Friday, January 12, 2007
Introduction
This blog contains the text of the SAYC system written by Mark London. The original text with some minor alterations mainly for style is shown with the yellow background.
I have endevoured to contact Mark London unsuccessfully so I hope he approves of using his work in this way.
I have made some additions and comments of my own to clarify or explain, or to reflect current or alternative practices. These are shown with a red/pink background.
I have endevoured to contact Mark London unsuccessfully so I hope he approves of using his work in this way.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Defensive Leads and Signals
This is the one area where choices are offered. The following are
specified: Defensive signals when following suit or discarding are
"high encourages, low discourages." Leads are top of touching honors
(with choices from AKx and interior sequences).
Pairs must choose from the following options. Where no card is pre-marked in bold italics, pairs must mark their leads.
Pairs must choose from the following options. Where no card is pre-marked in bold italics, pairs must mark their leads.
- Which card is led from AKx
- Which card is led from xxx, xxxx or xxxxx
- Whether 4th best, or & 5th best leads are used
- Whether 3rd best is led from KJ10x, K109x, or Q109x, (and from
AJ10x or A109x versus NT). Must be indicated by circling the card
led
- Whether or not frequent count signals are given
Competitive Bidding
There is almost an endless variety of possible sequences, so it pays
to have simple guidelines to prevent bidding misunderstandings:
Bids mean the same thing they meant without the intervening bid. It does not guarantee extra points. However it is sometimes necessary to pick a bid that would normally have been a second choice without the overcall:
Cuebidding RHO's suit shows values for game without clear direction for the moment. This is often used to show a game-forcing raise:
Responses at the 1 level to opener after an overcall have the same meaning as without. Responder should stretch to raise partner with support for opener's suit. New suit responses at the 2 level usually show at least 5 cards and 10 points. If at 3 level, it is game forcing.
Negative doubles are used through 2♠ promising four cards (at least) in one of the unbid major. Note: The exception is after 1♣-1♦, after which it promises both unbid majors. Bidding a major at the two level or higher shows 11 or more points and a five-card or longer suit.
Responses to negative doubles are:
With a negative double, partner is no longer able to double for penalties. Therefore, when an opponent's suit overcall is followed by two passes, opener should try to reopen with a double with 2 or less cards in the opponent suit, as partner might have passed with a good hand for penalties.
If RHO makes a takeout double:
A responder's jump shift after a double is to play:
Responses to takeout double after opponent passes are:
Here are some guidelines as to when an X is penalty. Be wary of doubling the opponents for penalty on the strength of partner's overcall.
Examples:
If the opponents use a convention (such as Michaels or the unusual notrump), you can double to show at least 10 points, or you can cuebid one of their shown suit(s) to force to game.
A forcing pass is used when opponents are clearly competitively bidding for preemptive reasons and you are unsure if you should X or bid higher (usually past game). A pass forces partner to either X or bid.
Bids mean the same thing they meant without the intervening bid. It does not guarantee extra points. However it is sometimes necessary to pick a bid that would normally have been a second choice without the overcall:
| 1♦ | (Pass) | 1♠ | (2♣) | |
| 2♠ | With ♠ J43 ♥ A875 ♦ AQJ4 ♣ J3 (rebid 1NT if RHO has passed) |
Cuebidding RHO's suit shows values for game without clear direction for the moment. This is often used to show a game-forcing raise:
| 1♠ | (2♣) | 3♣ | Game force; usually a raise |
Responses at the 1 level to opener after an overcall have the same meaning as without. Responder should stretch to raise partner with support for opener's suit. New suit responses at the 2 level usually show at least 5 cards and 10 points. If at 3 level, it is game forcing.
Negative doubles are used through 2♠ promising four cards (at least) in one of the unbid major. Note: The exception is after 1♣-1♦, after which it promises both unbid majors. Bidding a major at the two level or higher shows 11 or more points and a five-card or longer suit.
| 1♣ | (1♦) | Double | 4-4 or better in the majors |
| 1♦ | (1♥) | Double | Exactly four spades (1♠ promises five) | |
| 1♦ | (1♠) | Double | Four hearts and 6+ points or five hearts and 5-10 points |
Responses to negative doubles are:
- Minimum bid (below game) with < 16 points, not forcing
- Jump bid with 16-18 points, not forcing
- Cue bid of the opponent's suit 19+ points, forcing to game
- Pass (rare) for penalties
With a negative double, partner is no longer able to double for penalties. Therefore, when an opponent's suit overcall is followed by two passes, opener should try to reopen with a double with 2 or less cards in the opponent suit, as partner might have passed with a good hand for penalties.
The modern trend is to play negative doubles to a higher level. It is common to play negative doubles to 3♠ or even higher.
If RHO makes a takeout double:
| 1♦ | (Double) | 1♥, 1♠ | Forcing, point count not limited | |
| 2♣ | Non-forcing (6-10 points, usually a six-card suit) | |||
| 2NT | Limit raise (at least 10 points) or better | |||
| Redouble | 10 points or more, but it is better to make a more descriptive bid of 1♥, 1♠, or 2NT with the appropriate hand | |||
| 3♦ | Preemptive, good trump support but fewer than 10 points |
A responder's jump shift after a double is to play:
| 1♦ | (Double) | 2♥, 2♠, 3♣ | six-plus-card suit, like a weak two-bid or preemptive three-bid |
Responses to takeout double after opponent passes are:
- minimum bid = 0-9 points
- 1NT = 6-10 points, balanced, stopper in opponent's suit
- Jump bid = 10-12 points, not forcing
- 2NT = 10-12 points, stopper in opponent's suit, no 4 card major
- Cue bid = 13+ points or 10-12 with two 4 card majors
- 3NT = 13-16 points
- Double jump = less than 10 points, 6 card suit, preemptive
- Pass (rare) = 5+ cards in opponent's suit (worth 3 tricks)
- Pass = 15 points or less
- Raise = 16-18 points and 4 card support, 18-20 points if raise is at 3 level in non-competitive auction.
