Introducing a new convention: Lee Two Diamonds

[JonnyQuest]

I got some homework for you. Forget about playing the % game (13% here from your post). Start collecting actual data from actual hand records from actual tournaments/club games you have participated in where the king is stiff "offside" in situations similar to the OP. I do, and was surprised to see the high percentage for a stiff king. The end result from actual data collected? Until the numbers start swinging in the opposite direction, finessing no longer features in the equation.

 

Am I understanding properly? You are saying that playing for the drop is superior?

 

What sort of percentages would you calculate?

 

Also, since finessing is the other option, as opposed to playing for the drop, does it not "feature" in the equation by default?

[32519]

Am I understanding properly? You are saying that playing for the drop is superior?

 

What sort of percentages would you calculate?

 

Also, since finessing is the other option, as opposed to playing for the drop, does it not "feature" in the equation by default?

Call me a "cynic." These are mostly computer dealt hands. From actual data gathered it would appear that the computer loves dealing the king stiff offside with hand situations similar to the OP. It may actually have even been programmed to do that. I have no idea. But until the numbers (for me anyway) start swinging in the opposite direction, finessing no longer features.

[manudude03]

I got some homework for you. Forget about playing the % game (13% here from your post). Start collecting actual data from actual hand records from actual tournaments/club games you have participated in where the king is stiff "offside" in situations similar to the OP. I do, and was surprised to see the high percentage for a stiff king. The end result from actual data collected? Until the numbers start swinging in the opposite direction, finessing no longer features in the equation.

 

I can tell you that out of the hands I've played where there is a stiff king offside, dropping the king is more successful than taking the finesse.

 

When you consider all the 10 card fits I've played where the only relevant card missing is the king that the finesse has worked a lot more often. I do not have numbers though. Someone with a considerable database of hands may be able to provide you with numbers.

[32519]

CHAPTER 11 - BROWN STICKER CONVENTIONS

Brown Sticker Conventions are often the topic of much discussion amongst members of the bridge playing fraternity, some wanting them to be banned outright while others want them to be allowed at all levels of competition. The reasons each group gives for their point of view includes, but is not limited to the following –

In favour of outright banning:

• BSC are usually complex and extremely difficult to defend against

• A team cannot prepare themselves properly to play in a tournament where BSC are allowed

• BSC do not lend themselves towards promoting bridge and live Vugraph presentations

• BSC add nothing to the fascination of the game

• Partnerships using BSC do not properly disclose everything they know about how they use a particular BSC

• BSC randomise results, but the players that use them have an edge due to their opponents unfamiliarity with the methods

• BSC tend to drive many players away from participating in regional tournaments, some quitting the game altogether

In favour of allowing them at all levels of competition:

• It encourages innovation and experimenting with new methods; by banning BSC the healthy evolution of bidding is prevented

• Banning BSC protects the older generation players but at the same time is counter-productive in that the younger generation players are turned off from the game. The number of registered players is steadily decreasing as the older players die off.

• Innovation takes the older/established generation players out of their comfort zones giving the younger newcomers to the game a chance of winning as well

• Adequate defences to any kind of BSC can be devised within a matter of a few hours, often less as they can be grouped into two or three categories

• Most BSC are easy to defend against

• Being able to cope with unfamiliar bidding systems is a skill just like superior card play is a skill

• By allowing BSC in more events one would gain experience and build up an immunity to them, resulting in them losing their unfair advantage of unfamiliarity, just as has happened with the Multi 2♦

 

What then exactly are Brown Sticker Conventions? The World Bridge Federation (WBF) Systems Policy paragraph 2.4 on definitions defines them as follows:

 

2.4 Brown Sticker Conventions and Treatments

The following conventions or treatments are categorised as ‘Brown Sticker’:

a) Any opening bid of two clubs through three spades that:

i) could be weak (may by agreement be made with values below average strength) AND

ii) does not promise at least four cards in a known suit.

EXCEPTION: The bid always shows at least four cards in a known suit if it is weak. If the bid does not show a known four card suit it must show a hand a king or more over average strength. (Explanation: Where all the weak meanings show at least four cards in one known suit, and the strong meanings show a hand with a king or more above average strength, it is not a Brown Sticker Convention.)

EXCEPTION: a two level opening bid in a minor showing a weak two in either major, whether with or without the option of strong hand types containing 16 high card points or more, or with equivalent values. Defensive measures are permitted for opponents as in 6 below.

b) An overcall of a natural opening bid of one of a suit that does not promise at least four cards in a known suit.

EXCEPTION: A natural overcall in no trumps.

EXCEPTION: any cue bid suit that shows a strong hand.

EXCEPTION: a jump cue bid in opponent’s known suit that asks partner to bid 3NT with a stopper in that suit.

c) Any 'weak' two-suited bids at the two or three level that may by agreement be made with three cards or fewer in one of the suits.

d) Psychic bids protected by system or required by system.

e) None of the foregoing restrictions pertain to conventional defences against forcing, artificial opening bids or defences against ‘Brown Sticker’ or HUM conventions.

f) For the avoidance of doubt an opening bid of one club which may be made on a doubleton or singleton club and which is ostensibly natural and non-forcing should be regarded as natural and not artificial.

Additional to the classification of systems in 2.4 above, any partnership using one or more ‘Brown Sticker’ conventions must indicate this alongside its system classification.

