[ucrman]

Canape Club

Opening Bids
1C - 16+ HCP, may be shaded if holding a very good 4-loser hand (usually a long major suit). All hands with 16+ HCP are opened 1C except those hands opened 2NT with 22-24- HCP or 4NT with 28-29 HCP.
1D - 11-15 HCP with 4+ Ds, shows one of the following types of unbalanced hands:
6+ Ds - 11+ HCP (ignore 4-card C suit), usually rebid 2D or 3D.
4+Ds and 5+ Ms - 11+ HCP (10+HCP if 5-5), (usually not 6 Ms and 4 Ds but could be 6 Ds with 5 Ms), usually rebid 2M.
4+ Ds and 4+ Cs - 9+ total cards in Ds and Cs (at most a one-card difference), 11+ HCP (10+ if 5-5), usually rebid 2C or 3C.
1H - 11-15 HCP with 4 + Hs, shows one of the following types of unbalanced hands:
6+ Hs - a good 10+ HCP, generally ignore 4-card m=s, usually rebid 2H or 3H.
4+ Hs and 5+ Ss (Ss > Hs) - 11+HCP, usually rebid 2S
4 Hs with 5+ m=s - 11+HCP (10+ if a 6-card m), usually rebid 2m. But usually open 1D with 5Hs and 6 Ds or open 2H with 5Hs and 6 Cs.
4 Hs and two 4-card ms (1-4-4-4) - 12-15 HCP, rebid the better minor over 1NT or rebid 1NT over 1S.
1S - 11-15 HCP with 4 + Ss, shows one of the following types of unbaklanced hands:
6+ Ss - a good 10+ HCP, generally ignore 4-card m=s, usually rebid 2S or 3S.
4+Ss and 5+ H s ( Ss < or = Hs) - 11+ HCP (10+ HCP if 5-5), usually rebid 2H.
4 Ss with 5+ m=s - 11+ HCP (10+ HCP if a 6-card m), usually rebid 2m. But usually open 1D with 5 Ss and 6 Ds or open 2S with 5 Ss and 6 Cs.
4 Ss and two 4-card ms (4-1-4-4) - 12-15 HCP, rebid the better minor over 1NT. Bid 3NT over 2H.
1NT - 12+-15 HCP, may contain a 5-card M. A bad 12 HCP hand should be passed. All 5-3-3-2 hands with 12-15 HCP if opened, should be opened 1NT.
2C - 11-15 HCP with 6 + Cs, denies a 4-card M. May contain a 4-card D suit.
2D - 11-15 HCP with 4-4-4-1 or 4-4-1-4 or 10-15 HCP with 4-4-5-0 or 4-4-0-5 (a 5-card m). Always guarantees two 4-card Ms.
2M - 11-15 HCP with 5 cards in the M and 4+ Cs (10+ HCP with 5-5). May have 6 Cs and a 5-card M or a 6-card M with 5 Cs.
2NT - 22-23 HCP, balanced, 24 HCP if there is an open doubleton suit (QJ or worse).
3NT - 7 or 8 solid m (AKQxxxx) with no outside A or K.

1D, 1H, and 1S openings in general
- The responses to the 1D, 1H, and 1S opening bids revolve around opener=s long suit.
- It is best to play in a 5-2 fit (possibly 6-2) instead of a 4-3 fit. Holding S-Kxx,H-xx,Qxxx,xxxx After 1S-1NT-2H opener should pass in the known 5-2 fit even though opener may be 5-5 in the major suits. With a stronger hand, responder may take a preference to 2S if game is possible.
- Nonforcing free bids at the 2H level or higher showing a 6-card or longer suit are used extensively in this system after an overcall. To show game forcing values in a new suit, responder must double first and then bid the new suit at the 3-level or higher.
- If the opponents bid opener=s long suit at the one or two level, and responder doubles for takeout, opener should consider bidding NT at the lowest level to show length in that suit instead of passing for penalties. Beating low level contracts is difficult unless responder is known to have strength. Bidding NT at the lowest level (1NT or 2NT) by opener after responder makes a negative double shows that opener=s long suit is the one bid by the opponents. After opener bids 1NT or 2NT to show that responder bid opener=s suit, responder should place the final contract.
- In many cases, if there is no clearcut bid after the opponents bid other than an overcall over a 1D, 1H, or 1S opening (for example, a double, cuebid, 2NT, etc.), just pass and await developments. When the opponents suit bid comes back to responder, treat it as if an overcall had just been made.
- Trust partner. If partner cannot act over an overcall or other bid, do not bid unless you have a very standout bid.

1D OPENING
Responding to 1D opening
Pass - With 0-3 HCP or where appropriate (e.g., x,QJxx,xxx,xxxxx (partner probably has spades) or xxx,xx,xxxx,xxxx, or Kxxxx,x,xxx,Qxx (partner probably has hearts)).
1H - 5+ Hs with 4+ HCP.
1S - 5+ Ss with 4+ HCP.
1NT - 4-11 HCP with the hope of improving the contract or getting to game, shows a balanced hand unless holding diamond support or holding long Cs and less than a good 10 HCP.
2C - 5+ Cs with 11+ HCP (10 with good 5+ card suit or 9 with AKQxxx).
2D - 4+ Ds, limit raise or a little less, denies a 5-card M, nonforcing.
2H - 3 or 4 Hs with 5+ Ds, game forcing, denies 5 Ss or 5 Cs, usually a singleton or void in Ss or Cs, does not guarantee a stopper in Hs. (Passed hand shows limit raise values and is nonforcing.)
2S - 3 or 4 Ss with 5+ Ds, denies 3 or 4 Hs or 5 Cs, game forcing, usually a singleton or void in Hs or Cs, does not guarantee a stopper in Ss. (Passed hand shows limit raise values and is nonforcing.)
2NT - 12+ HCP, balanced, game forcing. May have a diamond raise with no singleton or void. (Passed hand shows 10-11 HCP with 4-4-1-4 distribution.)
3C - 3 or 4 Cs with 5+ Ds, denies 3 or 4 Hs or Ss, game forcing, usually a singleton or void in Ss or Hs, does not guarantee a stopper in Cs. (Passed hand shows limit raise values and is nonforcing.)
3D - Preemptive, 4+ Ds.
3M - 5+ Ds, splinter, slam try, establishes trump.
3NT - 12-17 HCP 4-4-1-4 distribution, short Ds, game forcing.
4C - 5+Ds, splinter, slam try, establishes trump.
4D - Preemptive 6+Ds.
4M, 5C, 5D - For play.

Raising Ds
3-card support - Never raise immediately.
Preempts
Bid 3D, or 4D preemptive with very little hope for game.
Limit raise
Bid 2D - usually 5-card support or a short suit.
Bid a new suit, then support Ds on the 3 level (could be less than a limit raise).
Game force
Bid 2H, 2S, or 3C with 3- or 4-cards in the suit and usually 5+ Ds.
Bid 3H, 3S, or 4C with a short suit and little support for the M s.
Bid 2NT with no singleton or void.
Bid a new suit.

Opener's Rebids after 1D-1H
1S - 5 Ss and 4-6 Ds, denies 3 Hs.
1NT – exactly 5 Ds and 4 Cs, denies 3 Hs. Does not guarantee a stopper in Ss.
2C - 5Cs and 4+Ds, nonforcing, denies 3 Hs.
2D - 6+Ds, nonforcing, denies 3 Hs.
2H - Minimum raise, probably only 3-card support with 11-13 HCP, but it may include minimum hands (11-12 HCP) with 5-card support, nonforcing.
2S - Artificial, invitational to game or maybe a slam try, asks for long suit.
2NT - Shows 5 Ss.
3C - Shows 4+Cs with 4+ Ds.
3D - Shows 6+Ds.
3H - Shows 5 Hs.
2S - 6 good Ss, 4 -5 Ds a 5-loser hand, nonforcing, denies 3 Hs, 13-15 HCP.
2NT - 6+ good Ds, a 5-loser hand, stoppers, max, nonforcing, denies 3 Hs, 13-15 HCP.
3C - 5+ Cs and 5+ Ds, a 5-loser hand, nonforcing, denies 3 Hs, 13-15 HCP.
3D - 6+ good Ds, a 5-loser hand, nonforcing, denies 3 H s, 13-15 HCP..
3H - Invitational raise, probably only 3-card support with 13+-15 HCP and any long suit, but it may include good hands (13-14 HCP) with 5-card support. 3S asks for long suit.
3S - Splinter, 5+ Hs, 13+-15 HCP.
4C - Splinter, 5+ Hs, 13+-15 HCP.
4H - Shows 5 Hs with 14+-15 HCP, probably no singleton or void.

Opener's Rebids after 1D-1H-1NT
2C, 2D – for play.
2H – nonforcing, 6+ Hs.
2S – game force, 4th suit forcing.
2NT – invitational to 3NT, up to 12 HCP.
3C, 3D – invitational.
3H – invitational 6+ Hs.
3S – forcing 5 Ss and 6 Hs.

