SAYC

Expanded System Summary

Giorgio Casinovi
 Opening Bids
SAYC OPENING BIDS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 High-Card Points
• High-card points (HCP) provide an initial
evaluation of the strength of a hand
– Ace: 4 HCP
– King: 3 HCP
– Queen: 2 HCP
– Jack: 1 HCP
• In SAYC, a one-level opening bid normally
requires 12+ HCP

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Opening Bids of 1 in a Suit
• With 12+ HCP and a hand that cannot be
opened 1NT/2NT:
– Open 1 in the longest suit
– With two (or three) suits of equal length, open
1 in the highest-ranking suit
– However, 1/ openings require 5+ cards in the
suit (no exceptions!)
– As a consequence, certain hands without a 5-card
major suit must be opened 1 /

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 Opening Bids of 1 in a Suit
• With 12+ HCP, no 5-card major suit and a hand
that cannot be opened 1NT/2NT:
– Open 1 in the longer minor suit ( or )
– With both minor suits of equal length, open 1 in
the higher-ranking minor ()
• Exception: With exactly 3 cards in both  and ,
open 1
– Never open in a suit shorter than 3 cards!

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 Notrump Opening Bids
• Open 1NT with a hand that satisfies both
following conditions
▪ 15–17 HCP
▪ Hand distribution is 4333, 4432 or 5332 with a
5‐card minor suit ( or )
• Open 2NT with 20–21 HCP and the same hand
distributions
• Do not open 1NT/2NT if holding a 5‐card (or
longer) major suit ( or )

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 Opening Bids
Hands Opening bid
 AKJ75  A964  J6  82 1
 K96  KJ102 6  AQJ97 1
 AQ95  J9  Q65  QJ97 1
 AQ95  A9  Q65  QJ97 1NT
 AK1076  86  AKQ52 3 1
 AK65  7  Q982  KJ65 1
 AKQJ  –  K9742  Q532 1
 KJ7  A9  J65  AQJ82 1NT
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 Opening Bids
RULE OF 21/22

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 Quick Tricks
• Quick Tricks (QT) are an estimate of how many
tricks you can expect to win in a suit the first
two rounds in which that suit is played

QT Count
AK: 2 A: 1
AQ: 1½ Kx: ½
KQ: 1

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 Rule of 21
• Add the high-card points, the total length of
the two longest suits and the number of quick
tricks to obtain the HLQT count:
HLQT = HCP + Length + QT
• In first or second seat, open 1 in the
appropriate suit if
HLQT ≥ (A number between 21 and 22)

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 Rules for Opening 1 in a Suit
• Open all hands with 13+ HCP
• Open all hands with 12 HCP except those
listed below
• Use the rule of 21 to decide whether to open
hands with < 12 HCP or hands with 12 HCP
and the following distributions:
– 4333
– 4432 or 5332 without a 4-card (or 5-card) major

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 DUPLICATE BRIDGE SCORING

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 Duplicate Bridge Scoring
• The declaring pair (i.e. the pair that won the
auction) gets a positive score if they make
their contract (i.e. if they take at least the
number of tricks they contracted for), a
negative score otherwise
• The other pair (the defending side) gets the
opposite of the declaring pair’s score (zero-
sum scoring)

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 Duplicate Bridge Scoring
• If the declaring pair makes their contract, they
get a positive score given by the sum of
– The value of the contract
– The value of overtricks, if any
– Bonus points

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 Duplicate Bridge Scoring
• The value of the contract is computed on the
basis of the number of tricks stated in the
contract (which may be less than the number
of tricks actually taken)
– No trump contracts: 40 pts for the first trick, 30
pts for each trick after that
– Major suit (/) contracts: 30 pts per trick
– Minor suit (/) contracts: 20 pts per trick
• The value of a doubled contract is … doubled!

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 Duplicate Bridge Scoring
• If the contract has not been doubled,
overtricks are valued in the same way as in the
computation of the contract value (30 pts for
notrump or major suit contracts, 20 pts for
minor suit contracts)
• Bonus points
– Partial contract bonus
– Game bonus
– Slam bonus

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 Duplicate Bridge Scoring
• Partial contract (part score) bonus (50 pts)
– Awarded to contracts worth less than 100 pts
• Game bonus (500/300 pts)
– Awarded to contracts worth 100 pts or more
• Slam bonus (1,500/1,000/750/500 pts)
– Awarded to contracts at the 6 (“small slam”) or 7
(“grand slam”) level, in addition to the game
bonus.

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 Duplicate Bridge Scoring
• Minimum-level game contracts
– 3 NT (40 + 30 + 30 = 100 pts)
– 4/4 (4x30 = 120 pts)
– 5/5 (5x20 = 100 pts)
• For this reason, major suit or notrump
contracts are preferable to minor suit
contracts

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 Duplicate Bridge Scoring
• If the contract is set (i.e. not enough tricks are
taken), the declaring pair gets a negative
score. If the contract has not been doubled:
– If the declaring side is not vulnerable, 50 pts for
each undertrick
– If the declaring side is vulnerable, 100 pts for each
undertrick

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 Duplicate Bridge Scoring
• If a doubled contract is set:
– If the declaring side is not vulnerable
• (100/300/500) pts for each (1/2/3) undertricks
• 300 more pts for each additional undertrick
– If the declaring side is vulnerable, 200 pts for the
first undertrick, plus 300 pts for each additional
undertrick

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 Scoring Examples
• Contract: 2, total tricks taken: 9
– Contract value: 60
– Overtricks: 30
– Bonus: 50
– Total score: 140 pts
• Contract: 3, total tricks taken: 9
– Contract value: 90
– Overtricks: 0
– Bonus: 50
– Total score: 140 pts
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 Scoring Examples
• Contract: 3, total tricks taken: 10
– Contract value: 90
– Overtricks: 30
– Bonus: 50
– Total score: 170 pts
• Contract: 4, total tricks taken: 10
– Contract value: 120
– Overtricks: 0
– Bonus: 300/500
– Total score: 420/620 pts
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 Scoring Examples
• Contract: 2, total tricks taken: 8
– Contract value: 60
– Overtricks: 0
– Bonus: 50
– Total score: 110 pts
• Contract: 2 doubled, total tricks taken: 8
– Contract value: 120
– Overtricks: 0
– Bonus: 300/500 + 50
– Total score: 470/670 pts
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 Match Points
• Each board is played at multiple tables
• At the end of the game, a pair gets a number
of points for each board equal to the number
of pairs that they beat on that particular
board (match points)
• The final ranking is determined by the total
number of match points won by each pair

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 GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR
CONTRACTS

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 Contract Guidelines
• A combined holding of 8+ cards in the
prospective trump suit for suit contracts
• A minimum combined holding of
– 25 HCP (High Card Points) for 3NT contracts
– 26 pts for 4/4 contracts
– 28 pts for 5/5 contracts
– 33 pts for all contracts at the 6 level (small slam)
– 37 pts for all contracts at the 7 level (grand slam)

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 Key Points
• In general, potential contracts should be explored
in this order of preference
– Major suit contracts (/)
– No trump contracts
– Minor suit contracts (/)
• Suit contracts require a minimum combined
holding of 8 cards in the trump suit
• Minimum combined strength for game contracts
– 25 HCP for 3NT
– 26 pts for 4/4
– 28 pts for 5/5
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 DEFENSIVE BIDDING

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 Defensive Bidding
• Simple (non-jump) suit overcalls
• Jump suit overcalls
• Take-out doubles
• Power doubles
• Simple NT overcalls
• “Unusual” NT overcalls
• Michaels cue-bids

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 Simple Suit Overcalls
• After an opening bid in a suit by an opponent
• General requirements:
– At least 8 HCP (but no more than 16)
– A minimum of 5 cards in the suit chosen for the
overcall (no exceptions!)
– A “good hand” and/or a “good suit”, depending on the
level of the overcall
• “Good hand”: Opening-level strength (12+ HCP)
• “Good suit”: Two of the top three honors, or
three of the top five
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 Simple Suit Overcalls
One-level overcalls

• A “good hand” or a “good suit” is required

• Examples:
a)  AQJ10 7  J986  74  95
b)  KQ983  86  KQ4  985
c)  J10 632  AK6  KQ4  63
• All the hands above are suitable for a 1
overcall
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 Simple Suit Overcalls
Two-level overcalls
• Both a “good hand” and a “good suit” are
required
• Examples:
a)  83  AJ6  A74  KQ10 98
b)  Q983  8  74  AKJ987
c)  KQ3  A5  A63  J8643
• (a) and (b) are suitable for a 2 overcall, but (c) is
not

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 Takeout Doubles
• Made after an opening bid in a suit by an
opponent
• Requirements:
– Shortness (no more than two cards) in opponents’
suit
– At least three cards in each of the unbid suits
(ideally, four cards in any unbid major suit)
– Opening-level strength (12+ pts)

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 Takeout Doubles
• Examples:
a)  QJ83  KJ64  5  K972
b)  AQ83  K1064  52  A97
c)  A73  KJ64  52  A972
• All the hands above are suitable for a takeout
double after a 1 opening bid (but not after
opening bids of 1//)

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 1NT Overcalls
• Made after an opening bid of 1 in a suit by an
opponent
• Requirements:
– 15–18 HCP
– A balanced distribution (distribution requirements
are looser than in the case of 1NT openings)
– A stopper in opener’s suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 1NT Overcalls
• Note: With a 5-card major suit (or longer), it is
generally preferable to overcall in the major
suit, even if the hand qualifies for a 1NT
overcall

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Preemptive Opening Bids
WEAK TWO-LEVEL OPENING BIDS

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 Weak Two-Bids
• Weak two-level opening bids are 2// (but
not 2)
• Requirements:
– 5–10 HCP
– A 6-card suit (occasionally a 7-card suit, never a
5‐card suit) of reasonable quality:
• If vulnerable, a “good suit” (two of the top three or
three of the five honors)
• If not vulnerable, a somewhat weaker suit is acceptable
(e.g. KJ8742)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Weak Two-Bids
• Examples:
a)  83  KQJ964  76  10 97
b)  97  AQ10 643  Q10 2  42
c)  Q53  KJ8764 5  852
d)  KJ2  J97642  K85 6
• (a) and (b) can be opened 2, vulnerable or
not. (c) can be opened 2 if not vulnerable. (d)
should not be opened 2 at any vulnerability.
• Note: Do not open with a weak two-bid if you
are strong enough to open at the 1 level
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 DEFENSIVE BIDDING

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defensive Bidding
• Simple (non-jump) suit overcalls
• Jump suit overcalls
• Take-out doubles
• Power doubles
• Simple NT overcalls
• “Unusual” NT overcalls
• Michaels cue-bids

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Two-level Jump Overcalls
• Roughly equivalent to a weak two-level opening
bid, with some qualifications about the strength
of the hand (see the following slides)
• Requirements:
– 5–10 HCP
– A 6-card suit (occasionally a 7-card suit, never a 5‐card
suit) of reasonable quality:
• If vulnerable, a “good suit” (two of the top three or three of
the top five honors)
• If not vulnerable, a somewhat weaker suit may be
acceptable (e.g. KJ8742)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Two-level Jump Overcalls
• If a hand qualifies both for a simple one-level
overcall and a jump two-level overcall, the
one-level overcall should generally be
preferred unless at least two of the following
conditions are satisfied:
– Partner is a passed hand
– The hand contains no more than 9 HCP
– The majority of HCP are in the long suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Two-level Jump Overcalls
• In practice, with 10+ HCP a two-level jump
overcall should be considered only in very
particular situations, e.g.
 97  AKQJ86  752  42
when partner is a passed hand
• On average, a two-level jump overcall will be
near the lower end of the requirements for a
corresponding weak two‐level opening bid

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 RESPONSES TO OPENINGS OF 1 IN A
SUIT

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to Openings of 1 in a Suit
SUPPORT (“DUMMY”) POINTS

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 Support Points
• In some cases, the strength of a hand can (and
should!) be upgraded by adding support
points (“dummy points”) to HCPs
• This is based on the fact that in a trump suit
contract, trump cards in the hand that is
shorter in the trump suit (typically dummy)
can be profitably used to ruff losers belonging
to the hand with the longer trump suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Support Points
• Support points should be added to HCPs
under (and only under) the following
conditions
– A fit (combined holding of 8+ cards) in partner’s
suit has been found
– The final contract is expected to be in that suit
– The number of trump cards held in the shorter
hand is sufficient for ruffing (usually a minimum of
three trumps is required)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Support Points
• Support points should not be counted when
evaluating hand strength for the opening bid
• However, support points should be included in
hand strength evaluation for the purposes of
making a take-out double

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Support Points
• With 3-card trump support when partner has 5+
trumps, or with 4-card support when partner has
4 trumps:
– Add 1 point for a doubleton
– Add 2 points for a singleton
– Add 3 points for a void
• With 4-card trump support (or longer) when
partner has 5+ trumps:
– Add 1 point for a doubleton
– Add 3 points for a singleton
– Add 5 points for a void

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 THE FIVE COMMANDMENTS OF
OPENING LEADS

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 The First Commandment
Thou shalt mentally review the
bidding before choosing thy
opening lead

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 The Second Commandment
Thou shalt lead the suit bid by
thy partner

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 The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not lead the suits
bid by thy opponents

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 The Fourth Commandment
Thou shalt not underlead thy
aces against a suit contract

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 The Fifth Commandment
Thou shalt obey thy own
conventions for the choice
of the card to lead

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 Responses to Openings of 1 in a Suit
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

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 Key Points
• In general, potential contracts should be explored
in this order of preference
– Major suit contracts (/)
– No trump contracts
– Minor suit contracts (/)
• Suit contracts require a minimum combined
holding of 8 cards in the trump suit
• Minimum combined strength for game contracts
– 25 HCP for 3NT
– 26 pts for 4/4
– 28 pts for 5/5
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 Responder Strength Classification
• Hand strength classification when responding
to openings of 1 in a suit
Responder’s strength

6–9 pts
Minimum

Intermediate / 10 pts
Limit / 11–12
Invitational pts

13+ pts Game forcing

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 General Rules for Responses to
Openings of 1 in a Suit
• With fewer than 6 pts, responder should
generally pass
• 1/1 responses generally promise a
minimum of only 4 cards in the suit (not 5!)
• With very limited exceptions, a non-jump bid
by an unpassed responder in a new suit is
forcing for 1 round. This means that opener
should not pass at his next turn to bid, unless
opener’s RHO intervenes in the auction

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 Responses to Openings of 1 in a Suit
RESPONSES TO 1/1 OPENINGS

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 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• General rules for responses with minimum hands
(6–9/10 pts)
– Responder should not bid above the 1NT level, except
in direct support of opener’s suit
• Exception: To introduce a new suit at the two level after
responder’s RHO intervenes in the auction with a TO double
– Responses should be chosen in this order of priority:
• Support opener’s suit (with 3+ card fit)
• Show 4+ cards in the other major suit
• Bid 1NT

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 Responses to 1/1 Openings

Responses with minimum hands (6–9/10 pts)

Responder’s RHO’s bid
holding in Pass Take-out double Suit overcall
opener’s suit
• Single raise (2/) • Single (2/) or double (3/) raise[4]
3+ cards
• 4/[1] • 4/[1]
• 1 (over 1) [F][5] • Double (neg.) [F][9]
• 1 (over 1) [F][2] • 2 in a new suit[6] • 1NT[7]
< 3 cards
• 1NT[3] • 1NT[7] • Pass[8]
• Pass[8]

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 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• Explanatory notes on responses with 6–9/10 pts
1. In any type of auction, a direct jump to game (4/) is
essentially preemptive. It should be made with a
relatively weak hand (max ~7 HCP) that has very good
distributional values in support of opener’s suit (5+ card
support and at least a singleton or a void in a side suit),
e.g. (after 1)
 6  K9832  A8764  93
2. 1 (over 1) shows 6+ pts and 4+ 

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 Responses to 1/1 Openings
3. In an uncontested auction, a 1NT response shows 6–9/10
pts. It specifically denies a fit (3+ cards) in opener’s
major suit. If made over a 1 opening bid, it also denies
holding 4+ 
4. In a competitive auction, a double raise shows a weak
hand (3–6 HCP) with 4+ card support for opener’s suit
and distributional values (at least a singleton or a void in
a side suit), e.g. (after 1)
 5  K932  8764  10973
5. After a TO double, 1 (over 1) shows 6+ pts and 4+ ,
but is forcing only if responder is an unpassed hand

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 Responses to 1/1 Openings
6. After a TO double by RHO, a non-jump bid of a new suit at the
two level is not forcing. It shows a weak hand (< 10 pts) and a
reasonably good suit with 6+ cards (or even just 5 cards in
exceptional cases) and usually a singleton or a void in opener’s
suit.
7. After interference by RHO, a 1NT response shows 8–10 HCP. In
the case of a suit overcall, it should also show a (possibly
weak) stopper in RHO’s suit.
8. If responder’s RHO interferes (whether with a TO double or an
overcall), responder should tend to pass with 6–7 pts, no
support for opener’s suit and fewer than 4 cards in the other
major suit.
9. A negative double shows 8+ points and 4+ cards in the unbid
major. After 1-(1), it can be made with 6+ pts; in this case it
shows 4+ cards in both minors.

