Leaping Michaels Some

1
Contents
The Direct 1NT Overcall..........................................................................................................................3
When Third Hand Competes..................................................................................................................3
The 1NT Overcall of a Suit Response.....................................................................................................5
2NT bid and response over opponent weak two and multi 2D:.........................................................5
Responder’s Systems After a 1NT Overcall..........................................................................................7
Responding to 1NT vs. 3-Level Interference.........................................................................................8
Kansas City Stayman..............................................................................................................................10
They Double Our Transfers...................................................................................................................12
Keycard asking Over 2/3/4 Level Preempts.....................................................................................14
Gambling 3NT solid minor suit (7/8 cards)........................................................................................17
Cuebidding the Opponent’s Suit – More Cuebids.............................................................................18
5NT Choice of Slams..............................................................................................................................20
5NT Grand Slam Force...........................................................................................................................21
Dealing with 4-Major Interference.......................................................................................................23
3rd Seat Bidding.....................................................................................................................................25
Responses of Michaels – Meckstroth Advances..................................................................................28
Jump Overcalls in the Passout Seat......................................................................................................29
Sandwich 1NT Overcall.........................................................................................................................31
Sandwich Seat Overcalls........................................................................................................................33
2-Suited Overcalls in the Sandwich Seat..............................................................................................36
Jump Overcalls at the 2-Level...............................................................................................................40
Solid Suits................................................................................................................................................43
Bidding after interference over our 1NT opening..............................................................................44
The auction after 1NT=double..........................................................................................................48
Meckwell Escapes...................................................................................................................................48
Snapdragon Doubles..............................................................................................................................54
Other Types of Doubles.........................................................................................................................56
Lead-directing penalty doubles............................................................................................................60
Lead your suit.....................................................................................................................................60
2
Lead my suit........................................................................................................................................61
Lead dummy’s first-bid suit..............................................................................................................61
Fisher Double..........................................................................................................................................62
Lightner Slam Double............................................................................................................................62
If doubler has bid a suit.....................................................................................................................62
If doubler has NOT bid a suit............................................................................................................62
If both the doubler and the doubler’s partner have bid a suit......................................................62
Rosenkranz Redoubles...........................................................................................................................62
Grand Slam Force...................................................................................................................................64
Double Agreement Roman Key card Black wood (DRKCB).............................................................65
Baron Bids after 4NT..............................................................................................................................66
Grand Slam Force...................................................................................................................................68
The preference rules for signaling in general..................................................................................69
When discarding in a suit not led yet..............................................................................................69
When discarding in a suit already led.............................................................................................69
Basic List of Agreements of Signal...................................................................................................69
Signal when discarding......................................................................................................................70
Suit Preference Situations......................................................................................................................78
More Suit Preference Signals.................................................................................................................80
Miscellaneous......................................................................................................................................82
Smith Echo (only in notrump)...........................................................................................................90
3
The Direct 1NT Overcall
The direct 1NT overcall of a natural suit opening shows a hand similar to a strong notrump opening bid.
The opposing suit must be stopped, of course. With a double stopper or a solid suit, the minimum HCP
requirement can be relaxed to 15 HCP. With a single stopper and no good suit, a 19 HCP hand is not too
strong against a five-card major opening. Remember to upgrade tenaces a bit, since holdings like AQx or
KJx are worth more when there is an opening bid on the right. The 1NT overcall is sometimes off-shape
(but balanced), perhaps containing a six-card minor or 5-4-2-2 distribution.
A 1NT overcall is more likely to have a weak doubleton in some (unbid) suit than a 1NT opening bid.
Also, the overcaller is less likely to have four-card support for an unbid major, with which he might have
doubled instead of bidding 1NT. That does not mean that a 1NT overcall denies such major suit support.
Generally speaking, a 1NT overcall is preferable to a takeout double when holding good values for the
bid. Besides HCP, there should be a source of playing tricks, especially against an opponent who is likely
to double.
Suppose you hold ♠A984 ♥AQ ♦KJ7 ♣QJ62 and RHO opens with 1♥. A double is unwise because you
must pass a minor suit response. The hand is not strong enough to double and then bid 2NT, which
shows at least 19 HCP. Also, a game could be missed by doubling. Partner could have enough to raise a
1NT overcall, yet not enough to make a jump response to a takeout double. She could have ♠K53 ♥983
♦A10853♣43, a hand that could raise notrump but can only respond 2♦ to a takeout double.
If overcaller's LHO passes 1NT
 Responses are the same as those for a 1NTopening.

 All bids have exactly the same meaning.
 Bidding opener's major in response to Stayman (which is always 2♣) shows four cards.
 A transfer to opener's suit, even a major known to be five cards long, just means what it says.
 It can happen that a suit is distributed 5-2-0-6, or that opener has psyched.
When Third Hand Competes
 After a 1NT overcall, all doubles by either partner are for business, with one exception (below).
 A balancing double by the 1NT bidder, partner silent, is for takeout and implies a maximum
hand:
South West North East

1♠ 1NT 2♣ Pass
Pass Dbl
Dbl: is takeout, not business

1♠ 1NT Pass Pass
2♥/2♠ Dbl
4
Dbl: is business, not takeout
While playing the double of 2♥ as takeout is not unreasonable, it is best to have one simple rule, as
stated above.
 As usual, if third hand’s bid is artificial then a double shows that suit (even if it is clubs) and a
bid in that suit is natural (and invitational, since a weaker hand can double).
 If opener's partner enters the bidding with a raise or a new suit, Jacoby and minor suit transfers
do not apply. Texas transfers do apply (through 3♣). The rules for cue bidding are these:
If opener's suit can be bid at the two level, that is Stayman (Minor Suit Stayman if
both majors have been bid), while a bid of the new suit is a strong cue bid:

1♠ 1NT 2♣ Dbl-business
2♠-Stayman
3♣-strong cuebid
 After bidding 2♠, East is likely to pass a 2NT or 3♥ bid by West, so West should bid
game with a maximum hand. The strong cuebid is forcing to game, probably based
on wild distribution if opener hasn't psyched an opening bid.

1♠ 1NT 2♥ 2♠-Minor Suit Stayman
3♥-strong cuebid
The Minor Suit Stayman bid may be based on a good hand, but more likely East has a weak 5-5 in the
minors or a diamond bust. If West bids 2NT (no minor) and East bids 3♣, West must prefer a minor (pass
or 3♦). Whether West bids 2NT or 3♣ (showing four clubs), she must pass a 3♦bid by East. This is
standard Minor Suit Stayman.
If opener's suit cannot be bid at the two level, a bid of the new suit is Stayman, and
a bid of opener's suit is natural, not forcing:

1♣ 1NT 2♥ 3♥- Stayman, four spades
3♣-natural, signoff
 The 3♣ is just a competitive bid that West is expected to pass. Other such auctions:

1♣ 1NT 2♦ 3♣-natural, signoff
3♦-Stayman

1♥ 1NT 2♠ 3♥-natural, signoff
5
3♠-strong cuebid
There is one exception to the“ natural “rule regarding opener’s suit:

1♦ 1NT 2♣ 2♦-Stayman
3♣-strong cuebid
3♦-natural, a signoff
The 1NT Overcall of a Suit Response

1♣ Pass 1♥ 1NT
East is very likely to have a good diamond suit as one of the assets for the 1NTovercall. If opener passes,
the bidding proceeds as if East had opened 1NT. The opposing bids are ignored, having no effect on
subsequent bidding.
2NT bid and response over opponent weak two and multi 2D:
Opener Partner Responder You

2D (weak) 2NT (15-18) Pass ?
All three level bid by the responder is transfer to next suit. Transfer to opponent suit is stayman
3C= Transfer to 3D-D is opponent suit. So is a stayman

3D= Transfer to 3H (Partner should jump to 4H with a max)
3H = Transfer to 3S (Partner should jump to 4S with a max)
3S = Clubs, slammish; partner is asked to cue opponent suit-first or second round control
3NT= Natural
4C = Club suit and keycard for club
4D = Both majors

2D (Multi) 2NT (15-18) Pass ?
3C= Transfer to 3D-D is opponent suit. So is a stayman

3S = Minor Stayman, Slammish
3NT= Natural
4D = D suit and keycard for D
4N=Minors
6

2H (weak) 2NT Pass ?
3C= Transfer to 3D
3D= Transfer to 3H -H is opponent suit. So is a stayman
3S = Minor stayman, slammish
4H: Both minors

2S (weak) 2NT Pass ?
3C= Transfer to 3D
3H = Transfer to 3S -S is opponent suit. So is a stayman
3S = Minor stayman, slammish
4S: Both minors
After a 3C transfer to diamonds you can: when the opponent suit is H

(1) pass.
(2) bid 3S to show 6 diamonds and 4 spades.
(3) bid 3H to show a singleton Heart, slammish in diamonds.
(4) bid 3NT or 4NT, natural, with long diamonds.
(5) bid 4C to show the minors, slammish.
(6) bid 4D Keycard in diamonds.
After a 3C transfer to diamonds you can: when the opponent suit is S
(1) pass.
(2) bid 3H to show 6 diamonds and 4 hearts.
(3) bid 3S to show a singleton spade, slammish in diamonds.
(4) bid 3NT or 4NT, natural, with long diamonds.
(5) bid 4C to show the minors, slammish.
(6) bid 4D Keycard in diamonds.
After a 3D transfer to hearts, you can: When the suit is S
(1) Pass
(2) cuebid 3S, a slam try in hearts
(3) bid 3NT to give partner a choice between hearts and notrump.
(3) bid 4C or 4D to show a two-suited hand with hearts and the bid minor
7
Responder’s Systems After a 1NT Overcall
When partner opens the bidding in a suit at the 1-level and the next player overcalls 1NT, we want to
have a system that allows us to deal with this interference effectively. With a good hand (which is
somewhat rare in this auction), we make a penalty double. With a poor hand that is relatively balanced,
we likely want to stay out of the auction and simply pass. It is the distributional hands with some values,
but less than 10 HCP, where we are likely to want to compete in the bidding. One way to make it easier
to bid with these distributional hands is to use a system similar to what we do when the opponents open
1NT. Let’s look at what systems we should use in these auctions and how our system varies based on
which suit partner opened.
Meckwell vs. 1-Major, 1NT Overcall
When partner opens the bidding with 1-Major and RHO overcalls 1NT, a good approach to showing our
distributional hands is for Responder to use a modified version of Meckwell. Let’s look at some examples
to see how this works.
Example 1
1♥ 1NT __?
 X Penalty, 10+ points

 2♣* ♣ + ♠, at least 9 cards in the 2suits (usually 5-card ♣), 5-9 points, NF
 2♦* ♦ + ♠, at least 9 cards in the 2suits (usually 5-card ♦), 5-9 points, NF
 2♥ Natural, 3+♥, 5-9 points, NF
 2♠ Natural, 5+♠, 5-9 points, NF
Example 2
1♠ 1NT __?
 X Penalty, 10+ points

 2♣* ♣ + ♥, at least 9 cards in the 2suits (usually 5-card ♣), 5-9 points, NF
 2♦* ♦ + ♥, at least 9 cards in the 2suits (usually 5-card ♦), 5-9 points, NF
 2♥ Natural, 5+♥, 5-9 points, NF
 2♠ Natural, 3+♠, 5-9 points, NF
Woolsey vs. 1-minor, 1NT Overcall
When partner opens the bidding with a minor suit, a slightly different situation for Responder is more
effective because we are less likely to want to raise partner’s suit when they open 1-minor.
Example 3
1♣ 1NT __?
 X Penalty
8
 2♣* Both Majors (at least 4-4), 5-9 points

Opener can pass 2♣ with long ♣, or bid 2♦ with equal length in the Majors.
 2♦* 1 Major (usually 6+cards in either ♥ or ♠)
Opener bids to a level in a Major to ask Responder to pass or correct to their suit.
 2♥* ♥ + ♦, 5+cards ♥, 4+cards ♦, 5-9 points, NF
 2♠* ♠ + ♦, 5+cards ♠, 4+cards ♦, 5-9 points, NF
 2NT 5-5 minors, 5-9 points
Example 4
1♦ 1NT __?
 X Penalty
 2♣* Both Majors (at least 4-4), 5-9 points
Opener can pass 2♣ with long ♣, or bid 2♦ with equal length in the Majors.
 2♦* 1Major (usually 6+cards in either ♥ or ♠)
Opener bids to a level in a Major to ask Responder to pass or correct to their suit.
 2♥* ♥ + ♣, 5+cards ♥, 4+cards ♣, 5-9 points, NF
 2♠* ♠ + ♣, 5+cards ♠, 4+cards ♣, 5-9 points, NF
 2NT 5-5 minors, 5-9 points
These structures give Responder a good way to compete in the bidding with 2-suited hands against the
opponent’s 1NT overcalls.
When partner opens the bidding and RHO overcalls 1NT we want to compete in the bidding (not defend
1NT) when we have minimum valued hands that are shapely. By adopting an artificial system, we arm
ourselves with the tools to do this. By varying our system based on partner’s opening bid, we optimize
for different auctions. With your regular partner, this is a situation worth discussing the adoption of
some competitive bidding tools.
Responding to 1NT vs. 3-Level Interference
There are many systems the opponents play in order to interfere over our 1NT opening bid, but almost all
of these systems use the 3-level (actually 2NT+) for the same meanings – 2NT as a weak bid showing both
minors and 3-level bids as weak with a long suit, preemptive. It is important that you and partner are on
the same page for how to deal with this higher-level interference. Let’s see how.
Vs. 2NT for the Minors
After partner opens 1NT andRHO bids 2NT to show both minors, then most partnerships play systems
on at the 3-level.
1NT 2NT __?
 X Penalty-oriented, 8+ points (length in at least one minor suit)

 3♣* Stayman, game forcing
9
 3♦* Transfer to ♥, 5+c♥, 8+ points (invitational+)

 3♥* Transfer to ♠, 5+c♠, 8+ poitns (invitational+)
 3♠ … Illogical bid!
 3NT To play
 4♣ Gerber
 4♦* Texas Transfer, 6+c♥
 4♥* Texas Transfer, 6+c♠
4-level systems are still on -- unchanged!
With length in the Majors (not the minors), at least one 4c Major, and only invitational values, Responder
does not have enough values to bid immediately, but instead starts by passing and then makes a takeout
double of whichever minor suit (3♣ or 3♦) the opponents bid next.
Example
1NT 2NT P 3♣
P P X
Vs. 3♣ Preempts
After partner’s 1NT opening bid and a jump to 3♣ by RHO,Responder has a negative double available to
show 8+ points (invitational+ values) and at least one 4-card Major. Other bids at the 3-level are natural
and game forcing. 4-level bids that are jumps – 4♦ or 4♥-- remain Texas Transfers and most partnerships
play a 4♣ cuebid to show 5-5 Majors with game forcing values (though it is possible to play this 4♣ bid
still as Gerber if your partnership chooses.)
1NT 3♣ __?
 X 8+ points, at least 4c-Major

 3♦ 5+c♦points, 10+ points, GF
 3♥ 5+c♥ points, 10+ points, GF
 3♠ 5+c♠ points, 10+ points, GF
 3NT 10+ points, GF (may or maynot have a ♣ stopper)
 4♣ 5-5 Majors, 10+ points, GF
 4♦* Texas Transfer, 6+c♥, 10+ points, GF
 4♥* Texas Transfer, 6+c♠, 10+ points, GF
 4♠ 4-4 minors, Quantitative, about 16 points (same as your normal agreement)
 4NT Quantitative, about 16 points
Advanced Note
Some partnerships play Systems On vs. a 3♣ overcall.
 X Stayman, 8+ points
 3♦* Transfer, 5+c♥points, 8+ points, Invitational+
10
 3♥* Transfer, 5+c♠ points, 8+ points, Invitational+

Vs. 3♦+ Preempts
If the opponents preempt the auction even higher (3♦+), then our traditional Texas Transfer bids (4♦ and
4♥) are not both jumps and so most partnerships play that those transfers are now off—making bids at
both the 3-level and 4-level natural and game forcing. Double remains used as a negative double, but the
higher it is, the more values it promises.
Finally, a cuebid of the opponent’s suit shows a 2-suited hand and game forcing values:
 1NT 3♣ 4♣ 5-5 Majors

 1NT 3♦ 4♦ 5-5 Majors
 1NT 3♥ 4♥ 5c♠ and 5c minor
 1NT 3♠ 4♠ Slam Try, at least 5-5 minors(some partnerships play differently)
Note: It is possible to have the agreement that Texas Transfers are on even if not a jump. The most important thing
is for you and partner to agree. You do not want to bid 4♥expecting it to be a transfer and have partner pass.
Advanced Note
In order to right-side a Major suit game contract, some partnerships choose to criss-cross the meaning of
the Majors.
 3♥* 5+♠, 8+ points, Invitational+ values

 3♠* 5+♥, 10+ points, GF
When the opponents make a preemptive 3-level overcall after partner opens the bidding 1NT, they eat up
much of our valuable bidding space. We have little room below 3NT to search for a Major suit fit and/or
right-side any potential game contract. Working out stoppers in the opponent’s suit and making slam
tries without getting too high becomes even more difficult. Make sure you and partner have good
agreements about when transfers (both Jacoby and Texas) are on and when you return to natural bidding.
It is better to have some agreement with partner (even a not perfect one) than to have no agreement at all
and be left guessing!
Kansas City Stayman
When we open Notrump and partner bids Stayman 2, or any artificial bid for that matter, the opponents
will sometimes make a lead-directing double. Our discussion will be about how to use this lead-directing
double to our advantage – to help us since we know we will likely be receiving a  (or the artificially bid
suit) lead.
Note: This convention (treatment) does not really have a name; We have just given it a name that some
friends refer to it as of Kansas City Stayman.
11
Opener’s Rebid
Our general approach to this auction will be that Opener will answer Stayman by making the bid they
were planning to if they have a  stopper, and pass if they do not have a stopper.
Here are the rebid details:
 Pass No  Stopper
 XX 5+, an offer to play 2 redoubled
 2 no 4-card Major and a stopper
 2 4+ and a stopper
 2 4+ and a stopper
If Opener shows a stopper, then Responder can bid on normally – looking for a Major suit fit or knowing
they can play 3NT if they have no Major suit fit (since Opener has promised a  Stopper).
Responder’s Follow-up Bids After Opener Passes
When Opener passes the opponent’s lead-directing double around to Responder (denying a stopper in )
then Responder’s normal action is to make a redouble to ask Opener to answer Stayman anyway.
Responder will continue to look for a 4-4 Major suit fit (some 8-card Major suit fit), and if they do not
have one and they do not have a stopper, then Responder can continue to even look for a 4-3 Major suit
fit if they have enough values for game.
If Responder has a positional stopper in  (like AQ or Kx), Responder’s hand will want to be declarer.
Thus, they can just bid their 4-card Major (2 or 2) and Opener can raise with a fit. This 2M rebid by
Responder is forcing for at least one round (showing at least 8+ points).
Note: Some partnerships play this 2-Major rebid by Responder as game forcing to simplify the follow-up bidding.
Transfer Option
Some players also choose to play in a way that makes it so that Responder is always the declarer once the
Opener passes, showing no stopper. When you have this agreement, Responder always makes a
redouble and then the Opener shows their 4-card Major with a transfer bid ( showing ,  showing ,
 showing no Major). This is not always the best idea because we do not always want Responder to be
the declarer if we have a 4-4 Major suit fit.
When the opponents double Stayman, they help their side get off to the opening lead they want, but they
also help us know what lead is likely coming. Having good agreements to help us find a  stopper and
declare the hand from the proper side (Opener or Responder) is a good way to make their lead-directing
double work against the opponents.
12
They Double Our Transfers
When we open 1NT, Responder transfers, and the opponent doubles the transfer bid, this is a lead-
directing double. This double gives us additional bidding options ofpass and redouble. We should be
prepared for the auction to become competitive and we want to use our bidding options of pass, XX, and
accepting the transfer to prepare our side to make good decisions. Let’s see how this works.
Vs. a Lead-Directing X of a Jacoby Transfer
When the auction begins:
1NT P 2♦* X or 1NT P 2♥* X
Let’s consider the first example. Opener now has these bidding options:
 Pass 2c♥ support