Opener's Rebids after 1D-1S
1NT- 5Ds and 4Cs, nonforcing, denies 3 Ss.
2C - 4+Ds and 5+Cs, nonforcing, denies 3 Ss.
2D - 6+Ds, nonforcing, denies 3 Ss.
2H - 5+ Hs, nonforcing, denies 3 Ss. (now a raise to 3H shows 9+-11 support points)
2S - Minimum raise, probably only 3-card support with 11-13 HCP, but it may include minimum hands (11-12 HCP) with 5-card support, nonforcing.
2NT - Artificial, invitational to game or maybe a slam try, asks for long suit.
3C - Shows 4+Ds and 4+Cs.
3D - Shows 6+Ds.
3H - Shows 5+ Hs.
3S - Shows 5 Ss.
2NT - 6+ good Ds, stoppers, a 5-loser hand, nonforcing, denies 3 Ss, 13-15 HCP.
3C - 5+ Cs and 5+ Ds, a 5-loser hand, nonforcing, denies 3 Ss, 13-15 HCP.
3D - 6+ good Ds, a 5-loser hand, denies 3 Ss, nonforcing, 13-15 HCP.
3H - 6 good Hs good hand, 5-loser hand, 13-15 HCP, denies 3 Ss, nonforcing.
3S - Invitational raise, probably only 3-card support with 13+-15 HCP and any long suit, but it may include good hands (13-14 HCP) with 5-card support. 3N T asks for long suit.
4C - Splinter, 5+ Ss, 13+-15 HCP.
4H - Splinter, 5+ Ss, 13+-15 HCP.
4S - Shows 5 Ss with 14+-15 HCP, probably no singleton or void.

Opener's Rebids after 1D-1S-1NT
2C, 2D – for play.
2H – game force, 4th suit forcing.
2S – nonforcing, 6+ Ss.
2NT – invitational to 3NT, up to 12 HCP.
3C, 3D – invitational.
3H – forcing 5+-5.
3S – invitational 6+ Ss.

Opener's Rebids after 1D-1NT
Pass - May only be bid if holding a 5-4 or 4-5 in the minors with good 2-2's in the Majors, 13 HCP or less, no hope for game.
2C - Shows 4+ Cs and 4+ Ds, at most a one-card difference, nonforcing.
2D - Shows 6+ Ds, nonforcing.
2H - Shows 5 Hs, nonforcing. (now a raise to 3H shows 9+-11 support points)
2S - Shows 5 Ss, nonforcing. (now a raise to 3S shows 9+-11 support points)
2NT - Shows 6 good Ds, a 5-loser hand, nonforcing, 13-15 HCP, scattered values.
3C - Shows 5+ Cs and 5+ Ds, good hand, 5-loser hand, nonforcing, 13-15 HCP.
3D - Shows 6+ good Ds, a 5-loser hand, nonforcing, 13-15 HCP.
3M - Shows a good 6+Ms, a 5-loser hand, nonforcing, 13-15 HCP, often 6 Hs and 5 Ds.

Opener's Rebids after 1D-2C
2D - 6Ds, nonforcing (less than 13 HCP), may have 3 Cs.
2M – Natural forcing (may be stopper).
2NT – Invitational, opener should usually pass or bid 3NT.
3C – Nonforcing.
3D – Slightly invitational.
2H - 5 Hs nonforcing (less than 14 HCP), may have 3 Cs.
2S – 4th suit, game forcing.
2NT – For play. A better spot than 2H, up to 12 HCP.
3C – Nonforcing.
3D – nonforcing, preference.
3H – Invitational.
2S - 5 Ss, nonforcing (less than 14 HCP), may have 3 Cs.
2NT - For play. A better spot than 2S, up to 12 HCP.
3C – Nonforcing.
3D – nonforcing, preference.
3H – 4th suit game forcing.
3S – Invitational.
2NT - Game force, stoppers or length (3+), unknown long suit, 14-15 HCP, but with 13 HCP and 6 good Ds.
3C - Artificial, asks for long suit.
3D - Shows 6+Ds.
3H - Shows 5Hs.
3S - Shows 5 Ss.
3NT - Shows 5Ds and 4Cs.
3D - Shows support for Ds, forcing.
3M - Shows 5 cards in the suit bid, forcing, probably a 5-6 hand.
3C - Good club support, forcing one round, maximum if only 3-card support.
3D - Artificial, asks for long suit.
3H - Shows 5+Hs, 14-15 HCP.
3S - Shows 5 Ss, 14-15 HCP.
3NT - Shows 6+ Ds, 14-15 HCP.
4C - Shows 5+Cs or 5 Ds with only 4 Cs, minimum, nonforcing.
4D - Shows 6 Ds with 4 Cs, maximum.
4M - Splinter, 4+ Cs, game forcing, 13+ HCP.
3M - Shows a stopper and 3+ cards in this suit, looking for 3NT.
3NT - Shows stoppers and 3+ cards in both majors, looking to play 3NT.
3D - Game forcing, 6+Ds, no S stopper or no H stopper or no stopper in both Hs and Ss, 13-15 HCP.
3H - Game forcing, 5Hs, no S stopper, 14-15 HCP.
3S - Game forcing, 5 Ss, no H stopper, 14-15 HCP.
3NT - 4 Cs and 5 Ds with 2-2 in side suits, stoppers, 14-15 HCP, nonforcing.
4M - Shows a 5-loser hand with 6+ Ms.

Opener's Rebids after 1D-2D
Pass - No hope of game. But in matchpoints, probably bid a 5-card M instead of passing.
2M - 5-card M, forcing one round.
3C - 4+ Cs, forcing one round, invitational+.
3D - Invitational with 6+ Ds, nonforcing.
4D - 6+ Ds, forcing.

Opener's Rebids after 1D-2H
2S - 5 Ss.
2NT - Stoppers in Hs and Cs.
3C - Stopper in Cs, none in Hs (or cuebid for Ds).
3D - Sets the trump suit.
3H - Stopper in Hs, but none in Cs (or cuebid for Ds).
3S - 3- or 4-card support.
3NT - For play with stoppers in Hs and Cs, no slam interest.
3C - 4+ Cs.
3D - Sets the trump suit.
3H - Stopper in Hs, none in Ss (or cuebid for Ds).
3S - Stopper in Ss, but none in Hs (or cuebid for Ds).
3NT - For play, stoppers in Ss and Hs.
3D - 6+ Ds, sets trump suit.
3H - 5 Hs.

Opener's Rebids after 1D-2S
2NT - 5 Hs with stopper in Cs.
3C - 4+ Cs.
3D - Sets the trump suit.
3H - Stopper in Hs, none in Ss (or cuebid for Ds).
3S - Stopper in Ss, but none in Hs (or cuebid for Ds).
3NT - For play, stoppers in Ss and Hs.
3D - 6+ Ds, sets trump suit.
3H - 5 Hs, probably good Hs with no stopper in Cs.
3S - Cuebid.
3NT - Stoppers in Ss and Cs.
4C - Cuebid for Ds.
4D - Forcing.
4H - For play with a doubleton.
3S - 5 Ss.

Opener's Rebids after 1D-3C
3D - 6+ Ds, sets trump suit.
3H - 5 Hs, either no stopper in Ss or interest in slam.
3S - 5 Ss, either no stopper in Hs or interest in slam.
3NT - For play with stoppers in Ss and Hs, may have 5 Hs or 5 Ss.
4C - 4+ Cs and 4+ Ds.

Opener's Rebids after 1D-2NT
3C - 5+ Cs with 4+ Ds.
3D - 6+ Ds.
3H - 5 Hs.
3S - 5 Ss.
3NT - 5 Ds and 4 Cs, no guarantee of a stopper in either major suit.
4C - 5-5 in the ms, maximum, good suits, a 5-loser hand, 13-15 HCP, 12-15 with 6-5.
4D - 6+ Ds, a 5-loser hand, a maximum, 13-15 HCP.
4M - 6+ cards in Ms, a 5-loser hand, a maximum, 13-15 HCP.
See Responder's Rebids after a 2NT Response in the 1S Opening section. In general, opener should try for slam with a 5-loser hand. Responder should try for slam with 5 cover cards.

1H OPENING
Responding to 1H opening
Pass - Where appropriate.
1S - 5+ Ss with 4+ HCP.
1NT - 0-11 HCP with the hope of improving the contract or getting to game.
2C - Shows 5+ Cs with 11+ HCP (10 HCP if good 5-card suit).
2D - Shows 5+ Ds with 11+ HCP (10 HCP with a good 5-card suit), if less than game-forcing strength, must have 3+Cs or 6+ Ds.
2H - Shows 4+ Hs 6-10- in support.
2S - Shows short Ss (singleton or void), a limit raise (10+-12- support points) with exactly 4 Hs.
2NT - 12+ HCP, balanced, game forcing, may contain 4+ Hs. (Passed hand shows 10-11 HCP with 4-1-4-4 distribution.)
3m - Shows short m (singleton or void), a limit raise (10+-12- support points) with exactly 4 Hs..
3H - Limit raise 10 -12- with 5 Hs any distribution, or with 4Hs and no singleton or void.
3S - Splinter with 5+Hs.
3NT - 12-17 HCP 4-1-4-4 distribution.
4m - Splinter with 5+Hs.
4H - Preemptive with 6 trumps, or for play, no slam, 5+ trumps, or 4 trumps with no singleton or void.
4S - For play.