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 Responses to 1/1 Openings
Examples of “weak freaks”
a) 6  J9863  Q10973  86
b) 9  Q9842  K1085  1032
c) 2  K9865  A8764  95
d) 4  KJ832  A87654  9

(d) is too strong to be considered a “weak freak”

(use a splinter raise instead of 4)

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 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• With 10–15 pts, responses should be chosen
in this order of priority:
– Support opener’s suit (with 3+ card fit), except in
an uncontested auction and with exactly 3-card
support. In this case, responder should delay
support and first bid another 4+ card suit at the 1-
or 2-level, if possible.
– Show 4+ cards in the other major suit
– Show 4+ cards in a minor suit
– Bid 3NT (with 15–17 HCP)

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 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• In an uncontested auction, a non-jump 2-level
response to a 1/ opening is forcing to 2 of
opener’s suit

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 Responses to 1/1 Openings

Responses with limit/game-forcing hands (10+ pts)

Responder’s
holding in (RHO passes)
opener’s suit
4+ cards • 2NT [GF][1]
(13+ pts) • Splinter raise [GF][2]
4+ cards
Double raise (3/)[3]
(10–12 pts)
• 1 (over 1) [F]
≤ 3 cards • 2 (over 1), with 5+ cards [F][4]
(10+ pts) • 2/ [F][5]
• 3NT (15–17 HCP)[6]

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 Responses to 1/1 Openings

Responses with limit/game-forcing hands (10+ pts)

Responder’s RHO’s bid
holding in
opener’s suit Take-out double Suit overcall

4+ cards 2NT [F][7]

Cue-bid [F][11]
3 cards Redouble[10]

• 1 (over 1) [F][8] • 2/ (free bid) [F][12]

• 3NT (13–15 HCP)[9] • Double (neg.) [F][13]
< 3 cards
• Redouble[10] • 2NT/3NT[14]
• 2/ (free bid) [F][15]

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 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• Explanatory notes on responses with 10+ pts
1. In an uncontested auction, a 2NT response is
conventional and forcing to game (Jacoby 2NT). It shows
13+ pts and 4+ card support for opener’s suit. Opener’s
rebids are conventional:
a) Opener’s first priority is to show a good 5-card or longer side suit
by bidding it at the 4-level.
b) Opener’s second priority is to show a singleton or void in a side
suit by bidding it at the 3-level.
c) If neither of the above applies, opener shows the strength of
his/her hand by bidding
• 4 in the opening suit (4/4) with a minimum opening hand (12–14
HCP).
• 3NT with an intermediate hand (15–17 HCP).
• 3 in the opening suit (3/3) with 18+ HCP. Note that this rebid is
virtually forcing to slam.

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 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• Explanatory notes on responses with 10+ pts
2. A splinter raise is a jump bid in a new suit at a level
higher than a double raise of opener’s suit. It shows 13+
pts, 4+ card support for opener’s suit and a singleton or
void in the suit bid.
After a 1opening bid, the splinter raises are 3, 4 and 4. After a
1 opening bid, the splinter raises are 4, 4 and 4.
3. In an uncontested auction, an immediate limit raise
(3/) should be made preferably when
a) Responder has 4+ card support for opener’s suit, or
b) Responder has good 3-card support for opener’s suit with
additional distributional values (a singleton or void in a side
suit).

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
4. 2 (over 1) shows 10+ pts and 5+ 
5. 2/ shows 10+ pts and 4+ /
6. In an uncontested auction, a 3NT response shows
15–17 HCP and a balanced hand with exactly 2-card
support for opener’s major suit. It specifically denies
4+ cards in the other major.
7. After a take-out double by RHO, a 2NT response
indicates a limit raise (or better) with 4+ card
support in opener’s suit, and is forcing for 1 round
(Jordan 2NT). With 13+ pts, at the next round
responder will bid game (4/) or make a slam try,
if appropriate.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
8. After a TO double, 1 (over 1) shows 6+ pts and
4+ , but is forcing only if responder is an unpassed
hand. With 10+ pts, this bid should be preferred to a
redouble when the goal is to show quickly a good
suit (typically 5+ cards).
9. After a TO double, a 3NT response is natural and
shows 13–15 pts. It implicitly denies both support for
opener’s suit and 4+ cards in the other major.
10. After a TO double, a redouble shows 10+ pts. It
should be made with exactly 3 card support in
opener’s suit, or when more descriptive bids are not
available.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
11. After a suit overcall by RHO, a cue-bid of RHO’s
suit indicates a limit raise (or better) with 3+ card
support in opener’s suit, and is forcing for 1
round. With 13+ pts, responder will bid game
(4/) at the next round.
12. After a suit overcall by RHO, a free bid is a non-
jump bid of a new suit at the two level. When
made in a major suit, it shows 10+ pts and 5+
cards in the suit bid. It should be preferred to a
negative double when holding 5+ cards in an
unbid major.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
13. With 10+ pts, a negative double should be used only
when holding exactly 4 cards in the unbid major.
With 5+ cards, an explicit bid in that suit should be
preferred to a negative double
14. After a suit overcall by RHO, a 2NT (resp. 3NT)
response is natural. It shows 11–12 pts (resp. 13–15
pts) and guarantees 1-2 stoppers in RHO’s suit. It
implicitly denies both support for opener’s suit and
4+ cards in an unbid major.
15. A free bid in a minor suit shows 10+ pts and 5+ cards
in the suit bid.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to Openings of 1 in a Suit
RESPONSES TO 1/1 OPENINGS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• General rules
– With less than 6 pts, responder should pass
– With 6+ pts, responses should generally be chosen
in this order of priority:
• With 4+ /, start describing your hand by bidding a
new suit. See the following slides for the rules to follow
in selecting the suit to bid.
• Bid 1NT/2NT/3NT with a hand suitable for notrump play
• Support opener’s suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• General rules (contd.)
– Responses at the 1 level (1//) generally show
4+ cards in the suit
– A notrump response at any level denies holding a
4+ card major suit
– In a non-competitive auction, a direct raise of
opener’s minor suit tends to show a hand not
well-suited for notrump play

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• Selecting a new suit to bid
– Without a 5-card (or longer) suit, bid the first
4-card suit “up the line” (lowest-ranking suit first)
– With one 5-card (or longer) suit, bid that suit,
unless restrictions dictated by the strength of the
hand prevent it
– With two 5-card suits, bid them “down the line”
(higher-ranking suit first)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• With 6–9/10 pts, responder should not bid above
1NT except in direct support of opener’s suit
Responses with 6–9/10 pts
RHO’s bid
Pass Take-out double Suit overcall
• 1// [F][1] • 1// [F][4] • 1/ [F][10]
• 1NT[2] • 1NT[5] • Double (neg.)[11] [F]
• Single raise (2/)[3] • Single (2/) or double • 1NT[5]
(3/) raise[6] • Single (2/) or double
• 2 (over 1)[7] (3/) raise[6]
• 2 (over 1), 2/[8] • 2/ (jump shift)[8]
• Pass[9] • Pass[9]

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• Explanatory notes on responses with 6–9/10 pts
1. 1// shows 6+ pts and 4+ //
2. In an uncontested auction, a 1NT response shows 6–10
pts. It specifically denies holding 4+ /. It tends to
show a hand suitable for notrump play
3. An immediate raise of opener’s minor suit specifically
denies holding 4+ /. It tends to show a hand not well
suited for notrump play. It should be made with 6–10 pts
and 5+  or 4+ .
4. After a TO double, 1// has the same meaning as in
an uncontested auction, but is forcing only if responder is
an unpassed hand

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
5. After interference by RHO, a 1NT response shows 8–9/10 pts.
In the case of a suit overcall, it should also show a (possibly
weak) stopper in RHO’s suit
6. In a competitive auction, a double raise shows a relatively
weak hand (4–7 HCP) that is ill-suited for notrump play, with
5+ card support for opener’s suit and distributional values (at
least a singleton or a void in a side suit)
7. After a TO double by RHO, a non-jump bid of a new suit at the
two level is not forcing. It shows a weak hand (< 10 pts) and a
reasonably good suit with 6+ cards (or even just 5 cards in
exceptional cases) and usually a singleton or a void in opener’s
suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
8. After a TO double by RHO, a jump response in a new suit
(jump shift) has the same meaning as a weak jump overcall at
the same level. In particular, a jump bid in a new suit at the
two level is equivalent to a weak two-level overcall.
9. If responder’s RHO interferes (whether with a TO double or an
overcall), responder should tend to pass with 6–7 pts, fewer
than 4 cards in either major suit and no support for opener’s
suit
10. After a suit overcall by RHO, 1/ generally has the same
meaning as in an uncontested auction. However, the
particular sequence 1/-(1)-1 shows 5+  (a negative
double is used to show 4)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
11. A negative double shows 6+ pts and 4+ cards in the
unbid major suit(s) (8+ pts if the overcall is made at the
two level in a minor suit). The sequence 1-(1)-Dbl
shows both 4+ and 4+.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
Examples
• Opening bid: 1
 KJ963  QJ62  65  Q7 1
 K753  A964  865  82 1
 AQ95  97642  Q65 7 1
 A965  97  82  KJ963 1
 K53  A8  Q984  10754 1NT
 J86 7  K762  QJ963 2

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
Examples
• Opening bid: 1
 1053  J964  AK65  82 1
 A965  97  82  KJ963 1
 K53  A8  J10984  1087 1NT
 53  J8  QJ984  K1087 2

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings

Responses with 10–15 pts

Responder’s RHO’s bid
strength Pass Take-out double Suit overcall
• 1// [F][1]
• 2 (over 1) [F][2] • 1/ [F][9]
10–12 pts • 1// [F][5] • Double (neg.)[10][F]
• 2NT (11–12 HCP )[3]
• Double raise (3/)[4] • 2NT [F] • 2/ (free bid) [F][11]
[6]

• 3NT (13+ HCP )[7] • 2NT/3NT[12]

• 1// [F][1] • Redouble[8] • 2/ (free bid) [F][11]
13–15+ pts • 2 (over 1) [F][2] • Cue-bid [F][13]
• 3NT[3]

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• Explanatory notes on responses with 10–15 pts
1. 1// shows 6+ pts and 4+ //
2. In an uncontested auction, 2 (over 1) shows 10+ pts
and 4+ . However, with exactly 10 pts and 4 
responder should bid 1NT (or possibly 2/3) [*].
3. A 2NT (resp. 3NT) response shows 11–12 (resp. 13–15)
HCP and a hand suitable for notrump play. It implicitly
denies 4+ cards in either major suit
4. An immediate double raise of opener’s minor suit
(3/) specifically denies holding 4+ /. It tends to
show a hand not well suited for notrump play. It should
be made with 10–12 pts and 5+ /.
[*]This
is to avoid ending in a 2NT contract after 1- 2-2NT when opener holds
1/26/2022 minimum values. © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
5. After a TO double, 1// has the same meaning as in an
uncontested auction, but is forcing only if responder is an
unpassed hand
6. After a TO double, a 2NT response indicates a limit raise (or
better) with 5+ card support in opener’s suit, and is forcing for
one round (Jordan 2NT)
7. After a TO double, a 3NT response is natural and shows 13–15
pts. It implicitly denies 4+ cards in either major suit
8. After a TO double, a redouble shows 10+ pts but does not
necessarily deny support for opener’s minor suit[*]. This bid
should be made when more descriptive bids are not available

[*]A redouble generally denies support for opener’s major suit.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
9. After a suit overcall by RHO, 1/ generally has the
same meaning as in an uncontested auction. However,
the particular sequence 1/-(1)-1 shows 5+  (a
negative double is used to show 4)
10. With 10+ pts, a negative double should be used only
when holding exactly 4 cards in the unbid major. With 5+
cards, a (non-jump) bid in that suit at the two level
should be preferred to a negative double. Furthermore,
after 1-(1), responder should explicitly bid a 5-card
major suit at the one level (instead of using a negative
double) when holding 9+ cards in the majors and
opening strength.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
11. After a suit overcall by RHO, a free bid is a non-jump bid of a
new suit at the two level. When made in a major (resp. minor)
suit, it shows 10+ pts and 5+ cards (resp. 4+ cards) in the suit
bid. It should be preferred to a negative double when holding
5+ cards in an unbid major.
12. After a suit overcall by RHO, a 2NT (resp. 3NT) response is
natural. It shows 11–12 pts (resp. 13–15 pts) and guarantees 1-
2 stoppers in RHO’s suit. It implicitly denies 4+ cards in any
unbid major suit.
13. After a suit overcall by RHO, a cue-bid of RHO’s suit indicates a
limit raise (or better) with 5+ card support in opener’s minor
suit, and is forcing for 1 round. It implicitly denies 4+ cards in
any unbid major suit.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
WALSH RESPONSES TO 1
OPENINGS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• Standard rules
– If the hand contains at least one suit of 5 cards or
longer:
• Bid the longest suit first
• With two suits of equal length, bid the higher ranking
suit first
– With no 5-cards suits, bid your 4-card suits “up
the line” (lowest ranking suit first)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Walsh Responses to 1 Openings
• Walsh responses apply to hands in which
– One major suit is exactly 4 cards long
– The other major suit is no more than 4 cards long
• With such hands
– Always skip a 4-card  suit in favor of the major
suit(s), regardless of strength
– Skip also a 5 or 6-card  suit, unless holding
game-forcing values (13+ HCP)
– Never skip a 7-card  suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Walsh Responses to 1 Openings
• Under Walsh rules, a 1 response indicates
(with very rare exceptions) one of only two
possibilities
– Responder has no 4-card major suit
– Responder has one (rarely two) 4-card major
suit(s) with game-forcing values. In such case
responder will show the major suit at his next bid

