Rubinsohl

Rubinsohl is a bidding convention aiming for competition at the 2-level. Originally, for auctions such as 1NT-(2♦♥♠), use 2NT and some steps above to convey conventional meanings. I am generalizing onset conditions as follows:

1. Partner has ever bid a non-pass.
2. Moreover, the last non-pass is (2♦♥♠) by either opponent.

If the last non-pass is an artificial call by partner, such as a takeout double, I recommend Rumpelsohl instead.

Similar to Rubens advances, the transfer structure helps saving bidding space. Showing the suit faster also helps competition.

Swap 3♥♠ against (2♠) like Larry Cohen to avoid declaring hearts.

Rumpelsohl

Rumpelsohl by Paul van Rijckevorsel was published in The Bridge World, October 1992. Traditionally, (2X)-X also start Lebensohl. However, artificial calls, even limited ones, are not meant to be passed with boring hands. I decide to modify the bidding structure for this subtle difference.

1. The last bid is 2♦♥♠
2. The last non-pass is an artificial call by partner.

In this section, I list (2X)-X as examples. The meaning of each step varies with partner’s call. There are several reasons to invite with 2NT.

• Bidding to (2X)-X is not free.
• An invitational X usually lacks a stopper.

Therefore, 2NT includes NF clubs and constructive-invitational hands.

Again, Larry Cohen’s adjunct swaps 3♥♠ over (2♠).