SA-YC Simplified

Part 1

Revised and Simplified by Wayne Flournoy (OKbridge user-name: "waynef")

and Anna Marsh (OKbridge user-name: "ana")

Originally developed as ACBL Standard Yellow Card.

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This document has been divided into 2 parts - Part 1 covers the SAYC bidding system and Part 2 covers a few of the optional conventions used on OKbridge.

Main Index Standard SA-YC Conventions Index
Overview Stayman
Standard SA-YC Conventions Jacoby Transfers to Majors!
General Approach Jacoby 2NT! *
Responses and Later Bidding after 1NT Opening 4th Suit Forcing! *
2NT and 3NT Opening Blackwood
1st Level Bidding/Responses/Rebids Quantative 4NT
Strong 2c.gif - 0.11 K Opener DOPI *
Slam Bidding Conventions Control Showing Cuebids
Defensive Bidding Gerber *
Balancing Seat Bids Grand Slam Force! *
Competitive Bidding Weak 2/3 Bids
Leads and Signals 2NT! Response to Opening Weak 2
Document Links, etc. Raise only Non-Forcing (R-O-N-F)
OKb SAYC CC Unusual NT! *
Note: ! = Alert throughout Michael's Cuebid! *
Note: HCP=Actual High Card Points: Points=HCP+distributional points Negative Doubles!
Note: *= Possible Optional Convention (see below) SOS Redoubles

Overview

Part 1 describes the SA-YC bidding system as played on OKbridge. SA-YC is normally a "five-card majors" bidding system, but players may exercise their own judgement to open a good four-card major in third seat. A few sequences are defined in the later rounds of SA-YC auctions. Players are free to assign "forcing", "invitational", or "non-forcing" meanings to natural calls in such sequences.

All artificial bids/conventions mentioned in Part 1 are standard SA-YC. A novice player may arrange with his partner not to use some of the standard conventions, but the partnership must agree explicitly which conventions are to be excluded. Suggested standard conventions for novices to specifically omit are marked as "1-Star" ( * ).

goto Index

General Approach
  1. Normally open five-card majors in all seats.

  2. Open the higher of long suits of equal length: 5-5 or 6-6.

  3. Normally open 1D with 4-4 in the minors.

  4. Normally open 1C with 3-3 in the minors.

  5. Notrump openings show a balanced hand but can be made with a five-card major or minor suit.

  6. 1NT = 15-17HCP

  7. 2NT = 20-21HCP

  8. 3NT = 25-27HCP {See also Part 2 Gambling 3NT}

  9. Strong artificial 2C Opener = (22+ HCP)

  10. Weak two-bids in diamonds, hearts and spades. (5-11 Points, 6 card suit)

Responses And Later Bidding After 1NT Opening

Stayman

A response of 2C after a 1NT opening by partner is Stayman. It shows 8+ HCP and at least 1 4-card major, more usually both since opener will assume both. It is used to ask opener if he has a 4-card major. Opener must rebid 2D (denying a 4-card major), 2H, or 2S. If responder then rebids three of either minor, it shows slam interest and at least 5 cards in the bid suit.

If responder has 5/4 or 4/5 in the majors he can rebid the longer major when the response is the shorter major or denial of a 4-card major to show 5: eg., 1N-2-2-3(showing 5xhearts and 4xspades) or 1NT-2-2-2(showing 5xhearts and 4xspades)

Note 1: If opener has 4-4 in majors, opener bids 2H first: if responder's suit is spades, he will rebid 2NT and opener can then bid his 4-card spade suit if he feels a suit contract is best. For example:

Opener Responder Shows
1NT 2C Opener has 4/4 majors, minimum/maximum NT opener
(not forcing)
2H 2NT
3S/4S Pass

Note 2: Stayman can also be used in cases where responder has fewer than 8 HCP and intends to pass any response, e.g. if responder has 4-4-4-1 shape (the club being a singleton), any response can be passed to, hopefully, improve the final contract. {see also Minor Suit Stayman}

goto Index

Jacoby Transfers to Majors ( ! )

Jacoby transfers (Xfers) show a five-card major suit:

2D is a transfer to 2H
2H is a transfer to 2S
Opener MUST accept the transfer although he can jump to the three level with 17 points and four-card support for responder's major. {see also Jacoby Xfer to Minors, Minor Suit Stayman and Minor Suit Transfer Bids}

Example A
1NT Pass 2D! (with any HCP) Pass
2H (normal acceptance of Xfer) Pass Pass (content to play in 2H) Pass
Example B
1NT Pass 2D! (with any HCP) Pass
3H (17HCP+4xH)
(invitational)		 Pass Pass/3NT/4H (sign off) Pass
Example C
1NT Pass 2D! (with any HCP) Pass
2H Pass 2NT/3H (invitational) Pass
Pass/3NT/4H Pass Pass Pass
Example D
1NT Pass 2D! (11+HCP) Pass
2H 3C/3D (natural & game forcing -possible slam try)
3NT (asks for pref of game in 3NT or 4H)

Note 1: Jacoby Transfers are used also over openers of 2/ 3NT
Note 2: Jacoby Transfers are "off" altogether if the 1NT opening is overcalled.