- Jump raise = 18-20 points, 4 cards
- New suit = 18-20 points, 5+ cards (less points if also has 4 card unbid major)
- New jump suit = 6 card self sufficient suit, strong hand, not forcing
- 1NT = 18-20 points
- 2NT = 19-21 points if non-jump, 21-22 points if jump
- 3NT = shows 9 tricks
- Cue bid = 21+ points, slam interest
Here are some guidelines as to when an X is penalty. Be wary of doubling the opponents for penalty on the strength of partner's overcall.
- When the X is made late in the auction: i.e. 1♠-P-2♠-P-4♠-X
- When the X's partner has accurately described both his strength and
distribution.
- When either partner has XX'ed earlier
- When either has earlier made a penalty X or a penalty pass of a takeout X
- When an artificial bid has been X'ed
- When the major suit response to a preempt has been X'ed
- In borderline cases, when the X'er is behind the original bidder
- To play if:
- Your side is at the four level or higher:
4♠ (Double) Redouble Penalty
- The opponents double an artificial bid:
1NT (Pass) 2♦ (Double) Redouble Penalty. good diamond suit
- A good hand if their double is for takeout:
1♠ (Double) Redouble 10+ points
- SOS, requesting a different suit, if your side is doubled for penalty
in a trump suit at the three level or lower:
1♦ (Pass) Pass (Double) Pass (Pass) Redouble SOS, responder can support at least two of the unbid suits
Examples:
| 1♥ | (1♠) | 2NT | Natural (12-14 HCP) |
| 2♣ | (Dbl) | 2♦ | Natural and Positive |
If the opponents use a convention (such as Michaels or the unusual notrump), you can double to show at least 10 points, or you can cuebid one of their shown suit(s) to force to game.
| 1♠ | (2♠) | 3♥ | Game force | |
| Double | At least 10 points, probably balanced |
A forcing pass is used when opponents are clearly competitively bidding for preemptive reasons and you are unsure if you should X or bid higher (usually past game). A pass forces partner to either X or bid.
Defensive Bidding
Overcalls show 8-16 points (double and bid the long suit with a
stronger hand). The only forcing response is a cuebid of opener's
suit, asking the overcaller about the quality of his overcall:
Responses to a 1 level overcall are as follows:
A 1NT overcall shows 15-18 points and a balanced hand (preferably a stopper in opener's suit). No artificial responses are used to the 1NT overcall except 2♣, which is Stayman.
A jump overcall of 2NT is Unusual NT and shows at least 5-5 in the lower two unbid suits. It can also be bid over a strong 2♣ opening, but not over a weak 2-bid, in which case 2NT shows 16-19 points. Responses to it are: Preference bid, jump preference bid (mostly preemptive), cue bid for game or slam try, new suit (not forcing), 3NT, or 4NT which is Blackwood.
Jump overcalls are preemptive, showing the same values as an opening bid at the same level:
Weak jump overcalls do not apply when in balancing position (balancing jump overcalls are intermediate - around 11-15), over a non-forcing raise (i.e. 1♥-P-2♥-), after a 1NT opening, or after a preemptive bid (over a pre-emptive bid jump overcalls are strong - around 16-18).
A cuebid overcall when the opponents have bid two suits is natural in either suit.
A cuebid overcall, when the opponents have bid only one suit, is a "Michaels cuebid", showing a 5-5 two-suiter (or more distributional). If the opening is in a minor suit, the cuebid shows the majors; if the opening is in a major, the cuebid shows the other major and an unspecified minor.
Responder can bid 2NT over a major suit cuebid to ask for partner's minor.
In a competitive auction, if 2NT is not available responder may bid 4♣ (not forcing) or 4NT (forcing) in order to locate minor. 3NT is always to play.
Reopening bids mean much the same as direct seat bids, though they can be lighter at the minimum end. A reopening 1NT after an opponent has opened and his partner passes, shows 10-15 points. This is a wide range but there will not usually be a game on for you. With a good suit and opening values, jump overcall. X followed by 2NT shows 16-17 points, a direct 2NT 18-20. A cuebid is a takeout double with a void in opener's suit.
Doubles are for takeout over opening partscore bids (4♦ or lower); penalty over opening game bids (4♥ or higher). A below-game jump response to a takeout double is invitational. To force, responder cuebids opener's suit.
Versus opening preempts, overcalls in suits or notrump are natural; cuebids are Michaels.
| (1♦) | 1♠ | (Pass) | 2♦ | |
| (Pass) | 2♠ | Minimum overcall | ||
| other | Extra strength (11 or 12 points minimum) |
Responses to a 1 level overcall are as follows:
- Raise: 3+ trumps, 6-11 points
- Double Raise: 4+ trumps, 10-12 points
- Game: Weak distribution hand, 4+ trumps
- 1NT: 9-12 points
- 2NT: 11-13 points non-jump, 13-15 jump
- 3NT: 15-16 points
- New suit: Not forcing, usually denies fit in overcaller's suit
- Cue bid: Game forcing.
An alternative style by the advancer to the overcall is to play a new-suit as forcing and a cue-bid as always at least an invitational raise. This allows a jump raise to be pre-emptive.
A 1NT overcall shows 15-18 points and a balanced hand (preferably a stopper in opener's suit). No artificial responses are used to the 1NT overcall except 2♣, which is Stayman.
It is relatively common for pairs to play system "ON" after a 1NT overcall. This means that we can use Stayman and Jacoby Transfers etc after a 1NT overcall in just the same way that we do over a 1NT opening.
A jump overcall of 2NT is Unusual NT and shows at least 5-5 in the lower two unbid suits. It can also be bid over a strong 2♣ opening, but not over a weak 2-bid, in which case 2NT shows 16-19 points. Responses to it are: Preference bid, jump preference bid (mostly preemptive), cue bid for game or slam try, new suit (not forcing), 3NT, or 4NT which is Blackwood.
Jump overcalls are preemptive, showing the same values as an opening bid at the same level:
| (1♦) | 2♠ | a hand that would open a weak two-bid in spades |
| 3♣ | A hand that would open 3♣ |
Weak jump overcalls do not apply when in balancing position (balancing jump overcalls are intermediate - around 11-15), over a non-forcing raise (i.e. 1♥-P-2♥-), after a 1NT opening, or after a preemptive bid (over a pre-emptive bid jump overcalls are strong - around 16-18).
