Introduction
Welcome to Redpill Polish Club! Polish Club is a 5-card major small club
bidding system, where the 1
♣
opening is forcing but not necessarily strong.
This bidding system is largely based on
Polish Club 2020: Expert.
Changes
are made with
Good, Better, Best
and my improvisation.
We use the distribution syntax and abbreviations provided by WBF.
http://www.worldbridge.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Guidetocompletion.pdf
The ACBL convention card of this system is at
https://bridgewinners.com/convention-card/print/redpill-polish-club/98013
Notable differences from
Polish Club 2020: Expert
Constructive auctions
-
We use natural 2/1. 1Y-2X are forcing to game.
-
Over 1M, we have 4-card support step responses from 2NT to 3M.
-
XYZ (two-way checkback) is only on after 1
♣
-1
♥
-1
♠
. We use plain
checkback in the other cases. Moreover, we swap the meaning of the 2
♣
relay
with 2M and 2NT, courtesy of Ting-Yu Ye (TpKotoba).
Preempts
-
The 2M preempts contain balanced hands. This treatment is proven useful in
Good, Better, Best.
-
We modified continuations after the 2X preempts.
-
Namyats replaces natural 4m.
Slam try
-
We use kickback and exclusion RKCB 1430 for all suits.
-
Uncovered by the book, we also suggest using the non-serious 3NT, Optional
Minorwood, and Last Train in slam tries.
References
-
Krzysztof Jassem & Tomek Brus.
Polish Club 2020: Expert.
ISBN 978-1771402248
-
Krzysztof Jassem & Tomek Brus.
Polish Club 2020: Standard.
ISBN 978-1771402231
-
Jan Eric Larsson.
Good, Better, Best: A comparison of bridge bidding
systems and conventions by computer simulation.
ISBN 978-1771402415
-
Krzysztof Jassem.
[Wspólny Język 2020 Standard](https://jassem.pl/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/wj2020-25-59.pdf)
-
Piotr Cegielski.
[Wspólny Język DUCE](https://iccs.pl/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Wspolny-Jezyk-DUCE-wersja-Q1.2021.pdf)
-
Krzysztof Jassem.
[Polish Club International 2010](https://jassem.pl/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Polish_Club-2010.html)
-
Krzysztof Jassem.
[Wspólny Język 2005 (Polish Standard)](https://par.cse.nsysu.edu.tw/~kbc/class/Polish_Club/WJ2005Full_original.pdf)
Hand evaluation
-
High card points
: 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)
-
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 have a blog article
on that topic.
https://jdh8.org/nltc-a-good-single-hand-evaluator/
Stopper
We 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
References
-
Thomas Andrews. [Thomas's Bridge Fantasia](https://bridge.thomasoandrews.com/valuations/)
-
Bridge Base. [GIB Bid Descriptions](https://www.bridgebase.com/doc/gib_descriptions.php)
Opening bids
-
∅
-
1
♣
|
!F, 18+ HCP or 2+
♣
12+ HCP
|
-
1
♦
|
5+
♦
or 4
♦
(441), 12–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
1NT
|
2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–6
♦
, 2–6
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
2
♣
|
!PRE, 4+
♠
, 4+
♥
, 4–10 HCP
|
-
-
-
2NT
|
!UNT, 5+
♦
, 5+
♣
, 4–10 HCP
|
-
-
3NT
|
!Gambling, SOL 7+m, 0–1 outside CTRL
|
-
4
♣
|
!Namyats, S-SOL 7+
♥
, 4.5–5.5 NLTC
|
-
4
♦
|
!Namyats, S-SOL 7+
♠
, 4.5–5.5 NLTC
|
-
-
4NT
|
!UNT, 6+
♦
, 6+
♣
, 11–15 HCP
|
The notrump ladder
-
12–14
: 1
♣
-1
♦
-1M
-
15–17
: 1NT
-
18–20
: 1
♣
-1
♦
-1NT
-
21–23
: 1
♣
-1
♦
-2NT
-
24+
: 1
♣
-1
♦
-2
♦
-2
♥
-2NT
Polish 1
♣
opening
-
1
♣
-
-
-
-
1NT
|
NF, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 2–5
♦
, 2–5
♣
, 7–10 HCP
|
-
-
-
2
♥
|
!P/C, 4+
♥
, 5+
♠
, 7–9 HCP
|
-
2
♠
|
!INV+, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 2–5
♦
, 2–5
♣
, 10+ HCP
|
-
2NT
|
!FG, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 3–4
♦
, 3–4
♣
|
-
3
♣
|
!INV, 6+
♣
, 9–11 HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
!INV, 6+
♦
, 9–11 HCP
|
-
-
-
The 1
♦
relay
In our version of Polish Club, the 1
♦
relay denies game-forcing values. There
are two options in this relay.
-
0–7 HCP
-
8–11 HCP, unbalanced, no 4-card major
We swap the 2
♦
and 2NT responses for better constructiveness, courtesy of
Ting-Yu Ye (TpKotoba).
