McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 ASKBID.

276

276 ASKING BIDS

A great deal of this section may be new for Kerri, and not
played by Lynn. We should DISCUSS before we use any ASKING
BIDS at the table.
In general, Lynn uses the 4♣ TRUMP ASK after preempts, 5♣ TRUMP
ASK after 4M preempt, most of the SINGLETON ASKS, and no
CONTROL asks.
Kerri uses TRUMP ASK as described here. Others…?? DISCUSS.

General Rules About Asking Bids

• Asking Bids normally SET TRUMP in opener's suit. (EXCEPTIONS

occur: see below)
• Asking Bids we use: TRUMP ASK, CONTROL ASK & SINGLETON ASK.
• Asking Bids are off in competition, or semi-competition.
(EXCEPTIONS occur: see below)
• No Asking Bids by a passed hand.
• Responder's return to opener's suit is always sign-off, not
an Asking Bid.
• If any Asking Bid is doubled, R2D2 applies.
• No Asking Bid above 5NT (unless via 5♠ relay which we may
use in the future). No asking bid above 5NT with Lynn.
• All Asking Bid Responses follow our general principles: "The
More You Bid The More You Have" (Worst 1st).

TRUMP ASK:
After any 2-level or 3-level preempt: NO RKC. 4NT is Straight
Blackwood, asking for Aces. To find out about trump honors
as well as Aces, use TRUMP ASK first.
4♣ is a TRUMP ASK after any preempt (including after 3♣ and 3♦
openings)
Therefore, 3♣-4♣ is a TRUMP ASK, not a raise. REMEMBER.
5♣ is the TRUMP ASK after 4M preempt.
Cenk Only: Note that we've cancelled 4♣ major ask after 3♦
opening). 4♣ is always TRUMP ASK.

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Respond to TRUMP ASK:

0,1,2,ZOOM (0,1,2w/o,2w,2w+sidecard).
None is no A or K.
After 0 or 1 response, the next undefined step asks about the
trump Queen.
5NT response by the preemptor does not exist (can’t afford to
wrong-side final contract). REMEMBER.
AK gets to a slam regardless of follow-up.
NOTE: Preemptor must stay below game with only one of top 3,
however the bid is defined.
If TRUMP ASK is doubled R2D2 applies. (We’re “counting on our
fingers.”) We have 2 extra steps, Pass & Redouble. Pass =
None, XX is 2nd step (one), etc. After pass, asker redoubles
to continue the relay (Queen Ask).
Similarly, if they bid a suit over our trump ask, R2D2 applies.
Most of the above does not apply with Lynn. First response is
0,1,2,2/w. No Zoom. R2D2 applies if they bid. No other
agreements.

Trump Ask After 4M Preempt:

No RKC. REMEMBER. 4NT is standard BW, not RKC. To find out
about trump honors, use TRUMP ASK.
Most new-suit bids are CONTROL ASKS in that suit (see below for
responses to CONTROL ASK). Does not apply with Lynn – no
CONTROL ASKS.
5♣ asks about trumps. (5M' = ♣ ask.) 5M’ ask does not apply with
Lynn. No CONTROL ASKS.
• Respond to 5♣ as above to TRUMP ASK. 0,1,2,2/w, zoom
• AK gets to a slam (but don't jump immediately).
• AKQ jumps to a slam (or to 6 of short suit if below 6T).
• 5NT by the preemptor does not exist. (Critical for right
siding the final NT contract.)
No agreements about TRUMP ASK with Lynn, other than the first
response to 5♣ and R2D2 (see above).

After Trump Ask:

In General:
• Opener's Suit is Trump.
• New suits are CONTROL ASKING (see below for responses to
CONTROL ASK).
• 4NT is RKC

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EXCEPTIONS:
1) After 3m-4♣; 4♦ (showing no top honor) responder's 4♥/♠
is to play. (Does not apply after 2M or 3M opening - M' is
trump once responder uses TRUMP ASK.) REMEMBER.
2) After 3m-4♣ TRUMP ASK, if opener's 4♥/♠ response is
doubled, responder's pass is to play, since he may have
been intending to play there all along if opener showed no
honor (or one honor). REMEMBER, this is a rare exception
to R2D2 principles. (Note that we’re not really “counting
on our fingers,” since pass was an option if opponents had
not entered the bidding).

