OPENING LEADS

(For all the card combinations shown, clearly mark the card normally led if different from the underlined card). Colour 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 J 10 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 count/unblock [against NT], count [against suit contract]
Ten not treated as an honour. Strong ten leads from A J 10 and K J 10.

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 Revolving [low cards not necessarily significant]
Other carding agreements, including secondary methods (state when applicable) and exceptions to above
McKenney where appropriate.

SUPPLEMENTARY DETAILS [2]

2.1 2 followed by 3-either-minor shows a weak hand with a 4-card major and a 6-card minor, and is 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-level cue bid is 2NT without stop.
2.3 Bid shows suit bid plus next higher suit, min 4-4. Pass forces redouble, which is either passed, or 2-suit shows that suit plus higher, non-touching suit.
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  explicit or inferred suit. 2-level cue bid is 2NT without stop.
 2.5 Ogust 2NT over 2/2♠  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 3 asks for 5-card major [3NT rebid shows 5 hearts]. 3 rebid promises at least one 4-card major. If responder also has a 4-card major, he/she bids the other, or 4/ with both. 3 denies both 4- and 5-card major, 3NT shows five hearts.
 
Gordon Rainsford 105719 Nigel Lancaster  74784
GENERALISED DESCRIPTION OF BIDDING METHODS
Weak 2//. 5-card suit.
1NT OPENING AND RESPONSES
Strength:  12-14

 Tick if artificial and provide details below:

¨

Shape constraints:  May have any 5-card suit

May have singleton club:

a

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 is game-forcing splinter. 4-any-suit is RKCB in that suit
Action after opponents double:  Helvic: pass forces redouble [see 2.3].
Action after other interference:  Penalty double; Lebensohl [see 2.4]

TWO-LEVEL OPENINGS AND RESPONSES

  Meaning Responses  
2 8+ playing tricks any suit or 23+ balanced 2 relay  
2 Weak, 5-9 NV, 6-10 Vul. Usually 6-card suit. Wider-ranging in 3rd position. 10-14 in 4th position. 2NT = Ogust enquiry

Suit responses are 1-round forcing

2.5

 

2
2
2NT 20-22, may contain any 5-card suit 3=5-card puppet Stayman
3
/ are transfers; 3=minors

4x is RKCB in bid suit
2.6

OTHER ASPECTS OF SYSTEM WHICH OPPONENTS SHOULD NOTE

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

14 Jun 2014