This is the culmination of years of work in sorting out the best bridge bidding conventions, while at the same time creating new or modifying old conventions. Many existing bidding conventions are good & provide good information without jeopardizing the entire system. Others are good up to a point, but then fail to take advantage of more efficient bidding. These are the ones that need modification. And then there are those which take up too much bidding room or have the wrong goal in mind. Finally, there are areas in the bidding for which there is no desirable existing convention. With so many conventions and with so many head-strong partners, it has been very difficult to piece these conventions together in a non-conflicting, meaningful manner and test them. Nevertheless, I have been able to do so under live playing conditions.

CLARIFICATION ON TWO-OVER-ONE RESPONSES (aka 2/1):
I am no fan of 2/1 which was introduced in the 1980s as an adjustment to what was otherwise a perfectly good bidding system. There was much done to contort the existing bidding system to make room for 2/1, specifically, the increase in the point range from 6-9 to 6-12 points of the 1NT response and making it a forcing bid, where it had been one of the weakest responses possible. This change is most objectionable for the following reasons.

- 2/1 responses do not apply when there has been interference or when the opening is in 3rd or 4th seat, in which case a 1NT response is not forcing & reverts back to being non-forcing 7-9 points.

- The 2/1 1NT/1D FORCING response denying a 4-card major & showing 6-12 points conflicts with the 2D INVERTED MINOR response which shows 10+ points and is forcing 1 round. The only difference between the two responses is the placement of one minor card, ie, (3-,3-,3-,4+) vs (3-,3-,4+,3-). To play overlapping forcing point counts is a ridiculous proposition.

- There is no point to 2C/1D being game forcing & denying a 4-card major with 13 points, because it takes 29+ points to make game at the 5-level in a minor. "Oh" you say. "You might have a 3NT contract". Hog wash. If you don't have both majors stopped, you are committed to 5 in a minor. with only 26 points. Therefore, 2/1, if played, should only apply to the majors and for less than superior fit responses.
EXAMPLE: Opener (Jx,Qx,AKQJT,xxxx) = 13 points , Responder (Qx,Jx,xxxx,AKQJT) = 13 points
1D => 2C Game Forcing => 3C => 4C => 5C DOWN 2.
Better the bidding go 1D => 2C Forcing 1 Round => 3C => Pass

There has been only one time that I almost found a reason for playing 2/1, and that was where a strong responder seeking slam needed to EXPLICITLY confirm the suit agreement before asking for key cards. But since then, I have found another way to confirm suit without 2/1 before asking for key cards. So much for 2/1.

If there is a real need for a game forcing response I would say let it be 2D/1H or 2D/1S. This returns to the old system of 1NT being a bare response & 2C & 2H being forcing 1 round. No matter, with the exception of the 1C opening, 2/1 & any such game forcing bids are not included herein. But do not misunderstand. Certainly it should be acknowledged that in any bidding system a 1st or 2nd seat "passed" hand has limited their subsequent bids to less than opening points. We just don't need a special game forcing system to remind us of that.
That being said, If you want TWO-OVER-ONE I would refer you to Max Hardy's book.

Meanwhile, I continue to strongly advocate the use of INVERTED MINOR RAISES & INVERTED BERGEN RAISES, in conjunction with 2NT LEBENSOHL WEAK JUMP SHIFTS. In addition, I continue to press the solutions I have for the forcing 1C and 2C opening, eliminating the free-for-all bidding that occurs when 2C is opened.

With regard to the 2C opening, I have made it a limited bid showing 19-24 high card points, ie, no longer 22+ points. This change impacts the point range of the 1D, 1H, or 1S opening now limiting those openings to no more than 18 points. The same holds true for the 1C opening, except for when opener has 25+ points, ie, game in hand. Where before any suit opening followed by a 19+ jump shift (after a non-pass response promising 6+ points) was game forcing because the combine point count was 25 or more, the positive responses are now up to 7+ points, ie, 18 + 7 = 25 points. However, for those old timers we remind them that a "good 6 points" is rounded up to 7 points. Any opener jump rebids, be they raises, shifts, or reverses, are now no more than 18 points, except for the 1C opener making an extraordinary jump. This gives much greater bidding ability to the unbalanced 16-18 point hand.

With regard to strong balanced hand openings, I revert back to the days before Weak-2 Openings were introduced. ie,
1NT = 16-18 (not 15-17).
The 19-21 point range is accommodated by the 2C opening.
2NT = 22-24 (not 20-21).
Note the direct relationship between points and relative bid value.

I believe the reader will eventually see how the pieces fit together like a jig saw puzzle in a most efficient manner & the consistency in logic in how this suite is constructed. To those who do adapt to it, I say "HAPPY BIDDING".

a. INDIVIDUAL HAND EVALUATION:
COUNT YOUR LOSERS: With big hands it is easier to count losers. If you have a 4-loser hand with a 7 card suit, consider opening at the 4-level hoping to catch your partner with just 1 QT.
POINT COUNT ASSIGNMENT TO HONOR CARDS: Ace = 4 points, King = 3, Queen =2, & Jack = 1
Given these card values, each player will compute the total point value of their hand.
It should be noted that on this basis, there are no more than 40 high card points in the entire deck. So the question becomes, "which partnership has 20+ points?". The assumption is if a partnership has 20+ points, then they should take 1/2 the tricks or more.
DELAY COUNTING SHORT SUITS: In first evaluating their point count, players should not count any points for shortness in a suit until they have determined a fit with partner. In a fit with partner, the player can count his singleton/void as a king, ie 3 points. Doubletons are worthless.
POINT COUNT QUALITY. It behooves the partnership to consider the content of their individual point count, especially at the higher bid levels. In the absence of having a quick trick, I suggest deducting 1 point.

b. THE POINT-COUNT SCALE & DIVISION INCREMENTS: For the purposes of partnership communication, the entire range of 40 points must be divided into specific increments no greater than 4-point spreads at levels above 25 points & no greater than 3-point increments at levels below 25 points.

Charles Goren originated the point-count system wherein the entire range of 40 points was more or less uniformly divided. His reasoning went thus:
If a partnership had all the 40 points less a king, ie 37 points, they could take all of the tricks.
With one less ace, ie 33 points, they could take 12 tricks.
With a second less ace. ie, 29 points, they could take 11 tricks.
And with a third less ace, ie, 25 points, they could take 10 tricks.
From this point on, he started deducting kings, ie, 3 points for each king, right on down to zero. And that was it. So from 24 to 0 points, this range is broken into equal 3-point increments.

However, in the last 35 years, the tidiness of Goren's 3-point increments has been completely messed up by arguments over 1-point differences. So we now see players opening 1NT with 15-17 points instead of 16-18 points as Goren originally posited & 2NT with 20-21 points instead of 22-24 points. The apparent reason for this seems to stem from these players not being able to deal with 3-points increments when it comes to invitational bidding. So what they have created is a hodge-poge mix of 3-point increments with 2-points increments. Very messy.
So, here is the answer to their 3-point dilemma.

DEALING WITH 3-POINT SPREADS:
Point ranges being in increments of 3 can present a problem when in the middle or at the top of the range. Players in this situation should check their hand for tens & round up their points if they have one or more tens.

c. COMBINED POINTS TO BID-LEVEL TABLE: Once the partner's have evaluated their individual hand's total point count, they now attempt (through their bidding) to determine their combined strength to see how many actual tricks, & hence bid-level, they might be able to take.
The following equates combined point-count to trick-taking-ability to bid-level.
21-22 points = 7 tricks = 1-level contract
23-24 points = 8 tricks = 2-level contract
25-28 points = = 9-10 tricks = 3-4-level contract = GAME LEVEL if 3NT or higher.
29-32 points = 11 tricks = 5-level contract
33-36 points = 12 tricks = 6-level contract = SLAM LEVEL.
37-40 points = 13 tricks = 7-level contract

d. OPENING BID POSITIONS & HI-CARD POINT REQUIREMENTS: Simple opening bids at the 1-level in 1st or 2nd seat require 13-18 points.
However, a 1C opening may have 25+ points.
Simple openings in 3rd seat may begin at 10+ points with a 5-card suit.
Simple openings in 4th seat may begin at 10+ points with 4+ spades if partner's agree.
But just because 3rd or 4th seat might open light does not negate the upper limits placed on 1st & 2nd seat openings.

1st through 3rd seats may open preemptively.
There is no justification for 4th seat to open preemptively.

e. WEAK PREEMPTIVE BIDS: For the purpose of disrupting the opponents' bidding, any player may preempt the bidding to a higher level, based upon reasonable criteria. Such bids are considered "contention bids" in that they are preliminary sacrifice bids.

An opener may open with a WEAK-2 bid at the 2-level with 5-11 points and a 6 card suit having 3 of the top 5 cards in the suit. With a 7+ card suit he can open at the 3-level. But he must not go any further than the 3-level unless forced by partner. Too many people make the mistake of going to the next higher level just because they have more cards in their suit. The same bid is allowed for the contender, only it is a WEAK-JUMP-OVERCALL.

In playing INVERTED-MINOR-RAISES, responder's jump raise with 7-9 points is a WEAK-JUMP-RAISE & serves as a preempt. By the same token, in playing BERGEN RAISES, responder can give a SUPER-WEAK-JUMP-RAISE with 4-6 points & 4+ card support.
EXAMPLE: 3D//1D = inverted minor jump raise ...... 3S/1S = super-weak jump raise

If not raising partner's suit, a responder can make a SUPER-WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT to the 2-level in a new suit in which he has 6+ cards & 4-6 points.
EXAMPLE: 2S//1H = super-weak jump shift.

f. RESPONDER BIDDING TO PARTNER'S OPENING IN A SUIT AT THE 1-LEVEL:
1] PRIORITIES IN THE ABSENCE OF OPPONENT INTERVENTION:
a] RESPONDING TO 1H OR 1S OPENING WITH 4+ POINTS:
WITH 4+ CARD SUPPORT, RESPONDER MUST RAISE OPENER'S SUIT IMMEDIATELY.
WITH ONLY 3-CARD SUPPORT, RESPONDER MAY CHOOSE TO NOT RAISE THE MAJOR.

b] RESPONDING TO 1C WITH 0+ POINTS.
WITH LESS THAN 6 POINTS, RESPONDER MUST BID IF PARTNER OPENED 1C.

c] RESPONDING TO 1D OPENING WITH 7+ POINTS:
In the absence of a 7+ card minor & with a 4+card major,
responder must BID UP-THE-LINE as described in the DEFINITIONS SECTION.
If responder has 5+ spades he must respond 1S disregarding all else.
With 5 spades & 6 hearts, responder should bid 1S, then bid hearts on his 2nd bid.
If responder has 4+ hearts & exactly 4 spades, then he should respond 1H.

Otherwise, with no 4-card major,

d] DISPARATE INVERTED SUIT LENGTHS. THE 7+CARD MINOR VERSES THE 4-CARD MAJOR:

Opener begins with 1C or 1D.
There should be no question that when responder has a 5+ card major or two 5+ card majors, then responder should first bid the highest ranking major.

"But," you ask. "what if responder has 7+ cards in a minor & a only a 4-card major"?
Well, in the first place, we observe that there can be only 2 cards in the other suits. Secondly, if responder's long minor is the same suit as opener's, the question becomes moot, and responder should just ignore his 4-card major, because obviously their strongly held long suit will be trumped by the opponents if it is not trump.

But if responder's long minor is not the same as opener's minor, then the question becomes whether or not to bid UP-THE-LINE or bid his minor. Certainly, if the partnership has a 4-4 major suit fit & if that major becomes trump, there is a near certain risk of one of the opponents trumping the minor. So a key question becomes, "How good of control does he partnership have over the 4-4 major fit?, Does it have 1st round control" . And another question is, "does the partnership have 1st round control of the long minor?".

These are questions that cannot be answered in the bidding unless responder has the answers in his hand already? So if it appears that responder does have 1st round control in both his minor and major suits, then he can bid the major. Otherwise he should bid his minor as if he has no 4-card major. Assuming the latter case, over 1C responder with 10+ points and 7+ diamonds, responder should bid 1D forcing followed by a rebid in diamonds. Otherwise, he should preempt using LEBENSOHL by bidding 2NT followed by 3D. But over 1D, with 10+ points & 7+ clubs, responder should bid 2C. Otherwise, he should preempt bidding 3C.

Another point to consider is whether or not the partnership can make 3NT. If responder has AK in the minor suit & another quick trick somewhere, it might be possible to make 3NT. If that appears to be the case, then responder should bid his 4-card major, if for no other reason than to show length in the major.

e] OTHER RESPONDER CONSIDERATIONS: :
With less than 7 points, responder must "pass" unless opener began with 1C, in which case responder must be 1D or bid a WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT to a 6+card suit that he has. Otherwise, responder will only bid 1D if he has 6+ diamonds with 10+ points & no 4+ card major. If responder has 7-9 points with 6+ diamonds, he will bid a LEBENSOHL 2NT RELAY TO 3C, followed by bidding 3D.

With 7+ points, any new suit responder bids is forcing upon opener unless opponent intervenes. This includes 1D over 1C, ie, 1D/1C.

If there is an opponent intervening bid in a suit at the 1-level, then responder can "DOUBLE" to show an unbid 4-card major. But if responder has 5+ cards in that major, then he should bid it at the 1-level if not prevented by opponent's bid. Otherwise, with less than 10 points, responder can "DOUBLE" even though it is longer than 5 cards.

With less than 10 points & in the absence of having a major suit & no support for anything opener has bid, responder can bid 1NT assuming he is able.

With 10+ points, responder can bid his 5+card major at the 2-level without jumping over any opponent's lesser bid. Or he is safe to invite opener to game.

With 10-12 points & a balanced hand with no 4-card major, responder can first bid a new minor suit forcing followed by bidding 2NT.

With 13+ points responder should definitely force opener to game by changing suits or by jump rebidding his first bid suit.
2] CONSERVATION OF BIDDING SPACE. RESPONDER AVOID JUMPING IN NEW SUITS:
If your partner opens the bidding with a 1 level suit bid, unless your are raising opener's suit or bidding no-trump, keep the first round of bidding low to enable complete communication. Far too often a new player will jump shift because he has a lot of points. WRONG!
" RESPONDER- DO NOT PREEMPT YOUR PARTNER'S OPENING BID UNLESS YOU ARE SUPER-WEAK & WANT OPENER TO PASS!".
Responder, your first job is to listen, not tell. Unless you are raising opener's suit, giving a jump bid in a new suit disrupts your opener's ability to give a jump on his 2nd bid to show you a 16-18 point hand as opposed to having only 13-15 points. It is sufficient that you give a non-jump bid in a different suit to force your partner to bid again. Bidding UP-THE-LINE at the 1-level to find an immediate 4-4 major suit fit is an absolute must. It makes no difference how big your hand is. There is no excuse for cutting off your opening partner's ability to describe his point count and shape on his 2nd bid. After opener's 2nd bid you are then clear to do whatever you like depending upon what you now know the combined points to be.
3] OBSERVANCE OF THRESHOLD LEVELS:
Aside from the first round of bidding, the partnership should realize that in passing up a NT bid they are going to the next level up making a "threshold bid". And where raising a previously bid suit is not a big concern, for each level they go up in a new suit, they should probably have 3 points (ie, a King) more to do so. But this criteria can be difficult to abide by in going to the 3-level.
4] FAST ARRIVAL:
The principle of FAST ARRIVAL says that once you find a fit with partner, you should not bid other suits & betray your hand, unless there is a better possible major suit fit. Far too often a responder will compete against his partner despite knowing they have a fit already, Once the best fit is found, the only other possible reason for bidding other suits is to force to a higher level.
5] OPENER 2ND BIDS: If opener has 4-card support for responder's major suit, then he MUST support it by giving a SIMPLE-RAISE with 13-15 points or a JUMP-RAISE with 16-18 points. An exception might be made if opener has a 7+ card suit of his own even though he has 4-card support for responder. In the absence of having support for responder, opener will bid 1S over responder's 1H to show having a 4-card spade suit, to which responder will raise if he also has 4 spades.

g. RESPONDING TO A WEAK-2 OPENING:
When responder has a hand with 3+ QTs, game is in site. In such a case, a responder 2NT is a forcing request to opener to further describe his hand. The partnership may agree upon one of two systems in which the opener answers:

1] Responding with "features/stoppers".