Raising Hs
3-card support - Never raise immediately.

4-card support:
0-5 - Pass.
6-10- - Bid 2H.
10+-12, no singleton or void - Bid 3H.
10+-12 with a singleton or void - Bid 2S, 3C, or 3D.
12+, no singleton or void - Bid 2NT or 4H.
12+ with singleton or void - Bid a new suit.

5-card support:
0-5 - Pass.
6-10 - Bid 2H.
10+--12 - Bid 3H.
12+ with singleton or void - Bid the singleton, 3S, 4C, or 4D.
12+, no singleton or void - Bid 4H (no slam) or 2NT (slam is possible or better contract is possible.)

6-card support: with singleton or void and no slam - Bid 4H. otherwise bid like 5-card support.

Opener's rebids after 1H-1S
1NT - Shows 1-4-4-4 distribution 12-15 HCP, nonforcing.
2m - Shows 5+ ms denies 3 Ss, nonforcing.
2H - Shows 6 Hs denies 3 Ss, nonforcing.
2S - Minimum raise, probably only 3-card support with 11-13 HCP, but it may include minimum hands (11-12 HCP) with 5- card support, nonforcing. Now, 2NT is artificial and invites game and asks for long suit. (see Opener=s rebids after 1D-1S, 2S-2NT)
2NT - Shows 6+ Hs, a maximum with stoppers, a 5-loser hand, nonforcing, 13-15 HCP.
3m - Shows 6+ms, a 5-loser hand, nonforcing with only 4 Hs, semisolid suit missing at most one honor (KQJ10xx, AQJ10xx, AKQxxx, KQJxxxx), 13-15 HCP.
3H - Shows 6+ good Hs, a maximum 5-loser hand, nonforcing, 13-15 HCP.
3S - Invitational raise, probably only 3-card support with 13+-15 HCP and any long suit, but it may include good hands (13-14 HCP) with 5-card support. 3NT asks for long suit.
4m - Splinter, 5+ Ss, 13+-15 HCP.
4S - Shows 5 Ss with 14+-15 HCP, probably no singleton or void.

Opener's rebids after 1H-1NT
Pass - May only be bid if holding a 5-card minor with good 2-2's in the other suits, 13 HCP or less.
2m - 5+ ms, nonforcing, but could be 1-4-4-4, better minor.
2H - 6+ Hs, nonforcing.
2S - 5+ Ss, nonforcing. (now a raise to 3S shows 9+-11 support points)
2NT - Shows 6+ Hs, a maximum with stoppers, a 5-loser hand, nonforcing, 13-15 HCP.
3m - Shows 6+ms, a 5-loser hand, nonforcing with only 4 Hs, semisolid suit missing at most one honor (KQJ10xx, AQJ10xx, AKQxxx, KQJxxxx), 13-15 HCP.
3H - 6+ good Hs, a maximum 5-loser hand, nonforcing, 13-15 HCP.
3S - 6+ good Ss, 4-5 Hs, a maximum 5-loser hand, nonforcing, 13-15 HCP.

Opener's rebids after 1H-2C
2D - 5+Ds, nonforcing (less than 14 HCP), may have 3 Cs.
2H – For play, 3-card support, singleton or void in Ds.
2S – 4th suit, game forcing.
2NT – For play. A better spot than 2D, up to 12 HCP.
3C – Nonforcing, 6+ Cs.
3D – Invitational.
3H – Game forcing, 4-card support, slam try.
2H - 6+ Hs nonforcing, (less than 13 HCP), may have 3 Cs.
2S – Natural forcing (may be stopper).
2NT – For play. A better spot than 2H, up to 12 HCP.
3C – Nonforcing, 6+ Cs.
3D – Forcing, natural, probable stopper showing.
3H – Invitational.
2S - 5+ Ss, nonforcing (less than 14 HCP), may have 3 Cs.
2NT – For play. A better spot than 2S, up to 12 HCP.
3C – Nonforcing, 6 Cs.
3D – 4th suit, game forcing.
3S – Invitational.
2NT - Game force, stoppers or length (3+), unknown long suit, 14-15 HCP, but 13-15 HCP with 6 Hs.
3C - Asks for long suit.
3D - Shows 5+Ds.
3H - Shows 6+Hs, 13-15 HCP.
3S - Shows 5 Ss.
3D, 3S - Shows 5 cards in the suit bid, forcing, probably 5-6.
3C - Good club support, forcing one round, a maximum if only 3-card support.
3D - Artificial and asks for long suit.
3H - Shows 6+Hs, 13-15 HCP.
3S - Shows 5 Ss, 14-15 HCP (5-4-1-3 or 5-4-0-4).
3NT - Shows 5+ Ds, 14-15 HCP (1-4-5-3 or 0-4-5-4).
4C - Shows 5+Cs or 1-4-4-4, minimum, nonforcing.
4D, 4S - Splinter, game forcing, 4+ Cs.
4H - Shows a 5-loser hand with 6+ Hs.
5C - Shows a max with no short suit, 5 Cs.
3S - Shows a stopper and 3+ Ss, looking for 3NT.
3NT - Shows a stopper and 3+ cards in Ss and Ds.
3D - Game forcing, 5+Ds, no S stopper.
3H - Game forcing, 6+H s, no S stopper or no D stopper or no stopper in both Ds and Ss.
3S - Game forcing, 5 +Ss, no D stopper.
3NT - 5 Cs with 2-2 in side suits, stoppers, 14-15 HCP, nonforcing.
4H - Shows 6+ Hs, a 5-loser hand, 13-15 HCP, a very good suit.
4S - Shows 6+ Ss, a 5-loser hand, a very good suit.

Opener's Rebids after 1H-2D
2H - 6+ Hs nonforcing, may have 3 Ds.
2S – Natural forcing (may be stopper).
2NT – For play. A better spot than 2H, up to 12 HCP.
3C – Forcing, natural, probable stopper showing.
3D – Nonforcing, 6+ Ds.
3H – Invitational.
2S - 5+ Ss, nonforcing (less than 14 HCP), may have 3 D s.
2NT – For play. A better spot than 2S, up to 12 HCP.
3C –4th suit, game forcing.
3D – Nonforcing., 6 Ds
3S – Invitational.
2NT - Game forcing with stoppers or length(3+), except no guarantee of all stoppers if the long suit is clubs, unknown long suit, 14-15 HCP, 13-15 HCP with 6+ Hs.
3C - Artificial and asks for long suit.
3D - Shows 5+ Cs with no S stopper (with Ds, would have bid 3D instead of 2NT).
3H - Shows 6+Hs.
3S - Shows 5 Ss.
3NT - Shows 5+Cs with S stopper.
3S - Shows 5 cards in the suit bid, forcing.
3C - 5+ Cs, nonforcing, may have 3 Ds (this is why responder needs 3+ Cs or 6 Ds with less than game forcing values).
3D - Good diamond support, forcing one round, maximum if only 3-card support.
3H - Artificial and asks for long suit.
3S - Shows 5 Ss, 14-15 HCP.
3NT - Shows 6+ Hs, 13-15 HCP.
4C - Shows 5+ Cs, 14-15 HCP.
4D - Shows 5+Ds or 1-4-4-4, minimum, nonforcing.
4H - Shows a 5-loser hand with 6+ Hs.
4S, 5C - Splinter, game forcing, 5+ Ds.
5D - Shows a max with no short suit, 5 Ds.
3S - Shows a stopper and 3+ cards in Ss, looking for 3NT.
3NT - Shows a stopper and 3+ cards in Cs and Ss.
3H - Game forcing, 6+Hs, no S stopper or no C stopper or no stopper in both Cs and Ss, 13-15 HCP.
3S - Game forcing, 5+ Ss, no C stopper, 14-15 HCP.
3NT - 5 Ds with 2-2 in side suits, stoppers, 14-15 HCP, nonforcing.
4H - Shows 6+ Hs, a 5-loser hand, 13-15 HCP, a very good suit.
4S - Shows 6+ Ss, a 5-loser hand, 13-15 HCP, a very good suit.

Opener's Game tries after 1H-2H
2S – 5+ Ss.
2NT – 1-4-4-4
3m – 5+ ms.
3H – 6 Hs or not wanting to give away information.
3S – 6+ Ss, game forcing.

Opener's Rebid after 1H-(2S, 3C, or 3D)
Note: If opener's long suit is the same as responder's short suit, the hands usually do not play well.
3H - Nonforcing.
4H - For play, not interested in slam.
New suit below 3H - Natural, forcing, game try.
New suit above 3H (nonjump or a jump) - Slam try or alternate game contract.

Opener's Rebids after 1H-2NT
3C - 5+ Cs.
3D - 5+ Ds.
3H - 6+ Hs.
3S - 5+ Ss and 4+ Hs.
3NT - 1-4-4-4 distribution, probably no spade stopper.
4m - 6+ ms=s, a 5-loser hand, a maximum.
4H - 6+ Hs, a 5-loser hand, a maximum.
4S - 6 Ss, a 5-loser hand, a maximium.
See Responder's Rebid after a 2NT Response in the 1S Opening section. In general, opener should try for slam with a 5-loser hand. Responder should try for slam with 5 cover cards.

