ACOL System
(by George Jesner)

The Acol Bidding System is not a Standard Bidding System as the Five Card American Standard Bidding System. This means that the Acol Bidding System is rather interpretable and allows a stronger latitude in flexibility according to the partnership agreement. We would like to present a General Structure of the Acol Bidding System in order that the bridge player, who would like to learn, has a general concept of the meanings behind the bids.

General Structure of the Acol Bidding System
 

 

 

 

Opener

 

 

With 5+ card suits, open the higher ranking longer suit

With only 4 card suits, such as a 4-3-3-3 distribution, open the 4 card suit. If you wish to guarantee a 5-card 1 Spade opener, the opener will then open 1 Club with 4 Spades, and this is the only situation when you will only have 4 Spades.

With a 4-3-4-2 distribution, open the lower suit.

With a 3-4-4-2 touching distribution, open the higher suit. The exception is when your holding are Hearts and Spades as in the distribution of 4-4-2-3, and the general rule is to open 1 Heart.

With a 4-4-1-4 distribution, open the suit immediately below the singleton. The exception is the 4-4-4-1 distribution, then the opening should be 1 Heart.

 

Responder

 

The responder will bid his 4-card suits up the line, but will prefer a Major suit over a 1 Club opening unless he holds considerable extra values.

Any change of suit rebid by the responder is forcing except over opener's 1 No Trump rebid.

Opener's Rebid

 

A non-reverse change of suit rebid by opener is non-forcing, if the responder bids at the One Level, but is forcing if the responder has made a 2-over-1 response.

A reverse by opener is forcing for one round with 16+ points and at least 5-4 distribution and the first suit will be longer.

Fourth Suit Forcing is generally forcing, except for the following auction:

        1 - 1;
        1 - 1;

1.

In this instance, a 1 No Trump rebid shows 15+ HCP and is generally forcing.

2.

However, rebids by the responder at the Two-Level are non-forcing over 2, 2, 2 by the opener.

3.

Three-Level rebids are generally forcing.

Any possibly ambiguous bid by the opener or responder shows values or length in that suit. This is called fragmenting, rather than splintering, which means that the bid is indicating a stopper, rather than asking for a stopper. To fragment means to show a Stopper. To Splinter is to asking for a Stopper, and this is very important to remember.

Over 3 of a Major, when there is a known fit in the Major, 3 No Trump is a natural bid, if Three of a Major is Non-Forcing. But it is a Trump Cue if Three of a Major is forcing.

Over 3 of a Minor, Three No Trump is always at least a suggestion to play.

A simple raise of responder's 2-over-1 is Invitational, that is Non-Forcing. A Jump raise to 4 of a Minor is Generally Forcing and suggests slam interest. Hands worth "3-5" Minor raise must find another bid.

The auction 1 - 2 promises 5 cards in Hearts, but 2 of a Minor promises only a 4-card suit.

A new suit at the Four Level, after partner has shown strength, is a cuebid showing a hand too strong to raise partner's last bid suit directly.

The following bidding auctions should clarify this principle:

1 - 1;
3 - 4


Shows a strong Heart raise

1 - 1;
3 - 4/

The rebid by responder is a cuebid, and Hearts is the agreed upon suit.

1 - 2;
2


Forcing bid for one round.

1 - 1;
2


Non Forcing bid

1 - 1;
3


Invitational

1 - 2;
3


Game Forcing

1 - 2;
3


Invitational

1 - 1;
2 - 3


Suit rebids by Responder are signoff, Non-Forcing.

1 - 1;
2 - 2


4-card Spade suit, Game Forcing

1 - 1;
2 - 2NT


Invitational

1 - 1;
2 - 3


Forcing one round.

1 - 1;
2 - 3


Opener has reversed, Game Forcing

1 - 1;
2 - 3;
3 - 3
3NT


3 is a Trump Cuebid, showing Slam interest

1 - 3;
3

Responder has the option to Pass or correct to 4
 

 

ACOL SYSTEM
BY GEORGE JESNER

With the introduction of the Acol Bidding System, bridge players have been trying to modify it. The following is a short summary of a modification by Mr. George Jesner of England. There will be a certain terminology used, which will not be understood by every bridge player. We have attempted to include the clarifications as much as possible. The Acol System proposed and is credited to Mr. George Jesner. After reviewing the material contained on this page, the bridge player could have questions which we have not anticipated. If this is the case, please contact us.

As an introduction and explanation, this modification, which is quite involved, by Mr. George Jesner is a natural system featuring 4-card suit openings, a Weak Notrump with a range of 12 to 14 HCP, and Benjamin Two-Bids. Be aware that we have tried to include most of the material and that it is quite long.