2] OGUST responses.

Regardless of their choice, the responder should generally shy away from bidding another suit unless it is 7+ long.

h. RESPONDER BIDDING TO NO-TRUMP & HIGHER LEVEL OPENINGS:
Typical responses to 1NT include:

1] STAYMAN- a #C that promises a 4-card major & ask opener if he has 4-card major.

2] TRANSFER- a bid in the suit under a 5+ card suit which opener must bid.
When responder has 5-4 in the majors, STAYMAN takes priority over TRANSFERS.

3] WEAK MINOR INVITES- a jump bid at the 3-level in a 6+ card minor suit having 2 of the top 3 honors. Opener will bid 3NT if he has the other top honor.

For more info, refer to the TABLE OF CONTENTS & go to the area of interest.

i. RECAP OF FORCING BIDS:
ALL ACE ASKING BIDS
ALL LOW LEVEL (less than 3-level) DOUBLES/REDOUBLES
ALL HI-LEVEL (higher than 3-level) SOS REDOUBLES

OPENER FORCING BIDS:
1C OPENING
2C OPENING
SUPPORT DOUBLE/REDOUBLE
CUE-BID IN OPPONENT'S SUIT

RESPONDER FORCING BIDS:
NEW SUIT FORCING
JUMP REBID OF RESPONDER'S NEW SUIT
SIMPLE INVERTED MINOR RAISE 1C => 2C ..... 1D => 2D (alertable)
BERGEN 3C OR 3D RAISE OF MAJOR SUIT OPENING (alertable)
LEBENSOHL 2NT RELAY TO 3C (alertable)
NEGATIVE DOUBLE
TRANSFER BIDS
STAYMAN
CUE-BID IN OPPONENT'S SUIT

NOT FORCING:
Opener bidding NT or a new suit or jumping.
Responder bidding 1NT or 3NT
Any player making a simple non-jump rebid of their suit or partner's suit.

j. Who is the CAPTAIN? A preemptive bidder can never be the captain.
The first partner to limit their hand's point range to within 3 points is the subordinate partner to the captain.
The no-trump opener is NEVER the captain.
The responder who immediately raises the opener's suit or bids NT on his first bid is NEVER captain.
"Stay in your lane Bro"
The CAPTAIN is the partner who determines the max bid level to which the partnership can go. He is the one who ask for aces.

k. In the absence of a fit, either no-trump is the best contract, or being in a trump suit belonging to the weaker hand.

l. Always take pause in passing up 3NT. Quite often a 5-3 fit will make 3NT, but fail to make 4 in the suit. And without any suit length mismatch, a 4-4 fit will most likely fail.

m. The partner who should play the contract is he who can best absorb the opening lead. Usually it is the stronger of the two hands.

n. GENERAL RULE Regarding Opponent's "Double." If you like the double, NEVER REDOUBLE except to tell partner you have a misfit. If given at the very lowest level(s), it promises 10+ points. If given at a higher level, it is an SOS REDOUBLE for partner to pick another suit.

a. In opening the bidding, indeed in making any bid, three things are considered:
SHAPE, LOSERS, & POINTS.
b. The following chart shows how to open the combinations of shape & points. It should be noted that the point count range spreads up to 24 are in increments of 3. The opener's point range spread impacts the responder's invitational point range by virtue of the fact that the responder's invitational point range must be the compliment of the opener's point range relative to 25 points. So, with a minimum opening point range of 13-15, the responder's game invitational point range is 12-10 points. Any bigger point spread makes it impossible for responder to logically invite opener to game with any degree of accuracy.

c. With respect to INDIVIDUAL HAND SHAPES, there are 6 types: BALANCED, SEMI-BALANCED, 3-SUITED, 2-SUITED, COMPANION SUITED, & 1-SUITED.
This matrix outlines how to opening bid the 6 hand shapes vs point count.

Back To TABLE OF CONTENTS.

E1. 1C OPENINGS:
a. The FORCING 1C OPENING (alertable)
REQUIREMENTS:
12-18 points or 25+ points.
It excludes 19-24 range which is a 2C or 2D opening.
No other 5+ card suits.

HISTORY:
The "STANDARD AMERICAN" 1C opening almost screams to be a forcing bid.
Down through the years, there have been numerous other systems recognizing
this fact, with Precision, Shenken, & the Vanderbilt Club being just a few.
But this is not one of those systems.

DEVELOPMENT:
So there is no reason to not treat the 1C opening as forcing & only
tending to deny another 5+ card suit, given it could be game-in-hand.
There are at least two advantages.
First, the club opener will not be left in a lousy 1C contract.
Secondly, if the opener has game in his hand,
it means he can open 1C without responder "passing",
thereby allowing opener to make a game forcing rebid.

IMPACT ON THE 2C OPENING:
Furthermore, having a forcing 1C opening makes it possible
to limit the 2C opener to 19-24 points. Of course, opener
may have a 25+ point hand, but how often does that happen?
The chances are much greater that opener will have 19-24 points.
The ultimate impact is to temper the wild bidding that ensues
when a player has near game in hand. At the same time, it does not
discourage the 4-loser, 7+card major suit holder from bidding game
right off the bat.

The reader is advised to review the requirements for the 2C & 2D openings.
Go To THE 2C OPENING
Go To THE 2D COMBO OPENING

CONSEQUENCES:
Of course, a FORCING OPENING is of little value
unless responder is provided the tools to tell opener "COOL IT".
Therefore, years & an immense amount of effort has been put into
providing responder with this tool in the form of a diamond response.
I call it the QUASI-BUST DIAMOND.
This is a new addition to the bridge world.
Where it is a warning sign to opener, it could also be a gateway
to more encouraging responder rebids I call THE GOLDEN DIAMOND REBIDS.

A strong opener may find his hands tied initially.
But some outs have been provided, as we shall soon see.

INTRODUCING THE NEW CONSOLIDATED
1C-2C RESPONSE SYSTEM WITH THE QUASI-BUST DIAMOND:
This response system consolidates the responses to 1C with
responses to the 2C opening. In this 1C-2C system, the
responses to a 2C opening are nearly the same as the
responses to a 1C opening, only at a level higher.
The goal is to save brain power.
Therefore, I include in this description the responses to 2C as well as 1C.
However, the documentation for the 2C opening will remain in tact.

1] COMPARISON OF 1C OPENING BIDDING TO 2C OPENINGS:
a] The 1C opening is FORCING. Normally, opener will not have a 5-card major, because if he did, he would open it.
However, opener could have a 5+ card major with 25- points.
Therefore, RESPONDER HAS ABSOLUTELY NO CHOICE BUT TO BID.
b] The 2C opening is SEMI-FORCING. Opener may or may not have a 5+ card major.
RESPONDER MUST BID TO A 2C OPENING,
UNLESS HE HAS LESS THAN 6 POINTS WITH 6+ CLUBS,
IN WHICH CASE HE CAN "PASS".
c] WEAK-JUMP-SHIFTS & The QUASI-BUST DIAMOND RESPONSE are responder bail-out bids. Because the club openings are forcing or semi-forcing, a lot of care is needed
to assure the best bail-out bidding is available to prevent disaster if responder
has a "BUST-HAND". For this purpose, WEAK-JUMP-SHIFTS & the QUASI-BUST-DIAMOND
responses are provided.

[1] WEAK-JUMP-SHIFTS vs SUPER-WEAK-BUST-HANDS: Traditionally, responder Weak Jump Shifts over a 1-level suit opening
require a 6+ card suit with 2-5 points. In other words, it is a "BUST-HAND".
But how about giving a Weak Jump Shift over a 2C opening?

At this point, I define a "BUST-HAND" to be a hand that has less than 6 points.
Furthermore, a "SUPER-WEAK BUST-HAND" has less than 1 QUICK TRICK (QT).
But a "WEAK BUST-HAND" has under 6 points WITH EXACTLY 1 QUICK TRICK.
It should be obvious that any "BUST-HAND" has no game value when responding to 1C.
But a "WEAK-BUST-HAND" having 1 quick trick has invitational value in responding to 2C.
In addition, the "WEAK-BUST-HAND" becomes even more valuable if it has a 6+ card suit.
Therefore, I have allowed responder to give a "WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT" over a 2C opening & in
the same manner that he would in responding to a 1C opening, but for different reasons.
Over 1C, the WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT is preemptive. But over 2C, it is invitational.
[2] THE QUASI-BUST DIAMOND RESPONSE: In the absence of having a "WEAK-BUST-HAND with a 6+ card suit,
responder must have another tool to tell opener that he has a "BUST-HAND".
And that tool must be the very cheapest bid he can make, ie, a diamond response.

No matter what system you play, a simple diamond response is always forcing.
This means the responder will always have a chance to bid a 2nd time, which means
responder could have a good hand or a BUST-HAND. Hence the name "QUASI-BUST".
No matter, OPENER MUST TREAT IT AS A BUST UNTIL HE HEARS RESPONDER'S 2ND BID.
This means there must be a clear distinction in responder's 2nd bid between
his having a good hand or a BUST-HAND. Clearly, if responder "PASSES" on his
2nd bid, then he has a bust hand. Otherwise, the bust-hand responder may seek a
safer refuge by making another cheap bid in hopes that opener agrees and passes.
So exactly what are the BUST-HAND SIGN-OFFS other that a "PASS". And this is where
occurs a very small discrepancy between the 1C and 2C opening systems.

For one thing, the 1C opener will not have a 5+ card major, because if he did, he would not open 1C. This necessitates bidding UP-THE-LINE in search of a
4-4 major suit fit. So if opener bids 1H or 1S after responder's 1D, responder
can safely "PASS" WITH 3+ CARD SUPPORT. Otherwise, respomder must bid 1NT or 2C
to which opener must "PASS".

Secondly, the 2C opener may very well have a 5+ card major. So after a 2D response,
opener should bid his 5+ card major to which responder can reasonably "PASS".
Without a 5+ card major, opener should bid 2NT to which responder can "PASS".
So unlike the 1C bidding, over 2C the bust hand responder
MUST BE ALLOWED TO PASS IMMEDIATELY AFTER HIS 2D BID TO AVOID BEING DECLARER.
And for this reason, UP-THE-LINE bidding looking for a 4-4 fit is abandoned.
Better that the 2C opener either
1. bid and play 2NT despite having a 4-card major
OR
2. bid and play 2H or 2S HAVING A 5 CARD SUIT, with no support from responder.
OR
3. Bid his long minor at the 3-level.

2] THE BIDS:
a] RESPONDER'S FIRST BID: Clarification: Bidding sequences are shown as RE2/OP2/RE1/OP1, where
OP1 = Opening bid. RE1 = Responder's 1st bid. OP2 = Opener's 2nd bid, etc.
The slash means "after". So 2D/2C means 2D "after" 2C.

[1 THE DIAMOND RESPONSE:
[a Over a 1C OPENING:
1D / 1C . . . .is a DELAYING BID & possible warning shot. It is forcing upon opener, because responder may have a positive hand. For example, responder might have a big hand with a long diamond suit. Furthermore, 1D/1C denies having a Weak-Jump-Shift. That does not mean responder does not have a "bust-hand". No matter, opener must not bid any higher than 2C over 1D, unless he has 25+ points.
2D / 1C . . . .is a WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT.

[b Over a 2C OPENING:
2D / 2C    is also forcing, despite thinking opener can "PASS" with 6+ diamonds.
                 It denies having a Weak-Jump-Invite. Opener must not bid any
                 higher than 3C over 2D, unless he has a 7+ card suit.

3D / 2C     is a WEAK-JUMP-INVITE.
(See UP-THE-LINE RESPONSES & OPENER 2ND BIDS)
[2 UP-THE-LINE RESPONSES.
BE AWARE OF EXCLUSIONS PERTAINING TO BIDDING UP-THE-LINE, wherein
responder has a LOUSY 4-CARD MAJOR WITH NO CONTROLS & ANOTHER 6+CARD SUIT.
See DISPARATE INVERTED SUIT LENGTHS.

[a Over a 1C OPENING:
(Opener does not have 5+ card major.)
WEAK-JUMP-SHIFTS:
(Promising 6+ card suit with 4-6 points.) 2D / 1C    is a WEAK JUMP SHIFT. Option: 2D/1x/1D/1C.
2H / 1C    is a WEAK JUMP SHIFT. Option: 2H/1x/1D/1C.
2S / 1C    is a WEAK JUMP SHIFT. Option: 2S/1x/1D/1C.
With a good quality 5 card major having AJ or KQ, the bust hand responder might
try a WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT over 1C. But over a 2C opening, the jump would be ill advised.
BUST-HAND UP-THE-LINE SIGN-OFFS:
(Under 6 points. Opener must "PASS" responder's sign-off.) PASS / 1H / 1D / 1C . .. . BUST-HAND with 3+ hearts.
1S / 1H /1D / 1C . . .. . . . is SIGN-OFF with 5+ spades.
PASS / 1S /1D / 1C . ... . BUST-HAND with 3+ spades.
PASS / 1NT /1D / 1C
1NT / 1M /1D / 1C . . .. ... is SIGN-OFF.
2C / 1X / 1D / 1C . . .. . .. is SIGN-OFF with 6+ clubs.

UP-THE-LINE WITH 6+ POINTS: 1H / 1C . . .. ... . . . ... . . . shows 4+ hearts. Forcing.
1S / 1C . . .. ... ., . . .. . . . shows a 4+ spades. Forcing.
1NT / 1C . . .. ... . . . .. . . shows 6-9 points.
2C / 1C . . .. ... . . . .. . . . shows 6+ clubs with 6-9 points. (Can be inverted.)
2D / 1x / 1D / 1C . . .. ... shows 6+ diamonds with 6-9 points.
2NT / 1x / 1D / 1C . ...... shows 6+ diamonds with 10-12 points. Invitational.
2NT / 1C . . ... ... . . . .. . shows 10-12 points.
3C / 1C . . .. . .. . . . . .. . shows 10-12 points & Invitational. (Can be inverted.)
3C / 1x / 1D / 1C . . .. ... shows 6+ clubs with 13+ points & Game Forcing.
3D / 1x / 1D / 1C . . .. ... shows 6+ diamonds with 13+ points. Game Forcing.
3NT / 1C . . .. ... . . . .. . shows 13-15 points.
[b Over a 2C OPENING:
WEAK-JUMP-INVITES:
(Invitational with 1QT & 6+ card suit) 3C / 2C    is a WEAK-JUMP-INVITE.
3D / 2C    is a WEAK JUMP INVITE.
3H / 2C    is a WEAK JUMP INVITE.
3S / 2C    is a WEAK JUMP INVITE.
WAITING: 2D / 2C    is WAITING.