 

Why are Brown Sticker Conventions controversial leading to the outcry against them? The answer is really straightforward – they have no known anchor suit, making takeout doubles or cue-bids regarding them very difficult for the opponents.

So now we need to determine whether the Lee Two Diamonds convention will be categorised as a Brown Sticker Convention by measuring it up against this definition.

We will dissect the definition piecemeal:

a) Any opening bid of two clubs through three spades that:

i) could be weak (may by agreement be made with values below average strength) AND

ii) does not promise at least four cards in a known suit.

EXCEPTION: The bid always shows at least four cards in a known suit if it is weak.

Paragraph 2.4 a) (i) includes a reference to another portion of the WBF Systems Policy, “…values below average strength…” This is defined in paragraph 2.1 as follows, “Average Hand – a hand containing 10 HCP (Milton Work) with no distributional values.” The definition of “distributional values” is not covered in the WBF Systems Policy so we need to get the definition elsewhere. The one supplied below comes from Wikipedia:

Distributional points

In order to improve the accuracy of the bidding process, the high card point count is supplemented by the evaluation of unbalanced or shapely hands using additional simple arithmetic methods. Two approaches are common – evaluation of suit length and evaluation of suit shortness.

Suit length points

At its simplest it is considered that long suits have a value beyond the HCP held: this can be turned into numbers on the following scale:

• 5-card suit = 1 point

• 6 card suit = 2 points

• 7 card suit = 3 points ... etc.

A hand comprising a 5-card suit and a 6-card suit gains points for both, i.e., 1 + 2 making 3 points in total. Other combinations are dealt with in a similar way. These distribution points (sometimes called length points) are added to the HCP to give the total point value of the hand. Confusion can arise because the term "points" can be used to mean either HCP, or HCP plus length points. This method, of valuing both honour cards and long suits, is suitable for use at the opening bid stage before a trump suit has been agreed. In the USA this method of combining HCP and long-card points is known as the point-count system.

Suit shortness points

Once a trump suit has been agreed, or at least a partial fit has been uncovered, it is argued by many that ruffing potential as represented by short suits becomes more significant than long suits. Accordingly, in a method devised by William Anderson of Toronto and popularized by Charles Goren, distribution points are added for shortage rather than length.

When the supporting hand holds three trumps, shortness is valued as follows:

• void = 3 points

• singleton = 2 points

• doubleton = 1 point

When the supporting hand holds four or more trumps, thereby having more spare trumps for ruffing, shortness is valued as follows:

• void = 5 points

• singleton = 3 points

• doubleton = 1 point

Shortage points (also known as support points or dummy points) are added to HCP to give total points.

Summary

When intending to make a bid in a suit and there is no agreed upon trump suit, add high card points and length points to get the total point value of one's hand. With an agreed trump suit, add high card points and shortness points instead. When making a bid in notrump with intent to play, value high-card points only.

 

Regarding the first part of the WBF definition of Brown Sticker Conventions, the Lee Two Diamonds convention passes with flying colours in that –

1. Whenever a weak hand is opened (a hand with values below average strength), the suit is always diamonds, and

2. It always promises at least 6-cards in the suit (two more than the minimum requirement of four).

 

The rest of paragraph 2.4 a) (ii) says –

ii) does not promise at least four cards in a known suit.

EXCEPTION: The bid always shows at least four cards in a known suit if it is weak. If the bid does not show a known four card suit it must show a hand a king or more over average strength. (Explanation: Where all the weak meanings show at least four cards in one known suit, and the strong meanings show a hand with a king or more above average strength, it is not a Brown Sticker Convention.)

 

Two of the three possible strong hand patterns included in the Lee 2♦ opening bid meet this requirement without the need for any further comment. These are –

1. The big 4441 hand pattern, 16+ HCP, and

2. The big 5/5 hand pattern in the minor suits, 14+ HCP

The hand pattern that may need to be analysed further is the third one, which is –

3. The hand pattern showing a 6/4 holding in the majors, 10-15 HCP

The WBF Systems Policy says, “If the bid does not show a known four card suit it must show a hand a king or more over average strength.” To get to the king or more over average strength, it becomes necessary to apply the full definition of an average hand, repeated here, “Average Hand – a hand containing 10 HCP (Milton Work) with no distributional values.” By adding in the distributional values of the 6/4 hand pattern, we get to the “king or more over average strength” as follows –

1. 10 = the minimum number of HCP held

2. 2 = suit length points for the 6-card suit

3. 3 = suit shortness points, either for a 2-1 or a 3-0 holding in the minor suits

15 = minimum number of total points

4. A further, very compelling argument which can be raised is that, any holding of 6/4 in the majors with a minimum of 10 HCP must surely be regarded as “over average strength.” The opponents are being relegated to competing in the minor suits which automatically pushes them 1-level higher.

5. Should any regulating authorities nitpick about point 3 above, it is easy to alter the minimum HCP to 11-15 HCP, plus 2 suit length points, to bring the hand total to the required “king or more over average strength.”

 

Paragraph 2.3 of the WBF Systems Policy deals with the “Classification of Systems.” This is what it says for a system classified as Red:

Red Artificial: this category includes all artificial systems that do not fall under the definition of Highly Unusual Methods (HUM) systems [see definition below], other than Strong Club/Strong Diamond systems (see ‘Blue’).

 

Examples would be a system where one club shows one of three types - a natural club suit, a balanced hand of a specific range, or a Strong Club opener; or a system in which the basic methods (other than the no trump range) vary according to position, vulnerability and the like; or a system that uses conventional 'weak' or 'multi-meaning' bids (with or without some weak option) in potentially contestable auctions, other than those described in the main part of the WBF Convention Booklet.