OPENING BIDS

Bid

Meaning

1

10-21 HCP. At least 4 clubs.

1

10-21 HCP. At least 4 diamonds.

1

10-21 HCP. At least 4 hearts.

1

10-21 HCP. At least 4 spades.

1NT

12-14 HCP. Any distribution of 5-3-3-2, 4-3-3-3, 4-4-3-2 (including weak 5-card Majors).

2

8+ Quick Tricks in an unspecified suit, or 21-22 HCP, or 25-26 HCP with a balanced hand.

2

Game Forcing hand, or 23-24 HCP, or 27-28 HCP with a balanced hand.

2

4-9 HCP. A 6-card Heart suit.

2

4-9 HCP. A 6-card Spade suit.

2NT

19-20 HCP. Balanced hand.

3, 3,
3, 3

Standard preempts

3NT

Broken preempt in either Minor.

4

Transfer to 4 Hearts.

4

Transfer to 4 Spades.

4

Standard Four Level preempt.

4

Standard Four Level preempt.

4NT

Specific Ace asking bid.

5, 5

Standard preempt.

5, 5

Specific trump asking bid.  Raise to 6 with one top honor.
Raise to 7 with two top honors.

6, 6,
6, 6

Specific trump asking bid. Raise to 7 with one top honor

One Level Opening Bids

Open the longest suit. If two suits of equal length (whether 4/4 or 5/5) open the higher ranking, which includes touching suits, except with clubs and spades where the opening should be 1 Clubs. With 4-4-4-1 distribution, open the suit below the singleton.

Therefore, in the bidding auction:

1 - 1;
1

The 1 Spade rebid by the opener shows a distribution of 5 Diamonds and 4 Spades.

There are occasions where a 4-card suit is opened in preference to a 5-card suit. For example, open 1 Spade in preference to 1 Heart when holding a good 4-card Spade suit and a very poor 5-card Heart suit, and less than 16 points. It avoids a rebid problem with a poor 5-card suit and insufficient values to reverse on the second round. The suit must be very poor, otherwise the auction is distorted.

1 - 2;

4

May show a 3-card support

Gives responder the choice of Game,
shows 5 Hearts, quality is as good as Spade holding.

1 - 2;
2NT


17-18 HCP

Raises of One Level Opening Bids

Bidding

Meaning

1 - 3

Limit Raise

1 - 3

Limit Raise

1 - 3

Limit Raise. 3 Notrump cues the Ace of Hearts.

1 - 3

Limit Raise. 3 Notrump cues the Ace of Spades

1 - 4

Gerber


1 - 4

Distribution: 3-3-4-3. Strong holding. Attempting Slam.
3 Notrump has been bypassed.


1 - 4

13-14 HCP. Distribution: 3-4-3-3. Shows a poor hand lacking intermediates. Example: Axx - Qxxx - Kxx - KJx
No ruffing values.


1 - 4

13-14 HCP. Distribution: 4-3-3-3. Shows a poor hand lacking intermediates. Example: Qxxx - Axx - Kxx - KJx
No ruffing values.


Notrump Responses to One Level Opening Bids
 

1 - 1NT

7-9 HCP. In principle, it denies 4 Hearts or 4 Spades.

1 - 1NT

6-9 HCP. In principle, it denies 4 Hearts or 4 Spades.

1 - 1NT

5-9 HCP. In principle, it denies 3-card Heart support, otherwise responder raises to 2 Hearts and also denies 4 Spades.

1 - 1NT

5-9 HCP. It denies 3-card Spade support, otherwise responder raises to 2 Spades.

1x - 2NT

10-12 HCP and is a natural bid, and denies both 4-card Major suits, except over 1 Spade where responder may have 4-card Heart suit. This bid also shows at least a doubleton in partner's suit, but the responder may have a 3-card support for opener's Major suit, but this bid denies a 4-card support for opener's Major suit.

1x - 3NT

13-14 HCP, and is a natural bid, and denies both 4-card Major suits, except over 1 Spade where responder may have 4-card Heart suit. This bid also shows at least a doubleton in partner's suit. Responder may have a 3-card support for opener's Major suit, but this bid denies a 4-card support for opener's Major suit.

Note that the chance of opener holding 4 Spades after opening 1 Heart are minimized.
 

Suit Responses to One Level Opening Bids

Jump Shifts show 15 HCP plus, and at least a 4-card suit, but the Jump Shift says nothing about the suit quality, and Jump Shifts are also Game Forcing. With a 4-card plus support for opener's suit, the Jump Shift may be a short suit, called a Stepping Stone. This means bidding the suit with the highest control. For example: with Axx and KQx, the correct bid is to bid the suit containing the Ace.
 

