Standard American Rainbow Card
Version: March, 2001
GENERAL APPROACH
5+ card majors in 1st or 2nd seat.
Longer suit first with 2-suiters.
Open 1D with 4-4, 1C with 3-3 in the minors.
No Trump openings are 5-3-3-2 (any 5-carder), 4-4-3-2 or
4-3-3-3 type hands in the following point ranges:
1NT = 15-17
2NT = 20-21
3NT = 25-27
Other flat hands in the 13-21 point range that lack a
5-card major will begin with 1C or 1D and rebid
1NT (13-14) or jump rebid in No Trump (18-19).
2C is a strong, artificial and forcing opening bid.
2D, 2H and 2S are weak pre-emptive opening bids.
RESPONSES AND REBIDS AFTER 1NT OPENINGS
2C is Non-Forcing Stayman, showing either 9+ points or
a 0-8 point 3-suiter short in Clubs, intending to pass
Opener's rebid ("Garbage Stayman"). Non-Forcing Stayman
allows the pair to stop in 2H or 2S after 1NT:2C:2D when
Responder has 5-4 or 4-5 in the majors and 9-10 points.
Responder's rebid of a new suit at the three level is
forcing to game. Stayman then the other major asks:
"Slam?" (i.e. "ST TOMAS"). Hence, 1NT:2C:2H:2S and
1NT:2C:2S:3H are slam tries, confirming Opener's major
as trump in the latter case.
Responses of 2D and 2H are Jacoby Transfers with 5+ cards
in the next higher suit. Opener can "super-accept" by
bidding higher than 2-of-the-promised-suit if maximal with
4+ card support. After a simple acceptance any three level
rebid is a game force, with 1NT:2H:2S:3H showing 5-5 in the
majors. 1NT:2D:2H:2S is also 5-5, but is forcing for only
one round; Opener will make a choice of the majors at the
three level if minimal or rebid at the four level if maximal.
Using a Jacoby Transfer always denies a four card major
(use Stayman instead). Hence we have:
1NT 2D - Transfer to Hearts
2H ?? - Pass = 0-8 points.
2S = 9+ points, 5-5 in the majors.
2NT = 9-10 points, inviting 4H or 3NT.
Not necessarily flat.
3C/3D = Game forcing. Ostensibly natural.
3H = 6+ Hearts, inviting game.
3NT = 11-15 points. "3NT or 4H, Pard?"
A 2S reply to 1NT asks Opener to rebid either 2NT (with
superior Diamonds) or 3C (with Clubs equal to or superior
to Diamonds). Responder may now stop in 3-of-a-minor or
look for a slam with 3H/3S (fragment bids, often short
in the other major) or higher rebids.
3C or 3D replies to 1NT are invitational. A 3H or 3S
response to 1NT shows a 6+ card suit and interest in slam.
4C is Gerber only directly opposite Partner's 1NT or 2NT
opening or rebid. Partner replies:
4D = 0 or all 4 Aces
4H = 1 Ace
4S = 2 Aces
4NT = 3 Aces
Over this response, 5C will ask for Kings to be shown in
the same manner.
A 4D response to 1NT or 2NT shows 5-5 or better in the
majors and forces Opener to pick a major.
Direct raises of 1NT, 2NT and 3NT are quantitative. 1NT:4NT
(16 points, inviting 6NT) and 1NT:5NT (20 points, inviting
7NT while forcing to 6NT) are quantitative raises, as are
2NT:4NT (12 points) and 2NT:5NT(16 points). If accepting
the invite Opener may treat the quantitative 4NT or 5NT
bid as if it were Blackwood.
2NT 5NT = Inviting 7NT while forcing to 6NT.
6D = Accepting, but with only one Ace.
INTERFERENCE OVER OUR 1NT OPENINGS
Doubles are redoubled or ignored; Stayman and transfers
remain in effect (i.e. "System On"). If the opponents
overcall, though, system is off and doubles are penalty.
New suits below game are forcing only above the 2 level
and only if RHO has overcalled Partner's 1NT. Thus:
i) 1NT (2D) 3C = Forcing.
ii) 1NT (2D) 2S = Not forcing.
iii) 1NT (Pass) Pass (2D)
Pass (Pass) 3C = Not forcing.
If a transfer is doubled, Opener will complete the transfer
only with 3+ card support, passing the double with 2-card
support. Responder may redouble to insist on completion of
the transfer.
Doubles by Responder are penalty oriented. Doubles by Opener
are only penalty after Responder has made a bid--even one
which may be weak.
i) 1NT (2C) Pass (Pass)
Dble = Takeout.
ii) 1NT (Pass) Pass (2C)
Dble = Takeout.
iii) 1NT (2C) Dble = Penalty.
iv) 1NT (Pass) 2C (2D)
Dble = Penalty.