After a 1NT opening and after a simple raise it is possible to play weak jump overcalls.
In all cases when making a weak jump overcall consideration should be taken of the vulnerability.
In all cases when making a weak jump overcall consideration should be taken of the vulnerability.
A cuebid overcall when the opponents have bid two suits is natural in either suit.
A cuebid overcall, when the opponents have bid only one suit, is a "Michaels cuebid", showing a 5-5 two-suiter (or more distributional). If the opening is in a minor suit, the cuebid shows the majors; if the opening is in a major, the cuebid shows the other major and an unspecified minor.
| (1♦) | 2♦ | At least 5-5 in the majors, 8 points or more |
| (1♠) | 2♠ | at least 5-5 in hearts and a minor; 10 points or more |
Responder can bid 2NT over a major suit cuebid to ask for partner's minor.
| (1♥) | 2♥ | (Pass) | 2NT | Asks for the minor |
| (Pass) | 3♣ | Club suit | ||
| 3♦ | Diamond suit |
In a competitive auction, if 2NT is not available responder may bid 4♣ (not forcing) or 4NT (forcing) in order to locate minor. 3NT is always to play.
Reopening bids mean much the same as direct seat bids, though they can be lighter at the minimum end. A reopening 1NT after an opponent has opened and his partner passes, shows 10-15 points. This is a wide range but there will not usually be a game on for you. With a good suit and opening values, jump overcall. X followed by 2NT shows 16-17 points, a direct 2NT 18-20. A cuebid is a takeout double with a void in opener's suit.
Doubles are for takeout over opening partscore bids (4♦ or lower); penalty over opening game bids (4♥ or higher). A below-game jump response to a takeout double is invitational. To force, responder cuebids opener's suit.
Versus opening preempts, overcalls in suits or notrump are natural; cuebids are Michaels.
Many partnerships play takeout doubles even higher than 4♦. However higher level doubles are passed more frequently. Partner is only expected to bid with a distributional hand usually with some values. For this reason a takeout double can be off-shape since partner will only pull with a long suit.
Slam Bidding
Blackwood 4NT is used to ask for aces. Responses show the number of
aces by steps. 5NT is then used to ask for kings; 5NT guarantees the
partnership holds all four aces.
A jump to 5NT (and some 5NT bids when the auction is at the five level) is "Grand Slam Force", asking partner to bid a grand slam with two of the three top trump honors;
If the Blackwood bidder wishes to sign off the bidding in 5NT (after realizing too many aces are missing), it can be done by bidding an "unplayable" suit, after which responder should bid 5NT, i.e. 1♥-2♦-3♦-4NT-5♦-5♠ - this forces partner to bid 5NT.
Here are some general rules for cue bidding to find controls once a trump suit has been agreed on. A cue bid is a non-jump bid in an unbid suit (by your side) past 3 of the agreed trump suit. If the trump suit is a minor suit and there are more than one unbid suits, and the bid is below 3NT, it may not be a cue bid, but rather showing natural suit or a stopper for NT.
Rules for cue bids:
| ... | 4NT | ... | 4NT | ||
| 5x | 5NT | ||||
| 5♣ | 0 or 4 aces | 6♣ | 0 or 4 kings | ||
| 5♦ | 1 ace | 6♦ | 1 king | ||
| 5♥ | 2 aces | 6♥ | 2 kings | ||
| 5♠ | 3 aces | 6♠ | 3 kings |
A jump to 5NT (and some 5NT bids when the auction is at the five level) is "Grand Slam Force", asking partner to bid a grand slam with two of the three top trump honors;
| 5NT | 6 of the trump suit | Fewer than two top trump honors (A, K, or Q) |
| 7 of the trump suit | Two of the three top trump honors |
If the Blackwood bidder wishes to sign off the bidding in 5NT (after realizing too many aces are missing), it can be done by bidding an "unplayable" suit, after which responder should bid 5NT, i.e. 1♥-2♦-3♦-4NT-5♦-5♠ - this forces partner to bid 5NT.
Many partnerships prefer Roman Key-Card Blackwood. With Roman Key-Card partner shows Key-Cards rather than aces. The Key-Cards are the four aces and the king of the agreed trump suit. When there is no agreed trump suit it is implicitly assumed that the last bid suit is the trump suit. Roman Key Card Blackwood also identifies possession of the trump queen either directly or with a subsquent asking bid. The responses are as follows:
After one of the first two responses the 'Blackwooder' can make a further asking bid for the trump queen. The trump queen ask is a bid the next step above the response but excluding the trump suit i.e. over 5♣ the ask is 5♦ unless diamonds are trumps when it is 5♥ and over 5♦ the ask is 5♥ unless hearts are trumps when the ask would be 5♠. In response to an ask for the trump queen partner bids the next 'step' to deny the trump queen and the second 'step' to show the trump queen.
Over either response to a queen ask or directly after the first response to Roman Key-Card Blackwood the 'Blackwooder' can bid 5NT to ask for kings. Partner responds in steps. We do not count the trump king which has already been included as a key-card in the first response to RKCB.
There are several variations of Roman Key-Card Blackwood. Two popular variations are RKCB 1430 - easy to remember since this is the score for a small slam in a major - in which the first two responses are swapped. The reason for this is that it is believed that after a one key-card it is more likely that slam is still possible and over the first step response there will be more room to make an ask for the trump queen. The second variation is to show specific kings rather than the number of kings in response to a king ask. Without any kings one returns to the trump suit. An extension of this is to show kings automatically in response to the queen-ask when showing the trump queen. The first step (or alternatively a return to the trump suit) denies the trump queen and then any other bid shows the trump queen and the king in the bid suit. A jump in the trump suit shows the trump queen and denies a side king.
