Bridge Conventions and Bidding Systems

Part 1

Revised and Simplified by Wayne Flournoy

and Anna Marsh (OKbridge user-name: "ana") - Further revised June 2002 with the help of Paul Hightower

Originally developed as ACBL Standard Yellow Card.

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This document has been divided into 2 parts - Part 1 covers the SAYC bidding system and Part 2 covers a few of the optional conventions used on OKbridge.

Main Index Standard SA-YC Conventions Index

Overview Stayman

Standard SA-YC Conventions Jacoby Transfers to Majors! Jacoby Xfer to Minors! *

General Approach Jacoby 2NT! *

Responses and Later Bidding after 1NT Opening 4th Suit Forcing! *

2NT and 3NT Opening Blackwood

1st Level Bidding/Responses/Rebids Quantative 4NT

Strong 2 Opener DOPI *

Slam Bidding Conventions Control Showing Cuebids

Defensive Bidding Gerber *

Balancing Seat Bids Grand Slam Force! *

Competitive Bidding Weak 2/3 Bids

Leads and Signals 2NT! Response to Opening Weak 2

Document Links, etc. Raise only Non-Forcing (R-O-N-F)

OKb SAYC CC Unusual NT! *

Note: ! = Alert throughout Michael's Cuebid! *

Note: HCP=Actual High Card Points: Points=HCP+distributional points Negative Doubles!

Note: *= Possible Optional Convention (see below) SOS Redoubles

Overview

Part 1 describes the SA-YC bidding system as played on OKbridge. SA-YC is normally a "five-card majors" bidding system, but players may exercise their own judgement to open a good four-card major in third seat. A few sequences are defined in the later rounds of SA-YC auctions. Players are free to assign "forcing", "invitational", or "non-forcing" meanings to natural calls in such sequences.

All artificial bids/conventions mentioned in Part 1 are standard SA-YC. A novice player may arrange with his partner not to use some of the standard conventions, but the partnership must agree explicitly which conventions are to be excluded. Suggested standard conventions for novices to specifically omit are marked as "1-Star" ( * ).

General Approach

Normally open five-card majors in all seats.
Open the higher of long suits of equal length: 5-5 or 6-6.
Normally open 1 with 4-4 in the minors.
Normally open 1 with 3-3 in the minors.
Notrump openings show a balanced hand but can be made with a five-card major or minor suit.
1NT = 15-17HCP
2NT = 20-21HCP
3NT = 25-27HCP {See also Part 2 Gambling 3NT}
Strong artificial 2 Opener = (22+ HCP)
Weak two-bids in diamonds, hearts and spades. (5-11 Points, 6 card suit)

Responses And Later Bidding After 1NT Opening

Stayman

A response of 2 after a 1NT opening by partner is Stayman. It shows 8+ HCP and at least 1 4-card major, or an unbalanced, game-forcing hand with 5+ in a minor, with or without a side major. Stayman is normally avoided with 4333 or 3433 shape, just raise to 2NT or 3NT Opener must rebid 2 (denying a 4-card major), 2, or 2. If responder then rebids three of either minor, it shows game/slam interest and at least 5 cards in the bid suit.

If responder has 5/4 or 4/5 in the majors he can rebid the longer major when the response is the shorter major or denial of a 4-card major to show 5: eg., 1N-2-2-3(showing 5xhearts and 4xspades) or 1NT-2-2-2(showing 5xhearts and 4xspades)

Note 1: If opener has 4-4 in majors, opener bids 2 first: if responder's suit is spades, he will rebid 2NT and opener can then bid his 4-card spade suit if he feels a suit contract is best. For example:

Opener	Responder	Shows
1NT	2	Opener has 4/4 majors, minimum/maximum NT opener (not forcing)
2	2NT
3/4	Pass

Note 2: Stayman can also be used in cases where responder has fewer than 8 HCP and intends to pass any response, e.g. if responder has 4-4-4-1 shape (the club being a singleton), any response can be passed to, hopefully, improve the final contract. {see also Minor Suit Stayman}

Jacoby Transfers to Majors ( ! )

Jacoby transfers (Xfers) show a five-card major suit:

is a transfer to 2

Opener MUST accept the transfer although he can jump to the three level with 17 points and four-card support for responder's major. {see also Jacoby Xfer to Minors, Minor Suit Stayman and Minor Suit Transfer Bids}

Example A
1NT	Pass	2! (with any HCP)	Pass
2 (normal acceptance of Xfer)	Pass	Pass (content to play in 2)	Pass
Example B
1NT	Pass	2! (with any HCP)	Pass
3 (17HCP+4x) (invitational)	Pass	Pass/3NT/4 (sign off)	Pass
Example C
1NT	Pass	2! (with any HCP)	Pass
2	Pass	2NT (promising 5)/3 (promising 6+) (invitational)	Pass
Pass/3NT/4	Pass	Pass	Pass
Example D
1NT	Pass	2! (11+HCP)	Pass
2		2) 5-5 in the majors, invitational (NF). The sequence 1NT-2!-2-3 is 5-5, (GF), while 5-4 and 4-5 hands should use Stayman rather than a Jxfr
		3/3 (natural GF - possible slam try)
		3NT (asks for pref of game in 3NT or 4)

Note 1: Jacoby Transfers are used also over openers of 2/3NT
Note 2: Jacoby Transfers are "off" altogether if the NT opening is overcalled.

