Revised Keri

[the hog]

Rather than send out umpteen copies of the revised Keri. Here it is.

Those who have played this style will recognise the major changes are in the 1N 2S section and continuations

 

3a. 1NT-2C = puppet to 2D

1NT-2C = puppet to 2D. Either invitational, or D, or strong. Then:

2D = usual response. Then

2M = natural, 4 or 5 M, invitational.

2NT = natural, no major, invitational.

3m = natural, 6m, invitational. New suit = stopper ask, then 4m = bail out.

3H up = FG, 5+D.

2M = 5 card suit, min. Then

2NT = relay for asc doubleton, 3M = S/T, ask for controls. 3m = invitational, 6m.

2NT = 6D, min. Then 3C = asks for desc frag, 3D = S/O, 3M = nat, F, 5 card suit.

3C = 6C, min. Then 3D = asks for desc fragment, 3M = nat, F, 5 card suit.

 

3b.1NT-2C; 2D-2M

1NT-2C; 2D:

2H = 4H/5H - natural, invitational. May have 4S only if 5H4S.

Pass = min, 3-4 in suit

3H = max, FG; 3H, no 5OM 4H = max, 4H

2S = min, 4(+)Ss, 2Hs 3S = max, FG; 4Ss, 2Hs

2NT = min, 3-S2H 3NT = max, 3-S2H

3C = min/med strength, 4H, 4432 3D = max 5S2H33.

2S = 4S/5S - natural, invitational. Denies 4H. Then as over 2H.

 

3d.1NT-2C; 2D-3H up

1NT-2C; 2D:

3H/3S = FG, 4M 5+D: New suit = 1st/2nd control for major; 4D sets Ds

3NT = mild slam interest, 5332 shape on Ds

4NT = strong slam interest, 5332. If proceeding, 5<any> = 5-suit or v. strong 4-suit.

5NT = 5332, pick a slam.

4D = sets Ds; asks range, RKCB if max.

4C/H/S = Void splinter, Ds set.

1st step is poor fit. Other = exclusion RKCB responses.

 

3e. 1NT-2D = transfer to 2H

1NT-2D = transfer to 2H (may have only 4H only if rebid 2S or 3NT.)

 

Super accepts:

2NT = 4H, 1HH, 2½-3 instant tricks outside H, inv 3NT

{i.e. a perfect 1NT opening with 1 honour. Adjust outside tricks upward for 1NT overcalls or rebids.}

3D = retransfer

new suit = stopper ask: 4H with 2HH, 1½-2 instant tricks outside, inv to 3NT

3D (or 4D if nec) = retransfer

3H = inv to 4H, typically weak shortage in one of the outside suits

2H = no superaccept.

 

3f. Invitational continuations after 1NT-2D; 2H

1NT-2D; 2H:

2S = 4S4H, 5S4H or 5S5H, invitational only

Pass = min, 3+S 3S = max, 3S

2NT = min, no fit for either major 3NT = max, no fit

3H = min, 4H 3C = med fit, 4H

4M = max, 4+M 3D = med fit, 4S

3H = 6+H, inv(+).

 

3g. GF continuations after 1NT-2D; 2H

1NT-2D; 2H:

2NT = FG, exactly 5H, denies 4OM, 5m, or 0544. (So, no void.) Then:

3C = denies 3+H, asks. Then

3D / 3H / 3S = asc singleton,

3NT = none (5332 or 54m22).

3H = agrees H, strong or weak. Then new suit = singleton, slam try; 3NT = OTP.

 

3m = nat. FG, 55 or 64. Then natural.

 

3S = 4(+)S, 5+H, FG:

4H / 4S = weak preference

4C / 4D = strong preference, agreeing H / S. Then control-bids.

3NT = no fit for either major.

4m = nat, probably 5431.

4H = 4S6H, not a slam try

4S = 5S6H, slam try

4NT = RKCB on H (the longer suit)

5NT = pick a slam - 4522 shape

 

3NT = 4H, choice of contract.