Your partnership must thoroughly discuss any of these variations before playing them as the cost are great (and unnecessary) from a Blackwood misunderstanding.
| 4NT | 5♣ | 0 or 3 Key-Cards |
| 5♦ | 1 or 4 Key-Cards | |
| 5♥ | 2 (or 5) Key-Cards without the trump queen | |
| 5♠ | 2 (or 5) Key-Cards with the trump queen |
After one of the first two responses the 'Blackwooder' can make a further asking bid for the trump queen. The trump queen ask is a bid the next step above the response but excluding the trump suit i.e. over 5♣ the ask is 5♦ unless diamonds are trumps when it is 5♥ and over 5♦ the ask is 5♥ unless hearts are trumps when the ask would be 5♠. In response to an ask for the trump queen partner bids the next 'step' to deny the trump queen and the second 'step' to show the trump queen.
| 4NT | 5♣ | |
| 5♦ | 5♥ | No trump queen |
| 5♠ | Shows the trump queen |
Over either response to a queen ask or directly after the first response to Roman Key-Card Blackwood the 'Blackwooder' can bid 5NT to ask for kings. Partner responds in steps. We do not count the trump king which has already been included as a key-card in the first response to RKCB.
| 5NT | 6♣ | 0 kings |
| 5♦ | 1 king | |
| 5♥ | 2 kings | |
| 5♠ | 3 kings |
There are several variations of Roman Key-Card Blackwood. Two popular variations are RKCB 1430 - easy to remember since this is the score for a small slam in a major - in which the first two responses are swapped. The reason for this is that it is believed that after a one key-card it is more likely that slam is still possible and over the first step response there will be more room to make an ask for the trump queen. The second variation is to show specific kings rather than the number of kings in response to a king ask. Without any kings one returns to the trump suit. An extension of this is to show kings automatically in response to the queen-ask when showing the trump queen. The first step (or alternatively a return to the trump suit) denies the trump queen and then any other bid shows the trump queen and the king in the bid suit. A jump in the trump suit shows the trump queen and denies a side king.
Your partnership must thoroughly discuss any of these variations before playing them as the cost are great (and unnecessary) from a Blackwood misunderstanding.
Here are some general rules for cue bidding to find controls once a trump suit has been agreed on. A cue bid is a non-jump bid in an unbid suit (by your side) past 3 of the agreed trump suit. If the trump suit is a minor suit and there are more than one unbid suits, and the bid is below 3NT, it may not be a cue bid, but rather showing natural suit or a stopper for NT.
Rules for cue bids:
- Bid unbid suits first (by your side), and Aces before voids.
- Plan your cue bids. The cheapest cue bid may not be the
best bid, as it may cause your next cue bid to be higher
than if you reversed the order. I.e., 4♣-4x-4♠ rather than
3♠-4x-5♣.
- Cue aces first, kings second. On occasions, especially if
you are known to be weak, it is necessary to cue a second
round control before first round control in that suit has
been shown or denied.
- Below game, return a cue only if slam appears possible -
with a poor minimum return to the trump suit. If partner cues
again, or cues above game you must return the cue if possible.
- To cue above five of the trump suit is a try for seven.
- If either partner is able to judge the correct final contract
he should bid it as soon as possible.
- If a cue bid is doubled, redouble shows second round control of
that suit, to pass is neutral conveying some interest.
- Avoid cue bidding singleton or voids in a suit bid naturally
bid by your partner.
Italian Cue-Bidding is an alternative cue-bidding style. The main difference with Italian Cue-Bidding is that first and second round controls are treated equally. Here are some rules for Italian Cue-Bidding:
- Cue-Bid your cheapest control - up-the-line. If hearts are agreed then spades is the cheapest cue followed by clubs and then diamonds. A control is any ace, king, singleton or void in the suit bid
- After any number of cue-bids below game either partner ask for key-cards with RKCB
- Unless asking for key-cards after partner has initiated a slam try with a cue-bid or a forcing raise cue-bids below game are mandatory unless it has become apparent that there is a suit that is not controlled - partner has bypassed the suit denying a control and you also have no control in that suit. Consequently a cue-bid in a new suit shows a control in the suit bid and a control in any suit by-passed by partner.
- A cue-bid that commits the partnership to a higher level necessarily shows extra strength
- Do not cue-bid a shortage (singleton or void) in partner's long suit. Occasionally it is possible to make a later cue-bid in partner's suit having already denied a control there to show a shortage
Responses to Pre-empts Higher than the Two-Level
Any new suit (non-game) response to a preemptive opening bid of 3 or
more is forcing.
Sequences after a Weak Two Bid of 2♦, 2♥, or 2♠
Weak two-bids show a six-card suit of reasonable quality and 5-11 HCP.
On rare occasions it may be a very good five-card suit. It is possible
to open a weak two with a poor seven-card suit (not good enough to
open with at the three level). It should normally not be used if hand
also contains 4 cards (or more) in a major side suit. Responses:
- A 2NT response is forcing, showing game interest. (This applies
also if the opponents intervene with a double or a bid.) Opener
rebids his suit with a minimum weak two (5-8 points). With a
maximum hand opener bids another suit to show a "feature" (ace or
king in that suit); lacking a feature he raises to 3NT and lets
responder place the contract. With a maximum hand and a side
4 or 5 card minor suit (headed at least by Q) opener should bid
4 of that minor suit.
- Any raise of opener's suit is to play and could be preemptive. A
3NT response is also to play.
- "RONF" on the card means "Raise Only Non-Force." A new suit
response is forcing one round and shows at least a five-card suit.
Opener should raise a major suit response with a three-card fit, or
perhaps with a doubleton honor.
- With no fit for responder's suit, opener rebids:
- With a minimum weak two-bid (5-8 points), rebid the suit at the
cheapest level.
- With a maximum weak two-bid, name a new suit or bid notrump.
- With a minimum weak two-bid (5-8 points), rebid the suit at the
cheapest level.
An alternative popular convention over weak twos is Oghust. Playing Oghust responder's 2NT is a a forcing inquiry but instead of showing a feature opener rebids artificially to show the strength and suit quality of the weak two.
| 2♦, 2♥, 2♠ | 2NT | Oghust Convention |
| 3♣ | Weak Hand and Weak Suit | |
| 3♦ | Weak Hand and Strong Suit | |
| 3♥ | Strong Hand and Weak Suit | |
| 3♠ | Strong Hand and Strong Suit |
A 2♣ Opening Responses and Later Bidding
A 2♣ opening shows at least 22+ points, or the playing equivalent.