Balanced Hand Openings

12-14 HCP

1 Notrump

15-16 HCP

1 suit and rebid lowest Notrump

17-18 HCP

1 suit and Jump rebid in Notrump (usually 2NT)

19-20 HCP

2 Notrump

21-22 HCP

2 Clubs and rebid 2 Notrump over 2 Diamonds negative

23-24 HCP

2 Diamonds and rebid 2 Notrump over 2 Hearts negative

26-26 HCP

2 Clubs and rebid 3 Notrump over 2 Diamonds negative

27-28 HCP

2 Diamonds and rebid 3 Notrump over 2 Hearts negative

Examples:

1 - 2;
2NT


15-16 HCP

1 - 2;
3NT


17-18 HCP


1 Notrump Opening Bid

1 Notrump shows 12-14 HCP and may contain a 5-card Minor or a weak 5-card Major.
This Guideline helps to avoid rebidding the weak Major suit.

Responses

1NT - 2

Stayman. 

1NT - 2//

Natural sign-offs.

1NT - 2NT

Baron, Game Forcing, suggesting Slam.

1NT - 3///

These bids are natural, Game Forcing, and
inquire about support.
With xxx simply support the suit.
With Qxx or better, cue-bid first
round control even if holding a minimum.

1NT - 3NT

This is a sign-off bid.

1NT - 4

Gerber.
5 Clubs asks for Kings and
4 Notrump is a sign-off.

1NT - 4NT

Quantitative invitation to 6 Notrump.

1NT -5NT

Quantitative invitation to 7 Notrump.
Opener must bid 6 Notrump with a minimum.

1NT - 2;
2   - 2/

Stayman
2 denies a 4 card major. 2/ is to play,  does not necessarily indicate 5/4 in the Majors

1NT - 2;
2   - 2NT

Invitational, because 1 NT - 2NT is Baron.

1NT - 2;
2   - 3

6-card Club suit with one top honor missing and the expectation of an outside entry. The Ace or the King may be missing, but the Queen must be present. Strong invitation to 3 Notrump. For example: KQJxxx and an outside King. Note: with Diamonds there is no bid available to describe this hand, therefore, pass or bid 3 Notrump.

1NT - 2;
2   - 3

Game Forcing and asking about distribution.
The opener's responses are included below.

1NT - 2;
2   - 3

Invitational, 6-card plus suit, and asks the opener
to bid 4 Hearts, 4 Spades with outside top cards.

1NT - 2;
2   - 3NT

Sign-off bid.

For the purposes of the 3 Diamond Game Forcing inquiring bid, Kxx or Axx is good support and QJx is borderline.  The responses are:
 

1NT - 2;
2   - 3;
3

Stayman by responder
Game Forcing and asking about distribution.
3 shows 2 Spades, 3 Hearts.  Then a 4 Clubs bid by the responder asks for strength in the Major

1NT - 2;
2   - 3;
3

3 shows 3 Spades, 2 Hearts. Then a 4 Clubs bid by the responder asks for strength in the Major.

1NT - 2;
2   - 3;
3NT

3NT shows 3 Spades, 3 Hearts,
and poor strength in the Majors.

1NT - 2;
2   - 3;
4

4 shows 3 Spades, 3 Hearts, but better hearts.

1NT - 2;
2   - 3;
4

4 shows 3 Spades, 3 Hearts, but better spades.

1NT - 2;
2   - 3;
4

4 shows 3 Spades, 3 Hearts, and both adequate.

The above 4 Club Major strength inquiry bid indicates Slam interest and the responses are:

1NT - 2;
2   - 3;
3//4

Stayman by responder
3 Game Forcing and asking about distribution.
See above

1NT - 2;
2   - 3;
4



4 shows poor support in both Majors.

1NT - 2;
2   - 3;
4



4 shows good support in both Majors.

1NT - 2;
2   - 3;
4



4 shows good support in both Majors.  Perhaps Kx/Axx or Ax/QJx.

 

1NT - 2;
2   - 3;

Stayman by responder
3 is invitational, 6-card plus suit, asks opener to bid 4 Spades with outside top cards.

1NT - 2NT;
3   - 4

Baron, Game Forcing,  suggesting Slam.
4 shows Slam interest, otherwise responder would have used Stayman, but with a poor 4-card Spade support.

1NT - 2NT;
4


4 shows good support in both Majors. Perhaps Kx/Axx or Ax/QJx.

1NT - 3;
3

3 is natural,Game Forcing, asking support.
3 shows Honor-xx+ in Clubs and Ace of Diamonds.