Jacoby Transfer to minors (J4xf) ( ! ) ( * )

Used if responder has a long minor, less than 8HCP, limited entry making a NT contract undesirable.

After a 1NT opener, a 2! response is a transfer to 3, which can be passed with clubs or responder can rebid 3 if his suit is diamonds.

Note: Jacoby Transfer to minors is "off" altogether if the NT opening is overcalled or doubled. J4xfers are also on over openers of 2NT. Over 3NT, 4 is to play unless you have agreed J4xfer on over 3N openers.

Other Responses to 1NT

Opener	Responder	Shows
1NT	2NT	8-9HCP usually denies 4-card major but can be used on v balanced hand
	3/3	6-8Points, 6+ minor suit - limited entries (NF)
	3/3	6+card suit and slam interest (GF+)
	4/4/5/5	6+card suit no slam interest and limited entries for NT (NF)
	4	Gerber asking for Aces
	4NT	Quantative not Blackwood: opener bids 6NT if max, Pass if min

Interference After 1NT Opening Bids

If Opponents Double, Stayman and Jacoby Xfers are "on"

Example

Opener	Opp	Responder	Response Shows
1NT	X	2	Stayman
1NT		2/2!	Xfer to 2/2

If Opponents Bid over NT Opener, Stayman and Jacoby Xfers are "off". Bids are natural except for a cuebid (ie. a bid of opp's suit), which can be used with game force strength as a substitute for Stayman
.

Example

Opener	Opp	Responder	Response Shows
1NT	2/2	3/3	4/4 majors, opener bids 4 of a 4-card major or 3NT if no 4-card major or a pref for NT
1NT	2/2	3/3	4 of the unbid major, opener rebids 4 of the unbid major with 4 or 3NT without 4 of the required major or a pref for NT

If Jacoby Xfer is Doubled

Opener's Possible Bids	Responder's Possible Bids
Pass	Make natural bid XX Pass (to play) Bid 2 of a major (sign off)
XX (strong holding in dbled suit)
Complete Xfer to show 3+ trumps	Pass or bid on
Jump to 3 of suit	Pass or bid on

If Jacoby Xfer is Overcalled

Opener's Possible Bids	Responder's Possible Bids
Pass	Make natural bid X to show strength Pass
X for penalty	Pass or bid on
Bid 3 of major with good supporting hand	Pass or bid on

If Stayman is Doubled

Opener's Possible Bids	Responder's Possible Bids
Pass with 4 x clubs	Make any natural rebid X for penalty
XX with 5 x clubs or 4 x good clubs
Make any natural rebid

If Stayman is Overcalled

Opener's Possible Bids	Responder's Possible Bids
Pass	Make a natural rebid X for penalty
X for penalty with 4 of opp's suit
Bid 4-card major at 2 level

Responses to 2NT and 3NT Openers

Stayman and Jacoby Xfers are "on". J4xfers are on over 2N not 3N unless by arrangement

Opener	Responder	Response Shows
2NT	3	Stayman
	3/3!	Xfer to 3/3
	3!	J4Xfer to 4, adj to 4 if necessary
	4	Gerber
	4NT	Quantitative, invites 6NT if max
3NT	4	Stayman
	4/4!	Xfer to 4/4
	4NT	Blackwood (not Quantitative since 4 has been used for Stayman

Responses/Rebids to 1 of a Suit Opener

Responses to 1 of a major

**Example Responses to 1 Opener**
Opener	Responder	Response Shows
1	1	min 6 Points, at least 4x. Unlimited bid does not necessarily deny 3x
	1NT	6-10HCP and balanced hand. Denies 4x and, usually, 3x (NF)
	2	6-10 Points + at least 3x trumps. Limit bid,(NF) Over opener of 1 would show 5-card heart suit, 11+Points. Unlimited bid
	2/2	11+Points and 4+card minor suit.
	2NT!	J2NT ,13+HCP asks partner to show short suit while agreeing trump fit (GF+) Note:If not playing J2N, responses of 2NT and 3NT are defined in SAYC as standard, 13-15 and 16-17; however, many OKbridge players prefer 2NT=11-12 and 3NT=13+, so you should agree 'forcing' or 'limit' 2NT response or else you'll have to guess. If in doubt try to find a new suit bid and then bid 2N/3N
	2/3/3	(Jump Shift) 17+Points (forcing+)
	3	10-12 Points + at least 3 x trumps. Limit raise (NF)
	3NT	15-17HCP, balanced hand, at least 2 x hearts (NF)(see also "2NT" above)
	4	usually 5+ hearts, a singleton or void, and fewer than 10 HCP (NF)

Note: In an uncontested auction any new suit bid (where it is not preemptive) at the 3 level is 100% forcing - This applies to both opener�s and responder�s calls. SAYC, in common with all versions of Standard American, adheres to the new-suit forcing principle, ie., a new suit by responder is forcing for 1 round, unless reponder has previously passed or either player has bid notrump. Having said this, very few 1st/2nd round bids in uncontested auctions are 100% forcing in SAYC � J2N, a jump shift, and a new suit bid at the 3 level are forcing. If responder makes a 2 level first round bid then he usually promises a rebid. See also Part 2 Splinters

Responses to 1/1 Opener

A 1 opener suggests at least 4-card suit, since 1 is preferred on hands where a 3-card minor suit must be opened. The exception is a hand with 4-4-3-2 shape, which should be opened 1. Responses and later bidding generally follow the same principles as "Responses to 1 of a major". Bidding at the one level is "up-the-line" in principle ie., bid next-ranking 4-card suit if no 5+-card suit to bid.