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-
-
-
1NT
|
2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–6
♦
, 2–6
♣
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 0–3
♠
, 0–3
♥
, 12–20 HCP
|
-
2
♦
|
!NF, 0–4
♠
, 0–4
♥
, 21–23 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
♥
|
!FRAG, 0–1
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 4–5
♦
, 4–5
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
3
♠
|
!FRAG, 2–3
♠
, 0–1
♥
, 4–5
♦
, 4–5
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
3NT
|
!Gambling, SOL 7+
♣
, likely stops in two side suits
|
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-1
♥
-
-
1NT
|
0–3
♠
, 0–3
♥
, 0–4
♣
, 5–7 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
2
♠
|
!INV, (xx)45, 9–11 HCP
|
-
2NT
|
!INV, 5
♦
, 4+
♣
, 9–11 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-1
♠
-
1NT
|
0–3
♠
, 0–4
♥
, 0–4
♣
, 5–7 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
!INV, 5
♦
, 4+
♣
, 9–11 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-1
♥
-1
♠
-
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 4+
♥
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
2
♦
|
5+
♦
, 4+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
-
-
3
♣
|
5+
♣
, 4+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
5+
♦
, 5+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
3
♠
|
4+
♠
, 4+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-1
♥
-1NT
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 4+
♥
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
2
♦
|
5+
♦
, 4+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
-
2
♠
|
4+
♠
, 4+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
2NT
|
4+
♣
, 4+
♥
, 16–18 HCP
|
-
3
♣
|
5+
♣
, 4+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
5+
♦
, 5+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
-
3
♠
|
5+
♠
, 6+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-1
♠
-1NT
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 4+
♠
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
2
♦
|
5+
♦
, 4+
♠
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
2
♥
|
4+
♥
, 5+
♠
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
-
2NT
|
4+
♣
, 4+
♥
, 16–18 HCP
|
-
3
♣
|
5+
♣
, 4+
♠
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
5+
♦
, 5+
♠
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
3
♥
|
5+
♥
, 5+
♠
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-1
♥
-2
♣
-
2
♦
|
5+
♦
, 4+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
-
2
♠
|
4+
♠
, 4+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
2NT
|
5+
♣
, 4+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
3
♣
|
4+
♣
, 4+
♥
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
5+
♦
, 5+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
3
♥
|
5+
♥
, 6+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
3
♠
|
5+
♠
, 6+
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-1
♠
-2
♣
-
2
♦
|
5+
♦
, 4+
♠
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
2
♥
|
4+
♥
, 5+
♠
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
-
2NT
|
5+
♣
, 4+
♠
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
3
♣
|
4+
♣
, 4+
♠
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
5+
♦
, 5+
♠
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
3
♥
|
5+
♥
, 5+
♠
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
3
♠
|
5+
♠
, 6+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
The bidding structure at 1
♣
-1
♦
-1NT is similar to the 1NT opening.
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-1NT
-
-
-
-
2
♠
|
!TRF, 6+
♣
or S/T 5+
♦
5+
♣
|
-
-
-
3
♦
|
!SPL, 0–1
♦
, 4
♠
, 4
♥
, 4–5
♣
|
-
3
♥
|
!SPL, 0–1
♥
, 4
♠
, 4–5
♦
, 4–5
♣
|
-
3
♠
|
!SPL, 0–1
♠
, 4
♥
, 4–5
♦
, 4–5
♣
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-2
♦
-
-
-
2NT
|
TRF, 6+
♣
or S/T 5+
♦
5+
♣
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
!SPL, 0–1
♥
, 2–3
♠
, 4–5
♦
, 4–5
♣
|
-
3
♠
|
!SPL, 0–1
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 4–5
♦
, 4–5
♣
|
-
3NT
|
!Choice of games, 22(54)
|
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-2NT
-
-
-
-
3
♠
|
!TRF, 6+
♣
or (54)+ in minors
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
Positive 1M responses
Opener's 2
♦
rebid is Odwrotka, a fit reverse showing a game-forcing 3+ card
support.
The jump reverse of the other major shows a game-forcing minor two suiter to
alleviate the burden on 2NT.