1NT - 3;
3


3 shows Honor+xx+ in Clubs and Ace of Hearts,but denies the Ace of Diamonds

1NT - 3;
3


3 shows Honor-xx+ in Clubs and Ace of Spades, but denies the Ace of Diamonds and the Ace of Hearts

1NT - 3;
3NT


3NT shows a doubleton in Clubs.

1NT - 3;
4


4 shows three-card support in Clubs and denies Honor-xx+ Club support or the Ace of Diamonds, the Ace of Hearts and the Ace of Spades.

 

2NT

2 Notrump shows 19-20 HCP and a balanced hand. It may contain a 5-card Minor or a weak 5-card Major.  This is to avoid rebidding the weak Major suit.

2NT - 3;

3 is Baron over all 2 Notrump openings.
However, the Flint 3 Diamond convention
is not played over any 2 Notrump openings.

2NT - 3//
 

Natural bids, Game Forcing, asking about support. With xxx support, simply support the suit. With Qxx or better, cue-bid first round control, even if minimum.

2NT - 3NT;

Sign-off.

2NT - 4;

Gerber,  4 asks for Kings and 4 Notrump is a Sign-off.

2NT - 4;

Solid Diamond suit, invites cue bids.

2NT - 4NT;

Quantitative Invitation to 6 Notrump.

2NT - 5NT;

Quantitative invitation to 7 Notrump. Opener must bid 6 Notrump with a minimum.

Notes:

1.

All 2 Notrump openings may contain a 5-card Major suit. 2 Notrump may be opened instead of 1 Heart or 1 Spade to avoid rebidding the weak Major suit.

2 Notrump may have to be rebid over 2 Clubs or 2 Diamonds because an Acol Two should contain a 6-card suit.

2 Notrump may have to be rebid over 2 Diamonds or 2 Hearts because the Major suit is too weak to suggest as a trump suit.

2.

3 is forcing Club bid over a 2 Notrump rebid.

2   - 2;             2   - 2;
2NT - 3;             2NT - 3;

3.

4 is not Gerber in these auction, instead showing a 6-card solid Club suit with one top honor, such as the Ace or the King missing, but having the Queen. Bidding 4 is Forcing through 4NT.

2   - 2;             2   - 2;
2NT - 4;             2NT - 4;


Strong Openings

The strong opening bids in George Jesner's System are 2 Clubs and 2 Diamonds.

A 2 Clubs bid shows 8+ Quick Tricks in an unspecified suit or 21-22 HCP or 25-26 HCP and a balanced hand, and a 2 Diamonds bid shows a Game Forcing hand or 23-24 HCP or 27-28 HCP and a balanced hand depending on the rebid of the opener. These openings also contain outside defensive playing tricks - at least 2.5 defensive tricks outside of opener's suit.

2 Clubs and 2 Diamonds opening bids are Asking Bids. They ask for certain honor combinations, namely Ace and a King of different suit, or Ace/King of the same suit, or King/King/King/King, or King/King/King/Queen, or King and Queen/King and Queen. Responder may give a positive response with these honor combinations or better. It must be noted that the combination: King/King/Queen/Queen is not sufficient for a positive response.

The negative responses over 2 Clubs and 2 Diamonds openings are 2 Diamonds and 2 Hearts respectively. Over opener's rebid, the cheapest bid in Notrump by the responder is a second negative.

2 Club Opening Bid: 2 Clubs shows 8+ Quick Tricks in an unspecified suit or 21-22 HCP or 25-26 HCP and a balanced hand.

Note that an Acol Two Opening, except for 2 Clubs or 2 Notrump, is described as 8-9 Quick Tricks, forcing for one round, and showing either 6-card plus suit or possibly a two suiter. It also contains outside defensive playing tricks - around 2 to 2.5 defensive tricks outside of opener's suit.

Responses to 2 Club Openings

2 - 2;

Negative response denies positive combination. Remember the positive combinations are: AK or A/K or K/K/K/K or K/K/KQ or KQ/KQ. Remember that the combination: K/K/Q/Q is not sufficient for a positive response.

2 - 2;

Negative response denies positive combination. Remember the positive combinations are: AK or A/K or K/K/K/K or K/K/KQ or KQ/KQ. Remember that the combination: K/K/Q/Q is not sufficient for a positive response.

2 - 2;

5-card plus suit, unless the distribution of the responder is 4-4-4-1, 4-4-1-4, or 1-4-4-4, but is a natural bid with a positive combination.

2/ - 2;
 

5-card plus suit, unless the distribution of the responder is 4-1-4-4, but is a natural bid with a positive combination.