BUST-HAND SIGN-OFF BIDS:
(Under 6 points. Opener must "PASS" responder's sign-off.) PASS/ 2H / 2D / 2C
2S / 2H / 2D / 2C . ...... is SIGN OFF with 5+ spades.
PASS/ 2S / 2D / 2C
PASS/ 2NT / 2D / 2C
3C/ 2x/ 2D / 2C . ...... is SIGN OFF with 6+ clubs.
UP-THE-LINE GAME FORCING WITH 6+ POINTS: 2NT / 2H / 2D / 2C .... shows no 3+ heart support. Game Forcing.
2NT / 2S / 2D / 2C ..... shows no 3+ spade support. Game Forcing.
3C / 2x / 2D / 2C ....... shows 6+ clubs. Game Forcing.
3D/ / 2x / 2D / 2C ...... shows 6+ diamonds. Game forcing.
3H / 2H / 2D / 2C ...... shows 3-card heart support. Game Forcing.
3S / 2S / 2D / 2C ...... shows 3-card spade support. Game Forcing.
2H / 2C . ....... ... ....... shows 4+ hearts.
2NT / 2S / 2H / 2C .... shows 4+ hearts, no 4+ spade support.
2S / 2C . ......... . . . .... shows 4+ spades . Might have 5+ spades, 4+ hearts.
2NT / 2C . ........ .. ......shows no 4-card major.

b] OPENER'S 2ND BID:
[1 OVER RESPONDER'S DIAMOND RESPONSE:
It may be that responder has 0 points & might "PASS" opener's 2nd bid.

The following focuses upon and explains the "DIAMOND BAIL OUT BIDDING"
in the event responder does have a "BUST HAND".
It requires opener not passing over the next available simple club rebid
until responder has made his 2nd bid.

[a EXCEPTION: This restriction can be ignored if: [1] In his 2nd bid over 1D/1C at the 1-level, opener has 25+ points. In this case, opener will make an extraordinary jump to the 3-level. or
[2] In his 2nd bid over 2D/2C at the 2-level, opener has a 7+ card suit or a 6-card suit with 22-24 points.
In this case, opener will jump in his suit.
[b OTHERWISE, opener must not bid past a simple rebid of clubs at the next level up.

He must simple bid a major if he has the bid-level + 3 cards in the major. At
the 1-level he must have a 4+ card major. But at the 2-level, he must have 5+.

Over 1D/1C, he will not have 5+ diamonds (or 5+ of a major),
so he must not raise to 2D.
Over 2D/2C, He may "PASS" if he has 6+ diamonds & no 5+ card major.
He may rebid clubs if he has 6+ clubs & no compliant major.
Otherwise, he must bid "NO-TRUMP" at the cheapest level.

[1] RESPONDER BUST-HAND 2ND BIDS:
Having first bid a diamond,
under no circumstance should bust-hand responder bid 2NT,
because it is a non-bust bid after an initial diamond response.
[a] At the 1-level:
.1.. If opener bids hearts, responder's 2nd bid is as follows: Responder will "PASS" with 3+ hearts,
However, if responder does not have 3+ hearts, then he must:
.a.. Bid 1S with 5+ spades to which opener will "PASS",
or
.b.. Bid 1NT to which opener will "PASS".
or
.c.. Bid 2C with under 6 points & 6+ clubs to which opener will "PASS".
or
.d.. Bid 2S with 1 QT & 6+ spades to which opener will "PASS".
.2.. If opener bids spades, responder's 2nd bid is as follows: Responder will "PASS" with 3+ spades,
However, if responder does not have 3+ spades, then he must:
.a.. Bid 2C with under 6 points & 6+ clubs to which opener will "PASS".
or
.b.. Bid 1NT to which opener will "PASS".
or
.c.. Bid 2H with 1 QT & 6+ hearts to which opener will "PASS".
[b] At the 2-level:

.1.. If opener bids hearts, responder can "PASS". However, with a compelling 5+ card spade suit, responder can bid 2S,
to which opener will "PASS".
Or with a with a 6+ card club suit & 1 QT, responder can bid 3C.
.2.. If opener bids spades, responder can "PASS". However, with a 6+ card club suit & 1 QT, responder can bid 3C.

[2] RESPONDER NON-BUST-HAND 2ND BIDS:
[a] After bidding 1D/1C:
The NON-BUST HAND responder must not bid 1S/1H, 1NT, 2C, 2H, or 2S
because these are (or should be) sign-off bids (or Weak-Jump-Shifts).
If responder rebids 2D, then he has 6-9 points with 6+ diamonds.
. . . . . . . . . . . (2D / 1x / 1D / 1C)
If responder bids 2NT, then he has 10-12 points with 6+ diamonds.
. . . . . . . . . . . (2NT / 1x / 1D / 1C)
A JUMP bid to the 3-level in clubs shows 6+ clubs with 13+ points.
. . . . . . . . . . . (3C / 1x / 1D / 1C)
A JUMP bid to the 3-level in diamonds shows 6+ diamonds with 13+ points.
. . . . . . . . . . . (3D / 1x / 1D / 1C)
[b] After bidding 2D/2C:
The NON-BUST HAND responder must not bid 2S or 3C,
because it is a sign-off bid.
Responder's 2NT rebid is a game forcing bid,
indicating no support for opener's major.
. . . . . . . . . . . (2NT / 2S / 2D / 2C)
If responder bids 3D, then he has 6+ diamonds with 6+ points.
. . . . . . . . . . . (3D / 2X / 2D / 2C)

[2 OVER RESPONDERS WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT:
Opener is required to "PASS".

[3 OVER RESPONDER'S IMMEDIATE POSITIVE RESPONSE:
[a After opening 1C, "Normal standard bidding" can ensue. Opener can simple bid with 13-15 points or jump bid with 16-18 points. [b After opening 2C, there is no need for opener to jump.

d] 1-2C FLOW CHART.

e] EXAMPLES: (No interference)
WEAK-JUMP-SHIFTS with 6+ card suit & under 6 points. OPENER MUST "PASS".

1C => 2D
2C => 3D

1C => 2H
2C => 3H

1C => 2S
2C => 3S
POSITIVE STANDARD BIDDING:======================================

UP-THE-LINE BIDDING promising 6+ points & 4+ card major. Forcing. (NO DIAMOND RESPONSE).
1C => 1H (6+ points with 4+ hearts.)
2C => 2H (6+ points with 4+ hearts.)

1C => 1H => 1S => 1NT (6-9 pts.)
2C => 2H => 2S => 2NT (6+ pts. Game Forcing.)

1C => 1H => 1S-1NT => 2C (10+ pts. Forcing.)
2C => 2H => 2S-2NT => 3C (6+ pts. Game Forcing.)

1C => 1H => 1S-2C => 2D (10+ pts. Forcing.)
2C => 2H => 2S-3C => 3D (6+ pts. Game Forcing.)

1C => 1H => 1S-2D => 2H rebid (10+ pts. 5+ hearts.)
2C => 2H => 2S-3D => 3H rebid (6+ pts. 5+ hearts.)

1C => 1H => 1S-2NT => 3C (10+ pts. 4 in major & 6+ clubs.)
2C => 2H => 2S-2NT => 3C (10+ pts. 4 in major & 6+ clubs.)

1C => 1H => 1S-3D => 3H rebid (13+ pts. 6+ hearts. Game Forcing.)
2C => 2H => 2S-4D => 4H rebid (10+ pts. 7+ hearts.)
1C => 1H-1S => 1S-2C => 2D (10+ pts. Forcing.)
2C => 2H-2S => 2S-3C => 3D (6+ pts. Game Forcing.)
1C => 1S (6+ points with 4+ hearts.)
2C => 2S (6+ points with 4+ hearts.)

1C => 1S => 1NT => 2C (10+ pts. Forcing.)
2C => 2S => 2NT => 3C (6+ pts. Game Forcing.)

1C => 1S => 1NT-2C => 2D (10+ pts. Forcing.)
2C => 2S => 2NT-3C => 3D (6+ pts. Game Forcing.)

1C => 1S => 1NT-2H => 2S rebid (10+ pts. 5+ spades.)
2C => 2S => 2NT-3H => 3S rebid (6+ pts. 5+ spades.)

1C => 1S => 1NT-2NT => 3C (10+ pts. 4 in major & 6+ clubs.)
2C => 2S => 2NT => 3C (10+ pts. 4 in major & 6+ clubs.)

1C => 1S => 1S-2H => 3S rebid (13+ pts. 6+ spades.)
2C => 2S => 2S-3H => 4S rebid (10+ pts. 7+ spades.)
RESPONDER WITH NO 4-CARD MAJOR. (NO DIAMOND RESPONSE).
1C => 1NT (6-9 pts. No 4-card major.)
2C => 2NT (6+ pts. No 4-card major. Game Forcing.)

1C => 2NT (10-12 pts. No 4-card major.)
2C => 3NT (10-12 pts. No 4-card major.) (NOT NECESSARY)
=====================================================
RESPONDER DIAMOND REBIDS:
* = BUST HAND under 6 points.
* 1C => 1D => 1H => 1S (SIGN OFF. Promises 5+ spades. OPENER must "PASS")
* 1C => 1D => 1H or 1S => PASS (SIGN OFF with 3+ card support.)
* 2C => 2D => 2H => 2S (SIGN OFF with 5+ spades. Cheaper than WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT.)
* 1C => 1D => 1H or 1S => 1NT (SIGN OFF with no 3+ card support.)
* 2C => 2D => 2H or 2S or 2NT => PASS (SIGN OFF.)
* 2C => 2D => 2H or 2S => 2NT (IS LEBENSOHL. NOT ALLOWED.)
* 1C => 1D => 1H-1NT => 2C ((SIGN OFF with 6+ clubs.)
* 2C => 2D => 2H-2NT => 3C (NEAR SIGN OFF with 6+ clubs.)

POSITIVE BIDS:
1C => 1D => 1H-2NT => 3C (13+ pts. 6+ clubs.)

1C => 1D => 1H-2C => 2D (10-12 pts. 6+ diamonds.)
1C => 1D => 1H-3C => 3D (13+ pts. 6+ diamonds. Game Forcing.)
2C => 2D => 2H-3C => 3D (6-9 pts. 6+ diamonds. Game Forcing.)

1C => 1D => 1H-2D => 2H (6-9 pts. 6+ hearts.)
1C => 1D => 1H-3D => 3H (10-12 pts. 6+ hearts.)
2C => 2D => 2H-3D => 3H (6-9 pts. 6+ hearts. Game Forcing.)

1C => 1D => 1H-2H => 2S (6-9 pts. 6+ spades.)
1C => 1D => 1H-3H => 3S (10-12 pts. 6+ spades.)
2C => 2D => 2H-3H => 3S (6-9 pts. 6+ spades. Game Forcing.)

1C => 1D => 1H-1S => 1NT (BUST SIGN-OFF.)
1C => 1D => 1H-2S => 2NT (LEBENSOHL.)
2C => 2D => 2H-2S => 2NT (LEBENSOHL.)

1C => 1D => 1NT-2H => 2S (6-9 pts. 6+ spades.)
1C => 1D => 1NT-3H => 3S (10-12 pts. 5+ spades.)
2C => 2D => 2NT-2H => 3S (6+ pts. 5+ spades. Game Forcing.)

f] For Countering Interference Go To OPENING PAIR COUNTER-MEASURES

Back To TABLE OF CONTENTS.

E2. 1D OPENINGS:
a. The 1D OPENING promises a 4+ card diamond suit, if not 5+ diamonds. Many people
still play CONVENIENT MINOR wherein they open 1D with only 3-cards.
Such an opening virtually demands a bid from responder,
especially when he has only 2 or 3 diamonds himself.
I strongly recommend against it & prefer a 5+ card suit.
Better to have just one forcing opening instead of two.
But opening with 4 is more manageable.

IMPACT UPON 1C OPENING:
If 1D promises 5+ diamonds, then a 1C opening could be as few as 1, 4-4-4-1.
And since the 1C opening is forcing, there should be no reason to fret over its
minimum card count in clubs when bidding 1C.

Whether opener promises 4 or 5 cards in diamonds, it should be possible to
see some similarities to bidding the major suits. Certainly, in promising a
5+ card suit it is easy to see the similarity. However, one difference is that
Inverted Minor Raises are used in responding to 1D, where Bergen Raises are
used in responding to a major. But even these two response systems are similar.
For one thing, the Inverted Bergen Raise of 3D is exactly the same point
range as the Inverted Minor Raise of 3D. And there is certainly no reason
to not use Splinter Raises in either system. So what about the 3C jump bid?
In Inverted Bergen 3C would mean a LIMIT-RAISE. But in Inverted Minor Raises
3C would be a preempt, where in Bergen the LEBENSOHL-2NT-RELAY to 3C is used
to preempt. So the question becomes, "Can we use the LEBENSOHL-2NT-RELAY over
a 1D opening to free up the 3C/1D bid for something else, like an Inverted
Bergen 3C LIMIT-RAISE in diamonds?'. And the answer is "yes"".

CONCERN REGARDING 3D/1D CURRENT BIDDING PRACTICE:
For those playing INVERTED MINOR RAISES today, opener will usually have a 4-card
diamonds suit. At the same time, it has been allowed for responder to
bid 3D/1D with as few as 6 points & ONLY 4-CARD SUPPORT. In my mind, this is
an unsafe bidding practice UNLESS THE RESPONDER Has 8-9 POINTS.

1] RESPONSES:
a] RESPONDER'S FIRST BID:
[1 WITH UNDER 4 POINTS, responder must pass.

[2 WITH 4-6 POINTS & a 6+ CARD MAJOR, responder should bid A WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT via 2H or 2S
[3 WITH 6+ POINTS &
[a A 5+ CARD MAJOR, responder must simple bid his highest ranking major.

Otherwise,
[b WITHOUT A 5-CARD MAJOR, but with SUPERIOR SUPPORT for diamonds, responder must raise the opener's diamond suit.

"SUPERIOR SUPPORT" means that responder has enough cards in opener's
suit to promise a 9+card trump suit. If the partnership allows a 1D
opening to promise only 3-cards, then SUPERIOR SUPPORT must be at least
6 diamonds long. But most players today promise
at least 4 diamonds, which means SUPERIOR SUPPORT must be only 5 diamonds long. And
if a partnership treats the 1D opening as a major, then SUPERIOR SUPPORT need be only 4 diamonds long.

Responder has the following ways to raise:

[1] BERGEN DIAMOND RAISES: [a] With 6-9 points, responder should jump raise to 3D.
[b] With 10-12 points, responder should bid 3C.
[c] With 13+ points, responder should bid 2D forcing as an Inverted Raise.
Or
[2] INVERTED RAISES: [a] With 6-9 points, responder jump raises to 3D.
[b] With 10+ points, responder simple raises to 2D Forcing.
Or
[3] STANDARD RAISES: [a] With 6-9 points, responder simple raises to 2D.
[b] With 10-12 points, responder jump raises to 3D.
Otherwise,
[c WITHOUT A 5+CARD MAJOR & WITHOUT SUPERIOR SUPPORT, but
[1] WITH 6+ CLUBS &
[a] WITH 6-9 POINTS, responder should bid 2NT Lebensohl Relay to 3C.

Or
[b] WITH 10+ POINTS, responder should bid 2C Forcing.
Otherwise,
[2] WITHOUT 6+ CLUBS, but WITH A 4-CARD MAJOR Responder MUST bid the lowest 4-card major at the 1-level.
(Refer to "BIDDING UP-THE-LINE" in DEFINITION section.)
Otherwise,
[3] With NO 4-CARD MAJOR, but
[a] WITH UNDER 10 POINTS, responder should bid 1NT.

Otherwise,
[b] WITH 10-12 POINTS, responder should bid 3C followed by 2NT.

Otherwise,
[c} WITH 13-15 POINTS, responder should bid 3NT.
b] OPENER'S 2ND BID:

c] RESPONDER'S 2ND BID:

d] For Countering Interference Go To OPENING PAIR COUNTER-MEASURES
Back To TABLE OF CONTENTS.