**Example**
Opener	Opp1	Responder	Opp2	Responder Shows
1	Pass	1	Pass	6+ Points, 4+diamonds, does not deny the majors or a club fit (unlimited hand)
		1		6+ Points, does not deny 4 diamonds,spades or a club fit (unlimited hand)
		1		6+ Points, does not deny 4 hearts/diamonds or a club fit (It is normal to respond 1 with 5/4 or 5/5 majors) (unlimited hand)
		1NT		6-10 Points, denies 4 diamonds, 4 hearts, 4 spades and 5 clubs (limited hand, NF)

Note 1: Over a 1/1 opener, without a higher-ranking 4-card suit to show, responder needs 5 trumps to raise 1, or 4 trumps to raise 1, (one less trump will do in a competitive sequence)
Note 2: Responses of 2NT/3NT are standard: (ie., responses of 2NT and 3NT are defined in SAYC as standard, 13-15 and 16-17; however, many OKbridge players prefer 2NT=11-12 and 3NT=13+, so you should agree 'forcing' or 'limit' 2NT response or else you'll have to guess. If in doubt try to find a new suit bid and then bid 2N/3N)
Note 3: There is no forcing minor-suit raise. {See also Part 2 Splinter bids, Inverted Minors and Bergen Raises}

Opener's (non-artificial) Rebids
13-16 Points	NT at cheapest possible level (NF)
	Rebid own suit at cheapest available level (NF)
	Raise Partner's suit at cheapest available level (shows 3+ trumps) (NF)
	Bid "up the line" (eg.,1-P-1-P-1) has a wider range of 13-18 points.(NF)
	Non-reverse bid in a new suit (has a wider range of 13-18 points) (forcing if bid at the 3 level)
17-18 Points	Jump in own suit (invitational, NF)
	Bid higher-ranking 4-card suit (this "up the line bid" has a wider range of 13-18 points)(NF)-If bid at the 2 level over a 1 level response, it is a reverse, 17-18 points, 1st suit longer than 2nd (NF): if bid at the 2 level over a 2 level response, 17+ (GF)
	Bid a lower-ranking 4-card suit at the two level (also 13-18 points), NF over 1 level response, forcing after 2 level response since responder promised a rebid
	Jump in Partner's suit, invitational with 3+ trumps. (NF)
	Bid in a new suit at the 3 level without jumping(15+points)(GF)
19-22 Points	Jump in NT (forcing)
	Double jump in Partner's suit (strongly invitational if not game call)
	Double jump in own suit (strongly invitational if not game call)
	Jump in new suit (forcing)

Note: After a rebid of 1NT by opener, a reverse or jump shift by responder is forcing (poss slam interest), (eg.1-P-1-P-1NT-P-2 or 3). {see also Part 2 Splinter bids}

General Comment: The above rebid structure is peculiar to the OKb version of SAYC and should not be assumed when playing elsewhere. In particular, OKb suggests opener rebid the cheapest of his two suits with any weak hand lacking 3 card support for responder's first suit; so after 1-1-2-2!, opener's 3 could be a minimum with 2254 shape, while 3 would promise extra shape and strength.

When playing SAYC outside of OKb, opener should just rebid naturally, jumping to show extra values.

Jacoby 2NT (J2NT) ( ! )*

If responder jumps to 2NT over a 1/1 opener, it is J2NT asking opener to show a singleton or void. It shows 13+Points, support for opener's suit and is game forcing. Opener rebids as follows:

Opener	Responder	Opener	Opener Shows	Responder
1	2NT!	3!	Max hand, 18+Points and strong suit but denies short suit	Either sign off in game or look for slam
		3/3/3!	Singleton or void in bid suit
		3NT!	Medium hand, 15-17 Points, denies short suit (artificial)
		4	Minimum hand and denies short suit
		4/4/4	Strong 5-card side suit

4th Suit Forcing (4sf) ( ! ) *

When responder is an unpassed hand and rebids the 4th suit in an uncontested auction, it is game forcing and may be artificial.(eg. 1-P-1-P-1-P-2!-?). Responder is using the 4th suit to indicate a good hand with 11+ points and no attractive rebid. Opener should respond with a natural bid that further describes his hand. Taking the above bidding sequence as an example, opener should rebid as follows:

Opener's Rebid	Shows
2	Rebid own suit with weak hand (NF); semi-artificial, does not promise extra length
2	Prefer reponder's 1st suit with 3+ trumps and a minimum (NF), jump with 15+ (GF)
2	Rebid second suit showing 6-5 and good hand (forcing)
2NT	Bid NT to show stop in 4th suit and a extra values, jump with exceptional strength (19+?)
3	Raise 4th suit with 4+ and extra strength
3	Rebid of opening suit showing extra length and strength. (Jump rebid would show extra values)

4SF does not apply in the following situations:

In an "up the line" bidding sequence, e.g., 1-1-1-1. This is peculiar to OKbridge and not so in the original ACBL SAYC booklet. When not playing on OKbridge, it is forcing and could be 4+ spades with 6+ points or it could be 10+ without spades.
When responder's rebid is a jump bid in the 4th suit, e.g., 1-1-2-3. The jump rebid of the 4th suit is undefined. We recommend it show invitational values and at least 5/5 in the bid suits, so that a bid and rebid of the 4th suit would be natural and game forcing. Since 1 is treated as always natural (on OKbridge), it is sensible to play responder's jump to 2 (after 1-1-1, opps silent) as 4SF, eg., xx-AQx-AKxx-xxx. Opener's 4th suit bids are natural.
In competition, do not count the opponent's suit as one of the first three, e.g., 1-(P)-1-(1); P-(P)-2: responder's 2 bid is forcing (new suit), but natural. Experts commonly use the cue-bid of the oponents suit as a general forcing bid (2 in this case) such as with a balanced hand lacking a stopper in spades.

Strong 2 Opener

In general a 2 opener shows 22+ points, and is forcing to 3 of a major or 4 of a minor. If opener rebids 2NT after a 2 response, showing 23-24HCP and a balanced hand, the same responses may be used as over a 2NT opener There are exceptions to the number of HCP needed for a 2 Opener. The following are guidelines only:

23HCP at least if hand is balanced

17HCP at least if 1-suited hand within one trick of game (9 playing tricks)

21HCP at least if hand has 8 playing tricks

**Responses**
Opener	Responder	Response Shows
2	2	Artificial negative, (usually less than 7HCP but may be "waiting" with a good hand unsuited to a positive response)
	2/2/3/3	8+HCP (or 1.5 honour tricks) + 5-card suit headed by Q or better
	2NT	8+HCP, balanced hand

Slam Bidding

Blackwood Convention

Blackwood 4NT is used to ask for Aces. Responses to 4NT show the number of Aces by steps. A 5NT bid that follows Blackwood 4NT asks for Kings.

**Blackwood asking for Aces**
Initiator	Responder	Shows
4NT	5	0 or 4 Aces
	5	1 Ace
	5	2 Aces
	5	3 Aces

**Blackwood asking for Kings**
Instigator	Responder	Shows
5NT	6	0 or 4 Kings
	6	1 King
	6	2 Kings
	6	3 Kings

Note: Although not always possible, if the Blackwood bidder wishes to sign off in 5NT, he should bid an "unplayable" suit at the 5 level (ie. an unbid suit or opp's suit) and the responder is obliged to bid 5NT
eg. (assume opps pass) 1-2-3-4NT-5-5-5NT.

{See also Part 2 Roman Key Card Blackwood}

Quantative 4NT

A direct raise after 1NT/2NT to 4NT is Quantitative and invites 6NT if opener is maximum or Pass if minimum. Also applies over partner's direct overcall of 1NT if no interference from RHO.

DOPI *

"Double with 0 Aces, Pass with 1". Allows response to Blackwood over opponent's interference

The Bids Are:
Double	0 Aces
Pass	1 Ace
Next available bid	2 Aces
2nd available bid	3 Aces
3rd available bid	4 Aces

Control-Showing Cuebids

A control-showing bid may be used to find 1st and 2nd round controls once the trump suit has been agreed. The control-showing bid is a non-jump bid in an unbid suit at or above the 3-level (if agreed trump suit is a major) or the 4-level (if trump suit is a minor) . (Do not muddle "trial bids" with control-showing bids, eg., 1-P-2-P-3 would be a trial bid, usually shortage, asking if responder can help in that suit)

Rules for control-showing bids:

Never pass a control-showing bid

With two controls, it is usually better to first bid the one that keeps the bidding lower. In some cases it is better to reverse the order, i.e., 4

-4

rather than 3

-4

-5

Bid suits first that have not been bid by your partnership. Bid Aces 1st, Voids 2nd, Kings 3rd. An exception, is to bid a 2nd round control in an unbid suit before cueing 1st round control in a suit that has been shown or denied. Avoid bidding a singleton or void in a suit bid naturally by your partner.

Return to the agreed trump suit (below game if possible) to discourage a slam try. A bid above game by partner is a strong slam try and you should return him to the agreed trump suit - any other bid would show acceptance of the slam and possible grand slam aspiration. {see GSF below and Part 2 Voluntary Bid of 5 of a Major}

If a control-showing bid is doubled, redouble shows 2nd round control of that suit. A pass encourages partner (versus a return to agreed trump suit to discourage).

Control-showing bids above five of the trump suit are a try for seven.

If either partner is able to judge the correct final contract he should bid it as soon as possible.

The partnership is committed to playing in the agreed trump suit once a control-showing bid is made.

Gerber *

Gerber is used to ask for Aces and Kings over an opening 1NT or 2NT bid by partner or a rebid of 1NT or 2NT by partner. 4 asks for Aces and 5 for Kings.