Other Responses to 1NT

Opener Responder Shows
1NT 2NT 8HCP usually denies 4-card major
but can be used on v balanced hand
3C/3D 6+minor suit, invitational to 3NT/5 minor
3H/3S 6+card suit and slam interest
4S/4H/5D/5C 6+card suit no slam interest
and limited entries for NT
4C Gerber asking for Aces
4NT Quantative not Blackwood:
opener bids 6NT if max, Pass if min

Interference After 1NT Opening Bids

If Opponents Double, Stayman and Jacoby Xfers are "on"


Example

Opener Opp Responder Response Shows
1NT X 2C Stayman
2D/2H! Xfer to 2H/2S

If Opponents Bid over 1NT Opener, Stayman and Jacoby Xfers are "off". Bids are natural except for a cuebid (ie. a bid of opp's suit), which can be used with game force strength as a substitute for Stayman
.

Example

Opener Opp Responder Response Shows
1NT 2C/2D 3C/3D 4/4 majors, opener bids 4 of a
4-card major or 3NT if no 4-card major
2H/2S 3H/3S 4 of the unbid major,
opener rebids 4 of the unbid major with 4
or 3NT without 4 of the required major

If Jacoby Xfer is Doubled

Opener's Possible Bids Responder's Possible Bids
Pass
  1. Make natural bid
  2. XX
  3. Pass (to play)
  4. Bid 2 of a major (sign off)
XX (strong holding in dbled suit)
Complete Xfer to show 3+ trumps Pass or bid on
Jump to 3 of suit

If Jacoby Xfer is Overcalled

Opener's Possible Bids Responder's Possible Bids
Pass
  1. Make natural bid
  2. X to show strength
  3. Pass
X for penalty Pass or bid on
Bid 3 of major with good supporting hand

If Stayman is Doubled

Opener's Possible Bids Responder's Possible Bids
Pass with 4 x clubs
  1. Make any natural rebid
  2. X for penalty
XX with 5 x clubs or 4 x good clubs
Make any natural rebid

If Stayman is Overcalled

Opener's Possible Bids Responder's Possible Bids
Pass
  1. Make a natural rebid
  2. X for penalty
X for penalty with 4 of opp's suit
Bid 4-card major at 2 level

    Responses to 2NT and 3NT Openers

    Stayman and Jacoby Xfers are "on"

    Opener Responder Response Shows
    2NT 3C Stayman
    3D/3H! Xfer to 3H/3S
    4C Gerber
    4NT Quantitative, invites 6NT if max
    3NT 4C Stayman
    4D/4H! Xfer to 4H/4S
    4NT Blackwood (not Quantitative since 4C
    has been used for Stayman

    goto Index

    Responses/Rebids to 1 of a Suit Opener

    Responses to 1 of a major

    Example Responses to 1H Opener
    Opener Responder Response Shows
    1H 1S min 6 Points, at least 4xS. Unlimited bid does
    not necessarily deny 3x H (forcing 1 rnd)
    1NT 6-10HCP and balanced hand. Denies 4x S and, usually, 3x H (not forcing)
    2H
    1. 6-10 Points + at least 3x trumps. Limit bid,
      can be passed
    2. Over opener of 1S would show 5-card heart suit,
      11+Points. Unlimited bid,
      (forcing 1 rnd)
    2C/2D 11+Points and 4+card minor suit. (forcing 1 rnd)
    2NT/2NT!
    1. 13+HCP and balanced hand. Shows 3 x trumps
      (game forcing)
    2. If playing J2NT , asks partner to show short suit
      while agreeing trump fit (game forcing+)
    2S/3C/3D (Jump Shift) 17+Points (game forcing+)
    3H 10-12 Points + at least 3 x trumps. Limit raise
    (invitational but non-forcing)
    3NT 15-17HCP, balanced hand, at least 2 x hearts
    4H less than 10 HCP + 4/5 trump support
    + good distributional values

    Note: In an uncontested auction, any new suit bid at the 3 level is 100% forcing - a new suit at the 1 and 2 levels is usually forcing. This also applies after 1 x minor opening

    Responses to 1C/1D Opener

    A 1D opener suggests at least 4-card D suit, since 1C is preferred on hands where a 3-card minor suit must be opened. The exception is a hand with 4-4-3-2 shape, which should be opened 1D. Responses and later bidding generally follow the same principles as "Responses to 1 of a major". Bidding at the one level is "up-the-line" in principle ie., bid next-ranking 4-card suit if no 5+-card suit to bid.