E3. MAJOR SUIT OPENINGS:
a. The 1H OR 1S OPENING promises 13-18 points with at least 5 cards in the suit.
1] RESPONSES:
a] RESPONDER'S FIRST BID:
[1 THE IMPORTANCE OF 4+ CARD SUPPORT: It is important for responder to note what seat opener is in & the length of his support, if any. The LAW OF TOTAL TRICKS makes it imperative for responder to distinguish in his bidding if he has 3 or 4+ card support. That law says that if you have a 9-card trump suit, you are safe to compete to higher levels given a tad fewer combined points than usually required for a trump contract.
[2 BERGEN RAISES WITH 4+ CARD SUPPORT TO OPENER IN 1ST OR 2ND SEAT: (alertable) The STANDARD AMERICAN LIMIT-RAISE is a jump-raise showing 4-card support with 10-12 points. HOWEVER, using the BERGEN convention in responding to a 1st or 2nd seat opening is a better method of showing 4+ CARD SUPPORT across the complete spectrum of responder points & is described as follows:

THE BERGEN PREEMPTIVE RAISE: With 4-6 points,
a BERGEN JUMP-RAISE is preemptive & no longer the STANDARD LIMIT-RAISE.
Example: 1S => 3S
THE BERGEN SIMPLE RAISE: With 7-9 points,
a BERGEN JUMP-SHIFT to 3D is a BERGEN SIMPLE-RAISE & a replacement for the STANDARD SIMPLE-RAISE. It is no longer the STANDARD WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT TO DIAMONDS. 1RF. (alertable)
Example: 1S => 3D
THE BERGEN LIMIT RAISE: With 10-12 points,
a BERGEN JUMP-SHIFT to 3C is a BERGEN LIMIT-RAISE serving to replace the STANDARD LIMIT-RAISE. It is no longer the STANDARD 3C-WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT. 1RF. (alertable)
Example: 1S => 3C
THE SPLINTER RAISE: With 13-15 points and a singleton/void is a suit,
a DOUBLE-JUMP to the short suit is a SPLINTER RAISE.1RF.
Example: 1S => 4H with singleton/void in hearts.
THE ACOL GAME RAISE: With 13-15 points and no singleton/void,
is a GAME RAISE to the 4-level in opener's suit s an ACOL GAME RAISE.
Example: 1S => 4S
USE OF LEBENSOHL FOR WEAK JUMP SHIFT TO MINOR: At this point, one might ask, "What if responder wants to bid a WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT to 3C or 3D?". The answer to that is to use the LEBENSOHL-2NT-TO-3C-RELAY (alertable) and either "pass" with long clubs or bid 3D to which opener will "pass".
Example: 1S => Pass => 2NT => Pass => 3C => 3D=> pass
[3 RESPONDING WITH 3-CARD SUPPORT TO OPENER IN 1ST OR 2ND SEAT:
Before giving a supporting bid, responder should consider the following. With any 3-card supporting bid, it is most desirable that responder have a short suit on which his 3 trumps can be used. Otherwise, he should consider bidding No-Trump rather than supporting opener's suit. In addition, to a 1H opening, with only 3 hearts, but with 4 spades, responder must bid 1S. However, if responder decides to still immediately raise opener's major, here is how.

With 7-9 points, responder can give a direct STANDARD SIMPLE-RAISE of opener's suit to the 2-level
Example: 1H => 2H
With 10-12 points. responder has a 3-CARD DELAYED-LIMIT-RAISE which he can show by first making a temporizing bid, such as 2C, followed by bidding opener's suit at the 3-level. However, against interference I recommend The LEBENSOHL-2NT-RELAY-TO-3C (alertable) be used as a temporizing bid before bidding the 3-CARD LIMIT-RAISE.
Example: 1S => 2NT => 3C => 3S
[4 RESPONDING TO 3RD/4TH SEAT OPENING:
If the opening is in 3rd or 4th seat, then opener may have as few as 10 points, where you have already limited your hand to less than 13 points. So in order to keep the bidding low, you bid as follows:
With less than 6 points, you "pass".

With 6-9 points & 3+ card support responder can bid 2H/1H or 2S/1S.

With 10-12 points, 2-WAY DRURY (alertable) is a "temporizing" response of 2C to show 3-card support, or 2D to show 4+ card support.
REGULAR DRURY (alertable) only uses 2C as a response regardless of 3 vs 4-card support length.
Otherwise, with no support & 6-12 points, you bid 1NT.

[5 NON-FIT RESPONSES:

[a 1S/ 1H = Responder has 7+ points and at least 4 spades. 1RF. Or
1NT/ 1S = Responder has 7-9 points & not 4 spades.
[b 2C/ 1M or 2D/ 1M = 10+ points. 1RF.

[c 2H/ 1S = 10+ points & a 5+ card heart suit. 1RF.

[d 2S/ 1H = a WEAK JUMP SHIFT = 4-6 points & a 6+ card spade suit.

[e 2NT/ 1M = a LEBENSOHL RELAY to 3C (alertable). 1RF. The purpose here is to still allow responder to bid a minor suit weak jump where he can have 4-9 points & 6+ cards in a minor. (Requires opener to bid 3C.) If responder has long diamonds instead of long clubs, he can bid 3D and opener will "pass".
[6 DETAILED EXPLANATION OF RESPONSES TO MAJOR SUIT OPENINGS AT THE 1-LEVEL.

b] OPENER'S 2ND BID:
[1 Without support, each consecutive rebid of his major suit opening shows an extra card in the suit.
The first rebid of his minor suit opening shows a 6+ card suit,
with each subsequent rebid showing an extra card.

NECESSARY LIES?:
It is a very old rule of bridge that if opener rebids his suit, then he has an extra card in that suit.
But sometimes it is necessary to lie.

A problem can exist with the 13-15 point opening when opener begins in
a major at the 1-level & responder makes a forcing bid at the 2-level.
Opener, not having stoppers in what could be opponent's suit(s),
will not want to bid 2NT. Nor has he enough points to bid to the 3-level.
His only safe option is to rebid his 5-card suit at the 2-level.

A similar problem can exist for 16-18 point opening hands playing 2/1 where
responder has given a 1NT FORCING bid with 6-12 points. If opener has only
a 5-card suit & no lower ranking 4-card suit to jump in, he has a real problem.
Having no clue as to the responder's real point range, he must proceed with
caution. Something has to to give & it should not be his point range.
The only apparent solution is to jump rebid his 5-card suit.

Perhaps we might consider a different solution. Given the opener has been
been put in the position of not being able to bid another 4-card suit,
might not the opener be allowed to bid a 3-card suit where he has a stopper?
Certainly, there should be no problem if the stopper is in a lower ranking suit.
But if the stopper is in a higher ranking suit, this could present more of a
problem than simply rebidding the original 5-card suit.
[2 ALL NON-JUMP & NON-THRESHOLD bids are MINIMUM REBIDS showing 13-15 points.

[3 ALL JUMPS & THRESHOLD REVERSES are 16-18 points. Not forcing. Jumping on 2nd bid not allowed when responder has bid 1D over 1C.
[4 VOLUNTARY NT THRESHOLD CROSS-OVER BIDS convey extra points. Example: 1S - 2H - 3C should have 16-18 points or equivalent shape value.
[5 Opener's change of suits on 2nd bid is not forcing.

[6 OPENER REBID MATRIX. (Under review)
c] RESPONDER 2ND BID:
]1 VOLUNTARY NT THRESHOLD CROSS-OVER BIDS convey extra points. Example: 1S - 2H - 3C should have 16-18 points or equivalent shape value.
Generally speaking, responder should not crossover a possible bid in No-Trump to bid
a new suit at or above the 2-level without at least 10 points.
Nor should opener show a new suit at the 3-level without 16 or more points,
unless responder has already bid at the 3-level.
[2 A simple suit shift bid by responder indicates a stronger hand and is forcing 1 round.

[3 FOURTH SUIT FORCING generally asks opener to bid NT if he has stopper in that suit.

[4 If responder bids a new suit & then jumps in that suit, it is game forcing.

[5 NEW MINOR FORCING over 1NT. After opener rebids 1NT says responder has 5-card suit with 10+ points.
d. For Countering Interference Go To OPENING PAIR COUNTER-MEASURES.
Back To TABLE OF CONTENTS.

E4. NO-TRUMP OPENINGS:
Openings in no-trump require balanced hands of 4-4-3-2 or 4-3-3-3.
They can also include those hands that are semi-balanced with a 5-card minor, ie. 5--3-3-2.

Today's players were not around before WEAK-2 openings were introduced & when a 1NT opening was 16-18 points & 2NT was 22-24 points. They are playing a 22-24 balanced hand is opened in a lower bid of 2C rather than 2NT. Meanwhile, the 20-21 point balanced hand is opened in a higher level bid of 2NT. TOTALLY BACKWARDS IN LOGIC.

In addition, they are playing 1NT = 15-17 points, where a sliver of 18-19 points is opened in a minor followed by a SLIVER BID jump to 2NT = 18-19 points. This is a totally useless convention, because opening a strong 18-19 point hand in a minor gives opponents an opportunity to contend. Furthermore, it destroys responder's ability to immediately transfer. Oh yes, they say they can use NEW MINOR FORCING to find their precious 5-3 fit, something more novice players are immediately exposed to & obsessed with to the exclusion of all else. Obviously, they do not care about keeping the strong hand hid & forcing a favorable lead from declarer's LHO. Plus, they ignore the fact that many times a 5-3 will not make 4 of a major, but will make 3NT.

For these reasons & that of uniformity, I require the balanced hand openings to be the old 16-18 points for 1NT and 22-24 points for 2NT. For the 19-21 point range, the 19-24 point 2C opening works.

a. The 1NT OPENING = 16-18 points. SYSTEMS are on, meaning the artificial conventions can be used.
b. The 2C OPENING followed immediately by 2NT = 19-21 points. SYSTEMS are on.
c. The 2NT OPENING = 22-24 pts. SYSTEMS are on.
1] RESPONSES:
a] BASIC CONVENTIONAL RESPONSES:
[1 QUANTITATIVE RESPONSES are immediate jumps over 1NT & 2NT openings to 4NT, 5NT, 6NT or 7NT
based strictly upon the combined point count of the partnership, wherein:
4NT invites to 6NT, 5NT forces to 6NT, 6NT invites to 7NT.
Examples: 4NT/ 1NT, 5NT/ 1NT, 5NT/ 2NT... etc

Over 1NT, responder should have at least 15 points (15+18=33) With 15-16, 4NT/ 1NT = invites to 6NT
With 17-18, 5NT/ 1NT = forces to 6NT
With 19-20, 6NT/ 1NT = invites to 7NT
With 21+, 7NT/ 1NT = to play.
Over 2NT, responder should have at least 9 points (9+24 =33) With 9-10, 4NT/ 2NT = invites to 6NT
With 11-12, 5NT/ 2NT = forces to 6NT
With 13-14, 6NT/ 2NT = invites to 7NT
With 15+, 7NT/ 2NT = to play.
[2 REGULAR STAYMAN RESPONSES are 2C over 1NT & 3C over 2NT. Responder must have 7+ points with at least one 4 card major to invite game. Asks opener for a 4-card major. Opener 2D denies. 2H says hearts & maybe spades. Opener 2S denies hearts. With 7-8 points responder can invite game.

Responder with 9+ point can force to game. If opener bids 2D and responder has 9+ points with 5 of one major and 4 of the other major, he can bid the 4-card major at the 3-level to invite opener to bid his 5-card major. (aka. SMOLEN)
[3 TRANSFERS TO MAJORS, 2D/ 1NT & 3H/ 2NT transfers to spades. 2H/1NT & 3H/2NT transfers to spades.
b] SOME ADDITIONAL CONVENTIONS:
[1 GARBAGE STAYMAN RESPONSES are 2C over 1NT. Responder must have 5-6 points with both 4 card majors. It asks opener for a 4-card major. Opener 2D denies. 2H says hearts & maybe spades. Opener 2S denies hearts. With fit responder can "pass". If opener bids 2D, responder can bid 2H to which opener will "pass" or bid 2S which responder which responder will "pass"
[2 3C or 3D are WEAK MINOR INVITES to 3NT over 1NT. The responder has what would be considered a preemptive minor suit with 2 of the top 3 honors and hopes opener has the other top honor with which opener can bid 3NT. Otherwise opener would "pass".
[3 3H-3S MARCUS MAJORS OVER 1NT shows 5-5 in majors where 3H invites opener to game in either major & 3S is game forcing to either major.
[4 POST 2C STAYMAN 3H or 3S GAME FORCING SMOLEN TRANSFER. A "SMOLEN HAND" is one where responder has both majors only one is only 4-cards long & the other is 5 long. Because STAYMAN takes priority over TRANSFERS, responder will still want to show his 5 card major if opener has mo 4-card major & bids 2D. To do so, responder will bid his 4-card major at the 3-level as an after-the-fact transfer to his 5-card major after opener has bid a diamond denial.
Example: 1NT => 2C => 2D => 3S TRANSFER => 4H
The convention cannot be used when 2NT is opened due to PUPPET STATMAN responses,
[5 PUPPET STAYMAN OVER 2NT OPENING. When opener has 22-24 points wuth a semi-balanced hand with a 5-card major,
he will probably still open 2NT.
If responder bids 3C STAYMAN/ 2NT, then opener's 3D bid says he has one 4-card major
3H or 3S bid says he has 5 of that suit.
3NT says he has no 4-card major.
4D says he has both 4-card majors.
[6 TEXAS TRANSFER is a 4D transfer to 4H or a 4H transfer to 4S. Promises 6+ card suit.

[7 2S or 3S MINOR SUIT STAYMAN shows responder with a 2-suited hand in the minors.
c] SOME NEW SOLUTIONS:
[1 LOW-LEVEL STAYMAN, aka, modified PUPPET STAYMAN. With a 5-card spade suit, opener rebids 2S/ 2C or 3S/ 3C.
With a 5-card heart suit,opener rebids 2NT/ 2C or 3NT/ 3C.
With a 4-card heart suit, opener rebids 2H/ 2C or 3H/ 3C.
With no 4-card heart suit, opener rebids 2D/ 2C or 3D/ 3C.
[2 ROLLING TRANSFER TO CLUBS. To transfer to clubs, responder bids 2D/ 1NT or 3D/2 NT followed by 2S/ 2H or 3S/ 3H.
Example: 1NT - 2D (TRANSFER) - 2H - 2S (TRANSFER) - 3C
[3 ROLLING TRANSFER TO DIAMONDS. To transfer to diamonds, responder bids 2H/ 1NT or 3H/ 2NT followed by 3C/ 2S or 4C/ 3S.
Example: 1NT - 2H (TRANSFER) - 2S - 3C (TRANSFER) - 3D
d] DETAILED RECAP OF NO TRUMP OPENINGS.

e] For Countering Interference Go To OPENING PAIR COUNTER-MEASURES
Back To TABLE OF CONTENTS.

E5. 2C OPENINGS:
a. This 2C OPENING:
REQUIREMENTS:
19-24 points. Promises 3 controls.
This opening system is complimented by the 2D opening system.
NO 3-SUITED HANDS. Use the 2D COMBO OPENING.
NO LONG 6+ CARD DIAMOND SUIT. Use the 2D COMBO OPENING.
Go To THE 2-DIAMOND OPENING.

HISTORY:
The existing STANDARD AMERICAN 2C has evolved from a time when all
2-level opening bids were game forcing and resulted from the
implementation of WEAK-2 OPENINGS, at which time some rather
feeble adjustments were made that ruined the nice Goron established
point ranges for no-trump openings. The result was that the current
STANDARD 2C opening starts at 22 points with no real upper limit,
with a higher bid level opening of 2NT being fewer in points, all of
which makes no logical sense. In addition, the lack of a cap on the
current 2C opening gives rise to some very undisciplined high level bidding.

DEVELOPMENT:
For the 2C OPENING there is no reason to not isolate the point count to
19-24 points or a 4.5 loser non-game forcing hand.

Before another word is said, it is essential that the reader understand that
this system requires a 2NT OPENING to be 22-24 points as it was years ago
and contrary to current "standard" bidding. The balanced hand with 19-21
points is included as part of the 2C opening system. The balanced hand with
13-15 points is included in the 1C opening. The reader should be able to discern
that a 1NT opening is a balanced hand with 16-18 points. Oh, I hear the outrage
now, "that is not "Standard American". Well know that at 1 time, before Weak-2
openings, that it was "Standard American". Such pettiness makes me really
question the mentality of such objectors. No matter, lets move on.