Responses:
If opener rebids 2NT after a 2♦ response (showing 22-24 points), the same responses are used as over a 2NT opening:
If opener rebids a suit over a 2♦ response, the bidding is forcing to 3 of opener's major or 4 of opener's minor. In most cases opener has at least 5 cards in the suit bid, unless opener has 4-4-4-1 shape, in which case the strongest suit should be bid.
| 2♣ | 2♦ | Artificial, could be "waiting" with a good hand not suited to a positive response |
| 2♥, 2♠, 3♣, 3♦ | Natural and game forcing. At least a five-card suit and 8 points | |
| 2NT | A balanced 8 HCP |
It is useful to define a standard in terms of suit quality for a positive response. Possible standards are two of the top three honours or three of
the top five or headed by at least the Ace or King.
Once again you need to discuss this in your partnerships.
Once again you need to discuss this in your partnerships.
If opener rebids 2NT after a 2♦ response (showing 22-24 points), the same responses are used as over a 2NT opening:
| 2♣ | 2♦ | |
| 2NT | 3♣ | Stayman |
| 3♦, 3♥ | Jacoby transfers to hearts and spades respectively. | |
| 4♣ | Gerber | |
| 4NT | Inviting a slam in notrump |
If opener rebids a suit over a 2♦ response, the bidding is forcing to 3 of opener's major or 4 of opener's minor. In most cases opener has at least 5 cards in the suit bid, unless opener has 4-4-4-1 shape, in which case the strongest suit should be bid.
Another option with 4-4-4-1 hands is to rebid No Trumps especially with a singleton high honour.
| 2♣ | 2♦ | |
| 2♥ | 2♠ | |
| 3♥ | Not forcing |
Responses to a 1♣ or 1♦ Opening
A 1♦ opener suggests a four-card or longer suit, since 1♣ is preferred
on hands where a three-card minor suit must be opened. The exception
is a hand with 4-4-3-2 shape: four spades, four hearts, three
diamonds, and two clubs, which should be opened 1♦.
Responses and later bidding generally follow the ideas set down in the previous section. Bidding at the one level is up-the-line in principle. Responder needs more trumps to raise (4 to raise 1♦; 5 to raise 1 ♣, though one less trump will do in a pinch in a competitive sequence). Responses of 2NT and 3NT are standard:
There is no forcing minor-suit raise.
There are other variations of Standard American where the minor suit openings are slightly different. Two common variations are 'Preferred Minor' in which opener might more freely open 1♦ with 3-3 in the minors with better diamonds than clubs and 'Short Club' where a one diamond opening always promises four-cards and therefore 1♣ can be as short as two in a 4=4=3=2 hand.
Responses and later bidding generally follow the ideas set down in the previous section. Bidding at the one level is up-the-line in principle. Responder needs more trumps to raise (4 to raise 1♦; 5 to raise 1 ♣, though one less trump will do in a pinch in a competitive sequence). Responses of 2NT and 3NT are standard:
| 1♣ | 2NT | 13-15, game forcing |
| 3NT | 16-17 |
There is no forcing minor-suit raise.
This is a weakness of the SAYC system. A simple idea for a forcing raise is a method called 'Criss-Cross' or sometimes more descriptively 'Other Minor'. In this method responder jumps in the other minor as a forcing raise.
This method gives up on strong jump shifts into the other minor. These are relatively infrequent and can be bid other ways.
| 1♣ | 2♦ | Forcing club raise |
| 1♦ | 3♣ | Forcing diamond raise |
This method gives up on strong jump shifts into the other minor. These are relatively infrequent and can be bid other ways.
Subsequent Bidding by Responder
If responder has bid a suit at the one level, he next determines
whether he wishes to sign off in a partscore, invite game, sign off in
game, or force to game and get more information about opener's hand.
Having made his choice, he selects the best available bid.
Bids available for signoff in partscore: Pass, 1NT, 2 of a previously bid suit.
Bids available for inviting game: 2NT, 3 of a previously bid suit:
Second-round forcing bids. A new suit response (other than after a 1NT rebid by opener) is a one-round force (but not forcing to game). If it is a fourth suit in the auction, it may be artificial (4th suit forcing, which is alertable).
(Exception is 1♣-1♦-1♥-1♠, which is natural).
.. but ...
After 4th suit forcing, opener should
Second round forcing bids following a 1NT rebid by opener: A reverse or jump shift into a new suit is a game force.
Bids available for signing off in game. 3NT, 4♥, 4♠, 5♣, 5♦.
If responder initially bids a new suit at the two level, the same rules apply EXCEPT that a subsequent jump raise of opener's first suit to the THREE LEVEL is game forcing (responder should make a limit raise directly over the opening with 10-12 points and at least three-card support):
NOTE: Responder promises to bid again if he responded with a new suit at the two level unless opener's rebid is at the game level.
Bids available for signoff in partscore: Pass, 1NT, 2 of a previously bid suit.
| 1♥ | 1♠ | |
| 2♣ | Pass, 2♥, 2♠ | 6-10 points, signoff in partscore. |
Bids available for inviting game: 2NT, 3 of a previously bid suit:
| 1♥ | 1♠ | |
| 2♦ | 2NT, 3♦, 3♥, 3♠ | 11-12 points, inviting game. |
Second-round forcing bids. A new suit response (other than after a 1NT rebid by opener) is a one-round force (but not forcing to game). If it is a fourth suit in the auction, it may be artificial (4th suit forcing, which is alertable).
(Exception is 1♣-1♦-1♥-1♠, which is natural).
This is the only mention in the SAYC notes of responder's new suit so would seem to cover responder's reverse. Responder's reverse is a new suit (usually) at the two-level that shows distribution - at least 4-5 in the two suits bid with greater length in the first bid suit - and extra strength. As with opener's reverse, responder's reverse is forcing for one round showing around (10)11+ points.
Some partnerships player responder's reverse as game-forcing. Similarly some partnerships play 'fourth suit forcing' as game-forcing. Make sure you discuss and agree in your partnership.