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-
-
1NT
|
2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 2–4
♦
, 3–5
♣
, 12–14 HCP
|
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 0–3
♠
, 0–3
♥
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
2
♠
|
!FG, 5+
♦
, 5+
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
2NT
|
2–3
♠
, 1–2
♥
, 3–5
♦
, 3–5
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
4+
♥
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
-
3NT
|
SOL 7+
♣
, partial stops in
♠
and
♦
|
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-
1NT
|
2–3
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–4
♦
, 2–5
♣
, 12–14 HCP
|
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 0–3
♠
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
0–2
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–5
♦
, 2–5
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
!FG, 5+
♦
, 5+
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
3
♠
|
4+
♠
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
3NT
|
SOL 7+
♣
, partial stops in
♥
and
♦
|
-
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-1NT
-
2
♣
|
!Checkback, INV 5+
♥
or FG
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-1NT
-
2
♣
|
!Checkback, INV 5+
♠
or FG
|
-
-
2
♥
|
INV, 4+
♥
, 5+
♠
, 10–11 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
XYZ over 1
♣
-1
♥
-1
♠
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-1
♠
-
-
2
♣
|
!NF XYZ (R), 7–11 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
0–3
♠
, 4
♥
, 0–5
♦
, 0–5
♣
, 12–15 HCP
|
The 2
♣
response contains the following types of hands
-
Minimum 6+
♦
, planning to pass the 2
♦
relay
-
Minimum 5+
♥
, planning to rebid 2
♥
-
Minimum 4+
♠
support, planning to rebid 2
♠
-
Balanced invitation, planning to rebid 2NT
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-1
♠
-2
♣
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
♣
|
INV, 5+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-1
♠
-2
♣
-2
♦
-
Pass
|
MIN, 6+
♦
, 7–10 HCP
|
-
-
-
2NT
|
INV, 1–3
♠
, 4
♥
, 10–11 HCP
|
The 2
♦
response contains the following types of hands
-
Game forcing 5 hearts or unbalanced 5+ clubs, seeking a fit
-
Slam tries dependent on opener's strength
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-1
♠
-2
♦
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
42(52) or 42(43), 18+ HCP
|
Turning off FG XYZ by a passed hand
FG XYZ is off by a passed hand because game-forcing options become impossible.
We simply move the 3
♦
response to 2
♦
.
Checkback Stayman
The traditional approach works better over a weak notrump rebid than XYZ.
Since opener is limited and balanced, responder can invite with a
distributional hand of as few as 9 HCP.
Odwrotka with the strong 2
♥
relay
We use the relay structure in
Polish Club 2020: Expert.
The 2
♥
response to
Odwrotka is a slam try with 11+ HCP or a certain fit and <= 8.0 NLTC.
-
1
♣
-1M-2
♦
-
-
-
2NT
|
! 5M, not BAL, 7–10 HCP
|
-
3
♣
|
! 5+
♣
, 4M, 9–11 HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
! 5+
♦
, 4M, 9–11 HCP
|
-
-
3oM
|
!SPL, 0–1#, 6+M, 7–10 HCP
|
-
3NT
|
! 6+M, 2+oM, 2+
♦
, 2+
♣
, 7–10 HCP
|
-
4
♣
|
!SPL, 0–1
♣
, 6+M, 7–10 HCP
|
-
4
♦
|
!SPL, 0–1
♦
, 6+M, 7–10 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-2
♦
-2
♥
-2
♠
-2NT-3
♣
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-2
♦
-2
♥
-2
♠
-2NT-3
♣
Balanced positive responses
Balanced positive responses are pretty descriptive, so opener's rebids are
mostly natural.
-
1
♣
-1NT
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–5
♦
, 2–5
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–5
♦
, 2–5
♣
, 20–21 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-2NT
-
-
-
-
-
-
4NT
|
QUANT INV to 6NT, 18–19 HCP
|
Game-forcing 2m responses
Like over 2/1 responses, opener jumps with extra values to utilize higher steps
to send information. This avoids an awkward situation Bridge World calls "two
temporizers and zero describers".
-
1
♣
-2
♣
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
BAL, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 12–14 or 21+ HCP
|
-
-
3
♦
|
!SPL, 0–1
♦
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
3
♥
|
!SPL, 0–1
♥
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
3
♠
|
!SPL, 0–1
♠
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
3NT
|
BAL, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-2
♦
-
-
-
2NT
|
BAL, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 12–14 or 21+ HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
BAL, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 18–20 HCP
|
The 2
♥
response
The 2
♥
response shows a minimum positive with 5+ spades and 4+ hearts.