Responses to Gerber are:
4 asking for Aces	4	0 or 4	5 asking for Kings	5	0 or 4
	4	1		5	1
	4	2		5	2
	4NT	3		5NT	3

Note: If the Gerber instigator makes any bid other than 5, it is to play (including 4NT)

Grand Slam Force (GSF) *

A bid of 5NT without the preceding 4NT Blackwood bid is a GSF and asks partner to bid 7 of the agreed trump suit if he has 2 of the 3 top trump honours (ie.A,K,Q)

Bid 6 if you have less than 2

Bid 7 if you have 2
{See also Part 2 Voluntary Bid of 5 of a Major}

Defensive Bidding

Defensive Overcalls after an Opening of 1 of a Suit
at 1 level	with 8-16 Points 1. bid good 5-card suit. Suit quality depends on HCP 2. bid a very strong 4-card suit if max HCP
Overcall at 2 level	with 8-16 Points and a substantial suit or excellent distribution (e.g. 2x 5-card suits)
1NT	15-18HCP with stop in opener's suit. (Jxfers are "off" Stayman is "on")
Double	Opening hand possible shortage in opener's suit
Cuebid! (minor)	8+Points. Michaels Cuebid asking for takeout in majors
Cuebid! (major)	10+Points. Michaels Cuebid showing 2-suited hand (Other major + unidentified minor suit)
Jump in a suit	Pre-emptive: same values as opening pre-empts
2NT	Unusual NT showing 8+Points and at least 5/5 in the lower 2 unbid suits

Responses to 1 Level Overcalls
Raise	6-11 Points and 3+ trumps
Jump Raise	10-12 Points and 4+trumps
Raise to Game	1. Weak distributional hand with v good trump support 2. Strong HCP and adequate trump support
New Suit	9-13 Points, usually denies fit in partner's suit (non-forcing)
Jump Shift	12-14 Points with good 6-carder
1NT	9-12HCP, balanced hand.Implies stops in the unbid suits. Guarantees stop in opp's suit
2NT (non-jump)	11-13HCP, balanced.Implies stops in the unbid suits. Guarantees stop in opp's suit
2NT (jump)	13-15HCP, balanced.Implies stops in unbid suits. Guarantees stop in opp's suit
3NT	15-16HCP, balanced.Implies stops in unbid suits. Guarantees stop in opp's suit
Cuebid opp's suit	Asks pard about strength of his overcall (forcing 1 rnd, invitational) 1. Bid 2 of own suit = minimum overcall 2. Any other bid = 11+Points

Note: Responses to 2-level overcall may be made with a weaker hand, since overcaller has indicated a stronger hand.

Pre-empt Bids

Pre-empt bids are weak 2 (except 2)/3 bids showing a 6/7-card suit of reasonable quality and 5-11 Points. If the hand also has a 4-card major then pre-empt bids should not be used. Pre-empting is intended to keep the opposition out of the bidding, not one's partner. It is better to wait until your partner has passed before pre-empting.

Note: A 4 or 4 opener is pre-emptive but stronger than an opening 2 or 3 bid and should have good distributional values. A double over an opening 4/4 bid is for takeout but can be passed if you think penalty would be more profitable. 5/5 openers are also pre-emptive, but a double over such a bid is penalty oriented.

Responses to Opening Pre-empt Bids

Over an opening 3 bid, partner should pass unless he has 15+ points.
Over an opening weak 2 bid:

2NT response is forcing and shows game interest (even if the opps intervene). Opener should show a "feature": ie. a suit with Ace or King. With no feature, rebid suit or raise to 3NT. {See also Part 2 Ogust}

3NT is to play.

A raise in opener's suit is invitational but not forcing. {See R-O-N-F below}

A new suit response (5+carder) is forcing for one round. Opener can bid a 4-card minor (headed at least by Q) or bid NT showing 8-11 Points, support partner's suit (if 3 of them or dblton with honour), rebid own suit (showing minimum 5-8 Points)

Raise Only Non-Forcing (R-O-N-F)

A method of responding to weak 2 openers which utilises both 2NT and a new suit as forcing responses. Hence, the raise of partner's suit is the only non-forcing response below game.

Unusual NT( ! ) *

A jump overcall of 2NT over a 1 of a suit opener is Unusual NT and shows at least 5/5 in the lower 2 unbid suits. It is normally used defensively with a weak hand (8-10 Points in the 2 suits).

After a strong 2

opener, an overcall of 2NT may be used in the same manner but should have 16-19 Points

A jump overcall of 2NT followed by a raise of partner's suit, or a cuebid indicating control in opp's suit, shows a strong hand (16-18 Points)

Responses to Unusual 2NT are:

Preference bid

Jump preference bid (mostly pre-emptive)

Cuebid for game or slam invitation

Bid another suit (non-forcing)

Bid 3NT with stops in the other 2 suits and enough entries for the long suits

Bid 4NT which would be Blackwood

Note 1: Except 3NT, any other NT bid after both opponents have bid and partner has passed can also be considered as Unusual NT
Note 2: A 4NT bid over opp's opener of 1 of a suit should also be recognised as Unusual NT

Michaels Cuebid ( ! ) *

The Michaels Cuebid promises a 2-suited hand.

Examples

Opp1	O/Call	Overcall Shows
1	2!	8+Points showing both majors
1	2!	8+Points showing both majors
1	2!	10+Points showing spades and an undisclosed minor
1	2!	10+Points showing hearts and an undisclosed minor

Note 1: A response of 2NT over the major suit cuebid asks partner to bid his minor

Note 2: In a competitive auction, if 2NT is unavailable, responder can bid 4 (non-forcing) or 4NT (forcing) to locate the minor. 3NT is always to play.