 XX 2c♥ support and a good, long ♦ suit, willing to play 2♦XX if Responder has some values
and a couple of ♦.
 2♥ 3c+♥ support
 Other bids are the same as if there were no X.
If Opener passes, showing only 2c♥ support, Responder can redouble to retransfer and then bid on
normally as planned, or Responder can just bid on as they wish, including bidding their own suit and
choosing to play the hand.
Example
1NT P 2♦* X
P P __?
 XX Retransfer to ♥
 2♥ To play
 3♥ Invitational, 6c♥
 4♥ To play, 6c♥
Opener’s 2♥ bid directly over the X is valuable because now Opener has shown support and if LHO
competes in the bidding, Responder can make a better-informed decision about competing. Opener does
not want to make that decision unilaterally because Responder might have 0 points.
Vs. a Lead-Directing X of a Texas Transfer
When we make a Texas Transfer, we know we have a fit and we have already committed to game, so we
don’t expect the opponents to compete in the bidding too often, but just to make their lead-directing bid
sometimes. We want to structure our agreements not to try to compete in the auction, but to play the
hand from the better side.
13
Example
1NT P 4♦* X
__?
 Pass Open to either side declaring
 XX “You play it, partner.”
 4♥ “I want to play it.”
About the Auction

 4♥ usually shows a positional control in the doubled suit, like Kx or AQ (or longer).
 XX shows the Ace and no other honors (a non-positional control) and forces partner to declare in
that game.
 Both XX and completing the transfer show a control in the doubled suit in case Responder is
interested in slam.
 Pass denies a control in the doubled suit – a holding like xx+ or Qx+.
o Responder can then decide who declares by completing the transfer themselves or XX to
retransfer and get Opener to complete the transfer.
The auction is similar when Responder makes a 4♥ Texas Transfer for ♠.
2NT Openings
If we open 2NT, partner makes a transfer (Jacoby or Texas), and RHO doubles, we use a similar set of
agreements as we do after a 1NT opening.
Modern XX Alternative Agreement
Since it is rare that we will want to XX “for business”, suggesting that Opener has a great holding in the
doubled suit and wants to play there if Responder is willing to, some partnerships use Opener’s XX of the
opponent’s X of a Jacoby transfer over 1NT as another way to compete in the bidding.
This alternative is to play that XX shows 3c support with a maximum hand OR at least a desire to
compete to the 3-level if the opponents continue to bid. Therefore, completing the transfer over the
double shows 3c support and a minimum OR no desire to compete at the 3-level.
When the opponent doubles our transfer bid, we need agreements for how to handle it and how to use
the new possible bids created by the interference, XX and Pass. These agreements give us a good set of
tools for having good auctions in these situations.
Keycard asking Over 2/3/4 Level Preempts
When partner opens a Weak Two, it makes sense to use a lower RKB ask. If you are missing two
keycards, it is far safer to stop in 4H or 4S rather than put the contract at risk at the five level.One
possibility is to use a leap to 4C (1430) to ask for keycards (some use it to ask for trump honors), opener's
suit agreed. However, the responses are different because responses of "3" and "4" are not in the game.
1. After opening of : 2H/2S: but we are playing Multi 2D:

2D-2N
14
3H/3S: 4C asking keycard
2. After opening of : 3C/3D/3H/3S: 4C is the asking bid

Say the opening bid is a weak 2H bid and responder jumps to 4C, RKB (1430) The responses are:
 1st step= 0
 2nd step ="1" without
 3rd step= "1" with
 4th step= "2" without
 5th step= "2" with
 After any other response the queen is a known quantity and new suits are Specific Suit Asks;
 4NT is the Specific King Ask.
Opener Responder
2H (a) 4C (b)
4D (1)
4H (2)
4S (3)
4NT (4)
(a) Weak
(b) RKB (1430) hearts agreed
(1) 1st step= 0
(2) 2nd step ="1" without
(3) 3rd step= "1" with
(4) 4th step= "2" without
(5) 5th step= "2" with
THE 4C RESPONSE IN ACTION
Opener Responder
S. QJ9xxx S. Axx
H. xxx H. x
D. Ax D. KQJxx
C. Qx C. AKJx
2S 4C (1)
4S (2) Pass (3)
(1) RKB
(2) "1" with
(3) Two keycards missing (could be two aces)
RESPONDING 4C TO AN OPENING PREEMPT
Opener Responder
S. Ax S. Kx
H. K109xxxx H. AQx
15
D. x D. AQxxxxx
C. xxx C. Ax
3H 4C (1)
4NT (2) 5D (3)
6H (4) 7H (5)
Pass
(1) RKB 1430

(2) 4th step response=2 without
(3) SSA in diamonds
(4) Jump in trump suit= singleton
(5) Figuring to dump losing clubs on diamonds
After response of 4C, any suit bid except agreed suit is SSA (specific suit asking):
 1st step-5D= a singleton.

 2nd step: 5S= the ace
 5NT= guarded king (does not count as a step)
 3rd step= Void
Nearest notrump shows the guarded king and takes precedence over all other steps.
After opening of : 4C/4D/4H/4S: 4N is the key card asking bid
 After opening 4S --5C/5D/5H: What do you have in these suits

 After opening 4H-- 4S/5C/5D: What do you have in these suits
 After opening 4D-- 5C: What do you have in this suit
 After opening 4C-- 4D: Do you have any singleton-
 5C: No singleton
 4N: Singleton in Diamond
 4H: Singleton in H
 4S: Singleton in S
In response to a 4C opening bid, it is not a bad idea to play a response of 4D asks opener for any
singleton. Responses are as follows: A response of 4H or 4S shows a singleton in that suit, a response
of 4NT shows a singleton diamond and a return to 5C denies a singleton.
Opener Responder
S. 52 S. AKQ76
H. Q3 H. A87
D. 5 D. 1083
C. AQJ107432 C. K5
Opener Responder
4C 4D (1)
4NT (2) 6C (3)
Pass
16
(1) Asks for singleton

(2) Singleton diamond
(3) Voila!
This method does not work after an opening bid of 4D unless you are prepared to use 4H to ask for a
singleton.
After opening bids of 4H or 4S it is reasonable to play that a response in a new suit is an asking bid in that
suit, NOT natural.
Opener Responder
S. 5 S. AKJ54
H. KQJ107643 H. A92
D. 65 D. AK4
C. 108 C. J5
Opener Responder
4H 5C (1)
(1) What do you have in clubs?
Responses are by steps, but a return opener's suit (5H) is the weakest response. It shows two or more
quick losers and does not count as a step. In this sequence, 5D is the first step:
1st step-5D= a singleton.
2nd step: 5S= the ace

5NT= guarded king (does not count as a step)
3rd step= Void
Nearest notrump shows the guarded king and takes precedence over all other steps.
In the example opener rebids 5H showing 2 or more quick club losers and responder passes.
Gambling 3NT solid minor suit (7/8 cards)
Bidding Meaning
Responder has sufficient outside controls, happy for partner to play with a
3N - P
favorable opportunity to make game.
Responder believes 3 Notrump is not attainable. 4C allows partner to pass or

3N - 4 ;
correct to 4 if Diamonds was partner's long suit.
With a long, strong major suit, responder can pull the contract to an attainable
3N - 4 /
game of their own. Opener must pass.
3N - 4
A forcing bid asking opener to provide further information, with responder
17
promising a big hand wishing to explore slam. It asks opener to identify

a short suit or bid 4N denying a short suit. See below for extensions to the
convention.
3N – 4N Asks for suit and length quality. Response below
Responder has game values in the minors but no interest in playing in 3

3N - 5 , 6
Notrump. Opener passes or corrects to 5 , 6
Responses to the 4 shape ask are:
4 =  shortage
4 =  shortage
4NT = no shortage (2227 or 2272)
5 = shortage in the other minor (responder should be able to work out which one!).
4NT asks for suit and length quality. Responses are:
5 says suit is AKQxxxx. (7 card suit)

5 says suit is AKQJxxx.(7 card suit)
5 says suit is AKQxxxxx. (8 card suit)
5 says suit is AKQJxxxx. (8 card suit)
Defence against the Gambling 3NT
Double = Strong hand. Suggests doubling for penalties if they run to 4-minor.
4 = Takeout for the majors with preference for hearts.
4 = Takeout for the majors with preference for spades.
4 /4 = to play
Cuebidding the Opponent’s Suit – More Cuebids
Cuebidding bidding the opponent’s suit cheaply on the first round of the bidding is an effective
competitive bidding tool (Michaels or Limit Raise+), but this is not the only time we can use a cuebid of
the opponent’s suit. When the opponents are bidding it makes the auction more complicated for us. We
need to have good agreements about how we use these bids of the opponent’s suit in more than just the
traditional “early cuebid” auctions. Here we look at some of the less common times that we make a
cuebid.
Other Early Cuebids

18
There are other times, even on the first round of the bidding, where we may bid the opponent’s suit.
Even though there are not a lot of bids in these auctions, they can be confusing. Let’s look at some
examples.
Example 1
1♠ 3♠
This jump cuebid of the opponent’s 5+card (usually Major) suit is a Western Cuebid, asking partner to bid
NT with a stopper in opponent’s suit. It means we have a “source of tricks”, usually a long strong minor.
Example 2
1♣ 3♣
This jump bid of the opponent’s 3+card (usually minor) suit is one we need to discuss with partner.
Some play this as a natural bid while others play it as a Western Cuebid (just like when they open 1-
Major).
Note: I usually like to keep it simple and play this just as I would when the opponents open a Major.
Example 3
1♥ 1♠ 3♠
This “jump cuebid” of the opponent’s suit is a splinter, showing about 11-14 HCP, 4+ ♥, and a singleton
or void in the opponent’s suit.
Example 4
1♥ 3♣ 4♣
When the opponents preempt the bidding, the cuebid of the opponent’s suit takes us past the 3-level in
our suit (committing us to at least game in our Major).This bid shows 3+card ♥ and a good 14+ points. It
does not promise shortness in ♣, nor a control in ♣.
Example 5
1♦ P 1♠ 2♠
When bidding in the sandwich seat there are two cuebids available. The cuebid of Opener’s suit is
Michaels (as we discussed last time), but a cuebid of RHO’s suit (the Responder’s suit) is natural. This 2♠
bid shows a good 5+card ♠suit and at least 12 points.
Second Round Cuebids
Cuebids after the first round of the bidding are less specific in their meaning. These cuebids can be used
for a variety of different options, but they are generally strength-showing without any other clear action
at the 2-level and Western Cuebids, asking for a stopper, at the 3-level. The cuebid asks Opener to further
describe their hand – show a stopper in the opponent’s suit or pattern out in a relevant Major suit.
Second Round Cuebid by Responder

19
Responder can cuebid the opponent’s suit on the second round of the bidding when they are not sure
what to do. This generally is a game-forcing bid and asks Opener to further describe their hand. The
most common and useful answer to that cuebid is for Opener to show a stopper in the opponent’s suit.
Example 6
♠ A543
♥ A5
♦ 63
♣ AQJ43
1♣ P 1♠ 2♦
P P 3♦
This cuebid of the opponent’s suit is forcing and shows an offensively-oriented hand (we could double
with a more defensively-oriented hand).This generally asks Opener to further describe their hand, often
by bidding NT with a stopper in the opponent’s suit.
Second Round Cuebid by Opener
A cuebid by Opener simply shows a strong hand that is game-forcing. It is a general forcing bid and is
often also a Western Cuebid, asking Responder for a stopper in the opponent’s suit.
Example 7
♠ A5
♥ A3
♦ 832
♣ AKQ932
1♣ P 1♠ 2♦
3♦
This shows a strong hand, usually with no stopper in the opponent’s suit. It asks partner to bid NT with
a stopper in the opponent’s suit.
Opponents Bid Two Suits
When the opponents bid two suits and we have a stopper in both suits, we bid NT.With a stopper in one
of the two suits, we bid the stopper in the suit that we have, implying a problem in the other one.
Example 8
♠A
♥ AJ3
♦ 832
♣ AKQ932
1♣ 1♦ 1♠ 2♥
3♥
This 3♥ bid shows a great hand (lots of tricks) and a stopper in ♥. It implies a that we do not have a ♦
stopper, asking partner to bid NT with a ♦ stopper.
20
A cuebid of the opponent’s suit is a valuable tool for describing your hand. In most cases it will be used
to show a strong offensively-oriented hand. This cuebid is frequently highly offensively-oriented because
with a more balanced or defensively-oriented hand, we can make a reopening double or bid NT, instead
of making a cuebid. This cuebid can be used as our general “catch-all” forcing bid for getting more
information about partner’s hand. Partner’s priority will be to tell us about a stopper in the opponent’s
suit. With a good hand, especially one with a long suit, make sure you have a cuebid available as part of
your partnership agreement.
5NT Choice of Slams
5NT is not a common bid. We most frequently use it in Ace-asking auctions to ask for Kings. We now
have another use of a 5NT bid in Grand Slam Force. But trying for a grand slam is a rare occurrence and
we would like to use 5NT (specially a jump to 5NT) for another more frequently useful purpose. The
modern approach is to play ajump to 5NT as a “choice of slams” to help up find the best small slam.
Let’s see how this works.
Choice of Slam
1♠ 2♣
3♣ 3♠
5NT
In this auction, we have two possible fits. We can explore a ♠ slam by using 4NT Keycard, or we can
imply weak ♠ and strong ♣ by jumping to 6♣, strongly indicating a desire to play there with something
like ♣AKJx. Another option is to bid 5NT as “choice of slams” – to get input from partner about which
slam to play.
Over your 5NT bid, partner can now bid 6♣ with decent ♣ (say if they made a 2/1 GF bid with ♣KQxxx
or something similar) or bid 6♠ if they have good ♠ support (say Hxx or better) and not great ♣.
Example
♠ K32
♥ AK54
♦ A76
♣ Q432
Here we’re likely to choose to play 6♠ over partner’s 5NT choice of slams because we do not have very
good ♣ but we do have Hxx in ♠.
Example
2NT 3♣
3♥ 5NT
21
This 5NT bid is also a choice of slams bid (not agreeing to ♥, and not Grand Slam Force.) Opener can:
Bid a 4-card minor at 6♣ or 6♦ (offering along the way to 6NT possibly),
Rebid a 5-card ♥ suit with 6♥ in case Responder has a fit,
Bid 6♠ with 4-card ♠ support, as that appears to be why Responder bid Stayman, or
Bid 6NT with nothing else to say.
Choice of NT Slams
5NT “choice of slams” can also be used to decide between playing 6-suit and 6NT. This kind of auction is
particularly useful playing matchpoints where making 6NT when others are making 6-suit can be an
excellent result.
Example
1♠ 2♣
2NT 3♠
5NT
In this case, the partnership may land in 6♣, 6♠, or 6NT, depending on Responder’s hand and what they
suggest next.
5NT “choice of games” is a relatively simple but incredibly useful slam bidding tool. This bid is a good
way to ask for partner’s input about which is the best slam to play from their perspective. In general,
cooperative decision making leads to better slam bidding than just guessing when you are unsure what
strain to play in. Try adding this practical problem solving tool to your slam bidding agreements with
your regular partners.
5NT Grand Slam Force
Another use of 5NT is to check on partner’s trump suit quality for a grand slam. With some hands
(especially hands with voids) we know that Keycard will not help us - we want to bid a small slam for
certain but a grand slam if partner has good trump (2 of the top 3 honors).
Example 1
1♠ 3♠
5NT __
This asks Responder to bid a grand slam with 2 of the top 3 honors and to stop in a small slam with a
weaker holding. This is called Grand Slam Force (GSF).
Some partnerships use a more sophisticated answering structure to 5NT GSF.When ♠, ♥, or ♦ are the
trump suit, we have bidding space below our suit at the 6-level available to describe our trump holding.
Our responses to partner’s 5NT asks are about how many of the top 3 honors in the trump suit we hold.
(Note: 1/3 means “one out of the top three”.)
Example 2
1♠ 3♠
5NT __?
6♣ 0/3 honors
22
6♦ 1/3 honors
7-level 2/3 honors
These answers to GSF are the same when ♥ or ♦ is the trump suit.
When ♣ is the trump suit, we do not have as much room to show our hand below a small slam.
Example 3
1♣ 5♣
5NT __?
6♣ 0/3 or 1/3honors
7♣ 2/3 honors
If you believe that 6NT is a safe final contract, then you can bid 6♦ to show 1/3 honors.
Advanced GSF Responses in a Major Suit
Some partnerships try to make use of the extra space that is available when a Major suit is trump to
describe their top honor holding in more detail by playing amore detailed set of responses.
1♥ 3♥
5NT __?
6♣ 0/3 honors
6♦ 1/3 honors (Queen Only)
6♥ 1/3 honors (Ace or King Only)
7-level 2/3 honors
Example 4
Here is an example of a hand that might use 5NT (GSF) to try for a grand slam.
♠KJTxxxx
♥–
♦KQJxx
♣A
1♠ 3♠
4♣ 4♦
5NT __
Courtesy 5NT
Another important part of using 5NT is to let partner know that we have all the Keycards and are
interested in a grand slam. This is especially true when partner’s hand is unlimited or may contain a
source of tricks.
In these situations, 5NT by Opener confirms that our side has all the Keycards (and the trump Queen)
and invites partner to explore a grand slam. 5NT traditionally asks for Kings (either # or specific), but if
Responder can count 13 tricks then they can choose not to show their Kings and instead just bid a grand
slam.
Example 5
23
1♠ 2♣
2♠ 3♠
4NT 5♥
5NT 7NT
♠KQxxxx ♠AJx
♥ Ax ♥ Jx
♦Axx ♦Jx
♣ Ax ♣KQJxxx
With these two hands we would use the courtesy 5NT to bid a grand slam.
Note: Even with little interest in a grand slam, when we hold all the Keycards, we should be sure to bid
5NT if partner’s hand could contain enough tricks to make a grand slam possible. Bidding 6♠ in this
auction should deny holding all the Keycards – so partner is not tempted to bid on to Grand Slam.
Bidding a grand slam (and maKing it) can be fun. Missing a cold grand slam is annoying. The best tool
for exploring a grand slam in a cooperative fashion is 5NT. Make sure that you and partner are on the
same page about the meaning of 5NT. Also make sure that you do not lazily bid a small slam when a
grand slam is possible - when you have all the Keycards and may have 13 tricks. Use 5NT (the courtesy
one) to let partner know that your side has all the Keycards and that grand slam is possible.
Dealing with 4-Major Interference
When the opponents jump to 4M over our opening bid they apply maximum pressure to us (and
partner.) These auctions are very difficult! Since we have so little room for error (literally) we need well-
defined agreements about the meaning of each of our bids in each of these auctions. Let’s look at these by
detailing our agreements and examining several examples.
Let’s begin by examining our high level competitive bidding tools:
 Negative Doubles through 4.