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Walsh Responses to 1 Openings
• Opener’s rebids after a 1 response
– With a balanced hand (4333, 4432 or 5332)
opener should rebid 1NT (or 2NT), skipping over
any 4-card major suits
• Exception: It is advisable for opener to bid a 4-card
major instead of 1NT with a bad doubleton (Jx or
worse) in the other major
– With a 5-card  suit and 4/, opener should rebid in
his major suit(s) “up the line”
– With a 6-card  suit, opener should generally rebid
2, regardless of any holdings in the majors suits

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Walsh Responses to 1 Openings
Responder’s 2nd bid with 4/ and 4
• Responder’s 1st bid was 1/
• If no major suit fit has been found and a rebid
is necessary, responder should generally rebid
in notrump at the appropriate level (1/2/3NT)
• In some cases, if opener has shown 5+ 
responder may choose to rebid in  instead of
notrump (e.g. 1 – 1 – 1 – 2)
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Walsh Responses to 1 Openings
Responder’s 2nd bid with 4/ and 5
• With game-forcing values (13+ HCP),
responder should bid his major suit
(responder’s 1st bid was 1)
• With less than game-forcing values, responder
should generally follow the same guidelines as
when holding 4 (i.e. ignore the  suit and
rebid in notrump or )

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Walsh Responses to 1 Openings
Responder’s 2nd bid with 4/ and 6
• With game-forcing values (13+ HCP), responder
should bid his major suit (responder’s 1st bid was 1)
• With invitational values (10–12 HCP), responder
should generally rebid 2NT (responder’s 1st bid was
1/)
• With minimum values (6–9 HCP), responder should
bid 3 (sign-off). Note: 2 (after opener’s 1NT
rebid) would be NMF.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1 Openings
with 4/ and 5+ 
• With game-forcing values (13+ HCP), responder
should bid 2 first, then bid / on the 2nd
round (responder’s reverse)
• With invitational values (10–12 HCP), responder
should bid 1/ first, then generally rebid 2NT
on the 2nd round (if no major suit fit is found)
• With minimum values (6–9 HCP), responder
should bid 1/ first, then bid 3 (sign-off).
Note: 2 (after opener’s 1NT rebid) would be
NMF.
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Walsh Responses to 1 Openings
Responding without a 4-card major
• Response should be in notrump or ,
depending on the hand. General guidelines:
– Reserve the 1NT response for hands with 8–10
HCP. This means you may have to respond 1
with 6–7 HCP and only 3 . Examples:
A53  J64  A85  9752 (bid 1NT)
 653  864  AQ5  9752 (bid 1)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Walsh Responses to 1 Openings
Responding without a 4-card major
• General guidelines (cont.)
– In all other cases, give priority to notrump
responses over  responses, unless the hand is
ill-suited for notrump play. Examples:
 Q103  KJ6  J6543  Q9 (bid 1NT)
 A103  K6  K843  J972 (bid 2NT)
 KJ6  10  A6543  QJ85 (bid 1)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 1/ - 1 Sequences
• By partnership agreement, Walsh-style rules may
also be followed after a 1/ opening bid and a
1 response (opener skips over a 4-card  suit
and bids 1NT with a balanced hand). However,
this has some (minor) drawbacks.
• To avoid misunderstandings, partnerships should
have very clear agreements about whether
Walsh-style rules apply or not to 1/ - 1
sequences.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
NEW MINOR FORCING

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 New Minor Forcing
• An artificial (and alertable) bid by responder after
the sequence 1/ – 1/ – 1NT/2NT in an
uncontested auction
• Normally used to find a major suit fit, but can
also be used (less frequently) to create a forcing
auction in other cases
• After a 1NT rebid by opener, responder must
have at least invitational strength (11+ HCP)
• After a 2NT rebid by opener, NMF is necessarily
forcing to game
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 New Minor Forcing
After 1NT Rebid by Opener
• Opener’s third bid (in order of priority)
– 2 in the unbid major
• Shows 4 cards in the suit, does not deny 3 cards in
responder’s major (Note: this bid is independent of
opener’s strength)
– 2 (12–13 HCP) or 3 (14+ HCP) in responder’s major
• Shows 3-card support in the suit, denies 4 cards in the
other major
– 2NT (12–13 HCP) or 3NT (14+ HCP)
• Denies both 3 cards in responder’s major and 4 cards in
the other major

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 New Minor Forcing
After 1NT Rebid by Opener
• Responder’s third bid
– All 3-level (and higher) rebids are game-forcing,
except for simple raises of opener’s 2-level major suit
bids (which show invitational strength)
▪ 1 – 1 – 1NT – 2 – 2 – 3 (5 , inv.)
– In particular, a rebid by responder of his previously bid
major (that is not a raise) shows 6+ cards in the suit
and game-forcing values
▪ 1 – 1 – 1NT – 2 – 2 – 3 (6+ , GF)
▪ 1 – 1 – 1NT – 2 – 2NT – 3 (6+ , GF)
– Similarly:
▪ 1 – 1 – 1NT – 2 – 2NT – 3 (5 , 5 , GF)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 New Minor Forcing
After 1NT Rebid by Opener
• Responder’s third bid (cont.)
– If opener has shown 4 cards in the unbid major, a
notrump rebid by responder implicitly shows 5
cards in the first-bid major (and denies 4 cards in
opener’s major)
• 1 – 1 – 1NT – 2 – 2 – 2NT (5 , inv.)
Opener can correct to 3 (4) with 3  and a min
(max) opening, or to 3NT with a max opening and < 3 
• 1 – 1 – 1NT – 2 – 2 – 3NT (5 , GF)
Opener can correct to 4 with 3 

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 New Minor Forcing
After 1NT Rebid by Opener
• Responder’s third bid (cont.)
– If Walsh-style rebids by opener are used after
1/ – 1, NMF can be used to try to locate a
4-4 fit in . In this case, after opener has shown
3-card support for responder’s major (), a
notrump rebid by responder implicitly shows a 4-4
holding in the majors
▪ 1 – 1 – 1NT – 2 – 2 – 2NT (4 , 4 , inv)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 New Minor Forcing
After 1NT Rebid by Opener
• Related sequences
▪ 1 – 1/ – 1NT – 3 (4/, 6+ , 6–9 HCP)
▪ 1 – 1/ – 1NT – 3 (4/, 6+ , 6–9 HCP)
▪ 1/ – 1 – 1NT – 2 (5+ , 4+ , 6–10 HCP)
• “Pass or correct” – Opener should generally pass 2 or
correct to 2. Exceptionally, opener can invite to game
by raising to 3 or 3 with a fit and maximum values
and/or a particularly favorable distribution. With 5-4
distribution in the majors (either way) and 11+ HCP,
responder should bid the 5-card major first and then
use NMF.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 New Minor Forcing
After 1NT Rebid by Opener
• Related sequences (cont.)
▪ 1/ – 1/ – 1NT – 2/
(6+ /, 6–9 HCP)
▪ 1/ – 1/ – 1NT – 3/
(6+ /, 10–12 HCP)
▪ 1/ – 1 – 1NT – 3 (5 , 5 , 10–12 HCP)
▪ 1/ – 1 – 1NT – 2 (5+ , 4+ , 13+ HCP)
• Reverse by responder

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 New Minor Forcing
After 2NT Rebid by Opener
• The overall structure remains essentially the
same, except that a NMF bid necessarily
forces to game.
• Specific differences:
– Opener should not jump to 2NT with a singleton:
it is better to use other bids, (e.g. a reverse) to
show strength. Therefore a jump to 2NT always
guarantees at least 2 cards in responder’s major
suit.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 New Minor Forcing
After 2NT Rebid by Opener
• Specific differences (cont.):
– After 1/ – 1, if opener does not have 4  he
should jump to 2NT even with 4. If responder is
4-4 in the major, he should use NMF (if strong
enough) to check for a possible fit in . This
means that the sequence
1/ – 1 – 2NT – 3/ – 3 – 3NT
shows a 4-4 holding by responder.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 New Minor Forcing
After 2NT Rebid by Opener
• Related sequences
▪ 1/ – 1/ – 2NT – 3/
▪ 6+ /, slam interest. Opener should respond by cue-
bidding aces up the line.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to Openings of 1 in a Suit
1/1 1/1
Resp. RHO’s bid RHO’s bid
holding Pass T.O. dbl Suit overc. Pass T.O. dbl Suit overc.
Responses with 6–9/10 pts
3+ cards 2/ 2/3 / • 1//[F] • 1/[F]
• 1//[F] • 1NT • Dbl.[F]
•1[F] •Dbl.[F] • 1NT • 2/3 / • 1NT
• 1[F]
< 3 cards • 1NT • 1NT • 2/ • 2// • 2 /3 /
• 1NT
• Pass • Pass • Pass • Pass
Responses with 10–15+ pts
3+ cards • 1//[F]
3/ 2NT[F] Cue-bid[F]

10–12 pts
(10–12 pts) • 2[F]
• 2NT (11– • 1/[F]
• 1//[F]
3+ cards • 2NT[GF] • 2NT[F] • Cue-bid[F] 12 HCP) • Dbl.[F]
• 2NT[F]
(13–15 pts) • 4/ • 4/ • 4/ • 3/ • 2/[F]
• 3NT (13+
• 2NT/3NT
• 1/2[F] • 1[F] • 2/[F] HCP)
12–15+ pts

• 1//[F] • 2/[F]
• 2/[F] • 3NT (13–15 • Dbl.[F] • Redbl.
< 3 cards • 2[F] • Cue-bid[F]
• 3NT (15–17 HCP) • 2NT/3NT
• 3NT
HCP) • Redbl. • 2/[F]
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 NEGATIVE DOUBLES

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
• A negative double is a conventional bid made
by responder (opener’s partner) after an
opening bid of 1 in a suit and an overcall in a
different suit by RHO
• Therefore a double by responder is not
negative if:
– The opening bid is not 1 in a suit
– The overcall is in opener’s suit (e.g. Michaels cue-
bid) or in notrump

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
• A double by responder is also not negative if
the overcall is above a predetermined level set
by partnership agreement
• SAYC sets the upper limit for a negative double
at 2, but most players use a higher threshold
(e.g. 3)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
• In general, a negative double shows 4+ cards in
both of the two remaining unbid suits
• In most cases, however, responder may choose to
make a negative double with 4+ cards in only one
of the unbid suits. Nevertheless:
– If only one of the unbid suits is a major, a negative
double always guarantees 4+ cards in that suit
– Responder should have a contingency plan with an
“escape bid” to be used if opener rebids in the
“wrong” suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
• The most common “escape bids” are:
– A bid in opener’s first suit. This bid does not
necessarily indicate support, only suit preference.
– A notrump bid, showing a stopper in overcaller’s
suit. Responder should make sure to have
sufficient strength for such bid
– A 2-level rebid of one of the original unbid suits.
This shows 6+ cards in that suit and a minimum
hand (6–10 HCP)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
• The minimum strength required for a negative
double depends on the level of RHO’s overcall
RHO’s overcall Minimum strength (HCP)
Through 1 6
2/ 8–9
2/ 9–10
3/ 10–11

• A negative double sets no upper bound on the

strength of responder’s hand
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
• Responder should prefer an explicit bid in a
suit to a negative double:
– When holding game-forcing values (13+ HCP) and
a 5-4 (or 5-5) distribution in the unbid suits
– If only one of the unbid suits is a major and
responder holds 5+ cards in that suit and sufficient
strength to bid it explicitly
• After a 1/ opening bid, a negative double
denies 3-card support of opener’s suit
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles

1 — (1) — X
• This negative double always guarantees
4+ cards in both majors (no exceptions!)
• Do not double with:
 AQ965  KQJ64  65 7 (bid 1)
 8653  KQ10965  74 2 (bid 2)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles

1/ — (1) — X
• This negative double shows exactly 4 
– An explicit bid of 1 shows 5+ cards in the suit
– This double says nothing about responder’s
holding in the unbid minor suit, and opener
should make no assumptions about such holding

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
Examples
• Bidding: 1 — (1)
 A752  64  AQ1075  72 (double)
 A752  64  AQ1075  A2 (bid 2)
• Bidding: 1 — (1)
 A752  64  AQ1075  72 (double)
 A752  64  AQ1075  A2 (double)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles

1/ — (1) — X
• This negative double shows 4+ 
– An explicit bid of 2 should be made instead of a
negative double when holding 5+  and 10+ HCP
– This double says nothing about responder’s
holding in the unbid minor suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
Examples
• Bidding: 1 — (1)
 986  AJ54  KJ9  A52 (double)
 986  A8654  KJ  852 (double)
 64  K75432  KQ  1098 (double)
(rebid 2 on the next round)
 86  KQJ94  A1087  97 (bid 2)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles

1 — (1) — X
• In principle this negative double shows 4+
cards in both minors
• If responder chooses to double with 4+ cards
in only one minor, he should have an “escape
bid” ready in case opener rebids in the other
minor

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
• If responder holds 4+ cards in only one minor,
a bid other than a negative double will often
(although not always) be available:
– A NT bid at the appropriate level with a spade
stopper
– A direct 2/ bid with 10+ HCP and 5+cards in
the suit (or just 4 cards and 11+ HCP in a pinch)
– A weak jump shift (normally with 7+ cards, since it
will have to be at the 3-level)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
• Even with 4+ cards in both minors, another
bid (e.g. in notrump) may be more descriptive
and therefore should be preferred to a
negative double.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
Examples
• Bidding: 1 — (1)
 96  K4  Q9653  K852 (double)
 865  J6  A743  Q1074 (double)
 KQ5  76  K743  J1087 (bid 1NT)
 AJ7  K6  J842  K765 (bid 2NT)
 64  KQ  A963 A10964 (bid 2)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
Examples
• Bidding: 1 — (1)
 954  A6  KJ  987543 (double)
(bid 2 if opener’s response is 2)
 9765  A  Q87543  Q10 (double)
(bid 2 if opener’s response is 2)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles

1/ — (2/) — X
• In principle this negative double shows 4+
cards in both unbid suits
• Responder guarantees to have 4+ cards in the
unbid major
• If responder chooses to double without 4+
cards in the unbid minor, he should have an
“escape bid” ready
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
Examples
• Bidding: 1 — (2)
 KJ94  A6  J8752  73 (double)
 AQ42  A6  AQ87  763 (double)
 QJ654  Q6  QJ87  J3 (double)
 AK1076  86  K852  93 (bid 2)
 A965  K  AQ9852  65 (bid 2)
 6532  –  KQ98742  K5 (bid 3)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
Examples
• Bidding: 1 — (2)
 QJ9754  A  J86  743 (double)
(bid 2 on the next round)
 KQ65  98  K87  KJ107 (double)
(bid 2NT on the next round if opener doesn’t bid )