Note 3: The strength of the Michaels Cuebid follows the same guidelines as used for Unusual NT overcall. It is more "shape" than HCP that counts

Note 4: Michaels Cuebid typically shows at least 5/5 shape, but over a minor-suit opening, just 5/4 shape in the majors is permissible so long as the 4-carder is reasonably good.

Note 5: Novice players may choose to use the Michaels Cuebid overcall for the majors only ("higher-suits cuebid"). ie. When opps have bid 1 of a minor, a cuebid of the minor shows at least 5/5 in the majors

Examples

Opp1	O/Call	Overcall Shows
1	2!	8+Points and 5/5 in the majors
1	2!	8+Points and 5/5 in the majors

Balancing Seat Bids

You are in the balancing seat after a bid (usually an opening bid) followed by 2 passes: you may double for takeout or overcall with a weaker hand than you would in the direct seat. Partner should recognise this and adjust his reponses accordingly.

Note: After 2 passes, in the third seat, you may open 1 of a suit with a weaker hand than normal - again, partner should recognise this and adjust his responses accordingly: your rebid will tell him your strength. A useful and simple convention is Drury (or Reverse Drury), which can be used by Responder to find out if the Opener has opened 1 of a major in the 3rd seat after 2 passes, with a full opener or a light balancing opener

Balancing Bids after Opener Followed by 2 Passes

Opp 1	Pard 1	Opp 2	Pard 2	Pard 2 Shows
1	Pass	Pass	1	Can be weaker than in direct seat with 5-card suit or good 4-carder
1	Pass	Pass	1NT	10-15 Points + heart stop
1	Pass	Pass	2	At least 13 Points and good 6-card suit
1	Pass	Pass	X	12+Points support for the unbid suits
1	Pass	Pass	X	19+Points with stop in hearts and balanced hand
Pass	1	Pass	2NT	19+Points with stop in hearts and balanced hand
1	Pass	Pass	2NT(!)	Unusual NT! or, if not playing Unusual NT, balanced hand, 15-18HCP + good heart stop
1	Pass	Pass	2	Strong hand with 2 good suits, void in hearts (or A single)
1	Pass	Pass	3NT	To play
1	Pass	Pass	X	Blackwood asking for aces
Pass	1	Pass	4NT	Blackwood asking for aces

Note

Opp 1	Pard 1	Opp 2	Pard 2	Shows
1	Pass	2	Pass	This is also a balancing seat situation for Pard 1, since opps have limited their hands. If Pard 1 passes then it is a balancing situation for Pard 2 but bear in mind vulnerability and the possibility that your side may be better off passing and that your pard didn't balance!
Pass	?	---	---

Competitive Auction

Since there are almost endless possible sequences, it pays to have simple guidelines to prevent bidding misunderstandings. Bids have the same meaning as they would have without the interference bid. ie.they do not guarantee extra HCP: however, there are one or two extra bidding options now open to both opener and responder:

Example A

Pard 1	Opp 1	Pard 2	Opp 2	Pard 2 Shows
1	2	3	Pass	The 3 cuebid is game forcing and indicates support for pard's suit
1	2	X!	Pass	Negative Double

Example B

Pard 1

Opp 1

Pard 2

Opp 2

Pard 1 Shows

Pass

With a holding of, say,

Jxx

Axxx

AQJx

and no interference your correct rebid is 1NT.
Since Opp2 bid 2

and you do not have a club stop, you must bid your 2nd choice of 2

, even though your pard has only promised 4 x spades

-?-

Responses (by an unpassed hand) after Opp's Overcall of 1 of a Suit

Bid	Shows
X!	Negative Double, 6+ Points (see Example A above)
Raise	6-10 Points + 3 major- or 4 minor-trump support
Game Bid	10+ Points with 4+ trumps (usually signoff)
Jump Raise	10-12 Points with 4 trumps (invitational)
New Suit at 1-level	8+Points and 4+-card suit (unlimited forcing 1 rnd)
1NT	8-11HCP balanced with stop in opp's suit (not forcing)
2 over 1	9+Points, 5-card suit (forcing for 1 rnd)
2NT	12-15HCP, balanced with stop in opp's suit (invitational)
Jump Shift	17-19 Points with support for pard's suit or 5-card suit (forcing to game)
Cuebid	17+Points, support for pards suit + 1st or 2nd rnd control in opp's suit. (forcing to game, slam invitation)

Responses (by an unpassed hand) after Opps Overcall of 1NT

Bid	Shows
Double	9+Points and can be penalty oriented
Raise	5-8 Points with 3+ trump support
New Suit	5-8 Points with good 5-card suit
Pass	No support for pard and no good suit

Responses after Opp's Takeout Double

Pard 1	Opp 1	Pard 2	Pard 2 Shows
1	X	1/1	Unlimited (forcing 1 rnd)
		1NT	6-8HCP denies 4 diamonds, balanced (NF)
		2	6-10 Points + 6-carder or v good 5-carder (NF)
		2NT	promises 10+HCP,4+trumps(limit or better raise)
		XX	promises 10+Points, without support(NF) Note:it is better to make a more descriptive bid of 1, 1,or 2NT unless you are preparing the way to double opps
		2/2/3	6/7-card suit, pre-emptive (NF)
		3	Less than 10 Points + good trump support(pre-emptive)(NF)

Bids over Opponent's Pre-empt

Double for takeout {See also Part 2 Lebensohl}

Overcalling a suit or NT is natural and non-forcing

Cuebid (minor)! is Michaels Cuebid

Cuebid (major) Strong showing good stop, single or void in opp's suit - asks partner for his best suit (game forcing+)

Takeout Doubles (t/oX)

The double of an opening suit bid at the 1 or 2 level or over a pre-empt bid is a takeout double. Minimum requirements vary, depending on distribution and the level of bidding at which partner must respond.