 Double of 4 is penalty-oriented (not a  stack, but values with a relatively balanced hand)
 4NT is takeout! (We’ll have a better idea of how this works when we see some examples.)
Auctions
1 4 __?
 Double Negative (usually 4c, 11+ points). Sometimes just values, as doubles need to become
more flexible at high levels.
 4 5+, To Play (10+ points, sometimes need to stretch under pressure)
 4NT Usually both minors (5+, 4+ - often 6-4)
 5-minorTo Play
 5 Pick a Slam w/ 1st-Round control and some extra values (mild Grand Slam
Try)
 5 Natural, 6+, Slam Try
 5NT Pick a Slam
24
1 4 __?
 Double Negative (usually 4c, 11+ points). Sometime just values, as doubles need to become
more flexible at high levels.
 4 5+, To Play (10+ points, sometimes need to stretch under pressure)
 4NT Usually both minors (4, 5+ - usually 4-6)
 5-minorTo Play
 5 Pick a Slam w/ 1st-Round control and some extra values (mild Grand Slam
Try)
 5 Natural, 6+, Slam Try
 5NT Pick a Slam
1 4 __?
 Double Card Showing, Penalty Oriented – Expecting partner to pass with most hands.
 4NT “At Least Two Places to Play!” – Takeout, usually shapely 3-Suited Hand –
usually something like 0-4-5-4 OR
 2-Suited Hand -- 5+, 4+ (longer ) OR 4+, 5+ OR 4+, 5+
 5-minor To Play
 5 To Play
 5 Pick a Slam w/ 1st-Round control and some extra values (mild Grand Slam
Try)
 5NT Pick a Slam
1 4 __?
 4NT “At Least Two Places to Play!” – Takeout, usually shapely 3-Suited Hand –
usually something like 0-4-4-5 OR 2-Suited Hand -- 5+, 4+ (longer ) OR 4+, 5+ OR 4+,
4+
 5-minor To Play
 5 To Play
 5 Pick a Slam w/ 1st-Round control and some extra values (mild Grand Slam
Try)
 5NT Pick a Slam
1 4 __?
 4NT “At Least Two Places to Play!” – Takeout, usually shapely 2-Suited Hand – Both
minors OR long  with some  (correct  to ).
 Slam Try in  - If we bid 4NT and then bid 5 it is a 5.5 bid (trying for slam)
 5-minor To Play
 5 To Play
 5 1st-Round control and some extra values (mild Grand Slam Try) – usually  fit.
25
 5NT Pick a Slam
Note: Some partnerships may agree that the 5 cuebid is a Grand Slam Try (with 1st round  control
agreeing in partner’s opening bid suit - in particular, if partner has opened ). This is a good discussion
to have with partner before making this bid!
These auctions, where the opponents brazenly attack us with a 4-Major preempt, can make us face
difficult bidding guesses. By having a good understanding of how to use double (card-showing) and
4NT (takeout), we will at least have a chance to describe our hand to partner. Responder will frequently
have to stretch (“Now or Never!” Situation) to compete in the bidding. This will leave us guessing
whether to bid more (slam) or settle for only game. In these auctions, it is important to cut Responder
some slack – occasionally we will miss slam, but we let partner confidently compete when they have
shape and are a little bit light on values. Responder can be the one to stretch for slam when they have
both a great hand and excellent shape. Keep these ideas in mind and try to survive these difficult
auctions!
3rd Seat Bidding
 Opening the bidding in the 3rd seat is very different from opening the bidding in the 1st or 2nd
seat.
 Normally, the Responder is the Captain of the auction because they know more about our
combined assets than the Opener.
 But when partner is a passed hand, then Opener actually knows more about our side’s values
than partner does. They will be best placed to answer the question of whether our side can make
game. Thus, the 3rd seat Opener is generally the Captain of the auction.
Strength (Opening Light)
One of the things we can do in the 3rd seat is open the bidding light (with as little as 8+ HCP if we have
the right type of hand.) If we choose to open light, we need to balance (consider) three parts of the
auction:
 Lead directing,
 Eating up bidding space from the opponents,
 Surviving the rest of the auction (what to bid next)
When choosing to open light we will frequently have to balance between opening our “best suit” vs.
“most destructive suit”. In 3rd seat we have more control (options) for what we might open – in 1st/2nd
seat the bidding rules generally dictate what suit we open (fewer options.)
Example
KQT73
A7
 742
26
 765
With this hand we can open 1 light to help partner get off to the right lead and make the opponents
start their auction at the 2-level.
1-level vs. 2-level (Level of Opening)
When we are in the 3rd seat our range for a 2-level opening expands from the traditional 5-10 HCP to 3-
12 HCP. This could be a bit weaker or could be a bit stronger - it’s any hand that is not interested in game
opposite a passed partner. So if we have a 6c suit and 11 HCP we may choose to open 2 instead of 1.
This makes the opponents start their auction at the 3-level!
Additionally, we may choose to preempt 2 in the 3rd seat on a hand with a good 5-card suit.
KQT93
3
AT86
 765
Be careful preempting with a 5-card suit and 5332 distribution (balanced hand.) These hands rarely play
well, even when they have a fabulous suit.
Note: Just as we might stretch to open the bidding at the 2-level instead of the 1-leve,l we might also
stretch to open at the 3-level instead of the 2-level with a borderline hand.
4-card Suits
We may also choose to open a 4-card Major in the third seat. This can be a little tricky, but if we have a
hand like:
KQJ6
A6
Q65
 6543
We would clearly prefer to open 1 than to open 1 -- to get a  lead and preempt the bidding for LHO.
When opening light we also may prefer to open a 4-card Major in an effort to make the opponents find
their likely fit a level higher than they would if we open 1-minor. Compare 1 vs. 1 opening bids in
this example:
 987
KQT6
 54
KQT3
Note: Each partnership has their own agreements (style) about what they expect from a 4-card Major in
the 3rd seat. Some people expect it to be lead-directing (a good suit) if it is only 4-cards. Other players
attempt to be as destructive as possible (willing to open on as bad a suit as xxxx). The amount of risk you
27
are willing to take opening a 4-card suit in the 3rd seat is a matter of personal and partnership style. Be
sure to consider vulnerability when thinking about risk!
Aggression
Opening 1 is more preemptive than opening 1. Opening 1 is more preemptive than opening 1.
Opening 1 Is more preemptive than opening 1. So we will stretch more to open 1, less for 1, less
for 1, and even less for opening 1 (which we generally open to be constructive.) There is also the
option of opening at the 1-level vs. 2-level with , , . With  we do not have the option of opening at
the 2-level. Considering these things, then when partner opens the bidding in the 3rd seat we should
understand which bids partner will be most aggressive with:
1 Most Aggressive,
1 Less Aggressive,
1 Less Sound -  more aggressive than  because of the lack of a 2 preempt option.
1 Most Sound
Opening in the 3rd Seat is an art - the art of “getting away with murder!” by being destructive to your
opponents without getting into too much trouble yourself. It is similar to preempting in that way – it is
about risk vs. reward, and we must remember to consider vulnerability when evaluating risk. Look for
opportunities to attack your opponents from the 3rd seat, and try opening:
 With fewer HCP,

 With a 4-card Major,
 At the 2-level with a 5-card suit,
 At the 2-level outside your traditional range,
 At the 3-level or higher with fewer cards than you would normally have.
 Or try to attack them in any other creative way you can think to!
Responses of Michaels – Meckstroth Advances
One of the first things to take into consideration is what we expect in terms of HCP for a Michaels cuebid.
Depending on your partnership agreements, it could be 5-11 HCP or simply 5+ HCP. This range can also
vary quite a bit based on vulnerability and position in which the Michaels bids is made. Whatever we
expect partner to have will affect our bidding as Advancer. The values need to invite game will not be
the traditional 10-12 points opposite an opening hand. Invitational values will vary based on what we
expect partner to hold.
Example
If partner’s bid has a range of 5-11 points, then an invitational bid will invite partner to bid game with the
top of that range – about 8-11 HCP. That means that Advancer needs to have more than an opening
hand’s worth of playing strength in order to invite game.
Meckstroth Advances
28
1♥ 2♥ P __?
 2♠ To play, 2+card ♠, less than invitational values.

 2NT* Game try with fit for both minor suits. Invitational+ values.
 3♣ Pass or Correct
 3♦* Invitational with a ♠ fit, 3+card ♠.
 3♥ Game Forcing, Western Cuebid. Usually no Major suit fit.
 3♠ Shapely invite, 4+card ♠, fewer values.
 3NT To play
 4♣ Pass or Correct. Large fit, 4+cards, for both minors. Less than invitational values.
 4♦* Game Forcing ♠ raise. 3+card ♠. Forcing Passes On!
 4♥* Splinter in support of ♠
 4♠ To play, shapely hand. Not a lot of values.
 4NT Game Forcing raise to 5-minor. Asks opener to bid minor. Strong hand.
 5♣ Pass or Correct. Large fit, 4+cards, for both minors. Not a lot of values.
1♠ 2♠ P __?
 2NT* Game try with fit for both minor suits. Invitational+ values.
 3♦* Invitational with a ♥ fit, 3+card ♥.
 3♥ 2+card ♥ support, to play.
 3♠ Game Forcing, Western Cuebid. Usually no Major suit fit.
 3NT To play
 4♣ Pass or Correct. Large fit, 4+cards, for both minor. Less than invitational values.
 4♦* Game Forcing ♥ raise. 3+card ♥. Forcing Passes On!
 4♥ To play, shapely hand. Not a lot of values.
 4NT Game Forcing raise to 5-minor. Asks opener to bid minor. Strong hand.
 5♣ Pass or Correct. Large fit, 4+cards, for both minors. Not a lot of values.
Follow-up Bids After a Minor Suit Game Try
After a 2NT bid by the Advancer, trying for game in Interferer’s minor suit, then the Michaels bidder can
stop in a part score by bidding their minor suit at the 3-level. With a game forcing hand the Michaels
bidder can bid 3NT with a stopper in the opponent’s suit, cuebid the opponent’s suit without a stopper,
or even bid their Major at the 3-level to show a 6-card suit.
Other Situations Where Meckstroth Advances Apply
This bidding system is an effective tool for Advancer to try for a variety of different game contracts. This
system of Meckstroth Advances can be used in other situations where partner has shown a 5-card Major
and a 5-card minor suit. Some examples of these are Woolsey and Modified Cappelletti vs. 1NT
Opening bids.
29
Example
1NT 2♥* P __?
 2NT Invites game with a minor suit fit

