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Blueberry Precision Club

I have been studying forcing club systems since reading Good, Better, Best by Jan Eric Larsson, whose simulations show that forcing club systems tend to outperform other systems. I believe opening 1♣ for all strong hands is a superior treatment.

Blueberry Precision Club is a modernized mix of Blue Club, Precision Club, Cottontail Club, and new ideas from BTU. It is a 4-card major strong club system. It is highly experimental and subject to change without notice.

Hand evaluation

  • HCP: the well-known Milton Work’s 4321 count
  • Total points: HCP + distribution points (void = 3, singleton = 2, doubleton = 1, subtract 1 for each short suit with HCP)
  • Zar: 6-4-2-1 + Zar distribution points (a + b + a - d, where the letters are the number of cards from the longest to the shortest suit)
  • Fifths: 4.0–2.8–1.8–1.0–0.4, adjusted HCP for notrump contracts especially 3NT
  • BUM-RAP: 4.5–3–1.5–0.75–0.25, adjusted HCP for suit contracts
  • NLTC: Count 1.5–1.0–0.5 losers for each missing AKQ

NLTC is a good single hand evaluator but not very additive. It suits preemptive initial actions but not for showing supports. I wrote a blog article on that topic.

Stopper

I evaluate stopper quality as GIB does.

  • Partial stop: length + HCP = 4
  • Likely stop: length + HCP = 5
  • Stop: A, QJx, or length + HCP at least 7
  • Two stops: length + HCP at least 8

Punctuations

Descriptions in bidding tables are dense in information. To make them concise, I use abbreviations suggested by WBF. Besides, for natural reading flow, I use usual punctuation marks to connect conditions. Their meanings are usually self-explanatory in a bidding table.

  • The comma (,) works as AND.
  • The semicolon (;) works as OR.
  • The colon (:) follows general description of the call.

A notable example is the 1♣ opening in Strawberry Polish Club.

References

General methods

Precision Club

Other strong clubs

Openings

This bidding system is a modernized mix of Blue Club and Precision Club. Blueberry Precision Club also gets idea from:

-
1♣!STR ART, 16+
1♦11–15, 4+♦; 11–12, BAL 33(xx) by PH
1♥11–15, 4+♥ but not 3433
1♠11–15, 4+♠ but not 4333
1NT13–15, 2–4♠, 2–4♥, 2–5♦, 2–5♣
2♣11–15, 6+♣; 11–13, 4M5♣
2♦!PRE, 4–10, 6+♠♥
2♥!PRE, 4–10, 4–5♠, 4–5♥
2♠!PRE, 4–10, 5=♠, 4+♦♣
2NT!UNT, 4–10, 5+♦, 5+♣
3XPRE, 7+#
3NT!Gambling, SOL 7+♦♣, 0–1 outside A/K
4♣!PRE, S-SOL 8+♠♥, 0–1 outside A/K
4♦!PRE, SOL 8+♠♥, no outside A/K
4MPRE, 8+#
4NT!UNT, 6+♦, 6+♣

Reserved distributions

The first two seats do not open these balanced minimum (11–12). The third seat always does. The fourth seat chooses between 1♦ and pass ad libitum.

Seat11–12, (4333) or (332)5
1stP
2ndP
3rd1♦
4th1♦ or P

Choice of suit openings

The most descriptive 1NT takes priority over all suit openings.

  • 5+♠♥, 5+♦♣: Always open the major suit
  • Other 5+ 4+: Open the longer eligible suit (MAX 2♣ must contain 6+♣)
  • Between 4-card suits:
    • ♦ > ♥ > ♠ for the first two seats
    • ♥ > ♠ > ♦ for the last two seats

The precedence of 4=♦ depends on the seat. If the seat never opens 1♦ for (4333), 4=♦ come before 4=♠♥.

The notrump ladder

  • 11–12: 1♦♥♠
  • 13–15: 1NT

1♣-1♦ = waiting

  • 16–18: 1♣-1♦-1NT
  • 19–21: 1♣-1♦-1♥
  • 22–24: 1♣-1♦-2NT
  • FG: 1♣-1♦-1♥

1♣-1♥ = double negative (0–4)

  • 16–21: 1♣-1♥-1NT
  • 22–24: 1♣-1♥-2NT

Strong 1♣

Blueberry employs a novel approach to the strong club opening bid. The 1♥ response is an immediate double negative. This approach is well known for the strong 2♣ opening in natural systems, but it is uncommon for strong 1♣ systems. This pioneering method has two main goals:

  1. 1♣-1♦-1♥ is forcing and accommodates steps on the notrump ladder.
  2. 1♣-1♥ proposes playing 1♥, more powerful than playing 1♦.

