It’s extremely difficult to build a good system for all 13+ HCP hands when you start with pass. I can’t imagine doing after a 1C opening."

In our system we open 1D (shows 4=Hearts) - and rebid 2D (shows 5+ diamonds) after each non-forcing response .

If it's your turn to open the bidding , you are - in first hand - in second hand after pass - in third hand after pass pass - in forth hand after pass pass pass . Is there a technical term for this position ? I propose "pole-position" . If you create a bidding sytem you should not consider the frequency of holding a hand , but holding it in pole-position . Of course the frequency of being in pole-position depends (inter alia) of the strength of your hand . Under the assumption , that every player ahead will open with more than 10 points and pass otherwise , the following (simulated) numbers will be approximately correct : 0-7 - 285.85 - 25 % - 10.1 % - 02.4 % - 00,0 % - 37.5 % - 102.2 08 P - 88.92 - 25 % - 12.4 % - 04.0 % - 00,0 % - 41.4 % - 036.8 09 P - 93.56 - 25 % - 13.1 % - 04.8 % - 00,0 % - 42.9 % - 040.1 10 P - 94.05 - 25 % - 14.0 % - 05.8 % - 00.1 % - 44.9 % - 042.2 11 P - 89.45 - 25 % - 14.8 % - 06.7 % - 00.9 % - 47.4 % - 042.4 12 P - 80.27 - 25 % - 15.7 % - 08.4 % - 01.7 % - 50.8 % - 040.8 13 P - 69.14 - 25 % - 16.5 % - 09.2 % - 02.9 % - 53.6 % - 037.1 14 P - 56.97 - 25 % - 17.4 % - 10.4 % - 04.3 % - 57.1 % - 032.5 15 P - 44.24 - 25 % - 18.3 % - 11.8 % - 05.9 % - 61.0 % - 027.0 16+ - 97.59 - 25 % - 20.3 % - 15.6 % - 10.8 % - 71.7 % - 070.0 First row strength - then holding this strength in 1000 deals - then 1. hand / 2. hand / 3. hand / 4. hand and pole-position (in % of the holding) , then sum of these numbers - last row being in pole-position with this strength in 1000 deals .

Hi Free - many questions , here are some answers : Of course , Malex has an answer-system to 1C also for a weaker partner . An example : 1C - then with 5-7 P 2C (with 5=Hs) / 2D (with 5=Ss) / 2M (with 6+cards) . You recognize the structure of the openings at level 2 ; we use these relays as often as possible in our system . If we open 2C (with 5=Hs) / 2D (with 5=Ss) / 2M (with 6+cards) and there is no fit , we look similarly to EHAA in this situation . I think our bids are a little bit better , because we seperate 5= / 6+ and 2C / 2D are non-forcing - all on the cost of the minors , that is evident . Because of (40 - 13) : 3 + 13 = 22 < 25 reasonable opponents will expect us to have only a partscore . Because of the low-level 1C reasonable opponents will not exclude , that they have still game . Therefore reasonable opponents may bid , but they will not throw trash into the bidding . BUT if an opponent has the hand for 1C (3S) , YES that hurts .

Ad 1 : Malex uses relays (of course) , but it is not a relay-system ; we decided not to use the complete stuff . That is the reason for having enough place to investigate the exact strength in steps still below 3N . And that may be the reason , it cannot be a good system (as you told) . Ad 2 : Poorly expressed by me - please replace "HCPs" by "points" . Important is having a question for strength during the bidding with step-answers - narrow steps , just two points . The advantage is , that the first positive (nearly game-forcing) answers to 1C are easier . They show (something about distribution and) just 11+ HCPs - the exact strength will be investigated later (and only if nessesary) . No , I didn't reinvent the wheel . I just play a bidding-system in which the hands in the main area (up to 12 HCPs) with - 4 Hearts - 5 Hearts - 6+ Hearts - 4 Spades - 5 Spades - 6+ Spades - both Majors - all are strictly separated . Is that new ? No , there is nothing new in bridge . I have studied the description of many systems , all systems I could find at the Internet . Now I can't remember , from where I got this idea - may be , you can tell me ?

I don't think so . After a positive response opener will look for a fit in a major . Afterwards opener can ask for the (nearly) exact strength . His partner will answer in steps - about 11 HCPs - about 13 HCPs - about 15 HCPs - and so on . Now opener can settle in game or go on investigating slam .

After some experiments and experiences the bidding system MALEX (Major's Length Exact) has these opening bids 1C each hand with 13+ HCPs Rule of 18 up to 12 HCPs : 1D with 4= Hearts & 0-3 Spades - may be balanced , may have a longer minor 1H with 4= Spades & 0-3 Hearts - may be balanced , may have a longer minor 1S with 4+ Hearts & 4+ Spades - with 6+4= Majors you may decide to open 2M With 8 - 12 HCPs : 2C with 5= Hearts & 0-3 Spades 2D with 5= Spades & 0-3 Hearts 2H with 6+ Hearts & 0-3 (may be 4) Spades 2S with 6+ Spades & 0-3 (may be 4) Hearts With 10 - 12 HCPs : 1N semi-balanced , not 4333 (4432 , 5422 , 5332 , 6322) , no 4card Major 2N with 5+ Clubs & 5+ Diamond - may be 4= D & 5= C , but not 5= D & 4= C 3m with 6+ cards Pass up to 12 HCPs (good 12 are always 13) and with 31= Ms & 5=Ds & 4=Cs (no place to open , sorry) and with 4333 (4= minor) and with each other ugly hand

We play (in a forcing 1C / 4card major context) : 1NT with 10-12 HCP - semi-bal (may be 5422 , 6322) , no 4card Major , not 4333 Then : 2C Escape ("does not want to play 1NT") , no need for Stayman

In a strong 1C context you don't need a strong 2NT , but "unusual" 2NT with 55+ minors has a low frequency . You may consider to add the x-x-4=5= (but not x-x-5=4=) hands . Partner will bid his longest minor , with equal length he will bid 3C . Another idea is to add the 6+Diamonds hands . If partner bids 3C (no problem , if he bids 3D) , you will correct to 3D . This frees your 3D bid for other purposes .

We play MALEX since several years and we are very content . But we are far-away-from-top-players - so I just can tell , that our bidding is far better than our play :D .

System MALEX , posted some months ago : 1C strong 1D with 4= Hs (& 0-4 Ss) - - 1H with 4= Ss (& 0-3 Hs) - - 1S with 5= Ss (& 0-3 Hs) 2C with 54+ Ms - - 2D with 5= Hs (& 0-3 Ss) - - 2H with 6+Hs (& 0-4 Ss) - - 2S with 6+ Ss (& 0-4 Hs) 1NT / 2NT / 3m with hands without 4card M Regards - kes

Hi Robert ! "Little Major" in not allowed here too , as 1H "strong" does not show a 4+ suit (only allowed for minors) . Your system , serperating 5= and 4= / 6= in majors , has the advantage to stay low with your major-opening . (Besides what do You do with 54= in majors ?) Going one step on seperating 4= , 5= , 54+ and 6+ in majors needs more (at least 7) steps of course ; there must be payed the price somewhere . There are many possibilities of relay-structures . I prefer a very simple (major-fit oriented) one and I don't think , that anybody is interested in it . With kind regards - kes .