 

4C / 4D / 4S = void splinter, Hs set. Then: step 1 = bad fit, others = RKCB reply

4NT = quantitative, 5332 (for RKCB, use 1NT : 4C, 4H : 4NT)

3j. 1NT-2H = transfer to 2S

2H = transfer to S. Then as over 1NT-2D; 2H. (Retransfer suit is H, not D.)

 

3k. 1NT-2S = forcing Stayman, or single suited slam try

2S = puppet to 2NT. Forcing Stayman, or 6+ card single suited slam interest. Over 2NT:

3C = single suited in any suit, slam interest. Opener puppets with 3D, then:

3H / 3S / 3NT / 4C = art, asc suits, RKCB (without range). Then after RKCB resp:

3NT / 4NT = to play if suit is a minor.

Others = suit asks.

3D = 4+H, not 4S unless interested in slam. Then:

3H / 3NT = prepared / not prepared to play 4H opposite good 5 card suit. Then:

3NT (or pass) = 4333, 4H = 5 card suit, others = natural, 4432, slam interest.

3H = 4+S, not 4H. Then as above.

3S = slam interest, no 4 card major. 4333 or 4432 in minor(s). Then natural.

3NT = 44 in majors, no slam interest.

 

3m. 1NT-2NT = transfer to 3C

2NT = demands 3C, used for signoff in clubs or for C 2-suiters. Over 3C:

3D = both minors

3M = stopper ask

3H up = 5+C: analogous to the auctions 1NT-2C, 2D-3H up.

 

3n. 1NT-3x = transfer splinters

3C - 3S = FG, shows 0-1 in next suit along (Can use 1NT : 3H / 3S even with 3-card major if prepared to play 4-3 fit.)

Bid the shortage = suggests 3NT (opp singleton) or 5 of a minor (opp void).

Bid another suit = natural

3NT = short suit well stopped and no major suit interest

Responder’s later bid of short suit = slam try, showing void, agrees last suit.

First step = no interest; others = exclusion RKCB

 

3p. Other responses to 1NT

4C/4D = transfers to 4H/4S (then 4NT RKCB)

1NT : 4H/4S = to play; must be passed

1NT : 4NT = inv, probably 4333.

 

3q. If they interfere after 1NT

Over X of 1NT:

if double = art: Ignore:

system in full but redouble suggests penalties. Double after redouble = penalties.

If double = penalties (direct or in passout seat):

XX = puppet to 2C; Stop Sign. Then: 2x = to play (1 suiter). 2NT/3x = FG.

2C / 2D / 2H = P/C (this suit plus higher, or 4333); then XX = T/O.

2S = any 5-5, game inv. 2NT accepts, 3x = weak.

2NT = FG 2 suiter. 3x = PRE.

 

If RHO doubles our 2C response:

XX = offer to play,

pass = no C stopper. Then XX to continue as normal or bid to scramble,

accept transfer or bid higher = C stopper.

 

If RHO doubles our transfer,

XX = offer to play,

pass = 2 card support. Then XX to continue as normal or bid to scramble,

accept transfer = 3+ support.

 

1NT (they overcall):

T/O X of their suit at 2 & 3 level, pass & later X = T/O, bids at 2 level = NF

1NT (2C artificial): System on

over 2D/2H/2S overcall, 2NT up = Rubensohl, 4m = Leaping Michaels.

2NT thru 3H = transfers

transferring into their suit shows a major and asks for stopper (cue denies)

3S = stopper ask, no major

 

3r. Rubensohl over their Overcall

This is a method of making both weak and strong bids over 2 level competition.

This applies only if we open / overcall / rebid 1NT and they overcall 2D/2H/2S.

 

Over 1NT (2H=nat):

X = T/O. Then

New suit rebid = nat, F (probably 5), unless equal level conversion

3H = FG, asks stop

2S = nat, NF.

2NT » 3H = transfer to 3C » 3S, any strength. (Not into their suit – see below.)

if opener accepts transfer, responder’s rebid = FG.

3D = asks for stopper and promises 4S:

3H = no STOP.

Other bids = nat, STOP.

3S =FG, no 4(O)M, no STOP

3NT=FG, no 4(O)M, STOP

Similarly over other overcalls.