Should Stayman be doubled, Opener passes with 4 Clubs,
redoubles with 5 Clubs or rebids naturally. If Stayman
is overcalled Opener can double or show a 4-card suit at
the two level, but should not bid at the three level.
Lebensohl is employed after RHO overcalls Partner's 1NT
opening.
RESPONSES TO 2NT OPENINGS AND 2NT REBIDS AFTER 2C:2D
Jacoby Transfers and Forcing Stayman are in effect opposite
Partner's 20-21 point 2NT opening. Hence, 2NT:3C:3D:3H
and 2NT:3C:3D:3S are forcing. Should Opener show a major
Responder can bid the other major as a slam try.
i) 2NT 3C
3H 3S = Slam try with 4+ Hearts.
ii) 2NT 3C
3S 4H = Slam try with 4+ Spades.
2NT:4C is Gerber. 2NT:4D asks Opener to bid hir better
major.
RESPONSES to 3NT OPENINGS AND 3NT REBIDS AFTER 2C:2D
4C is Stayman, permitting a subsequent 4NT rebid by
Responder to be Blackwood. 4D and 4H are Jacoby Transfers
while 4S shows the minors. Immediate 4NT and 5NT raises
(i.e. 3NT:4NT, 3NT:5NT, 2C:2D:3NT:4NT, 2C:2D:3NT:5NT)
by Responder are quantitative.
RESPONSES AND REBIDS AFTER A 1H OPENING
Opposite the 5+ card 1H opening we may see:
1S = 6+ points, 1 round forcing. If Responder has a
longer minor an initial 1S reply limits hir to
6-12 points. If 1S Responder has 3+ Hearts s/he
may prefer a direct raise (1H:2H) with 8-9 points.
1NT = 6-9 or a bad 10 points, 0-3 Spades and 0-2 Hearts.
If 8-9 HCPs, 1NT tends to deny a good 6+ card suit.
2C/2D = 10+ points, forcing for one round. This is never
preparatory to a limit raise of Opener's Hearts.
2H = 6-9 points, 3+ Hearts. If 4+ Spades, 8-9 points.
2NT = Jacoby. 4+ Hearts and 13+ points. Opener rebids:
3-of-a-new-suit = Shortness there.
3H = 19-21.
3NT = 16-18.
4H = 13-15.
Jump in a new suit = Natural, profoundly 2-suited.
2S/3C/3D = Strong jump shifts. 16+ points, slam interest.
5+ cards in the bid suit and 3+ Hearts OR 1-suited
with a very good suit.
3H = Limit raise, 10-12 points, 3+ Hearts. Responder can
bid 1S and then 3H for the same effect, but cannot
reply 2C or 2D and then rebid 3H--that is forcing.
3S = Pre-emptive, with 7 Spades.
3NT = 15-17 HCPs, flat, 2 Hearts.
4C/4D = Slam inviting splinters. 4+ Hearts, 0-1 in bid suit.
4H = 5+ Hearts, 0-9 points. Pre-emptive.
Opener rebids naturally after any 1 level response. Over
1H:1S, 1NT is 13-16 while 2NT is 17-19. Simple suit rebids
show 13-18 and are not forcing. While a jump rebid of 3H
(17-18 points) is not forcing after 1H:1S or 1H:1NT, any rebid
by Responder below game will be. 1H:1S:3H:3S, then, is forcing.
1H:1S:2H and 1H:1NT:2H promise 6+ Hearts. A 1H:1NT:2S reverse
by 1H Opener show 18-21 points and is forcing for one round.
Jump rebids in new suits (e.g. 1H:1S:3D) are game forcing.
Raises of Responder's Spades show 13-15 (1H:1S:2S), 16-18
(1H:1S:3S) or 19-21 (1H:1S:4S) points.
SUBSEQUENT REBIDS BY RESPONDER
If Opener rebids 1NT after 1H:1S Opener is limiting hir hand
to 13-16 points, 5-3-3-2 type. Responder must now jump in a
new suit (i.e. a minor here) in order to force.
1H 1S
1NT ?? - 2C, 2D, 2H or 2S = Natural signoffs.
2NT = 10-12 points, inviting 3NT.
3H or 3S = 10-12 points, natural, inviting game.
3C or 3D = 13+ points, forcing to game.
This jump in a minor compels Opener to rebid 3S with
3 Spades, 3NT if Opener has 2 Spades and no interest in
Responder's minor, or 3-of-the cheaper-red-suit if Opener
may be interested in supporting Responder's minor. Opener
must never raise that minor (e.g. 1H:1S:1NT:3D:4D) directly,
since Responder may lack length there. Rather, 1H:1S:1NT:3D:3H
expresses some interest in a Diamond contract. If 1S Responder
has 3+ Hearts and slam interest Responder will rebid 3C so that
Opener has two red suits to rebid. After 1H:1S:1NT:3C we may
see:
3D = Interest in a Club contract.
