RainBow Series - Lesson IX

 
        Many people ask:  "What's so great about 
Lebensohl?  Why do so many experts insist on 
teaching us Lebensohl rather than any of the other 
conventions that exist?"  The reason, quite
simply, is that other conventions are helpful and 
interesting; Lebensohl is NECESSARY.  Indeed, it 
is part of the 2-over-1.OK convention card, and 
SHOULD have been part of the SA-YC.OK card.
Because it isn't, you will have to ask any new 
prospective SAYC partner if they, too, play 
Lebensohl.  By using an artificial bid of 2NT, 
Lebensohlers can distinguish between bad hands 
and good ones, or between hands that DO have a 
guard in the enemy suit from hands that do NOT.

        The Lebensohl 2NT comes up in many 
instances.  The first is when the opponents have 
overcalled our partner's 1NT opening with 
2-of-a-suit (e.g. 1NT-2H-2NT is Lebensohl).  
1NT Opener is FORCED to bid 3C.  Then Responder 
can PASS with a weakish (i.e. "competing") hand 
that includes long Clubs or correct to any suit 
BELOW the Overcaller's suit.  In this way 
Responder can compete without getting 1NT Opener 
too excited.

Responder:

xx

QJxxx

Kxx

xxx

	

  1NT   (2S)   2NT   (P)
  3C    (P)    3H          - Competing the partscore.
                             Responder is NOT inviting 4H!

        In STANDARD Lebensohl a free bid by 
Responder at the 3-level WITHOUT prefacing it 
with the 2NT bid (e.g. 1NT-2H-3D) becomes FORCING.

Responder:

Ax

KQxxx

Kxx

Jxx

Opener	Overcaller	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
1NT	2S	3H	.	Forcing. 10+ points.

	
        With stronger hands, the 2NT force to 
3C can be used to distinguish hands that DO have 
a guard in the enemy suit from those that DON'T.  
For example, 2NT FOLLOWED by 3NT PROMISES a 
stopper in the enemy suit, while a JUMP to 3NT
(e.g. 1NT-2D-3NT) DENIES any such guard.  Similarly, 
2NT followed by a cuebid SHOWS a stopper while a 
direct cuebid (e.g. 1NT-2H-3H) DENIES one.  In this 
way, "slow shows" while "direct denies".  In other 
words, the slower 2NT followed by a cuebid or 
3NT (e.g. 1NT-2H-2NT-P-3C-P-3NT) SHOWS a stopper 
while the faster 1NT-2H-3NT DENIES one.

        Remember:  SLOW SHOWS, DIRECT DENIES.

Responder:

Qxxx

AJxx

xx

Axx

Opener	Overcaller	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
1NT	2D	3D	.	Denies a Diamond guard. "Major?"

Responder:

Qxxx

AJxx

Axx

xx

Opener	Overcaller	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
1NT	2D	2NT	Pass	-
3C	Pass	3D	.	Shows a Diamond stopper. "Major?"

Responder:

xx

AJx

KQxx

Qxxx

Opener	Overcaller	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
1NT	2S	3NT	.	Denies a Spade stopper.

Responder:

QJx

AJx

KQxx

10xxx

Opener	Overcaller	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
1NT	2S	2NT	Pass	-
3C	Pass	3NT	.	Shows a Spade guard.

	
	  In this way 1NT Opener can predicate subsequent
action based upon knowledge of Responder's strength in
the enemy suit.  Note:  Many pairs play Lebensohl ONLY
after interference over their 1NT openings.  

	  A bid of a suit HIGHER RANKING than overcaller's
(i.e. a suit which Responder COULD have bid at the 2-level)
is FORCING if a jump, INVITATIONAL if prefaced by the 2NT
relay to 3C.

Responder:

xxx

KJxxx

Kxxx

Jx

Opener	Overcaller	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
1NT	2C	2NT	Pass	-
3C	Pass	3H	.	This invites game.

Responder:

Axx

KJxxx

Kxxx

Jx

Opener	Overcaller	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
1NT	2C	3H	.	This forces game.

            ----  Lebensohl Against Weak 2-bids  ---- 
  		  
        The second instance where Lebensohl is common is
over Partner's double of their weak 2-bid (e.g. 2H-Dble-P-??).
Here, 2NT asks the doubler to bid 3C, allowing partner 
("Advancer") to PASS (with a weak hand and Club length) or 
correct to any suit below Overcaller's.  A direct 3-over-2 
response by Advancer shows a slightly better hand (8-11 HCPs) 
but, unlike opposite a 1NT Opener, is NOT forcing.