-
1
♣
-2
♥
-
2
♠
|
S/P S/O, 2+
♠
, 12–15 HCP
|
-
-
3
♣
|
INV, 0–2
♠
, 0–3
♥
, 5+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
FG, 5+
♦
, 0–2
♠
, 0–3
♥
, 18+ HCP
|
-
3
♥
|
INV, 4+
♥
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
3
♠
|
INV, 3+
♠
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
3NT
|
S/O, 0–2
♠
, 1–3
♥
, 3–5
♦
, 3–5
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
4
♥
|
S/O, 4+
♥
, 18+ points
|
-
4
♠
|
S/O, 3+
♠
, 18+ points
|
-
Competitive bidding
-
1
♣
-(Dbl)
-
-
-
-
-
1NT
|
NF, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 2–5
♦
, 2–5
♣
, 7–10 HCP
|
-
-
-
2
♥
|
!P/C, 4+
♥
, 5+
♠
, 7–9 HCP
|
-
-
2NT
|
!FG, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 3–4
♦
, 3–4
♣
|
-
3
♣
|
!INV, 6+
♣
, 9–11 HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
!INV, 6+
♦
, 9–11 HCP
|
-
-
1
♣
-(1
♦
)
-
-
-
-
1NT
|
7–10 HCP, likely stop in
♦
|
-
-
2
♦
|
INV+, ask for
♦
stopper
|
-
-
2NT
|
INV, 10–11 HCP, likely stop in
♦
|
-
-
-
1
♣
-(1
♥
)
-
-
-
1NT
|
7–10 HCP, likely stop in
♥
|
-
-
-
2
♥
|
INV+, ask for
♥
stopper
|
-
-
2NT
|
INV, 10–11 HCP, likely stop in
♥
|
-
-
-
-
1
♣
-(1
♠
)
-
-
1NT
|
7–10 HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
-
-
-
2
♠
|
INV+, ask for
♠
stopper
|
-
2NT
|
INV, 10–11 HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
-
-
We treat 1
♣
-(1NT) like a
weak
notrump because nobody has bid a suit yet and
a penalty double is sensible.
We play Transfer Lebensohl over 2
♦
♥
♠
overcalls.
-
1
♣
-(2
♦
)
-
-
-
-
-
3
♦
|
!FG, 5+
♣
, at most partial stop in
♦
|
-
3
♥
|
!FG, 5+
♥
, likely stop in
♦
|
-
3
♠
|
!FG, 5+
♠
, likely stop in
♦
|
-
3NT
|
!FG, 5+
♣
, likely stop in
♦
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
S/O, likely stop in
♦
|
-
1
♣
-(2
♥
)
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
♥
|
!FG, 5+
♣
, at most partial stop in
♥
|
-
3
♠
|
!FG, 5+
♠
, likely stop in
♥
|
-
3NT
|
!FG, 5+
♣
, likely stop in
♥
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
S/O, likely stop in
♥
|
-
1
♣
-(2
♠
)
-
-
-
-
-
3
♠
|
!FG, 5+
♣
, at most partial stop in
♠
|
-
3NT
|
!FG, 5+
♣
, likely stop in
♠
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
S/O, likely stop in
♠
|
We have this special unusual vs. unusual structure like 1NT-(2NT) because we
have not yet bid a suit.
-
1
♣
-(2NT)
-
Dbl
|
INV+, 2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2+
♦
, 2+
♣
, 10+ HCP
|
-
3
♣
|
INV+, 5+
♥
, 10+ points
|
-
3
♦
|
INV+, 5+
♠
, 10+ points
|
-
-
Over Transfer Walsh
The bidding structure over Transfer Walsh is largely the same as constructive
bidding. Opener accepts transfer with a minimum 3-card support.
Deviating from
Polish Club 2020: Expert,
we don't keep Odwrotka in
competition. The simple cuebid asks for a stopper, and the jump cuebid shows a
forcing raise.
-
Over 1
♣
-(1
♦
)-Dbl/1M, 2
♦
is the only way to show a big balanced hand
without a diamond stopper.
-
Over 1
♣
-(1
♥
)-Dbl/1
♠
, showing 5+ diamonds is pretty useful especially when
we don't have a heart stopper.
-
1
♣
-(1
♦
)-Dbl
-
-
-
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 0–3
♠
, 0–3
♥
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
FG, 18+ HCP, stop in
♦
|
-
-
3
♦
|
!FG, 4+
♥
, 2+
♠
, 2+
♦
, 2+
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
3
♥
|
4+
♥
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-(1
♦
)-1
♥
-
-
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 0–3
♠
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
FG, 18+ HCP, stop in
♦
|
-
-
3
♦
|
!FG, 4+
♠
, 2+
♥
, 2+
♦
, 2+
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
-
1
♣
-(1
♦
)-1
♠
-
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
FG, 18+ HCP, stop in
♦
|
-
-
1
♣
-(1
♥
)-Dbl
-
-
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 0–3
♠
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
FG, 18+ HCP, stop in
♥
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
!FG, 4+
♠
, 2+
♥
, 2+
♦
, 2+
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
1
♣
-(1
♥
)-1
♠
-
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
FG, 18+ HCP, stop in
♥
|
-
After 1
♣
-1
♦
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-(Dbl)
-
-
-
-
1NT
|
2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–5
♦
, 2–5
♣
, 18–20 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–5
♦
, 2–5
♣
, 21–23 HCP
|
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-(1
♥
)
-
Dbl
|
T/O, 18–20 HCP or 4+
♠
4+
♣
15–17 HCP
|
-
-
1NT
|
18–20 HCP, likely stop in
♥
|
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
21–23 HCP, likely stop in
♥
|
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-(1
♠
)
-
Dbl
|
T/O, 18–20 HCP or 4+
♥
4+
♣
15–17 HCP
|
-
1NT
|
18–20 HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
21–23 HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-(2
♣
)
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
21–23 HCP, likely stop in
♣
|
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
33(43), 24–26 HCP, likely stop in
♣
|
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-(2
♦
)
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
21–23 HCP, likely stop in
♦
|
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
33(43), 24–26 HCP, likely stop in
♦
|
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-(2
♥
)
-
-
-
2NT
|
21–23 HCP, likely stop in
♥
|
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
3(433), 24–26 HCP, likely stop in
♥
|
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-(2
♠
)
-
-
2NT
|