3H = No interest in either black suit, maximum hand.
3S = 3 Spades.
3NT = No interest in either black suit, minimum hand.
Note: New suits bids by Opener are not forcing. New suits
by an unpassed Responder are, unless Opener has rebid 1NT.
Should Opener rebid 2C or 2D after 1H:1S Responder can pass,
stop in 2H or 2S, raise the minor (8-12 points, since Opener
may have as much as 18 points here), rebid in No Trump (2NT
with 10-12, 3NT with 13-15), jump in a major (inviting) or
employ a 4th Suit Force (e.g. 1H:1S:2C:2D). Such a 4th Suit
Force is only one round forcing, but becomes a game force if
Responder does not rebid the 4th suit immediately.
1H 1S
2C 2D
2H ?? - 2S, 3C and 3H force game. 3D signs off.
If Responder has 13+ points and 5+ cards in the 4th suit
Responder must jump in the 4th suit to force game.
i) 1H 1S
2C 2D - 4th Suit Force.
any 3D - Signoff.
ii) 1H 1S
2C 3D - 5+ Diamonds, game forcing.
The auction 1C:1D:1H:1S is a one round force only; Responder
could force game immediately with a 2S rebid (denying 4 Spades)
or by bidding a natural 1S for now and rebidding 2S later.
1C:1D:1H:1S:any:2S is a game force with 4+ Spades.
If Opener rebids 2NT (e.g. 1H:1S:2NT) Responder can pass or
force game via any rebid (e.g. 1H:1S:2NT:3H is a game force).
With the singular exception of 1S:2H:3H, any 2-over-1 response
response promises a rebid unless Opener bids game (e.g. 1H:2C:4H).
If Opener can bid a suit below hir first bid suit (e.g. 1H:2C:2D)
Opener will do so. Responder can raise this suit invitationally
(e.g. 1H:2C:2D:3D), bid 3 of Opener's first bid suit (forcing)
or make a non-forcing preference at the 2 level for Opener's first
bid suit with 2-card support. With the 2-over-1 response removing
limit raises from the equation this auction is game forcing:
1H 2C
any 3H
Opposite the 2-over-1 response any rebid by Opener higher than a
rebid of hir major shows extra values and forces game.
1H 2D
?? - 2S = Game forcing reverse, 16-21 points.
- 2NT = Flat. 15-16 or 17-19 with 3 in Partner's suit.
- 3C = High level reverse, 16-21 points.
- 3D = Forcing raise, 16-21 points.
- 3H = 6+ good Hearts, 16-21 points.
- 3NT = 17-19 flat with 2 cards in Responder's suit.
It follows naturally that most minimum hands that cannot bid a
new suit below Opener's at the 2 level will rebid the major.
1H:2C:2H, for example, becomes a "catch all" rebid; it does not
suggest extra length or strength in Opener's major. The rebid of
the major does not deny a maximum; Opener may have 6+ weakish
Hearts and a maximum after 1H:2C:2H or 1H:2D:2H. This catch all
rebid allows Responder to:
1. Reverse into the other major with 13+ points, forcing game.
1H 2C
2H 2S = Natural, game forcing.
3S = 4 Spades, 13-15 (since Opener didn't bid 2S).
2. Rebid 2NT to show a flattish 10-12 points.
1H 2D
2H 2NT = 10-12 flattish, 2 Hearts.
3D = 3+ Diamonds, minimum. Not forcing.
3. Raise the major to the 3 level with 3-card support.
1H 2D
2H 3H = 13+ points, 3 Hearts. Game forcing.
4. Bid Opener's major at the game level as a distributional raise.
1H 2D
2H 4H = 10-12 points, 9+ red cards.
5. Force with a new suit rebid.
1H 2D
2H 3C = Forcing.
3S = 13-15 with Club support. "Impossible major."
Other options for Responder include rebidding hir own suit (8-12,
6+ card suit, non-forcing), jumping to 3NT, forcing with a new
suit, jumping in a new suit (a cuebid confirming Hearts) and
4NT (Roman Key Card Blackwood).
NOTE: After making a 2-over-1 response, any raise of Opener's
first bid suit is game forcing. Raises of Opener's second bid
suit are invitational unless Opener has reversed.
i) 1H 2C
2H 3H = Game forcing, 13+ points, 3 Hearts.
ii) 1S 2C
2D 3D = Invitational only.
iii) 1H 2D
2S 3S = Forcing, since the 2S reverse forced game.
RESPONSES AND REBIDS AFTER A 1S OPENING
1S openings are treated the same as 1H openings with
the following differences:
1. 1S:2H response shows 5+ Hearts. This necessitates
a 2C or 2D reply to 1S with 3=4=3=3.
2. Consistent with most versions of Standard American
(but not SAYC), 1S:2H:3H is not forcing. Opener should
bid 4H with 16-18 or jump cuebid a minor with 19-21.