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
1 — (2) — X
1 — (2) — X
• In principle these negative doubles show
4+ cards in both majors
• If responder chooses to double with 4+ cards
in only one major, he should have an “escape
bid” ready in case opener rebids in the other
major
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
Examples
• Bidding: 1 — (2)
 KJ75  A964  J65  82 (double)
 AQ96  KJ102  65  A97 (double)
 AQ95  KQJ64  Q65  7 (bid 2)
 AK1076  86  52  KJ93 (bid 2)
 A965  K7  Q982  65 (bid 2)
 6532  –  KQ98742  K5 (bid 3)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
Examples
• Bidding: 1 — (2)
 QJ9754  A  J86  743 (double)
(bid 2 on the next round)
 AJ65  Q7  K1082  65 (double)
(bid 3 on the next round if opener bids 2)
 AJ65  KQ7  1082  865 (double)
(accept that you may end up playing in a 7-card fit)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
Opener’s Rebids
• A minimum-level rebid indicates a minimum
opening (≤ 15 HCP)
• A jump rebid below game level is invitational
• A cue-bid of overcaller’s suit is forcing to
game
• A notrump bid promises a stopper in
overcaller’s suit
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Negative Doubles
• However, in the absence of better alternatives
opener may be forced to:
– Rebid a strong 5-card suit at the 2-level
– Bid 1NT without much of a stopper in overcaller’s suit
(a 2NT rebid should always promise a solid stopper
and it shouldn’t be made unless the partnership’s
combined strength is at least 22 or 23 HCP)
– Bid a new (strong) suit that is only 3-card long (try to
do this only at the 1-level and only if partner’s
negative double guarantees 4+ cards in that suit)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 UNUSUAL OVER UNUSUAL

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defense against Unusual NT and
Michaels Cue Bids
• Opening bid is 1 in a suit
• RHO interference
– Michaels cue bid
– Unusual NT
• Defense is essentially the same in either case.
However, some defensive bids by responder
depend on whether only one or both of RHO’s
suits are known

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defense against Unusual NT and
Michaels Cue Bids
• Weak responses (7–10 pts, not forcing)
– Simple raise
• Shows support for opener’s suit (3+ cards for a major suit,
usually 5+ cards for a minor suit)
– Game-level raise
• Shows length in opener’s suit and distributional values, with
overall strength less than a limit raise (analogous to a “weak
freak”)
– Minimum-level bid of a new suit.
• Shows a hand roughly equivalent to a weak-two opening bid
(6+ card, good quality suit). It usually denies support for
opener’s major suit.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defense against Unusual NT and
Michaels Cue Bids
• Responses with invitational strength or better
(10+ pts)
– When both of RHO’s suits are known two indirect
cue bids (“invisible cue bids”) are available:
• The cheaper cue-bid is conventionally linked with
opener’s suit
• The other cue-bid is linked with the “fourth suit”
– Other conventions about the meaning of the
invisible cue-bids exist

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defense against Unusual NT and
Michaels Cue Bids
• Invitational and game forcing responses
– Cue bid of RHO’s cheaper suit
• Invitational raise or better of opener’s suit
– Jump cue bid of either of RHO’s suits
• Splinter bid, slam try
– Cue bid of RHO’s other suit
• Shows 5+ cards in the “fourth suit” with invitational values.
It usually denies support for opener’s major suit.
– 2NT (over Michaels cue bid) / 3NT
• Shows stoppers in both of RHO’s suits with invitational/game
forcing values. Denies support for opener’s major suit.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defense against Unusual NT and
Michaels Cue Bids
• Invitational and game-forcing responses
– Double
• A waiting bid, showing 10+ HCP, usually denying
support for opener’s major suit. After advancer’s bid,
opener may bid to convey additional useful information
about his hand:
– Rebid the opening suit, showing 6+ cards
– Bid a new suit to show a fairly strong two-suited hand
– Bid 3NT, with suitable values and a stopper in opponents’
chosen suit
– Double (penalty)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defense against Unusual NT and
Michaels Cue Bids
• Invitational and game-forcing responses
– After initial double, if opener passes responder
rebids
• Double (penalty)
• New suit, showing 5+ cards with game-forcing values
• 3NT, with a stopper in opponents’ chosen suit (does not
necessarily promise a stopper in opponents’ other suit)
• Delayed cue bid of opponents’ chosen suit, showing
game-forcing values, but denying a stopper in
opponents’ suit (Western cue bid). Opener should bid
3NT with a stopper.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defense against Unusual NT and
Michaels Cue Bids
• When only one of opponents’ suit is known
– The only available “invisible cue bid” denotes a
limit raise or better of opener’s suit
– 2NT / 3NT shows invitational / game-forcing
values with a stopper in opponents’ known suit. It
denies support for openers’ (major) suit
– The meaning of all other responses remains
unchanged

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 RESPONSES TO 1NT OPENINGS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 1NT Opening Bid
• 15–17 HCP
• Hand distribution is 4333, 4432 or 5332 with
5-card minor suit
• It is usually convenient to open 1NT a 5422
hand with 15–16 HCP, a 5-card minor suit and
a 4-card major suit (with 17+ HCP, open 1 in
the minor suit and then reverse)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1NT Opening
• General rules
– Only HCP are used to evaluate hand strength in
notrump contracts
– With less than 8 HCP, responder should generally pass
• Exception: With 5+ cards in a major suit or 6+ cards in a
minor suit, responder may transfer to that suit even with
less than 8 HCP
– With 8+ HCP, priority should be given to looking for a
fit in a major suit, using the Stayman or the Jacoby
Transfers conventions

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1NT Opening
• General rules (contd.)
– The Stayman convention is used with
• 8+ HCP
• Exactly 4 cards in a major suit
• Up to 5 cards in the other major
– Jacoby transfers are used with 5+ cards in a major
suit and any number of points

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1NT Openings
JACOBY TRANSFERS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Jacoby Transfers
• Used by responder when holding 5+ cards in
one or both majors and any number of points
• With exactly 5 cards in one major suit and 4
cards in the other, responder
– Transfers to the 5-card major suit with fewer than
8 HCP
– Uses the Stayman convention with 8+ HCP

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Jacoby Transfers
• Responder initiates the transfer by bidding the
suit immediately below the suit targeted for the
transfer. Specifically, after a 1NT (2NT) opening
bid
– 2 (3) is a transfer to 
– 2 (3) is a transfer to 
• Opener responds by bidding the target suit,
usually at the cheapest level
– After 2/3 opener bids 2/3
– After 2/3 opener bids 2/3

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Jacoby Transfers
• After opener’s forced rebid, responder
indicates both the strength of his hand and
the length of his suit
– A notrump rebid by responder shows exactly 5
cards in the target suit
– A rebid by responder in the target suit shows 6+
cards in the suit
– The strength of responder’s hand is indicated by
the rebid level

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Jacoby Transfers
Subsequent bidding
Responder’s rebid after opener’s transfer
Responder’s
0–7 HCP 8–9 HCP 10–15 HCP 16–17 HCP 18+ HCP
holding
5 cards Pass 2NT 3NT 4NT 5NT
Do not
6+ cards Pass 3/ 4/ 5/ transfer
Bid 3/

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Jacoby Transfers
Openers’s rebid after responder’s 2nd bid
Opener’s holding
Responder’s 2 cards in target suit 3+ cards in target suit
2nd bid Min Max Min Max
(15–16 HCP) (16–17 HCP) (15–16 HCP) (16–17 HCP)
2NT Pass 3NT 3/ 4/
3NT Pass 4/
4NT Pass 6NT 5/ 6/
5NT 6NT 6/
3/ Pass 4/ Pass 4/
4/ Pass Pass
5/ Pass 6/ Pass 6/

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Jacoby Transfers
• With 5 cards in both major suits and 8+ HCP,
responder
– Transfers to  (i.e. bids 2) and then rebids 2 over
opener’s 2 response with an invitational hand (8–
9/10 HCP)
– Transfers to  (i.e. bids 2) and then rebids 3 over
opener’s 2 response with a game-forcing hand
(10/11+ HCP)
• Opener places the final contract. Note that an
8-card fit in one of the majors is guaranteed
(unless opener’s distribution is 5422 with
doubletons in the major suits)
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1NT Openings
STAYMAN CONVENTION

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Stayman Convention
• Used to uncover a 4-4 fit in a major suit
• Normally responder must have 8+ HCP and
also hold 4 cards in at least one major suit
– Some variants of the convention (e.g. “garbage”
Stayman, “crawling” Stayman) allow for its use
with fewer than 8 HCP
– Other variants allow the convention to be used
even without a 4-card major

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Stayman Convention
• It is generally advised not to use the Stayman
convention when responder’s distribution is
4333. The reason is that such distribution is
unlikely to generate any ruffing tricks, and
therefore a suit contract will probably take the
same number of tricks as a no trump contract

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Stayman vs. Jacoby Transfers
• With exactly 4 cards in one or both majors and
8+ HCP, responder uses Stayman
• With 5+ cards in one or both majors responder
uses Jacoby transfers, regardless of point count
• With exactly 5 cards in one major suit and 4 cards
in the other, responder
– Transfers to the 5-card major suit with fewer than
8 HCP
– Uses the Stayman convention with 8+ HCP

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Stayman Convention
• To use the Stayman convention, responder
bids 2 (3) after a 1NT (2NT) opening bid
• Opener responds (over 2):
– 2 without a 4-card major
– 2/ with 4 /. With both 4  and 4  opener
bids 2
• Responder’s subsequent rebid clarifies both
his holding and the strength of his hand

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Stayman Convention
• After a 2/ response by opener, responder:
– Raises opener’s suit with 4+ card support in that
suit.
– Makes a no trump bid without 4-card support for
opener’s suit. Such bid indicates implicitly that
responder holds 4 cards in the other major suit.
• In either case, the strength of responder’s
hand is indicated by the level of his rebid

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Stayman Convention
• After a 2 response by opener, responder
normally rebids in no trump. However, with 5
cards in one major suit and 4 cards in the
other, responder:
– Bids his 5-card major suit at the two level with an
invitational hand (8–9/10 HCP)
– Bids his 5-card major suit at the three level with a
game-forcing hand (10/11+ HCP)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Stayman Convention
Subsequent bidding
Responder’s rebid after opener’s response
Responder’s
Opener’s holding in
8–9 HCP 10–15 HCP 16–17 HCP 18+ HCP
response opener’s
major suit
• 2NT • 3NT
2 4NT 6NT
• 2/ • 3/
< 4 cards 2NT 3NT 4NT 5NT
2/
4+ cards 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1NT Opening
Response 0–7 HCP 8–9 HCP 10–15 HCP 16–17 HCP 18+ HCP
Pass
2 Stayman
2/ Jacoby transfers
2[1]
2NT [2]
3/[3]
3/[4]
3NT [5]
4 Gerber
4/ Texas transf.
4NT [6]

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1NT Opening
1. Transfer to minors, to be used with 6+ cards in
the target suit
2. Invitational to 3NT, it denies holding 4+ cards in a
major. Opener passes with a minimum or bids
3NT with a maximum
3. Indicates 6+ cards in the named suit, with 2 of
the top 3 honors. It is invitational to 3NT
4. Indicates 6+ cards in the named suit, with slam
interest
5. Sign-off bid, it denies holding 4+ cards in a major

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1NT Opening
6. Invitational to 6NT. When made in direct
response to a 1NT opening bid, it denies holding
4+ cards in a major

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1NT Openings
COMPETITIVE BIDDING

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Competitive Bidding
• If the opponents interfere after a 1NT opening
by your partner
– Make sure you understand what the interference
indicates (if necessary, ask)
– Check vulnerability (both yours and the
opponents’)
– Check your HCP count
– Check your holding in the opponents’ suit(s)
– Decide your best course of action
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defenses against 1NT
Cappelletti DONT Landy
Unknown
Double Penalty single-suited Penalty
hand
Unknown
 and a higher-
2 single-suited  and 
ranking suit
hand
2  and   and a major Natural

2  and a minor  and  Natural

2  and a minor  Natural

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Competitive Bidding
• After a double
– The meaning of all responses remains unchanged
• After a 2 overcall
– A double is the Stayman convention
– All other responses remain unchanged
• After 2// overcalls
– Use the Reverse Lebensohl convention

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defense against 1NT Openings
ASPTRO CONVENTION

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 1NT Opening Ranges
• Weak NT
– Any range with an upper bound ≤ 15 HCP
– Most common range is 12–14 HCP
• Strong NT
– Any range with a lower bound ≥ 14 HCP
– Most common range is 15–17 HCP

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Against Weak NT
• Double shows 15+ HCP and a generally
balanced hand, typically without a 5+ card
major suit (similar to a 1NT overcall)
• Advancer should treat partner’s double as
“optional”
• If advancer decides to remove the double, the
same conventions apply as when responding
to a 1NT opening bid (“systems on”)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Against Weak NT
• Overcalling with one-suited hands
– 2/ generally show a good suit(*) with 6+ cards
and 10+ HCP
• Suit quality is more important than HCP strength
• Overcalling with a 5-card suit should be considered only
with a particularly good suit (partner is entitled to
expect 6+ cards, and may raise with only 2-card
support)
• A raise by advancer is invitational and shows 11+ pts
(*)Two of the top three honors or three of the top five

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Against Weak NT
• Overcalling with one-suited hands
– 3 /// generally show a good suit with 7+
cards
• Suit quality is the most important consideration

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Against Weak NT
• Overcalling with two-suited hands
– 2 / show a two-suited hand, at least 5-4, with at
least one major suit and 11+ HCP (±1 HCP depending
on suit length and quality, vulnerability, range of
opponents’ NT opening, etc.)
• 2 promises 4+ 
• 2 promises 4+ 
• In general, the known major suit (“anchor major”) can be
shorter/of equal length/longer than the other unknown suit
– 2NT shows a 5-5 distribution in the minors (unusual
notrump)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Against Weak NT
• Overcalling with both majors
– If one suit is longer than the other, anchor to the
shorter major
– If the two suits are of equal length (at least 5-5!),
anchor to the weaker major
• When holding both a 6-card major and a 4-
card minor, it is generally preferable to
overcall 2/ (unless the major suit is
particularly weak)
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 ASPTRO Responses
• Minimum-hand responses (0–10 HCP)
– 2/ (known major), with 3+ card support
– Step response (2 over 2, 2 over 2)
• Asks overcaller to show his longest suit
• Ideally, it should be made with no singletons or voids
– 2 (over 2) with 6+ cards
– Pass, with 6+ /

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 ASPTRO Continuations after a Step
Response
• Overcaller’s bid
– Pass, if the suit bid is overcaller’s longest (or of
equal length to the other)
– Bid longest suit
• After overcaller’s response, advancer may ask
for overcaller’s 2nd suit by bidding 2NT

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 ASPTRO Responses
• Responses with invitational or better hands
(11+ HCP)
– 3/ (known major), with 4+ card support and
11–14 HCP
– 4/ (known major), with 4+ card support with
15+ HCP
– 2NT (natural) with 11–14 HCP

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Against Strong NT
• The meaning of ASPTRO overcalls and responses
remains the same. However, the minimum
strength required for overcalls should be adjusted
accordingly.
• A double should be made only with 90% certainty
that the contract can be defeated (to protect
against responder’s redoubling for penalty)
• When overcalling with one-suited hands (2/),
suit quality is of particular importance
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Against Strong NT
• One-suited overcalls with 5-card suits should
be made only with extremely good suits and
reasonable overall hand strength (~12+ HCP)
• Two-suited overcalls should generally be made
with both reasonably good suits and
reasonable overall hand strength (~12+ HCP)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Competitive Bidding
• If the opponents interfere after a 1NT opening,
make sure you understand what the interference
indicates (if necessary, ask)
• After a double
– The meaning of all responses remains unchanged
• After a 2 overcall
– A double is the Stayman convention
– All other responses remain unchanged
• After 2// overcalls
– Use the Lebensohl convention

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1NT Openings
RUBENSOHL CONVENTION

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rubensohl Convention
• It applies after a direct 2//overcall that
shows
– A known single-suited hand
– A two-suited hand with one known suit
• It also applies to delayed responses after
responder passes an overcall (or double) that
shows an unspecified single suit, e.g.
1NT – (2) – P – (2) – P – (P) – ?

