Natural Diamond

1!c
The Short Club
a) 10–14 NT (incl 5M332, semi-bal is OK)
b) Natural 15+ (but NF)
c) 10–14 all 4441 (treat as NT), or 5m440 with void minor.
1!d

The Strong Diamond
15+ hcp, but not all strong hands

The strong 1!d includes 15+ hands with diamonds as the primary suit, 15+ one-suited major, 18+ NT hands, and all GF hands. Strong (but less than GF) two-suiters are opened with a natural bid.

1!h!s
The Majors are unbalanced with 10+ hcp (but NF).
10–14 hcp if single-suited.
1NT
The Multi 1NT shows 15–17 NT or a weak two in a major.
2!c!d
The Minor Twos are natural with 10–14 hcp and no major.
Either 6+ minor or 5-4 minors.
2!h!s
The Minor-Major Canapé shows 10–14 hcp with 4M and a 5+m.
2NT
2NT Minors at least 5-5 and 10–14 hcp.

In many GF situations relays can be used.

The Short Club

OP RESP
1!c ?
1!d
11+, no 5+M. Natural by passed hand.
1!h
10–12 NT (or 4441).
1!s
Puppet to 1NT, weak or GF. Then as 1!c–1!d; 1NT.
1NT
INV.
Opener can ask for majors if max.
Opener can show min/max with 5M by bidding 2/3M.
2!c!d
NF, 5+m (may have 4M too).
2!h!s
INV with 4M and 5+m.
2NT
INV both minors.
3!c!d
INV with 6+m.
3!h!s
Slamtry in corr minor.
1!s
5m440 (void minor), 10–14.
1NT
INV+ relay.
2!c!d
NAT min (NF). 3-level sets suit (starts cue-bidding).
Bidding void wants opener to pick major.
2!h
Max with 5!c. Same principle as above.
2!s
Max with 5!d. Same principle as above.
2!c
Pass/correct (might bid something else with max).
2!d
INV (or COG) 4-4 majors.
2!h!s
Not forcing, but opener can raise.
1NT
13–14 NT (or 4441), GF.
2!c
GF with 5+!c, but not both minors.
2!d relays and then as below.
2!d

ART GF. Opener bids a five card suit or 2NT.
Natural continuations.

Responder may bid 2!d even if unbalanced with 5+m. The relay continuations are mostly meant for slam tries. Since responder doesn’t have a way to show both minors, 2!d has to be bid with that hand type too.

2!h
GF with 5+!d and 4!h. Relays.
2!s
GF with 6+!d. Relays.
2NT+
GF with 5+!d and 4!s. Relays.
Note
Bidding 3NT isn’t natural! Go through 2!d.
2!c
4441, 15+.
2!d
Asks shortness (2NT = short diamonds).
Then step 1–3 sets low/mid/high.
2!d
4!d or 5!c440, 15+.
2!h
Relay.
2!s
5!c440.
2NT
Relay. Opener transfers to short suit.
Then step 1–3 sets low/middle/high, but 3NT isn’t a step.
2NT+
4!d.
2!h
5+!c, 4!h, 15+. Relays.
2!s
6+!c single-suited, 15+. Relays.
2NT+
5+!c, 4!s, 15+. Relays.
1!h!s
F1, 4+M (5+M if 11+).
1!s
F1. 4+!s, could be balanced. XY-NT.
1NT
10–14 NT. XY-NT.
2!c
15–17 two-suited (so minors after 1!c–1!h).
2!d
ART INV+.
2!h
NF.
2M
NF.
2NT
INV.
3!c
INV.
3X
GF 5-5 or 6+.
2!d
a) 13–14 NT with 4M.
b) 15+ with 3M.
c) 10–14 with 5m440.
2M
NF (might be four).
Opener bids again with 15+ (2NT and 3!c NF).
Opener’s raise to 3M is 5440 about 12–14.
2NT
INV with 5M.
Others
NAT slamtry.
2M
10–12 NT, four card support. As 2!d above.
2NT
GF, 5+!c and 4!d.
3!c
15–17, 6+!c. Every bid by responder is GF.
3!d
GF, 6+!c.
3M
15–16(17), four card support.
4!c
Four card support, no SPL.
Jump
GF with SPL and four card support.
1NT
6–10, no major.
2!c
8–10, 5+!c and 4M.
2!d
Asks major.
2!h!s
Max NT with 5M.
2NT
INV with 4-4 majors.
3!d!h!s
SPL.
2!d
8–10, 5+!s and 4+!h.
2NT
GF, asks extra length.
3!c!d
3+ suit.
3!h
5-5.
3!s
6-4.
3NT
5422.
3!c
Strong but not forcing.
3!d
GF with 6+!c.
3!h!s
INV.
2!h!s
8–10, 5M and 4+ minor.
2NT
Asks minor. Then 3!d or oM asks shortness.
3!c
Strong but not forcing.
3!d
GF with 6+!c.
2NT
Any preempt. 3X is P/C.
3X
GF, SPL and 6+m.
4!c
Asks for minor (over 3M).
4NT
Asks for minor.