3♦-4♣, 4♦-4♥. To play. 4♣ does not absolutely set opener’s

minor as trumps – when opener has no top honor we can still
get out in 4M.
3♠-4♣, 4♦-4♥. Queen Ask. 4♣ set ♠’s (opener’s major) as trumps.
Even though opener has no top honor, we are playing in ♠’s.

CONTROL ASK:
All CONTROL ASKS on with Cenk.
No CONTROL ASKS with Lynn.
CONTROLS ASKS with Kerri are undiscussed. We used them in some
auctions in the past, but they were not so well-defined as
they are here. Need to DISCUSS.
New suits after TRUMP ASK are CONTROL ASKS.
After 4M preempt: New suits = CONTROL ASKS. EXCEPTION: 5♣ =
TRUMP ASK; 5M' = ♣ ask.
When a new-suit-bid would be forcing after our preempt, a JS in
that suit is a CONTROL ASKING BID in that suit. Used after
Vul Weak 2's and 3-Level Preempts, but not after Non-Vul
preempts, since new suits are NF when we’re non-vul (and JS's
are otherwise defined.)
New suits after BW are CONTROL ASKS if not otherwise defined.
New suits after 5♠ relay to 5NT in BW structures are CONTROL
ASKS. (used when there may be confusion about the meaning of
a suit at the six-level, i.e. natural? or control ask?)
Section does not apply with Lynn – No CONTROL ASKS.

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Responses To Control Ask

Responses to CONTROL ASK depend upon what is already known:
1) Normally: Cheapest NT=guarded king. Else by steps: None, 3rd,
2nd, 1st, 1st & 2nd. ("The More You Bid, The More You Have.")
Note that 2nd-round control must mean a singleton, since the
King is shown with the cheapest NT call. Similarly, 1st round
control is specifically the Ace, since a void is shown as 1st
and 2nd round control.
2) After Aces are Known (BW, SBW, etc.): None, 3rd, 2nd, 2nd &
3rd. Re-ask with next step about distribution vs. high-cd
control - show distribution 1st, then high-cd (alphabetical),
then both. Zoom if appropriate. e.g. KQ doubleton is 2nd and
3rd round control in both distribution and high-cds, would
respond to re-ask with 3rd step showing "both." KQx is 2nd
and 3rd round control in high-cds, would respond to re-ask
with 2nd step showing "high-cds."
NOTE: 2nd Round Control: King. 3rd Round Control: Queen or
Doubleton. 2nd and 3rd Round Control: Singleton or Kx (or KQ)
If CONTROL ASK is doubled R2D2 applies. Pass = no control,
Redouble is 2nd step (3rd round control), etc.
None of the above applies with Lynn – no CONTROL ASKS.

SINGLETON ASK
Many SINGLETON ASKS throughout our structure.
Always respond in steps: No,Lo,Mid,Hi Structure.
Responses are sometimes modified or compressed to accommodate
the specific structure and level; e.g., if responder is known
to hold a singleton, responses are lo,mid,hi. Or, if
responder is known to hold one of 2 singletons, responses are
lo,hi (and may incorporate a range definition as well).
When there is no room for responder to clarify shortness below
the next level of our trump suit (or below 3NT in some
cases), the 1st 2 steps are compressed and we respond "no or
lo, mid, hi...” (assuming that there is room for 3 steps).
“No or Lo" is clarified on next round if necessary. If no
room for compression of steps, we revert to simple steps and
go past next level of trump suit if necessary. Asker must
allow for this eventuality before using SINGLETON ASK.
When responder to SINGLETON ASK holds 2 singletons, he shows
them CRASH style, by ZOOMING past the last defined step
response (No,Lo,Mid,Hi,CRASH).
4♦ is SINGLETON ASK after any 3-level preempt (including 3♦-4♦).

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Delayed 4♣ (via 2NT) is SINGLETON ASK after any weak 2-bid.