1S OPENING
Responding to 1S opening
Pass - Where appropriate.
1NT - 0-11 HCP with the hope of improving the contract or getting to game.
2C - Shows 5+ Cs with 11+ HCP (10 HCP with good 5-card suit).
2D - Shows 5+ Ds with 11+ HCP (10 HCP with a good 5-card suit), if less than game-forcing strength, must have 3+Cs or 6+ Ds.
2H - Shows 5+ Hs with 11+ HCP (10 HCP with good 5-card suit), if less than game-forcing strength, must have either 3+Cs and 3+ Ds or 6+ Hs.
2S - Shows 4+ Ss with 6-10- in support.
2NT - 12+ HCP, balanced, game forcing, may have 4+ Ss. (Passed hand shows 10-11 HCP with 1-4-4-4 distribution.)
3C, 3D , 3H - Shows shortness in suit bid (singleton or void), a limit raise with exactly 4 Ss.
3S - Limit raise (10 -12-) with 5Ss any distribution, or with 4 Ss and no singleton or void.
3NT - 12-17 HCP 1-4-4-4 distribution.
4m - Splinter, 5+ card support.
4H - Splinter, 5+ card support.
4S - Preemptive with 6 trumps, or for play, no slam, 5+ trumps, or 4 trumps with no singleton or void.

Raising Ss
See Raising Hs in the 1H opening section.

Opener's rebids after 1S-1NT
Pass - May only be bid if holding a 5-card minor with good 2-2's in the other suits, 13 HCP or less.
2m - 5+ ms or 4-1-4-4, better minor.
2H - 5 Hs, either 4-5, 4-6, 5-5, 5-6, or 6-6 with equal or longer Hs. (now a raise to 3H shows 9+-11 support points)
2S - 6+ Ss.
2NT - 5-5 or 5-6 in Ss and Hs, 5-loser hand, a maximum, 13-15 HCP.
3m - 6+ good ms, 5-loser hand, nonforcing , semisolid suit missing at most one honor (KQJ10xx, AQJ10xx, AKQxxx, KQJxxxx), 13-15 HCP.
3H - 6+ good Hs and 4 Ss, a 5-loser hand, 13-15 HCP.
3S - 6+ good Ss, a maximum, 5-loser hand, 13-15 HCP.

Opener's rebids after 1S-2C
2D - 5+Ds, nonforcing (less than 14 HCP), may have 3 Cs.
2H – 4th suit, game forcing.
2S – For play, 3-card support, singleton or void in Ds.
2NT – For play. A better spot than 2D, up to 12 HCP.
3C – Nonforcing, 6+ Cs.
3D – Invitational.
3S – Game forcing, 4-card support, slam try.
2H - 5+ Hs nonforcing (less than 14 HCP), may have 3 Cs.
2S – For play, 3-card support, singleton or void in Ds.
2NT – For play. A better spot than 2H, up to 12 HCP.
3C – Nonforcing, 6+ Cs.
3D – 4th suit, game forcing.
3H – Invitational.
2S - 6+ Ss, nonforcing (less than 13 HCP), may have 3 Cs.
2NT – For play. A better spot than 2S, up to 12 HCP.
3C – Nonforcing, 6 Cs.
3D, 3H – Forcing, probable stopper showing.
3S – Invitational.
2NT - Game force, stoppers or length (3+), unknown long suit, 14-15 HCP, but 13-15 HCP with 6 Ss.
3C - Asks for long suit.
3D - 5+Ds.
3H - 5+Hs.
3S - 6 Ss, 13-15 HCP.
3D, 3H - Shows 5 cards in the suit bid, forcing, probably 5-6.
3C - Good club support, forcing one round, a maximum if only 3-card support.
3D - Artificial and asks for long suit.
3H - 5+Hs, 14-15 HCP.
3S - 6+Ss, 13-15 HCP.
3NT - 5+ Ds, 14-15 HCP.
4C - Shows 5+Cs or 1-4-4-4, minimum, nonforcing.
4D, 4H - Splinter, game forcing, 5+ Cs.
4S - Shows a 5-loser hand with 6+ Ss, good suit.
5C - Shows a max with no short suit, 5+ Cs.
3H - Shows a stopper and 3+ Hs, looking for 3NT.
3NT - Shows a stopper and 3+ cards in Ds and Hs, looking for 3NT.
3D - Game forcing, 5+Ds, no H stopper.
3H - Game forcing, 5+Hs, no D stopper.
3S - forcing, probably only 3-card support in case opener is 5-5.
3S - Game forcing, 6+ Ss, no H stopper or no D stopper or no stopper in both Ds and Hs.
3NT - 5 Cs with 2-2 in side suits, stoppers, 14-15 HCP, nonforcing.
4H - 6+ good Hs, a 5-loser hand, 13-15 HCP.

Opener's Rebids after 1S-2D
2H - 5+ Hs nonforcing (less than 14 HCP), may have 3 Ds.
2S – For play, 3-card support, singleton or void in Ds.
2NT – For play. A better spot than 2H, up to 12 HCP.
3C – 4th suit, game forcing.
3D – Nonforcing, 6+ Ds.
3H – Invitational.
3S – Game forcing, 4-card support, slam try.
2S - 5+ Ss, nonforcing (less than 13 HCP), may have 3 D s.
2NT – For play. A better spot than 2S, up to 12 HCP.
3C – Natural, probable stopper showing.
3D – Nonforcing., 6 Ds
3S – Invitational.
2NT - Game forcing with stoppers or length (3+), except no guarantee of all stoppers if the long suit is clubs, unknown long suit, 14-15 HCP, 13-15 HCP with 6 Ss.
3C - Artificial and asks for long suit.
3D - 5+Cs, no H stopper.
3H - 5+Hs.
3S - 6 Ss.
3NT - 5+Cs with H stopper.
3H - Shows 5 cards in the suit bid, forcing, probably 6 Cs.
3C - 5+ Cs, nonforcing, may have 3 Ds.
3D - Good diamond support, forcing one round, maximum if only 3-card support.
3H - Artificial and asks for long suit.
3S - 6 Ss, 13-15 HCP.
3NT - 5+ Hs, 14-15 HCP.
4C - 5+ Cs, 14-15 HCP.
4D - Shows 5+Ds or 1-4-4-4, minimum, nonforcing.
4H, 5C - Splinter, game forcing.
4S - Shows a 5-loser hand with 6+ Ss, good suit.
5D - Shows a max with no short suit, 5+ Ds.
3NT - Shows a stopper and 3+ cards in Cs and Hs, looking for 3NT.
3H - Game forcing, 5+Hs, no C stopper, 14-15 HCP.
3S - Game forcing, 6 Ss, no S stopper or no C stopper or no stopper in both S and C, 13-15 HCP.
3NT - 5 Ds with 2-2 in side suits, stoppers, 14-15 HCP, nonforcing.
4H - Shows 6+ Hs, a 5-loser hand, 13-15 HCP.

Opener's Rebids after 1S-2H
2S - 6+Ss, nonforcing, may have 3 Hs if very weak, 10-12 HCP.
2NT – For play. A better spot than 2S, up to 12 HCP.
3C, 3D – Natural, probable stopper showing.
3H – Nonforcing., 6 Hs
3S – Invitational.
2NT - Game forcing, with stoppers or length (3+), except no guarantee of all stoppers if the long suit is clubs or diamonds, unknown long suit, 14-15 HCP, 13-15 with 6+ Ss.
3C - Artificial and asks for long suit, shows a C stopper.
3D - 5+Ds, 14-15 HCP.
3H - 5+Cs, no D stopper, 14-15 HCP.
3S - 6 Ss, 13-15 HCP.
3NT - 5+Cs with a D stopper, 14-15 HCP.
3D - Artificial and asks for long suit, denies a C stopper.
3H - 5+ Ds, possibly no club stopper.
3S - 6 Ss.
3NT - 5+ Cs.
3C - 5+ Cs, nonforcing.
3D - 5+ Ds, nonforcing.
3H - Heart support, forcing one round.
3S - Artificial and asks for long suit.
3NT - 6+Ss, 13-15 HCP.
4C - 5+ Cs.
4D - 5+Ds.
4H - 5 Hs, 4-5-2-2, 14-15 HCP.
3S - Game forcing, 6+Ss, no D stopper or no C stopper or no stopper in both Cs and Ds, 13-15 HCP.
3NT - 4-1-4-4, 12-15 HCP.
4m - Splinter, 5 Hs, maximum.
4H - 5 Hs, 11-13 HCP.

Opener's Game tries after 1S-2S
2NT – 4-1-4-4
3m – 5+ ms.
3H – 5+Hs.
3S - 6+ Ss or not wanting to give away information.
4H – 6+ Hs, game choice.

Opener's Rebid after 1S-(3C, 3D, or 3H)
Note: If opener=s long suit is the same as responder=s short suit, the hands usually do not play well.
3S - Nonforcing.
4S - For play, not interested in slam.
New suit below 3S - Forcing, game try.
New suit above 3S (nonjump or a jump) - Slam try.