The Strong Diamond

OP RESP
1!d ?
1!h
Negative, 0–8 (all others 9+).
1!s
15+ with diamonds.
1NT
Semi-positive, forcing.
2!c
Three-suited, short clubs. 2X is non-forcing, 3X is GF.
2!d
15–18, no major.
2!h!s
15–18, 4M and 5+!d.
2NT
15+ with 5-5 minors. 3m is NF, 3M shows stopper.
3!c
19+ with 5+!d and 4 other.
3!d
19+ with 6+!d, no SPL.
3!h!s
19+ with 6+!d and SPL major.
3NT
NF with 6+!d and SPL !c.
4!c
Like 3NT but forcing.
2!c
0–4, “take out of diamonds”.
2!d
0–4, suggestion to play.
2!h!s
0–4 with six card suit.
3X
GF based on diamond support, shows stopper.
1NT
18–20.
2!c
a) GF with clubs
b) 19+ with 6+M.
c) 23–24 NT.
2!d
Waiting.
2!h!s
19+ with 6+M. Raise to 3M is non-forcing, others GF.
2NT
23–24 NT.
3!c
19+ with 5+!c and 4 other.
3!d
19+ with 6+!c, no SPL.
3!h!s
19+ with 6+!c and SPL major.
3NT
NF with 6+!c and SPL !d.
4!c
Like 3NT but forcing.
2!d
a) GF with 5M and 4 other.
b) 25+ NT.
2!h
Waiting.
2!s
Natural. 2NT asks side suit.
2NT
25+ NT.
3!c!d
5!h and 4m.
3!h
5!h and 4!s.
2!h!s
6+M, 15–18.
2NT
21–22 NT.
3!c
GF 5-5 clubs + major. 3!d asks.
3!d
GF 5-5 diamonds + hearts.
3!h
GF 5-5 majors.
3!s
GF 5-5 spades + diamonds.
1!s
Catch-all. Balanced, or two-suited with 5m
Might also be a hand that wants to ask rather than show.
1NT
Balanced or three-suited. Natural continuation.
2!c
6+M or 22+ unbal.
2!d
Waiting.
2!h!s
Natural, 5+M.
2NT
GF with clubs.
2!d
5+!d and 4+!c.
2!h
Relay.
2!s
5-5 minors. Relays.
2NT+
5+!d and 4!c. Relays.
2!h
5+!d and 4!h. Relays.
2!s
6+!d. Relays.
2NT+
5+!d and 4!s. Relays.
1NT
Unbal, 5+!h.
2!c
6+m, 4441 or 5-5 minors.
2!d
Relay.
2!h
4441.
2!s
Relay.
All
Transfer to short suit.
Steps 1–3 sets low/mid/high, but 3NT isn’t a step.
2!s
6+!c.
2NT
5-5 minors.
3!c+
6+!d.
2!d+
Unbal, 5+!s.

The Majors

Special bids for 1!h

OP RESP
1!h ?
1!s
ART F1, like a forcing NT.
0–4!s. Might have 3!h if 0–7.
1NT
4+!c.
2!c
4+!d.
2!d
4+!s.
2!h
6+!h, 10–14.
2!s
Nat 16+.
2NT
17+, 5-5.
3!c
P/C.
3!d
Asks suit, up the line.
3!h
NF.
3!c!d
15–17, 5-5.
3!h
12–14, 7!h.
1NT
5+!s, F1.
2!c
4+!d (might have support).
2!d
4+!c (might have support).
2!h
6+!h, 10–14.
2!s
Min, 3+ support.
2NT
17+, 5-5.
3!c
P/C.
3!d
Asks up the line.
3!c!d
15–17, 5-5.
3!h
12–14, 7!h.
3!s
14–16, 4!s. 3NT asks SPL.
3NT
17+, 4-5-2-2.
4!c!d
17+, SPL and 4 card support.