The cost is that 1♦ is now forcing, the contract we seldom play even if opponents ever let us. The 1NT response also sporadically wrong-sides the notrump contract. I find slowly showing strong balanced hands OK since these hands are slow in competition anyway.

1♣-STR ART, 16+
1♦!(R), F to 1♠
1♥!DBL NEG, 0–4, 0–5♠, 0–4♥, 0–6♦, 0–6♣
1♠FG, 5+♠
1NT!FG, 5+♥
2♣♦FG, 5+#
2♥♠!INV, 4–7, 6+#
2NT!INV, 5–7, 5+♦, 5+♣
3♣♦!INV, 5–7, 7+#
3♥!INV, 5–7, 5+♥, 5+♠
3♠!SOL 7+♦♣, no outside stopper
3NT8–11, 33(43)
4♣!PRE, S-SOL 7+♠♥, 0–1 outside A/K
4♦!PRE, SOL 7+♠♥, no outside A/K
4♥♠PRE, 7+#

Waiting 1♦

There have been many variants to unfold BAL 19+ at 1♣-1♦-1♥, such as Terrorist’s Moscito and Viking Precision. All these variants successfully rescue the 2NT opening from the notrump ladder, freeing 2NT up for preemptive uses. However, they tend to involve a cryptic relay structure at 1♣-1♦-1♥. I believe that 1♣-1♦-1♥ becomes too crowded when 1♣-1♦ is too negative.

In Blueberry Precision Club, 1♣-1♦ promises a suitable rebid to 1♥. The weak and relatively balanced hands go to 1♣-1♥.

1♣-1♦Waiting
1♥!F, 4+♥ or 19+
1♠16–21, 4+♠
1NT16–18, BAL
2♣♦16–21, 5+#
2♥♠22–24, 5+#
2NT22–24, BAL
3♣♦22–24, 6+#
1♣-1♦ 1♥-F, 4+♥ or 19+
1♠F, 4+♠
1NTINV, 2–3♥
2♣♦INV, 5+#
2♥PRE, 5+♥
2♠PRE, usually 6+♠
2NTFG, 1–3♥
3♣♦PRE, usually 7+#
3♥INV, 4–5♥
3♠!FG, BAL 4=♥
3NT!FG, UNBAL 4=♥

Negative 1♥

1♣-1♥NF, 0–4
P16–21, 5+♥ or UNBAL 4=♥
1♠16–21, 5+♠ or UNBAL 4=♠
1NT16–21, BAL
2♣♦16–21, UNBAL 5+#
2♥♠22–24, 5+#
2NT22–24, 1–4♠, 1–4♥, 1–5♦, 1–5♣
3♣♦22–24, 6+#
3♥♠FG, 6+#

Positive major suits

Opener can always rebid naturally below 2NT. Rebids of 2NT and above show both extra strength and more specific distribution.

1♣-1♠FG, 5+♠
1NT(R)
2♣♦♥5+#
2♠3+♠, not 3444
2NT!16–18, 5+♦, 5+♣
3♣!16–18, 5+♣, 5+♥
3♦!16–18, 5+♦, 5+♥
1♣-1NTFG, 5+♥
2♣!(R)
2♦5+♦
2♥3+♥, not 4344
2♠5+♠
2NT!6+♣
3♣!16–18, 5+♣, 5+♠
3♦!16–18, 5+♦, 5+♠
3♥!16–18, 5+♦, 5+♣

Precedence

Slams prefer long fits. Games prefer major suits. To balance between these goals, I suggest the following precedence for rebids:

  1. 4-card support
  2. 5-card new suit
  3. 3-card support

Positive minor suits

1♣-2♣FG, 5+♣
2♦!(R)
2♥♠5+#
2NT!6+♦
3♣3+♣
3♦!16–18, 5+♦, 5+♥
3♥!16–18, 5+♥, 5+♠
3♠!16–18, 5+♠, 5+♦
1♣-2♦FG, 5+♦
2♥!(R)
2♠5+♠
2NT!5+♥
3♣5+♣
3♦3+♦
3♥!16–18, 5+♥, 5+♣
3♠!16–18, 5+♠, 5+♣
3NT!16–18, 5+♠, 5+♥

Natural 1♦

  • MIN (11–13): 4+♦, but 2+♦ by passed hand
  • MAX (13–15): unbalanced 4+♦
1♦-11–15, 4+♦
1♥♠F, 4+#
1NTNF, 8–10
2♣INV+, 4+♣
2♦!LIM+, 4+♦
2♥!CONST P/C, 4–5♥, 5=♠
2♠!INV, 5–6♠, 4=♥
2NTBAL INV, 11–12
3♣!CONST, 8–10, 5+♦
3♦!PRE, 0–7, 5+♦
3♥♠!SPL, 0–1#, 4+♦

By passed hand, 1♦ contains a weak notrump.