Opener's Rebids after 1S-2NT
3C - 5+ Cs.
3D - 5+ Ds.
3H - 5+ Hs and 4+ Ss. (With a 5-loser hand and a maximum, may try for slam.)
3S - 6+ Ss.
3NT - 4-1-4-4 distribution.
4m - A 5-loser hand, 6+ ms=s, a maximum, 13-15 HCP.
4H - 6+ Hs, maximum, a 5-loser hand, 13-15 HCP.
4S - 6+ Ss, a 5-loser hand, a maximum, 13-15 HCP.

Responder's Rebids after a 2NT Response
Responder may:
Support either of opener=s suits - if below game, shows extra values, slam try 5+ winners. If supported at the game level, little slam interest unless opener has 5-loser hand.
Bid a new suit on the three-level - Shows strength in that suit, trying for 3NT, but instead, it may be a cuebid for the last bid suit or perhaps preparing to bid 4NT Blackwood.
Bid a new suit on the four-level - A cuebid usually for opener=s last bid suit, but in the auction 1H-2NT-3S-4m, the cuebid could be in support of either Hs or Ss.)
3NT - no fit, for play.
4NT - shows 18-19 HCP, 6NT try, but after a cuebid or a 4-level response, it is Roman Keycard Blackwood.
5NT - Shows 20-21 HCP, 6NT try.
When responding to Roman Keycard Blackwood, there are 6 keycards when two suits have been bid by opener. A 4NT bid after responder supports one of opener=s suits or after responder makes a cuebid is Roman Keycard Blackwood; a 4NT bid directly over opener=s rebid is quantitative. With 5 cover cards, responder should try for slam. With a 5-loser hand, opener should try for slam unless the 5-loser hand has been shown and responder declined the invitation.
1S-2NT-3D-3S - Shows 4+-card S support and interest in slam (5+ cover cards), else bid 4S.
1S-2NT-3D-4C - A cuebid in support of Ds (5+ cover cards), else would bid 3S first.
1S-2NT-3D-3H - Shows strength in Hs asking for a club stopper (or may be a cuebid in support of Ds).
1D-2NT-3S-4D - Shows D support (5+ cover cards), slam interest.
1D-2NT-3S-4C - A cuebid in support of Ss (5+ cover cards), and a later bid of 5D is a cuebid.
1D-2NT-3S-4D - Shows D support with slam interest (5+ cover cards).
1H-2NT-3S-4m - Cuebid in support of Hs or Ss (5+ cover cards).
1H-2NT-3S-4H - For play (less than 5 cover cards).
1S-2NT-3H-4NT - Quantitative, 18-19 HCP.
1S-2NT-3S-3NT - Shows xx in Ss. Warns opener of bad trumps.
1S-2NT-3S-4S - Shows more than xx in Ss.
1S-2NT-3S-4S/-5C - Cuebid, shows a 5-loser hand.
1S-2NT-3H-4H/-5C - Cuebid, shows a 5-loser hand.
1S-2NT-3H-3S/-4NT - Roman Keycard Blackwood with 6 keycards.
1S-2NT-3H-4C/-4NT - Roman Keycard Blackwood with 6 keycards.
1S-2NT-3H-4H/-5m - Cuebid, 5-loser hand, 5-5 or 5-6 in the majors.
1S-2NT-3H-4H/-5H or 5S - Slam try, 5-loser hand, 5-5 or 5-6 in the majors.

Handling Interference over the 1D, 1H, and 1S Openings

Responder's bid after the opponents overcall 1A , 2A, 3A (also if an overcall is passed back to responder after a 1NT response, a double, or other).
- Dbl - Takeout 6+HCP (10+ HCP after a 3-level overcall), 3+ card support for unbid suits, may double with void in opener=s suit. (If followed by a new suit bid at the 3-level, it is forcing. But with 10+ HCP, responder may double without 3-card support. Also, the double can be bid without 3-card support for unbid suits with support for opener=s opening suit or with a forcing hand with a 5+card suit (usually a 6+))
- 1NT - Stopper and a half, 7-9 HCP.
- 2NT - Stopper and a half, 10-12 HCP, invitational.
- 3NT - Stopper and a half, 13+ HCP.
- 1S - 5+card suit 6+HCP.
- New suit at the 2H level or higher, jump or nonjump - Nonforcing, 6+ in the suit. A jump in a new suit is invitational. To show a forcing hand, Dbl then bid the suit at the 3 level.
- 2C or 2D - forcing, 10+ HCP, 5+ cards.
- Single raise - 6-9.
- Jump raise - Preemptive raise.
- Cuebid - Limit raise or better in opener=s suit.
Pass on hands with no hope of game that do not meet any of the above.

The opponents overcall 4A or 5A the suit immediately below opener's suit (also if the overcall is passed back to responder after a 1NT response, a double, or other)
- Dbl - Takeout, 6+ HCP over 2A; 10+ HCP over 3A or 4A.
- New suit 2H and above, jump or nonjump - Nonforcing, 6+ in the suit. A jump in a new suit is very invitational. To show a forcing hand, Dbl then bid the suit at the 3 level.
- Jump raises - preemptive except 1H/S-4H/S could be no slam.
- 2NT - Invitational, a stopper and a half, 10-12 HCP.
- 3NT - For play.
- Cuebid - Limit raise or better in opener=s suit.

The second double
If responder makes a negative double and the opponents compete to the 3-level or higher (e.g., 1H-1S-Dbl-3S/-P-P-Dbl), the second double is still takeout with extra strength. After 1H-2D-Dbl-3D/-P-P-3H, the 3H bid is a nonforcing takeout with less than 4 Hs (Opener may pass or bid 4H with 6+ Hs).

The opponents bid above 3S, other than the suit immediately below opener's suit (also if the overcall is passed back to responder after a 1NT response, a double, or other)
- Dbl - Penalty.
- Next higher suit (or 4NT if the opponent=s overcall is 4S) - Nonforcing takeout.
- Cuebid - takeout, asks for the long suit, slam try

The above bids hold true in situations where the opponents find their fit at the 4-level (e.g., after the opponents make a takeout double (1D-Dbl-P-4H/-P-P- Dbl is penalty and 4S is a nonforcing takeout which opener can pass only with 5 Ss); after responder responds 1NT (1H-P-1NT-3C/-P-P now Dbl is takeout); after the opponent cuebids opener=s suit (1H-2H-P-4S-P-P-Dbl is penalty and 4NT is takeout); or after the opponent bids 2NT (1H-2NT-P-4D/-Dbl is takeout).

Responder’s bids after the opponents double the opening bid
A direct double of the opening bid
- pass - The usual bid. No other bid available, but then subsequent doubles follow the rules above as if the opponents had bid directly.
- 1A - 5+-card suit, 6+ HCP, forcing.
- 1NT - Takeout to the long suit, 6-11 HCP, ability to handle the auction.
- 2 of lower suit - 5+, forcing 11+ HCP (10 HCP with good 5-card suit.)
- 2NT - Limit raise or better in opener=s suit.
- Rdbl - 11+ HCP, now all Dbl are penalty. Responder should be able to double the opponents in two other suits. If followed by a new suit it is forcing. (See When all doubles are penalty below.) Opener should consider showing a 6-card suit after a rdbl.
- Jump raises - preemptive except 1H/S-4H/S could be no slam.
- Jump in new suit – same as if no interference.

Opener’s bids after the opponent’s double is passed back to opener
With 6+ cards in the suit, opener should pass.
With 4-1-4-4, 1-4-4-4, or x-x-5-4, opener should bid 1NT which shows this type of hand.
With 5-5, opener can rdbl leaving it up to responder to bid the next higher suit to run to.
With other hands, opener should bid the long suit.

Opener's bids after responder passes and the opponents double
After we open 1D, 1H, or 1S and responder passes, and the next hand doubles, opener should usually pass unless opener has an extra distributional or good hand with a 6+-card suit, because the double shows support for the other suits, so bidding the long suit is dangerous and should be avoided.
After 1D-P-P-Dbl- opener m ay bid 1H or 1S to show a 5-5 hand, 2C to show a 5-5 hand, 2D to show a good 6+ diamond suit, or 2H or 2S to show a 5-loser hand with 6+ cards in the major.
After 1H-P-P-Dbl- opener may bid 2C or 2D to show a good 6-card minor, 2H to show a good 6-card heart suit, 2S to show a 5-loser hand with 6 Ss, and Rdbl to show 1-4-4-4 distribution.
After 1S-P-P-Dbl- opener may bid 2C or 2D to show a good 6-card minor, 2H to show a good 6-card heart suit, 1NT to show 5-5 or 5-6 in the majors, 2S to show a good 6+ spade suit, or Rdbl to show 4-1-4-4 distribution.

If the double is passed back to responder, responder may bid a long suit 6+ cards or may Rdbl to ask opener to show the long suit. A problem arises if opener has a one-suited hand, opener may play in the 6+ card suit redoubled, rebid the suit at the 2-level, or bid 1NT and await developments.

