OPENING LEADS

(For all the card combinations shown, clearly mark the card normally led if different from the underlined card). Hatch this box if using non-standard leads
v. all contracts A K A K x K Q 10 K Q x A J 10 K J 10 A K J 10
A 10 9 K 10 9 Q 10 9 Q J 10 Q J x    
H x x H x x x H x x x x H x x x x x      
10 x x 10 9 x 9 8 7 x 10 x x x      
? x x x x x x x x x x x x x      
Other agreements in leading, e.g. high-level contracts, partnership suits:
King requests unblock/count [against NT], count [against suit contract]
Ten not treated as an honour.

CARDING METHODS

   Primary method v suit contracts  Primary method v NT contracts
On Partner's lead High encourage, low discourage [unless lead is king]
On Declarer's lead Count; high/low shows even number.
When discarding Natural
Other carding agreements, including secondary methods (state when applicable) and exceptions to above
McKenney where appropriate.
 

SUPPLEMENTARY DETAILS [2]

2.1 If responder follows 2 with 3-minor this is weak and to play.
2.2 2NT/3-major shows 4-card support, 7-loser/8-loser respectively. Over 2NT, responder may re-transfer, trial bid, splinter, etc.
2.3 Immediate 2-suit is lower of touching suits.
Pass forces redouble, which may be passed or responder may bid lower of non-touching suits.
Redouble is relay to 2
for pass or correct
2.4 After our 1NT is overcalled, 2NT from responder asks opener to relay to 3, then all bids are relatively weak. Cue-bids are Staymanic. Cue-bids and 3NT deny stop if preceded by 2NT. Direct 3-level suit bids are forcing. 3-level suit bids preceded by 2NT are to play, but invitational if suit could have been bid at 2-level. Double shows values for 2NT with at least Hxx in overcaller's suit.
2.5 Ogust 2NT over 2//♠  3♣/3 = min HCP;  poor/good suit ['good' = 2 of top 3]
3/3 = max HCP;  poor/good suit. 3NT=AKQ of suit.
2.6 In response to a 3 Stayman enquiry, 3 shows one or two 4-card majors, 3/ shows  5-card suit. 3NT denies 4- or 5-card major. Over 3, 4/ show both 4-card majors. After a 3response, 3NT rebid shows no interest in either minor, 4-minor is Minorwood.
 
Steve Gore
95761
Pat Dowdeswell
97721
 
GENERALISED DESCRIPTION OF BIDDING METHODS
Benjaminised Acol, 5-card Spade
1NT OPENING AND RESPONES
Strength:  12-14

 Tick if artificial and provide details below:

¨

Shape constraints:  May have any 5-card suit

Tick if may have singleton:

¨

Responses: 2  Stayman [promissory] [see 2.1]
2 Transfer to hearts [see 2.2] 2 Transfer to spades [see 2.2]
2 Range ask [2NT min, 3 max] 2NT Transfer to a minor
Others 3-any-suit shows singleton/void in bid suit. 4-any-suit is RKCB in bid suit
Action after opponents double:  Helvic; pass forces redouble [see 2.3]
Action after other interference:  Penalty-oriented double; Lebensohl [see 2.4]

TWO-LEVEL OPENINGS AND RESPONSES

  Meaning Responses  
2 8+ playing tricks any suit or 22-23 bal 2 relay; rebid non-forcing  
2 Game-forcing or 24+ balanced Negative 2.5

 

2 Weak, 5-9 NV, 6-10 Vul. Usually 6-card suit. Wider-ranging in 3rd position.
Constructive in 4th position
2NT=Ogust enquiry

Bid of new suit is forcing

2
2NT 20-21, may contain any 5-card suit 3=5-card puppet Stayman; 3/ are transfers; 3=minors. 2.6

OTHER ASPECTS OF SYSTEM WHICH OPPONENTS SHOULD NOTE

4-card suits are bid up the line.
Openings in 3rd seat may be stretched.

29 January 2018