2NT is SINGLETON ASK after our fit-showing jumpshift.
3NT may be SINGLETON AKS in some structures (e.g., we are in 3♠,
known to have a 9-card ♠ fit, i.e., 3NT is the next step)
Frequent "Next Step is SINGLETON ASK" structures.
• Since responder's 3M' raise is usually unbalanced, next step
asks singleton (no,lo,mid,hi)
• Similarly after 1M-(X)-3M, next step is SINGLETON ASK.

ASKING BIDS AFTER OUR PREEMPTS (VUL OR NV)

Jumps (or non-jumps) to 4m allow responder to SET TRUMPS in
opener's suit and request specific information for slam
purposes.
4♣ after any 2 or 3-level preempt is a TRUMP ASK (including 3♣-
4♣). SETS TRUMP. (Respond as above)
4♦ after any 3-level preempt is SINGLETON ASK. (Respond no or
lo, middle, hi. CRASH with 2 singletons. REMEMBER.
Delayed 4♣ (via 2NT) after our Weak 2-Bids is SINGLETON ASK.
SETS TRUMP.
Jump to 4♦, after our weak 2-bids, is slam try, SETS TRUMP, and
asks for specific Kings. Does not apply with Lynn.
Delayed 4♦ (via 2NT) after our Weak 2-Bids SETS TRUMPS and asks
for general interest in slam (respond with Q-bid if
interested). May be SETTING TRUMPS in opener’s 2nd suit in
some cases. Does not apply with Lynn.
After we open 3♣, 3♦ is an ARTIFICIAL FORCE asking for major
suit description.
• 3♣-3♦: Asks for 3-cd (or 4-cd) major. (Respond
no,lo,hi,both. i.e. 3♥=no major, 3♠=3+♥’s, 3N=3+♠’s,
4♣=both.) In the future we may use 2 different structures:
One for Vul & another for Non-Vul.
• This structure obviously does not set trumps in opener's
suit. 3♦ is not a true Asking Bid. Purpose is to search for
major-suit fit.
• 3♣-3♦-3X-3Y: NF, but highly invitational. (Use other minor
(4♦) as continuation to force.)

After our weak-2 bids we have 2 extra Asking Bid sequences.

Responder can start with 2NT and then follow with 4♣ or 4♦ to
SET TRUMP then ask for a singleton, or to make a general slam
try. Delayed 4♦ after weak-two does not apply with Lynn.
Treat as natural force.

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2X-2NT followed by 4♣ ASKS FOR A SINGLETON. If opener can't have

one (by virtue of his 3NT rebid over 2NT), he Q-bids a
control (Ace or King).
2X-2NT followed by 4♦ is general SLAM TRY (SETS TRUMPS) allowing
opener to Q-bid or sign off. May be SETTING TRUMPS in
opener’s 2nd suit in some cases. 4♦ asking bid after weak 2’s
does not apply with Lynn.
Asking Bids after 2NT response apply regardless of opener's
rebid.

Summary Of Asking Bids After Our Preempts

2X-4♣ or 3X-4♣ or 4M-5♣: TRUMP ASK.

2X-4♦: King Ask (including 2♦-4♦) 4♦ asking bid after weak 2’s
does not apply with Lynn.
3X-4♦: SINGLETON ASK (including 3♦-4♦)
3♣-3♦: Artificial Force, asking about majors
2X...delayed 4♣: SINGLETON ASK
2X...delayed 4♦: General Try in opener’s suit (or 2nd suit), Q-
bid if interested. Does not apply with Lynn.

2♠-2N-3N-4♦: Asks for general slam interest (Q-bd if

interested). 3NT rebid doesn't change meaning of 4♦ follow-
up. However, opener is known to have a maximum, so he will be
interested by definition, & will Q-bid if he can. Delayed 4♦
asking bid after weak 2’s does not apply with Lynn.
2♥-2N; 3N-4♣: In theory asking for singleton, but opener can't
have one by virtue of his 3NT rebid. Therefore, 4♣ “asks” for
a control (Ace or King). Responder was probably intending
the singleton Ask all along, and is still interested in slam
facing opener’s known maximum.
2♦-2N; 3N-4♦: General SLAM TRY. 2♦ opening doesn't change
meaning of 2NT followed by 4♦ slam-try sequence. Delayed 4♦
asking bid after weak 2’s does not apply with Lynn.
2♦-4♦: By definition, 4♦ “asks” responder to show side King if
he has one. But we’ve left it this way only for consistency
(since in all other parallel auctions a “raise” to 4m is not
a raise). In practice, we may make this 4♦ bid with no slam
interest, since it serves well as a preemptive raise. If the
opponents bid over 4♦ we revert to “we’re saving” principles
and opener does not respond to “slam try.” (save with extra
offense, double with extra defense). Thus, at the table, 4♦
is a two-way bid. Does not apply with Lynn.