    Example
    Opener Opp1 Responder Opp2 Responder Shows
    1C Pass 1D Pass 6+ Points, 4+diamonds, does not deny the majors
    or a club fit (unlimited hand forcing 1 rnd)
    1H 6+ Points, denies 4 diamonds, but does not deny 4 spades
    or a club fit (unlimited hand forcing for 1 rnd)
    1S 6+ Points, denies 4 diamonds or 4 hearts,
    but does not deny a club fit
    (unlimited hand forcing for 1 rnd)
    1NT 6-10 Points, denies 4 diamonds, 4 hearts, 4 spades
    and 5 clubs (limited hand, not forcing )

    Note 1: Over a 1C/1D opener, without a higher-ranking 4-card suit to show, responder needs 5 trumps to raise 1C, or 4 trumps to raise 1D, (one less trump will do in a competitive sequence)
    Note 2: Responses of 2NT/3NT are standard: (ie., 2NT = 13-14HCP or good 12-14 (invitational): 3NT = 15-17HCP)
    Note 3: There is no forcing minor-suit raise. {See also Part 2 Inverted Minors and Bergen Raises}

    Opener's (non-artificial) Rebids
    13-16 Points NT at cheapest possible level
    Rebid own suit at cheapest available level
    Raise Partner's suit at cheapest available level (shows 3+ trumps)
    Bid "1 over 1" (eg.,1D-P-1H-P-1S) has a wider range of 13-18 points.
    (forcing 1 rnd)
    Non-reverse bid in a new suit (has a wider range of 13-18 points)
    (forcing if bid at the 3 level)
    17-18 Points Jump in own suit (invitational but not forcing)
    Bid higher-ranking 4-card suit (this has a wider range of 13-18 points)
    (forcing 1 rnd)
    Jump in Partner's suit (invitational with 3+ trumps)
    Non-reverse bid in a new suit (has a wider range of 13-18 points)
    (forcing if bid at the 3 level)
    19-22 Points Jump in NT (forcing)
    Double jump in Partner's suit (forcing)
    Double jump in own suit unless using Splinter bids (forcing)
    Jump in new suit (forcing)

    Note: After a rebid of 1NT by opener, a reverse or jump shift by responder is game forcing (poss slam interest), (eg.1C-P-1H-P-1NT-P-2S or 3D)

    Jacoby 2NT (J2NT) ( ! )*

    If responder jumps to 2NT over a 1H/1S opener, it is J2NT asking opener to show a singleton or void. It shows 13+Points, support for opener's suit and is game forcing. Opener rebids as follows:

    Opener Responder Opener Opener Shows Responder
    1H 2NT! 3H! Max hand, 18+Points and strong suit
    but denies short suit    		 Either sign
    off in game
    or look
    for slam
    3C/3D/3S! Singleton or void in bid suit
    3NT! Medium hand, 15-17 Points, denies
    short suit (artificial)
    4H Minimum hand and denies short suit
    4C/4D/4S Strong 5-card side suit

    4th Suit Forcing (4sf) ( ! ) *

    When responder is an unpassed hand and rebids the 4th suit in an uncontested auction, it is game forcing and may be artificial.(eg. 1D-P-1H-P-1S-P-2C!-?). Responder is using the 4th suit to indicate a good hand with 12+ points and no attractive rebid. Opener should respond with a natural bid that further describes his hand. Taking the above bidding sequence as an example, opener should rebid as follows:

    Opener's Rebid Shows
    2H Raise partner's 1st suit with 3-card support
    (Jump raise with more than minimum)
    2S Rebid of own suit at cheapest level showing weak hand
    2NT Bid NT to show stop in the 4th suit and extra values
    (Jump to game with exceptional strength)
    3C Raise 4th suit with 4+ of them
    3D Rebid of opening suit showing extra length and strength.
    (Jump rebid would show extra values)

    4SF does not apply in the following situations:

    1. In an "up the line" bidding sequence, e.g., 1-1-1-1
    2. When responder's rebid is a jump bid in the 4th suit showing invitational values and at least 5/5 in his bid suits, e.g., 1-1-2-3
    3. In competition

    Strong 2C Opener

    In general a 2C opener shows 22+ points, and is forcing to 3 of a major or 4 of a minor. If opener rebids 2NT after a 2D response, showing 23-24HCP and a balanced hand, the same responses may be used as over a 2NT opener There are exceptions to the number of HCP needed for a 2C Opener. The following are guidelines only:

  1. 23HCP at least if hand is balanced
  2. 17HCP at least if 1-suited hand within one trick of game (9 playing tricks)
  3. 21HCP at least if hand has 8 playing tricks

    Responses
    Opener Responder Response Shows
    2C 2D Artificial negative, (usually less than 7HCP
    but may be "waiting" with a good hand unsuited to
    a positive response)
    2H/2S/3C/3D 8+HCP (or 1.5 honour tricks) + 5-card suit
    headed by Q or better
    2NT 8+HCP, balanced hand

    goto Index

    Slam Bidding

    Blackwood Convention

    Blackwood 4NT is used to ask for Aces. Responses to 4NT show the number of Aces by steps. A 5NT bid that follows Blackwood 4NT asks for Kings.