 

According to this definition, anyone including the Lee Two Diamonds convention into their system can get their system classified as Red, and then play it freely under WBF regulations without the need to adjust the 6/4 hand pattern to 11-15 HCP. The American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) is often criticised for its draconian regulation policies. By applying the WBF definition of Brown Sticker Conventions to the bid, it should also be permitted in the ACBL without any restrictions.

[nullve]

Can I also systemically open 1♠ on

 

♠765432

♥5432

♦32

♣K

 

and not be playing a HUM? (I'm using 3 hcp + 2 suit length points + 3 shortage points = 8 points > 7 points = a king below average strength.)

[johnu]

I can tell you that out of the hands I've played where there is a stiff king offside, dropping the king is more successful than taking the finesse.

 

Both are 50% plays. Playing for the drop, the king is either singleton or not. The finesse either works or it doesn't. But when you add in the factor that the king tends to lie over the queen, and the computer likes stiff kings, it probably is about 75% to play for the drop.

 

You can take my word on this because I sell timeshares and wouldn't lie to you.

[JonnyQuest]

Call me a "cynic." These are mostly computer dealt hands. From actual data gathered it would appear that the computer loves dealing the king stiff offside with hand situations similar to the OP. It may actually have even been programmed to do that. I have no idea. But until the numbers (for me anyway) start swinging in the opposite direction, finessing no longer features.

 

So, no numbers . . . no percentages . . . just "actual data" that you have collected with the stiff King offside---but you prefer to keep the data to yourself? Presumably significantly higher than 50% (or thereabouts) to have convinced you to eschew the finesse in favor of the drop.

 

This is groundbreaking stuff. I'm convinced.

[manudude03]

To computers, a card is nothing more than a number. They don't see hands the way humans see them. K8 QJ63 KT6 A952 would be represented in programs as something like [0,3,7,12,17,21,24,27,30,35,36,46,50] or its construct in binary. Maybe someone with a big enough database can show how many occurrences of 10 card fits where the only relevant missing card is the king and say how many of those had stiff K offside and how many had Kx or Kxx onside.

[32519]

 

Unfortunately, I won't use it - besides the lack of any tangible benefit within any system I've ever played, it doesn't even come close to being legal for GCC or Mid-Chart play in the ACBL, either as an opening bid or a direct overcall over 1N.

 

Kurt

 

Read this post. The bid should be legal everywhere as it passes the definition on Brown Stickers with flying colours.

[nullve]

The WBF Systems Policy says, “If the bid does not show a known four card suit it must show a hand a king or more over average strength.” To get to the king or more over average strength, it becomes necessary to apply the full definition of an average hand, repeated here, “Average Hand – a hand containing 10 HCP (Milton Work) with no distributional values.” By adding in the distributional values of the 6/4 hand pattern, we get to the “king or more over average strength” as follows –

1. 10 = the minimum number of HCP held

2. 2 = suit length points for the 6-card suit

3. 3 = suit shortness points, either for a 2-1 or a 3-0 holding in the minor suits

15 = minimum number of total points

4. A further, very compelling argument which can be raised is that, any holding of 6/4 in the majors with a minimum of 10 HCP must surely be regarded as “over average strength.” The opponents are being relegated to competing in the minor suits which automatically pushes them 1-level higher.

5. Should any regulating authorities nitpick about point 3 above, it is easy to alter the minimum HCP to 11-15 HCP, plus 2 suit length points, to bring the hand total to the required “king or more over average strength.”

If the WBF meant to define 'average hand' in terms of hcp + distributional points, then why didn't they do that?

 

Can I also systemically open 1♠ on

 

♠765432

♥5432

♦32

♣K

 

and not be playing a HUM? (I'm using 3 hcp + 2 suit length points + 3 shortage points = 8 points > 7 points = a king below average strength.)

The point was that if defining 'average hand' in terms of Lee points would make your 2♦ opening non-BS, then it would also make it possible for an opening like

 

1♠ = 0-10 hcp, 8+ Lee points, 5+ S,

 

to be part of a non-HUM system.

[32519]

I am giving away this book free of charge. If you want it, just pay for the postage PER BOOK to anywhere in the world as follows -

1. USD 12.00 unregistered post

2. USD 15.00 registered post.

 

The book includes chapters on "Suggested Defence" plus "Coping with Interference."

[32519]

LEE TWO DIAMONDS - CONVENTIONAL SUMMARY

 

This chapter is added as a quick reference as to how the bidding should proceed after the auction as been opened with an artificial 2♦ promising one of the following hand patterns:

• A natural Weak 2♦, a 6 or 7-card suit with 6-11 HCP (the reason for the inclusion of a possible 7-card suit is covered in chapter 10)

• 6♥ and 4♠, 10-15 HCP

• 6♠ and 4♥, 10-15 HCP

• A strong 3-suited hand, 16+ HCP

• 5+♣ and 5+♦, 14+ HCP

 

The continuation bidding for each hand pattern opened will always be governed by the following:

• Direct opposition intervention over the opening bid

• Responders actual hand strength and distribution

• The degree of fit with opener once the actual hand pattern opened is revealed

• Vulnerability

 

Remember that the anchor suit is diamonds. Also remember that the opening bid is forcing for one round without opposition intervention unless you are dealt a hand completely useless outside of a diamond contract. Then, and only then, may you pass the opening bid.