Advancer:

xxx

xx

10xxxx

xxx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
2H	Double	Pass	2NT	Asks Doubler to bid 3C.
Pass	3C	Pass	3D	Weakish hand with Diamonds.

Advancer:

Kxx

xx

KQxxx

xxx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
2S	Double	Pass	3D	9-12 points. Not forcing.

	
        Again, strong Advancer who is interested in playing
in a 4-4 major suit fit may cuebid directly WITHOUT a stopper, 
while preferring 2NT followed by a cuebid when Advancer DOES 
have a stopper (in case 3NT is the correct place after all).

Advancer:

QJx

AJxx

Kxxx

xx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
2S	Double	Pass	2NT	Forces 3C.
Pass	3C	Pass	3S	"4H, pard? 3NT perhaps?"

Advancer:

x

AJxx

Kxxx

Axxx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
2S	Double	Pass	3S	"4H? 4C or 4D, maybe?"

	
        Consistent with the "SLOW SHOWS" theme, if Advancer
bids 2NT followed by 3NT s/he wants to play in 3NT and is
interested in a slam (if Doubler is maximal).  A JUMP to
3NT directly over the double DENIES slam interest.  BOTH
3NT bids by Advancer are natural ("to play"), promising a 
guard in the opponents' long suit.

Advancer:

AJx

Kx

KQxx

QJxx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
2S	Double	Pass	2NT	Asks Doubler to bid 3C.
Pass	3C	Pass	3NT	14-17 HCPs, slam interest.

Advancer:

AJx

Kx

QJxx

Jxxx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
2S	Double	Pass	3NT	11-13 HCPs, no slam interest.

	
        Similar rules are in effect if Responder raises
the opening bid and Doubler is forced to doubler again.

Advancer:

xx

QJx

xxx

Kxxxx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
1H	Double	2H	Pass	Usually 0-7 points.
Pass	Double	Pass	3C	Clubs. 5-7 points.

Advancer:

xx

xxx

xxx

xxxxx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
1H	Double	2H	Pass	Usually 0-7 points.
Pass	Double	Pass	2NT	Asks Doubler to bid 3C.
Pass	3C	Pass	Pass	Clubs. 0-4 points.

	
	        ----  Extending Lebensohl  ----

	Many pairs agree that if Opener's major suit opening
is raised after Partner has doubled, Lebensohl is in effect.

Advancer:

xx

QJxx

Kxxx

Qxx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
1S	Double	2S	2NT	Asks Doubler to bid 3C.
Pass	3C	Pass	3H	Hearts, 8-9 points.

Advancer:

xx

QJxx

Kxxx

AJx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
1S	Double	2S	3H	Hearts. 10-12 points.

Advancer:

xx

QJx

Kxxxx

Qxx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
1H	Double	2H	2NT	Asks Doubler to bid 3C.
Pass	3C	Pass	3D	Diamonds. 8-9 points.

	
          ----  Lebensohl Over Opener's Reverse  ----

	Some long-standing partnerships "extend" Lebensohl 
to cover reverses:

Responder:

QJxx

xx

xxx

QJxx

Opener	RHO	Responder	LHO	Explanation of Action
1D	Pass	1S	Pass	-
2H	Pass	2NT	Pass	-
3C	Pass	3D	.	A weak signoff in Diamonds.

Responder:

AJxx

xx

Qxx

Qxxx

Opener	RHO	Responder	LHO	Explanation of Action
1D	Pass	1S	Pass	-
2H	Pass	3D	.	Good hand supporting Diamonds.

	
 ----  Actions by a Strong Doubler or Reverser over 2NT  ----

        In the case of the 1NT Opener, 2NT will ALWAYS 
fetch a 3C rebid by Opener.  This will allow Responder to
PASS 3C with length in Clubs and a poorish hand.

Opener:	AJxx	KQx	AJxx	Kx
Responder:	xx	Jxx	Qx	QJxxxx

Advancer	Opener	Overcaller	Responder	Explanation of Action
-	1NT	2H	2NT	Forces 3C.
Pass	3C	Pass	Pass	Weakish, with Clubs.

	
        With little hope of game opposite what Advancer 
has shown, the partner who made a takeout double will also 
"co-operate" with the 2NT force to 3C.

Doubler:	AKxx	x	AJxx	Axxx
Advancer:	xx	Jxx	Qxx	Qxxxx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
2H	Double	Pass	2NT	Forces 3C.
Pass	3C	-	-	Willing to play in 3C.