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MISCELLANEOUS:

• No ASKING BIDS in competition(EXCEPTIONS w Cenk – see below)

• 4m in competition after our preempts is fit-showing, NOT a
TRUMP ASK or other artificial force.
• No 4m ASKING BIDS by a passed hand.
• We can't raise an opening 3m to 4m', nor 2♦ to 4♦, since
the raise is always artificial. 4♦ asking bid after weak 2’s
does not apply with Lynn. But we can’t raise 3♣ to 4♣ since
that is artificial.
• If any ASKING BID is doubled R2D2 applies.
• 4m ASKING BIDS after 2NT Ogust apply regardless of opener's
rebid. 4♦ asking bid after weak 2’s does not apply with
Lynn.

AFTER ASKING BIDS

Respond no,lo,mid,hi to all SINGLETON ASKS. (With 2 singletons,
respond CRASH, starting with the 5th step or higher).
Respond 0,1,2w/o,2w to TRUMP ASK. AK always gets to slam.
Respond to CONTROL ASK: 0,3,2,1,1&2. Cheapest NT=guarded King.
No CONTROL ASK with Lynn.
Respond no,lo,hi,both to 3♣-3D (asking for 3-card major).
Normally, we must play in opener's suit after responder starts
with an ASKING BID. EXCEPTIONS occur in certain specific
sequences.
1. When the ASKING BID is an artificial force asking about
major suit length, opener's suit is presumably not the trump
suit. 3♣-3♦ is designed to get us to a major suit.
2. After 3m-4♣ (TRUMP ASK), if opener responds 4♦ (showing no
top honor), responder's 4♥ or 4♠ is to play.

If a follow-up is necessary after the Asking Bid (e.g. to

clarify a singleton), we don't use opener's suit as an ASKING
BID. Return to preemptor's suit is always to play.
3♣-3♦-3X-3Y: NF, but highly invitational. (Use other minor (4D)
as continuation to force.)
3♣-3♦-3X-4♣: NF, not invitational.

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ASKING BIDS IN COMPETITION

The general rule is "No Asking Bids in Competition."
However, when the interference subsides at low levels, there is
an obvious EXCEPTION to the general rule. Subsequent to our
own BW or other Ace Ask (assuming no further interference) we
are free to go ahead with our normal structure and use Asking
Bids if we would normally have done so.
No delayed Asking Bids (4♣/♦) if the opponents enter the auction
after we start with a weak 2-bid and a 2NT response.
2♠-(P)-2NT-(X); P-(3D)-4♣: Natural, NF. ASKING BIDS are off in
competition.
With Cenk only: After our 4M opening, new suits are CONTROL
ASKS, 5♣ is TRUMP ASK, and 5M1 is ♣ ask. Off in competition
if they overcall above 4NT. Otherwise, system on. 4NT is
RKC on the first round only when we can’t SET TRUMPS below
4NT, and can’t ask about trumps in any other way.
With Lynn only: No ASKING BIDS in competition. 4NT is RKC on
the first round ONLY in competition, and ONLY when we can’t
SET TRUMPS below 4NT.
With Kerri: ?? think we use the same agreement as with Lynn??

Potentially Ambiguous Asking Bid Sequences

3♣-4♣: Trump Ask (immediate 4♣ is trump ask after any preempt )

3♦-4♦: Asks for singleton (immediate 4♦ asks for singleton after
any 3-level preempt)
3♣-3♦: Asks about major suit length
3♠-4♣; 4♦-4♥: Natural, sign-off
2♦-4♦: Two-way: maybe a preempt, maybe asking for side King for
slam. Treat as slam try if no competition. Treat as preempt
if opponent bids. Does not apply with Lynn.