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rubensohl Convention
• However, the convention is off when the
opponents’ suit is clubs, e.g.
1NT – (X) – P – (2) – P – (P) – ?

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rubensohl Convention
• Overview
– 2/ bids are natural and weak
– Bids of 2NT through 3 inclusive are ostensibly
transfers to the next higher denomination (must be
alerted). They promise at least invitational values (8+
HCP) and 5+ cards in the suit of the attempted
transfer (other than the opponents’)
– Attempted transfers to opponents’ suit are Stayman
asking bids. They promise game-forcing values.
– 3NT is natural

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rubensohl Convention
Natural Responses
• 2/ bids are competitive. They generally
show a suit with 6+ cards and a weak hand
(< 8 HCP)
• 3NT promises game-forcing values and a
stopper in opponents’ suit. It denies 4 cards in
any unbid major suits.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rubensohl Convention
Transfer to 3NT
• 3 is an attempted transfer to 3NT. It
promises game-forcing values but denies both
a stopper in opponents’ suit and 4 cards in any
unbid majors.
– Opener bids 3NT with a stopper in opponents’ suit
– Without a stopper, opener bids his cheapest 4-
card suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rubensohl Convention
Transfers to an unbid minor suit
• These transfers promise invitational values or
better and 5+ cards in the target suit. They do not
necessarily deny 4 cards in an unbid major suit.
• Opener responds in this order of priority
– Opener completes the transfer with less than a
maximum or without a stopper in opponents’ suit
– With both a maximum and a stopper in opponents’
suit, opener bids his cheapest 4-card unbid major suit
(or 3NT)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rubensohl Convention
Transfer to opponents’ minor suit
• This bid promise game-forcing values and 4 cards
in at least one major suit. It neither promises nor
denies a stopper in opponents’ suit.
• Opener responds in this order of priority
– Opener completes the transfer without a stopper in
opponents’ suit.
– With a stopper in opponents’ suit, opener bids his
cheapest 4-card major suit (or 3NT).

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rubensohl Convention
Transfers to an unbid major suit
• These transfers promise invitational values or
better and 5+ cards in the target suit. They
neither promise nor deny a stopper in opponents’
suit.
• Opener responds in this order of priority
– Opener bids game (4/ or 3NT) with maximum
values and suitable fit or stopper in opponents’ suit.
– Otherwise opener completes the transfer

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rubensohl Convention
Transfer to opponents’ major suit
• This bid promises game-forcing values and 4
cards in the unbid major suit. It neither promises
nor denies a stopper in opponents’ suit.
• Opener responds in this order of priority
– Bids 4/ with an appropriate fit
– Bids 3NT with no fit but with a stopper in opponents’
suit
– Otherwise opener completes the transfer.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rubensohl Convention
Responder’s double
• A double by responder shows a generally
balanced hand with invitational values and
the following features:
– Four cards in an unbid major suit
– Three or four cards in the other unbid major suit,
if there is one
– Preferably at least two cards in opponents’ suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1NT Openings
LEBENSOHL CONVENTION

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Lebensohl Convention
• Overview
– A double of opponent’s overcall is for penalty
– A two-level bid of a suit is natural and generally
shows minimum values (< 8 HCP)
– An immediate three-level bid of a suit (other than
the opponents’) shows 5+ cards and game-forcing
values (10/11+ HCP), whether or not it is a jump
bid

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Lebensohl Convention
• Overview (cont.)
– An immediate cue-bid of opponents’ suit is
Stayman. It shows game-forcing values and denies
a stopper in opponents’ suit
– 2NT is a conventional relay to 3
– An immediate 3NT bid shows game-forcing values
but denies a stopper in opponents’ suit
– 4/ bids are Texas transfers, with or without a
jump

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Lebensohl Convention
• Responder’s rebids after opener’s 3 relay
– Pass (to play in 3)
– A three-level bid of a suit (other than the opponents’)
shows 5+ cards and
• Invitational values (8-10 HCP) if the suit could have been bid
at the two level
• Minimum values, if the suit could not have been bid at the
two level (sign-off)
– A cue-bid of opponents’ suit is Stayman. It shows
game-forcing values and also a stopper in opponents’
suit
– A 3NT bid shows game-forcing values and also a
stopper in opponents’ suit
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Lebensohl Convention
• Key features to keep in mind
– Three different bidding sequences are possible for
new suits ranking higher than the overcall suit
• 1NT– (2) – 2
This sequence shows minimum values by responder
• 1NT– (2) –2NT– (P) – 3 – (P) – 3
This sequence shows 5+  and invitational values by
responder
• 1NT– (2) – 3
This sequence shows 5+  and game-forcing values by
responder

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Lebensohl Convention
• Key features to keep in mind
– Only two different bidding sequences are possible
for new suits ranking lower than the overcall suit
• 1NT– (2) –2NT– (P) – 3 – (P) – 3
This sequence shows 5+  and only minimum values by
responder
• 1NT– (2) – 3
This sequence shows 5+  and game-forcing values by
responder
– There is no invitational sequence in this case

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Lebensohl Convention
• Key features to keep in mind
– There are two different ways to reach Stayman or 3NT
bids
– “Fast” sequences
• 1NT– (2) – 3
• 1NT– (2) – 3NT
– “Slow” sequences
• 1NT– (2) –2NT– (P) – 3 – (P) – 3
• 1NT– (2) –2NT– (P) – 3 – (P) – 3NT
– The “fast” sequences deny a stopper in opponents’
suit, while the “slow” sequences show a stopper in
opponents’ suit (Slow Shows Stopper)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Lebensohl Convention
• Key features to keep in mind
– Sequences, whether fast or slow, that end with a
new suit generally say nothing about the presence
or absence of a stopper in opponents’ suit
– There is no sequence that replaces the original
meaning of a 2NT response
– The Stayman convention can be used only with
game-forcing values

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Lebensohl Convention

Responses after two-level overcalls

Responder’s
Responses
holding
• 2 (new suit)
0–9/10 HCP • 2NT–3–3 (new suit)
• Pass
• 3 (new suit)
• 2NT–3– cue bid (Stayman)
• Cue-bid (Stayman)
10/11+ HCP
• 2NT–3–3NT
• 3NT
• 4/

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1NT Openings
REVERSE LEBENSOHL CONVENTION

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Reverse Lebensohl Convention
• Overview
– A double of opponent’s overcall is for penalty
– A two-level bid of a suit is natural and generally
shows minimum values (< 8 HCP)
– An immediate three-level bid of a suit (other than
the opponents’) shows 5+ cards and invitational
values (8–10 HCP), whether or not it is a jump bid

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Reverse Lebensohl Convention
• Overview (cont.)
– An immediate cue-bid of opponents’ suit is
Stayman. It shows game-forcing values (10/11+
HCP) and promises a stopper in opponents’ suit
– 2NT is a conventional relay to 3 and shows
game-forcing values
– An immediate 3NT bid shows game-forcing values.
It denies 4 cards in any unbid major suit and
promises a stopper in opponents’ suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Reverse Lebensohl Convention
• Responder’s rebids after opener’s 3 relay
– A three-level bid of a suit (other than the
opponents’) shows 5+ cards
– A cue-bid of opponents’ suit is Stayman. It denies
4 cards in any unbid major suit and also denies a
stopper in opponents’ suit
– A 3NT bid shows game-forcing values but denies a
stopper in opponents’ suit
• All rebids show game-forcing values
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Reverse Lebensohl Convention
• Key features to keep in mind
– Three different bidding sequences are possible for
new suits ranking higher than the overcall suit
• 1NT– (2) – 2
This sequence shows minimum values by responder
• 1NT– (2) – 3
This sequence shows 5+  and invitational values by
responder
• 1NT– (2) –2NT– (P) – 3 – (P) – 3
This sequence shows 5+  and game-forcing values by
responder

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Reverse Lebensohl Convention
• Key features to keep in mind
– Only two different bidding sequences are possible
for new suits ranking lower than the overcall suit
• 1NT– (2) – 3
This sequence shows 5+  and invitational values by
responder
• 1NT– (2) –2NT– (P) – 3 – (P) – 3
This sequence shows 5+  and game-forcing values by
responder
– There is no minimum values sequence in this case

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Reverse Lebensohl Convention
• Key features to keep in mind
– There are two different ways to reach Stayman or 3NT
bids
– “Fast” sequences
• 1NT– (2) – 3
• 1NT– (2) – 3NT
– “Slow” sequences
• 1NT– (2) –2NT– (P) – 3 – (P) – 3
• 1NT– (2) –2NT– (P) – 3 – (P) – 3NT
– The “fast” sequences promise a stopper in opponents’
suit, while the “slow” sequences deny a stopper in
opponents’ suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Reverse Lebensohl Convention
• Key features to keep in mind
– Sequences, whether fast or slow, that end with a
new suit generally say nothing about the presence
or absence of a stopper in opponents’ suit
– There is no bid or sequence that replaces the
original meaning of a 2NT response
– The Stayman convention can be used only with
game-forcing values

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Reverse Lebensohl Convention

Responses after two-level overcalls

Responder’s bid Responder’s holding
2 / 0–7 HCP, 5+ cards
3 ///
8–10 HCP, 5+ cards
(new suit)
10+ HCP, Stayman for the unbid
Cue-bid major(s). Promises a stopper in
opponents’ suit.
Denies 4 cards in any unbid
3 NT major suit. Promises a stopper
in opponents’ suit.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Reverse Lebensohl Convention

Responses after 2NT - 3

Responder’s bid Responder’s holding
3 (new suit) 10+ HCP, 5+ cards
3 /
10+ HCP, 5 cards
(new suit)
10+ HCP, Stayman for the unbid
Cue-bid major(s). Denies a stopper in
opponents’ suit.
Denies 4 cards in any unbid
3 NT major suit. Denies a stopper in
opponents’ suit.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Reverse Lebensohl Convention
• A 2NT response followed by 3NT or a cue bid
of opponents’ suit specifically deny a stopper
in that suit. If opener also does not have a
stopper:
– Opener should consider playing in a 4-3 fit, even
at the 4 level
– Opener may have to bid his best minor suit at the
4 level (hopefully with 4+ cards, but in some cases
it could be a 3-card suit)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Reverse Lebensohl Convention
• If opponent’s 2-level overcall is conventional
and shows one known and one unknown suit,
the rules for responder’s bids remain
unchanged, except that cue-bids should be
made against opponent’s known suit (whether
or not it is the suit actually bid).

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Reverse Lebensohl Convention
• If opponents overcall at the 3 level, responder
bids as follows:
– Doubles are for takeout
– Bids in a new suit below game level are natural
and forcing
– Game-level bids are sign-offs (3NT shows a
stopper in opponents’ suit)
– A cue-bid of opponents’ minor suit is either
• Stayman, or
• Slam try

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 REBIDS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Definitions
• A rebid denotes a bid made by a player after
his/her first non-pass bid. In most cases it refers
to the player’s second bid.
• A new suit denotes a suit that has not been bid
previously by any player in the auction.
• Responder is opener’s partner. A response is a bid
by responder.
• A simple response/raise/rebid means a non-jump
(that is, a minimum-level) response/raise/rebid.
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rebids by Opener
• When opener rebids a new suit:
– The second suit is generally at least 4-cards long
– The second suit is never longer than the first suit
bid by opener (but it can be of equal length as
opener’s first suit)
– Opener’s first suit is at least 5-cards long except in
the case of a 4441 distribution
– The most common lengths of opener’s first and
second suits are 54, 64 and 55, respectively

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rebids by Opener
• The tables that follow summarize the
conventional meanings of the most common
types of rebids by opener after an opening of 1 in
a suit in the context of traditional Standard
American
• The auction is assumed to be uncontested
(opponents always pass)
• All responses to opening bids are assumed to be
simple (i.e. non-jump)
• Opener’s rebids are also assumed to be simple,
except where otherwise indicated
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rebids by Opener
Opener rebids 1NT
Generally a balanced hand with minimum opening strength (12–14 HCP). Occasionally
5422 or 5431 distribution with singleton in responder’s suit.
Example auction Opener’s hand
1 – 1 – 1NT  KJ84  AQ2  J10  Q1087
1 – 1 – 1NT  4  KQJ3  KQ742  A86
1 – 1 – 1NT  84  AJ876  AJ5  K96
Opener rebids the same suit at the two-level
Generally 6+ cards in the suit and minimum opening strength (12–15 HCP).
Example auction Opener’s hand
1 – 1 – 2  Q84  A7  J10  AQ10874
1 – 1NT – 2  5  KJ10965  AJ8  KQ6

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rebids by Opener
Opener jump-rebids the same suit at the three-level
Intermediate opening strength (16–18 HCP) and 6+ cards in the suit
Example auction Opener’s hand
1 – 2 – 3  2  Q109  AKJ975  AK5
1 – 1NT – 3  AKQ1075  K10  QJ7  Q6
Opener makes a simple raise of responder’s new suit
Generally 4+ cards in responder’s suit and minimum opening strength (12–15 HCP).
Example auction Opener’s hand
1 – 1 – 2  K1072  AQ1094  85  A5
1 – 2 – 3  AQ1075  7  QJ7  QJ96

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rebids by Opener
Opener jump-raises responder’s new suit to the three-level
Generally 4+ cards in responder’s suit and an intermediate hand (16–18 pts)
Example auction Opener’s hand
1 – 1 – 3  10  KJ94  AQJ85  A65
1 – 1 – 3  KJ75  KQJ7  7  AJ96
Opener rebids a new lower-ranking suit at the two-level
Wide-range opening hand (12–18 HCP). First suit is always of equal length or longer
than the second. First suit is 5+ cards long except with 4441 distribution.
Example auction Opener’s hand
1 – 1 – 2  9  AQJ85  Q85  KJ65
1 – 1NT – 2  AKJ75  KQJ8  74  K6
1 – 2 – 2  76  KJ1085  KQJ65  A
1 – 1 – 2  8  K1085  AJ105  AQ98

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rebids by Opener
Opener rebids a new higher-ranking suit at the two-level after a one-level
response
This reverse by opener shows an intermediate to strong hand (17–21 HCP). The first
suit is always strictly longer than the second except with 4441 distribution.
Example auction Opener’s hand
1 – 1 – 2  43  A4  AQJ5  KQJ52
1 – 1NT – 2  AJ75  KQ9  AKQJ4  6
1 – 1 – 2  8  AK85  AJ105  KQJ8
Opener jump-rebids 2NT or bids 2NT after a 1NT response
A strong (18–19 or 17–19 HCP) balanced hand.
Example auction Opener’s hand
1 – 1 – 2NT  K43  A64  AJ10  KQJ2
1 – 1 – 2NT  AK75  KQ9  AQ74  J6
1 – 1NT – 2NT  A8  AK985  Q105  KJ8
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Rebids by Opener
Opener jump-rebids a new lower-ranking suit
This sequence shows a strong opening (19–21 HCP) and is forcing to game. The first
suit is always at least 5-cards long and of equal length or longer than the second.
Example auction Opener’s hand
1 – 1 – 3  2  AKQJ85  AQ  KJ65
1 – 1NT – 3  AKQ75  KQ85  A4  K6
1 – 2 – 3  A6  AJ1085  KQJ65  A

