Litten Polish Club
Welcome to Litten Polish Club! Polish Club is a 5-card major small club
bidding system, where the 1
♣
opening is forcing but not necessarily strong.
Notably,
we swap the natural suits between 1
♣
and 1
♦
by courtesy of Ting-Yu
Ye (TpKotoba). In other words, 1
♦
shows clubs, and 1
♣
has various options
including a diamond suit.
This bidding system is also 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/litten-polish-club/98013
Notable differences from
Polish Club 2020: Expert
Constructive auctions
-
The minor suit interchange: we open 1
♦
for clubs!
-
We use natural 2/1 after 1
♥
and swapped 2/1 after 1
♠
.
-
After 1M, we have 4-card support step responses from 2NT to 3M.
-
In our 3-way checkback over 1X-1M-1NT, the 2
♣
relay contains 2-level
signoffs like Gladiator.
Preempts
-
We modified continuations after the 2X preempts.
-
BTU Namyats replace natural 4m.
Slam try
-
We use kickback RKCB 0314 for all suits.
-
When we have found two fits X and Y, 4Y+1 is 7-key Blackwood (7KCB), RKCB in
both suits with each trump Q regarded as half a keycard.
-
New suits above RKCB are control asking RKCB. Return to 5X if you lack a
control in that suit. Otherwise, use the other steps like RKCB.
-
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 (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 points (ZP)
: 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 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
We have the minor suit interchange here. This treatment fixes several problems
such as rebidding clubs over 1
♣
. This treatment also introduces lesser
problems, but I believe they can be solved by further adjustments.
-
∅
-
1
♣
|
!F, Polish Club with diamonds instead of clubs:
|
(a) 12–14 HCP, 2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–4
♦
, 2–4
♣
|
(b) 11–17 HCP, 5+
♦
or 4441
|
(c) 18+ HCP
|
-
1
♦
|
!TRF, 11–17 HCP, 5+
♣
or (441)4
|
-
-
-
1NT
|
15–17 HCP, 2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–6
♦
, 2–6
♣
|
-
2
♣
|
!PRE, 4–10 HCP, 4+
♠
, 4+
♥
|
-
-
2M
|
PRE, 4–10 HCP, 5=#, 4+m,
|
-
2NT
|
!UNT, 4–10 HCP, 5+
♦
, 5+
♣
|
-
-
3NT
|
!Gambling, SOL 7+m, 0–1 outside A/K
|
-
4
♣
|
!PRE, S-SOL 8+M, 0–1 outside A/K
|
-
4
♦
|
!PRE, SOL 8+M, no outside A/K
|
-
-
4NT
|
!UNT, 11–15 HCP, 6+
♦
, 6+
♣
|
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 with the minor suit interchange
The minor suit interchange replaces the natural variant of Polish Club. The
variants are as follows:
-
12–14 HCP, 2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–4
♦
, 2–4
♣
-
11–17 HCP, 5+
♦
or 4441
-
18+ HCP
This treatment makes the 1
♦
negative relay non-forcing. We not only threaten
to play 1
♦
but also make 1
♣
-1
♦
-2
♣
stronger and more constructive. In order
to pass 1
♦
easily, it must become a pure negative relay. We move invitational
hands elsewhere.
-
1
♣
-
-
-
-
1NT
|
BAL INV, 9–11 HCP, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 2–5
♦
, 2–5
♣
|
-
-
-
2
♥
|
!P/C, 7–9 HCP, 4+
♥
, 5+
♠
|
-
2
♠
|
!INV, 9–11 HCP, (54)+ in minors
|
-
2NT
|
!FG, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 3–4
♦
, 3–4
♣
|
-
-
-
-
-
Note that due to the minor suit interchange,
rebidding clubs by the 1
♣
opener
often shows diamonds
instead of clubs. Responder can then bid diamonds as
negative or P/C. This is a significant change from the standard and fairly
natural variant of Polish Club.
The 1
♦
relay
In our version of Polish Club, the 1
♦
relay denies invitational values. This
relay contains weak hands without another suitable bid.
We swap the 2
♦
and 2NT responses for better constructiveness by courtesy of
Ting-Yu Ye (TpKotoba).