[pclayton]

Is anyone else shocked that 2♦ isn't automatic? It seems this changes the nature of a lot of the auctions.

 

My regular partner, who worships at the Church of Klinger had an identity crisis when I showed this today at lunch.

 

I'm not sure I like it as much as the "old" Keri. It seems Klinger wanted to add it the 'flexibility' of showing a 6 card minor. I've pretty much given up on the idea.

[the hog]

rdk is playing that 1N includes ALL balanced hands with 5332 shapes, and also some 6223 shapes with a minor.

 

His reason for allowing NTrumper another option rather than the automatic 2D is to cater for the above possibilities. eg one of the problems was

1N 2C

2D 2S

2N

where you miss your 5-3 H fit. Granted, Phil, anyone else who opens 1N with this shape is in the same boat.

 

I don't know, but if you like I will email rdk today and ask him for the exact reasons and how he and Bruce Neill find the revised version. Who knows, Phil, maybe it was Bruce's idea, though I doubt that as I notice that rdk is playing a similar structure with Zolly Nagy.

[pclayton]

Thanks Ron, I'll be interested in what he says. My gut reaction was that he had a partner who wanted to open 6 card minors but that appears not to be the case. The 1N - 2C - 2D - 2S auction is awkward certainly, but it seems you are in unfamilar territory after 1N-2C-3 minor, as the Keri bidder can have so many different hand types, although, granted a 4-4 fit is impossible at this stage of the auction.

[the hog]

OK here is Ron Klinger's reply regarding

 

1N 2D and following

 

"The 2M and 3m replies are always minimums and the idea is that if 2C is intended as an invitation, opener intends to reject it, and find a safe haven (like 2M rather than 2NT, etc.) while if 2C is a sign-off in diamonds, opener either prefers to be in 2M or is prepared to hear 3D.

 

The whole structure after 1NT has been changed dramatically and is not recognisable from any standard viewpoint (but it is highly effective)."

 

So I guess what this means is that with a maximum hand, (or a hand unsuitable for other action), 1NT opener accepts the puppet to 2D and with a minimum and a 5 card M or a 6 card m bids that suit. Makes sense as this probably has a better play than 2N.

[inquiry]

This is a great post by ron. I have tried to indent it to ease reading. To be sure not to mess anything up, I did this in this reply. This is copied directly from above, with indents added.

 

3a. 1NT-2C = puppet to 2D

1NT-2C = puppet to 2D. Either invitational, or D, or strong. Then:

2D = usual response. Then

2M = natural, 4 or 5 M, invitational.

2NT = natural, no major, invitational.

3m = natural, 6m, invitational. New suit = stopper ask, then 4m = bail out.

3H up = FG, 5+D.

2M = 5 card suit, min. Then

2NT = relay for asc doubleton, 3M = S/T, ask for controls. 3m = invitational, 6m.

2NT = 6D, min. Then 3C = asks for desc frag, 3D = S/O, 3M = nat, F, 5 card suit.

3C = 6C, min. Then 3D = asks for desc fragment, 3M = nat, F, 5 card suit.

 

3b.1NT-2C; 2D-2M

1NT-2C; 2D:

2H = 4H/5H - natural, invitational. May have 4S only if 5H4S.

Pass = min, 3-4 in suit

3H = max, FG; 3H, no 5OM 4H = max, 4H

2S = min, 4(+)Ss, 2Hs     3S = max, FG; 4Ss, 2Hs

2NT = min, 3-S2H          3NT = max, 3-S2H

3C = min/med strength, 4H, 4432 3D = max 5S2H33.

2S = 4S/5S - natural, invitational. Denies 4H. Then as over 2H.

 

3d.1NT-2C; 2D-3H up

1NT-2C; 2D:

    3H/3S = FG, 4M 5+D: New suit = 1st/2nd control for major; 4D sets Ds

    3NT = mild slam interest, 5332 shape on Ds

    4NT = strong slam interest, 5332. If proceeding, 5<any> = 5-suit or v. strong 4-suit.

    5NT = 5332, pick a slam.

    4D = sets Ds; asks range, RKCB if max.