A hand that has at least 3 cards in all the unbid suits may bid a t/oX with 13+Points

A hand that has at least 4 cards in all the unbid suits may bid a t/oX with 11+Points

If the doubler has previously passed, a t/oX promises 9-11 Points and 4 cards in the unbid suits

With 17+Points you can use the t/oX with 1 or more very good suits (or NT stops in all the suits). The t/oX is followed by a suit bid to indicate a strong hand.

A jump bid after the t/oX is forcing.

A 4NT bid after the t/oX is Blackwood

Responses to partner's t/oX if RHO passes

Bid	Shows
Minimum bid	0-9 Points
1NT	6-10HCP balanced with stop in opp's suit
Jump bid (below game)	10-12 Points (invitational)
2NT	10-12HCP with stop in opp's suit and no 4-card major
Cuebid	13+Points or 10-12 Points with 2x4-card majors (forcing)
3NT	13-16HCP
Double Jump	Less than 10 Points with 6-carder (pre-emptive)
Pass	At least 5 of opp's suit. Guarantees 3 trump tricks

Rebids by Takeout Doubler after Minimum Response

Bid	Shows
Pass	15 Points or less
Raise	16-18 Points + 4-card trump support 18-20 Points if raise is at 3 level in non-competitive auction
Jump Raise	18-20 Points + 4-card support
New Suit	18-20 Points, 5+-card suit. Fewer Points if also has 4-card unbid major
Jump Shift	6+card self-sufficient suit and strong hand (not forcing)
1NT	18-20HCP
2NT	19-21HCP if non-jump or 21-22HCP if jump
3NT	9 playing tricks
Cuebid of opp's suit	21+Points, slam interest

Negative Doubles ( ! )

A double at the 1 or 2 level after partner has opened and RHO has overcalled, is a Negative Double and is used to indicate a biddable hand, promising the other 2 suits and leaving bidding room for partner.
Note: Bidding a major at the 2 level or higher shows 11+Points and a 5+-card suit.

Use of Negative Doubles

Pard 1	Opp 1	Pard 2	Pard 2 Shows
1	1	X!	6+HCP and 4(+) /. (A bid of 1 is "up the line" at least 4, 9+points). Note: If pd's next bid has to be at the 2+ level eg.,1-(2)-X!, then 9+points.
1	1	X!	6+Points and 4+ /
1	1	X!	6+Points and 4/4+ in the majors
1	1	X!	4/4+ in the minors

Note: A direct double over opponent's opening of 1NT is usually penalty oriented.

Responses to Negative Doubles

Bid	Shows
Minimum (below game)	upto 16HCP (non-forcing)
Jump	16-18 Points (non-forcing)
Cuebid of opps suit	19+Points (forcing to game)
Pass (rare)	For penalty

Note 1: All rebids by the Neg Xer below game are non-forcing, except a cuebid of opps suit.
Note 2: Using Neg Xes means that partner is unable to double for penalty. Therefore, when an opp's suit overcall is followed by 2 passes, opener should try to re-open with a double, if he has 2 or less cards in the opp's suit, since partner may have passed with a good hand for penalties.

Penalty Doubles

If your agreement is to play Negative Xes through 2 then a penalty oriented double would be:

X of a 3+ level bid (except over opp's preemptive opener when double is for takeout, see t/oX above)

Direct X of a NT bid

Direct X of opp's overcall of 1NT

X after partner has accurately described both his strength and distribution

X after either partner has made an earlier redouble

X after either partner has made a penalty X earlier or passed a takeout double

X of any artificial bid (eg. Stayman,Cuebid, Blackwood) or responses. This is also lead directing

X of an opening game bid in the minors

Note 1: Be wary of doubling for penalty on the strength of partner's overcall
Note 2: Unless noted elsewhere, any bid or double by the opponents cancels any convention intended for non-competitive auctions
Note 3: If the opponents use a convention (such as Michaels or the Unusual NT), you can double the artificial bid to show at least 10HCP or cuebid one of the opp's shown suits to force to game
Note 4: A forcing pass is used when opps are clearly competitively bidding for pre-emptive reasons and you are unsure if you should double or bid higher (usually past game). A pass forces partner to either double or bid.

Redoubles

A redouble can have 5 different meanings:

No.	Pd1	Opp1	Pd2	Opp2	Shows
1.	4+	X	XX	Pass	Penalty to play
2.	1NT	Pass	2!	X	Penalty - good diamond suit
2.	XX	Pass	Pass	Pass	Penalty - good diamond suit
3.	1	X	XX	Pass	10+HCP - to play
4.	1	Pass	Pass	X	SOS-responder cannot stand the X but can support at least 2 of the unbid suits
4.	Pass	Pass	XX	-?-
5.	1	X	Pass	Pass	SOS-Opener does not relish playing in 1X and is asking pard to bid his best suit
5.	XX	Pass	-?-	-?-

Note: SOS redoubles are recognisable if you remember that there would be no point in redoubling a cheap contract since it would force the Opps to enter the bidding.