Opener's rebids after the opponents double the 1NT response
- Pass - The usual bid. If passed back to responder, redbl asks opener to bid the long suit and a bid of a new suit by responder is natural and nonforcing.
- Rdbl - Shows a max hand, invites responder to double for penalty or bid cheapest suit to correct to opener=s long suit.
- Suit bid - Shows extra distribution.
1D-P-1NT-Dbl - 2C Shows 5-5+; 2D shows 6 Ds maxi or a good suit; 2M shows 5 Ds and 5 Ms maxi
1H-P-1NT-Dbl - 2m Shows 6 ms; 2H shows 6 Hs maxi or a good suit; 2S shows 6 Ss maxi
1S-P-1NT-Dbl - 2m Shows 6ms; 2H shows 5-5; 2S shows 6 Ss maxi or a good suit.

Takeout doubles by opening bidder
Takeout doubles after a 1S opening
If the opponents bid Hs, the double shows a good 4-1-4-4 or 4-0-(4-5) hand (I suppose it could be 4-1-(5-3) ) (example: 1S-2H-P-P-Dbl shows 4-1-4-4 or 4-0-(4-5) - AQxx,x,KQxx,Kxxx). Also, a cuebid of the opponent=s major at a higher level shows a good hand with 4-1-4-4 or 4-0-(4-5) (example: 1S-2H-Dbl-P- you may bid 3H with AKxx,x,KQxx,Kxxx).

If the opponents bid 2 of a minor, the double shows a good hand with the unbid major - 5 Hs. (example: 1S-Dbl-P-2C-Dbl shows 4+-5-x-x - AKxx, AQJxx, xx,xx). Note: A free bid of 2NT shows a 4-5-loser maximum hand with 5-5 or 5-6 in the majors: 1S-Dbl-P-2D bid 2NT with AKJxx,AQJxx,x,xx).

If the opponents bid 3 of a minor, the double shows a 4-5-loser hand with 5-5 or 5-6 in the majors (example: 1S-Dbl-P-3D-Dbl shows 5-5 or 5-6 distribution - AKJxx,AJ10xx,xx,x).
Takeout doubles after a 1H opening
If the opponents bid Ss, the double shows a good 1-4-4-4 or 0-4-(4-5) hand (I suppose it could be 4-1-(5-3) ) (example: 1H-1S-P-2S-Dbl shows 1-4-4-4 or 0-4-(4-5) - x,AQxx,KQxx,Kxxx). Also, a cuebid of the major at a higher level shows a good hand with 1-4-4-4 or 0-4-(4-5) (example: 1H-1S-Dbl-2S you may bid 3S with x,AQxx,KQxx,KJxx).

If the opponents bid a minor, the double shows a good hand with 5 Ss (example: 1H-2D-P-P-Dbl shows 5-4-x-x - AKxxx, AQJx, xx,xx).

If the opponents bid 3 of a minor, the double shows a 4-5-loser hand with 6-5 in the majors (example: 1H-2D-P-3D-Dbl shows 6-5 distribution - AKJxxx,AJ10xx,x,x).
Takeout doubles after a 1D opening
If the opponents bid a major, the double guarantees 5 cards in the other major, and responder should bid accordingly (example: 1D-Dbl-P-1S or 1D-1S-P-P - Dbl with x,AKJxx,AQxx,xxx).

If the opponents bid 2C, the double shows a good hand with 5 cards in a major (example: 1D-2C-P-P-Dbl shows 5 cards in a major - AKJxx,xx,KQJx,xx). In reply to the double, responder may bid 2D with diamond support or with shortness in one major (example: 1D-2C-P-P-Dbl-P- bid 2D with xxxx,x,Jxx,Axxxx). With interest in a major, responder may bid a major - opener will bid correct to the other major if responder Aguesses@ wrong (example: 1D-Dbl-P-2C-Dbl-P- bid 2H with Jxx,xx,xxx,Axxxx and opener corrects to 2S with 5 Ss).

If the opponents bid 3C, the double shows a good hand with 5+ cards in a major and 5+ Ds (example: 1D-2C-P-3C-Dbl shows 5-5 distribution - AKJxx,xx,AJ10xx,x).

Opener's rebids after the opponents overcall the 1NT response (for example 1H-P-1NT-2D)
- Pass - The usual bid.
- Dbl - See Takeout doubles by opening bidder.
- Suit bid - Extra distribution, 6-card suit or 5-5, rebid of suit shows a maxi or a good suit.
- 2NT - Shows the same as if no interference. After a 1S opening and a 2C or 2D overcall, 2NT shows 5+ Hs and 5 Ss with 5 losers. After a 1D or 1H opening, 2NT shows a good 6+ suit with a stopper in the opponent's suit.

Responder's rebids after the opponents overcall the 1NT response and opener passes (for example 1H-P-1NT-2D-P-P) See sections where the opponents overcall directly over the opening bid.

Responder's bids after the opponents overcall 1NT which shows a strong balanced hand
- Pass - The usual bid.
- 2C - Nonforcing takeout, 6-11 HCP, balanced hand. Opener with 5 Ds and 4 Cs must bid 2D.
- Dbl - Penalty 10+ HCP, now all doubles are penalty. (See When all doubles are penalty below.)
- 2A - Nonforcing, 6+ suit.
- 2NT - Limit raise or better in opener=s suit. Opener shows the other suit with extra values.
- Jump raises - preemptive with some hope of making, except 1H/S-4H/S could be no slam.
- 3A - Invitational 6+card suit.

Responder's bids after the opponents overcall 2NT which shows two specific suits
- Pass - the usual bid.
- Dbl - Penalty oriented, now all doubles are penalty. (See When all doubles are penalty below.)
- Unusual over unusual (lower cuebid shows lower suit forcing and higher cuebid shows higher suit forcing)
- Bidding the other suit - nonforcing.
- 3NT - For play.
Responder=s bids after the opponent=s cuebid opener=s suit (e.g., 1H-2H)
- Dbl - Good hand, now all doubles are penalty, next higher suit is takeout, other suits are natural and forcing. (See When all doubles are penalty below.)
- New suit - Natural, 6+ cards nonforcing, invitational if a jump.
- Cuebid - limit raise or better.
- 2NT - Natural, invitational.
- 3As - 8-10 in support, top of single raise.
- 3NT - For play.

Responder bids 1M
1D-P-1M-2C-? Opener may Dbl for penalty or usually bid the long suit or may pass and await responder=s bid.
1D-P-1M-2C/-P-P-? Responder may (1) double for takeout or (2) may rebid a 6+ card suit, nonforcing or invitational or (3) may bid another 5+ card suit forcing.

When all doubles are penalty
Another situation arises when responder takes an action after which (1) all doubles are penalty, (2) the next higher suit bid is a nonforcing takeout if below game, and (3) a pass is forcing. These actions include the following (responder generally denies 4+ card support for opener's suit):
- responder redoubles the opponent=s takeout double (e.g., 1H-Dbl-Rdbl),
- responder doubles their cuebid (e.g., 1H-2H-Dbl),
- responder doubles a 1NT overcall for penalty, and
- responder doubles 2NT (1H-2NT-Dbl).
In these situations, opener doubles for penalty only when the opponents bid the long suit.

2C OPENING
Responding to 2C opener
Pass - No hope of game or of improving the contract.
2D - Transfer to Hs, showing 5+ Hs, either 6+ Hs or invitational with 5+ (even after a Dbl).
2H - Transfer to Ss, showing 5+ Ss, either 6+ Ss or invitational with 5+ (even after a dbl but natural over a 2D overcall).
2S - Forcing, asking for strength and stoppers, invitational or better values, usually with some support for Cs (even after a Dbl but natural after a 2D or 2H overcall).
2NT - Invitational, nonforcing. Very little tolerance for Cs, at most Jx (even after a Dbl, inv over overcalls).
3C - Shows 3-4 Cs with some values, would not have passed a 1C opening in Standard.
3D - Game forcing unless followed by a 4D rebid, 5+ good Ds (for play by a passed hand, 6+ Ds) (nonforcing after overcall).
3M - game forcing 6+ card suit (invitational by a passed hand, 6+ Ms) (nonforcing over 2S overcall).
3NT - For play.
4C - Shows 4 Cs with a short suit and with some values, would not have passed a 1C opening in Standard.
4D - RKC for Cs. (4H - 0 or 3, 4S - 1 or 4, 4NT - 2 w/o, 5C - 2 w/Q)
4M - For play.
5C - For play.

Opener's Rebids after 2C-2D
2H - the usual rebid, not a void in Hs.
2S, 3D - splinter with 3 Hs, useful cards, minimum. (For example, x, Axx, xxx, AKxxxx)
2NT - maximum, solid clubs missing at most one top honor, stoppers, misfit for Hs.
3C - no tolerance for Hs, great club suit.
3H - 3 Hs, maximum, probably no singleton or void.
3S, 4D - splinter with 3 Hs, max 13+ HCP.

Opener's Rebids after 2C-2H
2S - the usual rebid, not a void in Ss.
2NT - maximum, solid clubs missing at most one top honor, stoppers, misfit for Ss.
3C - no tolerance for Ss, great club suit.
3D, 3H - splinter with 3 Ss, useful cards, minimum.
3S - 3 Ss, maximum, probably no singleton or void.
4D, 4H - splinter with 3 Ss, max 13+ HCP.