P-1♦-11–15, 2+♦
2♠!PRE, 6+♣; BAL INV
2NT!PRE, 6+♦
3♣♦INV, 6+#

Natural 1♦-1M

The responses 1♦-1♥♠ show 4+ cards just like most natural systems.

1♦-1♥4+♥
1♠4+♠
1NTBAL MIN, 4–5♦
2♣MIN, 4+♣
2♦MIN, 6+♦
2♥MIN, 4+♥
2♠!MAX, 6+♦, ♦AJT+ or 7+♦
2NT!MAX, 6=♦, ≤ ♦AJ9
3♣MAX, 5+♣
3♦!MAX, 6+♦, 3=♥
3♥MAX, 4+♥, 5+♦
4♦MAX, 4+♥, 6+♦
1♦-1♠4+♠
1NTBAL MIN, 4–5♦
2♣UNBAL, 3+♣
2♦MIN, 6+♦
2♥4+♥, 5+♦, MAX or 3451
2♠MIN, 4+♠
2NT!MAX, 6+♦, 0–2♠
3♣MAX, 5+♣
3♦!MAX, 6+♦, 3=♠
3♠MAX, 4+♠, 5+♦
4♦MAX, 4+♠, 6+♦

BTU 3-way checkback

We use BTU-style 3-way checkback to an XYZ auction. There are 3 artificial relays in the 3-way checkback:

  • 2♣: several variants:
    • to play 2X
    • strongly shaped invitation
    • balanced invitation or choice of games
  • 2♦: game-forcing checkback, usually a choice of games
  • 2NT: transfer to clubs

As a corollary, natural 2X are wide-range invitations and 3X become slam tries.

1♦-1♥-1♠

1♦-1♥ 1♠-4+♠
1NTMIN, 0–3♠, 4–5♥, 0–3♦
2♣!BTU CB, F1
2♦!FG CB
2♥INV, 5+♥
2♠INV, 4+♠
2NT!TRF, PRE or FG, 6+♣
3♣S/T, 5+♣, 5+♥
3♦S/T, 4+♦, 5+♥
3♥S/T, 6+♥
3♠S/T, 4+♠
1♦-1♥ 1♠-1NTNAT MIN
2♣NF, 4=♣
2♦NF, 6+♦
2♥INV, 3=♥
2♠INV, 5+♠, 6+♦
2NTNAT INV
3♣FG, 4=♣
3♦FG, 6+♦
3♥FG, 3=♥
1♦-1♥ 1♠-2♣BTU CB
2♦MIN
2♥MAX, 3=♥
2♠MAX, at most partial stop in ♣
2NTMAX, likely stop in ♣
3♣MAX, 4054
3♦MAX, 6+♦
1♦-1♥ 1♠-2♣ 2♦-MIN
2♥S/O, UNBAL 5+♥
2♠S/O, 4+♠
2NTBAL INV
3♣INV, 6+♣
3♦INV, 4+♦
3♥INV, S-SOL 6+♥
3♠INV, 4+♠, 5+♥

1♦-1♥-1NT

1♦-1♥ 1NT-BAL MIN
2♣!BTU CB, F1
2♣ 2♦P/C
2♣ 2♥MAX, 3=♥
2♦!FG CB
2♥INV, 5+♥
2♠INV, 4+♠
2NT!TRF, PRE or FG, 6+♣
3♣S/T, 5+♣, 5+♥
3♦S/T, 4+♦, 5+♥
3♥S/T, 6+♥
3♠!SPL, 0–1♠, 6+♥
4♣!SPL, 0–1♣, 6+♥
4♦FG, 4+♦, 6+♥
1♦-1♥ 1NT-2♣ 2♦-P/C
2♥S/O, 5+♥
2♠INV, 4+♠, 6+♥
2NTBAL INV
3♣INV, 6+♣
3♦INV, 4+♦
3♥INV, S-SOL 6+♥

1♦-1♠-1NT

1♦-1♠ 1NT-BAL MIN
2♣!BTU CB, F1
2♣ 2♦P/C
2♣ 2♥MAX, 4+♥
2♣ 2♠MAX, 3=♠
2♦!FG CB
2♥INV, 4+♥, 5+♠
2♠INV, 5+♠
2NTTRF, PRE or FG, 6+♣
3♣S/T, 5+♣, 5+♠
3♦S/T, 5+♦, 5+♠
3♥S/T, 5+♥, 5+♠
3♠S/T, 6+♠
3NT12–15, 4=♠
4♣!SPL, 0–1♣, 6+♠
4♦FG, 4+♦, 6+♠
4♥!SPL, 0–1♥, 6+♠
1♦-1♠ 1NT-2♣ 2♦-P/C
2♥MIN, 4+♥, 5+♠
2♠S/O, 5+♠
2NTBAL INV
3♣INV, 6+♣
3♦INV, 6+♦
3♥INV, 5+♥, 5+♠
3♠INV, S-SOL 6+♠

Reverses and Lebensohl

For a precise game try, we sacrifice 2NT as Lebensohl to park minimum hands.