IMPACT UPON SUIT OPENINGS AT THE 1-LEVEL:
This means all 1-level suit opening bids are no greater than 18 points, with
the exception of the 1C bid which may be 25+ points if not 12-18 points.
Opener jump rebids, jump shifts, & strong reverse rebids will be limited
to 16-18 points.

CONSEQUENCES:
Of course, a FORCING OPENING is of little value
unless responder is provided the tools to tell opener "COOL IT".
Therefore, years & an immense amount of effort has been put into
providing responder with this tool in the form of a diamond response,
I call it the QUASI-BUST DIAMOND.
This is a new addition to the bridge world.
Where it is a warning sign to opener, it could also be a gateway
to more encouraging responder rebids I call THE GOLDEN DIAMOND REBIDS.

A strong opener may find his hands tied initially.
But some outs have been provided, as we shall soon see.

INTRODUCING THE NEW 1C-2C RESPONSE SYSTEM WITH THE QUASI-BUST DIAMOND:
This response system consolidates the responses to 1C with responses to 2C opening.
In this 1C-2C system, the responses to a 2C opening are nearly the same as the
responses to a 1C opening, only at a level higher. The goal is to save brain power.
Therefore, I shall also mention some things here relevant to the 2C opening.
However, the documentation for the 1C opening will remain in tact.

Go To THE 1C OPENING

1] RESPONSES TO 2C:
a] RESPONDER'S FIRST BID:
[1 OLD RESPONSE SYSTEMS: Several old response systems exist, none of which are any good.

[a The 2D WAITING response to 2C.

[b STEP Responses.

[c CONTROL Responses.
[2 NEW RESPONSE SYSTEM:
Go To 1-2C RESPONDER 1ST BIDS.

b] OPENER'S 2ND BID:
Go To 1-2C OPENER 2ND BIDS.

c] RESPONDER'S 2ND BID:
Go To 1-2C RESPONDER 2ND BIDS.

E6. 2D OPENINGS:
a. The 2D COMBO OPENING:
REQUIREMENTS:
WEAK = 5-11 points with 6+ diamonds.
STRONG = 19-24 points with 6+ diamonds or 3-suited. Promises 3 controls.
This opening system is complimented by the 2C opening system.
Go To THE 2-CLUB OPENING.

HISTORY:
The 2D opening has been used to serve many purposes.
The FLANNERY 2D system has been used to avoid making a strong reverse bid
when responder has 5 hearts & 4 spades, a ridiculous waste of bidding space.
The MINI ROMAN system makes a lot more sense, reflecting a 3-suited hand.
But today, most people are playing a 2D opening as a WEAK-PREEMPTIVE OPENING.
My point is, "Why not combine the last two?".

DEVELOPMENT:
Some people play 2D weak. Others play it as Mini Roman. Why not both?
For the 2D OPENING there is no reason it cannot serve a dual purpose, ie, as a
weak-2 opening & a strong 4-4-4-1 MINI-ROMAN hand. And because it must be forcing,
the only real concern is opener winding up in 3D if he has a super weak hand. Where
typically he could open with as few as 5 points, it is recommended that he be higher
and nearer the 10 point limit. Either that, or he should have at least 2 of the top
3 honors with a QT in a side suit. I have developed a set of responses to enable this
dual use which is more completely described in the following.

iMPACT UPON 2C OPENINGS:
A 19-24 point hand composed of a 4-4-4-1 holding is not conducive to opening either
2C or 2NT. Nor is a 19-24 point hand composed of 6+ diamonds.
So this 2D COMBO OPENING relieves the 2C opener of those situations.

1]RESPONSES:
a] RESPONDER'S FIRST BID:
[1 With a weak hand, RESPONDER MUST KEEP THE BIDDING GOING. A 2H response shows responder with a weak hand of 0-12 points.

OPENER WILL THEN TELL RESPONDER IF HE IS STRONG OR WEAK as follows:

[a If weak, opener will rebid 2NT, after which responder can bid 3D all passing. Example: 2D => 2H => 2NT => 3D- > Pass
[b With a strong hand of 4-4-4-1, opener will rebid the suit just under his short suit
or 3NT to show a long diamond suit.
Example: 2D => 2H => 2S
(SHORT IN CLUBS OR LONG IN DIAMONDS. RESPONDER 2NT ASKS WHICH.)
When opener shows a strong hand, if responder has 6-12 points,
he can force to game by bidding the opener's indicated short suit.
[2 A 2NT response shows responder with a strong hand of 13+ points looking for game.

OPENER WILL THEN TELL RESPONDER IF HE IS STRONG OR WEAK.

[a If weak, opener with rebid according to their convention agreement,ie , showing FEATURES/CONTROLS, or OGUST, etc.
Example: 2D => 2NT=> 3C (OGUST WEAK-WEAK)
[b With a strong 4-4-4-1 hand, opener must show his shortness as follows: 4C short in spades, 4D short in clubs, 4H short in diamonds & 4S short in hearts.
A 3NT rebid will show a long diamond suit.
Example: 2D => 2NT => 4C (SHORT IN SPADES)
The partnership may agree upon a different meaning for the 4-level bids,
as long as they don't bid their shortness.
Back To TABLE OF CONTENTS.

F-1-a. COMPETITIVE BIDDING, aka CONTENTION BIDDING:
Before getting into contention bidding, the following pertains to all players.

The idea behind competitive bidding is to either win a makeable contract, or to force the opponent's to the next bid level where they might go set, or to make a sacrifice bid that should yield a cheaper score to the opponents than if you left their last bid in.

1] KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER ARE:
a] First of all, know WHO IS WHO. The "opener" is the opener and his partner is the "responder". The opener's opponents are the "contender" & "spoiler". Far too often, a player will say "I opened". No you did not. You overcalled.
b] POINT COUNT & POINT COUNT QUALITY. Who has what ACES & KINGS? The higher the level of your bid, the more you need aces & kings.
c] SHAPE is another big consideration, even against a no-trump contract. Against no trump the question must include "Do they have a long runable suit that enables them to make their bid?". Against a suit contract, the question must include "Do they have a 5-4 fit with mismatched side suits?".
d] SEATING POSITION is another big factor to consider. Is your partnership's strongest hand behind or in front of the opponents' strongest hand? Extra value can be given to the strongest hand that is sitting behind the opponent's strongest hand.

e] RELATIVE VULNERABILITY is a major consideration. Is the vulnerability favorable, unfavorable, or equal?

[1 RELATIVE VULNERABILITY & GAME LEVEL SACRIFICES: GAME SACRIFICES are more reasonable than PARTIAL sacrifices, because the opponents stand to gain 300 bonus points not vul & 500 bonus points vul. When played against the scores for penalty contracts going down, it is possible to effectively deny the opponents those bonus points by bidding a contract you expect to go down in & doubled by the opponents. The question becomes one of how much you can afford to go down doubled. And RELATIVE VULNERABILITY plays a big role in identifying the answer.

As a general guide-line, if the vulnerability is favorable, then you can afford to go down 3. If the vulnerability is unfavorable, then you can only afford to go down 1. If equal, you can go down 2. Without making this distinction in vulnerability, people usually take the average of down 2. But I believe the really good experts will consider the relative vulnerability.
[2 RELATIVE VULNERABILITY & PARTIAL LEVEL SACRIFICES: As with game sacrifices, partial sacrifices require the same logic. Only the bonus to be denied opponents is a mere 50 points. So trying to sacrifice based upon bonus point denial alone is a futile effort. However, a 3-level sacrifice over a 2-level bid expecting to go down no more than 1 doubled & not vul is a reasonable sacrifice. Hence the saying, "1 & 3 let it be...". But a DOUBLE FOR PENALTY of a 2-level bid is PURE FOLLY, said double being better utilized for conveying information to partner.
2] INTRODUCTION TO DOUBLES:

3] SOME OLD GUIDELINES:
a] "When they bid 1 or 3, let it be. But it will never do to let them be in 2". Do not chase them into a game or slam contract.
b] "Do not double them for penalties into a game contract". Doubles for penalty of 2H or 2S are especially troubling.
Doubles of 3-level contracts must be COOPERATIVE FOR PENALTY.
DO NOT lose sight of the fact that every overtrick they make doubled not vul is worth 100 points, where doubled & vul is worth 200 points against you.
DO NOT lose sight of the fact that down 2 doubled & not vul is worth 300 points, & where down 1 doubled & vul is 200 points against you.
c] Make your sacrifice or penalty COOPERATIVE. Don't cut your partner out. If your partner still has a bid, then give him a chance to decide.
d] "In responding to a take-out double, the weaker your hand, the more you must bid".
e] "If you like the double, don't redouble".
4] Is Partner SACRIFICING, COMPETING, OR INTERESTED IN GAME? When a suit agreement has been reached at the 2-level and then when partner rebids it at the 3-level, more than likely he is not interested in game. If he is interested in game, he will give a MAXIMAL DOUBLE.
5] SOS REDOUBLES: You have a wild partner who has fallen in love with their hand and can't stop bidding. They wind up in a high level bid doubled, & you don't like it. SOS REDOUBLE tells partner to bid something different.

Back To TABLE OF CONTENTS.

F-1-b. WEAK PREEMPTIVE OPENINGS
1] The Weak Opening Preempt is effectively a defensive opening bid & similar in all respects to the contender Weak-Jump Overcall. For this reason it is grouped
here as a "contention" bid.
2] DETAILED RECAP:

Back To TABLE OF CONTENTS.

1] By definition, the "contender" is the first opening pair opponent to bid.
His partner automatically becomes the "spoiler".
The contender should note in particular:

a] His bidding position. Is he behind or in front of the strong opponent hand? Many defensive players make the big mistake of thinking themselves as opening. This cannot be any farther from the truth. The fact is there is a whole contention system different from the opening system.
Normally, the contender will sit directly behind the opener which gives an added advantage. But he may be sitting behind the responder if his partner passed the opening bid. In this latter case, if responder made a weak jump shift response, the contender might treat it the same as a weak-2 opening, wherein spoiler would respond to a take-out double using LEBENSOHL (described later).
b] His hand's strength relative to the current bid-level. Has he points for the bid-level? Is he forcing his partner to bid & if so is he strong enough to justify it?
c] His hand's shape in choosing an overcall. Is he balanced, 1-suited, 2-suited? Does he have a safe-haven suit to bail out in? There are several 2-suited contention bids which are described shortly.
d] Is he contending against a suit or no-trump opening?

e] What is the relative vulnerability, favorable, unfavorable, or equal?

These are all questions he should answer before passing or bidding.
If he does choose to bid, here are a few choices:

1] G-1-b-1 CONTENDER WEAK-JUMP OVERCALL: Non-Forcing. (5-11 points with 6+ card suit).
The Weak Jump overcall in a new suit is basically the same as a Weak Preemptive opening, but not the same as a responder WEAK-JUMP-SHIFT which is weaker. However, if the contender's suit is of a rank lower than the opening bid suit, the jump will go to the 3-level making it more difficult for spoiler.

Refer To OPENING PREEMPTIVE BIDS.

To SPOILER RESPONSES TO WEAK JUMP OVERCALL.

2] G-1-b-2 CONTENDER SIMPLE SUIT OVERCALL: Non-Forcing. (10-15 points with 5+ card suit) A Simple Non-Jump overcall at the 1-level should have a 5+card suit & 10-15 points.
A Simple Non-Jump overcall at the 2-level should have a 5+card suit & 13-15 points.
For stronger hands use the TAKE-OUT DOUBLE.

To SPOILER RESPONSES TO SIMPLE SUIT OVERCALL.

3] G-1-b-3 CONTENDER LIGHT 1NT OVERCALL: Non-Forcing. (13-15 points) There should be no unbid 4+card spade suit. Most people will play the 1NT overcall to mean a no-trump opening hand of 16-18 points. However, a DOUBLE can also be used to show a 16+ point hand. Therefore, we ask, is there not a way to avoid making the OFF-SHAPE TAKE-OUT DOUBLE that so many people use when they do not have an unbid 4-card major?

To answer this question, we first specify that the TAKE-OUT promises a strong hand of 16+ points or a 13-15 point hand with an unbid 4-card spade suit. Furthermore, with a 16-18 point balanced hand, contender can "DOUBLE" instead of bidding "1NT". (Not much too new here.) Secondly, to handle what would otherwise be an OFF-SHAPE TAKE-OUT DOUBLE, we specify that the 1NT OVERCALL now become a hand with 13-15 points & no 4-card spade suit. But the hand may or may not have a 4-card heart suit. Therefore, STAYMAN is still on, as are TRANSFERS.

When sitting behind the strong opponent hand, there is an added advantage to be capitalized on. However, sitting in front of the opening hand is to be at a disadvantage. So contender must be extremely observant in that case. Certainly, if sitting in front of the opener and where responder has bid, a "PASS" is in order.

To SPOILER RESPONSES TO LIGHT 1NT OVERCALL.

4] G-1-b-4 CONTENDER TAKEOUT-DOUBLE: Forcing. The Take-Out Double is one of the most common contention bids made. There are two main uses for it.
a] To show having points.
b] To show holding an unbid 4-card major or holding all other unbid suits.
I have added an additional use:
c] To replace the Michaels Cue Bid.

At the 1-level, many people will play it highly disciplined, meaning the doubler will have 4+cards in both high ranking unbid suits. Others play it "OFF SHAPE", meaning they promise opening hand, saying nothing about shape. I recommend playing it "semi-disciplined" promising at least one unbid 4-card major or a strong hand or a 2-suited hand in the high ranking unbid.

At the 2-level or below, it is forcing if spoiler's right hand opponent passes. But at the 3-level, it is "COOPERATIVE", meaning spoiler can "pass" if he thinks he can defeat the opponents' contract.

Speaking of bid-level, it is expected that "Doubles" of 3-level bids contain at least 19 points, where "Doubles" of 2-level bids have at lest 16 points, and "Doubles" of 1-level bids contain at least 13 points. But there are exceptions, especially at the 1-level.
a) With 19+ points, contender should "double", followed by passing , a 2nd "double" or cue-bidding opponent's suit, depending on bid-level for the sake of competition. b] With 16+ points, contender should "double", then rebid his suit below the 3-level. c] With 13-15 points & a 4-card major & no other 6-card suit, contender should "double". d] With 13-15 points & no 4+ card major. refer to the Light 1NT Overcall
No matter, the contender must be careful of not forcing the spoiler too high. For this reason, I suggest computing and applying a point count adjustment factor by assigning a numerical value to each suit rank as follows:
Clubs = 0 Diamonds = 1/2 Hearts = 1 Spades = 2
To the value assigned to the opponents suit, add their bid level. Then divide the result by 2 and subtract that value from your points to determine if you have at least the minimum of the 3-point range applicable to the bid level.

Example: You have 17 raw points & opponents have opened 2S.
Their suit value = 2 & the bid level is 2 for a total of 4 points.
Dividing by 2 gives 2 points. When subtracted from your 17 points,
you have 15 points, which is not enough to force your partner to bid at that level.

We might further include a vulnerability factor of
fav-vul = 0, eql-vul=1 & unfav-vul = 2
in which case we might divide the total of adjustments by 3.
I'll leave that for you to decide.

To SPOILER RESPONSES TO NORMAL TAKE-OUT DOUBLE.

1] G-1-c-1 TWO SUITED OVERCALLS TO SUIT OPENING:
PRELIMINARY NOTE:
It is our purpose to have bidding over a 1-level suit opening that allows for the specific identification of contender's exact 2-suited holding of which there are 4 possible holdings:
THE 2 HIGHEST UNBID, BOTH MINORS, THE LOWEST & HIGHEST UNBID, & THE LOWEST UNBID.