2/ - 2NT;
 

Balanced hand, and any 4-3-3-3 or 4-4-3-2 distribution, but a natural bid with positive combination.

2/ - 3;

5-card plus suit, but a natural bid with a positive combination.

2 - 3;

5-card plus suit, but a natural bid with a positive combination.

2/ - 3;

Solid suit, which may play opposite a void
for no losers. Cue bids follow.

2/ - 3;

Solid suit, which may play opposite a void
for no losers. Cue bids follow.

2/ - 3NT;

Shows 2 Aces and a balanced hand.

2/ - 4;

Solid suit, which may play opposite a void
for no losers. Cue bids follow.

2/ - 4E;

Solid suit, which may play opposite a void
for no losers. Cue bids follow.

Opener's Rebid Over 2 Diamond Response

2 - 2;
2//3/3

Negative response denies positive combination.
8 playing tricks in suit bid.

2 - 2;
2NT


21-22 HCP and balanced hand.

2 - 2;
3


4 Spades and 6 Hearts, 8-9 Quick Tricks but Non-Forcing.

2 - 2;
3


6 Spades and 4 Hearts, 8-9 Quick Tricks but Non-Forcing.

2 - 2;
3NT


25-26 HCP and balanced hand.

Second Negative

2 - 2;
2 - 2/NT

Negative response denies positive combination.
Second negative. Also refers to distribution with a Stopper or values.

2 - 2;
3 - 3NT

Negative response denies positive combination.
Second negative. Also refers to distribution with a Stopper or values.

Responder's Jump Suit Response After A Negative

2 - 2;
2/ - 3/4//

Negative response denies positive combination.
Shows a solid 6-card plus suit with one of the two top honors missing.

2 - 2NT;
3 3///4

Baron
These are natural bids, Game Forcing, and asks about support. With xxx support, simply support the suit. With Qxx or better cue-bid first round control, even if minimum

2 - 2NT;
3NT


Sign-off.

2 - 2NT;
4


Solid Diamond suit, invites cue bids.

2 - 2NT;
4NT


Quantitative invitation to 6 NT.

2 - 2NT;
5NT


Quantitative invitation to 7 NT.  The opener must bid 6 NT with a minimum.

2   - 2;
3NT - 4/

Negative response denies positive combination.
3NT is Baron. 4/ is Game force with good suit.

2 - 2;
4//5/


Sign-off bids.

2 - 2;
4NT


Quantitative bid.

2 - 2;
5/


Invitational to 6 Hearts, 6 Spades respectively with good trumps.

Opener's Rebid After A Positive Response

2 - 2NT;
3 - 3NT

Balanced hand with positive combination.
3 is Baron.  3NT is signoff

2 - 2NT;
3///4


Set the trump suit and leads to cue bids.

2 - 2/;
2

5-card plus suit, with a positive combination.
Acol 2 Spade opener, strong 5-card plus suit, and could contain a second suit.

2 - 2/;
2NT


21-22 HCP, balanced hand, and denies 4-card Major support.

2 - 2/;
3NT


25-26 HCP, balanced hand, and denies 4-card Major support

Over Interference

2 - (any) - P - (P);
X

Forcing, but nothing to bid.
Penalty Double

2 - (any) - 2///3

Positive response with good suit.

2 - (any) - P - (P);
2NT

Forcing, but nothing to bid, shows balanced hand 21+ HCP.

2 - (any) - P - (P);
2///3

ACOL Two in that suit


2 Diamond Opening Bid

2 Diamonds shows a Game Forcing hand or 23-24 HCP or 27-28 HCP balanced hand.

Responses To 2 Diamond Openings

2 - 2;

Negative response denies positive combination. See above for Positive Combinations.

2 - 2;

5-card plus suit, unless responder has 4-4-4-1, 4-4-1-4 or 4-1-4-4.

2 - 2NT;

Balanced hand, any 4-3-3-3 or 4-4-3-2, natural with positive combination.

2 - 3;

5-card plus suit, unless responder is 1-4-4-4, natural with positive combination.

2 - 3;

5-card plus suit, natural with positive combination.

2 - 3;

5-card plus suit, natural with positive combination.

2 - 3;

Solid suit, which may play opposite void for no losers. Cue bids follow.

2 - 3NT;

2 aces and balanced hand.

2 - 4;

Solid suit, which may play opposite void for no losers. Cue bids follow.

2 - 4;

Solid suit, which may play opposite void for no losers. Cue bids follow.

2 - 4;

Solid suit, which may play opposite void for no losers. Cue bids follow.

Opener's Rebid Over 2 Hearts Response

2 - 2;

Negative response denies positive combination.
See above for Positive Combinations.