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 SIMPLIFIED OPENING LEADS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Leads against Suit Contracts
• If the suit is headed by an honor sequence (two or
more consecutive honors), lead the top honor of the
sequence
– Examples: AKxx, KQJxx, QJx
– Exception: If the suit consists of exactly two consecutive
honors, lead the lower honor:
AK, KQ, QJ
• From a suit with 3+ cards containing one or more
honors not in sequence, lead the fourth highest card
(4th best), or the lowest card with only three cards
(Bottom Of Something)
– Examples: Kxxx, Q10xxx, Qxx

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Leads against Suit Contracts
• If the suit does not contain any honors (i.e. no
cards higher than 9), lead the highest card (Top
Of Nothing)
– Examples: 754, 8632, 543
• Always lead the top card from a doubleton.
– Exception: With a doubleton consisting of two honors
in sequence, lead the lower honor
• In general, leading from a doubleton containing
honor(s) is strongly discouraged, unless the suit
has been bid by partner
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Honor Sequences
• In the definitions of honor sequences (and only for that
purpose), the 9 is considered to be an honor if it is the
last card of an honor sequence
• A (solid or perfect) sequence consists of 2+ consecutive
honors (e.g. AK, KQJ, J109)
• A broken sequence is a 3+ honor combination headed
by 2 consecutive honors, with exactly a 1-card gap
between the 2nd and 3rd honor (e.g. AKJ, KQ10, QJ9)
• An interior sequence consists of 2+ consecutive honors
separated by a gap (1-card or longer) from an isolated
higher honor (e.g. AQJ, KJ10, AJ10, K109)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Leads against No Trump Contracts
• From a long suit (4+ cards) headed by a (solid,
broken or interior) honor sequence, lead the
top card of the sequence if the sequence
contains a total of at least 3 honors
– Examples: AKQx, AKJx, KQ10x, AQJx, AJ10x, K109x

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Leads against No Trump Contracts
• From a long suit (4+ cards) containing a
combination of one or more honors that does
not fall in one of the previous cases, lead the
fourth highest card (4th best) (Bottom Of
Something)
– Examples
• AKxx, KQxx, QJxxx, 109xx
• AJxx, Q10xx, Kxxxx, Qxxx, 10xxxx

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Third Hand Play
• If your partner leads a
low card (Bottom Of
Something), you should
be prepared to sacrifice
your honors in order to
promote partner’s
• Example: Your partner
leads the 5, you should
play the K

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Third Hand Play
• Your partner leads (what you believe to be) a
low card (suggesting that he/she holds honors
in that suit), and
• You can cover the card that is played from
dummy, then
• You should generally play the lowest card that
is equivalent to the highest card you hold in
that suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Third Hand Play
• W leads the 5 (declarer is S)

• E should play the K • E should play the J

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Third Hand Play
• W leads the 5 (declarer
is S)
• If declarer plays the 10
from dummy, E should
play the J
• If declarer plays the 2
from dummy, E should
play the 9

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Third Hand Play
• W leads the 2 (declarer
is S)
• If declarer plays the J or
the 10 from dummy, E
should play the Q
• If declarer plays the 7 or
the 3 from dummy, E
should play the 8

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Third Hand Play
• If your partner leads a low card and you
cannot cover the card that is played from
dummy, you should give an attitude signal,
unless it will be clear to your partner that you
cannot have a card in that suit higher than the
J, in which case you should give a count signal

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals
• A signal is a way to convey information by a
defender to his/her partner through the
card(s) the defender plays in a particular
context
• There are three (main) types of signals:
– Attitude
– Count
– Suit preference

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals
• The default signal on opening leads is attitude
– If using standard signals, a low card discourages
while a high card encourages continuing the suit
led. The meaning is reversed if using upside-down
signals.
• Default means that the card played in 3rd seat
is intended to convey an attitude signal,
except in specific circumstances previously
agreed upon by defenders.
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals
• There are three exceptions to signaling attitude
on an opening lead
• First exception:
– The opening lead is a low card (Bottom Of Something)
– 3rd seat defender does not cover the card played by
dummy
– After all four players have played to the first trick, it
will be clear to the opening leader that partner cannot
have a card in the suit led higher than J
– In this case, defender in 3rd seat should signal count

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 OPENING LEADS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Conceptual Framework
• In principle, the opening lead choice should be
the result of a risk/benefit analysis
• The results of this analysis depend on a multitude
of factors, e.g.:
– Contract level (part score, game, slam)
– Type of contract (suit or notrump)
– Strength of each side relative to the contract
– Expected suit holdings of each player
– Form of scoring (match points, IMPs, …)
– And more …

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 The First Commandment
Thou shalt mentally review the
bidding before choosing thy
opening lead

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 General Guidelines
• Review the auction in your mind
• Estimate partner’s HCP strength
– Update your estimate after seeing dummy
• Choose which suit to lead
• Choose which card to lead from the selected
suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Preferred Suits for Leads against No
Trump Contracts
• Lead a suit of your own that is both long and headed by a
strong honor sequence
– Examples: KQJ10x, KQJxxx
• Lead a suit bid by partner
• Lead your longest (4+ cards) and strongest suit that has not
been shown by the opponents
– With two suits of equal length (4+ cards), lead the stronger[*]
– With two suits of unequal length, generally lead the longer
unless the shorter suit is significantly stronger than the longer
• Lead a suit containing no honors that has not been shown
by the opponents
– Give preference to longer suits over shorter suits
[*]A suit headed by a honor sequence is generally stronger than a suit containing only
scattered honors
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Disfavored Suits for Leads against No
Trump Contracts
• Do not lead a suit that has been shown (explicitly
or implicitly) by the opponents, unless it is both
long and headed by a strong honor sequence
(e.g. KQJxx)
• Do not lead a singleton, except in a suit bid by
partner
• Except in particular circumstances, do not lead a
short suit (≤ 3 cards) containing honors (e.g. Axx,
KQx, KJx, Kx), unless the suit has been bid by
partner
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Preferred Suits for Leads against Suit
Contracts
• Lead a suit of your own that is both long and
headed by a strong honor sequence
– Examples: KQJ10x, KQJxxx
• Lead a suit bid by partner
• Lead a suit headed by a honor sequence
– Give preference to suits headed by stronger
sequences, regardless of the overall length of the suit
(e.g. prefer KQJ to QJxx)
– Leads from solid sequences are generally safer than
leads from broken or interior sequences
– See leads to avoid for exceptions

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Preferred Suits for Leads against Suit
Contracts
• Lead a suit of 3+ cards with one or more
scattered honors that has not been shown by
the opponents
• Lead a suit containing no honors that has not
been shown by the opponents
– Give preference to longer suits over shorter suits
• In special cases, lead a singleton or a trump

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Disfavored Suits for Leads against Suit
Contracts
• Do not lead a non-trump suit that has been shown
(explicitly or implicitly) by the opponents, unless it is
headed by a strong, solid honor sequence (AKQ or KQJ)
• Do not lead a suit headed by an unsupported ace (i.e.
without the king)
• Do not lead doubletons containing one (or two)
honors, except if
– The doubleton is AK, or
– The suit has been bid by partner
• Do not lead singleton honors, unless the suit has been
bid by partner
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 The Fifth Commandment
Thou shalt obey thy own
conventions for the choice
of the card to lead

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Opening Leads
OPENING LEADS AGAINST
NOTRUMP CONTRACTS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Opening Lead Conventions
• Just like bidding conventions, conventions about
opening leads convey to your partner (and your
opponents!) information about your hand
• The conventional rules for opening leads
described here can be divided into three classes:
– General leads
– Leads of suits bid by partner that you have supported
– Leads of suits bid by partner that you have not
supported, or that you have supported after partner
has shown 6+ cards in the suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Honor Sequences
• In the definitions of honor sequences (and only for that
purpose), the 9 is considered to be an honor if it is the
last card of an honor sequence
• A (solid or perfect) sequence consists of 2+ consecutive
honors (e.g. AK, KQJ, J109)
• A broken sequence is a 3+ honor combination headed
by 2 consecutive honors, with exactly a 1-card gap
between the 2nd and 3rd honor (e.g. AKJ, KQ10, QJ9)
• An interior sequence consists of 2+ consecutive honors
separated by a gap (1-card or longer) from an isolated
higher honor (e.g. AQJ, KJ10, AJ10, K109)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 General Leads against No Trump
Contracts
• From a long suit (4+ cards) headed by a (solid,
broken or interior) honor sequence, lead the
top card of the sequence if the sequence
contains a total of at least 3 honors
– Examples: AKQx, AKJx, KQ10x, AQJx, AJ10x, K109x

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 General Leads against No Trump
Contracts
• From a long suit (4+ cards) containing a
combination of one or more honors that does
not fall in one of the previous cases, lead the
fourth highest card (4th best) (Bottom Of
Something)
– Examples
• AKxx, KQxx, QJxxx, 109xx
• AJxx, Q10xx, Kxxxx, Qxxx, 10xxxx

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 General Leads against No Trump
Contracts
• From a 3-card suit containing one or more
honors(*)
– If the suit is headed by two consecutive honors,
lead the top honor
• Exception: lead K from AKx
– If the suit contains a single honor, lead the lowest
card
– Leads in other cases depend on the specific
situation
[*] Except in particular cases, leading from this card combination should generally be avoided
unless the suit has been bid by partner
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 General Leads against No Trump
Contracts
• From a suit of 3+ cards containing no honors
(i.e. no cards higher than 9), lead
• The highest card from a 4-card or shorter suit (Top Of
Nothing)
• The fourth highest card (4th best) from 5-card or longer
suit
• Always lead the top card from a doubleton.
However, leading from a doubleton containing
honor(s) is strongly discouraged unless the
suit has been bid by partner

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
Choice of Lead Cards against No Trump
Contracts
• Exceptions and special cases
– If you are leading a suit bid (or shown) by partner
that you have not supported, lead:
• Top of a doubleton (xx, Qx)
• Lowest card from 3 cards, with or without honors (xxx,
Qxx)
• 4+ cards (???)
– If you have supported partner’s suit, follow the
general rules

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
Choice of Lead Cards against No Trump
Contracts
• Exceptions and special cases
– From a suit of exactly 4 cards headed by the 9,
lead second best
– From a suit of exactly 4 cards headed by the 10,
lead second best if you would like to encourage
partner to switch to another suit, or if you have no
particular interest in partner’s returning that suit
– From a 3-card suit headed by the 10 or 9, follow
the general rules (lead 9xx or 10xx)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 General Leads against No Trump
Contracts

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
Choice of Lead Cards against No Trump
Contracts
• Exceptions and special cases
– From a suit of 5+ cards containing no honors, lead
• The top card (or another suit) without a side entry
• Fourth beast with a potential side entry (however,
consider where it may be better to lead another suit
which partner may hold length and/or strength in)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
Choice of Lead Cards against No Trump
Contracts
Leading from strong 3-card suits

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
Choice of Lead Cards against No Trump
Contracts
• Exceptions and special cases
– If your best suit is AQxx or AQxxx
• Lead fourth best from AQxxx
• With AQxx, consider leading high (top of nothing) in
another suit to encourage partner to switch to your suit
when on lead

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Opening Leads
OPENING LEADS AGAINST SUIT
CONTRACTS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 The Fourth Commandment
Thou shalt not underlead thy
aces against a suit contract

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Choice of Lead Cards against Suit
Contracts
• From a suit with 3+ cards headed by an honor
sequence, lead the top honor of the sequence
– Examples: AKxx, KQxx, KQ10, AQJx, AJ10x, K109x
• From a suit with 3+ cards containing one or more
honors not in sequence, lead the fourth highest
card (4th best), or the lowest card with only three
cards (Bottom Of Something)
• However, be weary of leading from a 3-card suit
containing honors that has not been bid by
partner
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Choice of Lead Cards against Suit
Contracts
• From a suit of any number of cards containing
no honors (i.e. no cards higher than 9), lead
the highest card (Top Of Nothing)
• Always lead the top card from a doubleton.
– Exception: With a doubleton consisting of two
honors in sequence, lead the lower honor
• In general, leading from a doubleton
containing honor(s) is strongly discouraged
unless the suit has been bid by partner

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Choice of Lead Cards against Suit
Contracts
• Exceptions and special cases
– If you are leading a suit bid by partner that you
have not supported, or that you have supported
after partner has shown 6+ cards in the suit,
special rules apply.
– If you have supported partner’s suit, follow the
general rules (but see other exceptions next)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Choice of Lead Cards against Suit
Contracts
• Exceptions and special cases
– Lead K from AK(…)
• After the first trick
• Against a contract at the 5-level or higher
• From AK doubleton
• If leading a suit bid by partner, whether or not you have
supported it
• If leading a suit that you have bid and that partner has
supported

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Special Opening Leads
• Modified rules for opening leads apply when
leading a suit bid or otherwise shown by
partner that you have not supported, or that
you have supported after partner has shown
6+ cards in the suit
– Against all suit contracts
– Against no trump contracts, provided that partner
is known to hold 5+ cards in the suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Special Opening Leads
• Follow the usual rules for leads in partner’s
suit when leading
– From a doubleton
• The higher card is led
• The lower honor is led from a doubleton consisting of
two consecutive honors
– From 3+ cards headed by a honor sequence
• The top honor in the sequence is led
• K is led from AKx(…)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Special Opening Leads
• From 3+ cards not headed by a honor
sequence, lead
– The 3rd highest card, from an even number of
cards
– The lowest card, from an odd number of cards
• These leads help partner get a count of the
suit, especially when the card led is recognized
to be the lowest possible card that can be held
by the opening leader

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Special Opening Leads
• To compute the number of cards higher than
the card led that are not in opening leader’s
hand, use
– The rule of 12, for 3rd-best leads
– The rule of 10, for 5th-best leads
• It should be kept in mind that the lead of a
low card does not necessarily show an honor
in the suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Special Opening Leads
Continuations
• When starting with an even number of cards,
on the second round of the suit the opening
leader should play a lower card than the
opening lead, unless common sense dictates
otherwise

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Special Opening Leads
Continuations
• When starting with an odd number of cards
– If you’re leading the suit, follow the standard rules
for leads
• With two remaining cards, lead the higher
• With four remaining cards , lead the lowest
– If you are following suit
• With two remaining cards, play the lowest
• With four remaining cards, play the highest card you
can afford

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defensive Bidding
RESPONSES TO SIMPLE SUIT
OVERCALLS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Simple Suit Overcalls
• A simple suit overcall is a minimum-level (i.e.
non-jump) bid in a suit that is made over an
opening bid in a different suit by an opponent
• Requirements:
– A minimum of 5 cards in the suit chosen for the
overcall (no exceptions!)
– Suit quality and hand strength requirements that
depend on the level of the overcall