1♦-1♠ 2♥-4+♥, 5+♦, MAX or 3451
2♠NF, 5+♠
2NT!LEB, non-FG
3♣!4SFG
3♦FG, 3+♦
3♥FG, 4+♥
3♠FG, 6+♠

Natural 1♥

  • MIN (11–13): 4+♥ but not 4333
  • MAX (13–15): 5+♥ or unbalanced 4=♥ 5+♣
1♥-11–15, 4+♥
1♠F, 4+♠
1NTNF, usually 8–11, 0–3♠, 0–3♥
2♣♦INV+, 4+#
2♥PRE, 4+♥; CONST, 3=♥
2♠!PRE, 6+♠
2NT!INV+, 4+♥
3♣♦!SPL, INV or S/T, 0–1#, 4+♥
3♥!CONST, 4–5♥
3NT!COG, 33(43)
3♠!, 4♣♦!S/T SPL, 0–1#, 4+♥
4♥♠S/O
4NT!RKCB 1430

By passed hand

Raises become more constructive because everyone had a chance to bid. Opener can pass invitations with a mimimum 7–8-card fit. The unlisted rebids below 3NT are natural game forces.

P-1♥-11–15, 4+♥
2♣♦INV, 5+#
2♥CONST, 3+♥
3♥INV, 4+♥

Non-forcing 1NT

Opener may rebid a 3-card minor due to protection from the impossible 2♠.

1♥-1NTCONST–INV, 0–3♠, 0–3♥
2♣5+♥, 3+♣ or BAL 13–15
2♦5+♥, UNBAL 3+♦
2♥MIN, 6+♥
2♠MAX, 4+♠, 5+♥
2NTMAX, 6=♥, ≤ ♥AJ9
3♣MAX, 5+♣, 4+♥
3♦MAX, 5+♦, 5+♥
3♥MAX, 6+♥, AJT+ or 7+♥
3NT!MAX P/C, 6+♦♣, 4=♥
3♠, 4♣♦MAX, 5+#, 6+♥

Just like Strawberry 1♠-1NT, the threshold of suit quality is based on Binky Points.

Blueberry Jacoby 2NT

I import responses from Standard Modern Precision. Its Jacoby 2NT variant better fits the limited major suit opening.

1♥-2NTFG, 4+♥
3♣!(R) MAX
3♦!INV, 5+♥
3♥BAL MIN
3♠!MIN SPL, 0–1♠
3NT!MIN SPL, 0–1♦
4♣!MIN SPL, 0–1♣
4♦MIN, 5+♦, 5+♥
4♥!MIN, 4+♠, 6+♥
1♥-2NT 3♣-(R) MAX
3♦!S/T, ask for distribution
3♥S/T, ask for CTRL
3♠!S/T SPL, 0–1♠
3NT!S/T SPL, 0–1♦
4♣!S/T SPL, 0–1♣

Natural 1♠

  • MIN (11–13): 4+♠ but not 4333 or 44(xx)
  • MAX (13–15): 5+♠ or unbalanced 4=♠ 5+♣
1♠-11–15, 4+♠
1NTNF, usually 8–11, 0–3♠
2♣INV+, 3+♣
2♦INV+, 4+♦
2♥INV+, 5+♥
2♠PRE, 4+♠; CONST, 3=♠
2NT!INV+, 4+♠
3♣♦!SPL, INV or S/T, 0–1#, 4+♠
3♥!INV, 6+♥, 3=♠
3♠!CONST, 4–5♠
3NT!COG, 3(433)
4X!S/T SPL, 0–1#, 4+♠
4♠S/O
4NT!RKCB 1430

By passed hand

New suits by passed hand are completely natural. It limits the benefit of the 2♣ transfer to hearts that responder fails to preempt. The natural 2♣ also proposes a reasonable contract. Raises become more constructive because everyone had a chance to bid.

Opener can pass invitations with a mimimum 7–8-card fit. The unlisted rebids below 3NT are natural game forces.

P-1♠-11–15, 4+♠
2XINV, 5+#
2♠CONST, 3+♠
3♠INV, 4+♠
P-1♠-2♣INV, 5+♣
2♦!MIN, 5=♠
2♥MIN, 4+♥, 5+♠
2♠MIN, 6+♠
3♣MIN, 3+♣, 4=♠
P-1♠-2♦INV, 5+♦
2♥!MIN, 5=♠
2♠MIN, 6+♠
3♦MIN, 3+♦, 4=♠
P-1♠-2♥INV, 5+♥
2♠MIN, 6+♠
2NTMIN, 5=♠
3♥MIN, 3+♥

Non-forcing 1NT

Opener passes with balanced minimum.