 3♦* Invites game in ♥.
 3♥ Mild invite with ♥ fit
Jump Overcalls in the Passout Seat
Since we will not bid in the PO seat with a weak hand and we could make a simple overcall with 9-10
HCP and a long suit, then a Jump Overcall in the PO seat is free to be used to describe a different type of
hand that can otherwise be difficult to show. Let’s see how to best use this jump overcall in the PO seat.
Balancing
When we are in a balancing position, we usually “borrow” 3 points from partner and bid our hand as
though we have those points. Keep this in mind when it comes to bidding in this seat.
Intermediate Jump Overcall in the Balancing Seat
With a strong 6+c suit and 13+ HCP, when we re-evaluate for length points and balancing, the playing
strength of our hand is about 18+ total points (+3 for balancing and +2 for length).
We can show this type of hand that is just beyond the range for a simple overcall by making a jump
overcall in the PO seat. This JO in PO is called an Intermediate Jump Overcall, and it shows about 13-16
HCP and a good 6+c suit.
Examples
1♣ P P 2♦/2♥/2♠
1♦ P P 2♥/2♠/3♣
1♥ P P 2♠/3♣/3♦
1♠ P P 3♣/3♦/3♥
Let’s look at some specific examples of bidding situations to help see how to use this new tool.
♠AKJT87
♥8
♦K65
♣A86
1♥ P P 2♠
With 15 HCP and a good quality ♠ suit, this hand is a good candidate for an IJO in PO; bid 2♠.
30
♠K82
♥8
♦AKJT87
♣A97
1♥ P P 3♦
Again with a good ♦ suit and 15 HCP, this hand can make an IJO, but since it is ♦ over ♥, that will be at
the 3-level.
♠T2
♥AJ7543
♦AK7
♣Q7
1♠ P P 2♥
This hand has 14 HCP and a 6c ♥ suit, but the suit is not good enough quality to make an IJO. Instead, we
start with a simple overcall.
♠AKJT87
♥8
♦KJ5
♣AQ6
1♥ P P X
P 2♣ P 2♠
Although this hand has a nice 6c suit and is in the PO seat, it has 18 HCP of its own. When added to the 3
points for balancing and the length points for the 6c suit, this is too much to make an IJO. Instead, we
start with a double and then bid the suit on the next round.
♠KJ2
♥AKJT8
♦84
♣A97
1♦ P P X
P 1♠ P 2♥
Although this hand has 16 HCP and is in the PO seat, it only has a 5c suit, so an IJO is not appropriate.
Instead, we start with a double (because with the 3 balancing points, this is too good to make a simple
overcall) and then bid ♥.
Sandwich 1NT Overcall
When we are a passed hand, bids that we might make that would show strong hands are now illogical.
For example, a 2-level simple overcall usually shows an opening hand and a good suit, but as a passed
31
hand we cannot have that hand. Instead, a 2-level overcall as a passed hand shows something different
in this situation (usually a good suit). This idea of “Illogical bids” having different meanings is also true
for a 1NT overcall by a passed hand. Since it is impossible for us to have a balanced hand with 15-17
points, then this passed hand 1NT overcall can not be natural. Thus, we can use a 1NT overcall as a
passed hand as something different – a special conventional bid. Let’s look at our options for using this
“Illogical” 1NT bid.
1NT Overcall by a Passed Hand
One example of an illogical 1NT bid is a direct 1NT overcall by a passed hand.
Example
P P P 1♠
1NT
This 1NT overcall cannot show a natural 15-18 points, so instead it is played as an Unusual NT (just
“less” Unusual than 2NT). This shows 5-10 points and usually at least 5/4 in the minors (either suit
could be longer).
Another example of an illogical 1NT bid is a balancing 1NT by a passed hand.
Example
P 1♠ P P
1NT
This balancing 1NT bid normally shows a balanced hand with about 11-14 points and a ♠ stopper by an
unpassed hand. We could still play this as natural by a passed hand – just reducing our agreement to 11
points. But this 1-point range is not particularly useful. Instead, it is best to play this as a “less” Unusual
Notrump showing 5-10 points and usually 5/4 in the minors (either suit could be longer). Occasionally
this could be even 4-4 minors with 8-11 points.
Sandwich 1NT Overcall
The “sandwich” seat is the one in the middle of two opponents that are bidding. A 1NT overcall in this
seat usually shows a stopper in at least one of the opponent’s suits and a balanced hand with 15-18
points. But again, this is illogical if we are a passed hand.
Examples
P 1♣ P 1♠
1NT
This “Sandwich 1NT” bid is used like a light takeout double – showing 9-cards in the other two suits
(usually a 5-card ♦ suit and a 4-card ♥ suit) and about 7-11 HCP.
P 1♣ P 1♥
32
1NT
Sandwich Notrump - Usually 5+card ♦, 4+c♠, about 7-11 HCP
P 1♦ P 1♥
1NT
Sandwich Notrump - Usually 5+card ♣, 4+c♠, about 7-11 HCP
P 1♦ P 1♠
1NT
Sandwich Notrump - Usually 5+card ♣, 4+c♥, about 7-11 HCP
P 1♥ P 1♠
1NT
Sandwich Notrump - Usually at least 5/4 in the minors (either suit could be longer), about 7-11 HCP
Note: Some players play the Sandwich 1NT convention even as an unpassed hand. But as opening bids
have become more aggressive and Responders have been bidding with fewer values, it has become more
important to have a natural and strong 1NT overcall in this position. This is why the modern approach
has returned to playing a Sandwich 1NT overcall as natural by an unpassed hand.
Example Auction in Detail
Let’s take a look at our 2-suited bidding options in the following auction.
Example
1♦ P 1♠ __?
Double At least 4-4 in ♣+♥, about opening strength – 11+ HCP.
2♦ Not natural, other 2-suits (♣+♥), usually 5-5 (sometimes 5/4), 5-11 HCP.
2NT Unusual NT, at least 5-5 in ♣ + ♥, 5-11 HCP – more preemptive than 2♦.
A note about this 2♦ bid: If LHO had opend 1♥ then a cuebid of LHO’s 5-card suit would clearly not be
natural, since the suit is behind us – with length and possibly strength. But if LHO bids a minor (like ♦
here), then most players treat this as an artificial bid as well (like a Michaels cuebid, showing the other 2-
suits). Although since a 1♣ opening bid shows as little as a 3-card suit, it is good to discuss with partner
if a 2♣ bid in this auction shows ♣ or the other 2 suits (for simplicity I like to keep them all as the other 2
suits).
Note: Some players like to play this cuebid in the sandwich seat like Michaels that could be min-max,
meaning that it could also contain a strong hand with 16+ HCP.
33
Also, both 2♠ and 1NT are natural bids in this auction. But as a passed hand, 1NT can be used as a
“Sandwich NT” – a light takeout for the other 2 suits. A direct 2♠ bid is always natural and shows at least
an opening hand and at least a good 5-card ♠ suit.
Just as the 2NT bid in competition is used as a conventional bid (often the other suits or the lowest unbid
suits), 1NT can be used as a conventional bid when we are a passed hand, since a natural bid makes no
sense. This gives us more options for describing our hand to partner with 2-suited hands (5-5, 5/4, 4-4)
and allows us to more precisely describe our hand to partner – giving them better information for making
for competitive bidding decisions.
Sandwich Seat Overcalls
When our left-hand opponent (LHO) opens the bidding with a suit at the 1-level (1♣, 1♦, 1♥, or 1♠) and
right-hand opponent (RHO) responds, then we are in the “Sandwich Seat”, sandwiched between two
bidders. In this position we need to use good judgment about when to enter the auction and with what
call to best describe our hand. Let’s look at our overcalling options and what we should be considering
when faced with this decision.
Simple Overcalls in the Sandwich Seat
Level 1
In the sandwich seat we know that our LHO has an opening hand and our RHO has at least enough
values to respond. That means that often most of the opponents’ values will usually located behind us.
We should usually have an opening hand with a good suit for making a 2-level overcall. Here, we need
to be careful when we have broken suits or a hand with lots of tenaces, because the missing honors are
more likely to be located behind us. Having a good suit is an important part of making an overcall in this
seat.
Example 1
1♣ P 1♠ __?
♠ A63
♥ KQT873
♦ A53
♣4
This is an example of a sound 2♥overcall in the sandwich seat. It has a quality 6-card suit, a good amount
of values (13 HCP), and some shape (it is not 5332 or 6322).
Example 2
1♣ P 1♠ __?
♠ Q53
34
♥ KJ762
♦ K87
♣ K5
In contrast, this 13 HCP with scattered values not appropriate for making a 2-level overcall.
Since partner failed to act after LHO’s opening bid they will usually not have a fabulous hand. Knowing
this, we might stretch to make an overcall in the sandwich seat with a powerful suit and fewer values
than a normal opening bid.
Example3
1♣ P 1♠ __?
♠ 832
♥ 52
♦ KQJ95
♣ A83
With this hand we want to make certain that partner leads a ♦, not a ♥, against most any contract –
certainly against 3NT. We stretch to overcall 2♦, even with only 10 HCP, because we have a powerful
suit and want to ensure that partner gets off to the best opening lead! This is sometimes called a lead-
directing overcall.
All these sandwich seat overcalls that we have discussed so far are made at the 2-level. But it is possible
to make a sandwich seat overcall at the 1-level.
Examples
1♣ P 1♦ 1♥/1♠
or
1♣/1♦ P 1♥ 1♠
Even though the opponents’ honors are more likely to be located behind us (instead of us behind them,
like in a direct seat overcall situation), these 1-level overcalls are made aggressively and without too
much concern for being in the sandwich seat.
Preemptive Jump Overcalls in the Sandwich Seat
Level 1
Just as in the direct seat, we use jumps to the 3-level or 4-level (or 2-level if it’s a jump) as preemptive
jump overcalls when we are in the sandwich seat. These bids show long, usually strong, suits and less
than opening values – about 5 to 11 HCP. Jumps in the unbid suits at the 3-level are usually 7-card suits
35
(though good 6-card suits are possible), while jumps in the unbid suits at the 4-level usually show an 8-
card suit (though a good 7-card suit is possible).
Again, in the sandwich seat, we know that our LHO is likely to have a better hand than our RHO and we
must be careful when bidding with a hand with bare honors or lots of tenaces. The best hands for
bidding in these situations have long strong suits, with lots of touching honors – AK, KQ, QJ, KJT, etc. We
use these subtle hand evaluation techniques to help keep us out of trouble when making simple or
preemptive jump overcalls in the sandwich seat!
Example 4
1♦ P 1♥ __?
♠ KJ8743
♥ 872
♦ K4
♣ Q4
With this hand that contains lots of bare honors, it is best to pass.
Example 5
1♦ P 1♥ __?
♠ KQT743
♥ 872
♦ A4
♣ 74
With this hand that has the same number of HCP and the same shape, it is best to bid 2♠ as a preemptive
jump overcall. The strong suit with touching honors and the outside Ace (instead of poorly positioned
King) make this seemingly similar hand much better for preempting the bidding.
2-Suited Overcalls in the Sandwich Seat
Level 2
When the opponents have bid two different suits, opening the bidding on our left and responding on our
right, then we have a variety of options for how to describe our hand. Let’s look at some examples to
help us understand these bidding options in the sandwich seat.
Example 6
1♦ P 1♠ __?
36
2♣ Natural, a decent 5+card ♣ suit, usually 12+ points.
2♥ Natural, a decent 5+card ♥ suit, usually 12+ points
2♠ (Suit bid on right) Natural, usually good 6+card ♠suit and more than opening values.
2♦ (Suit bid on left) Other 2 suits, usually 9+cards, either suit could be longer, 8+ points
2NT More preemptive bid to show unbid suits (♥ and ♣). At least 5/5 shape, 5-11 HCP.
Other Actions
X Takeout, at least 4-4 in the unbid suits (♥ and ♣), usually 11+ HCP.
1NT Natural, usually 15-18 HCP, balanced hand with stoppers in the other suits.
The meaning of these bids is similar if responder bids 1NT, instead of another suit.
Example 7
1♥ P 1NT __?
2♣ Natural, a decent 5+card ♣ suit, usually 12+ points.
2♦ Natural, a decent 5+card ♦ suit, usually 12+ points
2♠ Natural, a decent 5+card ♠ suit, usually 12+ points.
2♥ (Suit bid on left) Michaels style, 5+♠ and 5+card minor, usually 5-11 HCP.
2NT Unusual NT style, at least 5/5 minors, usually 5-11 HCP.
Other Actions
X Takeout for ♥, usually 11+ HCP.
The general idea is that bidding new suits is natural, as is bidding Responder’s suit (the suit well-
positioned relative to your suit). Bidding 2NT, Opener’s suit, or a takeout double all show the other two
suits – progressing from more distributional to more value-showing.
Opponents Bid and Raise a Suit (OBAR)
Level: 3
When the opponents find a fit, particularly at a low level, we tend to compete in the bidding much more
aggressively. We do so because we do not want to them to buy the contract at a low level when they
have a known fit. This is an application of the Law of Total Tricks (LOTT) as a defensive bidder – we
know they are will be happy playing at the 2-level if they have an 8+card fit, so we do not want to let
them buy the contract there. Traditionally, the player that stretches to compete in the auction after the
opponents have bid and raised a suit is the member of our partnership who is short the opponent’s suit.
But this is primarily effective for competing with 3-suited and 2-suited hands, often allowing us to stretch
37
to make a takeout double or use other conventional competitive bids, like Michaels or Unusual NT.
Another time that we may stretch to compete in these auctions is when we have an extremely good suit.
In this case, we may overcall at the 2-level, or even 3-level, with fewer values than normal because we
want to stretch to compete in the bidding. This approach to competitive bidding aggressively when the
opponents have found a fit is often referred to as OBAR bids – “OpponentsBidAnd Raised” (or it is
sometimes called “pre-balancing”).
Bidding in the sandwich seat can be a bit of art form. You should treat this situation like making an
overcall in the direct seat, either at the 1-level or the 2-level, buttry to incorporate some better judgment
about the quality of your hand and the nature (location relative to the opponents) of your honors. Since
partner did not bid after RHO’s opening bid you know that they likely will not have a large number of
values. This allows you to stretch to make tactical overcalls with the appropriate hands, like making an
overcall with a very strong suit to help get partner off to the right opening lead. Work on developing
your judgement about these sandwich seat overcalls and learn to get into and out of the auction safely
and effectively!
When partner makes an overcall in the sandwich seat then a few things are different from a direct seat
overcall. First, we have already passed, likely limiting our hand in values. Second, both opponents have
bid. These two facts give us a variety of different options for how we may choose to describe our hand.
Let’s take a look at how we raise partner’s suit when they make a sandwich seat overcall.
The Opponents Bid and Raise a Suit
When the opponents bid and raise a suit, partner will overcall aggressively. They will often bid with
fewer HCP than normal, called “pre-balancing” – OBAR bids. Given that partner is stretching to bid in
this situation we should not compete aggressively.
Example 1
♠ 753
♥ Q52
♦ K985
♣ Q98
1♥ P 2♥ 2♠
3♥ __?
Pass. Although we have some values and a fit for partner, we should not “bury” partner.
Example 2
♠ Q53
♥ A52
♦ K985
38
♣ Q98
1♥ P 2♥ 2♠
3♥ __?
3♠. Although we have limit raise values. we just make a simple raise.
Responder Bids 1NT
When RHO opens the bidding with something like 1♦ and LHO responds with 1NT then partner may
compete in the bidding with more shape (and less strength) than we would normally expect for a 2-level
overcall. We need to keep into account that partner may bid with a hand like this.
Example 3
♠ AQT85
♥ KT3
♦ 9432
♣6
1♦ P 1NT 2♠!!
Since partner will stretch to compete in the bidding here, we should be careful about raising partner if the
opponents further compete (cut partner some slack).
Example 4
♠874
♥ J83
♦ K83
♣KT83
1♦ P 1NT 2♠
3♣ __
Although we have some values and a fit for partner, we should not raise to 3♠. Partner has already bid
some of our values (“pre-balanced’) by coming into an auction like this. We should not punish them for
doing so. It is best to pass here.
Opponents Bid Two Different Suits
When RHO opens the bidding with a suit at the 1-level and LHO responds in a different suit at the 1-level
then if partner makes a sandwich seat overcall, then we have a variety of way to bid the opponent’s suit.
39
Example 5
♠KT53
♥A852
♦ K955
♣3
1♣ P 1♥ 1♠
2♥ __?
This is an important auction to discuss. A cuebid of 3♥ is clearly an artificial bid (if we had a good hand
with long ♥ we would have overcalled 1♥ over RHO’s 1♣ opening). So we can use this as a strong raise
(limit raise or better) of partner’s ♠ suit.
Example 6
♠ K3
♥ A93
♦ 94
♣ KQT843
Here is the type of hand where we bid 3♣. Because we did not have the opportunity to overcall ♣ earlier
(as RHO opened the bidding 1♣), many partnerships use this bid of the opponent’s suit as natural. This is
because we did not have the opportunity to bid our suit on the first round of the bidding (the opponent
opened it) and we are “well-positioned’ behind the opponent that bid our suit. This is different from we
when bid the opponent’s Major suit.
When partner makes an overcall in the sandwich seat, they may be stretching to bid. This can be done to
try to win the contract, get us off to a good opening lead, push the opponents out of their 1NT contract, or
a variety of other reasons that may not be clear to us.The key to handling these situations is to know
when to cut partner some slack as well as having agreements about which bids are natural and which
bids are raises of partner’s suit. When you have the choice of multiple calls, make sure that you choose
the clear one.
Jump Overcalls at the 2-Level
When the opponents open the bidding with 1♣, 1♦, or 1♥ then we can make simple overcalls at the 1-
level. Instead of making a simple overcall at the 1-level, we also have the option of jumping to the 2-level
in a new suit to show a long suit and less than opening values. This jump overcall is a preemptive bid
that is effective because it describes most of our hand to partner and takes away the opponents’ valuable
bidding space all in one call.
40
When the opponents have opened the bidding in front of us and we have minimum values (5-10 HCP),
the hand is more likely to belong to the opponents than to us. We may try to communicate with partner
to win the auction, but more often our goal is to make life difficult on the opponents in their bidding.
Jump overcalls are effective tools for preempting the bidding and attacking the opponents. Let’ see how
to use these tools.
2-Level Jump Overcalls
A jump overcall at the 2-level is one of the following bidding sequences:
1♣ 2♦ or 2♥ or 2♠
1♦ 2♥ or 2♠
1♥ 2♠
These jumps bids show a hand similarto a 2-level preemptive opening bid. This is approximately 5-10
HCP and a decent 6-card suit. But just as preempts can vary dramatically based on a lot of factors
(position, vulnerability, suit quality, shape of hand, tactical choices), so can these 2-level preemptive jump
overcalls.
Deciding to make a 2-level preemptive jump overcall has some factors in common with making 2-level
preemptive opening bids and some factors in common with simple overcalls. We generally like to have
either a good suit or some other redeeming factor to our hand when entering the auction at this level.
Example 1
♠KQT843
♥5
♦ K43
♣ 987
After a 1♣ opening bid on our right (atany vulnerability) we should bid 2♠ with this hand. By jumping to
2♠ we take away much of the opponents’ bidding space and give them less room to communicate and
make an educated decision.
Example 2
♠5
♥J86432
♦ A43
♣ 987
After a 1♣ opening bid on our right we should not bid 2♥ with this hand. Though we have 5 HCP and a
6-card ♥ suit,in most situations there is too much risk in jumping into the bidding. It is better to pass with
this hand.
41
To Make a Jump Overcall or a Simple Overcall
With the hand in the first example we have the option of making either a simple overcall of 1♠or a jump
overcall of 2♠. There are many times when this is the case. As a general rule (few things in bridge are
always true, but this is a guideline) it is better to make jump overcall than a simple overcall with these
types of hands.
Let’s compare these two bidding options.
1-Level Simple Overcall 2-Level Jump Overcall
5+card suit with wide ranging quality Decent 6-card suit
7-18 HCP 5-10 HCP (usually)
We can see that the 2-level jump overcall is a much better description of our hand. It shows more specific
HCP values and more information about both the length and strength of our suit. Generally speaking,
we like to make bids that are more narrowly defined (like opening 1NT) and a 2-level jump overcall is
much more specific than a simple 1-level overcall.
Now this 2-level action does have more risk involved because we are bidding to a higher level, but it also
has more reward. The reward is taking away the opponents’ bidding space and making their life more
difficult. We choose to make the bid as often as we can afford.
Borderline Decisions and Tactical Actions
We often face difficult decisions when we hold borderline hands. Our decision on whether to make a
preemptive jump overcall is a mix of considerations that we make for a simple overcall and a 2-level
preemptive opening bid.
Some of the factors we consider when faced with a difficult bidding decision:
 Suit Quality – not just the top honors of the suit, but the body cards.
 Suit Length – 5-card, 6-card, or even a 7-card suits are possible.
 Shape of Hand – 6332 is the worst shape, 6331 or 6-4 hands have better playing strength.
 Location of Honors – A preemptive bid is generally an offensively-oriented hand, not a
defensively-oriented one. Thus, we want to have most of our honors located in our long suits;
specifically honors in the opponent’s suit are generally a negative.
 Vulnerability– The 4 types of vulnerability also affect how much we are willing to stretch to enter
the auction.
 Position – When we are in the second seat, our partner is not a passed hand and there is still a
chance that our side has most of the strength. But when partner is a passed hand and the
opponents are opening in the 2nd or 3rd seat, then if we have 5-10 HCP we know that the hand
belongs to the opponents. In this case we may make more tactical bidding decisions and we may
make a weak jump overcall on more wide-ranging values and distributions.
 Which Suit We Hold – Just like with simple overcalls and preemptive opening bids, which suit
we hold is also a part of our decision making process. The ♠ suit is more destructive than the ♥
42
suit which is more destructive than the ♦ suit. Thus, as part of our risk vs. reward calculation we
are willing to take risk with the ♠ suit and less with the ♦ suit.
Example 3
♠ KQT93
♥5
♦ 872
♣ 8432
At favorable vulnerability, if our partner passes and our RHO opens the bidding with 1♣, then with only
5 HCP we know the opponents are likely to make a game (or even a slam). Normally with this hand we
would pass, but in this situation, a tactical bid of 2♠ might make the opponents’ life more difficult and
poses little risk of giving us a bad board.
A jump overcall at the 2-level has many of the effects of a 2-level preemptive opening bid and it takes
away the opponents’ bidding space. Specifically, this bid puts pressure on Responder to start their
bidding a level higher than they were expecting. When you make a 2-level jump overcall, you are taking
a bit more risk than when you open the bidding at the 2-level because one of the opponents has already
announced they have an opening hand, but you are also more likely to be taking away the opponents’
bidding space than to be preempting partner. The balance between risk and reward in these auctions is
a bit of an art and is something that time and experience (getting a few disastrous results) will help you
learn to judge. Add these bids to your repertoire and use them to attack the opponents!
Solid Suits
One of the important parts of bidding is looking for and finding a fit. This is generally our primary goal.
But when you (or partner) hold an incredibly powerful suit, we may not need a fit from partner to have
this as a trump suit. We call these self-sufficient or solid suits.
What is a Solid Suit?
Before we talk about how to show a Solid Suit, we will want to make sure we know what a solid suit is.
A solid suit is one that will generally play for at most 1-loser opposite a void. That means we expect it to
play for at most 1-loser if partner is void and the suit breaks reasonably (not perfectly.)
Example Suits
Solid KQJ10xxx 4-2 break only 1-loser(6 Tricks)
Not Solid KQJxxxx 3-3 break only 1-loser. 4-2 break 2-losers. (Only 5 Tricks)
Solid AQJ10xxx 4-2 break only 1-loser. (6 Tricks)

43
Solid AKQxxxx 4-2 break only 1-loser. (6+ Tricks.)
Solid AKQJxx 4-2 break, no losers. (6 Tricks.)
Solid? AKQxxx 4-2 break only 1-loser. (Only 5 Tricks, maybe not enough)
2/1 GF Solid Suits
In a 2/1 GF auction, we do not need to be in a hurry – we are in forcing auction, partner cannot pass.
This allows us to apply an important general principle in forcing auctions – “good hands go slow.”
When we have extra values, we do not need to jump around eating up valuable bidding space. Instead,
we bid slowly and try to get as much information from partner as possible. This opens up our jumps to
be used for different hands. We will use jump rebid by opener to show a quality solid suit instead of
showing extra values.
1 2
3 Solid  suit (at most 1-loser) sets  as trump and asks partner to start cuebidding.
Since partner has shown their solid suit (they have generally set it as trump – certainly for game),
although they have not shown extra HCP, their long strong suit gives them extra playing strength and
they are interested in exploring slam. Thus, we bid on by starting a cuebidding auction – showing our
controls.
We also should be aware that a similar auction exists and is standard after a 2 opening:
2 2
3M Since 2M would be forcing, then 3M has a special meaning.
This shows a solid suit, sets trump, and asks Responder to start cuebidding.
Conclusion
Showing this solid suit, setting trump (letting partner know trump is taken care of) and starting the
cuebidding process lets us quickly set the direction of the auction toward slam and puts us in a good
position to cuebid, Keycard, or use other tools to explore slam.
Bidding after interference over our 1NT opening
 When any overcall: 1N-2C-? shows suit or single suiter, not majors: Double over 2C is stayman, just
ignore the double.
 When the overcall shows both majors, then double is Minor stayman
 For other bids: Double is the same meaning as we bid: i.e. 2D-dble- transfer to Heart
 2NT is puppet to 3C. Over 3C bid by opener, responder’s rebids are:
44
 Pass, shows a hand with long clubs

 New suit, Invitational hand with at least 5-cards in the bid suit.
 Cue-bid of overcaller’s suit, is like game forcing Stayman and promises a 4-card
major and also shows a check in the opponent’s suit. Opener bids a 4-card major,
otherwise 3NT.
 3NTto play and shows stopper (same as in Standard Lebensohl).
 Three-level suit bid (3C, 3D, 3H), transfer to next higher suit, either signoff or game forcing hand.
Responder will bid over opener’s response with a game forcing hand. A transfer into opponent’s
suit is like Stayman and promises a 4-card major and denies a check in the opponent’s suit.
 Jump to 3NT denies a stopper in the opponent’s suit. (Same as in Standard Lebensohl).
 After interference Gerber and Quantitative: off
Against Cappelletti Double or any penalty oriented double
 Meckwell escape
Against Woolsey/DONT double: 1N-dble-?? just ignore it, Play as usual
 Redouble: penalty oriented

 2C stayman
 2D transfer to H
 2H transfer to spade
 2S-Transfer to Club
 2N-Transfer to Diamond
2C when Cappelletti – single suiter: just ignore it, play as usual
 Double stayman
 2S Transfer to C
 2N Transfer to D
2C when natural-DON’T: just ignore it, Play as usual
 Double stayman
 2S Transfer to Diamond
 2N:
2C –both major
 Double: Double for minor stayman