Some partnerships player responder's reverse as game-forcing. Similarly some partnerships play 'fourth suit forcing' as game-forcing. Make sure you discuss and agree in your partnership.
| 1♥ | 1♠ | |
| 2♣ | 2♦ | One-round force, could be artificial. |
.. but ...
| 1♥ | 1♠ | |
| 1NT | 2♣, 2♦ | Non-forcing. |
| 3♣ 3♦ | Responder must jump shift to force game. |
After 4th suit forcing, opener should
- Bid responder's 1st suit with 3 cards, jump raise with more than minimum
- Rebid 2nd suit shows weak hand (jump rebid shows extra values, very distributional) (Rebid 1st suit instead of 2nd if that bid is lower).
- Bid NT to show stopper in 4th suit and extra values (jump to game with exceptional strength)
- Raise 4th suit with 4 cards
- Rebid 1st suit with extra strength and length.
Second round forcing bids following a 1NT rebid by opener: A reverse or jump shift into a new suit is a game force.
| 1♣ | 1♥ | |
| 1NT | 2♠ or 3♦ | Game force |
Bids available for signing off in game. 3NT, 4♥, 4♠, 5♣, 5♦.
If responder initially bids a new suit at the two level, the same rules apply EXCEPT that a subsequent jump raise of opener's first suit to the THREE LEVEL is game forcing (responder should make a limit raise directly over the opening with 10-12 points and at least three-card support):
| 1♠ | 2♣ | |
| 2♥ | 2NT, 3♣, 3♥ | Invitational to game (11-12 points) |
| 2♠ | Preference, not forcing. Responder has 11-12 points and a doubleton spade | |
| 3♦ | Game force, could be artificial | |
| 3♠ | Game force |
NOTE: Responder promises to bid again if he responded with a new suit at the two level unless opener's rebid is at the game level.
| 1♠ | 2♣ | |
| 2♦ | Forcing one round. Responder can limit his hand by bidding 2♠, 2NT, 3♣, or 3♦ at this point. He should not pass, since opener could have 18 points (just short of a jump shift rebid). |
The consequence of responder promising a rebid is that some simple rebids by opener are dangerous with a minimum hand - 2NT and raising responder's suit (minor). These simple rebids will be forcing since responder is obligated to bid again.
As noted previously others relax this requirement so that opener's 2NT rebid and raise of responder's suit are not forcing.
Make sure you discuss these sequences with your regular partners.
As noted previously others relax this requirement so that opener's 2NT rebid and raise of responder's suit are not forcing.
Make sure you discuss these sequences with your regular partners.
Responses and Later Bidding after a 1♥ or 1♠ Opening
1♥ and 1♠ openings show a five-card or longer suit. Responses:
Opener's rebids are natural and standard.
Rebids with a minimum hand (13-16 points):
Rebids with a medium hand (17-18) points:
With a maximum hand (19-21 or 22 points) opener must make a very strong rebid:
Responder follows up by attempting to sign off in game, bidding 4NT Blackwood, or cuebidding if still interested in trying to cooperate with opener in making the slam decision.
| 1♥ | 1♠ | At least four spades, 6 or more points. Tends to deny a heart fit. |
| 1NT | 6-10 points, denies four spades or three hearts. NOT forcing. | |
| 2♣, 2♦ | 11 points or more, promises at least four of the suit. | |
| 2♥ | three-card or longer heart support; 6-10 dummy points. | |
| 2NT | Game-forcing raise ("Jacoby 2NT"), 13+ dummy points. Asks opener to show a short suit to help responder evaluate slam prospects. (See below for other responses). | |
| 2♠, 3♣, 3♦ | strong jump shifts. Invite a slam. | |
| 3♥ | limit raise (10-12 dummy points with three or more hearts. It might be better, however, to bid 1NT with only 10 points, weak 3 card support, and a balanced hand). | |
| 3NT | 15-17 HCP, balanced hand with two-card support for partner (since this bids crowds the auction, consider it only if hand is ideal for 3NT, i.e. no honors in partner's suit and/or lots of J and Qs rather than A and Ks) | |
| 4♥ | usually 5+ hearts, a singleton or void, and fewer than 10 HCP |
Opener's rebids are natural and standard.
Rebids with a minimum hand (13-16 points):
- Rebidding notrump at the cheapest available level;
- Raising responder's suit at the cheapest level (this can be done with good three-card support if desired);
- Rebidding a new suit (but not reversing);
- Rebidding opener's suit at the lowest level.
After a two over one some of these responses can create a conflict with responder's obligation to make a rebid. Essentially this means that 2NT and raising partner's suit are forcing. Some pairs resolve this by requiring that 2NT and raising responder's suit (minor) show at least a little extra strength. Without extra strength these pairs rebid the suit opened which does not therefore promise extra length.
Others resolve these issues by allowing 2NT and a simple raise by opener to be passed. In any case this issue needs careful attention by a serious partnership.
Others resolve these issues by allowing 2NT and a simple raise by opener to be passed. In any case this issue needs careful attention by a serious partnership.
Rebids with a medium hand (17-18) points:
- Jump raise or jump rebid of opener's suit;
- Reverse in a new suit
- Non-reverse bid in a new suit (this has the wide range of 13-18 points).
A reverse is a bid in a higher ranking suit at the two-level. It always shows greater length in the first bid suit and extra strength. A reverse is forcing for one round.
With a maximum hand (19-21 or 22 points) opener must make a very strong rebid:
- Jump in notrump;
- Double jump raise in responder's suit or double jump rebid of opener's suit;
- Jump shift in a new suit.
| 1♥ | 2NT | |
| 3♣, 3♦, 3♠ | Singleton or void in that suit | |
| 3♥ | maximum hand (18+) no shortage | |
| 3NT | medium hand (15-17) no shortage | |
| 4♥ | minimum hand no shortage |
Responder follows up by attempting to sign off in game, bidding 4NT Blackwood, or cuebidding if still interested in trying to cooperate with opener in making the slam decision.