 

The following rules are set out for the continuation bidding structure:

• Pass with a hand completely useless outside of a diamond contract

• With equal length in the majors, 2-2, 3-3 or even 4-4, always start your response off with 2♥ in order to keep the bidding as low as possible (the reason for doing so is demonstrated in hand 10 in chapter 5)

• With unequal length in the majors, always bid the longer one first

• With suit length and HCP concentrated in the minor suits, 10-13 HCP, bid 2NT to invite game

• With a single suited hand in clubs, hearts or spades, bid to the appropriate level

• With suit length and HCP concentrated in the minor suits, 14-15 HCP, bid game in 3NT

• With a 7-card diamond suit and little else, lift the pre-empt to 3♦

• With an 8-card diamond suit and little else, lift the pre-empt to 4♦

• With a 9-card diamond suit and little else, lift the pre-empt to 5♦

 

A natural Weak-Two in Diamonds has been opened

 

• 2♥ = Lower ranking major when majors are equal in length, or longer major when majors are unequal in length

• 2♠ = Longer major

o Continuation bidding by opener

 3♦ = Attempted signoff, a natural weak 2♦ opened

• Continuation bidding by responder

o 3NT = To play, 3-card diamond fit

• 2NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 10-13 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 5♦ = To play, signoff

• 3♣/3♥/3♠ = Own 7-card suit on the assumption that a natural weak 2♦ was opened (which will be the case 70+% of the time)

 

The 6♥ and 4♠ hand pattern has been opened

 

• Pass = Diamond bust, hand completely useless outside of a diamond contract

• 2♥ = Lower ranking major when majors are equal in length, or longer major when majors are unequal in length

o Continuation bidding by opener

 3♥ = 6-card heart suit, game invitational

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand

o 3NT = Asking for short minor, slam interest

o 4♥ = To play

o 4♠ = Kickback for hearts, slam try

• 2♠ = Longer major

o Continuation bidding by opener

 3♥ = 6-card heart suit

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand

o 3♠ = To play on a 4-4 spade fit, poor hand

o 3NT = Asking for short minor, slam interest

o 4♥ = To play

o 4♠ = To play

o 4NT = 6-card RKCB

• 2NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 10-13 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 Pass = No fit, minimum hand, 10-13 HCP

 3NT = To play, maximum hand, 14-15 HCP

• 3♣/3♦/3♠ = Own 7-card suit on the assumption that a natural weak 2♦ was opened (which will be the case 70+% of the time)

o Continuation bidding by opener

 Pass = No fit

 4♠ over 3♠ = To play, minimum hand, 10-13 HCP

 4NT over 3♠ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

• 3NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 14-15 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 Pass = To play, no fit

 

The 4♥ and 6♠ hand pattern has been opened

 

• Pass = Diamond bust, hand completely useless outside of a diamond contract

• 2♥ = Lower ranking major when majors are equal in length, or longer major when majors are unequal in length

o Continuation bidding by opener

 2♠ = 6-card spade

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand

o 2NT = Asking for short minor, game / slam interest

o 3♥ = To play on a 4-4 heart fit, poor hand

o 4♥ = To play

o 4♠ = To play

o 4NT = 6-card RKCB

• 2♠ = Longer major

o Continuation bidding by opener

 3♠ = 6-card spade suit, game invitational

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand

o 3NT = Asking for short minor, slam interest

o 4♠ = To play

o 4NT = 6-card RKCB

• 2NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 10-13 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 Pass = No fit, minimum hand, 10-13 HCP

 3NT = To play, maximum hand, 14-15 HCP

• 3♣/3♦/3♥ = Own 7-card suit on the assumption that a natural weak 2♦ was opened (which will be the case 70+% of the time)

o Continuation bidding by opener

 Pass = No fit

 4♥ over 3♥ = To play, minimum hand, 10-13 HCP

 4♠ over 3♥ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

• 3NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 14-15 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 Pass = To play, no fit

 

The 4441 hand pattern has been opened (4♠-4♥-4♦-1♣)

 

• Pass = Diamond bust, hand completely useless outside of a diamond contract

• 2♥ = Lower ranking major when majors are equal in length, or longer major when majors are unequal in length

o Continuation bidding by opener

 2NT = Big 4441 hand pattern

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand, unable to improve the final contract for fear of getting too high when no fit found

o 3♣ = Equivalent to Stayman, asking for 4-cards in the heart suit, otherwise to bid 3♠ when the singleton is hearts

o 3♦ = Poor hand, diamond suit longer than heart suit

• 2♠ = Longer major

o Continuation bidding by opener

 2NT = Big 4441 hand pattern

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand, unable to improve the final contract for fear of getting too high when no fit found

o 3♣ = Equivalent to Stayman, asking for 4-cards in the spade suit, otherwise to bid 3♥ when the singleton is spades

o 3♦ = Poor hand, diamond suit longer than spade suit

• 2NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 10-13 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 4♦ = Slam try in diamonds bid, responses are 6-card RKCB

 5♦ = To play, holding in the major suits considered too weak to make a slam try

• 3♣/3♦/3♥3♠ = Own 7-card suit on the assumption that a natural weak 2♦ was opened (which will be the case 70+% of the time)

o Continuation bidding by opener

 Pass over 3♣ = To play, singleton club

 4♦ over 3♦ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

 4♥ over 3♥ = To play

 4♠ over 3♥ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

 4♠ over 3♠ = To play

 4NT over 3♠ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

 5♦ over 4♦ = To play

• 3NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 14-15 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 4♦ = Slam try in diamonds, responses are 6-card RKCB