Responder's Rebids after 2C-2D-2H
2S – Game forcing by an unpassed hand, either a stopper with tolerance for clubs or a two suiter (5+-5).
2NT - invitational to 3NT or 4H.
3C - invitational to 4H with club tolerance or support.
3D – Game forcing by an unpassed hand, either a stopper with tolerance for clubs or a two suiter (5+-5).
3H - invitational with 6+ good Hs.
3S, 4D - splinter with 5 Hs and 3+ Cs.
4C - game forcing, choice of games between Hs and Cs. Now 4D asks whether responder has 5 or 6 Hs.
4H - for play.

Responder's Rebids after 2C-2H-2S
2NT - invitational to 3NT or 4S.
3C - invitational to 4S with club tolerance or support.
3D, 3H - Game forcing by an unpassed hand, either a stopper with tolerance for clubs or a two suiter (5+-5).
3S - invitational with 6+ good Ss.
4D, 4H - splinter with 5 Ss and 3+ Cs.
4C - game forcing, choice of games between Ss and Cs. Now 4D asks whether responder has 5 or 6 Ss.
4S - for play.

Opener's Rebids after 2C-2S
2NT - Two suits stopped, any suits, minimum.
3C - One suit stopped, any suit, minimum.
3D - Shows a maximum with a stopper in Ds, may have a stopper in one major suit.
3H - Shows a maximum with a stopper in Hs, denies a stopper in Ds. Responder bids 3S with a stopper in Ds but no stopper in Ss.
3S - Shows a maximum with a stopper in Ss, denies a stopper in Hs and Ds.
3NT - All suits stopped, maximum.

Responder's Rebids after 2C-2S-(2NT or 3C)
3C - For play.
3D - Asks for stopper(s).
3H - Shows Hs stopped or Hs and Ds stopped (if responder now bids a suit in which opener shows a stopper, it is natural and forcing if below game, other suit bids are cuebids).
3S - Shows Ss stopped or Ss and Ds stopped (if responder now bids a suit in which opener shows a stopper, it is natural and forcing if below game, other suit bids are cuebids).
3NT - Shows Ds stopped or Hs and Ss stopped (if responder now bids a suit in which opener shows a stopper, it is natural and forcing if below game, other suit bids are cuebids).
3M - Game forcing with 5+ in the major.
3S - asks whether 3H shows 5 or 6 Hs.
3NT - For play.

2C-2S-(2NT, 3C, 3D, 3H, 3S, 3NT) - 4D RKC for Cs.

2D OPENING (The 2D opening shows a hand worth 14-18 in support of each major.)

Responding to 2D opener
Pass - Where appropriate
2M - For play.
2NT - Asks for long m.
3C - Natural 6+, nonforcing.
3D - Invitational with 6+ good Ds.
3M - Invitational.

Responding to the 2D Opener after a Double
Pass - Weak, shows 3+ Ds, looks like a playable spot if opener has 4+ Ds.
2M - For play.
2NT - Asks for long m.
3C - For play.
3M - Invitational.
Rdbl - 3+ Ds, our hand, hoping to double the opponents or else reach a playable spot. Opener should bid 2H with short Ds.
Jump to game - For play.

Responding to the 2D Opener after an Overcall
Dbl - Penalty.
2NT - Stoppers, invitational 10-11 HCP.
3NT - Stoppers, for play.

Responder's cuebids
2D-2NT-3C-3D-? Asks for HCP outside of Ds but includes the A of Ds.
3H - 11 or less HCP and 4-4-1-4.
3S - 11 or less HCP and 4-4-0-5.
3NT - 12-13 HCP and 4-4-1-4.
4C - 12-13 HCP and 4-4-0-5.
4D - 14-15 HCP and 4-4-1-4.
4H - 14-15 HCP and 4-4-0-5.
2D-2NT-3C-3D-3H-4D-? The second cuebid asks for number of Aces.
4H - 0 Aces.
4S - 1 Ace.
4NT - 2 Aces.
5C - 3 Aces.

2D-2NT-3D-4C-? Asks for HCP outside of Cs but includes the A of Cs.
4D - 11 or less HCP and 4-4-1-4.
4H - 11 or less HCP and 4-4-0-5.
4S - 12-13 HCP and 4-4-1-4.
4NT - 12-13 HCP and 4-4-0-5.
5C - 14-15 HCP and 4-4-1-4.
5D - 14-15 HCP and 4-4-0-5.
2D-2NT-3D-4C-5D-6C-? The second cuebid asks for number of Aces.
6D - 0 Aces. 6H - 1 Ace. 6S - 2 Aces. 6NT - 3 Aces.
2D-2NT-3m-3M - Invitational, responder was going to bid game if opener had the other minor. Opener should bid game if near the top of the range.

2M OPENING
Responding to 2M opener
2S - Nonforcing, natural.
2NT - Forcing, asks for strength and distribution (limit raise or better by an unpassed hand), generally shows support, nonforcing by a passed hand.
3C - For play.
3D - Natural, nonforcing.
3Ms - Invitational (less than a limit raise by an unpassed hand; limit raise or less by a passed hand)..
3H/2S - Nonforcing, but constructive, 6+ Hs.
3S/2H -Invitational, 6+ Ss.
3NT - For play.
4C - RKC for Cs, although Ss might be the trump suit, 4NT now asks for Kings.
4NT - RKC for Ss, although Cs might be the trump suit.

Passed Hand Bids by Responder (P-2M-?)
New suit - Nonforcing.
2NT - Invitational to 3NT at best.
3C - For play.
3Ms - Invitational. Shows 8+-11 by a passed hand.
3NT/4M - For play.

Responding to the 2M Opener after a Double
New suit - Nonforcing.
2NT - Forcing, asks for strength and distribution, generally shows support. For play by a passed hand.
Rdbl - Asking opener to cooperate with penalizing the opponents.
3C - For play.
3NT - For play.

Responding to the 2M Opener after an Overcall
Dbl - Penalty.
New suit - forcing, 6+ cards. Nonforcing by a passed hand.
3C - For play.
3Ms - Invitational, 8+-11 in support.
3NT, 4Ms - For play.

Opener's Rebids after 2M-2NT
3C - Any minimum.
3D - Maxi, 3Ds.
3H - Maxi, 3Mo=s, now 3S asks if opener has 5 Cs. With 5 Cs, opener bids 4C.
3S - 5-5-2-1, maxi.
3NT - 2-2 in other suits, maxi.
4C - Maxi, 6 Cs and 5Ms.
4Ms - Maxi, 6 Ms and 5+ Cs.

Opener's Rebids after 2M-2NT
3C - Any minimum.
3D - Maxi, 3Ds.
3H - shows 5-5, now 3S asks if opener has 3 cards in other major.
3S – shows exactly 5-4-3-1 distribution with 3 cards in other major.
3NT - 2-2 in other suits, maxi.
4C - Maxi, 6 Cs and 5Ms.
4Ms - Maxi, 6 Ms and 5+ Cs.

Opener's Rebids after 2M-2NT-3C-3D
3H – 5-5 (now 3S asks for stopper in other major).
3S - Denies a stopper in other major, only 4 Cs.
3NT - Stopper in other major, 4 Cs.
4C - 5-6, 6 Cs.
4D – 6-6 any singleton.
4Ms - 6-5, 6 cards in Ms.

Bidding with a 5+ Card Major over 2H and 2S
2H Opening
2S - Shows 5+ Ss, nonforcing but constructive.
3S - Invitational with 6+ Ss.
2NT followed by 3S - 5+ Ss, game forcing.
2S Opening
3H - Nonforcing, 6+ Hs, but constructive.
2NT followed by 3H - 5+ Hs, game forcing.
2S-2NT-3C-3H-3S - Probably doubleton heart, asks whether 5 or 6 Hs.
-3NT - Singleton or void in Hs.
- any other bid doubleton support.

[glen]

A little less text than John's book

[kenrexford]

Wow.

I must confess that I did not read through the whole thing. However, from great experience with canape bidding, a suggestion may be helpful.

The basic structure, IMO, can be greatly improved. My suggestions:

1. Change 2♦ to a minor two-suiter, 9+ combined. 2♥ asks for shape/strength (2♠=frag, min; 2NT=no frag, min; 3♣=heart frag, min; 3♦=no frag, max; 3M=frag, max). This purifies 1♦ (sort of -- see below), and it has some preemptive benefits.

2. Change 2♣ to handle the 4441 hands, all of them. 2♦ asks for str/shape (2♥=min with hearts -- 3♦ asks for the stiff; 2♠=min without hearts; 2NT...3♥ is maximum below the stiff). This single level of space allows much better handling of 4441 hands, allows finding where and how much; purifies the canape in all other auctions.

3. Change 1♦ to (a.) a true diamond one-suiter (no hidden club holding), (b.) a true diamond-major canape, or (c.) a true club one-suiter (possible hidden diamond holding if 2♦ unpalatable). This gets rid of the weighty 2♣ call and is a necessary improvement on the entire structure. Obviously, a club rebid cancels any thought of diamonds being held.