1♠-1NTCONST–INV, 0–3♠
2♣5+♠, 4+♣ or BAL 13–15
2♦♥5+♠, 4+#
2♠MIN, 6+♠
2NT!MAX, 6=♠, ≤ ♠AJ9
3♣MAX, 5+♣, 4+♠
3♦♥MAX, 5+#, 5+♠
3♠MAX, 6+♠, AJT+ or 7+♠
3NT!MAX P/C, 6+♣, 4=♠
4XMAX, 5+#, 6+♠

Just like Strawberry 1♠-1NT, the threshold of suit quality is based on Binky Points.

Blueberry Jacoby 2NT

I import responses from Standard Modern Precision. Its Jacoby 2NT variant better fits the limited major suit opening.

1♠-2NTFG, 4+♠
3♣!(R) MAX
3♦!INV, 5+♠
3♥!MIN SPL, 0–1♥
3♠BAL MIN
3NT!MIN SPL, 0–1♦
4♣!MIN SPL, 0–1♣
4♦MIN, 5+♦, 5+♠
4♥MIN, 5+♥, 5+♠
4♠!MAX, 5+♥, 5+♠
1♠-2NT 3♣-(R) MAX
3♦!S/T, ask for distribution
3♥!S/T SPL, 0–1♥
3♠S/T, ask for CTRL
3NT!S/T SPL, 0–1♦
4♣!S/T SPL, 0–1♣

BTU 1NT

This bidding system has a strong notrump opening that does not contain a 5-card major. We use the BTU continuations after the 1NT opening: Stayman takes care of invitation with 5+ spades.

1NT-BAL 15–17
2♣!(Garbage) STAY; INV 5=♠
2♦!TRF, 5+♥
2♥!TRF, 5+♠
2♠!6+♣; BAL INV; S/T, 5+ 4+ minors
2NT!5+♦, 4+♣ or 6+♦
3♣!INV, 6+♣, KQxxxx or better, usually 6–7 HCP
3♦!INV+, 5+♠, 5+♥
3♥!SPL, 0–1♥, 0–3♠, 4–6♦, 4–6♣
3♠!SPL, 0–1♠, 0–3♥, 4–6♦, 4–6♣
3NTS/O
4♣!Gerber BW
4♦!Texas TRF, 6+♥
4♥!Texas TRF, 6+♠
4♠!F QUANT
4NTQUANT INV to 6NT, NF
5NTQUANT INV to 7NT, F

Minor suit transfers

1NT-2♠6+♣; BAL INV; S/T, 5+♣, 4+♦
2NTMIN
3♣!MAX, 1–3♣
3♦♥♠!MAX, 4–6♣, good stopper
1NT-2NT5+♦, 4+♣ or 6+♦
3♣!1–2♦
3♦3–4♦
3♥♠!5–6♦, good stopper
3NT!5–6♦, good ♣ stopper

BTU QUANT scheme

BTU reuses 4♠ for QUANT. This fills the blank that Gerber and Texas leave. Standard QUANT usually invites the upper 1/2 to 2/3 of the opening range. This 4♠ serves as a narrower QUANT than 4NT or 5NT by only inviting the top 1/3.

1NT-4NTQUANT INV to 6NT
6NTS/O, 16–17 HCP
1NT-5NTQUANT INV to 7NT
6NTS/O, 15 HCP
7NTS/O, 16–17 HCP
1NT-4♠F QUANT
4NT15–16 HCP
4NT-5NT!F to a 5-card suit or 6NT
4NT-7♣!P/C to a 5-card suit or 7NT
6NT17 HCP

Discussion on bidding 5-5 majors

  • Weak: Transfer to the better major suit. Give up on the other one.
  • Invitational: Bid 3♦.
  • Choice of games: Bid 3♦ most of the time. Transfer to spades and then bid 4♥ if you prefer 4♠ > 4♥ > 3NT.
  • Slam try: Transfer to spades and then bid 3♥.