All such 2 suited bids will be 5-5 with either 6-12 points or 16-18 points depending on vulnerability.

a] G-1-c-1a MICHAELS REPLACEMENT to show the 2 HIGHEST UNBID SUITS: Give an IMMEDIATE TAKE-OUT DOUBLE, followed by a
REBID OF THE LOWER RANKING 5-CARD SUIT AT THE 3-LEVEL:
The reasons for this change in MICHAELS type bidding is as follows:
[1 The TAKE-OUT DOUBLE usually implies holdings in the higher ranking unbid suits. [2 There is a need to show other 2-suited hands.
[3 The CUE-BID is better suited for the purpose of [2.
b] G-1-c-1b To show 2-SUITED IN BOTH MINORS: Use the standard UNUSUAL 2NT OVERCALL.
Traditionally, a partnership was given the choice of contender either being 2-suited in the minors or 2-suited in the lowest unbid suits. However, for consistency's sake with the 2NT BOTH MINORS OPENING, we have removed that choice.
If contender's call is passed by opponents, spoiler must bid one of the two minors, unless he has a strong hand with a 6+ card suit of his own or he has both majors stopped with less than 2 card support.
c] G-1-c-1c To show the LOWEST & NEXT HIGHER UNBID SUITS: CUE-BID IN OPPONENT'S SUIT.
Spoiler should bid 2NT.
Contender should bid his lowest 5+ card suit.
If Spoiler prefers the other suit, he should bid the next unbid suit up.
If Contender's higher ranking suit is not what spoiler bid, he should
bid his higher ranking suit.
d] G-1-c-1d THE SANDWICH 1NT To show the 2 UNBID SUITS: I do not use this bid, but it does have its time and place.
When the opponents have bid two suits at the 1-level and partner has passed,
bid 1NT to show 5-5 in the unbid suits.
To SPOILER RESPONSES TO 2-SUITED CONTENDER BIDS.

2] G-1-c-2 CONTENDER HAMILTON OVERCALL to a 1NT Opening. 2C says contender has just one long suit.
If the bid is passed by opponents, spoiler must bid 2D to let contender bid his suit.
2D says contender has both majors.
If the bid is passed by opponents, spoiler must bid one of the two suits.
2H says contender has hearts & a minor.
2S says contender has spades & a minor.
2NT says contender has both minors.

If the bid is passed by opponents, spoiler must bid one of the two suits.

To SPOILER RESPONSES TO HAMILTON.

3] G-1-c-3 CONTENDER DONT OVERCALL TO 1NT OPENING: What ever suit is bid at the 2-level, contender has that suit and one higher.

To SPOILER RESPONSES TO DONT.

1] G-1-d-1 LEAPiNG-MICHAELS is used to counter a WEAK-2 or WEAK-3 opening.
CONTENDER REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY:
SHAPE REQUIREMENTS:
........ACCEPTABLE SHAPES:
..........8,5,0,0.....7,6,0,0.....7,5,1,0.....6,6,1,0....6,5,2,0....6,5,1,1.....5.5.3.0....5,5,2,1

POINT COUNT REQUIREMENTS:
Determine your EFFECTIVE POINT COUNT & COMPARE TO 16. a] Add 1 point if sitting directly in front of opener.
b] Subtract 1 point if vul. If your adjusted point count is less than 16, you must not bid.

THE BIDDING: It is a 2-suited hand that jumps to the lowest ranking of the two suits at the 4-level & says:
OVER 2D, 4C = clubs & hearts, 4D = clubs & spades, 4H = hearts & spades.
OVER 2H, 4C = clubs & spades, 4D = diamonds & spades, 4H = clubs & diamonds.
OVER 2S, 4C = clubs & hearts, 4D = diamonds & hearts, 4H = clubs & diamonds.
Obviously, if contender bids 4H/2H or 4H/2S, then he should be a little stronger, because spoiler is forced to bid at the 5-level.

Point wise, it should have at least 16-points, the preponderance of which should be in the 2 suits. Without the ace, then kings and queens in the other short suits should not be counted. The minimum required to make a 4-level contract is 14 points consisting of one ace & two kings with touching queens. This is what is needed to keep loser control after losing 3 aces.

Of contender's two indicated suits,it should be obvious that spoiler pick the one in which he has the most support. So he either passes, or bids the other suit, or bids the better of the two minors at the 5-level.

To SPOILER RESPONSES TO CONTENDER'S LEAPING MICHAELS OVER A PREEMPT.

a] G-1-d-2a SIMPLE SUIT OVERCALL at the 2-level or 3-level promising a 5+ card suit.
CONTENDER REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY:
SHAPE REQUIREMENTS:
........ACCEPTABLE SHAPES:
..........7,4,2,0....7,4,1,1....7,3,3,0,,,,7,3,2,1....7,2,2,2
..........6,4,3,0....6,4,2,1....6,3,3,1....6,3,2,2
..........5,4,4,0....5,4,4,1....5,4,2,2....5,3,3,2 (Consider a "double")

POINT COUNT REQUIREMENTS:
Determine your EFFECTIVE POINT COUNT & COMPARE TO 16. [1] Add 3 points for each additional card over 5.
[2] Add 1 point if sitting directly in front of opener.
[3] Subtract 1 point if vul.
[4] Subtract 3 points before making a simple non-jump suit bid at the 3-level. If your adjusted point count is less than 16, you must not bid.

For a simple overcall at the 2-level, your actual point count should be
at least 13 points with a 6-card suit or at least 16 points with a 5-card suit.
For a simple overcall at the 3-level, your actual point count should be
at least 16 points with a 6-card suit or at least 19 points with a 5-card suit.
It should be noted that with a 5-card suit the "DOUBLE" might be employed,
thus requiring 3 less points.

To SPOILER RESPONSES TO CONTENDER'S SIMPLE SUIT OVERCALL OF PREEMPT .

b] G-1-d-2b 2NT OVER WEAK-2-LEVEL BID with BALANCED HAND. Systems On.
CONTENDER REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY:
SHAPE REQUIREMENTS:
........Contender is required to have a protected stopper.
........ACCEPTABLE SHAPES:
..........4,3,3,3.....4,4,3,2....5,3,3,2 (Consider a "double")
........It is possible spoiler has a runable suit given the distribution.

POINT COUNT REQUIREMENTS:
Determine your EFFECTIVE POINT COUNT & COMPARE TO 16. b] Add 1 point if sitting directly in front of opener.
d] Subtract 1 for not having stopper.
e] Subtract 1 point if vul.
g] Subtract 1.5 points before bidding 2NT. If your adjusted point count is less than 16, you must not bid 2NT.

For a bid of 2NT, your actual point count should be at least 17.5 points.

To SPOILER RESPONSES TO CONTENDER'S 2NT OVER A PREEMPT.

a] G-1-d-3a DOUBLE OF A 2-LEVEL PREEMPT WITH 4-CARD UNBID MAJOR:
Contender's double requires that he have an unbid 4-card major. It implies that he does not have a 6+card suit to overcall in, although he may have a 5 card suit. Furthermore it implies he does not have openers suit stopped, in which case he might bid 2NT.

Contender's point count is adjusted by various factors and compared to 16 points.
If the adjusted point count is less than 16 points, then he must not "double".

CONTENDER REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY:

......SHAPE REQUIREMENTS:
.........At least 3 cards in the unbid suits. 4-5-cards in an unbid major. No 6+ card suits.
.........No more than 2 in opponent's suit.
........ACCEPTABLE SHAPES:
..........4,4,4,1.....4,4,3,2....5,3,3,2....5,4,3,1....5,4,4,0....5,5,3,0 (consider LEAPING MICHAELS)

......POINT COUNT REQUIREMENTS:

.........Determine your EFFECTIVE POINT COUNT & COMPARE TO 16.
..................EFFECTIVE POINTS are computed to be Actual Hi Card Points
.........................................PLUS 3 points for a 5th card in a higher ranking major
.........................................PLUS 1 point for assuring a 4-4 minor suit fit
.........................................PLUS 1 point if sitting directly in front of opener.
........................................MINUS 1 point for each losing jack
........................................MINUS 1 point for having 2 cards in opponent's suit
........................................MINUS 1 point for being vul
........................................MINUS 3 points for "double" of 2S
..................If your adjusted point count is less than 16, you must not bid.

To SPOILER RESPONSES TO CONTENDER'S DOUBLE A 2-LEVEL PREEMPT.

b] G-1-d-3b DOUBLE OF A 3-LEVEL PREEMPT WITH 4-CARD UNBID MAJOR:

CONTENDER REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY:

......SHAPE REQUIREMENTS:
.........At least 3 cards in the unbid suits. 4-5-cards in an unbid major. No 6+ card suits.
.........No more than 2 in opponent's suit.
........ACCEPTABLE SHAPES:
..........4,4,4,1.....4,4,3,2....5,3,3,2....5,4,3,1....5,4,4,0....5,5,3,0 (consider LEAPING MICHAELS)

......POINT COUNT REQUIREMENTS:

.........Determine your EFFECTIVE POINT COUNT & COMPARE TO 16.
..................EFFECTIVE POINTS are computed to be Actual Hi Card Points
.........................................PLUS 3 points for a 5th card in a higher ranking major
.........................................PLUS 1 point for assuring a 4-4 minor suit fit
.........................................PLUS 1 point if sitting directly in front of opener.
........................................MINUS 1 point for each losing jack
........................................MINUS 1 point for having 2 cards in opponent's suit
........................................MINUS 1 point for being vul
........................................MINUS 3 points for "double" of 3-level preempt
........................................MINUS 3 points for "double" of 3S
..................If your adjusted point count is less than 16, you must not bid.

..................For a "DOUBLE" of 3D or 3H, your actual point count should be at least 19 points.
..................For a "DOUBLE" of 3S, you actual point count should be at least 22 points.

To SPOILER RESPONSES TO CONTENDER'S DOUBLE OVER A 3-LEVEL PREEMPT.

c] G-1-d-3c CUE BID AT 3-LEVEL ASKING FOR STOPPER in opponents suit:

CONTENDER REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY:

......SHAPE REQUIREMENTS:
........This hand will not have an unbid 4+ card major.

........ACCEPTABLE SHAPES:
.........(3,3,3,4).... (3,2,4,4).... (2,3,4,4).... (2-3,3-2)....,3-5,5-3)

......POINT COUNT REQUIREMENTS:

.........Determine your EFFECTIVE POINT COUNT & COMPARE TO 16.
..................EFFECTIVE POINTS are computed to be Actual Hi Card Points
.........................................PLUS 3 points for a 5th card in a higher ranking major
.........................................PLUS 1 point if sitting directly in front of opener.
........................................MINUS 1 point for being vul
........................................MINUS 3 points for CUE-BID of 3-level preempt
........................................MINUS 3 points for CUE-BID of 3S
..................If your adjusted point count is less than 16, you must not bid.

..................For a CUE-BID of 3D or 3H, your actual point count should be at least 19 points.
..................For a CUE-BID of 3S, your actual point count should be at least 22 points.

To SPOILER RESPONSES TO CONTENDER'S CUE-BIDS OVER A PREEMPT.

Back To TABLE OF CONTENTS.

H-1-a. SPOILER BIDS:

The spoiler (aka, the advancer) is the contender's partner. He is usually the one with the least points, but sometimes he can have a lot of points, especially if contender gave a Weak Jump overcall. And even if contender gave a simple overcall, spoiler can still have a 13 point hand, ruining opener's hopes, hence the name "spoiler". He is the "wild card" in the group.

In order to make a free non-forced bid, spoiler should have 7+ points for the 1 level and 10+ points for a new suit above the 1-level or 10-12 points to raise contender's suit to the 3-level. But with zero points, he must bid if his right hand opponent passed hus partner's forcing cue-bid or double.

In what follows, we will assume that the responder, spoiler's right hand opponent, has passed, thereby not giving the spoiler the chance to "double". However, this competitive bidding will be described in the section on COUNTER-MEASURES.

1] H-1-b-1 SPOILER RESPONSES TO PARTNER'S WEAK JUMP OVERCALL: If contender's bid is at the 2-level, spoiler should respond as if contender had opened a WEAK-2.
Points are not important, but quick tricks are.
With 3 quick tricks, spoiler can think about game, wherein over contender's 2-level jump, spoiler could bid 2NT asking.
And with 2 quick tricks & 2+ card support, spoiler might raise contender's suit to the 3-level.

If contender's bid is at the 3-level, spoiler can count contender as being in the upper range of his bid, ie, 9-11 pts.

Refer To G-1-b-1. CONTENDER SIMPLE OVERCALLS OF 2-LEVEL SUIT OPENING

2] H-1-b-2 SPOILER RESPONSES TO PARTNER'S SIMPLE OVERCALL OF A SUIT:
a] RAISING CONTENDER'S SUIT TO THE 2-LEVEL WITH 7-9 POINTS. With just 3+ card support & 7-9 points, spoiler can simple raise the overcaller's suit to the 2-level. Since contender has no more than 15 points, there is no chance for game. However, in competition with 4+ card support, a rebid of the suit ar the 3-level is a possibility.
EXAMPLES:
1C => 1D => pass => 2D
1D => 1H => pass => 2H
1H => 1S => 2C => 2S => 3C => pass => pass => 3S (must have 4+ spades)
b] RAISING CONTENDER'S SUIT TO THE 3-LEVEL REQUIRES 10-12 POINTS. There may be a game possibility, so with 3-card support spoiler can give a CUE BID in opponent's suit to encourage contender to the 3-level.

With 4+card support in contenders suit & 10-12 points, it becomes even more encouraging to try for game, because the partnership is assured of having at least 9 trump. The normal LIMIT-RAISE to the 3-level is used. When contender's overcall is in a major, it might be beneficial to use BERGEN Raises, even though contender may have only 10 points.
EXAMPLES:
1C => 1D => pass => 2C => pass => 3D
1D => 1H => pass => 3H
1S => 2C => pass => 3C
1S => 2H => pass => 3H
c] OTHER BIDS REFLECTING NO ADEQUATE SUPPORT.
[1 1NT = 7-9 pts, possibly rejecting any higher ranking unbid major.

[2 NEW SUIT at 1-level = 7+ pts with 4+ cards.

[3 NEW SUIT at 2-level = 10+ pts with 5+ cards.

[4 2NT = 10-12 pts with balanced hand & opponent's suit stopped.
Refer To G-1-b-2. CONTENDER SIMPLE OVERCALLS OF 1-LEVEL SUIT OPENING

3] H-1-b-3 SPOILER RESPONSES TO PARTNER'S SIMPLE 1NT OVERCALL: Because the 1NT overcall is 13-15 points, 3 points less than the 1NT opening, the spoiler must add 3 points to the normal 1NT opening responses. Other than that, TRANSFERS ARE ON. STAYMAN is ON for hearts, excluding the 4-4 fit in spades. If partner had 4 spades with 13+ points, he would "double".

Refer To G-1-b-3. CONTENDER 1NT OVERCALL OF 1-LEVEL SUIT OPENING

4] H-1-b-4 SPOILER RESPONSES TO THE TAKE-OUT DOUBLE OF A SUIT AT THE 1-LEVEL: The takeout double demands spoiler to bid should his right hand opponent "pass". Spoiler must heed when he is forced to bid as opposed to being "off-the-hook" because his right hand opponent bid. If spoiler bids after his right hand opponent has bid, then spoiler's bid is a "FREE BID" promising at least 6 points at the 1-level & 10+ points at the 2-level.