	
        A much stronger Doubler, with visions of game,
may REFUSE to bid 3C over Advancer's 2NT, and make a 
cuebid of the enemy suit (game-forcing) or any natural bid 
instead of 3C.

Doubler:	AKQx	void	AKQxx	AKJx
Advancer:	xxx	Jxx	Qxx	Qxxx

Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer	Explanation of Action
2H	Double	Pass	2NT	Forces 3C.
Pass	3H	-	-	Game forcing.

	
        The same is true of a Reverser who hears Partner
try to sign off with a Lebensohl 2NT transfer to 3C.  
Again, MOST Reverser's will co-operate and rebid 3C.  But 
a very strong Reverser may force game with any rebid 
HIGHER than 3C.

Opener:	10	AKQx	Ax	AKxxxx
Responder:	QJxx	Jx	Qxxx	xxx

Opponent	Opener	Opponent	Responder	Explanation of Action
Pass	1C	Pass	1S	-
Pass	2H	Pass	2NT	Hoping to stop in 3C.
Pass	3NT	.	.	Too strong to bid 3C.

	
            ---- Discussing Lebensohl with Partner  ----

	This, however, is NOT part of "standard" Lebensohl
and would have to be discussed BEFOREHAND.  

	"Partner," you might ask after establishing that
you play Lebensohl, "do we play it after a reverse?  How
about over a double of their weak 2's?  If so, do you 
also play it over 1H-Dble-2H and 1S-Dble-2S?"


                      -----  Quiz  -----

1.  Partner opens 1NT and RHO overcalls 2H.  Your bid with:

Responder A:	KJxxx	Kxx	xx	xxx
Responder B:	KQxxx	Kxx	xx	Jxx
Responder C:	KQxx	AJx	xx	Jxxx
Responder D:	xxx	xx	Jxx	KQJxx
Responder E:	Kxx	xx	AQJx	Qxxx
Responder F:	Axx	x	AQJxx	Kxxx

2.  You open 1NT with:  S- AQx  H- KJxx  D- xx   C- AQxx
    What do you rebid after these auctions:

Auction	Opener	Doubler	Responder	Advancer
Auction A:	1NT	2D	2NT	Pass
Auction B:	1NT	2D	2NT	Pass
-	3C	Pass	3S	Pass
Auction C:	1NT	2D	3NT	Pass
Auction D:	1NT	2D	3S	Pass
Auction E:	1NT	2D	3D	Pass
-	3H	Pass	3NT	Pass

	

3.  You play Lebensohl over 1H-Dble-2H.  Your bid with:

Advancer A:	KJxx	xxx	Qxx	xxx
Advancer B:	Jxx	AQx	KQx	Q10xx
Advancer C:	xx	xx	Kxxx	KJxxx
Advancer D:	xx	xx	Axxx	AJ10xx

4.  You play Lebensohl over reverses.  The auction goes:

Opener	RHO	Responder	LHO
1C	Pass	1S	Pass
2H	Pass	?	-

	
    Your rebid with:

Responder A:	K10xx	xx	Kxx	10xxx
Responder B:	A10xx	xx	Kxx	Jxxx

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RAINBOW Series

The Rainbow Series, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 PST every weekday, is a lecture program on the SAYC system, from Opening Bids all the way through to the conventional aspects of SAYC. Unlike the FireSide and 5th Chair sessions mentioned above, the Rainbow Series is a semi-private lesson program for our students. Nevertheless, you are invited to stop by and "eavesdrop" on the discussion from the Spectator's Loft. If you have any questions arising from these notes, or about the Rainbow Lesson Series, please do not hesitate to email me at: cpw@escape.ca

Lesson #1: Opening Bids Lesson #2: Responses to Opening Bids Lesson #3: Rebidding Strategies Lesson #4: Interference Lesson #5: OverCalls & Takeout Doubles Lesson #6: Two-Suited Overcalls Lesson #7: Pre-Empts Lesson #8: Competing with Doubles Lesson #9: Lebensohl Lesson #10: Defensive Signalling Lesson #11: Defensive Strategies Lesson #12: Declarer Play

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General Rules of SAYC Bidding	Fit Inspired Bids - "FIBs"
Doubles	Cuebids
IMPs Versus MatchPoints	Lebensohl
Hand Evaluation	Defensive Signals
Jacoby Transfers	Pre-Empts
Jacoby 2NT Response to 1H or 1S	Michaels Cuebids
3 Types of Responding Hands	Percentages in Bridge
Roman Key Card Blackwood	BROZEL over their 1NT
4th Suit Force	Assume Jumps Are Raises
Glossary of Terms	Colin's Rules of Bridge

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