BTU Stayman 2♣

BTU Stayman is characterized by including invitations of 5= spades. All its variants are:

  • Weak: T/O with short clubs (Garbage Stayman)
  • Invitational: 4–5♠ (BTU) or 4=♥
  • Game-forcing: 4=♠ or 4=♥
1NT-2♣BTU STAY
2♦!2–3♠, 2–3♥
2♥4=♥, 2–3♠
2♠4=♠, 2–3♥
2NT!MIN, 44(xx)
3♣!MAX, 44(xx)

1NT-2♣-2♦

  • Smolen at both levels takes care of spade invitation.
  • Second responses above 3NT remain the same, assuming misfit.
1NT-2♣ 2♦-NEG
2♥!TRF INV, 5+♠
2♠!NF INV Smolen, 4=♠, 5+♥
2NTNAT INV
3♣FG, 5+♣
3♦FG, 5+♦
3♥!FG, Smolen TRF, 54(xx)
3♠!FG, Smolen TRF, 45(xx)
4♣!Gerber BW
4♦!Texas TRF, 6+♥, 4=♠
4♥!Texas TRF, 6+♠, 4=♥
4♠!F QUANT
4NTQUANT INV to 6NT
5NTQUANT INV to 7NT
1NT-2♣ 2♦-2♥INV, 5+♠
2♠MIN
2NTINV, 2=♠
3♣♦!INV, 3=♠, 5+#
3♥!INV, 3=♠, good 4+♥
3♠INV, 3=♠

1NT-2♣-2♥

  • BTU QUANT scheme remains, assuming misfit.
  • 3♠ is a generic fit S/T, so 4NT is QUANT instead of RKCB.
1NT-2♣ 2♥-4=♥, 2–3♠
2♠INV, 5+♠
2NTINV, 0–3♥, 4=♠
3♣FG, 5+♣, 0–3♥, 4=♠
3♦FG, 5+♦, 0–3♥, 4=♠
3♥INV, 4+♥
3♠!S/T, 4+♥
4♣♦!S/T SPL, 0–1#, 4+♥
4♠!F QUANT
4NTQUANT INV to 6NT
5NTQUANT INV to 7NT
1NT-2♣ 2♥-2♠INV, 5+♠
2NTINV, 2=♠
3♣♦!INV, 3=♠, 5+#
3♥!INV, 3=♠, good 4+♥
3♠INV, 3=♠

1NT-2♣-2♠

  • Only standard QUANT scheme remains. Now 4♠ is S/O.
  • 3♥ is a generic fit S/T, so 4NT is QUANT instead of RKCB.
1NT-2♣ 2♠-4=♠, 2–3♥
2NTINV, 0–3♠, 4=♥
3♣FG, 5+♣, 0–3♠, 4=♥
3♦FG, 5+♦, 0–3♠, 4=♥
3♥!S/T, 4+♠
3♠INV, 4+♠
4♣♦♥!S/T SPL, 0–1#, 4+♠
4♠S/O, 4+♠
4NTQUANT INV to 6NT
5NTQUANT INV to 7NT

BTU transfers 2♦♥

BTU Jacoby transfers are characterized by subsequent forcing relays. Thanks to moving spade invitation to Stayman, we enjoy one more step to separate slam try from choice of games.

Opener super-accepts with maximum 4-card support. To help game try, opener tries to show (4333) or a good side suit.

1NT-2♦

Responder rebids forcing 2♠ for a 5=♥ invitation. This forcing bid allows invitation by distribution, e.g. 5=♥ 5+♦♣.

1NT-2♦5+♥
2♥(R)
2♠!MAX, 4=♠, 4=♥
2NTMAX, 3433
3♣!MAX, good 4+♣, 4=♥
3♦!MAX, good 4+♦, 4=♥
3♥MAX, 4=♥, none of the above
1NT-2♦ 2♥--
2♠!F INV, 5=♥
2NT!UNBAL FG
3♣!S/T, 4+♣
3♦!S/T, 4+♦
3♥INV, 6+♥
3NTBAL P/C
3♠!, 4♣♦!SPL, 0–1#, 6+♥
4♥Mild S/T, 6+♥
4♠!F QUANT
4NTQUANT INV to 6NT
5NTQUANT INV to 7NT
1NT-2♦ 2♥-2♠INV, 5=♥
2NTMIN, 15 HCP, 2=♥
3♣!P/C, 16 HCP, 2=♥
3♦!P/C, 16 HCP, 2=♥, 5+♣
3♥MIN, 3=♥
3NTS/O, 17 HCP, 2=♥

1NT-2♥

With 5=♠ invitation moved to Stayman, 5=♠ hands here are either weak or game forcing.

1NT-2♥5+♠
2♠(R)
2NT!MAX, 4333
3♣!MAX, good 4+♣, 4=♠
3♦!MAX, good 4+♦, 4=♠
3♥!MAX, 4=♥, 4=♠
3♠MAX, 4=♠, none of the above
1NT-2♥ 2♠--
2NT!UNBAL FG
3♣!S/T, 4+♣
3♦!S/T, 4+♦
3♥!S/T, 5+♥
3♠INV, 6+♠
3NTBAL P/C
4♣♦!SPL, 0–1#, 6+♠
4♥COG, 5+♥, prefer 4♠ > 4♥
4♠Mild S/T, 6+♠
4NTQUANT INV to 6NT
5NTQUANT INV to 7NT

Competitive bidding

1NT (X)

I suggest Terrorist’s runout regardless of what (X) means. This runout also applies to a conventional double, yet responder can also pass balanced hands more often.