 2D for play
45
 2H: Transfer to club

 2S: Transfer to Diamond
 2N Lebensohl: Transfer to Club
 3C: Transfer to 3D: Either GF or passable
 3H: H guard, partner is asked to bid 3N if he has stopper in spade
 3S: Spade guard, partner is asked to bid 3N if he has stopper in Hearts
 3N for play, has stopper in both suits
 4H: Slam interest in minors, Short heart
 4S: Slam interest in minors, Short spade
 4N-both minor- pick one minor, game only
1NT-2D(suit, DON’T)
 Double-Transfer to H
 2S-transfer to club
 2N Lebensohl: Transfer to Club, after 3C, 3D (their suit) is stayman with stopper in Diamond
 3C: Transfer to 3D (their suit)-is stayman without stopper in Diamond
 1NT-3NT: No stopper
1NT-2D(Woolsey-single major):
 Double-Transfer to H
 2S-transfer to club
 2NT is puppet to 3C. Over 3C bid by opener, responder’s rebids are:
 3D: New suit, Invitational hand with at least 5-cards in the bid suit.
 3C: Transfer to 3D-Either GF or passable
 3D transfer to 3H: Four card, after 3H, 3S is 4-4 majors**
 3H: transfer to 3S: Four card**
 3S: Minor stayman
 1NT-3NT for play
1NT-2D both major:
 Double: minor stayman

 2H: Transfer to club
 2S: Transfer to Diamond
 2N Lebensohl: Transfer to Club
46
1NT-2H
 Double-Transfer to spade
 2S- Transfer to Club
 2N Lebensohl: Transfer to Club-
 3H: Cue-bid of overcaller’s suit, is like game forcing Stayman and promises a 4-card
major and also shows a check in the opponent’s suit. Opener bids a 4-card major,
otherwise 3NT.
 3NTto play and shows stopper
 3C transfer to 3D: Either GF or passable
 3D transfer to 3H ( their suit): 4 card S with no stopper in Heart
 3S: Minor Stayman
 3N-No stopper
 4C-Club and Spade (5+5): leaping Michael
 4D: Diamond+ spade (5+5) leaping Michael
 4H: both minors: Short in H, slam forcing
 4N: both minors, for play in game
1NT-2H (DON’T-both majors)
 Double: minor stayman

 2S: Transfer to club
 2N Lebensohl: Transfer to Club; after 3C, 3D is suit, invitational
1NT-2S
 Double- Transfer to club

 2N Lebensohl: Transfer to Club-
 3H: New suit, Invitational hand with at least 5-cards in the bid suit.
 3S: Cue-bid of overcaller’s suit, is like game forcing Stayman and promises a 4-card
major and also shows a check in the opponent’s suit. Opener bids a 4-card
major,otherwise3NT.
 3NTto play and shows stopper
 3C transfer to 3D: Either GF or passable
 3D transfer to 3H: Either GF or passable
 3H transfer to 3S: ( their suit): 4 card Heart with no stopper in spade
 3S: Minor Stayman
 3N-No stopper
47
 4C-Club and Heart (5+5): leaping Michael

 4D: Diamond+ Heart (5+5) leaping Michael
 4S: both minors: Short in S, slam forcing
 4N: both minors, pick a minor, game only
1NT-2N both minor:
 Double: Penalty oriented

 3C: Stayman
 3D: Transfer to Heart
 3H: Transfer to Spade
Bidding After Advancer Extends Preempt
One of the places where this new method can be helpful is after Advancer gets involved in the auction.
Example
1NT 2♥ 2NT* 3♥
P P __?
In this auction, especially playing Modern Transfer Lebensohl, no hand with values starts with 2NT
unless it is relatively balanced. With a 5+card suit and values Responder bids directly at the 3-level. Let’s
now look at how this helps in this auciton.
When the auction comes back around to partner at 3♥, then the hands where Responder has enough
values to act are generally:
 A hand with a 4-card ♠ suit and♥ stopper (planning to rebid 3NT before Advancer acted).
 A hand with a 4-card ♠ suit and no ♥ stopper (planning to rebid 3♥ before Advancer acted).
Now,when Responder acts in this position they must have 4-cards in the other Major, ♠. This is true
whether Responder doubles or bids 3NT. 3NT clearly must have a stopper in the opponent’s suit, while
double is generally takeout, showing 4-card ♠ and no stopper in the opponent’s suit. At this point
Opener is well placed to determine what to do.
The auction after 1NT=double
Meckwell Escapes
Meckwell Escapes comprise an escape system for use after your side has opened 1NT and the opponents
have doubled for penalty. They're named for American experts Jeff Meckstroth and Eric Rodwell. After
the opposing double, responder bids as follows:
48
Bid Meaning
Pass Clubs or diamonds or both majors. Partner is required to bid 2 or his 5 card suit. Opener’s redouble
shows both majors (4-4)
XX Natural.
2 At least 4-4 in clubs and a higher suit. Partner can pass or correct to 2 asking for the higher suit.
2 At least 4-4 in diamonds and a higher suit. Partner can pass or correct to 2 asking for the higher suit.
2 Natural, 5+ hearts.
2 Natural, 5+ spades.
2N 2N is two suiter and monster game-forcing and very unbalanced.
3N Solid 7+card minor, nothing else outside. Opener is expected to bid 4C without reasonable stoppers.
Meckwell escapes are relatively easy to remember. Redouble is natural. Direct suit bids are natural (with
minors promising a higher suit). The forcing pass handles all other hand types.
Responder's Rebids After 2
Responder's rebids after making a forcing pass and hearing opener rebid 2 :
Rebid Meaning
Pass 5+ clubs.
2 5+ diamonds.
49
2 At least 4-4 in hearts and spades. Partner can pass or correct to spades.
With 4-3-3-3 shape, responder can either treat his four-card suit as a five-card suit, or he can treat his
four-card suit and his best 3-card suit as a two-suiter. In these situations, pray that your opponents elect
to introduce a suit of their own.
Examples
The following examples assume a strong 1NT opening. However, you can naturally tweak these hands
for your own 1NT range
Opener Responder
Q3 642
KQ92 65
JT7 K9852
AKJ4 T87
Responder
Opener Opp1 Opp 2
1NT Dbl(1) Pass
Pass(2)
2 (3) Pass All Pass
2 (4)
1. For penalty.
2. Artificial relay to 2 .
3. Completing the relay.
4. A diamond one-suiter.
Opener Responder
AT 8652
AQ73 KT92
AJT8 973
632 T7
50
Responder
Opener Opp1 Opp 2
1NT Dbl(1) Pass
Pass(2)
2 (3) Pass All Pass
2 (4)
1. For penalty.
2. Artificial relay to 2 .
3. Completing the relay.
4. 4-4 in the majors.
Opener Responder
KJT Q543
A932 876
KT J9743
AQ83 5
Responder
Opener Opp 1 Opp 2
1NT Dbl (1) Pass
2 (2)
2 (3) Pass All Pass
2 (4)
1. For penalty.
2. Diamonds and a higher suit.
3. I don't like diamonds. What's your higher suit?
4. Spades.
After 1NT=p=p=X=p=p:
Bid Meaning
Any two Suit for play

level bid by
opener
XX If opponents double in the passout seat, a redouble by opener shows 4-4 majors.
XX (Res) Fivecardsuit,openerrelaysto2♣.
51
2 At least 4-4 in clubs and a higher suit. Partner can pass or correct to 2 asking for the higher
suit.
2 At least 4-4 in diamonds and a higher suit. Partner can pass or correct to 2 asking for the
higher suit.
2 At least 4-4 in H and a higher suit Spade. Partner can pass or correct to 2S.
The auction after1NT=p=2♣=2X
Opener rarely bids. A double would be for penalties. 2M shows a good fitting maximum [4423] hand
when X=♦, otherwise it shows a maximum hand with a two small cards in X.
The auction after1NT=p=2♣=X
In general, the opener will indicate whether they should be playing in 2♣ doubled. Therefore, redouble
shows a good 4 card suit allowing responder to pass for business, otherwise bid.
The auction after 1NT=p=2♦=X and1NT=p=2♥=X
Responses are unchanged except that opener must pass with two cards in partner’s suit. Redouble
isnaturalshowingafair4+cardsuitandwillingtoplaytheredoubledcontract.
The auction after1NT=p=p=2X
Opener’s double is for takeout, showing exactly xx in opponents‘ suit. Responder’s double is take out:
opener must take out with xx in opponents suit or other poor defensive hand.
Three level overcalls
Over all three level bids, doubles are negative. 1N-2X-3Y is invitational. 1N-3X-4m is natural and forcing.
Over four level bids, double are usually for penalty; however, for five level bids they are again for
takeout.
Advanced 3♠* Relay as Minor Suit Slam Try Structure
Opener Responder
2NT (20-21) 3♠* (4-4/5-5/5-4 cards in Minors with Slam interest)

52
4♣ (I like clubs) 4♦ (Minorwood for clubs or bid other Minor)
4♦ (I like diamonds) 4♥ (Minorwood for diamonds)
2N-4♣ -6+♣s slam: key card for club
2N-4♦ -6+♦s slam: key card for diamond
This is the expert standard structure (more complicated than the one above)for using 3♠* relay as a Minor
Suit Slam Try.
2NT 4♣ 6+♣s slam: key card for club Q-Minorwood in ♣
2N 4♦ 6+♦s slam: key card for diamond Q-Minorwood in ♦
4♥ At least 5-5 in the minors, Singleton or Void in ♥, Slam Interest
4♠ At least 5-5 in the minors, Singleton or Void in ♠, Slam Interest
After a 4-minor rebid as Q-Minorwood, Opener shows if they like their hand for slam and their number
of Keycards.
Q-Minorwood Example
2NT 4♣
 4♦ Opener does NOT like their hand for a ♣ slam.

 4♥ Opener has a good hand for slam AND 1 or 4 Keycards in ♣
 4♠ Opener has a good hand for slam AND 3 or 0 Keycards in ♣
 4NT Opener has a good hand for slam AND 2 Keycards in ♣ w/o the ♣Q
 5♣ Opener has a good hand for slam AND 2 Keycards in ♣ w/ the ♣Q
If Opener bids 4♦, trying to discourage Responder from trying for a ♣ slam, Responder can continue on
and force Opener to answer Keycards in ♣.
2NT 4♣
4♦ 4♥
__?
 4♠ 1 or 4 Keycards in ♣
 4NT 3 or 0 Keycards in ♣
 5♣ 2 Keycards in ♣ w/o the ♣Q
 5♦ 2 Keycards in ♣ w/ the ♣Q
Q-Minorwood Example
2NT 4♦
53
 4♥ Opener does NOT like their hand for a ♦ slam.

 4♠ Opener has a good hand for slam AND 1 or 4 Keycards in ♦
 4NT Opener has a good hand for slam AND 3 or 0 Keycards in ♦
 5♣ Opener has a good hand for slam AND 2 Keycards in ♦ w/o the ♦ Q
 5♦ Opener has a good hand for slam AND 2 Keycards in ♦ w/ the ♣Q
If Opener bids 4♥, trying to discourage Responder from trying for a ♦ slam, Responder can continue on
and force Opener to answer Keycards in ♦.
2NT 4♦
4♥ 4♠
__?
 4NT 1 or 4 Keycards in ♦
 5♣ 3 or 0 Keycards in ♦
 5♦ 2 Keycards in ♦ w/o the ♦Q
 5♥ 2 Keycards in ♦ w/ the ♦Q
Snapdragon Doubles
Bridge players keep finding more and more ways to use doubles, especially in low-level competitive
auctions. The traditional double by the Advancer is the responsive double. This double applies when the
opponents have bid and raised a suit and partner has taken some action in the middle (either a takeout
double or a suit overcall). But when Left Hand Opponent(LHO) opens the bidding with a suit, partner
overcalls a second suit, and Responder bids a third suit, then a double by Advancer is not a responsive
double. It is a different kind of competitive double called a Snapdragon Double – a fancy name for another
double that wants to compete in the bidding. Let’s see exactly what this double shows.
Snapdragon Doubles
When LHO opens the bidding (showing values), partner makes an overcall, and Responder makes a
freebid at the 2-level (showing 10+ points) then the opponents have most of the points. The most we are
going to do in this type of auction is compete in the bidding. We are unlikely to be looking to bid game
based on HCP, so the only way we might bid to a high level is if we have an extremely large fit.
Example
1♦ 1♠ 2♣ __?
 A bid of 2♥ would be natural and competitive – showing a 5+card ♥ suit. (Though you may
normally play a new suit forcing by Advancer it does not make sense to play it as forcing when
the opponents have shown most of the values.)
54
 A double in this auction is played as a snapdragon double – showing both the 4 th suit (in this case
5+card ♥) and tolerance for partner’s suit (3-card fit or at least honor doubleton, depending on
your partnership agreement).
Having the snapdragon double available to show the 4thsuit and at least tolerance for partner’s suit means
that when you bid the 4th suit you are not interested in partner’s suit and you have a poor holding in their
suit.
Let’s look at the previous auction with some example hands for Advancer.
1♦ 1♠ 2♣ __?
♠7
♥ AJT843
♦ 865
♣ K72
Bid 2♥! With this hand, you want to compete in the bidding but only in the ♥ suit – your 6-card suit. This
2♥ bid denies interest in partner’s ♠ suit – showing at best two small cards in that suit.
♠ K5
♥ AJT74
♦ 873
♣ 632
Double. With this hand you have only a 5-card ♥ suit and you have King doubleton in partner’s suit,so
you are not certain which suit would be best for your side to compete in. Double shows a 5-card ♥ suit
and tolerance for partner’s ♠ suit – leaving it up to partner to choose which is the best place to play at the
2-level or if it is a good idea to further compete in the auction.
With the negative inference that your bid of the 4 th suit denies interest in partner’s suit,partner will
usually pass your suit with a reasonable holding – only rebidding their own suit with a powerful holding
in their suit and a poor holding in yours.
The snapdragon double apples when the Responder has bid at the 1-level as well. This is true, even
though Responder has not promised as many values with a 1-level response as they do with a new suit at
the 2-level. In this case, some partnerships may choose to treat a new suit as forcing, since it is possible
for Advancer to have a better hand (this is a partnership agreement).
Example
1♣ 1♦ 1♠ __?
 A double (snapdragon double) shows a ♥ suit (usually at least a 5+cards) and tolerance for
partner’s ♦ suit – 3-cards or honor doubleton.
 Bidding 2♥ shows a 5+card suit and denies interest in partner’s ♦ suit – at most two small ♦.
Note: These bids can be useful whether your partnership plays this new suit as Non-Forcing Constructive or
Forcing.
55
The snapdragon double is a useful agreement to have with your partner. In auctions when partner has
bid a suit and the opponents have bid two suits, we usually only have interest in playing in partner’s suit
or the 4th suit. By having a snapdragon double available to show interest in both of these suits, then
bidding the 4th suit strongly implies interest in only playing there – helping partner avoid making a bad
decision after our bid. Discuss this double with partner and add it to your growing list of competitive
bidding tools.
Other Types of Doubles
It may seem that every time we learn about a new use for double, we discover that there is another one to
learn as well. This is because players are constantly creating more and more uses for double. Here we
discuss some of these doubles that are “modern” creations but have become standard amongst
experienced players.
Snapdragon Doubles
Level 5
When LHO opens the bidding (showing values), partner makes an overcall, and Responder makes a
freebid at the 2-level (showing 10+ points) then the opponents have most of the points. The most we will
do in this type of auction is compete in the bidding. We are unlikely to be looking to bid game based on
HCP, so the only way we might bid to a high level is if we have an extremely large fit.
Example 1
1♦ 1♠ 2♣ __?
 A bid of 2♥ would be natural and competitive – showing a 5+card ♥ suit. (Though you may
normally play a new suit forcing by Advancer, it does not make sense to play it as forcing when
the opponents have shown most of the values.)
 A double in this auction is played as a snapdragon double – showing both the fourth suit (in this
case 5+card ♥) and tolerance for partner’s suit (3-card fit or at least honor doubleton, depending
on your partnership agreement).
Having the snapdragon double available to show the fourth suit and at least tolerance for partner’s suit
means that when you bid the fourth suit, you are not interested in partner’s suit and you have a poor
holding in their suit.
Let’s look at the previous auction with some example hands for Advancer.
Example 2
1♦ 1♠ 2♣ __?
♠7
♥ AJT843
♦ 865
♣ K72
Bid 2♥! With this hand, you want to compete in the bidding but only in the ♥ suit – your 6-card suit. This
2♥ bid denies interest in partner’s ♠ suit – showing at best two small cards in that suit.
56
Example 3
♠ K5
♥ AJT74
♦ 873
♣ 632
Double. With this hand you have only a 5-card ♥ suit and you have King doubleton in partner’s suit, so
you are not certain which suit would be best for your side to compete in. Double shows a 5-card ♥ suit
and tolerance for partner’s ♠ suit – leaving it up to partner to choose which is the best place to play at the
2-level or if it is a good idea to further compete in the auction.
With the negative inference that your bid of the fourth suit denies interest in partner’s suit, partner will
usually pass your suit with a reasonable holding – only rebidding their own suit with a powerful holding
in their suit and a poor holding in yours.
The snapdragon double apples when the Responder has bid at the 1-level as well. This is true even
though Responder has not promised as many values with a 1-level response as they do with a new suit at
the 2-level. In this case, some partnerships may choose to treat a new suit as forcing, since it is possible
for Advancer to have a better hand (this is a partnership agreement).
Example 4
1♣ 1♦ 1♠ __?
 A double (snapdragon double) shows a ♥ suit (usually at least a 5+cards) and tolerance for
partner’s ♦ suit – 3-cards or honor doubleton.
 Bidding 2♥ shows a 5+card suit and denies interest in partner’s ♦ suit – at most two small ♦.
Note: These bids can be useful whether your partnership plays this new suit as Non-Forcing Constructive or
Forcing.
Equal Level Conversion Doubles
Level 5
When the opponents open the bidding with a Majorsuit and we have 4-cards in the other Major and a
long (5+card) ♦ suit, then we may have difficulty describing our hand. If we are 1/4-5-3 we make a
takeout double (having at least 3-cards in the all the suits). But if we are short in the ♣ suit (something
like 2/4-5-2, 3/4-5-1, or even 4cMajor-6c+♦) then we cannot make a traditional takeout double of the
opponent’s Major suit opening. A common way of trying to describe this hand is to overcall ♦ and then
either bid ♥ later or reopen with a takeout double. Unfortunately, the auction does not always allow for
such bidding to occur. So experienced players often use a different approach.
In an effort to get the other Major involved earlier in the bidding, some partnerships choose to double
with a hand like this. If we double with this type of hand and partner bids ♣, then we cannot leave them
there. Instead, we correct to ♦. But this sounds like we have a strong hand with a long ♦ suit. If we play
Equal Level Conversion Doubles (ELC) this double does not show extra strength, since it is converting one
minor to another (♣ to ♦) at the same level.
57
Example 5
1♠ __
♠9
♥KQ87
♦ AK7643
♣ 73
If we play equal level conversion doubles, then we can double with this hand.
If partner bids ♣, then we correct to ♦.
1♠ X 2♠ 3♣
P 3♦!
In this auction, if we play ELC, 3♦ does not show a strong hand.
If we adopt ELC, we give up the “double and bid” auction to show a strong hand with ♦ (at a low level).
But a hand that is strong enough to double and bid a suit is somewhat rare after the opponents have
opened the bidding.This hand with ♦ and the other Major is certainly a more common holding then an
extremely strong hand with♦. This seems like a reasonable tradeoff to help us handle a somewhat
difficult bidding situation.
Note: ELC is only when we correct ♣ to ♦. It does not apply to other situations.
Lead-Directing Doubles
Level 6
A double of an artificial bid is normally a lead-directing double, asking partner to lead that suit. When
we make a lead-directing double, it helps partner get off to a good opening lead, but it also helps the
opponents by giving them a couple of extra calls (redouble and pass) to use to communicate with their
partner at a low level. In slam auctions, this may help them clarify their controls, and in lower-level
auctions, this may help them play 3NT from the best side by helping them show a positional value.
Example 6
1♠ 2♥ P 3♠
X P P XX
When we make a lead-directing double of a splinter, the next player can redouble to show first round
control or pass this around to partner to see if they can redouble to show first round control (usually a
void by the splinter bidder).
Example 7
2♠ 3♦ P 3♠
X P P 3NT
Here a double of 3♠, asking partner to lead a ♠, allows the Overcaller to pass and keep the auction below
3NT, even when they do not have a ♠ stopper. This gives Advancer a chance to show a ♠ stopper with a
3NT bid.
58
We would like to be able to help partner make a good opening lead (tell them to lead our suit vs. try
another suit) while not helping out the opponents so much. This is done by the use of Anti-Lead-Directing
Doubles.
Anti-Lead-Directing Doubles
The idea behind Anti-Lead-Directing Doubles is that when we bid a suit, it is most likely that we want that
suit led. Since we have determined that when the opponents cuebid our suit a double is likely to help
them if we play normal lead-directing doubles, we are likely to make bidding easier for them. Instead in
this situation, we want our most frequent auction (the one where we ask for the lead) to not help the the
opponents. We accomplish this by changing our agreements and switching the meaning of pass and
double. Playing anti-lead-directing doubles then:
 A double asks for partner to lead something else.
 A pass asks partner to lead our suit. (This is the most common action).
Example 8
1♠ 2♥ 2♠ 3♠
__?
 Pass asks for a ♠ lead.
 Double asks for a lead other than ♠ (anti-lead-directing double.)
Issues with Anti-Lead Directing Doubles
One issue with playing anti-lead-directing doubles is that since passing a cuebid of our suit shows a good
holding in that suit, we must double a cuebid to show a poor holding in that suit. Doubling a suit that we
have few honors in can be dangerous. For example, we do not want to be forced to double a low-level
bid (say at the 2-level) if we have an extremely poor holding in the suit we are doubling (like 3 small
cards). In this case, the opponents might play in this 2-level doubled contract and our chance of beating it
with a holding like 3 small is very low.
Example 9
1♣ 1♠ P 2♣
X?
We do not want to play anti-lead directing doubles in this low-level cuebid auction because we can not be
certain of defeating a 2♣ contract.
Rules for Anti-Lead Directing Doubles
Since anti-lead-directing doubles have this danger, it is important to have good agreements about when
they apply. A good set of rules for playing anti-lead-directing doubles are:
 Only apply at 3-level or higher.
 Apply in a 5-card or longer suit of your own
o A 1-level overcall is considered a 5-card suit.
o Do not apply if we open 1♣ or 1♦ and have not rebid the suit.
 Do not apply in a suit bid by partner.
59
Low-Level Double of Our Own Suit
A double of a low-level bid that is a suit that we have bid is not a lead-directing double (or anti-lead-
directing double). Instead, a double in this situation shows extra length in this suit (usually 6+cards) and
extra values – if we opened the bidding , then it’s not a horrible opening bid.
Example 10
1♣ 1♠ P 2♣
X
This double shows a decent opening bid (or more) and usually a 6+card ♣ suit.
Even through just a few examples, we can see that doubles are a living and growing part of the game.
Players are constantly finding more interesting ways to make use of the double in complicated
competitive auctions. Do not try to memorize or master all the doubles. Instead, slowly integrate new
uses of double into your agreements with your regular partners, giving you a new bidding tool for these
competitive auctions.
Lead-directing penalty doubles
Doubles of notrump games have four possible lead-directing meanings, depending on the auction. You
can figure out what partner wants if you know the standard priority for these messages.
The four types of lead requests, in the order you should consider them, are:
Lead your suit. This applies in any auction where you’ve made a natural bid of a suit, whether partner
has passed or raised or bid his own suit. In the auction below, he wants a diamond lead (your suit).
Without the double, your natural lead would probably be partner’s suit (a spade), so he would pass if he
wanted that lead.
LHO Partner RHO You
1C 1D
1H 1S 1NT Pass
3NT DBL All Pass
Lead my suit. This meaning takes precedence when the doubler (partner) has bid a suit but opening
leader (you) has not. It’s most valuable when partner has opened what could be a 3-card minor, and
60
knows there’s a possibility that you won’t lead his suit without the double. Double says “Lead a club” in
this auction:
LHO Partner RHO You
1C 1NT Pass
3NT DBL All Pass
Lead dummy’s first-bid suit. This is the message in auctions where you and partner have passed and
dummy has made a natural suit bid. In the auction below, partner wants a spade lead:
LHO Partner RHO You
1C Pass
1S Pass 1NT Pass
3NT DBL All Pass
This meaning also applies if dummy has shown a suit but hasn’t actually named it, as in this auction:
LHO Partner RHO You
2NT Pass
3C * Pass 3S Pass
3NT DBL All Pass
Partner is asking you to lead a heart, not a club. LHO’s 3C response was Stayman, which is not a natural
suit bid. The Stayman inquiry, though, implies that LHO has a 4-card heart suit, so that’s dummy's
natural suit.
Fisher Double
Invented by Dr. John W. Fisher, the Fisher double is used when opening 1NT or 2NT. The double of the
Final notrump contract at any level asks for a lead in a minor suit, CLUBS if the 2C Stayman Convention
was NOT used and diamonds if Stayman was used but it was not doubled.
Lightner Slam Double