    Blackwood asking for Aces
    Initiator Responder Shows
    4NT 5C 0 or 4 Aces
    5D 1 Ace
    5H 2 Aces
    5S 3 Aces

    Blackwood asking for Kings
    Instigator Responder Shows
    5NT 6C 0 or 4 Kings
    6D 1 King
    6H 2 Kings
    6S 3 Kings

    Note: Although not always possible, if the Blackwood bidder wishes to sign off in 5NT, he should bid an "unplayable" suit at the 5 level (ie. an unbid suit or opp's suit) and the responder is obliged to bid 5NT
    eg. (assume opps pass) 1H-2D-3D-4NT-5C-5S-5NT.

    {See also Part 2 Roman Key Card Blackwood}

    Quantative 4NT

    A direct raise after 1NT/2NT to 4NT is Quantitative and invites 6NT if opener is maximum or Pass if minimum. Also applies over partner's direct overcall of 1NT if no interference from RHO.

    DOPI *

    "Double with 0 Aces, Pass with 1". Allows response to Blackwood over opponent's interference

    The Bids Are:
    Double 0 Aces
    Pass 1 Ace
    Next available bid 2 Aces
    2nd available bid 3 Aces
    3rd available bid 4 Aces

    Control-Showing Cuebids

    A control-showing bid may be used to find 1st and 2nd round controls once the trump suit has been agreed. The control-showing bid is a non-jump bid in an unbid suit at or above the 3-level (if agreed trump suit is a major) or the 4-level (if trump suit is a minor) . (Do not muddle "trial bids" with control-showing bids, eg., 1H-P-2H-P-3C would be a trial bid, usually shortage, asking if responder can help in that suit)

    Rules for control-showing bids:

    1. Never pass a control-showing bid

    2. With two controls, it is usually better to first bid the one that keeps the bidding lower. In some cases it is better to reverse the order, i.e., 4C-4H-4S rather than 3S-4H-5C.

    3. Bid suits first that have not been bid by your partnership. Bid Aces 1st, Voids 2nd, Kings 3rd. An exception, is to bid a 2nd round control in an unbid suit before cueing 1st round control in a suit that has been shown or denied. Avoid bidding a singleton or void in a suit bid naturally by your partner.

    4. Return to the agreed trump suit (below game if possible) to discourage a slam try. A bid above game by partner is a strong slam try and you should return him to the agreed trump suit - any other bid would show acceptance of the slam and possible grand slam aspiration. {see GSF below and Part 2 Voluntary Bid of 5 of a Major}

    5. If a control-showing bid is doubled, redouble shows 2nd round control of that suit. A pass encourages partner (versus a return to agreed trump suit to discourage).

    6. Control-showing bids above five of the trump suit are a try for seven.

    7. If either partner is able to judge the correct final contract he should bid it as soon as possible.

    8. The partnership is committed to playing in the agreed trump suit once a control-showing bid is made.

    Gerber *

    Gerber is used to ask for Aces and Kings over an opening 1NT or 2NT bid by partner or a rebid of 1NT or 2NT by partner. 4C asks for Aces and 5C for Kings.

    Responses to Gerber are:
    4C
    asking for Aces    		 4D 0 or 4 5C
    asking for Kings    		 5D 0 or 4
    4H 1 5H 1
    4S 2 5S 2
    4NT 3 5NT 3

    Note: If the Gerber instigator makes any bid other than 5C, it is to play (including 4NT)

    Grand Slam Force (GSF) *

    A bid of 5NT without the preceding 4NT Blackwood bid is a GSF and asks partner to bid 7 of the agreed trump suit if he has 2 of the 3 top trump honours (ie.A,K,Q)

  4. Bid 6 if you have less than 2
  5. Bid 7 if you have 2
    {See also Part 2 Voluntary Bid of 5 of a Major}

    goto Index

    Defensive Bidding

    Defensive Overcalls after an Opening of 1 of a Suit
    at 1 level
    with 8-16 Points
    1. bid good 5-card suit. Suit quality depends on HCP
    2. bid a very strong 4-card suit if max HCP
    Overcall
    at 2 level    		 with 8-16 Points and a substantial suit or excellent distribution
    (e.g. 2x 5-card suits)
    1NT 15-18HCP with stop in opener's suit. (Jxfers are "off" Stayman is "on")
    Double Opening hand possible shortage in opener's suit
    Cuebid!
    (minor)         		8+Points. Michaels Cuebid asking for takeout in majors
    Cuebid!
    (major)         		10+Points. Michaels Cuebid showing 2-suited hand
    (Other major + unidentified minor suit)
    Jump in a suit Pre-emptive: same values as opening pre-empts
    2NT Unusual NT showing 8+Points and at least
    5/5 in the lower 2 unbid suits