 5♦ = To play, holding in the major suits considered too weak to make a slam try

 

The 4414 hand pattern has been opened (4♠-4♥-1♦-4♣)

 

• Pass = Diamond bust, hand completely useless outside of a diamond contract

• 2♥ = Lower ranking major when majors are equal in length, or longer major when majors are unequal in length

o Continuation bidding by opener

 2NT = Big 4441 hand pattern

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand, unable to improve the final contract for fear of getting too high when no fit found

o 3♣ = Equivalent to Stayman, asking for 4-cards in the heart suit, otherwise to bid 3♠ when the singleton is hearts

o 3♦ = Poor hand, diamond suit longer than heart suit

• 2♠ = Longer major

o Continuation bidding by opener

 2NT = Big 4441 hand pattern

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand, unable to improve the final contract for fear of getting too high when no fit found

o 3♣ = Equivalent to Stayman, asking for 4-cards in the spade suit, otherwise to bid 3♥ when the singleton is spades

o 3♦ = Poor hand, diamonds suit longer than spade suit

• 2NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 10-13 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 4♣ = Slam try in clubs, responses are 6-card RKCB

 5♣ = To play, holding in the major suits considered too weak to make a slam try

• 3♣/3♦/3♥3♠ = Own 7-card suit on the assumption that a natural weak 2♦ was opened (which will be the case 70+% of the time)

o Continuation bidding by opener

 Pass over 3♦ = To play, singleton diamond

 4♣ over 3♣ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

 4♥ over 3♥ = To play

 4♠ over 3♥ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

 4♠ over 3♠ = To play

 4NT over 3♠ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

 5♣ = To play

• 3NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 14-15 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 4♣ = Slam try in clubs, responses are 6-card RKCB

 5♣ = To play, holding in the major suits considered too weak to make a slam try

 

The 4144 hand pattern has been opened (4♠-1♥-4♦-4♣)

 

• Pass = Diamond bust, hand completely useless outside of a diamond contract

• 2♥ = Lower ranking major when majors are equal in length, or longer major when majors are unequal in length

o Continuation bidding by opener

 2NT = Big 4441 hand pattern

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand, unable to improve the final contract for fear of getting too high when no fit found

o 3♣ = Equivalent to Stayman, asking for 4-cards in the heart suit, otherwise to bid 3♠ when the singleton is hearts

o 3♦ = Poor hand, diamond suit longer than heart suit

• 2♠ = Longer major

o Continuation bidding by opener

 2NT = Big 4441 hand pattern

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand, unable to improve the final contract for fear of getting too high when no fit found

o 3♣ = Equivalent to Stayman, asking for 4-cards in the spade suit, otherwise to bid 3♥ when the singleton is spades

o 3♦ = Poor hand, diamonds suit longer than spade suit

• 2NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 10-13 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 4♣/4♦ = Slam try in the suit bid, responses are 6-card RKCB

 5♣/5♦ = To play, holding in the major suits considered too weak to make a slam try

• 3♣/3♦/3♥3♠ = Own 7-card suit on the assumption that a natural weak 2♦ was opened (which will be the case 70+% of the time)

o Continuation bidding by opener

 Pass over 3♥ = To play, singleton heart

 4♣/4♦ over 3♣/3♦ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

 4♠ over 3♠ = To play

 4NT over 3♠ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

 5♣/5♦ = To play

• 3NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 14-15 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 4♣/4♦ = Slam try in the suit bid, responses are 6-card RKCB

 5♣/5♦ = To play, holding in the major suits considered too weak to make a slam try

 

The 1444 hand pattern has been opened (1♠-4♥-4♦-4♣)

 

• Pass = Diamond bust, hand completely useless outside of a diamond contract

• 2♥ = Lower ranking major when majors are equal in length, or longer major when majors are unequal in length

o Continuation bidding by opener

 2NT = Big 4441 hand pattern

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand, unable to improve the final contract for fear of getting too high when no fit found

o 3♣ = Equivalent to Stayman, asking for 4-cards in the heart suit, otherwise to bid 3♠ when the singleton is hearts

o 3♦ = Poor hand, diamond suit longer than heart suit

• 2♠ = Longer major

o Continuation bidding by opener

 2NT = Big 4441 hand pattern

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand, unable to improve the final contract for fear of getting too high when no fit found

o 3♣ = Equivalent to Stayman, asking for 4-cards in the spade suit, otherwise to bid 3♥ when the singleton is spades

o 3♦ = Poor hand, diamonds suit longer than spade suit

• 2NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 10-13 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 4♣/4♦ = Slam try in the suit bid, responses are 6-card RKCB

 5♣/5♦ = To play, holding in the major suits considered too weak to make a slam try

• 3♣/3♦/3♥3♠ = Own 7-card suit on the assumption that a natural weak 2♦ was opened (which will be the case 70+% of the time)

o Continuation bidding by opener

 Pass over 3♠ = To play, singleton spade

 4♣/4♦ over 3♣/3♦ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

 4♥ over 3♥ = To play

 4♠ over 3♥ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

 5♣/5♦ = To play

• 3NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 14-15 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 4♣/4♦ = Slam try in the suit bid, responses are 6-card RKCB