61
This convention was designed by Theodore Lightner and asks the partner of the opening leader to make a
lead directing double of a slam contract.
If doubler has bid a suit
 Partner MUST NOT lead the suit

 DO NOT LEAD a TRUMP,
 Assume that the double is based on a void or an unexpected AK (or AQ) in a suit bid by the
opponents. (Very often dummies first bid suit.)
If doubler has NOT bid a suit
 Partner MUST NOT lead the unbid suit

 DO NOT LEAD a TRUMP
 Assume that the double is based on a void or an unexpected AK (or AQ) in a suit bid by the
opponents or perhaps declarers side suit (second bid suit).
If both the doubler and the doubler’s partner have bid a suit
 Partner MUST NOT lead the suit bid by the doubler

 DO NOT LEAD a TRUMP
 Partner is forbidden to lead his own suit
 Lead the unbid suit.
 Doubles of notrump slams usually ask partner to lead dummy’s First bid suit or an unusual lead.
Rosenkranz Redoubles
When Left Hand Opponent (LHO) opens the bidding, partner makes an overcall, and Right Hand
Opponent (RHO) makes a negative double, then Advancer is in the middle of a complex competitive
auction. Traditionally, a redouble in a competitive auction shows a strong hand (10+ points), but with
everyone bidding it is not likely that Advancer is too focused on showing values. Instead, we want to
design our agreements to let us best describe the most common kinds of hands. In this auction, Advancer
having lots of values is not common. Let’s see how using redouble as a conventional bid, called a
Rosenkranz Redouble, can be more effective than this traditional value-showing redouble.
When partner overcalls, they frequently will have holdings like:
AQxxx
Axxxx
KJxxx
Kxxxx
62
With holdings like these, partner will be worried about leading their suit. If you have a top honor (Ace or
King) in their suit, then partner should lead their suit; but if you do not, then leading their suit could be
costly. In this case, it would be very helpful if Advancer had a way to show a top honor in partner’s suit.
This is what a Rosenkranz Redouble accomplishes. When Responder makes a negative double, then
Advancer can use this special redouble to show either the Ace or King in partner’s suit.
Example
1♣ 1♠ X XX*
This redouble (Rosenkranz) shows either the ♠A or ♠K. It could be holdings like,
Singleton A or K
Doubleton A or K – Ax, Kx
Axx
Kxx
Note: Some partnerships may agree that this redouble shows both a fit and a high honor (Ace or King),
but this makes the redouble less frequently useful.
This is a very useful agreement because when Advancer does not make a redouble,then Interferer is
alerted to the fact that partner does not have a top honor and that it may be dangerous to lead their suit.
Example
1♣ 1♠ X P
This pass by Advancer implies they do not have the ♠A or ♠K and Interferer should be careful leading
their suit.
When Advancer raises Interferer’s suit in these auctions then there is an inference that Advancer does not
have the Ace or King.
Example
1♣ 1♠ X 2♠
Playing Rosenkranz redoubles, this raise to 2♠ shows at least 3-card support and denies having either the
♠A or ♠K.
Opening Leads
Another way that the Rosenkranzredouble can help a partnership is to get them a ruff early in the
auction.
For example, imaginedefending a 4♥ contract with this layout in the ♠suit.

63
Txx
Axxxx Kx
QJx
If the auction goes,
1♣ 1♠ X XX*
2♥ P 4♥ All Pass
Then West knows it is safe to lead a low ♠because they know that partner has the ♠K. With a low ♠ lead,
the defenders can take the first three tricks – ♠K, ♠A, and a ♠ ruff.
Note: Some partnerships also choose to play Rosenkranz doubles instead of snapdragon doubles in
auctions where Responder bids a new suit – showing Ace or King in partner’s suit.
A Rosenkranz redouble helps partner with an opening lead by showing a top honor with a redouble (or
even more importantly denying one when a redouble is not made). This gives up a natural redouble
(showing values), but this is not a very common bid by Advancer in this situation. If you and partner like
“practical gadgets” that help you communicate in difficult competitive auctions you may find this useful.
Discuss using this gadget with your regular partners.
Grand Slam Force
A better term for this bid would be “Grand Slam Try.” A jump to 5NT after a major suit is agreed asks
partner to bid seven of the agreed suit if holding two of the top three trump honors.
The following responses allow the asking partner to determine specific information that may still allow
the partnership to make the best bid at the six level or to take a calculated risk of bidding seven even
when missing one of the top honors:
-- 6C shows the ace or king (but not both) of the top two honors.
-- 6D shows the queen of trumps only of the top three honors.
-- Six of the trump suit denies the ability to make any other response.
-- Seven of the trump suit shows two of the top three trump honors.
Double Agreement Roman Key card Black wood (DRKCB)
With a double agreement, there are now six keycards (four aces and two kings), NOT FIVE, so we have
what are called Double agreement 1430 Roman Keycard Blackwood (DRKCB). We consider DRKCB
responses for some double agreements.
Major-Major Agreements
a)Opener Responder b)Opener Responder

64
1♠ 2♥ 1♥ 2♠
3♣ 3♠ 3♠ 4♥
4♥ 4NT 4NT
Then 4NT is a DRKC Bask.
When responding to DRKC Basks, there are now six key cards. And, there are no void-showing
responses. The first two responses (5♣ and 5♦) of DRKCB are the same as 1430 RKCB; however,there are
now three queens showing responses:
5♥ 2 with neither queen
5♠ 2 with lower ranking queen 5NT 2 with higher ranking queen 6♣ 2with both queens
Note that in these cond step (5♠), you do not know which queen. However, if partner makes
a first or second step response to a DRKCB ask (5♣ and 5♦), unless the asker has both of the agreed-upon
suit queens, the queen situation is unknown. To now ask about queens, the asker uses the next available
“free bid” step, excluding the trump suits, but including 4NT for a queen ask. The four-response steps
now become:
1st step 2 with no queen
2nd step 2 with lower-ranking queen only 3rd step2 higher-ranking queen only
4thstep 2both queens
When investigating a small slam using the double-agreement sequence, you are looking to have at least
five of the six missing keycards plus at least one queen of the agreed upon suits.
We now consider two major-major examples.
(A)Opener Responder Comments
♠A10732 ♠KJ5
♥A982 ♥KQJ63
♦K2 ♦A94
♣Q7 ♣A5
1♠ 2♥ (1)Double Agreement
3♥ 3♠(1) (2)DRKCB
4♥ 4NT(2) (3)2 with neither queen
5♥(3) 6♥(4) (1) Q♠ is missing

65
(B)Opener Responder Comments
♠A8732 ♠KJ5
♥AQ95 ♥KJ632
♦A2 ♦K94
♣A5 ♣Q7
1♠ 2♥ (1)Double Agreement
3♥ 3♠(1) (2)DRKCB
4♥ 4NT(2) (3)1 or 4 keycards
5♣(3) 5♦(4) (4)Queen ask with double agreement
5♠(5) 6♥(6) (5)Q♥(2nd step, lower-ranking queen)
(6)Q ♠ is missing
Note that if the response in example (B) was 5♦ (0/3), 5♥ would be the Queen ask bid and with zero you
would pass. Remember to use DRKCB you must have two key cards to begin the DRKC asking bid of
4NT. Queen asks are more easily used with kickback DRKCB sequences. With all eight keycards, 5NT is
the SKA bid.
Baron Bids after 4NT
After an invitational quantitative 4NT bid, opener need not bid 6NTsince finding 12 tricks may be
difficult. It is often better to play slam in a suit which allows you to ruff losers. If you have four losers
you may not want to play in notrump, but a suit. Since the bid of 4NT invites a slam, any bid by the
opener says “I accept” the invitation to slam, and is forcing; one may also stop in 5NT. Instead of
bidding 6NT, one usually bids 4-card suits up-the-line which allows the partnership two chances to
find a suit fit.
Let’s look at an example:
West East
♠54 ♠AK7
♥K67 ♥QJ9
♦KQJ2 ♦A10985
♣AK54 ♣J2
In this example, West has 4 losers and the bidding goes 1NT – 4NT; since East has 15HCP and a 5-card
suit, he invites slam. With four losers, east accepts by bidding 5♣, the cheapest 4-card suit. East does
not like clubs, but is happy to bid 4♦. West likes his quality diamond suit and his two small spades are
only an asset in a suit contract. Hence, he bids 6♦. In six diamonds, west can ruff a spade for the 12 th
trick; if the contract was in 6NT, only 11 tricks can be made.
Let’s consider a secondexample.
West East
♠AKJ ♠Q72
♥AQ67 ♥K9
♦A102 ♦K752
♣KJ10 ♣Q842
66
In this case, the bidding goes:
2♣ 2♦ (ace or king)
2NT 4NT
5♣ (Baron Bid) 6♣
Finally suppose we have the following hand.
West East
♠AJ2 ♠KQ43
♥KQ87 ♥52
♦KQ6 ♦AJ103
♣AK8 ♣J102
Here the bidding goes:
2NT 3♣(Stayman)
3♥ 4NT
6NT
You have bid your suits so that the bid is quantitative for a slam in notrump.
Grand Slam Force after 1NT – Is the bid of 5NT. It may be used after a notrump opening or after one has
agreed upon a suit.
To use the bid after a one notrump opening requires 20+ HCP. If opener is at the top of his bid, 17 HCP,
he bids 7NT; otherwise he bids 6NT.
After a suit bid, for example 1♠-5NTor4♥-5NT, with two or more controls in the bid suit,
Partner bids:
• 6 of the agreed trump suit if holding one of the top three trump honors(e.g., the ace)
• 7 of the agreed trump suit if holding two of the top three trump honors(e.g., the king and
queen)
Pick a Slam - Without a known fit or when the opponents interfere, a jump to 5NT is used to ask
partner to pick slam. For example, he may go:1♣-1♥;2♦-5NTor the bidding may go 2♣-3♠; 4♣- 5NT.
Grand Slam Force
A bid of 5NT (with a known agreed fit) after a 3-level or 4-level bid is called the Grand Slam Force and is
used most often when the bidding has shown a strong suit. The definition of a strong suit is:
(1) a preemptive opening bid or overcall when vulnerable,
(2) a jump rebid,

67
(3) a rebid in your original suit after you partner has made a jump shift.
Then, a bid of 5NT by partner is the Grand Slam Force bid ask about the strength of your suit. Your
responses are:
6♣ one of the top three honors, almost always the ace or king.
6 of the agreed suit two of the top three honors.
7 of the agreed suit three of the top three honors.
Some also play the bid even if the bidding does not show a strong suit. For example, a preemptive bid not
vulnerable. Then the responses are:
6♣ queen or less.
6♦ ace or king with minimum length.
6♥ ace or king with more than minimum length.
6♠ two of the top three honors.
7♣ (or 7 of the agreed upon suit) the top three honors.
Many times the responder must first find out about aces before using the Grand Slam Force. Then, the bid
of 6♣ becomes the Grand Slam Force bid! An example follows:
Opener Responder Opener Bid Responder Bid
♠KQJ10xxxx ♠A 4♠ 4NT
♥x ♥AKQxxx 5♥ 6♣
♦x ♦AKxx 6♠ 7NT
♣Axx ♣KQx
Note: Without a fit, the 5NT bid is known as the Pick a slam bid.
The preference rules for signaling in general
When following to a suit led by your partner:
 signal attitude with your first card,

 signal count with your second card (present count).When count is not necessary then it will be
suit preference
68
When following to a suit led by the declarer:
 signal count with your first card,

 signal suit preference with your second card.
 If you cannot give count by the first card, then by the second card present count is given and by
third card (if possible) suit preference. .
When discarding in a suit not led yet

 signal attitude with your first card,
 signal present count* with your second card.
When discarding in a suit already led

 signal present count*.
(*Present count or remainder count is the method used to show how many cards you have left in the
suit (when you are playing / discarding at that time) after your first card played in the suit showed
attitude.)
Basic List of Agreements of Signal
 Declarer leads a suit – we give count.

 Partner leads a suit:
 We give Attitude if partner’s card is holding the trick.