    Responses to 1 Level Overcalls
    Raise 6-11 Points and 3+ trumps
    Jump Raise 10-12 Points and 4+trumps
    Raise to Game 1. Weak distributional hand with v good trump support
    2. Strong HCP and adequate trump support
    New Suit 9-13 Points, usually denies fit in partner's suit (non-forcing)
    Jump Shift 12-14 Points with good 6-carder
    1NT 9-12HCP, balanced hand.Implies stops in the unbid suits.
    Guarantees stop in opp's suit
    2NT (non-jump) 11-13HCP, balanced.Implies stops in the unbid suits.
    Guarantees stop in opp's suit
    2NT (jump) 13-15HCP, balanced.Implies stops in unbid suits.
    Guarantees stop in opp's suit
    3NT 15-16HCP, balanced.Implies stops in unbid suits.
    Guarantees stop in opp's suit
    Cuebid
    opp's suit    		 Asks pard about strength of his overcall (forcing 1 rnd, invitational)
    1. Bid 2 of own suit = minimum overcall
    2. Any other bid = 11+Points

    Note: Responses to 2-level overcall may be made with a weaker hand, since overcaller has indicated a stronger hand.

    Pre-empt Bids

    Pre-empt bids are weak 2 (except 2C)/3 bids showing a 6/7-card suit of reasonable quality and 5-11 Points. If the hand also has a 4-card major then pre-empt bids should not be used. Pre-empting is intended to keep the opposition out of the bidding, not one's partner. It is better to wait until your partner has passed before pre-empting.

    Note: A 4H or 4S opener is pre-emptive but stronger than an opening 2 or 3 bid and should have good distributional values. A double over an opening 4H/4S bid is for takeout but can be passed if you think penalty would be more profitable. 5C/5D openers are also pre-emptive, but a double over such a bid is penalty oriented.

    Responses to Opening Pre-empt Bids

    Over an opening 3 bid, partner should pass unless he has 15+ points.
    Over an opening weak 2 bid:

    1. 2NT response is forcing and shows game interest (even if the opps intervene). Opener should show a "feature": ie. a suit with Ace or King. With no feature, rebid suit or raise to 3NT. {See also Part 2 Ogust}
    2. 3NT is to play.
    3. A raise in opener's suit is invitational but not forcing. {See R-O-N-F below}
    4. A new suit response (5+carder) is forcing for one round. Opener can bid a 4-card minor (headed at least by Q) or bid NT showing 8-11 Points, support partner's suit (if 3 of them or dblton with honour), rebid own suit (showing minimum 5-8 Points)

    Raise Only Non-Forcing (R-O-N-F)

    A method of responding to weak 2 openers which utilises both 2NT and a new suit as forcing responses. Hence, the raise of partner's suit is the only non-forcing response below game.

    Unusual NT( ! ) *

    1. A jump overcall of 2NT over a 1 of a suit opener is Unusual NT and shows at least 5/5 in the lower 2 unbid suits. It is normally used defensively with a weak hand (8-10 Points in the 2 suits).
    2. After a strong 2Copener, an overcall of 2NT may be used in the same manner but should have 16-19 Points
    3. A jump overcall of 2NT followed by a raise of partner's suit, or a cuebid indicating control in opp's suit, shows a strong hand (16-18 Points)

    Responses to Unusual 2NT are:

    1. Preference bid
    2. Jump preference bid (mostly pre-emptive)
    3. Cuebid for game or slam invitation
    4. Bid another suit (non-forcing)
    5. Bid 3NT with stops in the other 2 suits and enough entries for the long suits
    6. Bid 4NT which would be Blackwood

    Note 1: Except 3NT, any other NT bid after both opponents have bid and partner has passed can also be considered as Unusual NT
    Note 2: A 4NT bid over opp's opener of 1 of a suit should also be recognised as Unusual NT

    Michaels Cuebid ( ! ) *

    The Michaels Cuebid promises a 2-suited hand.

    Examples

    Opp1 O/Call Overcall Shows
    1C 2C! 8+Points showing both majors
    1D 2D! 8+Points showing both majors
    1H 2H! 10+Points showing spades and an undisclosed minor
    1S 2S! 10+Points showing hearts and an undisclosed minor

    Note 1: A response of 2NT over the major suit cuebid asks partner to bid his minor

    Note 2: In a competitive auction, if 2NT is unavailable, responder can bid 4C (non-forcing) or 4NT (forcing) to locate the minor. 3NT is always to play.

    Note 3: The strength of the Michaels Cuebid follows the same guidelines as used for Unusual NT overcall. It is more "shape" than HCP that counts

    Note 4: Michaels Cuebid typically shows at least 5/5 shape, but over a minor-suit opening, just 5/4 shape in the majors is permissible so long as the 4-carder is reasonably good.

