The basic concepts of the system
Pattern is based upon the principle that opener directly show his hand pattern by the opening bid.
In bidding we have 4 classes of hands:
Balanced (including 5332)
3-suited (4441 - 5440)
2-suited (at least 5-4)
Single suited (+6suiters)
In this system we start to show the hand pattern and nothing about specific suits. The opening schedule is:
1C 2-suited (10-21) or 3-suited (11-16)
1D One suited +10
1H Balanced +18 or 3-suited (17-22)
1S Balanced 12-14
1NT Balanced 15-17
2C Forcing with 2 suited pattern – answers basically as to the opening 1C
The other 2-openers are free of choice. 2NT is open for business.
Basic answering structure
One of the basic principles which has been built into the system is positive relay and the W-M-S (weak must speak) principle. This means that weak single suited or unbalanced hands is allowed to bid in the first round, while stronger hands holding +8HCP normally bids by using the relay. This goes for all openings including the balanced ones (transfers for weak hands).
After the relay opener normally limits his hand and starts a natural description. The hands are easily handled with fairly natural methods. See the next section.
Another general principle is how to act against interference: We are using High/low doubles and negative free bids. A double normally shows the same strength as a positive relay +8HCP and will normally be relatively balanced in the low area 8-11HCP and unspecified from opening hand and up. The negative free bids (including jumps) is natural and shows 5-11 point and some distribution.
Arguments for the system
The theory behind this opening system is rather self explanatory, if partner knows openers hand pattern, he will very often be able to conclude if the hands are fitting or not.
We all love No-trump openings because they give the partnership nice control. So why not open as high and as often as possible with balanced hands? These openings have a very high frequency and partner rules from now on. It must be very disturbing for the opponents to have these openings all the time. This is the great difference to the natural systems where half of the balanced hands normally are mixed into the unbalanced ones.
The single suited opening is also a strong asset. Answerer will normally also control the situation. If answerer holds a balanced hand he can compete in opener’s suit. The opening hand is pretty easy to describe – in fact we can use the relay as a kind of Ogust on all hands from 6 to 22 points.
The 2 suited 1C opening is the most intriguing part of the system. Also here partner often know where to go.
Some would say it is the weak spot regarding the high risk of missing a major fit on interference.
Well ..we have to disagree to these arguments for a number of reasons. Answerer knows that partner is two-suited and the bidding will normally reveal openers suits. If the opponents find a fit and answerer is balanced or 2-suited, he knows that a fit is present on our side. Of cause we can set up examples where we are hurt be aggressive preemptive bids, but my examinations shows, that in just as many cases a natural system would also be hurt.
Of cause we have to be prepared against interference – this opening opens the battle. But who will prevail in the end – normally the pair with better sight from the gunsmoke.
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If we have an undisturbed auction after 1C og 1D the bidding seem to be more accurate than in a natural system. The main arguments for the higher precision are the relay and the limitations. Also the WMS structure enables the system to stay low in the right suit.
The further structure of the system
Answers to the opening bids
1C 2-suited (10-21) or 3-suited (11-16)
1D is a positive relay and covers all hands is this area.
The bid can also be a blasted hand, which would have passed to a natural 1 level opening. (Passes normally next time)
1Ma/1N is natural 4cards (3-7)
1NT/2NT is natural denies 4card major (3-7). 2NT shows 55 in minors and (4-7)
2X/3X natural weak (3-7)
1C-1D-
1MA natural 4cards limited (10-16) – can be longer minor
1NT/2NT both minors (10-16)
2x GF +17 natural (5/6suiter- but denies 5-5)
3x GF +16 5-5 (suits from below)
After openers rebid of 1MA, the bidding follows normal principles. 1NT shows 8-11 and 2/1 is absolute game force.
We recommend 2C as GFR (Game force relay) to reveal openers distribution. Answerer has either clubs, or has balanced hand or support. 2NT could be a limit supp bid. Jump to the 3 level could be 5-5 hands.
After openers rebid of 1NT (both minors) 2C is also GFR. All other bids are invitational.
After openers rebid on the 2 or 3 level we already have a GF situation and the bidding should follow the normal fast arrival principles.
1D One suited +10
1H relay
1S/1NT natural weak (3-7) very unbalanced hands
2X/3X Weak single suited hands
1D-1H
1S unknown suit (15-19) – 1NT relay
1NT unknown suit (20-22) – 2C relay
2NT unknown suit Absolute gameforce –3C relay
2X natural (10-14)
3X/4X natural with nice 7carder on a 5 looser hand (10-14)
After opener has shown his suit the system a relay bid asks for openers hand, and the steps follow the Ogust principles. Other bids are F1. Jumps are splinter. Opener can also make a self-splinter by jumping to the four level in a void and hence 7330.
The basic charm of this opening is that all single-suiters from 6HCP and up is treated the same way. We believe the Ogust treatment is OK as long as we are dealing with true single suiters.
1H Balanced +18 or 3-suited (17-22)
1S Relay denies long suit and very weak hand
1UT 0-4 HP at least +5C
2C transfer +5D 0- 4
2D Jacoby +5H 0-4
2H Jacoby +5S 0-4
2S transfer +6C 0-4
3X +5-+5 8-12
1H-1S
1UT 18-20 balanced
2C 17-19 4441
2D 20-22 4441
2H 23-24 Balanced
2S 25-26 Balanced
2UT 21-22 Balanced
3C 27-28 Balanced
This opening bid covers all balanced hands nicely, including the vicious strong 4441 hands.
After rebid of 1NT the 1NT-structure is used. After the 2 level NT the 2NT-structure is used.
When openers show a 3-suiter the relay is at least invitational and asks opener to bid the suit ABOVE the singleton. 2NT substitutes the highest step. All other bids are Pass/correct.
The 1NT and 2NT structure is free of choice, but it should be able to handle 5card majors.
1S Balanced 12-14
This bid is treated like a 1NT opening. Except that answerer can choose to pass or bid 1NT. All other bids follow the NT system.
1NT Balanced 15-17
Natural as we all know it.
2C Forcing with 2suiter.
We recommend to use the same system as used on the 1C opening, 2D is GF +5 points and
all other bids are weak hands with 0-4.
Please comments
I am very interested in comments because i think we are close to something rather powerfull.
I am working on the detailed system handbook (translating) so email me if you
want a copy
Anyone care to try plying it on BBO ???
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Frank Paaskesen (DK)