RESPONSES TO A 1C OR 1C OPENING
1D promises 4+ Diamonds or precisely 4=4=3=2. 1C can be
3 cards if flat and 3-3 in the minors or with 4=4=2=3.
Both show 13-21 points. If flat, 1D or 1D Opener holds
either 13-14 or 18-19 points.
Responder bids naturally with 6+ points, bidding 4-card
suits up the line. No Trump responses deny 4+ cards in
any of the bypassed suits, so 1C:1NT shows 4 or 5 Clubs,
1-suited. Since a 2NT response is game forcing, Responder
sometimes has to temporize in a 3-card suit before bidding
2NT with 10-12.
A raise of 1D shows 4+ cards. A raise of 1C shows 5+ in
competition (e.g. 1C-1S-2C), 6+ otherwise (e.g. 1C:2C).
While single jump raises (i.e. 1C:3C and 1D:3D) are limit,
double jumps are pre-emptive. Opposite 1C, then, 3D and
higher suit bids are all natural pre-empts.
A 3NT response to 1C or 1D shows 16-17 flat. A 2NT
response is any other game forcing hand with no suit other
than Opener's. Opener proceeds under the assumption that
Responder holds 13-15 flat but Responder can "surprise"
Opener with a 4C or higher bid later, as with 1D:2NT:3NT:4D.
1C 2NT = Game forcing with Clubs only.
3NT ?? - Pass = No slam interest.
4C = 5+ Clubs, often 6+, slam interest.
4NT = 18-19 flat, too strong for 1C:3NT.
After 1D:2C, Opener's 2NT rebid shows 13-14 flat and is not
forcing. With a 3-suiter short in Clubs Opener will often
have to rebid 2D (even with only four, as with 4=4=4=1) on
minimum hands that are not strong enough to reverse into
2H or 2S. Opener will also temporize with 2D if holding
Club support and a minimum. 1D:2C:2D:2NT:3C, then, shows
a minimum and is not forcing. 1D:2C:3C shows 16-21 points
and is forcing.
For the most part, the bidding proceeds as it did opposite
the 1S and 1H opening bids. For example, 1D:2C:any:3D is
a game force.
RESPONSES by a PASSED HAND to ONE OF A SUIT
Responses by a passed hand to 1C, 1D, 1H or 1S are not
forcing as a general rule. A 2NT response, for example,
reveals 10-12 points and a flat hand. Pass:1H:2NT and
Pass:1S:2NT show a doubleton in Opener's major. There
are only three common ways to force as a passed hand:
a) Jump shift in a new suit (e.g. 1C:2S), showing a good
suit with a fit for Opener's or a very good suit
without support for Opener's suit.
b) Double Reverse Drury (2C) opposite a 1H or 1S opening.
Pass:1H:2C and Pass:1S:2C ask Opener to rebid hir
major with a minimum or subminimum hand. An artificial
2D rebid by Opener shows interest in game. Other
rebids by Opener are natural and forward going. If
Responder follows 2C up with 3C Responder reveals a
10-12 point hand with Clubs only, cancelling any
suggestion of support for Opener's major.
c) 3NT in response to 1H or 1S, showing 5+ card
support for Opener's major, an unbalanced hand
and 10-12 points. Stronger than Pass:1H:4H or
Pass:1S:4S, this is forcing to 4 of Opener's major.
2C OPENINGS, RESPONSES and REBIDS
If flat, 2C Opener shows 22+ HCPs. Unbalanced 2C Openers
promise 9+ tricks. 2C forces for one round. 2C Opener's
new suit rebids below game will also force for one round.
In response to 2C we will see:
3NT = 10-12 flat. Now:
4C = Stayman. May prepare Blackwood.
4D, 4H and 4S = Natural and FORCING.
4NT = Quantitative.
3H or 3S = 7 card suit, 0-2 HCPs.
3D or 3C = 5+ card suit, 8+ HCPs. Forcing to game.
2NT = 7-9 flat. Opener rebids 3C (Stayman) or naturally.
2S = 5+ Spades, 8+ points. Game forcing.
2H = 5+ Hearts, 6+ points. Game forcing.
2D = 0-7 or temporizing with 8+ points, 4-4-4-1 type
or flat hands with 13+ HCPs, too strong for 3NT.
Should opener rebid 2NT (22-24 flat) Responder rebids as
opposite a 2NT opening. Since a 3NT opening shows the
25-27 pointer, 2C:2D:3NT is the choice of those with
9-10 tricks--usually a long minor with guards in the other
3 suits.
Should Opener rebid a suit game is forced only if a fit is
found. 2C:2D:2H:any:3H is not forcing, but 2C:2D:2H:3H is.