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-
-
1
♥
|
12–20 HCP, 4+
♥
or 3334
|
-
-
1NT
|
18–20 HCP, 2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–6
♦
, 2–6
♣
|
-
2
♣
|
!NF, 15–20 HCP, 0–3
♠
, 0–3
♥
, 5+
♦
or 18–20 HCP 5+
♣
|
-
2
♦
|
!NF, 21–23 HCP, 0–4
♠
, 0–4
♥
, 0–5
♦
, 0–5
♣
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
!Gambling, SOL 7+
♦
, likely stops in two side suits
|
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-1
♥
-
-
1NT
|
5–9 HCP, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 2–5
♦
, 2–5
♣
|
-
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-1
♠
-
1NT
|
5–9 HCP, 1–3
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–5
♦
, 2–5
♣
|
-
-
-
-
The bidding structure at 1
♣
-1
♦
-1NT is similar to the 1NT opening. We don't
need minor transfers here since we have already bid both minors. Therefore, we
change 2
♠
to a minor suit Multi/Stayman.
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-1NT
-
2
♣
|
!STAY, may be Garbage
|
-
-
-
2
♠
|
!Minor suit Multi/STAY, 6+m or 4+
♦
4+
♣
|
-
-
-
-
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
|
-
-
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-2
♦
-
-
-
2NT
|
2–4
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–6
♦
, 2–6
♣
|
-
3
♣
|
!STAY, may be Garbage
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
!TRF, 6+
♣
or S/T 5+
♦
5+
♣
|
-
-
3
♦
|
!TRF, 5
♥
(332), choice of games
|
-
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
-
-
-
-
-
4
♦
|
!Choice of games, 5+
♠
, 5+
♥
|
-
4
♥
|
!SPL, 0–1
♥
, 2–3
♠
, 4–5
♦
, 4–5
♣
|
-
4
♠
|
!SPL, 0–1
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 4–5
♦
, 4–5
♣
|
-
-
1
♣
-1
♦
-2NT-3
♣
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
♦
|
!Choice of games, 4+
♠
, 4+
♥
|
-
-
-
-
Positive 1M responses
Opener's 2
♦
rebid is Odwrotka, a fit reverse showing a game-forcing 3+ card
support. Moreover, opener's 2
♣
rebid is a transfer to diamonds, which makes
the whole structure similar to XYZ (turned 180 degrees).
The jump reverse of the other major shows a game-forcing minor two suiter to
alleviate the burden on 2NT.
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-
-
1NT
|
BAL 12–14 HCP, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
|
-
2
♣
|
!TRF, 12–17 HCP, 5+
♦
, 0–3
♠
, 0–3
♥
|
-
-
-
2
♠
|
!FG, 18+ HCP, 5+
♦
, 5+
♣
|
-
2NT
|
FG, 18+ HCP, 2–3
♠
, 1–2
♥
, 3–5
♦
, 3–5
♣
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
INV, 15–17 HCP, 4+
♥
, 4+
♦
|
-
-
3NT
|
SOL 7+
♦
, partial stops in
♠
and
♣
|
-
-
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-
1NT
|
BAL 12–14 HCP, 2–3
♠
, 2–4
♥
|
-
2
♣
|
!TRF, 12–17 HCP, 5+
♦
, 0–3
♠
|
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
FG, 18+ HCP, 0–2
♠
, 2–4
♥
, 2–5
♦
, 2–5
♣
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
!FG, 18+ HCP, 5+
♦
, 5+
♣
|
-
3
♠
|
INV, 15–17 HCP, 4+
♠
, 4+
♦
|
-
3NT
|
SOL 7+
♦
, partial stops in
♥
and
♣
|
-
-
-
Three-way checkback for 1
♣
-1
♥
-1
♠
There are 3 artificial relays in the three-way checkback:
-
2
♣
: minimum 5+
♦
, any invitation, or a choice of games of 44(32)
-
2
♦
: game-forcing 5+
♥
or a slam try (maybe balanced)
-
2NT
: transfer to clubs
As a corollary, 3X become shaped slam tries.