21–23 HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
3
♥
(433), 24–26 HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-(2NT)
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
33(43), 22–25 HCP, partial stop in each minor
|
After 1
♣
-1M
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-(Dbl)
-
-
-
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 0–3
♠
, 0–3
♥
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
2–3
♠
, 1–2
♥
, 3–4
♦
, 4–5
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
4+
♥
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-(1
♠
)
-
-
1NT
|
BAL 2
♥
, 12–14 HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 0–2
♥
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
4+
♥
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-(1NT)
-
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 0–3
♥
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
2–3
♠
, 1–2
♥
, 3–4
♦
, 4–5
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
4+
♥
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-(2
♣
)
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♣
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
4+
♥
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-(2
♦
)
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♦
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
4+
♥
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-(2
♠
)
-
Dbl
|
INV+ SUPP, 3+
♥
, 15+ HCP
|
-
2NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
-
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-(3
♣
)
-
-
-
3NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♣
|
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-(3
♦
)
-
-
3NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♦
|
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-(3
♥
♠
)
-
-
3NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-(Dbl)
-
-
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 0–3
♠
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
2
♦
|
5+
♦
or 0445, 18+ HCP
|
-
-
-
2NT
|
1–2
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–4
♦
, 3–5
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
-
-
-
3
♠
|
4+
♠
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-(1NT)
-
-
2
♣
|
5+
♣
, 0–3
♠
, 12–17 HCP
|
-
2
♦
|
5+
♦
or 0445, 18+ HCP
|
-
-
-
2NT
|
1–2
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–4
♦
, 3–5
♣
, 18+ HCP
|
-
-
-
-
3
♠
|
4+
♠
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-(2
♣
)
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♣
|
-
-
-
-
3
♠
|
4+
♠
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-(2
♦
)
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♦
|
-
-
-
-
3
♠
|
4+
♠
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-(2
♥
)
-
-
-
2NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♥
|
-
-
-
-
3
♠
|
4+
♠
, 4+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-(3
♣
)
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♣
|
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-(3
♦
)
-
-
-
3NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♦
|
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-(3
♥
♠
)
-
-
3NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♥
|
We still play the support double over 1C-1M-(2M). We think the support double
is superior to unusual vs. unusual.
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-(2
♥
)
-
Dbl
|
INV+ SUPP, 3+
♥
, 15+ HCP
|
-
-
2NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-(2
♠
)
-
Dbl
|
INV+ SUPP, 3+
♠
, 15+ HCP
|
-
2NT
|
18+ HCP, likely stop in
♥
|
-
-
-
-
It is another story over 1C-1M-(2NT). We no longer have a chance to stop at
2NT after a double.
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-(2NT)
-
-
3
♣
|
INV, 4+
♥
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-(2NT)
-
-
3
♣
|
INV, 4+
♠
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
The 1
♦
opening
-
1
♦
-
-
-
-
-
2
♦
|
!INV+, 4+
♦
, 10+ HCP
|
-
2
♥
|
!P/C, 4+
♥
, 5+
♠
, 7–9 HCP
|
-
-
-
3
♣
|
!Mixed raise, 4+
♦
, 8–10 HCP
|
-
-
3
♥
|
!SPL, 0–1
♥
, 4+
♦
, 12–15 HCP
|
-
3
♠
|
!SPL, 0–1
♠
, 4+
♦
, 12–15 HCP
|
-
The 1M responses
-
1
♦
-1
♥
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
♠
|
3
♥
, 6+
♦
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
2NT
|
2
♥
6
♦
(32), 15–17 HCP
|
-
3
♣
|
5+
♣
, 5+
♦
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
-
-
3NT
|
SOL 7+
♦
, partial stops in
♠
and
♣
|
-
1
♦
-1
♠
-
-
-
-
2
♥
|
!F, 4+
♥
or 3
♠
6+
♦
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
2
♠
|
4+
♠
or 3451, 12–14 HCP
|
-
2NT
|
2
♠
6
♦
(32), 15–17 HCP
|
-
3
♣
|
5+
♣
, 5+
♦
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
-
3
♥
|
5+
♥
, 6+
♦
, 12–14 HCP
|
-
-
3NT
|
SOL 7+
♦
, partial stops in
♥
and
♣
|
XYZ over 1
♦
-1
♥
-1
♠
-
1
♦
-1
♥
-1
♠
-
-
2
♣
|
!NF XYZ (R), 7–11 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
0–3
♠
, 4
♥
, 0–5
♦
, 0–5
♣
, 12–15 HCP
|
The 2
♣
response contains the following types of hands
-
Minimum 3+
♦
, planning to pass the 2
♦
relay
-
Minimum 5+
♥
, planning to rebid 2
♥
-
Minimum 4+
♠
support, planning to rebid 2
♠
-
Balanced invitation, planning to rebid 2NT
-
1
♦
-1
♥
-1
♠
-2
♣
-
-
-
-
-
3
♣
|
INV, 5+
♣
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
INV, 6+
♦
, 15–17 HCP
|
-
1
♦
-1
♥
-1
♠
-2
♣
-2
♦
-
Pass
|
MIN, 3+
♦
, 7–10 HCP
|
-
-
-
2NT
|
INV, 1–3
♠
, 4
♥
, 10–11 HCP
|
Wolff signoff
Wolff signoff is a conventional 3
♣
over 2NT rebid. Such 3
♣
puppets to 3
♦
,
and responder is ready to sign off at the 3-level.