    4C/H/S = Void splinter, Ds set.

    1st step is poor fit. Other = exclusion RKCB responses.

 

3e. 1NT-2D = transfer to 2H

1NT-2D = transfer to 2H (may have only 4H only if rebid 2S or 3NT.)

 

    Super accepts:

    2NT = 4H, 1HH, 2½-3 instant tricks outside H, inv 3NT

{i.e. a perfect 1NT opening with 1 honour. Adjust outside tricks upward for 1NT overcalls or rebids.}

    3D = retransfer

    new suit = stopper ask: 4H with 2HH, 1½-2 instant tricks outside, inv to 3NT

    3D (or 4D if nec) = retransfer

    3H = inv to 4H, typically weak shortage in one of the outside suits

    2H = no superaccept.

 

3f. Invitational continuations after 1NT-2D; 2H

1NT-2D; 2H:

    2S = 4S4H, 5S4H or 5S5H, invitational only

    Pass = min, 3+S        3S = max, 3S

    2NT = min, no fit for either major        3NT = max, no fit

    3H = min, 4H        3C = med fit, 4H

    4M = max, 4+M        3D = med fit, 4S

    3H = 6+H, inv(+).

 

3g. GF continuations after 1NT-2D; 2H

1NT-2D; 2H:

    2NT = FG, exactly 5H, denies 4OM, 5m, or 0544. (So, no void.) Then:

    3C = denies 3+H, asks. Then

    3D / 3H / 3S = asc singleton,

    3NT = none (5332 or 54m22).

    3H = agrees H, strong or weak. Then new suit = singleton, slam try; 3NT = OTP.

 

3m = nat. FG, 55 or 64. Then natural.

 

    3S = 4(+)S, 5+H, FG:

    4H / 4S = weak preference

    4C / 4D = strong preference, agreeing H / S. Then control-bids.

    3NT = no fit for either major.

    4m = nat, probably 5431.

    4H = 4S6H, not a slam try

    4S = 5S6H, slam try

    4NT = RKCB on H (the longer suit)

    5NT = pick a slam - 4522 shape

 

3NT = 4H, choice of contract.

 

    4C / 4D / 4S = void splinter, Hs set. Then: step 1 = bad fit, others = RKCB reply

    4NT = quantitative, 5332 (for RKCB, use 1NT : 4C, 4H : 4NT)

    3j. 1NT-2H = transfer to 2S

    2H = transfer to S. Then as over 1NT-2D; 2H. (Retransfer suit is H, not D.)

 

3k. 1NT-2S = forcing Stayman, or single suited slam try

2S = puppet to 2NT. Forcing Stayman, or 6+ card single suited slam interest. Over 2NT:

    3C = single suited in any suit, slam interest. Opener puppets with 3D, then:

        3H / 3S / 3NT / 4C = art, asc suits, RKCB (without range). Then after RKCB resp:

        3NT / 4NT = to play if suit is a minor.

    Others = suit asks.

        3D = 4+H, not 4S unless interested in slam. Then:

        3H / 3NT = prepared / not prepared to play 4H opposite good 5 card suit. Then:

        3NT (or pass) = 4333,         4H = 5 card suit, others = natural, 4432, slam interest.

        3H = 4+S, not 4H. Then as above.

        3S = slam interest, no 4 card major. 4333 or 4432 in minor(s). Then natural.

        3NT = 44 in majors, no slam interest.

 

3m. 1NT-2NT = transfer to 3C

2NT = demands 3C, used for signoff in clubs or for C 2-suiters. Over 3C:

        3D = both minors

        3M = stopper ask

        3H up = 5+C: analogous to the auctions 1NT-2C, 2D-3H up.

 

3n. 1NT-3x = transfer splinters

3C - 3S = FG, shows 0-1 in next suit along (Can use 1NT : 3H / 3S even with 3-card major if prepared to play 4-3 fit.)

    Bid the shortage = suggests 3NT (opp singleton) or 5 of a minor (opp void).

    Bid another suit = natural

    3NT             = short suit well stopped and no major suit interest

    Responder’s later bid of short suit = slam try, showing void, agrees last suit.