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-1
♠
-
-
2
♣
|
!XYZ, MIN 5+
♦
or any INV or CoG 44(32)
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
12–15 HCP, 0–3
♠
, 4=
♥
, 0–5
♦
, 0–5
♣
|
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-1
♠
-2
♣
-
-
2
♥
|
FG, 18+ HCP, 5+
♠
, 3=
♥
|
-
2
♠
|
FG, 18+ HCP, 5+
♠
, 0–2
♥
|
-
-
-
3
♦
|
!FG TRF, 18+ HCP, 5+
♣
|
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-1
♠
-2
♣
-2
♦
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
Choice of games, 12–15 HCP, 44(32)
|
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-1
♠
-2
♦
-
-
2
♠
|
FG, 18+ HCP, 5+
♠
, 0–2
♥
|
-
2NT
|
MIN, 12–14 HCP, 0–2
♥
|
-
3
♣
|
!FG TRF, 15+ HCP, 5+
♦
|
-
3
♦
|
!FG TRF, 18+ HCP, 5+
♣
|
-
3
♥
|
FG, 18+ HCP, 5+
♠
, 3=
♥
|
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-1
♠
-2
♦
-2
♥
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
Choice of games, 12–15 HCP, 5
♥
(332)
|
Three-way checkback for 1
♣
-1
♥
♠
-1NT
We use BTU-style 3-way checkback to a 1NT rebid. The 2
♣
response is a
Gladiator-like relay because it puppets to 2
♦
anyway. The contents of 2
♣
by further responses are:
-
Pass and 2M
: signoff
-
2NT
: balanced invitation
-
3NT
: choice of games with 5M(332)
-
Other suit bids
: strong invitations
-
1
♣
-1
♥
-1NT-2
♣
-2
♦
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
Choice of games, 5
♥
(332)
|
-
1
♣
-1
♠
-1NT-2
♣
-2
♦
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
Choice of games, 5(332)
|
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
|
! 5=M, not BAL, 7–10 HCP
|
-
3
♣
|
! 5+
♣
, 4=M, 9–11 HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
! 5+
♦
, 4=M, 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 except the minor suit interchange.
-
1
♣
-1NT
-
2
♣
|
!(R), 5+
♦
or 18+ HCP
|
-
2
♦
|
!TRF, 5+
♣
or (441)4, 18+ HCP
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
♣
-2NT
-
3
♣
|
!TRF, 5+
♦
or 15+ HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
!TRF, 5+
♣
or (441)4, 18+ HCP
|
-
-
-
-
4NT
|
QUANT INV to 6NT, 18–19 HCP
|
Game-forcing 2m responses
Here come the exceptions where opener's club rebids are natural.
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
|
12–14 or 18+ HCP, 2–4
♦
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
S/T, 18+ HCP, 5=
♥
or 7+
♥
|
-
3
♠
|
S/T, 18+ HCP, 5=
♠
or 7+
♠
|
-
-
1
♣
-2
♦
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
♥
|
S/T, 18+ HCP, 5=
♥
or 7+
♥
|
-
3
♠
|
S/T, 18+ HCP, 5=
♠
or 7+
♠
|
-
-
4
♣
|
!S/T FRAG, 15–17 HCP, 5+
♦
, 0–1
♠
or 0–1
♥
|
-
4
♦
|
S/T, 15–17 HCP, 4+
♦
, usually 0–1
♣
or 6+
♦
|
Reverse Flannery 2
♥
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+ TRF, 0–2
♠
, 0–3
♥
, 5+
♦
, 15+ HCP
|
-
3
♦
|
!FG TRF, 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
|
-
Unbalanced invitational 2
♠
The 2
♠
response shows an invitation with (54) or more in the minor suits.
-
1
♣
-2
♠
-
2NT
|
NF, 3–4
♠
, 3–4
♥
, 2–3
♦
, 2–3
♣
|
-
-
-
3
♥
|
FG, 5+
♥
or ask for
♠
stopper
|
-
3
♠
|
FG, 5+
♠
or ask for
♥
stopper
|
-
The 1
♦
opening showing clubs
As we swap the minor suits, this opening now shows 11–17 HCP, 5+
♣
or (441)4.