2 - 2;
3//

Game force in suit bid.

2 - 2;
2NT

23-24 HCP and balanced hand.

2 - 2;
3/4//

Indicates a Solid suit. Cue bidding begins.

2 - 2;
3NT

27-28 HCP and balanced hand.

Second Negative

2 - 2;

Negative response denies positive combination.
See above for Positive Combinations.

2 - 2;
2 - 2NT;

2         - 2;
3// - 3NT

The negative responses over 2 and 2 openings are 2 and 2 respectively. Over opener's rebid, the cheapest bid in Notrump by the responder is a second negative.

2 - 2;
2 - 3

2 - 2;
3 - 3

2 - 2;
3 - 3

2 - 2;
3 - 3

Negative response denies positive combination.
See above for Positive Combinations.

 

Each rebid by the responder is an
alternative method of indicating a
second negative by bidding the cheapest
suit possible above the rebid by opener.

Responder's Jump Suit Response After A Negative Response

2 - 2;
2 - 4//

Negative, see above for Positive Combinations.
Each rebid shows a solid 6-card plus suit, with one of the two top honors missing.

2 - 2;
3 - 4//

Negative, see above for Positive Combinations.
Each rebid shows a solid 6-card plus suit,
with one of the two top honors missing.

2 - 2;
3 - 4//5;

Negative, see above for Positive Combinations.
Each rebid shows a solid 6-card plus suit,
with one of the two top honors missing.

2 - 2;
3 - 4/5/5

Negative, see above for Positive Combinations.
Each rebid shows a solid 6-card plus suit, with one of the two top honors missing.

After a Negative Response, opener bids or Jump bids. These bids are Forcing and responder must bid again, even if it is a Second Negative bid.

2 - 2;

Negative response denies positive combination.
See above for Positive Combinations.

2 - 2NT;
3

Baron

2 - 2NT;
3///4


Natural bids, Game force, asks about support,
with xxx support simply support the suit, with
Qxx or better cue-bid first round control (even
if minimum).

2 - 2NT;
3NT


Sign-off

2 - 2NT;
4


Solid diamond suit, invites cue bids.

2 - 2NT;
4NT


Quantitative invitation to 6 NT.

2 - 2NT;
5NT


Quantitative invitation to 7 NT. Opener must bid 6 NT with a minimum.

 

2 - 2NT;

Balanced hand, any 4-3-3-3 or 4-4-3-2, natural with positive combination.

2 - 2NT;
3


Baron

2 - 2NT;
3NT


Sign-off

2 - 2NT;
3///4


These rebids by the opener sets the trump suit and leads to cue bids.

2   - 2;
3NT - 4


Baron

2 - 2;
4


Game force with good diamond suit.

2 - 2;
4//5/5


Sign-off.

2 -2;
4NT


Quantitative.

2 - 2;
5/


Invitational to 6 Hearts or 6 Spades with good trumps.

Over Interference

2 - (any) - P

Forcing Pass

2 - (any) - P - (P);
X


Penalty Double

2 - (any) - P - (P);
2//2NT/3/3


Positive with a good suit

2 - (any) - any  - (P);
2/3/3

Game forcing in Opener's suit


Baron, Clubs or Gerber

Consistent agreement is needed whether the following similar sequences are Baron, Gerber, or merely show Clubs:

2 - 2NT;

Positive response.

2 - 2NT;
3

Baron

2 -2NT;
4

Baron

2 - 3NT;
4/5

Positive response.
Clubs

Gerber is probably unnecessary in these sequences because opener can bid a suit and later Blackwood.
 

2 Hearts, 2 Spades Opening Bids

Weak two bid. 4-9 HCP, 6-card suit (quality undescribed but less than AKxxxx).
Denies a void. 1 to 1.5 defensive tricks in any suit.

2/ - 2/NT;

Forcing for one round.

2 - 2NT;

Feature asking. Game forcing.

2/ - 2/NT;
3/


Nothing outside Major.

2/ - 2/NT;
3NT


Random bits and pieces outside, sign-off.

2/ - 2/NT;
3x


High card or potentially Stopper.

2/ - 2/NT;
3x      - 3/


3/ is natural bid. Forcing for one round.

2/ - 2/NT;
3/4/


Good suit, game force, requests cue-bid.

2/ - 2/NT;
3x      - 3NT


Sign-off.

 

Preemptive Bids

3NT

Broken 8-card minor suit pre-empt.

4/

Preemptive opening bids.

4//5/
 

Preemptive opening bids.
Possibly lacking the defensive trick
requirements for an Acol 2 bid.

4NT

Acol 4 NT Opening Bid.