After 2C:2D:2H or 2C:2D:2S, then, Responder has three ways
to raise Opener's major:
1. Directly to game if weak and not dead flat.
2. To the 3 level with 5+ points.
3. Bid 2NT and hope to raise later with a flat yarborough.
NOTE: A positive response in a suit does not promise two
of the top three honors.
DEALING WITH INTERFERENCE OVER 2C
If 2C is doubled Responder can redouble (5+ points) or pass
with 4+ Clubs. Other bids are unaffected by the double.
Any double by the opening side is penalty except a double
below game by Opener in the passout seat.
i) 2C (2D) Pass Pass
Dble = Takeout.
ii) 2C Pass 2H (2S)
Dble = Penalty.
iii) 2C Pass 2D (2S)
Pass Pass Dble = Penalty.
iv) 2C (2D) Dble = Penalty.
BIDDING AFTER A WEAK 2-BID
2D, 2H and 2S show 5-9 HCPs and a 6-card suit. They tend
to deny 4 cards in any major suit.
New suits are forcing by Responder. A 2NT response asks
Opener to rebid the long suit if minimum or, with more
than a minimum, to show a feature (Ace, King or Queen)
in some other suit or rebid 3NT (e.g. 2D:2NT:3NT) with
a very good suit. Raises (i.e. 2D:3D, 2H:3H or 2S:3S)
are to play. This is "RONF": Raises Only are Not Forcing.
RESPONSES TO HIGHER PRE-EMPTS
Opposite a 3-level pre-empt any new suit is forcing.
Opposite 3H or 3S, replies of 4C or 4D may be considered
cuebids until Responder rebids the minor or rebids a
lower ranked suit.
i) 3H 4D = A cuebid...for now.
4H 5C = Natural. "Pass or bid 5D, please."
ii) 3H 4C = A cuebid..for now.
4H 4S = Another cuebid. "Got a Club control?"
SLAM BIDDING
In contrast to SAYC, SARC uses Roman Key Card Blackwood.
This requires that a trump suit be settled either explicitly
or by implication (where 4NT confirms the last bid suit as
trump). 1H:3H:4NT and 1H:4NT are both RKC with Hearts as
trump. Partner shows Key Cards (any Ace or the King of
the agreed trump suit) in the following manner:
5C = 0 or 3 Key Cards (i.e. "KCs")
5D = 1 or 4 Key Cards
5H = 2 or 5 Key Cards without the trump Queen
5S = 2 or 5 Key Cards with the trump Queen
If 4NT bidder attempts to sign off after a 5C or 5D reply
Partner must rebid with the higher number of Aces.
1S 4NT - Roman Key Card Blackwood
5C 5S - "Let's stop here if you have no Key Cards."
?? - Pass = 0 Key Cards
5NT = The Queen of trumps with 3 KCs.
6C, 6D or 6H = King of the bid suit, 3 KCs.
6S = 3 KCs, no trump Queen, no other Kings.
If 4NT bidder (i.e. "RKCer") bids a suit below trumps Partner
is asked to bid towards slam if holding the trump Queen.
1H 4NT
5C 5D - "Trump Queen?"
?? - 5H = No Queen of trump.
5S, 6C, 6D = King cuebids with the trump Queen.
5NT = Queen of trump, no outside King, maximum.
6H = Queen of trump, no outside King, minimum.
Should RKCer rebid 5-of-a-suit above trumps Partner
is requested to rebid 5NT. RKCer will either pass that
or, if seeking the trump Queen for a grand slam, correct
to 6 of the agreed suit.
1C 4NT
5D 5H - "Please rebid 5NT."
5NT 6C - "Please bid 7C if you have the Club Queen."
RKCer can ask for specific Kings via an immediate 5NT
rebid, but only if all 5 Key Cards are accounted for and
only if RKCer has some interest in a grand slam. Partner
can leap to a grand slam with a source of tricks, cuebid
any non-trump King or, with neither a King to cuebid nor
a source of tricks, sign off in six of the agreed suit.
Control-showing cuebids occur above 3 our trumps if we
have agreed to a major. If trump is a minor, such cuebids
begin once we have gone beyond 3NT. 1D:3D:3S shows a
Spade guard while 1H:3H:3S shows a Spade control. Any
unnecessary jump can be a cuebid--often a shortness--which
confirms the last bid suit as trump.
1S 2H
4D - Slam interest, 3+ Hearts, control in Diamonds.
3D here would be natural and game forcing, so
the jump to 4D becomes "unnecessary".
Unlike SAYC, SARC cuebids controls (i.e. Aces, voids, Kings
or singletons) indiscriminately up the line. Skipping a
suit denies any first or second round control there. Once
control of all three plain suits is established subsequent
cuebids clarify first round control.
1H 3H
4C 4D - Control of Spades and Diamonds (else 4H).
4H 4S - Ace of Spades or void in Spades.
5C 5H - 2nd round control of Diamonds (else 5D).