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Simple Suit Overcalls
One-level overcalls
• 8–16 HCP
• A “good hand” or a “good suit” is required
– “Good hand”: opening-level strength (12+ HCP)
– “Good suit”: two of the top three honors, or three of the
top five
• All the following hands are suitable for a 1 overcall
a)  AQJ10 7  J986  74  95
b)  KQ983  86  KQ4  985
c)  J10 632  AK6  KQ4  63

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Simple Suit Overcalls
Two-level overcalls
• Generally 12–16 HCP
• Both a “good hand” and a “good suit” are
required
• Examples:
a)  83  AJ6  A74  KQ10 98
b)  Q983  8  74  AKJ987
c)  KQ3  A5  A63  J8643
• (a) and (b) are suitable for a 2 overcall, but (c) is
not
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Simple Suit Overcalls
Higher-level overcalls

• Simple (non-jump) overcalls at the three-level

and higher generally require sound opening
values and a solid suit. The higher the level of
the overcall, the more important the quality of
the suit becomes in comparison to overall HCP
strength.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 General Guidelines for Advances
• Broadly speaking, the following factors favor
somewhat aggressive bidding:
– You have a fit for partner’s suit (the longer the fit,
the more aggressively one can bid)
– You are short in the opponents’ suit(s) ( ≤ 2 cards)
– Your HCPs (outside partner’s suit) consist of high
honors (aces and kings)
– You have favorable vulnerability

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 General Guidelines for Advances
• Conversely, the following factors suggest
somewhat cautious bidding:
– You don’t have a fit for partner’s suit
– You are long (≥ 3 cards) in the opponents’ suit(s)
– Your HCPs (outside partner’s suit) are made up of
minor honors (queens and jacks)
– You have unfavorable vulnerability

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 General Guidelines for Advances
• Except as otherwise noted, the meaning of
advancer’s responses is not affected by
responder’s bidding

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Advance 6–7 8–9 10–12 12+
Direct raise 6–9 pts
With support

Jump cue-bid ~8–9 pts

Cue-bid 10+ pts
Splinter
New suit ~8–10+ HCP
Without support

Jump shift 10+ HCP

1NT 8–11 HCP
2NT 12+ HCP
Resp. double ~8+ HCP
Redouble 10+ HCP

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Advances with support (3+ cards)
• With a minimum hand (6–9/10 pts):
– Raise partner’s suit
– Jump cue-bid opener’s suit (mixed raise)
• With an invitational hand or better (10+ pts):
– Cue-bid the opponents’ suit(s)
– Jump directly to game
• Remember to add support (“dummy”) points to
your HCPs!

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Minimum-hand support
• As a rule of thumb, you should consider raising
partner’s suit to a level such that the total
number of tricks in the contract equals the
combined number of cards you and your partner
hold in the trump suit (law of total tricks)
▪ 3-card support → raise to the 2-level
▪ 4-card support → raise to the 3-level
▪ 5-card support → raise to the 4-level
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Minimum-hand support
• This particular form of the law of total tricks is useful
primarily as a pre-emptive tool. It should not be relied
upon if advancer has an invitational hand or better.
• The level of the raise is to some extent independent of
the HCP strength of advancer’s hand. However, one
should be mindful of factors (e.g. vulnerability, hand
shape, etc.) that may suggest caution in the bidding.
– With only 3-card support, raise to the two-level with 6–10
HCP (pass with fewer than 6 HCP)
– Treat a 4333 distribution as if you had just 3-card support

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Invitational-hand support

• With 10+ pts and 3+ cards in partner’s suit,

cue-bid the opponents’ suit
Example: (1) — 1 — (1NT) — 2
• If the opponents bid two suits, the lower-level
cue-bid shows 3-card support, the higher-level
cue-bid shows 4-card or longer support
Example: (1) — 1 — (2) — 2/3

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Mixed raises
• A mixed raise is made with a hand with the
following characteristics:
– At least 4-card support
– Hand distribution other than 4333
– Overall strength at the top of the range for a minimum
raise (~8–10 pts) with ½ QT at the very minimum
(1 QT is better)
• Example (after 1 overcall):
 KJ10 7  A986  74  965

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Mixed raises

• A mixed raise is indicated by a jump cue-bid at

the three-level of opener’s suit. Examples:
(1) — 1 — (P) — 3
(1) — 1 — (1) — 3
(1) — 1 — (X) — 3
• The following is a not a mixed raise
(1) — 1 — (2) — 3

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Effect of responder’s raises

• A bid by responder below 2 of overcaller’s suit

does not affect the meaning of advancer’s
support bids
(1) — 1 — (1) — 2 (minimum raise)
(1) — 1 — (1NT) — 3 (pre-emptive)
(1) — 1 — (2) — 3 (inv. raise or better)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Effect of responder’s raises

• A bid by responder at or above 2 of

overcaller’s suit (e.g. a jump raise or a weak
jump shift) does change the meaning of
advancer’s support bids
(1) — 1 — (3) — 3 (min./pre-empt. raise, 3–9 pts)
(1) — 1 — (3) — 4 (inv. raise or better, 10–15 pts)
(1) — 1 — (3) — 4 (strong hand, 16+ pts)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Advancing without support
• General considerations
– If responder (advancer’s RHO) makes any non-
preemptive bid, opponents probably have a
minimum of ~18 HCP. This leaves a maximum of
~22 HCP for the other side.
– In order to bid without support for overcaller’s
suit, advancer should have 8 HCP at the very
minimum. Thus opponents have at most 24 HCP
(usually not enough for game).
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Advancing without support

• Non-jump bid in a new suit

– General requirements are similar to those for an
overcall at the same level
• Jump bid in a new suit (jump shift)
– Good 6-card suit and 12–15 HCP
• No trump bids
– 1NT (8–11 HCP) or 2NT (12–15 HCP)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
New suit bids
• A 5-card suit or longer of good quality
• For 1-level bids:
– 8+ HCP
– Suit quality requirements may be relaxed somewhat
for hands approaching opening-level strength
• For 2-level bids:
– 10+ HCP
– HCP strength can be somewhat less with particularly
long/strong suits

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
New suit bids

• Bidding a minor suit in response to an overcall

in a major suit implicitly denies support for
overcaller’s suit
• Bidding the other major in response to a
major suit overcall does not necessarily deny
support. It may just indicate that advancer has
a particularly long/strong suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
New suit bids

• New suit bids are not forcing, but hey should

be constructive, that is, overcaller should
make an effort to bid again in response to a
bid in a new suit by advancer
• Overcaller should bid again when the overcall
was made with a non-minimum hand (i.e.
above approximately opening strength)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Jump shift bids

• Requirements:
– 12–15 HCP
– A 6-card suit or longer of good quality
(exceptionally a 5-card suit if the suit is extremely
good or the hand is very strong)
• Jump shifts are highly invitational but not
forcing

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Notrump bids

• Notrump bids implicitly deny support for

major suit overcalls. They also deny
possession of a biddable major suit
• Caution should be used in making notrump
bids when responder does not pass (thus
showing 6+ HCP)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
1NT bid
• If responder passes, it shows 8–11 HCP and a
stopper in opener’s suit. The stopper may be
weak at the upper end of the range (10–11 HCP)
• If responder does not pass, a 1NT advance should
be made only with 10–11 HCP.
• If responder bids a new suit, advancer should
have a solid stopper in responder’s suit (he may
or may not have a stopper in opener’s suit)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
2NT bid

• This bid shows 12–15 HCP and a stopper in

the opponents’ suit.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Responsive double
• A double by advancer is responsive if and only if it
is made after responder raises opener’s suit
(1) — 1 — (2) — X
(1) — 1 — (3) — X
(2) — 2 — (3) — X
• The following are not responsive doubles
(1) — 1 — (1NT) — X
(1) — 1 — (1) — X

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Responsive double

• A responsive double shows length (ideally 5-5)

in the two remaining unbid suit
• In practice, it is often made with a 5-4
distribution, and occasionally even with a 4-4
distribution
• It implicitly denies support for overcaller’s
major suit
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Responsive double

• The maximum level for a responsive double is

a matter of partnership agreement
• A common agreement is to use the same
threshold (e.g. 3) both for negative and
responsive doubles

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Responsive double

• Requirements
– 8+ HCP with a 5-5 distribution, if at least one of
the suits can be bid by partner at the 2-level
– 10+ HCP with a 5-4 or 4-4 distribution or if partner
must respond at the 3-level
– Any suit that must be bid at the 3-level must be
at least 5-card long

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Responsive double

• Suits must be of reasonable quality

– At least one top honor (A,K,Q) for a 5-card suit
– At least two honors (A,K,Q,J,10) for a 4-card suit
• Unlike a negative double, a responsive double
should be preferred to a direct bid of a 5-card
major suit, unless one of the suits is
considerably weaker than the other
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responsive Doubles
None vul. None vul.
➢ (1) — 1 — (2) — ? ➢ (1) — 1 — (2) — ?

 QJ654  KJ103
 K10652 8
3  865
 65  A10932
Advancer: Double Advancer: Double
(The ideal responsive double) (A 5-4 distribution. Note the 3
honors in the  suit)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responsive Doubles
Our side vul. Both vul.
➢ (1) — 2 — (2) — ? ➢ (1) — 1 — (3) — ?

 AQ95  Q2
 KJ103  J10875
 865  AQ642
 32 3
Advancer: Double Advancer: Double
(A 4-4 distribution. Note the strength (A reasonable bid in light of
of the / suits and the relatively responder’s weak 3)
high HCP count)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responsive Doubles
None vul. None vul.
➢ (1) — 1 — (2) — ? ➢ (1) — 1 — (2) — ?

 Q1087  AQJ75
 Q54 3
 A7652  10765
2  J54
Advancer: 2 Advancer: 2
(A responsive double would deny (The  suit is significantly weaker
support for partner’s major suit) than the  suit)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing 1-Level Overcalls
Responsive(?) redouble

• A redouble made by advancer after responder

makes a negative double. It shows:
– 10+ HCP
– Exactly 2 cards in overcaller’s suit
– Inability to make a more descriptive bid (including
a NT bid, thereby indicating the lack of a stopper
in opener’s suit)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 General Guidelines
• Classify responses by advancer according to
the following bids by advancer’s RHO:
– Pass
– Raise of opener’s suit
– Cue bid of overcalled suit (limit raise)
– Double (negative)
– Bid of a new suit or NT

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defensive Bidding
RESPONSES TO TAKEOUT DOUBLES

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Takeout Doubles
• Made after an opening bid in a suit by an
opponent
• Requirements:
– Shortness (no more than two cards) in opponents’
suit
– At least three cards in each of the unbid suits
(ideally, four cards in any unbid major suit)
– Opening-level strength (12+ pts)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Takeout Doubles
• Examples:
a)  QJ83  KJ64  5  K972
b)  AQ83  K1064  52  A97
c)  A73  KJ64  52  A972
• All the hands above are suitable for a takeout
double after a 1 opening bid (but not after
opening bids of 1//)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Responder passes

• Bid a new suit that is

– At least 4-card long
– A major suit
– Your longest suit
• Bid 1NT
– Ideally, with a stopper in opener’s suit
• Pass (rare)
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Responder passes

• Advancing by bidding a new suit

– A minimum level bid with 0–9 HCP
– A jump bid with 9–12 HCP
– A game-level bid (4/) with 13+ HCP

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Responder passes

• Advancing by bidding a 1NT

– No suitable 4-card major suit to bid
– A fairly balanced distribution
– A stopper in opener’s suit, if at all possible

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Responder passes

• Pass (converting takeout double to penalty)

– Generally, with substantial assets in opener’s suit
and no alternative bids available
• Example: (1) – X – P – ?
 83  QJ1084  AJ2  J97

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Responder bids
• Advancer may pass
• If advancer chooses to bid, it shows sufficient values to
compete at the current level of the auction
– When bidding a new suit
• 6–9 HCP at the 2 level
• 10–12 HCP at the 3 level
• 13+ HCP at the 4 level
– When bidding 1NT
• 9–12 HCP
• Stopper(s) in opponents’ suit(s)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Responsive double
• A double by advancer is responsive if and only if it
is made after responder raises opener’s suit
(1) — X — (2) — X (responsive)
(1) — X — (3) — X (responsive)
(2) — X — (3) — X (responsive)
• The following are not responsive doubles
(1) — X — (1NT) — X
(1) — X — (1) — X

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Responsive double
• When the opening bid is in a minor suit, a
responsive double shows 4+ cards in both
major suits (except if advancer holds game-
forcing values)
• When the opening bid is in a major suit, a
responsive double shows 4+ cards in both
minor suits and denies 4 cards in the unbid
major
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Responsive double
• In either case advancer
– Shows enough values to compete at the level of the
auction (~6+ HCP at the two level, ~9+ HCP at the three
level)
– Expresses no clear preference between the two suits
• The maximum level for a responsive double is a matter
of partnership agreement
• A common agreement is to use the same threshold
(e.g. 4) both for negative and responsive doubles

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Responsive double
• After a responsive double, a bid of a suit by
doubler guarantees 4+ cards in that suit
• After a responsive double over a minor suit
opening
– Doubler should give priority to showing a 4-card
major
– Consequently, a bid by doubler of the other minor suit
denies 4 cards in either major
– Doubler is allowed to jump with 4 cards in a major suit
and extra values
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Responsive double
• After doubler bids a suit in response to a
responsive double, a bid of a new suit by
advancer shows 4+ cards in that suit and game-
forcing values
• If doubler and advancer have not yet agreed on a
major suit, a cue bid of opener’s suit after a
responsive double shows game-forcing values
and asks for a stopper in that suit (Western cue
bid)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responsive Doubles
➢ (1) — X — (2) — ? ➢ (1) — X — (2) — ?

 J743  KQJ3
 KJ93  AQ63
 Q10  J65
 J65  103
Advancer: Double Advancer: Double
A minimum responsive double: Game-forcing values: jump to game
partner may bid a major suit at the 2, after a 2/ response by partner. If
3 or 4 level. Advancer should pass partner bids 2, you may pass or try
any response by partner, including 3 (western cue bid).
2

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responsive Doubles
➢ (1) — X — (2) — ? ➢ (1) — X — (2) — ?

 74  AKJ7
 KJ93  J52
 A1073  AJ108
 965  107
Advancer: 2 Advancer: Double
A responsive double would show If partner’s response is 2, bid 2,
both majors. showing 4 and game-forcing
values. Bidding 4 directly risks
having to play in a 4-3 fit, when 3NT
may be a better contract.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responsive Doubles
➢ (1) — X — (2) — ? ➢ (1) — X — (2) — ?

 87  76
 943  93
 AJ73  AQ73
 QJ108  Q9652
Advancer: Double Advancer: Double
The responsive double shows both A responsive double can still be used
minors and denies 4. with 5-4 distribution in the minors

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responsive Doubles
➢ (1) — X — (2) — ?

 J3
 84
 KJ1085
 AKJ4
Advancer: Double
If partner responds 3, bid 3 to ask
for a stopper (western cue bid).