-
1
♦
-1
♥
-2NT
-
3
♣
|
!PUP, to play 3
♦
or 3
♥
|
-
-
-
-
1
♦
-1
♠
-2NT
-
3
♣
|
!PUP, to play 3
♦
or 3
♠
|
-
-
-
Lebensohl over reverses
Instead of 3
♣
, we use 2NT as the weak relay over reverses.
-
1
♦
-1
♥
-2
♠
-
2NT
|
!PUP, ready to S/O at 3X
|
-
3
♣
|
!Ask for
♠
stopper or S/T in
♥
|
-
-
-
Our advantage over
Polish Club 2020: Expert
is that we can disambiguate
between variants of 1
♦
-1
♠
-2
♥
below 3
♦
.
Competitive bidding
-
1
♦
-(Dbl)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
!INV+, 4+
♦
, Truscott
|
-
3
♣
|
!Mixed raise, 4+
♦
, 8–10 HCP
|
-
1
♦
-(1
♥
)
-
-
-
1NT
|
7–10 HCP, likely stop in
♥
|
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
INV, 10–11 HCP, likely stop in
♥
|
-
3
♣
|
!Mixed raise, 4+
♦
, 8–10 HCP
|
-
-
1
♦
-(1
♠
)
-
-
1NT
|
7–10 HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
INV, 10–11 HCP, likely stop in
♠
|
-
3
♣
|
!Mixed raise, 4+
♦
, 8–10 HCP
|
-
Major suit openings
-
1
♥
-
-
1NT
|
NF, 0–2
♥
or weak 33(43), 7–11 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
2
♠
|
!INV, (54)+ in minors, 9–11 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
3
♠
|
!FG SPL, 0–1
♠
, 4+
♥
|
-
3NT
|
!Choice of games, 33(43), 12–15 HCP
|
-
4
♣
|
!FG SPL, 0–1
♣
, 4+
♥
|
-
4
♦
|
!FG SPL, 0–1
♦
, 4+
♥
|
-
-
1
♠
-
1NT
|
NF, 0–2
♠
or weak 3(433), 7–11 HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
♣
|
!INV or S/T, 0–1
♦
or 0–1
♥
, 4+
♠
|
-
3
♦
|
!INV or S/T, 0–1
♣
, 4+
♠
|
-
-
-
3NT
|
!Choice of games, 3(433), 12–15 HCP
|
-
-
Note that we use difference 4-card raising structures for 1
♥
and 1
♠
. Our
spade raises cover all mini-Splinters and a mixed raise. On the other hand, we
use reverse Bergen raises for hearts for several reasons:
-
We have more preemptive uses for 1
♥
-2
♠
such as invitational both minors or
a weak jump shift.
-
As a corollary, we don't have enough room to discriminate all mini-Splinters.
-
We need 1
♥
-3
♥
to preempt a potential spade fit while 1
♠
-2
♠
is usually
enough for a heart fit.
Natural invitational 2/1 by passed hand
We don't play Drury here. For a 3-card limit raise without a 5-card side suit,
1NT is decent.
Competitive bidding
We play transfers over 1M-(Dbl) as suggested by
Polish Club 2020: Expert.
-
From 1NT to 2M-1
: transfers
-
Simple raise
: constructive raise
-
Other bids
: same as uncontested
-
1
♥
-(Dbl)
-
Rdbl
|
BAL 2–3
♥
or 4144, 10+ HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
2
♥
|
CONST, 3+
♥
, 8.5–9.0 NLTC
|
-
2
♠
|
!INV, (54)+ in minors, 9–11 HCP
|
-
2NT
|
!INV+, 4+
♥
, Truscott
|
-
1
♠
-(Dbl)
-
Rdbl
|
BAL 2–3
♠
or 1444, 10+ HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
2
♠
|
CONST, 3+
♠
, 8.5–9.0 NLTC
|
-
2NT
|
!INV+, 4+
♥
, Truscott
|
Strong notrump opening
We use the French-style 4-way transfers to preserve the natural invitation. We
invite naturally rather than via Stayman because 2NT hides information of the
declarer.