    First step = no interest; others = exclusion RKCB

 

3p. Other responses to 1NT

    4C/4D = transfers to 4H/4S (then 4NT RKCB)

    1NT : 4H/4S = to play; must be passed

    1NT : 4NT = inv, probably 4333.

 

3q. If they interfere after 1NT

    Over X of 1NT:

        if double = art: Ignore:

system in full but redouble suggests penalties. Double after redouble = penalties.

    If double = penalties (direct or in passout seat):

        XX = puppet to 2C; Stop Sign. Then: 2x = to play (1 suiter). 2NT/3x = FG.

        2C / 2D / 2H = P/C (this suit plus higher, or 4333); then XX = T/O.

        2S = any 5-5, game inv. 2NT accepts, 3x = weak.

        2NT = FG 2 suiter. 3x = PRE.

 

If RHO doubles our 2C response:

    XX = offer to play,

    pass = no C stopper. Then XX to continue as normal or bid to scramble,

    accept transfer or bid higher = C stopper.

 

If RHO doubles our transfer,

    XX = offer to play,

    pass = 2 card support. Then XX to continue as normal or bid to scramble,

    accept transfer = 3+ support.

 

1NT (they overcall):

    T/O X of their suit at 2 & 3 level, pass & later X = T/O, bids at 2 level = NF

    1NT (2C artificial): System on

    over 2D/2H/2S overcall, 2NT up = Rubensohl, 4m = Leaping Michaels.

    2NT thru 3H = transfers

    transferring into their suit shows a major and asks for stopper (cue denies)

    3S = stopper ask, no major

 

3r. Rubensohl over their Overcall

This is a method of making both weak and strong bids over 2 level competition.

This applies only if we open / overcall / rebid 1NT and they overcall 2D/2H/2S.

 

Over 1NT (2H=nat):

    X = T/O. Then

        New suit rebid = nat, F (probably 5), unless equal level conversion

        3H = FG, asks stop

        2S = nat, NF.

        2NT » 3H = transfer to 3C » 3S, any strength. (Not into their suit – see below.)

        if opener accepts transfer, responder’s rebid = FG.

            3D = asks for stopper and promises 4S:

            3H = no STOP.

            Other bids = nat, STOP.

        3S =FG, no 4(O)M, no STOP

        3NT=FG, no 4(O)M, STOP

Similarly over other overcalls.

[the hog]

Thanks a lot Ben. I posted it in a hurry from work and really did not have time to format it all as the boss was lurking around. :)

[whereagles]

Thanks a lot, Ron. I'll dissect this after I manage to take some rest from last week-end's marathon lol.

[the hog]

Did you play in the YC?

[whereagles]

No, I played a long preliminary round for the national team trials. Finished 2nd btw :)

[Flame]

I see some clues that this keri was designed to be able to handle a widther then normal 1NT.

Is there something into it ? i got some ideas about it.

[the hog]

No 12-14 or 15-17 are his current ranges.

[hrothgar]

Ron / Free

 

I'd be interested in switching to the revised Keri response structure, especially now that MOSCITO is opening 1NT with a 5 card major.

[Free]

Ron / Free

 

I'd be interested in switching to the revised Keri response structure, especially now that MOSCITO is opening 1NT with a 5 card major.

HUH? :) 5 card Major 1NT openings in MOSCITO??? :blink:

[hrothgar]

Ron / Free

 

I'd be interested in switching to the revised Keri response structure, especially now that MOSCITO is opening 1NT with a 5 card major.

HUH? :) 5 card Major 1NT openings in MOSCITO??? :blink:

Uh, yeah... About that.

 

There is growing consensus that balanced hands should be treated like balanced hands regardless of whether or not they hold a 5 card major...

 

It makes life MUCH easier during all sorts of sequences.