1NT (X)-
XXPEN
2♣!P/C, 5+♣ or 4+♦ 4+♠♥
2♦!P/C, 5+♦ or 4+♠ 4+♥
2MNF, 5+#
2NT!CUE, good unbalanced hand
3XPRE, 6+#

Opener often runs with clubs because it is hard for responder to do so.

1NT (X) P-
XX5+ suit
2♣!4+♣, 4+ another suit

1NT (2♣)

Systems on is a decent approach over 1NT (2♣︎). The overcall is somewhat ignored, and X replaces the stolen bid of 2♣. Since continuations to 1NT is major suit oriented, it is crucial if (2♣) shows a major suit.

(2♣) shows both majors

This kind of 2♣︎ requires extra care. I recommend BTU vs Unusual.

1NT (2♣)Both majors
XPEN for either major
2♦NF, 5+♦
2♥!FG, 5+♦
2♠!INV+, 5+♣
2NT!LEB, PRE 6+♣ or FG (xx)45
3♣♦INV, 6+#
3♥♠!Ask for stopper in this suit

(2♣) specifies one major

This position is analogous to (1M) 1NT. X replaces the Gladiator 2♣.

(2♣) specifies no major

Ignore the (2♣) overcall. X replaces the Stayman 2♣ as usual.

1NT (2♦♥♠)

Rubinsohl covers these auctions.

1NT (2NT)

BTU vs Unusual suffices.

1NT (2NT)5+♦, 5+♣
XPEN
3♣!INV+, 5+♠
3♦!INV+, 5+♥
3♥♠NF, 5+#
3NTS/O
4♣!COG, 4+♠, 5+♥

Precision 2♣

2♣-11–15, 5+♣, 4+♠♥ or 6+♣
2♦!(R), STAY or FG
2MNF, 5+#
2NT!LEB, PRE 3+♣ or FG 5+ 5+ non-♣
3♣LIM, 3+♣
3XINV, 6+#
4♣PRE, usually 4+♣

The 2♦ relay

This relay asks for 4-card majors and strength.

2♣-2♦STAY or FG
2♥♠11–13, 4+#
2NT11–13, 6+♣, 0–3♠, 0–3♥
3♣14–15, 6+♣, 0–3♠, 0–3♥
3♦♥♠14–15, 4+#, 6+♣

To differentiate between 5-card and 6-card majors, responder directly rebids a 6-card major but relays to ask for 3-card support.

2♣-2♦-2M

The 2NT relay asks for a 3-card side suit.

2♣-2♦ 2M-11–13, 4+#
2♠NF, 4+♠
2NT!(R), FG
3♣NF, 3+♣
3♦, 3OMFG, 6+#
3MNF, 4+#

Unlike most variants of Precision, I reassign opener’s 3♣ to the most common (5422). There is no space left for an invitational 2NT at 2♣-2♦-2♠. Responder must take this into account when inviting with 4=♥.

2♣-2♦ 2M-2NT(R)
3♣!4225
3♦, 3OM3=#
3M!FRAG, 6+♣, 0–1OM
3NT!FRAG, 6+♣, 0–1♦

2♣-2♦ [2NT, 3♣]

The 3♦ relay asks for a 3-card side suit.

2♣-2♦ [2NT, 3♣]-6+♣, 0–3♠, 0–3♥
3♣NF, 2+♣
3♦!(R), FG
3MFG, 6+#
2♣-2♦ [2NT, 3♣]-3♦(R)
3M3=#
3NT0–2♠, 0–2♥

2♣-2♦-3♦♥♠

As opener has shown 10 cards, the cheapest suit becomes a relay that asks for shortness.

2♣-2♦ 3♦-14–15, 4+♦, 6+♣
3♥!(R)
3♥ 3♠!SPL, 0–1♠
3♠ 3NT!SPL, 0–1♥
2♣-2♦ 3♥-14–15, 4+♥, 6+♣
3♠!(R)
3♠ 3NT!SPL, 0–1♠
3♠ 4♣!SPL, 0–1♦
2♣-2♦ 3♠-14–15, 4+♠, 6+♣
4♣!(R)
4♣ 4♦!SPL, 0–1♦
4♦ 4♥!SPL, 0–1♥