Monday, January 8, 2007
Responses to a 2NT or 3NT Opening
Stayman and Jacoby transfers for the majors are used.
| 2NT | 3♣ | Stayman |
| 3♦, 3♥ | Jacoby transfers to hearts and spades respectively | |
| 4♣ | Gerber | |
| 4NT | Inviting a slam in notrump |
| 3NT | 4♣ | Stayman |
| 4♦, 4♥ | Jacoby transfers to hearts and spades respectively |
Interference after 1NT Opening Bids
If the opponents double, all conventional responses are "on." For example:
If the opponents bid over your 1NT opener, Stayman and transfers are "off." Bids are natural except for a cuebid, which can be used with game force strength as a substitute for Stayman.
If Jacoby transfer is doubled, opener may pass, XX to show strong holding in doubled suit, complete transfer to show 3+ trumps, or jump to 3 of suit. If opener passes or XX, responder may make normal bid, XX or pass to play, or bid 2 of major to signoff.
If transfer is overcalled, opener may bid 3 of major only with good supporting hand, X for penalty, or pass. If opener passes, responder may make normal bid, X to show strength, or pass.
If Stayman is doubled, opener may make normal rebid, pass with 4 clubs, or redouble with 5 clubs or 4 good clubs. If Stayman is overcalled, opener may bid a 4 card major at the 2 two-level, double for penalty with 4 cards in the opponent's suit, or pass. In any event, responder may continue with a normal rebid or double for penalty.
| 1NT | (Dbl) | 2♣ | Stayman | |
| 2♦ | Transfer to hearts |
If the opponents bid over your 1NT opener, Stayman and transfers are "off." Bids are natural except for a cuebid, which can be used with game force strength as a substitute for Stayman.
The traditional style is to double for penalties over the opponent's overcall. However the modern style is to use more and more competitive doubles. In this style a double is 'negative' or for takeout and asks partner to bid. Negative doubles can be used like Stayman to find a 4-4 major suit fit with a wider range of hands than a cue-bid. It is important for a partnership to agree whether to play negative or penalty doubles after their 1NT opening. When the overcall is artificial - it does not show the suit bid - then double should just show some points in a hand with no clear alternative bid. This invites cooperation from the 1NT opener in competing or penalizing the opponents. A subsequent double by either player is normally played as penalties.
It is also important to decide on the meaning of a competitive bid in a simple new suit at the three-level. It is possible to play a new suit as competitive, invitational or forcing. Many players solve this problem with the use of the Lebensohl convention. Playing Lebensohl a new suit at the three-level is forcing. With a weaker hand responder bids 2NT conventionally which forces the opener to bid 3♣ and responder either passes with clubs or corrects to a different long suit with a weak hand.
Lebensohl is an optional convention and there are many variations and extensions.
It is also important to decide on the meaning of a competitive bid in a simple new suit at the three-level. It is possible to play a new suit as competitive, invitational or forcing. Many players solve this problem with the use of the Lebensohl convention. Playing Lebensohl a new suit at the three-level is forcing. With a weaker hand responder bids 2NT conventionally which forces the opener to bid 3♣ and responder either passes with clubs or corrects to a different long suit with a weak hand.
| 1NT | (2♠) | 2NT | Pass | 2NT is Lebensohl |
| 3♣ | Pass | 3♦ | 3♣ is forced and 3♦ shows a weak hand with long diamonds |
If Jacoby transfer is doubled, opener may pass, XX to show strong holding in doubled suit, complete transfer to show 3+ trumps, or jump to 3 of suit. If opener passes or XX, responder may make normal bid, XX or pass to play, or bid 2 of major to signoff.
If transfer is overcalled, opener may bid 3 of major only with good supporting hand, X for penalty, or pass. If opener passes, responder may make normal bid, X to show strength, or pass.
If Stayman is doubled, opener may make normal rebid, pass with 4 clubs, or redouble with 5 clubs or 4 good clubs. If Stayman is overcalled, opener may bid a 4 card major at the 2 two-level, double for penalty with 4 cards in the opponent's suit, or pass. In any event, responder may continue with a normal rebid or double for penalty.
Responses and Later Bidding after a 15-17 1NT Opening
2♣ is "non-forcing" Stayman, meaning that the bidding can stop in two
of a suit. Opener must rebid either 2♦, 2♥, or 2♠. Usually responder
has a minimum of 8 hcp. However, it can be used in cases where
responder has few hcp and intends to pass any response, i.e. if
responder has 4-4-4-1 shape and club singleton, any response can be
passed and hopefully assured of a better contract. If opener has 4-4
in majors, opener bids 2♥. If responder rebids three of either minor*,
it shows slam interest and at least a five-card suit. If responder
instead bids a major**, it shows 5 cards in that major (implying 4
in other), but is forcing to game only if bid at 3 level.
Jacoby transfers show a five-card suit and are used for the majors: 2♦ is a transfer to hearts, 2♥ is a transfer to spades. Opener MUST accept the transfer though he can jump to the three level with 17 points and four-card support for responder's major. (Note: Do not use with exactly 4 cards in other major. In that case, use Stayman.) For example:
If, after the transfer is accepted, responder bids a new suit, that is natural and game forcing (except for 1NT-2♦-2♥-2♠ which is not). Possible calls after the accepted transfer are:
A 2♠ response requires the 1NT bidder to rebid 3♣, which can be passed with a no game interest and long clubs, or responder can rebid 3♦ with a no game interest and long diamonds. Example:
Other responses to 1NT:
If the player using Gerber makes any bid other than 5♣, that is to play (including 4NT).
A direct raise of 1NT to 4NT is natural and invites 6NT. 4NT is slam invitational only because 4♣ is available as Gerber.