 

For example, suppose the auction starts:

 

1♦ - 1♥

1NT - 2♣

2♦

 

1♦ = 4+ hearts

1NT = Either 4 hearts OR balanced

2♦ = Balanced

 

MUCH better to know that parter has 13-14 HCP rather than

Partner has 13-13 HCP if he has 4 hearts or 11+ - 14 HCP if he has 5332

[MickyB]

Thanks Ron. Looks to me like this revision is intended to give less info to the defence. The old 1N:2♣, 2♦:2NT sequence was horrible at times - Opener disclosing whether he had a 4333 or not when there was no fit anyway, and showing 4 cards in the major that responder wasn't interested in.

 

Flame, why do you think this version is more suited for wide-ranging NTs? IMO the ability to invite and play 2M make either version of Keri more useful opposite a four point range. This version would seem more useful for strong NTers, who have more reason to open 1N with a 5 card major or 6 card minor.

 

I'm not convinced about opening 5cMs in Moscito, but I can see the advantages.

[Flame]

Flame, why do you think this version is more suited for wide-ranging NTs? IMO the ability to invite and play 2M make either version of Keri more useful opposite a four point range. This version would seem more useful for strong NTers, who have more reason to open 1N with a 5 card major or 6 card minor.

Some ressons including the resson you gave.

in keri and especially this version you get sometimes two apportunities to ask for min/max instead of the normal 1, this works in the 1nt-2c-2d-2h where we can pass or bid 4h or bid something in the middle.

In this new keri version, you also have 1nt-2c-2M which show minimum and have another way to show max, after 1nt-2c-2M you could have another apportunity to check for min/max, this is not done in this version because there is no need with the current width.

Also you can see in many sequences that instead of normal rkcb there is a min/max and then rkcb again one more then normal width ask.

What im saying is that this system got more power then normal systems and could handle a larger witdh which other systems couldnt.

[Flame]

I wonder if someone can explain the philosofy beind the responses to transfer, showing 1/2 honors and count of quick tricks outside the trump, what will i be looking for to play 3nt instead of 4M.

[EricK]

I wonder if someone can explain the philosofy beind the responses to transfer, showing 1/2 honors and count of quick tricks outside the trump, what will i be looking for to play 3nt instead of 4M.

You will be looking for 5 tricks in the major and 4 quick tricks outside and every suit stopped.

 

If your tricks are not all quick tricks and one suit is only singly stopped you will be better off in the major.

 

If one suit isn't stopped but has xxx opposite xxx then 3NT may also be the contract to look for if there are exactly 9 quick tricks in the other suit.

 

Eric

[whereagles]

I'm not convinced keri super-accepts are superior to other methods. I have the impression the "magic 9-trick-only 3NT game" happens less frequently than the "magic no-wastage 4M game", so there might be a case for changing that bit of the system.

[EricK]

I'm not convinced keri super-accepts are superior to other methods. I have the impression the "magic 9-trick-only 3NT game" happens less frequently than the "magic no-wastage 4M game", so there might be a case for changing that bit of the system.

Remember that in Keri, most invitational hands will go via 2♣ not via a transfer

 

Eric

[whereagles]

I know. The point of those super-accepts is to bid and make a game when responder was intending to pass the transfer, and not to invite. It is under these conditions that I think a 20-22 point game of the "fitting shortness" kind is more likely than the 20-22 point game of the "long running major" kind.

[EricK]

Even for those hands, you will need quick tricks outside, else you almost always have 4 losers.

 

Eric

[Flame]

I dont like too many stoper checkings, no point in telling the opponents exactly how to diffend. I think this system will help especially when responder got a long suit. you will know you have the suit running and quick tricks outside.

On more balance hands maybe you need just the opposite to want to be in 3nt, more solf points. with bad trumps and soft tricks 3nt might be better then 4M.

[tlgoodwin]

A question about Revised Keri, as described in outlines in this thread. The sequence 1NT - 2C ; 2NT/3C - 3M is defined as forcing to game with 5+ in M. But I do not see that such a hand responds 2C in the first place (as opposed to a transfer to the major). So, isn't the definition given for that 3M rebid "impossible"?

Maybe it is meant that the sequence shows a forcing hand with 5+ diamonds and 4 in the major (i.e., what 3M would mean if opener rebid 2D instead of 2NT/3C).

 

Can anyone clarify this?

 

TLGoodwin