 We give Attitude if Second Hand (often Dummy) is winning the trick with the Ace or
King.
 We give Count if Second Hand is winning the trick with the Queen or cheaper (if we
can not beat the Queen or lower, Partner already knows our Attitude.)
 If Attitude and Count are already known or irrelevant we give Suit Preference
 When partner leads an Ace and there is a singleton on the dummy (vs. a suit
contract.)
 When partner leads the Ace and the KQx hits on the dummy (vs. a notrump
contact.)
Signal when discarding
 The first card you play when discarding a suit is an attitude signal, and in signaling, refers to that
suit only. When discarding, you must first choose the suit, not the signal. Remember that good
bridge takes precedence over signaling. When the discard suit has been chosen, choose the card
based on your attitude relative to that suit.
 The discard of a low card tells partner that you have no interest in that suit. Remember the
definition of discard – it’s something you’re throwing away!
 Discard a high card to ask partner to lead that suit if partner wins a trick. Play the highest card
you can afford, but do not waste a trick in a suit just to signal to partner. When defending a no
trump contract, think carefully before discarding from a long suit. You may be throwing away
the setting trick!
69
 With two or more positive signals to show partner, first encourage partner to lead the suit it is
not safe for you to lead yourself.
 If a suit is discarded which has been already played and its attitude and count are already
known- no value, then the discard of this suit will be considered as lavinthal discard.
 The discard of an honor card indicates the top of a perfect sequence. It also tells partner it is not
necessary to protect that suit if discarding becomes a problem.
 Most discards come from long suits. If declarer knows your length from the bidding or because
partner has shown out, that suit is safe to discard: declarer knows what you have.
 In general the weaker of the two hands makes honest discards, while the stronger may not. If you
have all the missing high-card strength, you don't have to make a general announcement since
partner isn't going to get in anyway.
 If you discard from a suit partner has led earlier, make a present count by discard. (When either
declarer or dummy initiates a suit, you usually give present count immediately.)
 Try to keep parity with both the dummy and the declarer. It’s easier to keep length parity with
the dummy because you can see it!
 Make your spot card discard signals clear as a bell
 When making a discard in dummy’s strong suit, give count
 After you lead a suit, your first discard in that suit is present count
The preference rules for signaling in general:
 When following to a suit led by your partner:

 signal attitude with your first card,
 signal suit preference with your second card?? Or count
 When following to a suit led by the declarer:
 signal count with your first card,

 signal suit preference with your second card.
 If you cannot give count by the first card, then by the second card present count
given.
 When discarding in a suit not led yet:
 signal attitude with your first card,

 signal present count* with your second card.
 When discarding in a suit already led:
 signal present count*.
Basic List of Agreements
 Declarer leads a suit – we give count.

 Partner leads a suit:
 We give Attitude if partner’s card is holding the trick.
 We give Attitude if Second Hand (often Dummy) is winning the trick with the Ace or
King.
 We give Count if Second Hand is winning the trick with the Queen or cheaper (if we can
not beat the Queen or lower, Partner already knows our Attitude.)
 If Attitude and Count are already known or irrelevant we give Suit Preference
70
 When partner leads an Ace and there is a singleton on the dummy (vs. a suit contract.)
 When partner leads the Ace and the KQx hits on the dummy (vs. a notrump contact.)
Remember: Primary Signal Attitude, Secondary Signal Count, Tertiary Signal Suit Preference. There are
many other agreements that you and partner can make as you improve and evolve as defenders. The
most important thing is for you and partner to be “on the same page” – have the same understandings
about what is going on during the defense.
Attitude Signals
Attitude signals are used in two situations:
 At trick one by the partner of the opening leader

 The first time a defender makes a discard in a suit.
Attitude signals come with two looks:
 A high-low signal can be given with a doubleton telling partner you can trump the third round of
the suit.
 The high-low signal is also used to show partner you have an honor in the suit partner has led,
usually an equal honor.
Equal honor: An honor equal in rank to one partner is known to hold. For example, if partner leads a
queen, promising the jack, then both the king and the ten are ‘equal honors’.
 If the missing equal honor(s) is in dummy, then an encouraging signal must be from a doubleton.
 If you have supported partner’s suit, then your encouraging signal must be the equal honor
signal. (count signal is also given in this situation. You have to judge whether it is attitude or
count signal.)
 When partner leads an honor card and you have an equal honor, but want partner to switch to
another suit (maybe you have a void or an AQJ sitting over a king in dummy, etc.), play low to
discourage; do not play high to encourage partner to continue the original suit. Re-read this.
Again.
Starting a false signal:
Playing a discouraging card on partner’s high card lead generally suggests that you have strength in
another suit, and can stand a switch. But what if you don’t have any side-suit strength, and a switch
would be disastrous? In that case, you might actually give partner a false encouraging signal!
 A blatant equal-honor signal: playing the queen holding the queen-jack.

 When you have a choice of spot cards and signalling with equal spot cards, play your higher or
your highest equal and lowest or lowest spot card.
The attitude signal at trick one

71
Partner has made the opening lead and the dummy is tabled. If the card you play is not being used to win
a trick, it should tell partner how you feel about the suit he or she led. Is the defense most likely to take
their tricks if partner’s suit is continued? Or should the defense attack another suit? The signal you
choose is not based solely on the cards you hold. Your choice also takes into account the knowledge of the
hand you have gained from the bidding, from partner’s lead, and from the cards that appear in dummy.
 The play of a high card in the suit encourages partner to continue leading that suit. If you do not
want partner to switch to a new suit, encourage partner to continue the suit already led.
 The play of a low spot card in the suit tells partner to make the obvious switch. Before
automatically signalling for a switch in suits, review the bidding and examine dummy from
partner’s perspective. The suit you want partner to lead is obvious to you, but may not be so
obvious from partner’s perspective.
 The play of an honor card when partner will probably win the trick is a singleton, or it promises
the honor immediately below.
 The card you play when attempting to win a trick is also a type of attitude signal. Play the lowest
of equal cards when winning a trick. Include the cards in dummy when determining those
equivalents.
 Don’t forget that the lead of an Ace against a no trump contract specifically asks for attitude. Play
a high spot card if you hold the King or Queen in the suit partner led to encourage.
N: S: K752 H: 65 D:97 C AQJT3
E: S: 83 H: QJ73 D: JT63 C 742
Auction (South dealer):
1S- X - 2NT! – Pass
4S– Pass – Pass – Pass
Partner’s opening lead is the A of H. What should you do? Play the Q of H under partner’s A of H at trick
one! This play promises a singleton or the J of H. Partner’s play at trick two will tell you a lot about how
this hand should be defended.
Hand 1. If partner leads a low heart to your J of heart at trick two, partner wants you on lead. Don’t
return a heart! Looking at this dummy, return the J of D.
———————
The attitude signal when discarding:
The first card you play when discarding a suit is an attitude signal, and in signaling methods (in notrump
contract it will be smith echo and lavinthal discard), refers to that suit only. When discarding, you must
first choose the suit, not the signal. Remember that good bridge takes precedence over signaling. When
the discard suit has been chosen, choose the card based on your attitude relative to that suit.
 The discard of a low card tells partner that you have no interest in that suit. Admittedly, partners
notice high cards and tend to ignore low cards, but a negative signal is less likely to cost your
side a trick. Remember the definition of discard – it’s something you’re throwing away!
 Discard a high card to ask partner to lead that suit if partner wins a trick. Play the highest card
you can afford, but do not waste a trick in a suit just to signal to partner. When defending a no
72
trump contract, think carefully before discarding from a long suit. You may be throwing away
the setting trick!
 With two or more positive signals to show partner, first encourage partner to lead the suit it is
not safe for you to lead yourself.
Hand2:
N: S3 H --D A J96 C KQ32
E: : S—H 64 D QT85, C A94
Auction (Northdealer):
1D – Pass – 1H – Pass
2C – Pass – 3NT– Pass
Pass –Pass
Even without knowing the first four tricks, you should be able to figure this out. Declarerleads the S
3 from dummy and you mustdiscard.
Hand 2. You have the D QT8 sitting over dummy’s diamond holding and the A of Club. Tell
partner to lead a diamond; you can win the A of C by yourself. You have two ways to show
partner that you prefer diamonds. Which would be best with the cards shown her?
Count signals:
Count signals are used to tell partner how many cards you hold in a suit. A player should play card i.e.,
play high card followed by a low card, to show an even number of cards in that suit. Clues from the
bidding, as well as dummy’s and partner’s own holdings, should quickly tell partner whether you hold
two, four, or six cards in the suit. Play a low card in the suit followed by a high card to show an odd
number of cards in the suit. Again, keep in mind that good bridge always takes precedence over
signaling.
The count signal tells partner (and declarer) how many cards you have in the suit being led. It is
important not to confuse the two signals.
The count signal is given mainly when:
 Either declarer or dummy initiates a new suit; when either declarer or dummy initiates a suit,
you can’t give attitude, just count.
 Partner leads a suit and it is quite clear from dummy's holding and declarer's play from
dummy that you cannot possibly hold an honor in the suit.
 Giving count in a supported suit. you give count in a suit partner has bid and you have
supported.(Attitude signal is also given in this situation. You have to judge whether it is
attitude or count signal.)
 Giving count at the five- or six-level. When the opponents play a contract at the five- or six-
level, the king should be led from AKx(x). Furthermore, if the dummy comes down with the
73
queen, third hand must give count. This is done to tell the opening leader whether the ace
cashes or not.
 When partner shows out of a suit (meaning both you and declarer have a complete count on
that suit, give partner count so he, too, can join the party)
 When you lead the ace of your bid, but unsupported, suit and dummy hits with the king-
queen, partner gives count
The count signal when declarer leads a suit
A count signal may be used any time declarer first plays a suit. Usually when declarer plays a suit,
neither you nor your partner will win many tricks in that suit. An attitude signal would be unnecessary,
so bridge players signal to tell partner how many cards they hold in the suit declarer is playing. When
you and partner know the number of cards held by each in a given suit, you also know the number held
by declarer. Using clues obtained from the bidding, opening lead, attitude signals, and count signals,
declarer’s hand quickly becomes an open book.
 A count signal is mandatory when dummy holds a long suit with no outside entry. To
prevent declarer from taking any extra tricks, you or partner must know exactly when to win
a trick in that suit. If you play no other count signals, play them in this situation!
 Do not give a count signal when declarer is playing a four-card holding such as AKQT. You
or partner may hold four cards to the J in that suit and you don’t want to give declarer the
information that a finesse is necessary.
N: S: 953 H: 65 D: 97 C KQJT8
E: : S:-- H: -D: - C A53
Auction (North dealer):
Pass – Pass – 1D – Pass

1S – Pass – 2NT – Pass
3NT – Pass – Pass – Pass
Declarer wins partner’s spade lead in hand,and promptly leads the 3 of C towards thedummy.
When will you take you’re a of C?
Hand 3. There is no outside entry to dummy, so you want to take you’re a of C when declarer plays his
last club. Partner plays the 9 of C, starting an echo and showing an even number. When will you win the
A of C? When will you win the A of C if partner plays the 4 of C?
The count signal at trick one
 If partner’s opening lead is a low spot card, the card you play is normally an attempt to win the
trick. If dummy wins the trick with an honor card, the card you play is still an attitude card. If
declarer plays a winning spot card from dummy that you cannot cover, however, your attitude
about this suit will be obvious. Don’t waste your first play. Choose the card that shows count in
the suit.
74
 If partner leads the Ace against a suit contract, signal high-low with a small doubleton in that suit
to show a desire to trump. When defending a no trump contract, partner’s lead of an Ace in a suit
promises a very strong holding and asks for count or unblock.
The concept of present count
You can expand count signals when following in all suits – including suits led by partner or discarded by
you but only after doing your primary job – following the guidelines for leading, playing third hand high,
signaling attitude when following suit or discarding. This is called giving remaining count or present
count.
If your first play in a suit was an attitude signal, your second play in that suit – assuming you are not
making an attempt to win the trick – should show what is known as present count, the number of cards
you are holding in that suit at that time. Echo if your present count is an even number of cards; play low
followed by high if that count is an odd number of cards. Note that present count is an advanced concept.
Add it to your repertoire when you are comfortable with more basic signals.
 At trick one, if declarer plays an honor from dummy give count. But when you cover the played
card it is not count. So, your second card, if not an attempt to win the trick, shows present count.
 The first card played in a suit when discarding is an attitude signal. The second card played tells
partner your present count in the suit. Echo if your present count is an even number of cards;
play low followed by high if that count is an odd number of cards.
Example. The contract is 4S – and you hold only one spade. When declarer pulls trumps, you will follow
to the first spade, but must discard when the second spade is played. You plan to discard diamonds from
this holding: D: 86432. (1) Your first discard is the 2 of D, which shows your attitude in this suit. (2) On
the third spade, tell partner your present count in the diamond suit. You now hold the 8643 of D, or four
cards. Play the second lowest diamond you can spare to show an even number of cards remaining.
 Consider telling partner your present count when returning his or her opening lead suit. With an
odd number of cards left in the suit, play low followed by high; with an even number, play High
followed by low. If you started with at least four cards in the suit, play your original fourth best
card. There are many card combinations that take precedence over present count. Examples
include sequence holdings and cards needed to surround dummy’s honors.
The trump echo Defenders can do some cute stuff with their small trumps. The basic ‘trump echo’
signals:
 The most important use of the trump echo is to show you have at least one more trump. It is used
mainly when ruffing declarer's tricks.(a) With an odd number of trumps, play high-low. (b) With
an even number of trumps, lead your lowest
 Many times the trump count is known from the bidding and there is no point.
 When declarer begins to draw trumps, you can use the order you give the trump as suit
preference signal.***
Suit preference signals:

75
Suit preference signals are the third signal type used by defenders to defeat contracts. These signals are
used when following suit in very specific situations to tell partner to switch to a given suit. Again,
remember that good bridge always takes precedence over signaling.
Here are the five basic situations to use a suit preference signal:
1. When giving partner a ruff.

2. When partner leads a singleton.
3. When the opening lead has set up a number of discards in dummy and the lead has been made in
a supported suit.
4. When third hand has shown six-plus cards in the suit that is led.
5. When a high honor is led and dummy has a singleton.
 In (1) a relatively high card asks for the return of the higher-ranking side suit, while a
relatively low card asks for the return of the lower ranking side suit.
 In (2), (3) and (4) the play to trick one is suit preference.
 In (5) the play to the first trick is attitude, but an unusually high card asks partner to
shift to the least likely side suit; the play of a low card asks partner to shift to the more
likely side suit: the ‘obvious’ shift; the play of a middle card asks for a continuation.
 Your partner leads a singleton against a trump contract. You win the first trick and return the suit
for partner to ruff. The card you lead is a suit preference signal. This signal tells partner in which
suit, if any, you hold an entry. If your entry is in the lower of the two outside suits, return a low
spot card for partner to ruff. If your entry is in the higher of the two outside suits, return a high
spot card. If your entry is in the trump suit, or you have no outside entry, return a middle card.
You want to caution partner against an unusual lead away from a possible trick. Be as clear as
possible in your signals.
Hand 4.
N: S: 7532 H: 765 D: KJ9 C KJ8
E: : S: 8 H: AT842 D:QT86 C A52
Auction (South dealer):
1S – Pass – 2S – Pass
3H – Pass – 3S – Pass
4S – Pass – Pass – Pass
Hand 4. You suspect from the bidding that partner’s 9 of H is a singleton. Your side needs four tricks to
set this contract. Although you may be taking a trick with your Q of D, it would be best to guarantee the
76
set with two ruffs in partner’s hand. With this in mind, what heart should you return at trick two for
partner to ruff?
In the example shown, return the 2 of H to tell partner to lead the lower outside suit, clubs. If you held
the A of D instead of the A of C, you should return the T of H for partner to ruff. Don’t think the 4 of C is
low enough or the 8 of H is high enough.
The suit preference signal at trick one:
In rare instances, the card you play when partner makes the opening lead against a suit contract will be a
suit preference signal.
 If partner’s card is likely to hold the first trick and dummy will take the next trick in that suit,
your first card may be a suit preference signal. Play a low card in the suit to tell partner to switch
to the lower of the remaining suits, excluding the trump suit.
 The play of a high card in partner’s suit may be a suit preference signal asking partner to switch
to the higher of the remaining suits, excluding the trump suit. It may also be an attitude signal
telling partner not to continue that suit, regardless of dummy’s holding.
The opening leader, if in doubt, should assume that a high card is an attitude signal requesting the
discontinuation of the suit. Attitude signals take precedence over suit preference signals.
Hand 5.
A82
Contract: 4S (South)
KQ5
KJ5 Partner’s A lead may not be best for
KJ83 your side. He will win this trick, and then,
what should he do?
 83
A T42
 8642
 AQT4
Hand 5. Partner doesn’t need an attitude signal from you to tell him a heart continuation may be useless.
You want to tell him what suit to switch to, if possible. You do your best and play the 2 of H.This card
asks him to switch to the lower of the outside suits – clubs. Without this suit preference signal, partner’s
next play is simply a guess. What heart would you play at trick one if your clubs and diamonds were
reversed?
 In situations where both attitude and count in a suit are known, the card you play can be a suit
preference signal. A high card would suggest the higher of the outside suits; a low card suggests
77
the lower; a middle card would tell partner you have no preference. Note that this is an advanced
concept. Add it to your repertoire when you are comfortable with more basic signaling.
Example. Partner leads the A of S against a 6H contract. You hold Q752 of S and dummy holds T863 of S.
You encourage with the 7 of S and declarer trumps this trick! Both you and your partner now know the
exact disposition of the spade suit. The next spade played by either one of you will be a suit preference
signal.
Suit Preference Situations
Though Attitude and Count are our primary and secondary signals, there is another vital form of
signaling to partner – Suit Preference signals. A suit preference signal is usually used to tell partner what
suit to shift to – a low card asks for the lower reasonable suit and a high card for the higher reasonable
suit. Suit preference signals and opportunities to use them come up more often than we realize, so let’s
take a look at some useful suit preference situations.
Singleton in the Dummy – Suit Contract
Level 2
The classic example of a suit preference signal occurs when partner leads an Ace against a suit contract
and a singleton hits in the dummy.
Example
Partner leads the A vs. a 4 contract and dummy has a singleton .
In this case, we have no future in the  suit (declarer can just ruff the  losers), so it does not make sense
to give an attitude signal. With a singleton on the dummy, count does not seem like a useful piece of
information to give partner either. More importantly, we know that partner’s Ace is going to win trick 1
and they will have to decide what to do and what suit to shift to at trick two. So it makes sense that we
should try to help partner figure out what to do next. We do this with a suit preference signal. In this
case, partner needs to decide which of the other two suits to attack -  or . We can tell partner which
one we prefer with our suit preference signal – playing low for the lower suit  and high for the higher
suit .
Note: With no preference or if we want partner to continue the suit they led anyways, we play a middle card –
neither high nor low.
Solid Suit in Dummy
When we lead an Ace from AK and QJxx+ hits in dummy, we can see all the honors. In this situation,
partner might like the suit if we are in a suit contract (wanting a ruff – play Ace, King, and a ruff), but in a
notrump contract,it is clear that partner cannot like this suit, so an attitude signal makes no sense.
Similarly, count is not useful in this situation, thus we should be giving partner a suit preference signal.
78
This is a slightly more complicated situation because there is no trump – leaving us with three suits to
choose from. Usually we can rule out one of the three suits from either the auction or seeing a strong suit
in the dummy. Thus, we can play high or low suit preference signals between the other two suits.
Note: In the complicated situation where we cannot rule out one of the suits and there are still three to choose from,
we usually agree that playing a high card asks for the highest of the suits and playing a low card is one of the lower
suits - but this is a good carding detail to discuss with partner.
Trump Suit Preference
Level 4
In addition to these suit preference signals at trick one, we can also use our spot cards to give suit
preference when we judge that count is not important. The primary example of this is when we have
small cards in the opponent’s trump suit. When they draw our trump, we can use the spot cards to give
suit preference signals. Usually, partner leads one suit and other suit is trump, so there are only two suits
left to choose from. Thus, we can play a high-low echo in trump to show something in the higher of these
two suits and play low-high to show values in the lower of the two suits or no preference.
Note: With no preference, we tend to play up the line and partner should know this means that either we like the
lower suit or nothing at all.
Advanced Note
Some other partnerships choose to give suit preference signals in even more complex situations. As a
declarer it is important to ask the defenders their signaling methods (Attitude, Count, Discards, and
General Approach – “primarily attitude”, “lots of count”, “lots of suit preference”, etc.)
Suit preference signals are a valuable addition to our tools for communicating with partner. In situations
where attitude and count are not useful, then these signals can greatly help partner with difficult
decisions. The number of places that you choose to use suit preference signals will be dependent upon
your partnership defense style. As you play, keep an eye out for situations where suit preference signals
would have been helpful and then work with your regular partners to integrate suit preference signals
into your defensive methods!
More Suit Preference Signals
Most partnerships prioritize attitude signals when partner leads a suit (or in other situations). When
attitude is known or irrelevant, many partnerships then use count signals as their second priority. This
leaves suit preference signals as the third and least common signal. A suit preference signal is the act of
using a low card to suggest holding a useful card (or suggesting partner play) a lower-ranking suit and a
high card to suggest holding a useful card (or suggesting partner play) a higher-ranking suit. Some
79
partnerships choose to make use of suit preference signals in a variety of different situations. Here we
look at more options where agreeing to use suit preference signals can be helpful.
Trump Suit Preference