Defensive Leads and Signals

Defensive signals when following suit or discarding are High Encourages, Low Discourages
Leads are Top of Touching Honours. {See also Part 2 Lavinthal Discards and Odd/Even (Roman) Discards}

OKbridge SA-YC CC Default Carding
Carding	High discard encourages, Low discourages: infreq count signals
Suit-leads	4th best, Kqx, Qjx, Jtx, T9x, kJtx, kT9x, qT9x, xxX, xxxX, xxxXx, aKx
NT-leads	4th best, aKjx, aQjx, aJt9, aT98, Kqjx, kQt9, kJt9, kT98, Qjtx, qT98, Jt9x, T98x, xxX, xxxX, xxxXx

Pairs may choose to change these options and mark their leads with a "circle". Where no card is marked with a "circle", those marked in "bold italics" will be presumed to be the agreement. Some choices to consider are:

Which card is led from AKx
Which card is led from AK. Does the reverse sequence indicate AK doubleton?
Which card is led from xxx, xxxx, xxxxx
Whether 3rd and/or 5th best leads are used
Whether 3rd best is led from KJ10x, K109x, or Q109x (or from AJ10x or A109x vs. NT)
Whether or not infrequent count signals are given

Note 1: Normally do not lead unsupported honours from a suit not bid by partner
Note 2: It is Declarer's responsibility to look at opponents' carding agreements.

**OKBRIDGE SA-YC CC**
Omitting Jxfer to Minors, J2NT, Michaels, Unusual NT, Gerber, GSF, DOPI, 4th Suit Forcing (4sf)
System	Standard American Yellow Card
NT	1N=15-17: 2N=20-21: 3N=25-27: JXF to Mjors: 3C/3D= invitational
Majors	5cm: Direct Raise = limit (pre-empt over X)
Minors	1D shows 4/4432: DR=limit: 1N/1m:6-10: 2N/1m:13-15: 3N/1m:16-17
Strong	2C shows 22+ balanced or 9+ tricks, 2D response artificial, may be waiting
Weak	2D, 2H, 2S shows 5-11 hcp, good 6 cards, RONF, 2N reqs feature
Overcalls	8-16 HCP: cue is 1 Rnd force: jump overcall is pre-emptive
NT-Over	1N=15-18, 2C= Stayman, other systems off
Doubles	Negative -> 2S
VS.Doubles	New Suit Force 1-level: 2N = Limit raise or better
Preempts	May be light
Vs.Preempts	Dbl is takeout at 2 and 3 level, 2N/weak 2 = 16-19 HCP Bal
Cuebids	Natural
Slam-Bids	Blackwood
Suit-leads	4th best, Kqx, Qjx, Jtx, T9x, kJtx, kT9x, qT9x, xxX, xxxX, xxxXx, aKx
NT-leads	4th best, aKjx, aQjx, aJt9, aT98, Kqjx, kQt9, kJt9, kT98, Qjtx, qT98, Jt9x, T98x, xxX, xxxX, xxxXx
Carding	High discard encourages, low discourages: infreq count signals
Misc	(insert any non-standard SAYC conventions agreed upon)

To include Jxfer to minors add to "NT", "2S forces to 3C/D"

To include J2NT add to "Majors", "J2NT"

To include Unusual NT add to "NT-Over", "UNU NT for lower 2 unbids"

To include Michaels add to "Cuebids", "Michaels, Natural if opps have bid 2 suits"

To include Gerber and Grand Slam Force add to "Slam-Bids", "Gerber over NT, GSF"

To include DOPI add to either "Slam-Bids" or "Misc", "dopi"

To include 4th suit forcing add to "Misc", "4sf"
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Page Designed by
Anna Marsh (a.k.a. Ana)
September, 1996: last updated 21st July, 2002
Any Queries, suggestions, etc, email Fifthchair

All Rights Reserved © Anna Marsh 1996-2005

Main Index	Standard SA-YC Conventions Index
Overview	Stayman
Standard SA-YC Conventions	Jacoby Transfers to Majors! Jacoby Xfer to Minors! *
General Approach	Jacoby 2NT! *
Responses and Later Bidding after 1NT Opening	4th Suit Forcing! *
2NT and 3NT Opening	Blackwood
1st Level Bidding/Responses/Rebids	Quantative 4NT
Strong 2 Opener	DOPI *
Slam Bidding Conventions	Control Showing Cuebids
Defensive Bidding	Gerber *
Balancing Seat Bids	Grand Slam Force! *
Competitive Bidding	Weak 2/3 Bids
Leads and Signals	2NT! Response to Opening Weak 2
Document Links, etc.	Raise only Non-Forcing (R-O-N-F)
OKb SAYC CC	Unusual NT! *
Note: ! = Alert throughout	Michael's Cuebid! *
Note: HCP=Actual High Card Points: Points=HCP+distributional points	Negative Doubles!
Note: *= Possible Optional Convention (see below)	SOS Redoubles