The 2NT puppet

2♣-2NT 3♣-(R)
PPRE, 3+♣
3♦!FG, 5+♦, 5+♥
3♥!FG, 5+♥, 5+♠
3♠!FG, 5+♠, 5+♦

Competing at the 2-level

2♣ (X)-
XXPEN, BAL INV+, 2–3♣
2♦(R), STAY or FG
2MNF, 5+#
2NT!LEB, PRE 3+♣ or FG 5+ 5+ non-♣
3♣LIM, 3+♣
3XINV, 6+#
2♣ (2X)-
X!T/O, STAY or FG
2MNF, 5+#
2NT!LEB, PRE 3+♣ or FG 5+ 5+ non-♣
3♣LIM, 3+♣
2♣ (2♦)-
3♦!INV+, 6+♥
3♥!INV+, 6+♠
3♠!FG, ask for stopper
2♣ (2♥)-
3♦INV, 6+♦
3♥!INV+, 6+♠
3♠!FG, ask for stopper
2♣ (2♠)-
3♦♥INV, 6+#
3♠!FG, 6+♥

Multi 2♦

Multi 2♦ shows a 6-card weak two of either major.

2♦-PRE, 6+♠♥
2M!P/C
2NT!(R) INV+
3♣♦NAT F
3M!P/C
3NTS/O
4♣!STR choice of games
4♦!PRE choice of games
4MS/O
2♦-2NTINV+
3♣!MAX, 6+♥
3♦!MAX, 6+♠
3♥MIN, 6+♥
3♠MIN, 6+♠

There are two kinds of choice of games:

  • 4♣ by strength
  • 4♦ by distribution

Such distinction helps judging how to react to interference. Besides, 4♣ lets the strong hand declare. On the other hand, 4♦ closes the auction ASAP.

2♦-4♣STR choice of games
4♦!TRF, 6+♥
4♥!TRF, 6+♠
2♦-4♦PRE choice of games
4MTo play, 6+#

Lyric 2♥

The related 2♦={both majors} opening is known as Ekren or Ekrens after the Norwegian grand master who invented it. Bjørn Olaf Ekren prefers the 2♦ incarnation should not bear his name.

—Bridge: 2♥ as weak in both majors, Chris Ryall

I prefer BTU Terrorist’s continuations.

2♥-PRE, 4+♥, 4+♠
2NTNAT INV
3♣!INV+, 3+♠
3♦!INV+, 3+♥
3NTS/O
4♣♦NAT S/T
2♥-3♣INV+, 3+♠
3♦!MIN, 4=♠
3♥MAX, 5+♥
3♠MIN, 5+♠
3NTMAX, 44(xx)
4♣+MAX, 5+♠
2♥-3♦INV+, 3+♥
3♥MIN
3♠!MAX, 4=♥
3NT+MAX, 5+♥

Muiderberg 2♠

Muiderberg shows exactly 5 cards in the bid major and a side minor suit. Multi 2♦ already takes care of 6+ cards.

2♠-PRE, 5=♠, 4+♦♣
2NT!INV+, ask for the minor suit
3♣!P/C
3♦!INV+, 3+ SUPP
2♠-2NT(R) INV+
3♣MIN, 4+♣
3♦MIN, 4+♦
3♥!MAX, 4=♣
3♠!MAX, 4=♦
3NT!MAX, 5+♦
4♣MAX, 5+♣

Unusual 2NT opening

The unusual 2NT opening is a preempt with 5+♦ and 5+♣. Bidding all strong hands with 1♣ frees up 2NT as a preempt.

I advise not opening 2NT for (30)55 in the first two seats.

2NT-PRE, 5+♦, 5+♣
3♣♦S/O
3♥!(R) FG
3♠!PUP, S/T or UNBAL INV
3NT, 4XS/O
4NT!Equal preference between 5♣♦
2NT-3♥(R) FG
3♠!SPL, 0–1♠
3NT!SPL, 0–1♥
4♣MAX 1156
4♦MAX 1165
2NT-3♥ 4♣♦-MAX 11(65)
4♥!RKCB in ♣
4♠!RKCB in ♦
4NTS/O
2NT-3♠ 3NT-(R)
4♣INV, 3+♣
4♦INV, 3+♦
5♣!S/T, 3+♣
5♦!S/T, 3+♦

BTU Namyats

BTU uses a 4X scheme that conveys ~0.58 more bits than traditional or Meckwell Namyats.

  • 4♣: solid major suit without any outside A/K
  • 4♦: semi-solid major suit with 0–1 outside A/K
  • 4M: non-solid (1.5+ NLTC) major suit
4X-PRE in 4M
4NT!RKCB
5m!CTRL ASK
4X-5mCTRL ASK
+1No CTRL
+2K or singleton
+3A or void
4♣♦-(S-)SOL PRE in 4M
4♦!(R) S/T
4M!, 5M!, 6M!P/C
4♣-4♦(R) S/T
4MNAT MIN
4NT!MAX, CTRL in every side suit
5♣!MAX, no CTRL in ♣
5♦!MAX, no CTRL in ♦
5M!MAX, no CTRL in OM
4♥-PRE, non-SOL
4♠S/O