Special bids for 1!s

OP RESP
1!s ?
1NT
Might have 3!s if 0–7.
2!c
4+!d.
2!d
4+!h.
2!h
4+!c.
2!s
10–14, 6+!s.
2NT
17+, 5-5.
3!c
P/C.
3!d
Asks up the line.
3new
15–17, 5-5.
3!s
12–14, 7!s.

Common for either major

OP RESP
1M ?
2!c
ART GF. Relay continuations.
2!d
4oM or any 5-5.
2!h
Relay.
2!s
Any 5-5.
2NT
Asks side-suit.
3!c!d
Nat.
3!h
Other major.
2NT+
4oM.
2!h
4!c.
2!s
6+M single-suited.
2NT+
4!d.
2!d
10–14, 3+ support.
2M
NF.
2oM
ART GF, 4+ side suit.
Relay
Asks.
Other
Nat, good 5+ side suit.
2NT
INV+ and SPL oM.
3!c!d
INV+ and SPL minor.
3!h
GF 5-5 majors.
3M
INV (looking for aces and kings).
Jump
Void.
2M
8–10, 3 card support.
2oM
INV, 6+ suit.
2NT
7+, 4+ support and any SPL.
3!c
Asks.
3!d
7–9.
3M
NF.
3oM

Asks. Bids SPL with same principle as below.

So if oM = 3!h: 3!s is SPL !h, 3NT SPL !d and 4!c SPL !c. If oM = 3!s then 3NT is SPL !s, 4m is SPL m.

3!h
10–12.
3!s
Asks.
3NT
SPL oM.
4!c!d
SPL m.
3!s
SPL oM, 13+.
3NT
SPL !d, 13+.
4!c
SPL !c, 13+.
3X
GF and SPL (3M is SPL !c).
3oM
6–9 with 5+ support and any void.
3NT asks for “NAT” void.
3NT
Void oM, 10+.
4!c!d
Void, 10+.
3!c!d
INV, 6+m.
3M
a) 7–9, 4+ support no SPL.
b) 4–6, 4+ support and SPL.

The Multi 1NT

Contested notes

OP RESP
1NT ?
Pass
Less than INV vs strong NT.
2!c

Asks strong hand to bid 2!d. Lots of hands.
Includes most INV+ hands with 5+M.

Responder may have: Weak with 5+!d, weak with 6+!c, INV+ with 5+ major (but not 5-4 majors), INV+ without a major.

2!d
Strong NT.
2!h
INV+ with 5+!s.
2!s
Minimum.
2NT
INV that doesn’t want to pass.
3!c!d
Nat GF.
3!h
INV 5-5 majors.
3!s
INV with 6!s.
3NT
5!s, unbal but NF.
4!c!d!h
Splinter.
4!s
To play.
2NT
Max, no support (GF).
Continuations as after 2!s minimum.
3!c
Max with support.
New suit NAT. 3M any SPL. 3NT asks cue.
2!s
Weak with clubs, or INV+ without major.
2NT
Minimum.
3!c
To play.
3!d
Minor suit Stayman.
3!h
4+!c.
3!s
5+!d.
3NT
To play.
4!c
Sets trump.
3!s
4+!d, not 4!c.
3NT
5!c, NF but SI.
4!c!d
Sets trump.
3NT
No minor.
3!h
Slam interest with 5-5 minors.
3!s
Okay hand.
3NT
Bad hand.
4!c!d
Good hand, sets trump.
3!s
Slam interest, asks five card suit.
3NT
Nope. Now 4X is natural up the line,
bid at 5-level is RKC response with fit.
4X
Five card suit.
3NT
To play.
4!c!d
Natural slam interest.
4!h!s
5-5 minors and void major.
4NT
Ace asking.
3!c
Maximum. As above.
2NT
INV with 5!h.
3!c!d
GF with 5!h and 4+m.
3!h
INV with 6!h.
3!s
GF with 5+!h.
3NT
No support.
4!c!d
Cue, SI and 6+!h.
4!h
To play.
4!c!d
Cue.
4!h
Min and support.
3NT
To play.
4!c!d
Splinter with long hearts, slam interest.
4!h!s
To play.
2!h!s
Weak. 2NT is Ogust.
2!d

Transfer, 4+!h.