The responder tries to show a major first always (MAFIA). The only exception
is not to bid Stayman with (4333), a hand so flat that playing notrump is a
better idea.
-
1NT
-
-
-
-
2
♠
|
!TRF, 6+
♣
or S/T 5+
♦
5+
♣
|
-
-
-
3
♦
|
!Choice of games, 5+
♠
, 5+
♥
|
-
3
♥
|
!SPL, 0–1
♥
, 2–3
♠
, 4–5
♦
, 4–5
♣
|
-
3
♠
|
!SPL, 0–1
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 4–5
♦
, 4–5
♣
|
-
-
4
♣
|
!Gerber, ask for aces
|
-
-
-
-
-
Stayman
Excluding opener's 5-card majors, the Stayman has its traditional meaning or a
Garbage Stayman.
-
INV+, unspecified 4+M
-
WK, 4
♠
, 4
♥
, 4–5
♦
, 0–1
♣
The Garbage Stayman takes advantage of that opener will eventually rebid within
2
♠
♥
♦
, so we can bid 2
♣
as a weak takeout of clubs and pass in the next round.
-
1NT-2
♣
-2X
-
Pass
|
WK, 4
♠
, 4
♥
, 4–5
♦
, 0–1
♣
|
We only employ Smolen transfers at the 3-level. The 2-level invitations are
natrual so that we have a chance to stop at 2
♥
.
-
1NT-2
♣
-2
♦
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
♥
|
!FG, Smolen TRF, 54(xx)
|
-
3
♠
|
!FG, Smolen TRF, 45(xx)
|
-
-
4
♣
|
!Gerber, ask for aces
|
-
4
♦
|
!Texas TRF, 6+
♥
, 4+
♠
|
-
4
♥
|
!Texas TRF, 6+
♠
, 4+
♥
|
-
-
The step of 1NT-2
♣
-2
♥
-2
♠
allows us to always choose the better major fit.
This is why the opener rebids 2
♥
with 44 majors.
-
1NT-2
♣
-2
♥
-
-
-
3
♣
|
FG, 5+
♣
, 0–3
♥
, 4
♠
|
-
3
♦
|
FG, 5+
♦
, 0–3
♥
, 4
♠
|
-
-
3
♠
|
!S/T, 4+
♥
, 2+
♦
, 2+
♣
|
-
-
4
♣
|
!S/T SPL, 0–1
♣
, 4+
♥
|
-
4
♦
|
!S/T SPL, 0–1
♦
, 4+
♥
|
-
-
4NT
|
QUANT INV to 6NT, 0–3
♥
|
-
5NT
|
QUANT INV to 7NT, 0–3
♥
|
-
1NT-2
♣
-2
♠
-
-
3
♣
|
FG, 5+
♣
, 0–3
♠
, 4
♥
|
-
3
♦
|
FG, 5+
♦
, 0–3
♠
, 4
♥
|
-
3
♥
|
!S/T, 4+
♠
, 2+
♦
, 2+
♣
|
-
-
-
4
♣
|
!S/T SPL, 0–1
♣
, 4+
♠
|
-
4
♦
|
!S/T SPL, 0–1
♦
, 4+
♠
|
-
-
4NT
|
QUANT INV to 6NT, 0–3
♠
|
-
5NT
|
QUANT INV to 7NT, 0–3
♠
|
Jacoby transfer
The opener always accepts Jacoby transfers. We super-accept with maximum and 4
trumps. We
hide
the doubleton just below the trump to avoid retransferring
problems like 1NT-2
♦
-3
♦
!-3
♥
?.
-
1NT-2
♦
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
♥
|
Mild S/T, 6+
♥
, 2+
♠
, 2+
♦
, 2+
♣
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1NT-2
♥
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
♠
|
Mild S/T, 6+
♠
, 2+
♥
, 2+
♦
, 2+
♣
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
Seeking a major fit
There are apparent overlaps between major fit seeking conventions, especially
Jacoby transfers with Stayman or Texas transfers. This section describes how
to pick the best response.
Major two suiter, (54)+
To find the better fit, we consider the length difference between majors in our
partnership. The opener's difference is at most 2, so our basic strategy is
-
Same lengths
: let partner decide
-
Difference = 1
: proactive negotiation
-
Difference > 1
: ignore the shorter suit
However, with a weak hand, it is more important to keep the bidding low. We
transfer to our longer major and then pass.
Same lengths, 55+
We choose the hearts from a weak two suiter for a chance to run out to 2
♠
.