Jacoby transfers show a five-card suit and are used for the majors: 2♦ is a transfer to hearts, 2♥ is a transfer to spades. Opener MUST accept the transfer though he can jump to the three level with 17 points and four-card support for responder's major. (Note: Do not use with exactly 4 cards in other major. In that case, use Stayman.) For example:
| 1NT | 2♦ | |
| 2♥ | Normal acceptance of the transfer | |
| 3♥ | 17 points and four-card heart support |
If, after the transfer is accepted, responder bids a new suit, that is natural and game forcing (except for 1NT-2♦-2♥-2♠ which is not). Possible calls after the accepted transfer are:
| 1NT | 2♥ | |
| 2♠ | Pass | content to play 2♠ |
| 2NT | Invitational. Over 2NT opener can pass or return to 3♠ with a minimum hand; bid 3NT or 4♠ with a maximum | |
| 3♣, 3♦, 3♥ | Natural and game forcing. Shows 5 cards if other major. If minor, often slam try | |
| 3♠ | Invitational | |
| 3NT | Asking for a choice between 3NT and 4♠ | |
| 4♠ | Placing the contract, with a six-card or longer suit |
A 2♠ response requires the 1NT bidder to rebid 3♣, which can be passed with a no game interest and long clubs, or responder can rebid 3♦ with a no game interest and long diamonds. Example:
| 1NT | 2♠ | |
| 3♣ | Pass | Weak with clubs |
| 3♦ | Weak with diamonds |
Other responses to 1NT:
| 1NT | 3♣, 3♦ | Invitational to 3NT with a six-card or longer suit |
| 3♥, 3♠ | At least a six-card suit and slam interest (otherwise responder uses a transfer bid). | |
| 4♣ | Gerber, asking for aces. 4♣ IS GERBER OVER ANY 1NT OR 2NT BID BY PARTNER INCLUDING A REBID OF 1NT or 2NT. Responses show the number of aces, by steps, just as over a Blackwood 4NT. (5♣ is used to ask for kings.) |
| Ace Asking | King Asking | ||||
| 1NT | 4♣ | 1NT | 4♣ | ||
| 4x | 5♣ | ||||
| 4♦ | 0 or 4 aces | 5♦ | 0 or 4 kings | ||
| 4♥ | 1 ace | 5♥ | 1 king | ||
| 4♠ | 2 aces | 5♠ | 2 kings | ||
| 4NT | 3 aces | 5NT | 3 kings | ||
If the player using Gerber makes any bid other than 5♣, that is to play (including 4NT).
A direct raise of 1NT to 4NT is natural and invites 6NT. 4NT is slam invitational only because 4♣ is available as Gerber.
*It is a moot point whether responder's rebid in a minor promises a four-card major. I tend to think that it does not since responder has no other way of making a slam try in a minor.
** The original text said "other major" not "a major". However after opener bids a major it is normal to raise that major with a fit. It is more common to bid a major after opener has rebid 2♦ after Stayman. In this case responder with 5-4 in the majors bids the five-card major at the 2-level with a weak hand and at the three-level with a game-forcing hand. We saw above that a 2♥ rebid by responder can also be made on a weak hand with two 4-card majors that is unsuitable for playing in 2♦.
Some players use the Smolen convention with a strong hand with 5-4 either way in the majors. The Smolen convention reverses the meaning of 3Major over 2♦ so that 3♥ shows five spades and 3♠ shows five hearts. The purpose of this is to achieve a transfer affect so that the stronger hand declares if there is a major fit.
Other rebids by responder in a major after opener shows a major are best played as slam tries with a fit for opener's major.
Some players use the Smolen convention with a strong hand with 5-4 either way in the majors. The Smolen convention reverses the meaning of 3Major over 2♦ so that 3♥ shows five spades and 3♠ shows five hearts. The purpose of this is to achieve a transfer affect so that the stronger hand declares if there is a major fit.
Other rebids by responder in a major after opener shows a major are best played as slam tries with a fit for opener's major.
| 1NT | 2♣ | |
| 2♥ | 3♠ | Slam try - spade cue-bid with heart support |
General Approach
Normally open five-card majors in all seats.
Open the higher of long suits of equal length: 5-5 or 6-6.
Normally open 1♦ with 4-4 in the minors.
Normally open 1♣ with 3-3 in the minors.
Notrump openings show a balanced hand and can be made with a five-card major or minor suit.
1NT = 15-17
2NT = 20-21
3NT = 25-27
Strong artificial 2♣ opening.
Weak two-bids in diamonds, hearts and spades.
Open the higher of long suits of equal length: 5-5 or 6-6.
Normally open 1♦ with 4-4 in the minors.
Normally open 1♣ with 3-3 in the minors.
Notrump openings show a balanced hand and can be made with a five-card major or minor suit.
1NT = 15-17
2NT = 20-21
3NT = 25-27
Strong artificial 2♣ opening.
Weak two-bids in diamonds, hearts and spades.
System Summary
| System | Standard American Yellow Card |
| NT | 1NT = 15-17, 2NT = 20-21, 3NT = 25-27, Jacoby Transfer, 2♠ forces 3♣, 3♣/3♦ inv |
| Majors | 5-card Majors, Jacoby 2NT, Raise = limit (pre-empt over X) |
| Minors | 1♦ shows 4 except 4432, Raise = limit, 1m 1NT = 6-10, 1m 2NT = 13-15, 1m 3NT = 16-17 |
| Strong | 2♣ shows 22+ balanced or 9+ tricks, 2♦ artificial, may be waitng |
| Weak | 2♦, 2♥, 2♠ shows 5-11 hcp, good 6 cards, RONF, 2NT asks feature |
| Overcalls | 8-16 hcp, cue is one round force, jump overcall is pre-emptive |
| NT-Over | 1NT = 15-18, 2♣ Stayman, other systems off, Unusual 2NT = Lower 2 unbid suits |
| Doubles | Negative to 2♠ |
| VS.Doubles | New Suit Force 1-level, 2NT = Limit raise or better |
| Preempts | may be light |
| Vs.Preempts | Dbl is takeout at 2 and 3 level, 2NT over weak 2 = 16-19 hcp Bal |
| Cuebids | Michaels (5-5), or natural if opp's have bid 2 suits |
| Slam-Bids | Blackwood, GSF, DOPI, Gerber over 1NT, 2NT openings, respsonses and rebids |
| Suit-leads | 4th best, Kqx Qjx Jtx T9x kJtx kT9x qT9x xxX xxxX xxxXx aKx |
| NT-leads | 4th best, aKjx aQjx aJt9 aT98 Kqjx kQt9 kJt9 kT98 Qjtx qT98 Jt9x T98x xxX xxxX xxxXx |
| Carding | high discard encourages, low discourages, infrequent count signals |
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