Level 4
One of the first places (and most useful) that partnerships agree to use more suit preference signals is in
the trump suit. Giving count in the trump suit usually helps the declarer more than it helps partner, so
using our spot cards to give suit preference is more useful. Here is how it works:
Example 1
Imagine you hold ♠72 against a ♠ contract. When declarer draws trump and we are not involved in
trying to win the trick (which is our first priority), we can give suit preference with our spot cards,
instead of giving count. We generally rule out two suits, the trump suit and the suit led by our side, and
give a suit preference signal between the other two suits. For the above holding, imagine we are
defending 4♠ and we have led a ♥. From ♠72, we play the ♠7 if we like ♦ (a high card to suggest that we
like the higher-ranking suit) or the ♠2 if we like ♣ (a low card to suggest that we like a lower-ranking
suit).
Note: If we have no preference (we like neither of the suits) then we play our cards “up the line” (in the normal
way).
Suit Preference at Trick 2, When Attitude is Known
Level 2
When we lead a suit and our card holds the trick, we must decide what to do at trick 2. When attitude is
known and count is irrelevant, we fall back on using suit preference signals. The first time we learn
about these is when we lead an outside Ace (not the trump Ace) vs. a suit contract and dummy has a
singleton in this suit. In this case, we play a lowcard to ask partner to play the lower side suit and a
highcard to ask for the higher side suit.
We can do something similar in a notrump contract when there is no future in the suit.
Example 2
QJ95
AKT2
84
763
In this case, on the lead of the Ace (or King),both players know that there is no future in this suit. In a
notrump contract it is also known that count is not relevant, so we use a suit preference signal instead.
This is a slightly different situation in that there are three “other” suits, not just two suits to choose from.
We reduce these to two suits by using the auction, looking at dummy’s holding, or simply using logic to
eliminate one of the three suits. We then use a suit preference signal (high for the higher suit, low for the
lower suit) to direct partner to which suit we want them to play.
Suit Preference Instead of Smith Echo

Level 6
80
Some partnerships choose to extend their use of suit preference signals to other situations. When
defending notrump contacts, many partnerships use Smith Echo at trick 2 (instead of a count signal) to
help partner better defend the hand. A modern use of suit preference signals is to use a suit preference
signal at trick 2 instead of Smith Echo.
Example 3
♠AQJx
♥xx
♦ KQJ
♣xxxx
Imagine partner leads a low ♥ against a 3NT contract, this is the dummy, and we play the ♥J which is
won by the declarer’s ♥K. Declarer the takes a ♠ finesse at trick 2 and we win our ♠K. There are now
three “other” suits – ♥, ♦, and ♣. We eliminate the ♦ suit based on dummy’s strong holding. So our
options are to return a ♥ (which we want to do if partner has ATx+ remaining),or shift to a ♣. Partner lets
us know what to do by using a suit preference signal: playing a high ♠ to ask for a ♥, the higher suit, or a
low ♠ to ask for a ♣, the lower suit.
Suit Preference Instead of Count Signals

Level 6
There are some partnerships that find suit preference extremely useful, even addictive. The most extreme
of these partnerships choose to use suit preference signals as often as possible. One option is to use a suit
preference signal in places where we would traditionally give a count signal – when declarer leads a suit.
The idea is to let partner know where our honors are located early in the hand, instead of letting partner
know the shape of our hand. This requires some judgment, because knowing which honor to tell partner
about first can become an important part of defending properly. There are some hands where this is an
extremely useful method and other hands where we would strongly prefer to be playing count signals.
Suit Preferences signals are a powerful tool. Experienced partnerships are always looking for more
places to make use of these types of signals. Many partnerships experience with using them in different
and innovative ways, often replacing traditional signals like count or Smith Echo. You should not try to
adopt all of these (or even most of them), but keep an open mind about where using a suit preference
signal may allow you to improve your defense. Work with your regular partner to adopt some of these
useful signals and see what happens for you!
Miscellaneous
Encourage with highest of equals
♠K65
♠QJ7 ♠A982
♠T43
81
When partner leads the ♠Q and dummy plays low, encourage with the ♠9 which denies the ♠T. Partner
will know not to continue the suit.
I think most players get this right, after all if you going to encourage it might as well be as encouraging as
possible. Just don’t get lazy and play the ♠8 because partner might think you have T 8 x and are showing
an equal honor.
Highest card plays from perfect sequences
Standard defense for decades is to lead the top of a sequence and for the third hand to play the bottom of
a sequence. Kantar hews the line here. But he parts way with standard dogma in second seat,
recommending playing the highest in a sequence of three or more cards (a “perfect sequence”), i.e. the
card you would have led had you been on lead. He claims this is easier for partner to read and is the
favored approach of experts.
♠532
♠K6 ♠QJT9
♠A874
When dummy leads a small spade, play the ♠Q. If declarer wins, partner can unblock if that is useful.
Exception: Holding KQJ(x), don’t play the king because partner may think you have AK. Play the jack
because partner will usually be able to tell the difference between KQJ and JT9.
Be careful about splitting from QJTx and JT9x if declarer is known to have four cards in the suit. Setting
up a trick for declarer is far worse than clarifying the suit position for partner.
When you have an honor sequence, or the equivalent of an honor sequence, and declarer wins the trick,
play the highest honor.
♠A54
♠J987 ♠T2
♠KQ63
When East switches to the ♠T, and declarer plays the ♠K, West plays the ♠J, denying the queen but
confirming the low equals.
82
Kantar also recommends discarding the top of a three card or longer sequence (provided of course that
you can afford it). Here is an example of how useful this can be.
♠Q5
♥A86432
♦A54
♣T4
♠AK986 ♠7432
♥KT5 ♥J7
♦K87 ♦QJT963
♣62 ♣3
♠JT
♥Q9
♦2
♣AKQJ9875
South preempts 5♣, silencing everyone. West begins with two high spades before exiting passively with a
trump. What will West discard on the run of clubs? If West discards the ♦Q early, West will know it is
safe to bare the ♦K (or even pitch all his diamonds) and the defense can not be denied the setting heart
trick.
Equals in second seat
Kantar’s rules for the play of equals in second seat are:
If you know you are going to take the trick, take the trick with your lowest of equals.
If you can’t be sure you are going to take the trick, play you higher or highest equal (the one you would
have led), but with KQJ, split with the jack (see above) and with KQ, split with the queen.
If you work through the cases, with AK you know you will win the trick, so play the king and rule #2
says to play the queen with KQ. These are the old-fashioned splitting rules. It is only with weaker equals
like QJ and T9 where you play high to clarify the position.
Showing doubleton honor sequences
It is standard to reverse the normal lead from a doubleton honor sequence, e.g. leading the king from AK
tight or the queen from KQ tight. When you show up with the other card or must have it given declarer’s
line of player, partner knows you are a doubleton. This can be extended to other situations, for example
playing the queen in third hand and then showing the king, indicates KQ tight.
Ace from ace-king

83
Ace from ace-king only applies to the opening lead. Lead the king from ace-king on later tricks (many
players go wrong here). For later tricks, starting with the king from ace-king is more sensible because one
needs to cash out an ace late in the defense or start a suit with the ace when not holding the king.
Similarly, lead the king from ace-king at trick one if partner has supported the suit. This is to distinguish
between holding ace-king and merely leading the ace in the suit your side is strongest in, often a good
lead.
Finally, lead the king from ace-king against five or six level contracts. If dummy has the queen, third
hand must give count so that the opening lead knows if the ace is cashing.
Queen led against a no-trump contract
It is useful to adopt the agreement that a queen is led against a notrump contract, requests partner to
unblock the jack, catering to a lead from KQT9. If partner does not have the jack, he signals
encouragement holding the ace and discouragement otherwise. This rates to be a safe unblock because it
is the only time a queen is led against notrump without the jack (the other standard queen leads are from
sequence led by QJTx, QJ9, and AQJ).
Supported versus unsupported suit leads against notrump
If you are leading partner’s suit but have not supported it:
 With a doubleton, lead high.

With three cards, lead low, e.g. lead the 2 from either 862 or Q62.
 If you are leading partner’s suit but have supported it:
 With three or four small cards, lead high.
With three or four cards headed by an honor, lead low.
 In the first case, you are communicating length; in the second attitude because partner already
knows something about your length, i.e. 3+ cards.
Attitude or count dilemma
When a low card is led against notrump, signal attitude if dummy wins the trick with the king or ace,
given count if dummy will win the trick with queen or low. This makes sense because in the later
scenario, your attitude is known—you were not able to cover!
Most common suit preference scenarios
The most common suit preference scenarios are:
 When giving partner a ruff

 When partner leads an obvious singleton
 When partner leads an ace in a supported suit and sets up a number of winners in dummy
 When you have promised six or more card in a suit
 When dummy has a singleton
The first scenario is very standard and the third is commonsense. See the next section for more on #4. The
second scenario hinges on the word “obvious.” A typical situation is when partner leads a suit you are
84
long in and which declarer also bid but which did not end up becoming the trump suit. It is more obvious
if partner leads small, especially if you know it is his smallest card, ruling out a doubleton lead.
It is worth discussing your partnership’s treatment of the final case when dummy has a singleton. I’ve
always played it as suit preference for the higher or lower of the two remaining non-trump suits. But the
problem with this approach is that sometimes continuing the suit is important, typically either to
promote a trump holding or remove a trump entry prematurely, often with the consequence that declarer
cannot draw trump finishing in dummy. Kantar’s treatment is to play this more like an attitude situation,
where a high card requests continuing the suit and a low card requests the “obvious” shift. There is that
word “obvious” again. Nonetheless, thinking back to cases where dummy has had a singleton, I agree
with Kantar that partner has an obvious shift 90% of the time. Still what if you need the non-obvious
shift? You request that by dropping the high card you can afford. Since dummy has a stiff, you are likely
to have enough cards the suit led to cater to all three scenarios.
Suit preference with known 6+ card suits
Normally suit preference signals convey a choice of two suits, the suits remaining after the suit in which
the preference is given and trump suit are excluded. For example, if hearts are trump and the ♣2 is a suit
preference signal, it is suit preference for diamonds, the lower ranking suit of diamonds and spades, the
two remaining suits.
But when the defender giving preference is known to have a six card or longer suit, e.g. after a preempt
or a suit bid and rebid, he will have enough cards to reliably distinguish between three suits. Here are
two examples.
♠KJ6
♥72
♦AJT6
♣AK65
♠5 ♠943
♥AJ8 ♥KQT9643
♦9874 ♦-
♣J9732 ♣QT8
♠AQT872
♥5
♦KQ532
♣4
East preempts 3♥ and South winds up in 6♠. West leads the ♥A and East plays the ♥K to request a shift to
diamonds. The ♥3 would request a club continuation. A middle heart would request a heart continuation.
Discuss this with partner. Many partners will interpret the ♥K as an attitude signal and continue hearts.
But I think Kantar is right to introduce the three suited preference treatment to intermediates. Yes, it is
85
one more thing to remember but it addresses the common situation of communicating well when
partners leads the suit you preempted in or rebid.
♠A872
♥63
♦KJT753
♣4
♠JT96 ♠53
♥42 ♥KQJ985
♦A4 ♦Q9
♣QJ752 ♣T63
♠KQ4
♥AT7
♦862
♣AK98
East preempts 2♥ and South winds up in 3NT. West leads a heart, and declarer ducks the ♥J and ♥K. East
can now drive out declarer’s ace with any heart. The ♥Q indicates a potential spade entry, the ♥5 indicates
a potential club entry, and the middle card denies a likely entry in either suit. When East plays a middle
heart, West can work out that the ♦Q is the only hope of East ever getting in again, and make the
spectacular play of discarding the ♦A on the third heart.
Signals when discarding twice
When you make two discards in the same suit, the first discard is attitude and the second is present
count. This is easy to remember because it is analogous to what you do in third seat for the suit led
(provided you don’t need to cover or aren’t immediately giving count at trick one because your attitude
is clearly negative).
Giving count when discarding in dummy’s strong suit
When dummy has a powerful suit missing the ace or king, the defender who does not have the missing
honor can make a count discard in that suit. This allows his partner to work out declarer’s length in the
suit and hold up an appropriate number of rounds.
The Left Jab

86
♠72
♥743
♦AKT94
♣654
♠KQJ94 ♠T63
♥K2 ♥T865
♦Q7 ♦J862
♣T832 ♣97
♠A85
♥AQJ9
♦53
♣AKQJ
Against 3NT, you lead the ♠K, partner playing low denying the jack or ace. Declarer plays low. Next you
continue with the ♠J, your lowest remaining equal, requesting an unblock of the ♠T. Partner obliges, and
declarer wins the third spade, discarding a club from dummy.
What do you play when declarer leads a low diamond toward the entryless dummy? The ♦Q! Declarer
can’t let West in and is therefore held to two diamonds for down one or even down two if he finesses
the ♦9 later. If you play small at trick four, partner wins and returns a heart. But declarer hops up with
the ♥A and runs diamonds to make an overtrick. If partner doesn’t cover the ♦9 at trick four, declarer
cashes out winners to make the contract on the nose.
Eric Rodwell named this type of play, i.e. the ♦Q here, the “Left Jab” in his advanced card play book The
Rodwell Files. But Kantar in his unassuming style pointed it out to intermediates fifteen years earlier in a
short section titled “Second Hand High?”
♠AJT87
♠K54 ♠Q92
♠63
This is the most common left jab position, dummy having no certain entries. If West plays his honor on
the first trick, declarer is held to one trick and will get none if he tries to finesse twice. If West plays small,
declarer will get four tricks if East takes his honor and two tricks if he ducks.
Jack led from dummy, ace in your hand

87
In second seat, the general rule is to play the ace at notrump, but low against a suit contract.
♠J5
♠8643 ♠AT9
♠KQ72
When the jack is led, you know declarer isn’t finessing because you have the ♠T. Play the ♠A to promote
partner’s ♠8. However, if you are sure declarer has no side-suit entry to hand, win the second spade to cut
declarer off from his spades.
♠J5
♠Q9863 ♠A72
♠KT4
At a suit contract when you are not looking at the ten, it is usually right to duck the jack. Duck here,
hoping that declarer misguesses giving the defense two tricks.
The general difference between the notrump and suit contract scenarios is whether you are trying to
permit the eventual establishment of tricks or take as many immediate tricks knowing declarer can ruff
away losers.
Don’t be queen foolish
♠Axx
♠Qxx ♠???
♠J...
Do you cover when declarer leads the jack and dummy has the ace? No! And not with Qx, Qxx, Qxxx, or
Qxxxx. For lots of reasons. If declarer has KJT9 he may overtake the jack with the ace and take a losing
finesse into you. If declarer has JTx, covering the jack allows declarer win in dummy and finesse the ten.
Ducking holds declarer to one trick. Think through the other scenarios.
88
On lead with AQxxx or AQxx against notrump
Should you lead into declarer’s like king to get AQxxx or AQxx started? Kantar says the fifth card usually
makes it worth it from AQxxx. But stay away from AQxx.
Smith Echo (only in notrump)
The idea is remarkably simple but extremely effective. Defending against a notrump contract, you take
the opportunity to make a Smith signal in the first suit played by declarer, in our example hearts. The
idea is that, if you like the suit led by your partner, you encourage a continuation by playing a high card
in the first suit played by declarer

Leaping Michaels Some

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Leaping Michaels Some

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Leaping Michaels Some

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

1

The Direct 1NT Overcall

If overcaller's LHO passes 1NT

 Responses are the same as those for a 1NTopening.

When Third Hand Competes

South West North East

Dbl: is takeout, not business

South West North East

Dbl: is business, not takeout

South West North East

South West North East

South West North East

South West North East

South West North East

There is one exception to the“ natural “rule regarding opener’s suit:

The 1NT Overcall of a Suit Response

South West North East

Opener Partner Responder You

3C= Transfer to 3D-D is opponent suit. So is a stayman

Opener Partner Responder You

3C= Transfer to 3D-D is opponent suit. So is a stayman

Opener Partner Responder You

4H: Both minors

Opener Partner Responder You

After a 3C transfer to diamonds you can: when the opponent suit is H

After a 3C transfer to diamonds you can: when the opponent suit is S

After a 3D transfer to hearts, you can: When the suit is S

Responder’s Systems After a 1NT Overcall

Meckwell vs. 1-Major, 1NT Overcall

 X Penalty, 10+ points

 X Penalty, 10+ points

Woolsey vs. 1-minor, 1NT Overcall

 2♣* Both Majors (at least 4-4), 5-9 points

Responding to 1NT vs. 3-Level Interference

Vs. 2NT for the Minors

1NT 2NT __?

 X Penalty-oriented, 8+ points (length in at least one minor suit)

 3♦* Transfer to ♥, 5+c♥, 8+ points (invitational+)

4-level systems are still on -- unchanged!

 X 8+ points, at least 4c-Major

Some partnerships play Systems On vs. a 3♣ overcall.

 3♥* Transfer, 5+c♠ points, 8+ points, Invitational+

 1NT 3♣ 4♣ 5-5 Majors

 3♥* 5+♠, 8+ points, Invitational+ values

Kansas City Stayman

Responder’s Follow-up Bids After Opener Passes

They Double Our Transfers

Vs. a Lead-Directing X of a Jacoby Transfer

When the auction begins:

1NT P 2♦* X or 1NT P 2♥* X

 Pass 2c♥ support

Vs. a Lead-Directing X of a Texas Transfer

About the Auction

Modern XX Alternative Agreement

1. After opening of : 2H/2S: but we are playing Multi 2D:

3H/3S: 4C asking keycard

2. After opening of : 3C/3D/3H/3S: 4C is the asking bid

THE 4C RESPONSE IN ACTION