-
Weak
= 2
♦
(→
♥
); then pass
-
Invitational
= 2
♦
(→
♥
); then 2
♠
-
Forcing to game
= 2
♥
(→
♠
); then 3
♥
Difference = 1, (54)+
-
Weak
= transfer to the longer major
-
Invitational+
= Stayman
Major single suiter, 6+
-
Weak
= Jacoby; then pass
-
Invitational
= Jacoby; then 3M
-
Game but no slam
= Texas; then pass
-
Mild slam interest
= Jacoby; then 4M
-
Strong slam try
= Texas; keep bidding
Minor transfer
We only show minor suits with a singleton or void. We play minor contracts 2
levels above notrump contracts (3m vs 1NT and 5m vs 3NT), so we need a pretty
unbalanced hand.
We use fragment bids instead of Splinters here to avoid lead-directing doubles.
We move the minor Stayman to the unallocated 4
♠
. Since the opener must have a
3+ card minor, 55 minors would ensure a minor fit. The opener rebids based on
suit preference.
Competitive bidding
Competition does not affect auctions at 3NT and above.
-
1NT-(2X)
-
-
4
♣
|
!Gerber, ask for aces
|
-
-
-
We keep things simple over 1NT-(Dbl). Everything is natural.
We play
systems on
over 1NT-(2
♣
). Most bids keep the same meaning.
-
1NT-(2
♣
)
-
Dbl
|
!STAY, may be Garbage
|
-
-
-
-
-
3
♣
|
!SPL, 0–1
♣
, 4
♠
, 4
♥
, 4–5
♦
|
-
3
♦
|
!SPL, 0–1
♦
, 4
♠
, 4
♥
, 4–5
♣
|
-
3
♥
|
!SPL, 0–1
♥
, 2–3
♠
, 4–5
♦
, 4–5
♣
|
-
3
♠
|
!SPL, 0–1
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 4–5
♦
, 4–5
♣
|
We play Transfer Lebensohl against overcalls 2
♦
♥
♠
.
-
1NT-(2
♦
)
-
-
-
-
-
3
♦
|
!FG, 5+
♣
, at most partial stop in
♦
|
-
3
♥
|
!FG, 5+
♥
, likely stop in
♦
|
-
3
♠
|
!FG, 5+
♠
, likely stop in
♦
|
-
3NT
|
!FG, 5+
♣
, likely stop in
♦
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
S/O, likely stop in
♦
|
-
1NT-(2
♥
)
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
♥
|
!FG, 5+
♣
, at most partial stop in
♥
|
-
3
♠
|
!FG, 5+
♠
, likely stop in
♥
|
-
3NT
|
!FG, 5+
♣
, likely stop in
♥
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
S/O, likely stop in
♥
|
-
1NT-(2
♠
)
-
-
-
-
-
3
♠
|
!FG, 5+
♣
, at most partial stop in
♠
|
-
3NT
|
!FG, 5+
♣
, likely stop in
♠
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
S/O, likely stop in
♠
|
We have a special unusual vs. unusual structure over 1NT-(2NT) because we have
not yet shown a suit.
-
1NT-(2NT)
-
Dbl
|
INV+, 2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2+
♦
, 2+
♣
|
-
-
-
-
Ekren 2
♣
Ekren is an artificial preempt showing 4+ cards in each major. This preempt is
not only frequent (5–6%) but also frees major preempts from the other major.
Ekren is slightly less frequent than a wild 5-card natural preempt (6–7%) but
much more frequent than a traditional 6-card preempt (2.2–2.7%).
Ekren is originally at 2
♦
. We move it to 2
♣
to fill in the removed
Precision
and leave space for Multi.
Unlike natural preempts, we have 2NT as a nonforcing natural invitation. Since
Ekren hands can be fairly balanced, 2NT can be the sweet spot on misfit.
Multi 2
♦
Our Multi 2
♦
shows a 6-card weak two of either major.
Exactly 5-card weak twos
Weak twos in this bidding system show exactly 5 cards in the bid major. Multi
2
♦
already takes care of 6+ cards. Our weak twos include balanced hands to
annoy our opponents frequently.
Non-jump new suits are non-forcing because sometimes we need to escape from a
certain misfit. With a strong misfit and a lower-ranking suit, we tend to buy
3NT with a minor suit. Otherwise, we go through 2NT and try to introduce
hearts in the next round.
-
2
♥
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
♣
|
!Leaping Michaels, 4+
♣
, 5+
♠
|
-
4
♦
|
!Leaping Michaels, 4+
♦
, 5+
♠
|
-
-
2
♠
-
-
-
-
-
4
♣
|
!Leaping Michaels, 4+
♣
, 5+
♥
|
-
4
♦
|
!Leaping Michaels, 4+
♦
, 5+
♥
|
Unusual 2NT opening
The unusual 2NT opening is a preempt with 55+ in minors.
We advise against opening 2NT for (30)55 in the first two seats.
-
2NT
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4NT
|
!Equal preference between 5
♣
♦
|
-
2NT-3
♠
-3NT
-
-
-
5
♣
|
!S/T, 3+
♣
, voluntary bid
|
-
5
♦
|
!S/T, 3+
♦
, voluntary bid
|