 5♣/5♦ = To play, holding in the major suits considered too weak to make a slam try

 

The 5+♣ and 5+♦ hand pattern has been opened

 

• Pass = Diamond bust, hand completely useless outside of a diamond contract

• 2♥ = Lower ranking major when majors are equal in length, or longer major when majors are unequal in length

o Continuation bidding by opener

 3♣ = Big 55 hand pattern in the minors

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand, suit preference

o 3♦ = Poor hand, suit preference

o 3NT = To play, major suits well stopped

o 4♣/4♦ = Slam try in the suit bid, responses are 6-card RKCB

o 5♣/5♦ = To play, holding in the major suits considered too weak to make a slam try

• 2♠ = Longer major

o Continuation bidding by opener

 3♣ = Big 55 hand pattern in the minors

• Continuation bidding by responder

o Pass = Poor hand, suit preference

o 3♦ = Poor hand, suit preference

o 3NT = To play, major suits well stopped

o 4♣/4♦ = Slam try in the suit bid, responses are 6-card RKCB

o 5♣/5♦ = To play, holding in the major suits considered too weak to make a slam try

• 2NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 10-13 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 4♣/4♦ = Slam try in the suit bid, responses are 6-card RKCB

 5♣/5♦ = To play, holding in the major suits considered too weak to make a slam try

• 3♣/3♦/3♥3♠ = Own 7-card suit on the assumption that a natural weak 2♦ was opened (which will be the case 70+% of the time)

o Continuation bidding by opener

 Pass over 3♥/3♠ = To play, no fit

 4♣/4♦ over 3♣/3♦ = Slam try but with modified responses as follows –

• 1 step = 0 keycards

• 2 steps = 1 keycard

• 3 steps = 1 keycard plus the trump queen

• 4 steps = 2 keycards

 5♣/5♦ = To play

• 3NT = Suit length and HCP concentrated in the minors, 14-15 HCP

o Continuation bidding by opener

 4♣/4♦ = Slam try in the suit bid, responses are 6-card RKCB

 5♣/5♦ = To play, holding in the major suits considered too weak to make a slam try

 

THE LEE TWO DIAMONDS MANUSCRIPT (187 pages long) COVERS THE FOLLOWING:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 The Reengineered Multi Two Diamonds

 

SECTION ONE – THE BASIC CONVENTION

 

Chapter 3 Opener has a natural Weak-Two in Diamonds

Chapter 4 Opener has six hearts and four spades, 10-15 HCP

Chapter 5 Opener has four hearts and six spades, 10-15 HCP

Chapter 6 Opener has a big 4441 hand, 16+ HCP

Chapter 7 Opener has a big 55 hand in the minors, 14+ HCP

 

SECTION TWO – SUGGESTED DEFENCE

 

Chapter 8 Defensive bidding

Chapter 9 Using the Lee Two Diamonds convention as your defence over the opponents 1NT

 

SECTION THREE – SUNDRY

 

Chapter 10 Why also a 7-card diamond suit in the opening bid?

Chapter 11 Bridge laws on “Brown Sticker Conventions”

Chapter 12 Summary

Chapter 13 The Lee Two Diamonds at the table

 

References:

Has anyone experimented with this yet?

[Zelandakh]

Has anyone experimented with this yet?

Just you and the Secret Bridge Olympics.

[nullve]

Has anyone experimented with this yet?

At an invisible teaching table with nullve in all seats (= Secret Bridge Olympics?), yes.

[32519]

EXTRACT FROM CHAPTER 8

 

CHAPTER 8

 

DEFENSIVE BIDDING

 

Your right hand opponent (RHO) has just opened the bidding with 2♦ which is alerted by your left hand opponent (LHO). Upon inquiry as to what the bid means, you receive the following explanation:

“It is an artificial opening bid which could be any of the following hand patterns –

• A natural Weak 2♦, a 6 or 7-card suit with 6-11 HCP, or

• 6♥ and 4♠, with 10-15 HCP, or

• 6♠ and 4♥, with 10-15 HCP, or

• A strong 3-suited 4441 hand, with 16+ HCP, or

• 5+♣ and 5+♦, with 14+ HCP

• The bid is 100% forcing for 1-round without direct opposition intervention unless responder is holding a hand completely useless outside of a diamond contract. Then and only then, may responder pass the opening bid.”

You happen to be a seasoned tournament player and know immediately that the bid is 100% legal, i.e. it is not a Brown Sticker Convention (see chapter 12) because whenever a weak hand has been opened, the suit is known to be diamonds. Do you enter the auction immediately or first pass and see how the auction progresses knowing that more often than not you will get a second chance as the auction is forcing for 1-round without immediate intervention from you? The answer to this question obviously depends upon a number of different variables including:

• Number of HCP held

• Vulnerability

• Own hand distribution

• Whether partner is an unpassed hand or not

Being the seasoned tournament player that you are, you also know something about probabilities, and the probability is 70%+ that your RHO has opened a natural Weak Two in Diamonds. You also know that it usually pays to enter the bidding as early as possible. There are a number of reasons for doing so:

1. It takes up bidding space.

2. It disrupts the opposition from finding their best spot in an uncontested auction.

3. It may assist partner in making the correct opening lead.

4. It may pave the way to a controlled sacrifice bid.

5. But most importantly, if RHO has opened a natural Weak Two in Diamonds, the hand often belongs to your side, be it in a part score contract, game, or even slam.