    Note 5: Novice players may choose to use the Michaels Cuebid overcall for the majors only ("higher-suits cuebid"). ie. When opps have bid 1 of a minor, a cuebid of the minor shows at least 5/5 in the majors

    Examples

    Opp1 O/Call Overcall Shows
    1C 2C! 8+Points and 5/5 in the majors
    1D 2D! 8+Points and 5/5 in the majors

    goto Index

    Balancing Seat Bids

    You are in the balancing seat after a bid (usually an opening bid) followed by 2 passes: you may double for takeout or overcall with a weaker hand than you would in the direct seat. Partner should recognise this and adjust his reponses accordingly.

    Note: After 2 passes, in the third seat, you may open 1 of a suit with a weaker hand than normal - again, partner should recognise this and adjust his responses accordingly: your rebid will tell him your strength. A useful and simple convention is Drury (or Reverse Drury), which can be used by Responder to find out if the Opener has opened 1 of a major in the 3rd seat after 2 passes, with a full opener or a light balancing opener

    Balancing Bids after Opener Followed by 2 Passes

    Opp 1 Pard 1 Opp 2 Pard 2 Pard 2 Shows
    1H Pass Pass 1S Can be weaker than in direct seat
    with 5-card suit or good 4-carder
    1H Pass Pass 1NT 10-15 Points + heart stop
    1H Pass Pass 2S At least 13 Points and good 6-card suit
    1H Pass Pass X 12+Points
    support for the unbid suits
    1H Pass Pass X 19+Points with stop in hearts
    and balanced hand
    Pass 1S Pass 2NT
    1H Pass Pass 2NT(!) Unusual NT! or, if not playing Unusual NT,
    balanced hand, 15-18HCP + good heart stop
    1H Pass Pass 2H Strong hand with 2 good suits,
    void in hearts (or AH single)
    1H Pass Pass 3NT To play
    1H Pass Pass X Blackwood asking for aces
    Pass 1S Pass 4NT


    Note

    Opp 1 Pard 1 Opp 2 Pard 2 Shows
    1H Pass 2H Pass This is also a balancing seat situation for
    Pard 1, since opps have limited their hands.
    If Pard 1 passes then it is a balancing situation for Pard 2 but
    bear in mind vulnerability and the possibility that your side
    may be better off passing and that your pard didn't balance!
    Pass ? --- ---

    goto Index

    Competitive Auction

    Since there are almost endless possible sequences, it pays to have simple guidelines to prevent bidding misunderstandings. Bids have the same meaning as they would have without the interference bid. ie.they do not guarantee extra HCP: however, there are one or two extra bidding options now open to both opener and responder:

    Example A
    Pard 1 Opp 1 Pard 2 Opp 2 Pard 2 Shows
    1S 2C 3C Pass The 3C cuebid is game forcing
    and indicates support for pard's suit
    1S 2C X! Pass Negative Double

    Example B
    Pard 1 Opp 1 Pard 2 Opp 2 Pard 1 Shows
    1D Pass 1S 2C With a holding of, say,
    SJxx
    HAxxx
    DAQJx
    CJx
    and no interference your correct rebid is 1NT.
    Since Opp2 bid 2C and you do not have a club stop, you must bid your 2nd choice of 2S, even though your pard has only promised 4 x spades
    2S -?- -?- -?-

    Responses (by an unpassed hand) after Opp's Overcall of 1 of a Suit
    Bid Shows
    X! Negative Double, 9+ Points (see Example A above)
    Raise 6-10 Points + 3 major- or 4 minor-trump support
    Game Bid 10+ Points with 4+ trumps (usually signoff)
    Jump Raise 10-12 Points with 4 trumps (invitational)
    New Suit at 1-level 8+Points and 4+-card suit (unlimited forcing 1 rnd)
    1NT 8-11HCP balanced with stop in opp's suit (not forcing)
    2 over 1 9+Points, 5-card suit (forcing for 1 rnd)
    3 over 1 9+Points with good 6+-card suit (usually pre-emptive)
    2NT 12-15HCP, balanced with stop in opp's suit (invitational)
    Jump Shift 17-19 Points with support for pard's suit or 5-card suit
    (forcing to game)
    Cuebid 17+Points, support for pards suit + 1st or 2nd rnd
    control in opp's suit. (forcing to game, slam invitation)

    Responses (by an unpassed hand) after Opps Overcall of 1NT

    Bid Shows
    Double 9+Points and can be penalty oriented
    Raise 5-8 Points with 3+ trump support
    New Suit 5-8 Points with good 5-card suit
    Pass No support for pard and no good suit

    Responses after Opp's Takeout Double

    Pard 1 Opp 1 Pard 2 Pard 2 Shows
    1D X 1H/1S Unlimited (forcing 1 rnd)
    1NT 6-8HCP denies 4 diamonds, balanced (NF)
    2C 6-10 Points + 6-carder or v good 5-carder (NF)
    2NT promises 10+HCP,4+trumps(limit or better raise)
    XX promises 10+Points, without support(NF)
    Note:it is better to make a more descriptive bid of 1H, 1S,or 2NT
    unless you are preparing the way to double opps
    2H/2S/3C 6/7-card suit, pre-emptive (NF)
    3D Less than 10 Points + good trump support(pre-emptive)(NF)