5/

Responder raises one level for each Top Honor held = Ace or King.

6///

Responder raises one level for each Top Honor held = Ace or King



Gerber

4 is Gerber after opening bids of:  1, 1, 1, 1, 1NT, 2, 2, 2NT

These are the only situations where Gerber applies.

After 1 Notrump and 2 Notrump opening bids and the response to Gerber, 4 Notrump is a signoff, and 5 Clubs asks for Kings. However after 1 Club, 1 Diamond, 1 Heart, 1 Spade, 2 Hearts and 2 Spades openings and the response to Gerber, 4 Notrump, if available, asks for Kings.

Asking for Kings guarantees that all the Aces are held, and responder may Jump to a Grand Slam with a source of tricks. It does not necessarily show Grand Slam interest. The partnership may still play in game.


4 Notrump Quantitative

4NT is quantitative in the following auctions:

1/2NT - 4NT;
 

Benjamin Two followed by a Negative Response

The Benjamin Convention differs from the Weak Two Bid used in American 5-Card Standard, in that the 2 Diamonds bid is no longer used as a Weak Two Bid, but rather as an Artificial Strong Two Bid, as is the 2 Clubs bid when opening. In the following bidding auctions, the responder shows a Negative response:

2      - 2;
2/3NT - 4NT


Benjamin Two followed by a Positive Response

2 - 2/3NT;

4 Notrump Blackwood

4 Notrump is always Blackwood unless the auction defines the 4 Notrump bid as quantitative.

1/2NT - 4;
any     - 4NT

4NT is a signoff after Gerber

1//2/ - 4;
any               - 4NT

4NT is Gerber asking for Kings.

Responder only shows a void suit over Blackwood which he feels may be the key to a Slam or Grand Slam. Do not bid above the level of the trump suit, if one is agreed or probably agreed. A bid of Six of the Trump Suit shows a void in a higher-ranking suit.

After the response to Blackwood, 5 Notrump guarantees possession of all the Aces and asks for the number of Kings held. Therefore the Blackwood initiator has Grand Slam interest. The responses are:

...     - ...;
5NT - 6;


Zero (no) Kings

...     - ...;
5NT - 6


1 King

...     - ...;
5NT - 6;


2 Kings

...     - ...;
5NT - 6;


3 Kings

...     - ...;
5NT - 6NT


4 Kings

...     - ...;
5NT - 7x


Shows an undisclosed source of Quick Tricks.

In the unlikely event that the opponents intervene, a Double is for Penalty, a Pass is Neutral suggesting no interest in slam, and Step Responses imply slam interest. The first Step Response would be to show an Ace.

In the unlikely event that the opponents intervene in an extreme manner, a Double shows zero or two Aces or an even number, a Pass shows one or three Aces or an odd number. If all four Aces are held, then the bidding auction should proceed as in the DEPO convention.

Information about the Auctions:
4th Suit is not forcing.

Change of suit at the Three Level is Game Forcing.

1 - 2;
2 - 3            3 is Non-Forcing

Opener's Reverse Bids are an inferentially Forcing bids. They show about 16-19 HCP, or equivalent distribution. The responder may pass a Reverse Bid only if he should not have responded on the first round of bidding. However, if the opener reverses and responder bids again, then responder's rebid is Forcing for one round. The responder may rebid a strong suit, say KQJxxx with other values outside, to find out more about the hand.

Jump Reverses by opener are absolutely Game Forcing.

Responder's Reverse Bids are an inferentially a Forcing bid. Although this sequence is highly encouraging and will seldom be passed. Remember, 4th suit is not forcing:

1 - 1;
2 - 2

After a force to game, a Jump in one of opener's suits determines that suit and shows a double fit. For example, after this auction 3 would be preference and 4 would show good Hearts and good Diamonds, most likely a top honor in Diamonds.

1 - 1;
3

Over a force by the responder, opener must show distribution. For example, after this auction 3 shows a 4-card Spade suit and not necessarily any extra values.

1 - 3;
3

Similarly, over a force by opener, the responder must show distribution. After this auction the responder probably shows 3-2-3-5 distribution or even 3-1-3-6.

1 - 2;
3 - 3NT


Auctions After An Opponent Doubles

After an opponent Doubles a One Level opening, a Pass says nothing about the holding, but promises at least doubleton support. A new suit shows a poor hand and void or singleton in opener's suit. A Jump in a new suit shows poor hand and a 6-card suit. A 1 Notrump bid shows 6-9 HCP, and is to play.

A single Raise shows 4-6 HCP but can be very weak. A Jump Raise is a Preemptive Raise and showing about 5-9 HCP. A Raise to Game is Preemptive with strong distribution. A 2 Notrump bid is a good raise showing 10-12 HCP and 4-card support. A Redouble shows about 10+ HCP and shows the balance of the points.