Experience has shown distribution to be more important than HCP held when deciding whether or not to enter the bidding. It pays to be aggressive with extreme distribution combined with a good holding in your trump suit. When deciding to enter the bidding, bid as high as you intend going with your first bid. This chapter on defence will be split into two halves, defending in the direct seat and defending in the fourth seat

 

DEFENDING IN THE DIRECT SEAT

 

Because of its high frequency of occurrence, the defence will be heavily focused towards defending as though a natural Weak Two in Diamonds has been opened. In this regard the following defence is suggested:

Dbl a) 12-15 HCP, balanced, or

b) Very strong 1-suited hand, or

c) 19+ HCP, balanced

2♥ Natural, a decent 5-card suit

2♠ Natural, a decent 5-card suit

2NT Natural, 16-18 HCP, balanced

3♣ Natural, a decent 6 or 7-card suit

3♦ Weak Michael’s cue-bid, 5/5 in the majors, 5-10 HCP

3♥ Natural, a decent 6 or 7-card suit

3♠ Natural, a decent 6 or 7-card suit

3NT To play, diamond stop plus a long running club suit

4♣ 5+ clubs and 5+ in an undisclosed major, 16+ HCP

4♦ Strong Michael’s cue-bid, 5/5 in the majors, 16+ HCP

4♥ To play

4♠ To play

5♣ To play

Let us examine some typical auctions for most of the hand types described.

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 1 North

2D None Vul S AK97

X P 2H P H 9652

P P D 5

West C 9872 East

S QJ5 S T82

H KQJ3 H T87

D T9 D A432

C QJ63 South C AK4

S 643

H A4

2H East D KQJ876

Lead: DK C T5

___________________________________________________________

 

Hand 1 is a routine takeout double of a presumed natural weak 2 in diamonds. West has a 12 HCP balanced hand with shortness in the suit opened. After opposition intervention, North is under no further obligation to enter the auction. On this hand East got lucky by landing in a 4-3 heart fit. Often it is in a 3-3 fit. The nuisance value of a natural Weak Two in Diamonds is vastly underrated.

 

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 2 North

2D None Vul S AKT87

2H P 3H P H K6

P P D 764

West C 864 East

S QJ S 6542

H AQT84 H J732

D 93 D A2

C QJ53 South C AK2

S 93

H 95

3H West D KQJT85

Lead: SK C T97

___________________________________________________________

Another routine auction; West has a decent 5-card heart suit and 12 HCP. East, who has 12 HCP and good support for hearts, invites game with 3♥. The unprotected ♠QJ in West’s hand results in the hand being downgraded, otherwise the game invite would be accepted.

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 3 North

2D None Vul S T94

2NT P P P H KT62

D 87

West C A842 East

S AJ72 S Q83

H AQ53 H 984

D QT5 D K3

C K3 South C JT765

S K65

H J7

2NT West D AJ9642

Lead: D7 C Q9

___________________________________________________________

 

Another routine auction; West has a balanced 16 HCP hand which includes a diamond stopper. East cannot improve the auction and passes.

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 4 North

2D None Vul S J6

3D P 3S P H J93

P P D K86

West C Q9643 East

S K9842 S AQT

H KQ875 H A64

D 5 D T93

C J2 South C KT87

S 753

H T2

3S East D AQJ742

Lead: HT C A5

___________________________________________________________

 

Another routine example auction; the 3♦ overcall by West is the weaker Michaels cue-bid promising both majors and 5-10 HCP. East is forced to guess whether to signoff on the 3-level or bid game. On this hand game in either major makes, on a different one it will fail.

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 5 North

2D None Vul S A98752

3H P P P H 92

D Q73

West C A2 East

S KJ3 S Q6

H AKQ763 H J854

D 54 D 96

C 97 South C KJ864

S T4

H T

3H West D AKJT82

Lead: DQ C QT53

___________________________________________________________

 

With hand 5, West with 13 HCP and a good 6-card heart suit, bids his hand to the maximum immediately which ends the auction. Here West got lucky as the contract makes. Reverse the ♣K and ♣Q in the East and South hand and the contract fails by 1 trick.

__________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 6 North

2D None Vul S AKQ96

3NT P P P H QJ952

D 87

West C J East

S 83 S J742

H 63 H A84

D A5 D T94

C AKQ9432 South C 765

S T5

H KT7

3NT West D KQJ632

Lead: SK C T8

___________________________________________________________

Another example hand where West got lucky; the ♠J in East’s hand stops North from winning the first 5 tricks. On this layout declarer is always going to make 9 tricks.

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 7 North

2D None Vul S A9653

4C P P P H AJ5

D Q6

West C 854 East

S KQ S T87

H KQT97 H 62

D 3 D T942

C AQ932 South C KJT7

S J42

H 843

4C West D AKJ875

Lead: DQ C 6

___________________________________________________________

 

In this auction the jump to 4♣ by West shows a strong 2-suited hand, clubs and an undisclosed major, 16+ HCP. East has a tough decision to make, hope for a 5-3 fit in spades at the risk of landing up in a 5-2 fit in hearts when he already knows of a 9-card fit in clubs. Here East chose to pass which was correct, 10 tricks can be made in clubs but only 9 in hearts.