Responder may be weak with 5+!h, or INV+ with 4!h, or INV+ with both majors (GF if 5-5).

2!h
The strong hand.
2!s
Forcing, at least 4-4 majors.
2NT
Minimum, no major.
3!c
Undefined.
3!d!h
Transfer with 5-4 majors, INV+.
Bidding 3M is NF.
4m accepts with fit in corresponding major.
3!s
GF, 5-5 majors.
3NT
COG with 4-4 majors.
4!c!d
SAT with 6-4 majors.
3!c
Any max. As 2NT above.
3!h!s
Minimum, 4+ major.
2NT
INV with 4!h.
3!c!d
GF with 5+m and 4!h.
3!h
Balanced COG with 5!h.
3!s
1-4-4-4.
3NT
COG with 4!h.
2!s
Weak. 2NT is Ogust.
2NT
Strong max with 4!h.
3!d
Weak with 6!h.
2!h
Transfer but NF, 4+!s.
Pass
Weak with hearts.
2!s
Strong NT.
2NT
INV with 4!s.
3!c!d
GF with 5+m and 4!s.
4!h
4-1-4-4, GF.
3!s
Balanced COG with 5!s.
3NT
COG with 4!s.
2NT
Strong max with 4!s.
3!h
Weak with 6!s.
2!s
Forcing with 4+!s.
2NT
Strong NT, not 4!s.
3!c!d
5+ suit.
3!h
4-1-4-4.
3!s
Balanced SI.
3NT
To play.
3!c
Strong NT with 4+!s.
New = cue, 3NT COG.
3!d
Weak, 6+!h.
3!h
INV.
3!s
Asks SPL.
3NT no, 4X up the line.
3NT
To play.
4!c!d
Nat SI.
4!h
To play.
3!s
Weak, 6+!s (forcing).
2NT
Strong balanced, forcing.
3!c
Strong NT.
3!d
Minor suit Stayman.
3!h!s
4+ corresponding minor.
3NT
No minor.
3!h!s
Four card suit.
3NT
To play.
3!d!h
Weak transfer.
Accept
INV.
3M+1
Asks SPL.
4M
To play.
3X

Natural GF.

The weak variant bids his major at the 3-level, holding bad support for responder’s suit (over 1NT–3!s, bid 3NT instead to show hearts and bad support). With the strong hand bid the lowest possible bid which do not show the weak hand. With the weak hand, support and min, raise the suit. With the weak hand, support and max, bid anything not mentioned above.

Contested Multi 1NT

If second hand doubles, whatever the double means:

  • Pass is to play vs the strong hand. Weak hand bids his suit if fourth hand passes. If fourth hand bids opener usually passes no matter what he have, but bids shows the strong hand (take-out doubles and natural suit bids).
  • Redouble is a transfer to 2!c, but weak hand may bid his suit with poor club support.
  • All other bids are sys-on.

If second hand overcalls, responder bids as if opener was strong but needs some kind of support for the unbid major(s) (unless very strong, wanting to play game whatever opener have). Double is take-out: Weak hand bids his suit (or passes), strong hand has to jump if holding a major. Bids at the two-level are non-forcing, but strong hand may raise and weak hand may bid his suit (but may also pass). Bids at 3-level are GF vs strong hand (weak hand bids his suit). 2NT is Lebensohl, but weak hand bids his suit. The best option if they overcall is usually to double or pass.

If fourth hand bids opener passes with the weak hand (unless responder has said something positive about opener’s major, or has bid 2NT+) or bids his major if fourth hand doubles. Strong hand has to act if responder has bid. If responder has passed, double by opener is take-out with the strong hand.