The structure above gains in ease of handling the 4441 problem and purifies canape auctions such that you no longer have any semblance of "tendency canape." From experience, it works wonders and is a vast improvement over the silly Neapolitan desire to maintain weak twos or the bizarre Roman Club solutions. Leghorn has some interesting ideas, but I found them unworkable in comparison.

If you are interested, there are a lot of secondary improvements I had worked out and used for years. You may have spotted them yourself, but the test was too much to read through.

BTW, a number of us used to call this "M.I.C.S." and a few may still use it. I'm into simple 2/1 GF these days, but my heart always leans toward the beauty of canape.

[ucrman]

The "improvements" suggested by kenrexford are interesting. Thank you for your suggestions.

The suggested 2C opening showing a three-suiter purifies the major suit canapes which include the 4-1-4-4 and 1-4-4-4 hands and improves on my 2D opening which shows 4-4-1-4, 4-4-4-1, 4-4-5-0 and 4-4-0-5 hands. Very good.

The suggested 2D opening showing both minors does give a good description of the hand but is not very flexible in reaching alternative contracts like 2H and 2S.

The suggestion to include 6+ clubs with the 1D opening takes away from the value of a natural 1D opening. It seems like it might be subject to more of a preempt than my 1D opening. I like my 2C opening with the transfer responses.

Overall, these suggested changes look very god. I am not sure which set of openings are better. I looked at several predealt hands and find no difference. I will look further into the differences.

The Canape Club is related to the Pattern System which I have described in another topic. The Pattern System is a pure canape system. Unfortunately it is not allowed by the ACBL because the negative step response of 1H over the 1D opening is not allowed. In that system the 2C opening shows all the 4-4-4-1s and the 5-4-4-0s that do not contain a 5-card major, any strength.

Kenrexford stated that there are a lot of secondary improvements he had worked out and used for years. I would be very interested in them. My email address is ucrman@nycap.rr.com.

[mike777]

This is starting to sound more like the "Simple Club" See Bridge Encyclopedia.

[ucrman]

Mike777 mentioned the “simple club” which I assume is the “simplified club” – I can’t find anything about “simple club.” The simplified club is quite different from my Canape Club. I have had good tournament success with the Canape Club.

Kenrexford suggested using the 1D opener to show (1) a natural canapé into a major or (2) long diamonds or (3) long clubs. The response I suppose would be either 1M showing a 5-card major with 1NT being a forcing NT or else a negative step response of 1H. I don’t believe that the ACBL allows either a forcing 1NT response to 1D or a negative step response of 1H. Am I correct or is either allowed by the ACBL? I did notice that the Simplified Club uses a negative step response over its 1D opening.

[kenrexford]

ucrman, on Feb 16 2007, 11:04 PM, said:

Mike777 mentioned the “simple club” which I assume is the “simplified club” – I can’t find anything about “simple club.” The simplified club is quite different from my Canape Club. I have had good tournament success with the Canape Club.

Kenrexford suggested using the 1D opener to show (1) a natural canapé into a major or (2) long diamonds or (3) long clubs. The response I suppose would be either 1M showing a 5-card major with 1NT being a forcing NT or else a negative step response of 1H. I don’t believe that the ACBL allows either a forcing 1NT response to 1D or a negative step response of 1H. Am I correct or is either allowed by the ACBL? I did notice that the Simplified Club uses a negative step response over its 1D opening.

The response structure to 1♦ developed into a strange bird.

First, 1♥ shows 4+ hearts but not appropriate for 1NT/2NT (see below). On "occasion" (you know what I mean) you might have a three-card suit (and 0-2 of the other major).

If Opener hears 1♥, he can bid 2♠ (strong canape), or 1♠ (canape without three hearts), or rebid 1NT (specifically 5341/5350 or rare 5332 with concentrated values in diamonds/spades). 2min is one-suited.

Responder's 1♠ response (instead of 1♥) shows the same 4+ (3?) with the same restrictions as above for 1♥. Opener can bid 1NT (weak canape, no assurance of specifically 3541/3550 or rare 3532), or 2♥ (strong canape).

Now the really weird stuff:

1NT shows 6-9 (or whatever range makes sense to you; light NT) with 3-5 of each major, not 5-5 and usually not 45/54. 2NT stronger with 3-4 of each major; 3NT stronger yet with 3-4 of each major.

There was also a solution for inappropriate minor-oriented hands, but I frankly cannot remember them. I also believe we have a GF response. I'll let you work that out. You had to have at most 4 cards in the majors to not bid 1M, meaning nine minor cards, such that this worked itself out somehow. Maybe 2♦ with 4+ diamonds and 3♣ is a strange 2236 or more wild. Cannot remember exactly.

A similar treatment occurred after 1♥ openings. 1♥-P-1♠-P-1NT showed a heart-minor canape with a three-card spade fragment; 1♥-P-1♠-P-2min was a canape denying three spades.

Big point. Because of pure canape, Opener can use 1NT (and 2NT was also the fragment but STRONG I think) to show the canape with a fragment support for Responder's major (Responder could have 5+ of that suit after all). Similarly, 1NT by Responder as a response could easily feature one or both four-card majors (pure canape, with a solution for 4441's, means that Opener cannot have a four-card major unless he opens it).

I also remember a funny auction that recurred. We could open 1M with 4432, four-card major and four-card minor, if a weak NT (10-12). We used 13-16 for 1NT.

Anyway, after a 2/1, Opener would rebidn his major with a weak hand and not extra length, meaning a weak canape (immediate completion showed max) or a weak NT. If Responder persisted with 2NT (artificial), Opener would bid his minor if a weak canape, or bid the other major if a weak but 6-4 canape, or rebid 3NT with a weak 5-4 other major canape. Repeating the suit again was for the 4432/4333 weak NT. I think we allowed 4432/4423 (both majors) 10-12 to open 1♥, and the after showing that hand (ultimately 3♥) responder could suggest spades (3♠).

This made for a funny auction.

1♥ (4+)
2♣ (forcing)
2♥ (minimum, only four hearts)
2NT (forcing)
3♥ (still only four hearts, still minimum, now balanced)

Thus, Opener would open hearts, and then the more he bid hearts the weaker and flatter he was, never with more hearts. We even had auctions that went 1♥-2♣-2♥-2NT-3♥-P. LOL

Don't get me started on Potentially-Canape Jacoby Transfers after 1NT.

I'm convinced that the entire system was the "best" canape I've ever seen, but no one competent in bridge generally would ever learn it, at least no one I knew, because of a general bias against canape. Those who did learn it sort of "got it" as best they could, but they never could master the game, let alone canape, as well as one would like. So, I abandoned it for 2/1, where the "sane" folks live. I wrote the whole thing up for some people that wanted to learn it, in a book version, but I lost the electronic version of it years ago, in an accident. I still have a beat-up paper version somewhere around the house. If I think of it, I'll try to find it. Brush up and all.

[mike777]

ucrman, on Feb 16 2007, 11:04 PM, said:

Mike777 mentioned the “simple club” which I assume is the “simplified club” – I can’t find anything about “simple club.”  The simplified club is quite different from my Canape Club. I have had good tournament success with the Canape Club.

Kenrexford suggested using the 1D opener to show (1) a natural canapé into a major or (2) long diamonds or (3) long clubs.  The response I suppose would be either 1M showing a 5-card major with 1NT being a forcing NT or else a negative step response of 1H.  I don’t believe that the ACBL allows either a forcing 1NT response to 1D or a negative step response of 1H.  Am I correct or is either allowed by the ACBL?  I did notice that the Simplified Club uses a negative step response over its 1D opening.

Yes, simplified club...I just noted with the suggested forum changes, it is getting closer to simplifed club. Most of the responses are the same over 1d or 1h or 1s openings. Opening one bids promise 4 card suits and canape very often, about 80% of the time in practice.Herbert relays over one bids, or non but legal sort of Herbert relays in GCC events.

[kenrexford]

The Herbert Neg. actually seemed to cause more problems than it solved, let alone the GCC problem. Hence, MICS did not use HN's.

I am curious about the structure of the "Simplified Club" system but cannot find any reference through Google that lays out the structure -- any suggestions?

BTW, everyone who played "MICS" also used "RUNT," although a defensive bidding agreement, it probably also was "systemic" by its wholehearted use by all MICS players. It was essentially a weak-or-strong 1NT overcall in direct seat as a three-suited takeout, with very interesting escapes and strange mini/really-mini preempts. Doubles were intermediate, although they devolved into either intermediate or ultra weak (0-4), making the "weak" 1NT 5-11.

All very sick, twisted, and appealing.

[mike777]

simplfied club
questions....ask me....

there is huge book...ok....25 years old/

Please add 25 years of study.

[PrecisionL]

Simplified Club? I have a xerox copy (less than 200 pages), was going to use if for building my next system and got detoured using Sabine Auken's canape responses to 1♣ strong.

Larry

Revised 2/12/07 - Actually the book is only 101 pages (Just found my copy).

Edited 9/11/21: The Simplified Club, 2nd edition, 1989, 114 page pamphlet. Autographed copy!

[keylime]

I'm the detour of Larry's, it's my fault - but hey, the end result turned out all right!