Defensive Bidding

Overcalls

Shows a 5-card plus suit and less than an opening hand, about 12 HCP. The emphasis is on good suit rather than point count. These overcalls are also Lead Directing. New suit responses are non-forcing.

Jumps and cuebids force overcaller to bid again.

Several bidding sequences:

1 - 1;
2 - 3;    Non-Forcing

1   - 1;
1NT - 3;     Non-Forcing

(1) - 1 - (P) - 1;     Non-Forcing

(1) - 1 - (P) - 2;     Forcing


Takeout Doubles

Shows an opening hand, about 12+ HCP, or better.

With 9+ HCP, the responder jumps in his longest suit.

Responding 1 Notrump shows 6-9/10 HCP with a stopper in the opponent's suit.

(1//) - X - (XX) - P;     Denies 4 cards in the next higher suit.

(1) - X - (1) - X;             Shows Spades

(1) - X - (2) - 3;           Non-Forcing


Redouble

(1) -  X  - (XX) - P;
(P)    - 1 - (X)   - P;
(P)    - XX                           "SOS" convention, Kock-Weiner showing Minors
 

Responsive Doubles

Responsive Doubles are used over opponent's raises to 3 Spades.  For example, the second double in the following auction is responsive.

(1) - X - (3) - X;
 

1 Notrump Overcall

Shows 15-17 HCP with a stopper in the opponent's suit/s in all positions.  This shows 15-17 HCP with a stopper in the opponent's suits.  Note the inference that partner could not even overcall.

(1) - P - (1) - 1NT;


Single Jump Overcall

Intermediate to strong with 6-7 playing tricks but not forcing. It also shows 2 defensive tricks. 15 HCP plus. Good 6-card suit. Usually denies a full stopper in the opponent's suit. With a stopper in the opponent's suit, commence with a double. After this bidding sequence, the responder shows half a stopper.

 (1) - 2 - (P) - 3;

Jump overcalls are weak against artificial systems.  A study of the defense to Precision is recommended.
 

Cue-bid

Always equals Game Force.
 

Jump Cue-Bid

Requests partner to bid Notrump with a stopper in the opponent's suit.  A Jump Cuebid typically shows a solid suit. See Western cuebid.
 

2 Notrump Overcall over One of a Suit

This bid shows a 6/5 distribution or better in the unbid suits.  The Overcall may be weak or strong, Forcing One Round.
 

Defensive Bidding

Doubles are Penalty Doubles.
 

Over a Precision Club Opening

(1) - X                     Majors

(1) - 1NT                Minors

(1) - 2///     Weak Jump Overcalls

 

Over 1NT

(1NT) - X                  Shows 15 HCP plus, and may be a Penalty Double

(1NT) - 2x                 Natural

(1NT) - 3x                 Shows 6/7 playing tricks


Over Opponent's Transfer

Response to 1 Notrump Bid

(1NT) - P - (2) - X      Double shows values in suit (2 is a transfer to 2)

(1NT) - P - (2) - 2    2 shows a weak hand, 4 Spades and longer Minor suit

(1NT) - P - (2) - 2    2 shows a long Spade suit as KQJTxxx
 

Over Weak Two Bids

(2x) - X                    Double is for Penalty
(2x) - 2NT               2NT shows 15-18 HCP and good stoppers in opponent's suit
(2x) - 3                 3 is for takeout
 

Over Weak Three Bids

(3x) - X                        Double is for Penalty
(3//) - 3//   3// is the Fishbein Takeout


Leads and Signals

Overlead all except Ace-King.

The lead of an Ace against Notrump Contract, except the Gambling 3 Notrump, requests partner to play his highest card.

Leads are the 4th highest in a suit containing an honor. Against suit contracts lead Middle-Up-Down or MUD from three small and 4th highest or top from four small.
Against Notrump contracts, lead the top of nothing from three small and 4th highest or top from four small.

Natural encouragement and count signals. High-low is encouraging or even number.

McKenny Suit Preference Signals are used where obvious. In various countries, the Suit Preference Signal is known by the names of bridge writers. The McKenny Suit Preference Signals is a standard term in Great Britain simply for the Suit Preference, and it named for Mr. William E. Mckenny of the ACBL, who helped popularize it.


DUM or Down-Up-Middle

When following suit with say 742, play the 2, which is a preference signal or discouraging, then the 7 and then the 4, showing an odd number. When following suit with say 72, after playing the queen from Q72 per force, play 7 followed by the 2, showing an even number.