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Cue bid of opener’s suit

• A cue bid of opener’s suit by advancer is a

forcing bid showing, at a minimum, interest in
game
• The exact conventional meaning of the cue bid
depends on a number of factors, including
responder’s bid

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Cue bid of opener’s suit when responder passes

• A cue bid by advancer generally indicates one

of the following:
– Advancer identifies two (or more) viable options
for the final contract. Usually the choices will be
• Between part score or game contracts in one of the two
major suits
• Between game contracts in a suit or in notrump
– Advancer wants to create a forcing auction,
usually to investigate the possibility of slam
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Cue bid of opener’s minor suit: Responder passes

• After a minor suit opening, a cue bid shows

invitational values or better (~10+ HCP)
– With exactly invitational values (~10–12 HCP),
advancer should have 4+ cards in both majors
• A cue bid promises another bid by advancer
below game level. Therefore there is no need
for doubler to jump to show extra values

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Cue bid of opener’s minor suit: Responder passes

• Doubler should respond in this order of

priority
– Bid a 4+ card major suit up the line
– Bid 2NT (or 3NT). This shows a stopper in opener’s
suit and is forcing to game
– Bid the remaining minor suit (usually this shows 5
5-card suit)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Cue bid of opener’s minor suit: Responder passes

• If advancer’s rebid is
– A simple raise of the suit bid by doubler, it shows 4+
card support and invitational values (non-forcing)
– A new suit, it denies 4-card support for doubler’s
major suit, shows 4+ cards in the suit and game-
forcing values
– 2NT, it denies 4-card support for doubler’s major suit,
shows a stopper in opener’s suit and game-forcing
values

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Cue bid of opener’s major suit: Responder passes

• After a major suit opening, a cue bid shows

game forcing values
• Doubler responses in order of priority

(1) — X — P — (2) (1) — X — P — (2)

2 (4+ cards) 2NT (shows  stopper)
2NT (denies 4, shows  stopper) ?
3/ (4+ cards, denies 4 and  stopper) ?

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Cue Bids
 AQ73  AQ73
 J1074  KJ107
 K3  K3
 963  965

➢ (1) — X — (P) — 2 ➢ (1) — X — (P) — 2

Raise a 2/ response to 3/, Raise a 2/ response to 4/ with

showing invitational values. Note game forcing values. A 3-level raise is
that a 2-level response by doubler not forcing and may be passed by
does not necessarily show a partner.
minimum: partner may raise to game
with a sufficiently strong hand.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Cue Bids
 KJ43 This hand has game forcing values, so it
is OK to cue bid with only one four-
3 card major. This makes it unnecessary
 AJ76 to jump directly to 4 after partner’s
 A1094 TO double. Instead, use the cue bid to
find out if you have an 8-card fit in . If
not, you know from the start that you
➢ (1) — X — (P) — 2 can always sign off in 3NT, because you
(P) — 2(1) — (P) — 2(2) have a  stopper.
(P) — 3(3) — (P) — 4(4)

1) Shows 4, may have 4

2) Shows 4, denies 4
3) Shows 4 support
4) Signoff

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Cue Bids
 AK73 In this auction partner’s 2NT bid
 KQ5 denies 4 support but shows a 
 Q73 stopper, so you can safely sign off in
3NT. Had partner bid 3 instead of
 872 2NT, it would have denied a 
stopper. In such case you can bid 3,
➢ (1) — X — (P) — 2 also denying a  stopper, but
(P) — 2(1) — (P) — 2(2)
(P) — 2NT(3) — (P) — 3NT(4) showing 3-card support in  (your
previous 2 bid over partner 2
denies 4-card support). Partner may
1) Shows 4, may have 4
still raise to 4, fully aware that the
2) Shows 4, denies 4
3) Denies 4 support, shows a 
contract will be played in a 7-card fit.
stopper
4) Signoff

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Cue Bids
 QJ92  KQ102
 AJ854  QJ72
 975  732
6  63

➢ (1) — X — (P) — 2 ➢ (1) — X — (P) — ?

Raise a 2/ response to 3/. If Although this hand has two four-card
partner bids 2NT (game forcing), bid majors, it is not strong enough for a
3 to show 5 . Partner will choose cue bid. Bid 1, hoping to be able to
between 3NT and 4. show the four-card  suit later if
necessary.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Cue Bids
 AJ This is an example of a cue bid used
 75 to create a game forcing auction. The
 1087 3 rebid by advancer denies 4 cards
 AQJ982 in either major, so doubler’s first
priority at this point is to show a 
➢ (1) — X — (P) — 2 stopper. Consequently, his 3 rebid
(P) — 2 — (P) — 3(1) implicitly denies such stopper.
(P) — 3(2) — (P) — 4(3) Advancer’s 4 rebid indicates a
preference for  as the trump suit.
1) Game forcing: shows 4+ , Doubler can bid 5/ with 5 cards in
denies both 4  and 4 , asks for
a  stopper the suit: advancer should pass (with
3-card support) or correct to 5.
2) Shows 4 , denies a  stopper
Alternatively, doubler can raise to 5
3) Shows 5+  and a preference for
 as trump suit directly.

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Cue Bids
 QJ97542 This is another example of a cue bid
used to create a game forcing
A auction. The jump is forcing to game
 KQ8 and a try for slam: it sets the trump
suit to , independently of partner’s
 K10
holding in the suit. This means that
the suit should be playable in a game
➢ (1) — X — (P) — 2 contract even opposite the minimum
(P) — 2 — (P) — 3(1) possible support by partner (3 small
cards in this case). Partner will
1) Game forcing and a slam try: sets normally continue by cue bidding
the trump suit to , regardless of controls in the other suits.
partner’s holding in the suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Cue bid of opener’s suit when responder raises

• If responder raises opener’s (major or minor)

suit, a cue bid by advancer asks for a stopper
in opener’s suit (western cue bid)
• However, in some particular circumstances
advancer may simply be trying to create a
forcing auction
• Doubler’s first priority is to bid 3NT with a
stopper in opener’s suit
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Equal Level Conversion

• A convention whereby, after advancer bids a

suit in response to a TO double, a bid by
doubler of another suit at the same level does
not show extra values over those expected for
an ordinary TO double

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Equal Level Conversion

• Advantages
– More flexibility in the use of TO doubles, which
can now be used to show many two-suited hands
• Disadvantages
– Partial loss of power doubles
– Specific agreements are needed to manage
possible jumps by advancer in the “missing suit”

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Equal Level Conversion

• ELC is applicable to the following

– Takeout doubles made over an opening bid at the
two level or higher, whether in the direct or
balancing seat
– Takeout doubles made after responder raises
opener’s suit to the three (two?) level or higher

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Equal Level Conversion
• After a TO double, advancer should always
assume it to be a regular TO double until
partner indicates otherwise
• Doubler indicates that ELC is in effect by
converting advancer’s suit to the next higher
suit (excluding opener’s suit) at the same level
as advancer’s bid
• The conversion bid by doubler is not forcing
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Equal Level Conversion

• ELC applies with the following restrictions

– The “missing suit” must be a minor
– The conversion must be made to a suit with 5+
cards
– The length of the other suit must be
• 4+ cards if the suit is a major
• 5+ cards if the suit is a minor

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Equal Level Conversion

• When responding to a TO double to which ELC

may apply, advancer should avoid jumping in a
minor suit, because it could be doubler’s
“missing suit.” Instead, with a sufficiently
strong hand and/or suit, advancer should
consider other alternatives (e.g. a cue bid of
opener’s suit)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Equal Level Conversion

➢(2) — X — (P) — 3 — (P) — 3

▪ Doubler promises 5+ , 4+ 
➢(2) — X — (P) — 3 — (P) — 3
▪ Doubler promises 5+ , 4+ 
➢(2) — X — (P) — 3 — (P) — 3
▪ Doubler promises 5+ , 5+ 

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Advancing Takeout Doubles
Equal Level Conversion

➢(2) — X — (P) — 3 — (P) — 3

▪ Doubler promises 5+ , 4+ 
➢(2) — X — (P) — 3 — (P) — 3
▪ Doubler promises 5+ , 5+ 
➢(3) — X — (P) — 3 — (P) — 3
▪ Doubler promises 5+ , 4+ 

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defensive Signaling
SIGNALS AFTER OPENING LEADS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads
• A signal must always be given in response to an
opening lead, except:
– When it is necessary to play “third hand high”
– When the opening lead is a trump
• The default signal on opening leads is attitude
• The signal on the opening lead does not indicate
attitude:
– Against a suit contract, when dummy has a singleton or a
void in the suit led (suit preference)
– Against any contract, when the opening lead is “bottom-
of-something” and third hand’s attitude is “clearly
negative” (count)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads
• Standard attitude signals
– A high card encourages continued play of the suit
– A low card discourages continued play of the suit
• In general, the determination of whether to
encourage or discourage should be based on a
global assessment of the hand, as opposed to the
possession (or lack thereof) of specific card(s)
• Attitude signals are suggestions, not commands

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads

• Assumption: the opening lead is the top of an

honor sequence
• Opening leader’s partner holds an equal
honor if that honor forms an unbroken
sequence with the honors that are implicitly
shown by the opening lead

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads
Against no trump contracts Against suit contracts
Opening
lead Implied Implied
Equal honors Equal honors
sequences sequences
AKQ J
A AK Q
AKJ Q
KQJ A / 10
K KQ A/J
KQ10 A/J
QJ10 K/9
Q QJ K / 10
QJ9 K / 10

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads
• The concept of equal honor can be a useful
guideline to show attitude after an opening
lead of an honor that is believed to be the top
of an honor sequence
• Signal attitude based on possession of an
equal honor (equal honor signal)
– Encourage with an equal honor
– Discourage without an equal honor

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads
• The (lack of) possession of an equal honor is
especially important in determining what
attitude signal to give in the following cases:
– When K is led against any contract (suit or
notrump)
– When A is led against a suit contract

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads

N
Dummy
W Declarer
E
S

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads

N
Dummy
W Declarer
E
S

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads

Lead of A against a suit contract

N
Dummy
W Declarer
E
S

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads
• When giving a (standard) attitude signal:
– Discard the highest card you can afford to encourage
(be careful about discarding the 10, especially if you
don’t have the 9!)
– When encouraging, discard the highest of equal cards
• If the opening lead is the top of an honor
sequence, use the equal honor concept as a
guideline for your attitude signal, especially if the
opening lead is:
– K against any contract (suit or notrump)
– A against a suit contract

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads
• When A is led against a suit contract:
– If dummy has Qx, signal attitude based on your
(lack of) possession of the J
– You may choose to encourage with a doubleton.
However, give due consideration to how the third
round will play out, especially if dummy also holds
a doubleton in the suit
– Remember that if dummy has a singleton or a void
in the suit led, your signal indicates suit
preference, not attitude

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads
• Non-attitude signals on opening leads
– Against a suit contract, when dummy has a
singleton or a void in the suit led, third hand’s
signal indicates suit preference
– Against any contract, after a “bottom-of-
something” opening lead, third hand’s signal
indicates count when his/her attitude is “clearly
negative”

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads
Attitude signals after “top-of-nothing” leads

N
Dummy
W Declarer
E
S

Note that third hand should not play the Q when the 8 is led
1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads
Attitude signals after “top-of-nothing” leads

N
Dummy
W Declarer
E
S

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads
• Standard count signal
– High-low discards indicate an even number of cards
– Low-high discards indicate an odd number of cards
• A signal on the opening lead indicates count only
if both of the following conditions are satisfied:
– The opening lead was “bottom-of-something”
– Third hand’s attitude is “clearly negative”

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Signals after Opening Leads
• Third hand’s attitude is “clearly negative”
when:
– It can be unambiguously inferred from the cards
played that third hand cannot have a card higher
than J in the suit led
– Equivalently, when dummy plays Q or a lower card
on the opening lead, and third hand fails to cover

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Defensive Bidding
RESPONSES TO 1NT OVERCALLS

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 UNUSED SLIDES

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Hand Strength Classification
• Hand strength classification for openings of 1
in a suit and subsequent bidding

Opener
12–15 pts Minimum
16–18 pts Medium/Intermediate
19–21 pts Maximum/Strong
Responder
6–9 pts Minimum
10–12 pts Intermediate/Limit/Invitational
13+ pts Game forcing

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 General Rules for Responses to
Openings of 1 in a Suit
• With less than 6 pts, responder should generally pass
• With 6–9/10 pts, responder should not bid above the
1NT level, except in direct support of opener’s suit
– Exception: To introduce a new suit at the two level after
responder’s RHO intervenes in the auction with a TO
double
• 1/1 responses generally promise a minimum of
only 4 cards in the suit (not 5!)
• With limited exceptions, a non-jump bid by an
unpassed responder in a new suit is forcing for 1 round.
This means that opener may not pass at his next turn
to bid, unless opener’s RHO intervenes in the auction

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• General rules
– With less than 6 pts, responder should pass
– With 6–15 pts and a fit (3+ cards) in opener’s suit,
priority should be given to responses expressing
support for opener’s suit
• Exception: In an uncontested auction, with 10+ pts and
exactly 3 cards in opener’s suit , responder may delay
support until the second round of bidding and, if
possible, bid another suit first at the 1- or 2-level

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings
• General rules (contd.)
– A non-jump bid by responder in a new suit is
forcing for one round (unless opener’s RHO
subsequently interferes)
• Exception: A non-jump bid in a new suit at the 2 level is
not forcing if it is made immediately after a take-out
double by responder’s RHO

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1/1 Openings

Responses with limit/game-forcing hands (10+ pts)

Responder’s RHO’s bid
holding in
opener’s suit Pass Take-out double Suit overcall
3+ cards
Double raise (3/)[1] 2NT [F][7] Cue-bid [F][11]
(10–12 pts)
3+ cards • 2NT [GF][2] • 2NT [F] + 4/[7] • Cue-bid [F] + 4/[11]
(13–15 pts) • 4/[3] • 4/[3] • 4/[3]
• 1 (over 1) [F] • 1 (over 1) [F][8] • 2/ (free bid) [F][12]
• 2 (over 1), • 3NT (13–15 HCP)[9] • Double (neg.) [F][13]
≤ 3 cards
with 5+ cards [F][4] • Redouble[10] • 2NT/3NT[14]
(10–15+ pts)
• 2/ [F][5] • 2/ (free bid) [F][15]
• 3NT (15–17 HCP)[6]

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Responses to 1NT Opening
Responder’s RHO’s bid
holding Pass Double Suit overcall
• 2/[1]
• 2[2]
0–7 HCP
• 3/[3]
• Pass
• 2[4]
8–9 HCP • 2/[5]
• 2NT[6]
• 2[7]
10–15 HCP • 2/[8]
• 3NT[9]

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Choice of Lead Cards
• If the suit has been bid by partner
– Lead the higher card from a doubleton
– Otherwise follow the general rules
• General rules
– If the suit is headed by a (solid, broken or interior)
sequence, lead the top card of the sequence (e.g.
AKQx, KQx, KQ10, AQJ, AJ10x, K109x)
• Exception: Against no trump contracts, if leading a
4-card (or longer) suit headed by a 2-honor sequence,
lead the fourth highest card (4th best) (e.g. AKxx, QJxxx)

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi
 Choice of Lead Cards
• General rules (cont.)
– If the suit contains isolated or scattered honors,
lead
• The smallest of a 3-card suit (e.g. KJx, Qxx)
• The fourth highest card (4th best) from a suit of 4+ cards
(e.g. K10xx, Qxxx, AJxxx)
– If the suit contains no honors (i.e. no cards higher
than 9), lead
• The highest card from a 4-card or shorter suit
• The fourth highest card (4th best) from 5-card (or
longer) suit

1/26/2022 © G. Casinovi