-
1
♦
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
♥
|
!INV+, 3+
♣
, shows
♥
stopper or asks for
♠
stopper
|
-
2
♠
|
!INV+, 3+
♣
, shows
♠
stopper or asks for
♥
stopper
|
-
-
3
♣
|
!Mixed raise, 8–9 HCP, 4+
♣
|
-
3
♦
|
!SPL, 0–1
♦
, 4+
♣
, 12–15 HCP
|
-
3
♥
|
!SPL, 0–1
♥
, 4+
♣
, 12–15 HCP
|
-
3
♠
|
!SPL, 0–1
♠
, 4+
♣
, 12–15 HCP
|
-
3NT
|
12–15 HCP, 2–3
♠
, 2–3
♥
, 2–4
♦
, 2–4
♣
|
The 1M responses
-
1
♦
-1
♥
-
-
1NT
|
12–14 HCP, 1–3
♠
, 1–3
♥
, 4–5
♣
|
-
-
2
♦
|
!NMF, INV+ 5+
♥
or S/T
|
-
-
-
2
♠
|
!SPL, 15–17 HCP, 0–1
♠
, 4+
♥
|
-
2NT
|
!INV, 15–17 HCP, 6+
♣
, 3=
♥
|
-
-
3
♦
|
!SPL, 15–17 HCP, 0–1
♦
, 4+
♥
|
-
-
3NT
|
SOL 7+
♣
, partial stops in
♠
and
♦
|
-
1
♦
-1
♠
-
1NT
|
12–14 HCP, 1–3
♠
, 4–5
♣
|
-
-
2
♦
|
!NMF, INV+ 5+
♠
or S/T
|
-
-
-
2
♠
|
12–14 HCP, 4+
♠
or 3415
|
-
2NT
|
!INV, 15–17 HCP, 6+
♣
, 3=
♠
|
-
3
♣
|
15–17 HCP, 6+
♣
, 0–2
♠
|
-
3
♦
|
!SPL, 15–17 HCP, 0–1
♦
, 4+
♠
|
-
3
♥
|
!SPL, 15–17 HCP, 0–1
♥
, 4+
♠
|
-
-
3NT
|
SOL 7+
♣
, partial stops in
♥
and
♦
|
The precedence with 15–17 HCP is 4-card support > 4-card side suit > 3-card
support. Therefore, the reverse in the other major showing 3-card support
promises either 6+
♣
.
Three-way checkback for 1
♦
-1
♥
-1
♠
There are 3 artificial relays in the three-way checkback:
-
2
♣
: constructive 6+
♦
, any invitation, or a choice of games of 44(32)
-
2
♦
: game-forcing 5+
♥
or a slam try (maybe balanced)
-
2NT
: transfer to clubs
As a corollary, 3X become shaped slam tries. Note that the variant of minimum
diamonds becomes constructive (~8–9 HCP and 6+
♦
) because we could have
passed 1
♦
with weaker hands.
-
1
♦
-1
♥
-1
♠
-
-
2
♣
|
!XYZ, CONST 6+
♦
or any INV or CoG 4441
|
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
!TRF, 7–9 HCP or 12+ HCP, 4+
♣
|
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
12–15 HCP, 0–3
♠
, 4=
♥
, 0–5
♦
, 0–4
♣
|
-
1
♦
-1
♥
-1
♠
-2
♣
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
MAX, 15–17 HCP, 4135 or 4045
|
-
3
♣
|
MAX, 15–17 HCP, 6+
♣
, 0–2
♥
|
Three-way checkback for 1
♦
-1
♥
♠
-1NT
We use BTU-style 3-way checkback to a 1NT rebid. The 2
♣
response is a
Gladiator-like relay because it puppets to 2
♦
anyway. The contents of 2
♣
by further responses are:
-
2M or below
: signoff
-
2NT
: balanced invitation
-
3NT
: choice of games with 5=M and a singleton club
-
Other suit bids
: strong invitations
-
1
♦
-1
♥
-1NT
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
!TRF, 7–9 or 12+ HCP, 4+
♣
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
♦
-1
♥
-1NT-2
♣
-2
♦
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
♠
|
Choice of games, 4531
|
-
3NT
|
Choice of games, 3541
|
-
1
♦
-1
♠
-1NT
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
!TRF, 7–9 or 12+ HCP, 4+
♣
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
♦
-1
♠
-1NT-2
♣
-2
♦
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3NT
|
Choice of games, 5341
|
The 1NT response
The 1NT response promises 4+
♦
according to the pigeonhole principle. We use
this fact to park minimum opening hands with 4+
♦
.