If our cuebid of a first or second round control is doubled
either partner can redouble to clarify first round control.
A player may refuse to cuebid, returning to the trump suit
to show a minimum. This should only be done when minimal
and when that player has not limited hir hand to a 3 point
range previously.
i) 1H 3H
3S 4H - Denies a minor suit control.
ii) 1H 2NT
3D 4C
4H - Minimum. May have a Spade control.
DEFENSIVE BIDDING
Overcalls are limited to 16 points. Their lower limit
is 8 points at the one level, 10 points if made at the
two level, 12 if made at the three level. Partner of
the Overcaller is called Advancer. If holding good
support for Overcaller's suit Advancer will:
Make a single raise with 8-11 points, 3+ card support.
Jump to pre-empt with 4+ card support.
Cuebid with 12+ points as a Limit Raise or a game force.
Lacking good support for Overcaller's suit Advancer
will:
Bid 1NT with 10-12 points.
Jump to 2NT (if possible) with 13-15 points.
Bid 3NT with 15-16 points, lacking 3-card support.
Bid a new suit (non-forcing but forward going) with
10-16 and poor support for Overcaller's suit.
Jump in a new suit to force.
Cuebid as a game force.
NOTE: Cuebids are either a limit raise or a game force.
Hence, all direct raises--even jump raises--are weak.
Contrary to SAYC, this is true whether Partner has opened
or overcalled with a natural suit call.
With 17+ points and an unbalanced hand we may begin with
a takeout double and then bid our suit.
A 1NT overcall in direct seat shows 15-18.
A 1NT overcall in the balancing seat shows a flat hand
with strength in the opponent's suit and a wide HCP range
of 10-15.
System is off opposite any 1NT overcall by Partner.
Advancer's only one-round forcing option is a cuebid of
an opponent's suit. Jumps to 3-of-a-suit are game forcing.
If Advancer cuebids, Overcaller is expected to bid higher
than 2NT if maximal. Should Overcaller bid at the 2-level
opposite such a cuebid any new suit by Advancer will be
invitational only.
i) (1H) 1NT (Pass) 2H
(Pass) 2S (Pass) 3C = Invitational only.
After a cuebid of 2S (e.g. 1S-1NT-Pass-2S) Opener can
show four Hearts and a minimum via 3H, cuebidding 3S with
four Hearts and a maximum.
ii) (1S) Pass (Pass) 1NT
(Pass) 2S (Pass) 3S = 4 Hearts, maximum.
A 2NT overcall in direct seat shows the two lowest ranked
unshown suits over any opening bid up to and including an
artificial, forcing 2C. 2C-2NT shows the minors because
the 2C opening bid did not suggest Clubs.
Versus any 1-level suit opening bid a 2NT overcall in the
passout seat is strong (18-20 points) and natural.
In direct seat double then 1NT shows 19-21 while a double
and then a 2NT rebid would promise 22-24.
In the balancing seat double then a simple No Trump rebid
shows 16-17 points while a double and then a jump to 2NT
promises 21-23.
Jump suit overcalls in balancing seat are intermediate (13-16).
Jump suit overcalls over a pre-emptive opening bid
(e.g. 2H-3S or 2H-Pass-Pass-3S) are strong and game forcing.
Jump suit overcalls in direct seat are weak. Advancer
treats these in the same manner as a weak opening 2-bid:
2NT asks for a feature, new suits (and cuebids) are
forcing. Raises are weak.
Opposite a partner who has not bid, a cuebid of the opponent's
suit is natural if the opposition has bid two or more suits,
Michaels if they have bid only one suit. 1D-2D and 1D-P-1NT-2D
are both Michaels, but 1D-P-1H-2D is natural. Michaels cuebids
show any unbid major and, if there is only one such major, an
unspecified minor as well. After 1H-2H-P or 1S-2S-P Advancer
can ask for the minor via 2NT. If the auction has reached the
three level (e.g. 2H-3H-P) Advancer can bid 4C to ask Overcaller
to pass (with Clubs) or correct to 4D. A stronger Advancer can
force game via 4NT instead of 4C.
One sequence, "Lover's Leap", is noteworthy:
(1S) 2S (Pass) 3D = Artificial, inviting 4H.
Pre-emptive opening bids below 4H can be doubled for takeout.
Any double of a 4H opening is co-operative (i.e. Partner should
pass with any flattish hand lacking a 5+ card Spade suit or
a 6+ card minor). Doubles of 4S are penalty. 4H-4NT (minors)
and 4S-4NT (any 2- or 3-suiter) are takeout.
Overcalling their pre-emptive opening shows 12-17 points.
A double followed by a suit bid shows about 18-22. Jump
overcalls over a pre-empt (e.g. 2H:3S) are game forcing.