    Bids over Opponent's Pre-empt

    1. Double for takeout {See also Part 2 Lebensohl}
    2. Overcalling a suit or NT is natural and non-forcing
    3. Cuebid (minor)! is Michaels Cuebid
    4. Cuebid (major) Strong showing good stop, single or void in opp's suit - asks partner for his best suit (game forcing+)

    Takeout Doubles (t/oX)

    The double of an opening suit bid at the 1 or 2 level or over a pre-empt bid is a takeout double. Minimum requirements vary, depending on distribution and the level of bidding at which partner must respond.

    1. A hand that has at least 3 cards in all the unbid suits may bid a t/oX with 13+Points
    2. A hand that has at least 4 cards in all the unbid suits may bid a t/oX with 11+Points
    3. If the doubler has previously passed, a t/oX promises 9-11 Points and 4 cards in the unbid suits
    4. With 17+Points you can use the t/oX with 1 or more very good suits (or NT stops in all the suits). The t/oX is followed by a suit bid to indicate a strong hand.
    5. A jump bid after the t/oX is forcing.
    6. A 4NT bid after the t/oX is Blackwood

    Responses to partner's t/oX if RHO passes

    Bid Shows
    Minimum bid 0-9 Points
    1NT 6-10HCP balanced with stop in opp's suit
    Jump bid (below game) 10-12 Points (invitational)
    2NT 10-12HCP with stop in opp's suit and no 4-card major
    Cuebid 13+Points or 10-12 Points with 2x4-card majors (forcing)
    3NT 13-16HCP
    Double Jump Less than 10 Points with 6-carder (pre-emptive)
    Pass At least 5 of opp's suit. Guarantees 3 trump tricks

    Rebids by Takeout Doubler after Minimum Response

    Bid Shows
    Pass 15 Points or less
    Raise 16-18 Points + 4-card trump support
    18-20 Points if raise is at 3 level in non-competitive auction
    Jump Raise 18-20 Points + 4-card support
    New Suit 18-20 Points, 5+-card suit.
    Fewer Points if also has 4-card unbid major
    Jump Shift 6+card self-sufficient suit and strong hand (not forcing)
    1NT 18-20HCP
    2NT 19-21HCP if non-jump or 21-22HCP if jump
    3NT 9 playing tricks
    Cuebid of opp's suit 21+Points, slam interest

    Negative Doubles ( ! )

    A double at the 1 or 2 level after partner has opened and RHO has overcalled, is a Negative Double and is used to indicate a biddable hand but leaves bidding room for partner.
    Note: Bidding a major at the 2 level or higher shows 11+Points and a 5+-card suit.

    Use of Negative Doubles

    Pard 1 Opp 1 Pard 2 Pard 2 Shows
    1D 1H X! 6+HCP and 4x S. A bid of 1S promises 5
    1D 1S X! 6+Points and 4x H or 5-10 Points + 5x H
    1C 1D X! 6+Points and 4/4+ in the majors
    1H 1S X! 4/4+ in the minors

    Note: A direct double over opponent's opening of 1NT is usually penalty oriented.

    Responses to Negative Doubles

    Bid Shows
    Minimum (below game) upto 16HCP (non-forcing)
    Jump 16-18 Points (non-forcing)
    Cuebid of opps suit 19+Points (forcing to game)
    Pass (rare) For penalty

    Note 1: All rebids by the Neg Xer below game are non-forcing, except a cuebid of opps suit.
    Note 2: Using Neg Xes means that partner is unable to double for penalty. Therefore, when an opp's suit overcall is followed by 2 passes, opener should try to re-open with a double, if he has 2 or less cards in the opp's suit, since partner may have passed with a good hand for penalties.

    Penalty Doubles

    If your agreement is to play Negative Xes through 2S then a penalty oriented double would be:

    1. X of a 3+ level bid (except over opp's preemptive opener when double is for takeout, see t/oX above)
    2. Direct X of a NT bid
    3. Direct X of opp's overcall of 1NT
    4. X after partner has accurately described both his strength and distribution
    5. X after either partner has made an earlier redouble
    6. X after either partner has made a penalty X earlier or passed a takeout double
    7. X of any artificial bid (eg. Stayman,Cuebid, Blackwood) or responses. This is also lead directing
    8. X of an opening game bid in the minors
    Note 1: Be wary of doubling for penalty on the strength of partner's overcall
    Note 2: Unless noted elsewhere, any bid or double by the opponents cancels any convention intended for non-competitive auctions
    Note 3: If the opponents use a convention (such as Michaels or the Unusual NT), you can double the artificial bid to show at least 10HCP or cuebid one of the opp's shown suits to force to game
    Note 4: A forcing pass is used when opps are clearly competitively bidding for pre-emptive reasons and you are unsure if you should double or bid higher (usually past game). A pass forces partner to either double or bid.