-
1
♦
-1NT
-
-
-
-
-
2NT
|
NAT INV, 14 HCP, 4–5
♣
|
-
-
Major suit openings
-
1
♥
-
-
-
-
-
-
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+
♥
|
-
We swap 2
♣
and 2
♥
over 1
♠
, inspired by Twisted 2/1 by Ting-Yu Ye (TpKotoba).
https://hackmd.io/@TpKotoba/refx
When there are 5 hearts in 1
♠
-1NT, it must be an invitation without a spade
fit.
-
1
♠
-
1NT
|
NF, 0–3
♠
, 0–5
♥
, 7–11 HCP
|
-
2
♣
|
! 5+
♥
7+ HCP or FG 4+
♥
|
-
-
-
-
-
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
|
-
-
-
1
♠
-2
♣
-
2
♦
|
!(R), MIN 5=
♠
0–1
♥
or MAX 3+
♥
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
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
♣
|
!STAY, may be Garbage
|
-
-
-
2
♠
|
!TRF, 6+
♣
or S/T 4+
♦
4+
♣
|
-
-
-
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 1–2
: proactive negotiation
-
Difference > 2
: 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
♠
unless spades are sufficiently better.
-
Weak
= 2
♦
(→
♥
); then pass
-
Invitational
= 2
♦
(→
♥
); then 2
♠
-
Choice of games
= 3
♠
-
Forcing to game
= 2
♥
(→
♠
); then 3
♥
Difference 1–2, (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
With an invitation or a game force without slam interest, we only show minor
suits with a singleton or void.
We use fragment bids instead of Splinters here to avoid lead-directing doubles.
-
1NT-2
♠
-
2NT
|
!INV, 4+
♣
or MAX 3+
♣
|
-
Competitive bidding
Competition does not affect auctions at 3NT and above.
-
1NT-(2X)
-
-
4
♣
|
!Gerber, ask for aces
|
-
-
-
Over (Dbl)
We keep things simple over a strong double (10+ HCP). Everything is natural.
Over (2
♣
)
We play
systems on
over 1NT-(2
♣
). Most bids keep the same meaning. This is
because 2
♣
is so low that we can treat it as (mirrored) (1
♣
)-1NT.
-
If there is no anchor suit, we completely ignore the 2
♣
bid.
-
With one anchor suit X, we treat it as (1X)-1NT, where
systems on
also
applies.
-
With a major and a minor anchor suits, we ignore the minor suit.
-
1NT-(2
♣
)
-
Dbl
|
!STAY, may be Garbage
|
-
-
-
2
♠
|
!TRF, 6+
♣
or BAL INV
|
-
We recommend Leaping Michaels over a sole anchor suit. Take natural clubs for
example.
-
1NT-(2
♣
)
-
3
♣
|
!INV+, 6+
♦
, at most partial stop in
♣
|
-
-
-
The real headache is when (2
♣
) shows both majors e.g. Landy. We recommend
reverse unusual vs. unusual.
-
1NT-(2
♣
)
-
Dbl
|
Suggest penalizing either major
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Note that we pass when we can penalize both majors. A delayed double is for
penalty since a takeout can usually penalize the other major.
Over (2
♦
♥
♠
)
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
♠
|
Over (2NT)
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.
Muiderberg twos
Weak twos in this bidding system show exactly 5 cards in the bid major and 4+
cards in an unspecified minor. Multi 2
♦
already takes care of 6+ cards.
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.
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
|
BTU 4-level preempts
In National Taiwan University Bridge Club (BTU), we use a 4X scheme that
conveys approximately 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
-
4
♣
-
-
-
4NT
|
!MAX, CTRL in every side suit
|
-
5m
|
!MAX, no CTRL in this suit
|
-