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 8 North

2D None Vul S A74

4C P 4S P H J93

P P D AT2

West C 8643 East

S K S QJ98632

H AK876 H 54

D 95 D 84

C KQJ75 South C AT

S T5

H QT2

4S East D KQJ763

Lead: DK C 92

___________________________________________________________

Here again the jump to 4♣ by West shows a strong 2-suited hand, clubs and an undisclosed major, 16+ HCP. East has a 7-card spade suit, and apart from the ♣A, the hand is almost useless outside of a spade contract, whereas the West hand has shown 16+ HCP and trick taking strength in two suits. The 4♠ bid by East is a so-called “shut-up” bid, showing the single suited hand. Declarer wins 10 tricks on this layout. On rare occasions East may have bid West’s major suit after which slam exploration will ensue.

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 9 North

2D None Vul S 54

4C P 4D X H AKT63

4S P P P D 543

West C 765 East

S KJT82 S AQ76

H Q8 H 7542

D Q D 97

C AKQ84 South C 932

S 93

H J9

4S West D AKJT862

Lead: HK C JT

___________________________________________________________

 

Here again the jump to 4♣ by West shows a strong 2-suited hand, clubs and an undisclosed major, 16+ HCP. This time East has 4-card support for both majors, and by bidding 4♦ is asking West to bid the major. On this layout declarer makes 10 tricks, losing 2 heart tricks and 1 diamond trick.

 

 

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 10 North

2D None Vul S 732

4D P 4S P H A73

P P D 754

West C A752 East

S AKQJ6 S T98

H KQ985 H 42

D 2 D Q93

C K3 South C QJT94

S 54

H JT6

4S East D AKJT86

Lead: DK C 86

___________________________________________________________

 

On this hand the jump to 4♦ by West is the strong Michaels cue-bid promising both majors and 16+ HCP. East signs off in 4♠. Accurate declarer play should see the contract home.

 

-----------------------------------------------------

 

 

DEFENDING IN THE FOURTH SEAT

 

In the next portion of this chapter we will look at some example hands of defending in the fourth seat.

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 11 North

2D None Vul S J97

P 2S X P H 64

3C P P P D 6542

West C Q543 East

S K632 S 54

H 3 H AQ95

D AQT98 D KJ3

C 862 South C AKT9

S AQT8

H KJT872

3C West D 7

Lead: D5 C J7

___________________________________________________________

 

Utilising the artificial 2♦ opening, the auction will proceed as diagrammed. Without direct opposition intervention the opening bid is forcing for 1 round. North shows his longer major, and East with 17 HCP, makes a takeout double for the two unbid suits, hearts and clubs. South, who has been tipped off about the hand layout, has no idea of North’s actual hand strength and length in the spade suit, passes. If North has any values he will have another opportunity to show them. West is forced into the auction with a bid of 3♣. On this layout declarer can make 10 tricks, losing 1 trick in spades, 1 trick in clubs, and 1 trick via a club ruff.

 

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 12 North

2D None Vul S 8764

P 2S 4H P H QT8

P P D 432

West C T83 East

S K32 S 95

H J H AK765432

D J9875 D Q

C KJ76 South C A5

S AQJT

H 9

4H East D AKT6

Lead: DK C Q942

___________________________________________________________

 

Utilising the artificial 2♦ opening, the auction will proceed as diagrammed. Without direct opposition intervention the opening bid is forcing for 1 round. North shows his longer major, and East with an 8-card heart suit, strikes gold when he bids game in the suit. On this layout declarer can make 10 tricks, losing 1 trick in spades, 1 trick in hearts, and 1 trick in diamonds. A contract of 4♠ fails by 2 tricks after the lead of the ♥K, followed by the ♣A and ♣5. East can overruff the fourth club.

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 13 North

2D None Vul S JT85

P 2H 3H P H T952

4C P P P D T976

West C 3 East

S 73 S KQ2

H 84 H 763

D 43 D AK5

C T876542 South C AKQJ

S A964

H AKQJ

4C West D QJ82

Lead: DT C 9

___________________________________________________________

 

Utilising the artificial 2♦ opening, the auction will proceed as diagrammed. Without direct opposition intervention the opening bid is forcing for 1 round. With equal length in the majors, North is requested to bid the lower ranking suit first, which he duly does. The 3♥ bid by East is asking for a stopper to play in 3NT. West does not have the stopper and bids his longest suit. On this layout declarer can make 10 tricks, losing 1 spade trick and 2 heart tricks.

___________________________________________________________

 

West North East South Hand 14 North

2D None Vul S K962

P 2S 4S P H T53

P P D 765

West C J52 East

S -- S AQJT8743

H Q8764 H AKJ

D J9432 D --

C K94 South C T8

S 5

H 92

4S East D AKQT8

Lead: DK C AQ763

___________________________________________________________

 

Utilising the artificial 2♦ opening, the auction will proceed as diagrammed. Without direct opposition intervention the opening bid is forcing for 1 round. North shows his longer major, and East with the powerful 8-card spade suit sitting behind North has no qualms about bidding game in the suit in spite of the very real risk that West is void in the suit. All East needs is 1 trick from the West hand to make game. Here he got two, the ♣K and the ♥Q. When North wins with the ♠K he must switch to the club suit before declarer can discard the clubs from hand on the long hearts in dummy.

 

The last four hands were included to illustrate other possible auctions when declarer has opened one of the strong hand patterns. They will be few as more than 70% of the hands opened with the artificial 2♦ bid will in fact be a natural Weak Two in Diamonds. Every partnership is encouraged to keep track of their own encounters of the bid at the table and expand on these defensive suggestions accordingly.

[Vampyr]

Tl:dr but missed you.