    Redoubles

    A redouble can have 5 different meanings:

    No. Pard 1 Opp 1 Pard 2 Opp 2 Shows
    1. 4S+ X XX Pass Penalty to play
    2. 1NT Pass 2D! X Penalty - good diamond suit
    XX Pass Pass Pass
    3. 1S X XX Pass 10+HCP - to play
    4. 1D Pass Pass X SOS-responder cannot stand the X but can support at least 2 of the unbid suits
    Pass Pass XX -?-
    5. 1C X Pass Pass SOS-Opener does not relish playing in 1CX and is asking pard to bid his best suit
    XX Pass -?- -?-

    Note: SOS redoubles are recognisable if you remember that there would be no point in redoubling a cheap contract since it would force the Opps to enter the bidding.

    goto Index

    Defensive Leads and Signals

    Defensive signals when following suit or discarding are High Encourages, Low Discourages
    Leads are Top of Touching Honours. {See also Part 2 Lavinthal Discards and Odd/Even (Roman) Discards}

    OKbridge SA-YC CC Default Carding
    Carding High discard encourages, Low discourages: infreq count signals
    Suit-leads 4th best, Kqx, Qjx, Jtx, T9x, kJtx, kT9x, qT9x, xxX, xxxX, xxxXx, aKx
    NT-leads 4th best, aKjx, aQjx, aJt9, aT98, Kqjx, kQt9, kJt9, kT98, Qjtx, qT98,
    Jt9x, T98x, xxX, xxxX, xxxXx

    Pairs may choose to change these options and mark their leads with a "circle". Where no card is marked with a "circle", those marked in "bold italics" will be presumed to be the agreement. Some choices to consider are:

    1. Which card is led from AKx
    2. Which card is led from AK. Does the reverse sequence indicate AK doubleton?
    3. Which card is led from xxx, xxxx, xxxxx
    4. Whether 3rd and/or 5th best leads are used
    5. Whether 3rd best is led from KJ10x, K109x, or Q109x (or from AJ10x or A109x vs. NT)
    6. Whether or not infrequent count signals are given
    Note 1: Normally do not lead unsupported honours from a suit not bid by partner
    Note 2: It is Declarer's responsibility to look at opponents' carding agreements.

    OKBRIDGE SA-YC CC

    Omitting Jxfer to Minors, J2NT, Michaels, Unusual NT, Gerber, GSF, DOPI, 4th Suit Forcing (4sf)
    System Standard American Yellow Card
    NT 1N=15-17: 2N=20-21: 3N=25-27: JXF to Mjors: 3C/3D= invitational
    Majors 5cm: Direct Raise = limit (pre-empt over X)
    Minors 1D shows 4/4432: DR=limit: 1N/1m:6-10: 2N/1m:13-15: 3N/1m:16-17
    Strong 2C shows 22+ balanced or 9+ tricks, 2D response artificial, may be waiting
    Weak 2D, 2H, 2S shows 5-11 hcp, good 6 cards, RONF, 2N reqs feature
    Overcalls 8-16 HCP: cue is 1 Rnd force: jump overcall is pre-emptive
    NT-Over 1N=15-18, 2C= Stayman, other systems off
    Doubles Negative -> 2S
    VS.Doubles New Suit Force 1-level: 2N = Limit raise or better
    Preempts May be light
    Vs.Preempts Dbl is takeout at 2 and 3 level, 2N/weak 2 = 16-19 HCP Bal
    Cuebids Natural
    Slam-Bids Blackwood
    Suit-leads 4th best, Kqx, Qjx, Jtx, T9x, kJtx, kT9x, qT9x,
    xxX, xxxX, xxxXx, aKx
    NT-leads 4th best, aKjx, aQjx, aJt9, aT98, Kqjx, kQt9, kJt9, kT98,
    Qjtx, qT98, Jt9x, T98x, xxX, xxxX, xxxXx
    Carding High discard encourages, low discourages: infreq count signals
    Misc (insert any non-standard SAYC conventions agreed upon)

    1. To include Jxfer to minors add to "NT", "2S forces to 3C/D"
    2. To include J2NT add to "Majors", "J2NT"
    3. To include Unusual NT add to "NT-Over", "UNU NT for lower 2 unbids"
    4. To include Michaels add to "Cuebids", "Michaels, Natural if opps have bid 2 suits"
    5. To include Gerber and Grand Slam Force add to "Slam-Bids", "Gerber over NT, GSF"
    6. To include DOPI add to either "Slam-Bids" or "Misc", "dopi"
    7. To include 4th suit forcing add to "Misc", "4sf" 

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      September, 1996: last updated March 2001
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