If spoiler has a 4+ card spade suit, he should make every effort to bid it, taking into consideration the following:

a] With 10+ points & no 5+ card suit, spoiler should CUE-BID in opponent's suit.
But with a 5+ card suit, spoiler should JUMP in his suit.
b] With under 10 points, if spoiler is forced to bid, he should do so without jumping.
If he has a 5+ card UNBID suit, he should bid it. Without a 5+ card suit,
he can bid a 4-card unbid suit without skipping a NT bid.
Otherwise, he should bid NT.
c] LITTLE BIG FOOT (optional). A non-jump, non-cued response is weak showing only 0-9 points. But 0-9 points is a big spread. Therefore, this helps to break up a weak response into 0-6 points as opposed to 7-9 points. If spoiler bids the next suit up, then he is weak. Any suit above that without jumping is 7-9 points

Problem: What if next suit up is spoiler's actual suit & he has 8 points?
Answer: Bid it cheaply once, then bid it again.
EXAMPLE: 1D => DOUBLE => PASS => 1H => pass => 1S => PASS => 2H (promises 5+ hearts 7-9 pts)
d] If the "double" is of a 2-level contract, spoiler will use LEBENSOHL. EXAMPLE: 1H => pass => 2H => DOUBLE => pass => LEBENSOHL (Refer to H.1.a.7.c )
e] If the "double" is of a 3-level contract, spoiler can "pass" if he is strong enough.

Refer To G-1-b-4. CONTENDER DOUBLE OF 1-LEVEL SUIT OPENING

1] H-1-c-1 SPOILER RESPONSES TO PARTNER'S 2-SUITED OVERCALL OF SUIT:
When contender's first bid is 2NT followed by opponent's pass, spoiler must bid the minor in which he has the most cards.

When contender bids the opponents suit followed by opponent's pass, spoiler must bid 2NT to allow contender to bid his lowest suit, to which spoiler can pass or bid the next suit up.

When contender "doubles" and then bids an unbid intermediate ranking suit at the 3-level he is two suited in the two highest ranking non-opponent suits. Spoiler response must comply with Michaels, either passing with support in contender's bid or bidding the highest ranking unbid sit.

Refer To G-1-c-1. CONTENDER 2-SUITED BIDDING OVER 1-LEVEL SUIT OPENING

2] H-1-c-2 SPOILER RESPONSES TO CONTENDER'S HAMILTON OVERCALL OF 1NT:
If contender bid 2D followed by opponent's pass, spoiler must bid one of the majors.
If contender bid 2C followed by opponent's pass, spoiler is forced to bid 2D asking for clarification.
If contender bid a major, spoiler can pass.

Refer To G-1-c-2. CONTENDER HAMILTON OVERCALL OF 1NT OPENING

3] H-1-c-3 SPOILER RESPONSES TO CONTENDER'S DONT OVERCALL OF 1NT:
If opponent passed, spoiler can pass if he likes contender's suit or bid the next suit up if he does not like the suit.
If contender doubled followed by opponent's pass, spoiler must bid 2C asking for clarification.

Refer To G-1-c-3. CONTENDER DONT OVERCALL OF 1NT OPENING

a] H-1-d-3a SPOILER LEBENSOHL RESPONSES TO CONTENDER'S DOUBLE OF 2-LEVEL BID.
**********************************************************************************************************
CONTENDER REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY:

......SHAPE REQUIREMENTS:
.........At least 3 cards in the unbid suits. 4-5-cards in an unbid major. No 6+ card suits.
.........No more than 2 in opponent's suit.
........ACCEPTABLE SHAPES:
.........5,5,3,0....5,4,4,0....5,4,3,1....5,3,3,2....4,4,3,2....4,4,4,1

......POINT COUNT REQUIREMENTS:
.........To "double" any Weak-2 opening, contender needs an effective 16 points.
.........EFFECTIVE POINTS are computed to be Actual Hi Card Points
.........................................PLUS 3 points for a 5th card in a higher ranking major
.........................................PLUS 1 point for assuring a 4-4 minor suit fit
.........................................PLUS 1 point if sitting directly in front of opener.
........................................MINUS 1 point for each losing jack
........................................MINUS 1 point for having 2 cards in opponent's suit
........................................MINUS 1 point for being vul
........................................MINUS 3 points for "double" of 2S

**********************************************************************************************************
SPOILER RESPONSES BY POINT COUNT WITHIN OPPONENT SUIT:
....If spoiler's right hand opponent bids, then spoiler is off the hook to bid.
....A response in an unbid 4+ card major takes priority over any unbid minor suit under 7 cards in length.
....Spoiler might give himself 3 extra points if he has an exclusive 5+ card major or a 6+ card minor suit.
**********************************************************************************************************

[1] RESPONDING TO 2DX. Contender should have at least one 4-card major with 3 cards in the other major.
[a] DIRECT 2-LEVEL SUIT BIDS OVER 2DX are LESS THAN 6 POINTS: .......2H = 4+ Hearts. Less than 6 points.
.......2S = 4+ Spades. Less than 6 points.
[b] REBIDS AFTER 2NT RELAY TO 3C: .... ie, 2D => X => Pass => 2NT => Pass => 3C => Pass => ? . . . . . . . . . . . . .PASS = 4+ Clubs. Less than 6 points.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .3D = DELAYED CUE-BID = STAYMAN showing 4+ cards in both majors. 6-9 points.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .3H = 4+ hearts. 6-9 pts.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .3S = 4+ spades. 6-9 pts.
[c] DIRECT 3-LEVEL BIDS OVER 2DX: with 6-9 POINTS.
.......3C = 4+ clubs. 6-9 points. No 4+ card unbid major.
with 10+ POINTS.
.......3D = CUE-BID = STAYMAN showing 4+ cards in both majors. 10+ points.
.......3H = 3+ Hearts. 10+ points.
.......3S = 3+ Spades. 10+ points.
.......3NT = Stopper in Diamonds. 10+ points. No 4+ card unbid major.

[2] RESPONDING TO 2HX. Contender should have at least a 4-card spade suit.
[a] DIRECT 2-LEVEL SUIT BIDS OVER 2HX are LESS THAN 6 POINTS: .......2S = 3+ Spades. Less than 6 points.

[b] REBIDS AFTER 2NT RELAY TO 3C: ....ie, 2H => X => Pass => 2NT => Pass => 3C => Pass => ? . . . . . . . . . . . . .PASS = 4+ Clubs. Less than 6 points. No 4+ card unbid major.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .3D = 4+ Diamonds. Less than 6 points. No 4+ card unbid major.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .3H = DELAYED CUE-BID. 10+ pts. No 4+ card unbid major. Both minors.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .3S = 4+ spades. 6-9 pts.
[c] DIRECT 3-LEVEL BIDS OVER 2HX: with 6-9 POINTS.
.......3C = 4+ clubs. 6-9 points. No 4+ card unbid major.
.......3D = 4+ diamonds. 6-9 points. No 4+ card unbid major.
with 10+ POINTS.
.......3H = CUE-BID = STAYMAN showing 4+ spades. 10+ points.
.......3S = 5+ Spades. 10+ points.
.......3NT = Stopper in Hearts. 10+ points. No 4+ card unbid major.

[3] RESPONDING TO 2SX. Contender should have 3 additional points & at least a 4-card heart suit.
[a] DIRECT 2-LEVEL SUIT BIDS OVER 2SX NOT AVAILABLE.

[b] REBIDS AFTER 2NT RELAY TO 3C : ....ie, 2S => X => Pass => 2NT => Pass => 3C => Pass => ? . . . . . . . . . . . . .PASS = 4+ Clubs. Less than 6 points. No 4+ card unbid major.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .3D = 4+ Diamonds. Less than 6 points. No 4+ card unbid major.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .3H = 4+ hearts. Less than 6 points.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .3S = DELAYED CUE-BID. 10+ pts. No 4+ card unbid major. Both minors.
[c] DIRECT 3-LEVEL BIDS OVER 2SX: with 6+ POINTS.
.......3C = 4+ clubs. 6+ points. No 4+ card unbid major.
.......3D = 4+ diamonds. 6+ points. No 4+ card unbid major.
.......3H = 4+ hearts. 6-9 points.
with 10+ POINTS.
.......3S = CUE-BID = STAYMAN showing 4+ hearts. 10+ points.
.......3NT = Stopper in Spades. 10+ points. No 4+ card unbid major.
**********************************************************************************************************
EXPLANATIONS & NOTES:
....1. The use of a 2NT relay to 3C provides more bids to cover
........different spoiler holding combinations of points and shape,
........keeping the overall bidding lower in case spoiler has no points.
....2. The relation between suit rank within bid-level & spoiler point count is directly proportional.
........The higher the rank of opponent's suit, the fewer cheap 2-level bids there are.
........2SX (2 spades double) forces spoiler to the 3-level.
....3. The minimum acceptable suit fit is 4-3.
........The emphasis should be on finding a 4-4 major suit fit, if not better.
........However, spoiler can bail-out in a minor.
....4. Unfortunately, transfer bids are too complicated to use.
....5. CUE-BIDS require at least 10 points, because they are forcing
**********************************************************************************************************

In the following examples 1-4:
....Opponent opens 2S WEAK-2 with 10 points in spades.
....Contender has 19 points with 0 pts in spades, 10 pts in hearts, 9 pts in diamonds, 0 pts in clubs.
....Spoiler has (3S,3H,3D,4C) with 0 points in any suit.
....If contender "doubles", bidding would go 2S => X => pass => 2NT => pass => 3C => all passing.

Example 1: Contender is not vul & has (1S,4H,4D,4C)
.....................Contender's EFFECTIVE POINTS are
.........................19 - 3 (for 2SX) + 1 (for assuring 4-4 fit) = 17 pts.
.....................Good enough to "double". Could possibly make 3C or go down 1.

Example 2: Contender is vul & has (1S,4H,4D,4C)
.....................Contender's EFFECTIVE POINTS are
.........................19 - 3 (for 2SX) + 1 (for assuring 4-4 fit) - 1 (for vul) = 16 pts.
.....................Good enough to "double". Could possibly make 3C or go down 1.

Example 3: Contender is vul & has (2S,4H,4D,3C)
.....................Contender's EFFECTIVE POINTS are
.........................19 - 3 (for 2SX) - 1 (for doubleton spade) = 15 pts.
.....................Not good enough to "double". Could lose 2S, 3+C

Example 4: Contender is vul & has (2S,5H,3D,3C)
.....................Contender's EFFECTIVE POINTS are
.........................19 - 3 (for 2SX) - 1 (for doubleton spade) - 1 (for vul) = 14 pts.
...........................Cannot give 3 points for 5th card in higher ranking major.
.....................Not good enough to "double". Could lose 2S, 3+C

In the following example 5:
....Opponent opens 2H WEAK-2 with 10 points in spades.
....Contender has 14 points with 0 pts in spades, 10 pts in spades, 4 pts in diamonds, 0 pts in clubs.
....Spoiler has (3S,3H,3D,4C) with 0 points in any suit.
....If contender "doubles", bidding could go 2H => X => pass => 2S => all passing.

Example 5: Contender is not vul & has (5S,2H,3D,3C)
.....................Contender's EFFECTIVE POINTS are
.........................14 - 1 (for doubleton heart) + 3 (for 5th spade) = 16 pts.
.....................Is good enough to "double".

Refer To
G-1-d-3a. CONTENDER'S DOUBLE OF WEAK-2 OPENING.

b] H-1-d-3b SPOILER RESPONSE TO CONTENDER'S DOUBLE OF WEAK-3 PREEMPT.
In response to the DOUBLE 0f a WEAK-3 OPENING, Spoiler must bid the weaker he is.
Otherwise, he can choose to leave the double in for penalties.

Refer To
G-1-d-3b. CONTENDER DOUBLE OF 3-LEVEL PREEMPTIVE OPENING

I-1. OPENING PAIR COUNTER-MEASURES:
Unless he has a lot of points, is 2-suited or has one long suit that he can keep rebidding, there is very little opener can do on his own to bid against opponents without responder's help. Therefore, what immediately follows focuses upon contention before responder has bid. However, the last sub-section (f.) attempts to address opener's countering his right hand opponent's bidding.

a. RESPONDER RAISING OPENER'S MAJOR SUIT USING BERGEN RAISES & LEBENSOHL:
Responder BERGEN RAISES in conjunction with the LEBENSOHL 2NT RELAY TO 3C are a great defense against interference.
They were already described in the section on responding to a major suit opening.
Many people will argue that BERGEN-RAISES are off in competition & that you should give a CUE-BID in opponent's suit to show a limit-raise. The result is opener has no idea as to how good their trump suit is. In addition, there is a potential conflict with a WESTERN-CUE bid which has an entirely different meaning.

But, excluding 3-level preempts, BERGEN-RAISES are very resistant to most anything else the opponents might bid. With 4+card support, any overcall below 2NT will not get in the way of supporting partner immediately . With 7-9 points, responder's bid is 3D. With 10-12 points , responder's bid is 3C. With 4-6 points his bid is 3 of opener's suit.

So what if responder wants to make a WEAK-JUMP SHIFT to a minor?
This is where the 2NT LEBENSOHL RELAY TO 3C comes in with a correction to 3D if necessary.
EXAMPLE: 1S => 2H => 2NT RELAY TO 3C => P => 3D => all passing

And what if responder has only 3-card support?
With 7-9 points, the old standard SIMPLE RAISE to the 2-level remains effective.
With 10-12 points, instead of the cue-bid/ we can again use the LEBENSOHL RELAY TO 3C,
followed by bidding opener's major.
EXAMPLE: 1S => 2H => 2NT => P => 3C => P => 3S
b. OTHER COUNTER-MEASURES TO INTERFERENCE OVER A SUIT OPENING AT THE 1-LEVEL:
1] WHEN CONTENDER HAS GIVEN A TAKE-OUT DOUBLE:
a] Responder's REDOUBLE of opponent's TAKE-OUT DOUBLE: The TAKE-OUT DOUBLE provides the opportunity to REDOUBLE. To do so requires 10+ points & no fit with partner's suit.
b] Responder's RAISE of opener's suit. (Previously discussed)

c] Responder's SIMPLE BID of a NEW SUIT. The take-out double can be ignored & responder's bid is considered normal. If responder has no good support for opener, but has a 5+ card suit of his own:
With only 6+ points, responder can bid it at the 1-level.
But to bid it the 2-level requires 10+ points.
In either case it is forcing. So he should not bid it at the 3-level with less than 12 points.
d] Responder's JUMP BID IN A NEW SUIT. The take-out double can be ignored & responder's bid is considered normal. His bid is considered to be s Weak Jump Shift to be passed by opener.
e] Responder's JUMP BID IN NO-TRUMP. The take-out double can be ignored & responder's bid is considered normal, showing a protected stopper in contender's indicated suit(s).
2] WHEN CONTENDER HAS MADE A SIMPLE OVERCALL IN A SUIT:
a] Responder's NEGATIVE DOUBLE of opponent's suit bid: When the opponent intervenes with a SIMPLE OVERCALL OR WEAK JUMP OVERCALL, then a new bid is afforded the responder, ie, the RESPONDER'S NEGATIVE DOUBLE. The Negative Double is forcing. Because the Negative Double is forcing, responder must not force his partner to above the 1-level unless he has 10+ points.
1S => 2C => DOUBLE says responder has 4 hearts & 10+ points.
1H => 2C => DOUBLE says responder has 4-5 spades & 10+ points.
Responder's Negative Double of a 1-level overcall should say he has at least 6 points & probably an unbid 4-card major.
1C => 1H => DOUBLE says responder has 4 spades & 6+ points.
But with an unbid 5+ card major & no other 4-card major, responder will simply bid it at the 1-level if he can.
1C => 1H => 1S says responder has 5+ spades & 6+ points.
With only 6 points & 5 spades & 4 hearts, if the bidding goes 1D/1C, then responder should "DOUBLE", because he cant bid 2H at the 2-level. If both majors have already been bid, as in 1S/1H, then the Negative Double says responder has both minor suits.
1H => 1S => DOUBLE says responder has both unbid minors & 6+ points.
1S => 2H => DOUBLE says you have both unbid minors & 10+ points.
b] Responder's RAISE of opener's suit. (Previously discussed) However, a cue bid in contender's suit indicates a 10-12 point hand with 3 trump.
c] Responder's SIMPLE BID of a NEW SUIT. Contender's bid can be ignored & responder's bid is considered normal.
d] Responder's JUMP BID IN A NEW SUIT. Contender's bid can be ignored & responder's bid is considered normal. His bid is considered to be s Weak Jump Shift to be passed by opener.
e] Responder's JUMP BID IN NO-TRUMP. Contender's bid can be ignored & responder's bid is considered normal, showing a protected stopper in contender's indicated suit(s).
3] WHEN CONTENDER HAS MADE A WEAK JUMP OVERCALL IN A SUIT: Verses the opponent's 3-level Weak Jump Overcall, there is very little left to counter the obstruction. It should be noted that a 2-level Weak Jump Overcall can still be countered using Bergen & Lebensohl. But a 3C/1D,1H,1S or 3D/1H,1S or 3H/1S Weak Jump Overcall is impossible to counter via Bergen or Lebensohl or a 4-level cue bid. Responder is left with only the basic tools. Any new suit response should contain 10+ points & not exceed partner's suit unless responder has 13+ points. 3NT would have to promise a protected control in opponent's suit. And A Negative Double would normally show 10+ points with holdings in the other unbid suits.