DEALING WITH COMPETITION
Other than pre-emptive jump raises (e.g. 1H-2D-3H) any free
bid by the opening side shows extra values until and unless
Partner has limited hir hand to a 3 HCP range. Negative
doubles (8+ points) are made up to 2S. Free bids--including
single raises of Partner's suit--promise at least 8 points
and force for one round. With less than 8 points Responder
passes and lets Opener balance (often with a re-opening double)
as appropriate.
Free No Trump bids reveal 8-10 (1NT), 11-12 (jump to 2NT),
10-12 (2NT if not a jump) or 13-15 (3NT) points.
While No Trump Overcalls can be doubled for penalty, suit
overcalls below 2NT may be countered with negative doubles.
Making a negative double and then bidding a new suit is
forcing only if:
a) the suit rebid comes above the 2 level.
b) Responder couldn't bid the suit at the 2 level (forcing)
and then rebid it at the 3 level (non-forcing).
i) 1D (1S) Dble (Pass)
1NT (Pass) 2H - Non-forcing.
ii) 1D (1S) Dble (2S)
Pass (Pass) 3C - Forcing. Responder could
have bid 2C, then 3C here.
iii) 1S (2D) Dble (Pass)
2S (Pass) 3C - Not forcing. To force,
Responder should have bid
3C directly over 2D.
Unusual over Unusual is in effect if RHO bids 2NT over
Partner's 1H or 1S opening. 3C (limit or stronger) and
3H (competing only) both show Hearts while 3D (limit or
better) and 3S (non-forcing) promise Spades. In other
cases where the opponents show two suits, though, one
tends to cuebid one's stronger holding.
i) 1D (2D Michaels) 2S - Better Spades than Hearts.
ii) 1D (1H) Dble (2C)
Pass (Pass) 3C - Better Clubs than Hearts.
Should RHO make a takeout double of Partner's 1-of-a-suit
opening bid we will see:
Jump raise = Pre-emptive
Single raise = 5-8 points
Pass then raise = 9 points
Redouble = 10+ points, after which new suits force.
1-level suit bid = Natural, one round force
2-level suit bid = Natural, non-forcing
Jump suit bid = Pre-emptive
1NT = Natural, 7-10 points
2NT = Limit raise or stronger, 4+ card support
TAKEOUT DOUBLES
The strength required for takeout doubles are a matter of
partnership agreement, but 10+ HCPs serves as a base. The
takeout double comes in two types:
1. Interrogative - 10+ HCPs, support for the unbid suits.
This kind is characterized by doubling and then either
passing or raising Advancer's suit.
2. Declarative - 17+ HCPs, unbalanced or 19+ HCPs, flat.
This hand will raise, rebid a new suit or No Trump.
In response to Partner's takeout double, cuebids are
responsive and do not promise a rebid. Doubler must cuebid
hirself or jump in a new suit to force. Typically, Advancer
has two suits and an invitational or stronger hand. A
1-suited Responder in the 9-12 point range will prefer to
jump in hir suit (e.g. 1H-Dble-Pass-2S).
Other choices include:
i) Natural No Trump bids:
1NT (8-10), 2NT (11-13) and 3NT (14-16 HCPs).
ii) Simple suit responses (0-8, longest of the unbid suits).
iii) Penalty passes (8+ HCPs, 5+ good trumps).
iv) Responsive Double if Responder raises to the 2 level.
New suit bids by Doubler are forcing only if they are jumps
opposite simple suit bids by Advancer or if Advancer has
disclosed some values.
i) (1H) Dble (Pass) 1S
(Pass) 2C - Not forcing; 1S may be 0 HCPs.
ii) (1H) Dble (Pass) 1NT
(Pass) 2C - Forcing, since 1NT = 8-10.
iii) (1H) Dble (Pass) 1S
(Pass) 3C - Must jump to force here.
Should the opponents open 1NT double is penalty, overcalls
are natural. 1NT-2NT shows a profound 2-suiter and forces
for one round.
Lebensohl is in effect after the double of a weak 2-bid or
after Partner's takeout double meets with a 2-level raise
by RHO (e.g after 1C-Dble-2C, 1H-Dble-2H, et cetera).
LEAD DIRECTING DOUBLES
Doubles of artificial bids show length in that suit and are
often lead directing in nature. Doubles of control-showing
cuebids (e.g. 1H-Pass-3H-Pass-4D-Dble) are also lead directing.
"Surprise" doubles of game and higher level contracts are
Lightner, asking for an unusual lead.
PENALTY DOUBLES
Doubles below game level are penalty only if at least one
of these conditions applies:
1. We made a natural No Trump bid, a redouble or a penalty
double.
2. Three suits have been shown.
3. One of us has shown length in that suit, including
any double of a new suit after Partner has made a
takeout double (e.g. 1S-Dble-2H-Double is penalty).
