 Spectrum Lesson #1:
System Overview
Preamble
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Bridge bidding systems are defined by the
engine that drives them along. The most complex of
these are relay systems (e.g. Panama Relay, Valentines,
Relay Precision, etc.), where the Forcing Partner
(Responder, usually) makes meaningless forcing bids
(similar to a Stayman 2 ) usually in the cheapest step
in an effort to derive information from partner.
Typically, 1 :2 would be natural and Non-Forcing in
such systems, as would any response other than an
artificial relay response of 1 to the 1 opening bid.
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A second family of bridge languages is the
level forcing systems (e.g. Canadian,
1/1-Non-Forcing, etc.), where the level of Responder's
first bid determines whether or not the auction is a
game-forcing one or not. Typically, in such systems
a 1-over-1 response (e.g. 1 :1) is not forcing, while
any 2-level response in a new suit (e.g. 1H:2, 1:2
or 1:2) is game-forcing.
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In SAYC, we saw an "approach force" system.
These are characterized by the Forcing Partner
(i.e. Responder, unless Opener has started with 2)
rarely defining the auction as game-forcing with hir
first response. Yes, SAYC does have some game-forcing
responses (e.g. jump shifts, 2NT responses to
1-of-a suit, etc.), but for the most part Forcing Partner
relies on rebidding in new suits to sustain the auction.
1:2:2:2NT, then, is not forcing in SAYC.
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In 2-over-1 Game Forcing ("2/1-GF") we have a
Hybrid system. If Responder begins with a 1-over-1
reply (e.g. 1:1) 2/1-GF operates as an approach force
system, identical to SAYC in almost every respect. But
if Responder begins with a 2-over-1 reply (e.g. 1:2)
the auction becomes Game Forcing. Hence, 1:2:2:2NT
is forcing here--as it would be in a Level Forcing
system.
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Throughout these notes, you will see mention
of "2/1-K", Kaltica's approach; Shep's "2/1-Shep";
and "2/1-Spectrum", as a suggested standard for
Spectrum student. This does not imply that this
is the standard approach for others.
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After thanking Partner and reminding ourselves
to keep a straight "poker" face, our third task is
to count our tricks.
Questions
| #1 |
Consider the auction:
1 :1 . State whether this auction
is game-forcing, one-round-forcing or non-forcing in:
|
| 1a. |
...a typical relay system? |
| 1b. |
...a level forcing system? |
| 1c. |
...an approach forcing system such as SAYC? |
| #2 |
Consider the auction:
1:2 . State whether this auction
is game-forcing, one-round-forcing or non-forcing in:
|
| 2a. |
...a typical relay system? |
| 2b. |
...a level forcing system? |
| 2c. |
...an approach forcing system such as SAYC? |
| #3 |
Is the auction
1:2 :2:3 forcing...
|
|