An optional use of the Negative Double might be to use it in support of opener's suit when the intervening bid is at the 3-level. Consider the situation when partner opens 1S & opponent overcalls 3H. If you have 10 points with 4+ spades & you bid 3S, opener with 15 points might "pass" you, thereby missing a game. So the use of a double might come in handy here. Normally a "double" would indicate having 10+ points with holding in the minor suits. Opener would be required to bid 3S or a 4-level minor, depending on points, after which you would either "pass" 3S or correct to 4S. MAXIMAL DOUBLES are usually issued by opener after responder has given a simple raise of his suit & opponents intervene. But this might be considered a RESPONDER MAXIMAL DOUBLE.

Another possible counter-measure is LEBENSOHL.

4] COUNTERING CONTENDER'S MICHAELS OR UNUSUAL 2NT OVERCALL: These opponent bids are at the 2-level, 2-suited & very specific regarding their suits. Since the bid is forcing upon the spoiler, responder might do well to first "pass" to glean any information about the opponent's hand before proceeding to bid on.

a] MICHAELS is a cue bid in the opener's suit at the 2-level indicating a 2-suited hand in the highest ranking unbid suits. But there are those who play a CUE BID different from normal MICHAELS. So always ask the opponents what their CUE BID means. In countering MICHAELS, the COUNTER-MEASURES described for 1-suited overcalls can be employed, including Lebensohl.

b] The UNUSUAL 2NT overcall shows either 2-suited in the minors or 2-suited in the lowest unbid. Because the UNUSUAL 2NT overcall gets in the way of Lebensohl, a responder "DOUBLE" of 2NT should be a stolen suit bid prompting opener to bid 3C. If you bid a suit explicitly targeted by the contender, then your bid is a WESTERN-CUE bid.

Example: 1S => 2NT => 3D asks for a diamond stopper to bid 3NT.

Example: 1H => 2H => 2S asks for a spade stopper to bid 2NT.

If you NEGATIVE DOUBLE the opponent's bid, then you should have the other untargeted suits with questionable support for opener.

Another possible counter-measure against the unusual 2NT is LEBENSOHL.
But it requires a "double" of 2NT.

5] Responder WESTERN-CUE BID. This is a CUE BID in opponent's suit & is FORCING promising 10+ points. The intent is to tell opener that responder has stops in the unbid suits & is asking opener to bid NO-TRUMP if he has a stop in opponent's suit.
c. COUNTER-MEASURES TO NT INTERFERENCE:
The first thing for the partner's to do is ascertain the meaning of the interference, especially the suit overcalls for which there is a vast variety of meanings. The basic question is "IS THE OVERCALL NATURAL OR 2-SUITED?". If it is natural, then your "DOUBLE" will be a STOLEN-SUIT DOUBLE, meaning that it is the suit you would have bid & more than likely as a simple transfer. But if opponent's bid is 2-suited, then your "DOUBLE" may become a stopper in what would otherwise be a suit to transfer to.

1] STOLEN SUIT DOUBLES over natural interference says responder would have bid what opponent had bid.
2] NEGATIVE DOUBLES over 2-suited system interference show the unindicated suits.
3] LEBENSOHL-2NT-RELAY TO 3C COUNTER-MEASURES:

d. RECAP - CONSOLIDATED COUNTER-MEASURES & LEBENSOHL-2NT RELAY TABLE.

e. WHEN CONTENTION COMES FROM OPENER'S RIGHT HAND OPPONENT:
It can be rare that given a bidding sequence where opener's 2nd seat LHO passes & his 4th seat RHO bids over an unpassed responder. But it can happen with the Take Out Double being a common weapon and easy to defend against. And a 4th seat Simple Overcall can also be one of the easier bids to counter. But when it comes to countering a Weak Jump Overcall or one of the 2-suited bids, or 4th seat raises of 2nd seat's bids, things become a lot more difficult.

For this reason. I advance the use of Inverted Bergen Raises and the Lebensohl 2NT Relay To 3C as counter-measures to these more nasty situations. The following tries to cover some of the easier scenarios where responder's LHO has bid.

1] If responder has bid 1D/1C or made a Weak Jump Shift or gave a Weak Jump Bergen Raise (e: 1H => 1S => 3H), then opener should "pass" .
2] If responder passed, then if opener has 16-18 points or a 6+ card rebiddable suit or opener has 5 spades with a viable lower ranked suit, then opener should bid no higher than the 2-level.
3] If responder has raised opener's suit without it being preemptive, then opener's "double" or "redouble" forces to game.
4] If responder bid a new suit at the 1-level over 2nd seat's bid, then responder has a 5+ card suit in which case with only 3-card support opener might consider NT rather than showing support. But if 2nd seat did not bid, then responder's suit could be a 4-card suit, in which case the following applies:

[a With 3-card support for partner, opener should "double" or "redouble"

[b With 4+ card support &:
13-15 points, opener should simple raise partner's suit.
16-18 points, opener should jump raise his suit.

[c With no support for partner, but with:
13-15 points & a 6+card suit, opener should rebid it.
13-15 points & 5 spades & a 2nd suit, bid 2nd suit.
16-18 points, opener should bid as cheap as possible.
Otherwise opener should "pass" to let responder rebid.
5] If responder has "doubled" 2nd seat's 1-level suit bid , then opener should be checking his hand for any unbid 4-card major.
6] If responder has bid a Non-Forcing 1NT, opener should only bid again if he has 16-18 points or a long 6+ card suit.
7] If responder bid a Lebensohl 2NT Relay, then opener is obligated to bid 3C if he is able & regardless of any intervention.
8] If opponent made a simple overcall, then:
a] If responder had not bid, opener's "double" is a reopening double demanding a bid from partner.
b] Making an OPENER'S CUE BID in RHO's suit would not happen unless responder had made a positive bid & opener had 16-18 points. The opener's cue bid would be WESTERN-CUE asking responder to bid No-Trump with a stopper.
f. COUNTERING CONTENDER'S 3-LEVEL PREEMPT:

g. COUNTERING OPPONENT'S 4-LEVEL BID:

h. SACRIFICES: (Refer to C-3.a.1].e]) SACRIFICING.

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a. SPOILER RESPONSIVE-DOUBLES & REDOUBLES: When spoiler's right hand opponent bids, then spoiler can "double" or "redouble". Typically, the meaning is that spoiler has some points and an unbid 4-card major. So it is very similar to the responder's negative double. Sometimes, contender will give a Take-Out Double, the opponent will bid, and spoiler will "double" to confirm 4-card support for contender's presumed suit. Whether or not this a good practice remains to be seen, because why not just bid contender's indicated suit. But a weaker spoiler's hand might want to assure that contender be declarer.
b. SPOILER CUE-BID OF OPPONENTS" SUIT(S): If contender has bid a suit, this is construed to be a LIMIT RAISE.

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J-1. ACE ASKING CONVENTIONS:
It is important to understand that ONLY THE CAPTAIN SHOULD ASK FOR ACES.
WHY? BECAUSE THE CAPTAIN IS THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS THE PARTNERSHIP'S COMBINED VALUE.
So many player's fail to recognize this very important point.
But then a lot of players do not know or even care who is the captain which makes for a lot of mutinies.

a. BLACKWOOD asking for aces & kings.
BLACKWOOD is probably the first ace asking convention the beginner learns.
The captain bids 4NT to ask his partner to give him an ace count.
The partner replies progressively: 5C with 4 or 0 (40), 5D with 1, 5H with 2 or 5S with 3 aces.
One might think of it as 40-1-2-3.
After getting a reply, the captain might ask for a king count by bidding 5NT.
b. GERBER asking for aces & kings.
In addition to BLACKWOOD, the beginner will probably learn GERBER which is a 4C ace asking bid.
The captain bids 4C to ask his partner for an ace count.
The partner replies progressively: 4D with 4 or 0 (40), 4H with 1, 4S with 2 or 4NT with 3 aces.
After getting a reply, the captain might ask for a king count by bidding 5C.

SO WHY DO WE NEED TWO DIFFERENT WAYS OF ASKING FOR ACES?
The answer is if captain is targeting a no-trump contract, then he cannot sign-off if using BLACKWOOD.
Therefore, GERBER, not BLACKWOOD, is used when targeting a no-trump contract.

Many beginning players will think that GERBER should be used all the time,
because it keeps the bidding lower. Where this is a good observation,
it is the wrong reason for playing GERBER all the time.
However, the point being well taken, these players should learn
my REJECTED MINOR ACE ASKING (aka. MINORWOOD) described below.
c. ROMAN KEY CARD (aka 1430 or 3014) asking for aces & kings.
More advanced players will use ROMAN KEY CARD to ask for aces and kings when targeting
a slam in a trump contract. Like BLACKWOOD, it again uses 4NT asking.
However, the partner replies are a little different. How so?

First, the king of the presumed trump suit is a "KEY CARD" & counted as an ace.
WHY? Because a king in a trump suit is a very deadly card & to be missing it could be fatal.
In addition, any aces are also "KEY CARDS".
Therefore, the captain's partner replies giving a key card count, not just an ace count.

Secondly, the count is represented different from BLACKWOOD.
The partner replies progressively as follows:
5C = 1 or 4 (14), 5D = 3 or 0 (30), 5H = 2 without queen of trump or 5S = 2 with queen of trump.
Hence the name 1430. But some may turn it around and play 3014 where 5C = 3 or 0 & 5D = 1 or 4.

One may ask, "How do we know what the trump suit is to be?". An excellent question.
The typical answer is "The trump suit is the last suit bid.". But this is not good enough.
Consider this bidding by opening pair (opponents passing): 1S => 2D => 3H => 4NT.
So, we are suppose to think that hearts is to be the trump suit? WRONG! The captain likes spades.
So how can the captain (responder) say he is targeting spades when asking for key cards?
The answer is 4TH SUIT FORCING, ie, responder forces opener to bid again before bidding 4NT.
Example: 1S => 2D => 3H => 4C (forcing) => 4D => 4NT (asking). Problem solved!

Another question to be asked is "How to respond to 5NT asking for kings?".
Here, the answer is "Just count you kings without counting the king of trump".

Finally there is something interesting to point out about the count reply as compared to BLACKWOOD.
By imposing an either/or count in the 5C & 5D response, the bidding is kept lower,
making more room for more information. As a result, why not use this count reply
without including a king in responding to GERBER, or any other ace asking convention?
d. REJECTED MINOR (4C OR 4D) ACE ASKING (aka MINOR-WOOD).
This is an ace asking convention I created as an extension to Gerber. Some years later, somebody came out with what they called MINORWOOD.

These are 4C or 4D ace asking bids using the least desirable minor suit. This makes it possible to keep the bidding lower while targeting slam in a No-Trump or ANY SUIT for that matter, especially a minor suit.

How many times has a player used 4NT BLACKWOOD only to get a response that forces him to bid to the 6-level anyway?. Example: 4NT => 5S => 6H.
There is no reason not to use 4C or 4D in asking for aces, which ever is the least desirable by the CAPTAIN and even in pursuing a suit contract.
(Texas Transfer people may want to change their bidding sequence a little.)
Only the captain should ask for aces. The purpose is to keep the bidding low.
Partnership may agree upon any response convention to show ace count.

Example 1: 1NT => 2S => 3C => 4D (ace asking not liking diamonds) - 4S (1 ace) - 5C (sign off)

Example 2: How should you ask for aces in targeting a 6C contract?

You hold . . clubs AKQJxxx, . . diamonds xx, . . hearts AQx , . . spades J

Partner holds . . clubs xxx, . . diamonds Qx . . hearts KJx, . . spades AKxxx

Opponents take AK of diamonds, and you take the rest making 5C. If no D lead, you make 6C.
There is good reason to think of slam. If opener had both aces, you would make 7NT.
But with both of you having 2 losing diamonds, no trump and slam are out of the question.

Example 2a: THE BLACKWOOD WAY: 1S => 2C => 3C => 4N => 5D OOOOPS!

Example 2b: THE GERBER WAY: 1S => 2C => 3C => 4C => 4H => 5C OOOOPS! (ASKING FOR KINGS?)

Example 2c: THE BEST WAY: 1S => 2C => 3C => 4D => 4S => 5C SIGN OFF

Example 3: How should you ask for aces in targeting a 6H contract?

You hold . . clubs AKQ, . . diamonds xx, . . hearts KQJxxx, . . spades Jx

Partner holds . . clubs xxx, . . diamonds Ax . . hearts Axx, . . spades Axxxx

This hand loses a spade & a diamond.
Even playing 1430 with a possible 5H bail out, the contract will be 6H.
Using either minor at the 4-level allows for the discovery of no kings without going over.

Example 3a: THE BLACKWOOD WAY: 1S => 2H => 3H => 4N => 5S => 5NT => 5C => 6H OOOOPS! Down 1.

Example 3b: THE GERBER WAY: 1S => 2H => 3H => 4C => 4NT => 5C => 5D => 5H BETTER.

Example 3c: THE BEST WAY: 1S => 2H => 3H => 4D => 5C => 5D => 5H => Pass BETTER.
Says you dont like diamonds.

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K-1. USELESS CONVENTIONS:
These conventions are considered to be unnecessary, confusing & consuming of
bid space that can be better utilized.

a. A 15-17 point 1NT opening, a 20-21 point 2NT opening, & a 18-19 point balanced hand 1C opening followed by a 2NT "SLIVER" bid which destroys the use of SYSTEMS is complete nonsense, due
to unnecessary bickering over 1 point. Return to the original Goren System.
b. JACOBY 2NT with 13-15 points. Who made you captain? You should have 16+ high card points. Use ACOL GAME LIMIT-RAISE. Let opener decide whether slam is possible.
c. OPENING 4-CARD MAJORS. I guess you just like consuming bidding room before finding a fit.

d. PUPPET STAYMAN over 1NT. Hey, just open your 5-card major as usual then jump to 2NT.

e. 2D FLANERY OPENING. Why are you taking up so much bidding room just to avoid a reverse? What's the matter? You afraid to play 1NT if partner has no fit?
f. 19-21 point JUMP SHIFTS and/or REVERSES. With 19-24 point 2C opening, no need.

g. 2D WAITING response to 2C opening. "Car 54 where are you". "Hellooo".

h. JORDAN 2NT over "double". If you play BERGEN over interference, you don't need JORDAN.

i. GAME RAISE PREEMPTS. So if you play BERGEN, Why do you need another preempt?

j. CONVENIENT MINOR & 4-card 1D openings. If you play 5-card 1D openings, you will have better protection when partner is bust.
k. SPIRAL. A stupid pointless bid that flys in the face of promising 4-card support.

l. CRISS-CROSS.

m. 2/1. There is absolutely no need for it.

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