4. Partner has bid twice.
5. Someone on either side has made a pre-emptive opening.
6. In direct seat if RHO has rebid a suit without getting
any support from hir partner (e.g. 1S-P-1NT-P-2S-Dble).
If there is any double about the meaning of a low level
double, take it out.
Redoubles are business except when we redouble our own
transfer bid (demanding Partner complete the transfer)
or when our low level contract has met with a penalty
double or penalty pass.
i) 1D (Dble) Pass (Pass)
Rdbl = SOS.
ii) (1NT) 2H (Dble) Rdbl = SOS.
iii) 1NT (Pass) 2D (Dble)
Rdbl = Five good Diamonds.
iv) 1NT (Pass) 2D (Dble)
Pass (Pass) Rdbl = "Please bid 2H, Pard."
v) 1D (Pass) 1S (Dble)
Rdbl = Business.
vi) 1H (Pass) Pass (Dble)
Rdbl = Business.
In game forcing auctions the faster we get to the final
contract the weaker (and less interested in defending)
we are. For example, after 1H:2NT (Jacoby) a leap to
4H is weak. Similarly, if the opponents sacrifice we
can pass to suggest more interest in slam than a direct
bid would intimate.
i) 1S (3H) 4H (5H)
5S = Not interested in 6S.
ii) 1S (3H) 4H (5H)
Pass (Pass) Dble (Pass)
5S = Some interest in 6S.
DEFENSIVE CARDING AND SIGNALLING
Count is shown by means of echoing (i.e. high, then low)
with an even number, playing "bottom up" (i.e. lowest
first) with an odd number. In rare instances where count
is displayed in trumps we invert the method, playing low
from an even number, echoing with an odd number of trumps.
We show count whenever Partner may be considering a holdup
or may be subjected to a pseudo-squeeze. Count is also
revealed when Partner leads an Ace.
Attitude is shown by playing a high card when we have
a high opinion of that suit being continued, a low card
when we disdain it. We show attitude whenever Partner
leads a card other than an Ace. Our first discard is
attitude unless we are discarding a suit in which
Declarer is known to be void.
Suit preference is demonstrated by playing a low card
to suggest interest in seeing a low ranking suit led,
a high card for a high ranking suit. In rare instances,
a middling card may suggest:
A) The middle-ranking plain suit;
B) A trump switch; or
C) Complete indifference in regards to what suit is led.
Suit preference is shown when giving Partner a ruff,
when following to the trump suit and when discarding
a suit in which Declarer is known to be void.
The overriding principles are:
1. Tell Partner what Partner needs to know; and
2. Never signal with a card that we cannot afford.
3. When echoing, do so with the highest card we can afford.
SARC uses KATARACT (King ATtitude, Ace Requests A CounT)
as its standard from AK. The highest of touching honours
is led unless we have a "2-0-2" broken sequence such as
KQ109 or QJ98, where the lead of the second highest
honour looks for the card immediately below it. Small
leads are 4th best. With xxx one leads the middle one
("MUD", Middle Up Down).
======= Differences between SARC and SAYC =======
SARC SAYC
Major into Minor suit Splinters No mention of splinters
Roman Key Card Blackwood Standard Blackwood only
Responsive Doubles up to 2S No mention of Responsive Doubles
Responsive Cuebids No mention of Responsive Cuebids
2-over-1's are 10+ 2-over-1's are 11+
1S:2H:3H not forcing 1S:2H:3H forcing
1Major:2-over-1:2NT 15-16 Not specificly defined (13-16?)
1S:2-over-1:2S:3S is GF Undefined
1H:2-over-1:2H:3H is GF Undefined
2-over-1 Bids are Drury-like Undefined
Double Reverse Drury No Drury
1NT:2S:2NT = Better Diamonds 1NT:2S:3C is forced
1D:2NT & 1C:2NT a forcing raise No forcing minor suit raise
Cuebid = Limit Raise OR Strong Responder's cuebids force game
System off opposite 1NT overcalls Stayman on, Transfers off
Replies to balancing 1NT defined Undefined
ST TOMAS Undefined
2C:2H shows 6+ points 2C:2H shows 8+ points
Indiscriminate cuebidding Cuebid Aces and voids first
Unusual over Unusual Game-forcing cuebids
KATARACT Undefined
====== Additions and Modifications to SARC ======
The following common conventions are among many which are
not part of SARC but could be added to it after discussion:
Wolff Signoffs Texas Transfers
3rd and 5th best leads Coded 9s and 10s
Smolen Minor Suit Stayman
Support Doubles Defensive Doubles
New Minor Forcing Inverted Minors
Dynamic 1NT openings & overcalls Forcing 1NT reply to 1H/1S
Ghestem Flannery
Redwood/Minorwood Kickback Blackwood
Roman 3-suited openings Multi 2D openings
Herbert responses Step responses to 2C
====================================================
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RAINBOW Series
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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
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has MIDI capacity, you have been listening to Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here". |