The Minor Twos

OP RESP
2!c ?
2!d
INV+ relay.
2!h
4!d, min.
2!s
GF relay.
2NT
NF.
3!c!d
NF.
2!s
6+!c, single-suited.
2NT
GF relay.
3!c
INV.
2NT+
4!d, max (GF).
2!h!s
Constructive but NF.
Bidding oM is max three card raise.
2NT
Good raise, forcing.
New suit shows stopper (can stop in 4!c).
!c
Preemptive.
3X
Nat GF with great suit.
OP RESP
2!d ?
2!h
GF relay.
2!s
6+!d, single-suited.
2NT+
4!c.
2!s
Constructive but NF.
3!h is a max three card raise.
2NT
5+!h, F1.
3!c
ART, max and short hearts.
3!d and 3!h are NF, even though opener is max.
3!d
Minimum, short hearts (could be 3-1-5-4).
3!h
2–3!h, min.
3!s
SPL with 3!h.
3NT
Max with 2!h.
4!c
SPL with 3!h.
4!d
No suitable SPL, 3!h.
4!h
Wants to declare.
3!c
Good raise.
!d
Preemptive.
3!h!s
Nat GF with great suit.

The Minor-Major Canapé

OP RESP
2!h!s ?
2!s
Constructive but NF.
2NT
ART INV+.
3!c!d
Nat min.
3!h!s
Max corr min.
3!s asks if six card suit (3NT no).
3NT
Max 6!d.
3/4!c
P/C.
3!d
GF, major fit.
3!h
Singleton in oM.
3!s asks minor (3NT = !d).
3!s
Singleton !c.
3NT
Singleton !d.
4!c!d!h
Void.
3M
INV.
3oM
Nat GF with 6+ suit.
3NT
To play.
4NT
Asks minor.

2NT Minors

OP RESP
2NT ?
3!c!d
NF.
3!h
GF, asks SPL (3NT = short !h).
3!s
Slam try, no 3+m.
Opener bids 4m with good 6m.
3NT
To play.
4!c!d
INV.

Relays

The basic premise for the relays is that hands are divided into three categories:

Single-suited hands (6+ suit and no side suit) starts showing shape with 3!c, but usually bids 2!s first (and then partner relays with 2NT). Short-legged two-suiters start showing shape at 2NT.

5-5 hands are a bit different, since they’re not symmetric (it depends on the suits). When a hand has shown (at least) 5-5 in two suits: bidding one of the shown suits sets the suit as trumps; bidding the lowest “artificial” bid sets the suit which would have been “expensive” to set with an artificial bid. Example:

In a relay sequence opener has bid 3!d to show 5-5 in hearts and diamonds. Bidding 3!h now sets hearts, while bidding 3!s sets diamonds.

When a suit has been set at the 3-level, bidding the lowest step shows minimum values. Other bids are cue bids. If the suit is set at the four level there’s no minimum step (just cue bids).

Single-suited relays

OP RESP
?  
3!c
No SPL, or 7+ suit with SPL.
3!d
Relay, sets suit.
3!h
Good suit.
3!s
Bad suit, extras.
3NT
Bad suit, minimum.
4X
7+ suit, NAT short.
3X
NAT
3!d
Short diamonds (or “other minor”). 6331.
3M
Short clubs (or NAT short if 6+ minor). 6331.
3oM
NAT short. 6331.
3NT
Same as bidding 3!s, but minimum values.

When opener has shown 6331, bidding a three card suit sets the suit, bidding the short suit sets the six card suit (or the most expensive suit, if the long suit could be set with a cheaper bid) and bidding 3NT is NAT.

Short-legged relays

OP RESP
?  
2NT
Low SPL. 3!c relays.
3!c
5422
3!d
Sets five card suit.
3!h
Sets four card suit.
3!s
Sets lower two card suit.
4!c
Sets higher two card suit.
4!d
No fit, asks strength in 2 hcp steps.
Then NT bid is to play.
3!d
5431 (or 5440), high SPL.
3!h
Sets five card suit.
3!s
Sets four card suit.
4!c
Sets three card suit.
3!h
6430, high SPL.
3!s
Sets six card suit.
4!c
Sets four card suit.
4!d
Sets three card suit.
3!s
6421, high SPL, extras.
4!c
Sets six card suit.
4!d
Sets four card suit.
3NT
6421, high SPL, minimum. Same as 3!s.