by Daniel Neill © 2013
1
For over 20 years Lorenzo Lauria and Alfredo Versace have been the mainstay of the Italian Blue Team. Their genius bridge skills and partnership understandings understandings are no doubt the reason for their success, but their system must be considered their sharp blade. The system itself does not produce frequent swings swings like Fantoni-Nunes or Bocchi-Madala (good and bad both) – the openings are mainly identical to 2/1 Game Force - but it is simply one of the most finely-oiled machines available. Through precise structure and years of refinement, based on Benito Garozzo’s methods with a dash of borrowed gadgets, it has served to help win countless championships all over t he world. Until now, there has been no extensive write-up of the system, and the system itself goes through infrequent but steady revisions. All the hands from the Bridgebase Online vugraph archive have been combed and used to compile the most accurate descriptio n possible in this text. I made a decision early on to produce a complete system writeup, and not a “starting point” with blank areas to fill in. At the same time, I wanted to include every known known sequence as faithfully as possible. In this way, the reader reader may bid just like the champions would. However, in many cases, because of this ambitious ambitious goal, I have had to invent the meanings of undocumented areas, yet I have tried to adhere to the spirit and style of the system in doing so. For the most part, these are rare anyways so will not be missed, but the 2 response to 1 of a minor I have had to imagine almost completely because recently their old structure was relegated and a new one we have not had much time to see. Readers are welcome to change the the details, but the basic framework remains powerful. To add to the enjoyment, the system is legally pla yable at any level – even in the strict United States (except for a few mid-chart tidbits I believe most directors will u nderstand as not destructive). Players may take advantage of this, whether they use part of the system (for example, the 2 opening) or the whole thing. For those wishing to further accumulate system information, they may watch out for any vugraph with Versace and Lauria, either playing with each other, or with Leonardo Cima or Valerio Giubilo, who also use the system. The system is presented as a chart as the system is not a completely new a nimal, as Fantunes was (a book was written from my notes on that system, it is actually RothStone polished to a shine). The themes are well-known: signing off when slam is impossible, relaying for more information, cue-bidding to discover controls. controls. To explain the whole system in prose would be inefficient, especially when relays are in effect. Let the system do the talking. In the Appendix I have included a sample of hands where the system won the board. I have not included the defensive bidding (overcalls, (overcalls, e.g.) as that is not key to the system. I am sure the reader will find the sys tem exciting, enjoyable, playable, and above all, winning. Daniel Neill November, 2013
2
Some common terms and abbreviations many bridge players will know: UNBAL = unbalanced BAL = balanced SPL = splinter shortness, or short = singleton or void SOL = solid suit 3fit = 3 card fit CON = constructive 4M = 4 card major 5m = 5 card minor 4342 = 4 spades, 3 hearts, 4 diamonds, 2 clubs 41(53) = 4 spades, 1 heart, and either 5 diamonds-3 clubs or 3 diamo nds-5 clubs INV = invitational GF = game forcing R = relay for more information ART = artificial F1 = forcing one round NF = non-forcing puppet = forces partner to bid the next step, but says nothing about distribution initially 8-10(-) = 8 to a bad 10 HCP n/l/h = steps in reply to a shortness-ask, none/lower side suit/higher side suit (assuming only two unbid suits) c.o.g. = choice of game (between a major fit shown and 3NT, e.g.)
1 = 2+ cards, dynamic 10 to 21 HCP, including hands with 4 and 4+ 1 = 4+ cards, dynamic 10 to 21 HCP 1/1 = 5+ cards, dynamic 10 to 21 HCP, including 15-19 BAL 1N = 15-17 BAL, no 5M 2 = 22+ BAL, or any GF hand (so many very strong hands open 1 of a suit) 2 = 18-19 BAL, no 5M 2/2 = weak two, always 6 cards 2N = 20-21 BAL, may have a 5M 3/// = normal preempt 3N = Gambling with a SOL 7+minor, nothing on the side 4/// = normal preempt
3
1M promises 5+ cards, 2 is 3 card Drury in 3 rd seat, natural max hand 4th seat, 2N/3 show mixed/limit 4fits.
use of the “cards double”. If fourth seat A trademark of Italian systems is the frequent use interferes, opener or overcaller may bid with a dynamic minimum hand, cue -bid with a good 4 card support for partner, or double to indicate 16+ HCP, even a distributio nal hand. This cards double does not set up a game force, but it does does allow responder to force to game more accurately, often with a double of her own, or cue -bid of an opponent’s suit. This tactic is especially necessary given given that the range range for opening one of a suit or overcalling overcalling is slightly wider than mainstream. mainstream. The attentive reader reader will note that this implies no support doubles.
Another aspect of most modern Italian systems is the use of a 2 rebid after opening 1 of a major as an artificial artificia l 2-way call, indicating either 11-15 HCP with clubs, or any 16+ HCP hand. Responder can indicate a game force opposite the the 16+ variant with a 2 waiting bid, and everything everything else would show about 5-7 HCP. Over the 2 waiting bid, opener rebids the original opened major with the clubs (over which responder can place the contract or show a stronger hand), hand), and anything else with the 16+ variant. This gadget takes care of the problematic hands that are just under a game forcing rebid, and allows a force at a lower level to exchange more information (compared to a jump shift e.g.).
The Italians introduced the the world to frequent light action. Overcalls, openings, and responses to openings may be light. The theory is that early is the safest time to describe ones hand, which may preempt preempt the opponents or find the best fit. To wait and then bid later would allow the opponents to exchange information, which not only helps them, but inhibits delayed action as the opponents are more likely to do the right thing, including penalize. To handle these potentially light bids, partner will often keep the the bidding low and let partner apply the brakes when needed – this is where the effective bidding structures work their magic.
Italian cue-bidding is perhaps the oldest influence on modern top level bridge. The Blue Team have for a long time cue-bid both first- a nd second-round controls (“mixed cues”). In doing so, not only is sla m interest/cooperation conveyed, but if a suit is bypassed in a sequence, then partner immediately signs off without a control of her own, since the opponents can cash two quick tricks in the suit, setting any sla m.
When a major suit is trumps, 3NT (whether after a cue-bid or not) by either player indicates a negative hand in context. Cue-bidding may continue however, which indicates partner believes slam may still be on.
4
In a cue-bidding auction, 4NT is not RKC, but rather shows an even number of keycards for the agreed trump suit. Bypassing 4NT shows an odd number of keycards. keycards. In this way, cue-bidding is not interrupted, but partner may sign off immediately if there are insufficient keycards. The Queen sometimes is difficult difficult to find. But Kings and Queens tend to resolve themselves in the the cue-bids. When there have been no cues, a jump for instance, 4NT is RKC 1430. 1430. The reader may choose not to play this aspect aspect of the system, as it is independent, and not well-documented.
1 = natural, up the line, never bypass (but this is not a canapé system, bid a lo nger major first) 1 = natural, 11-19 1 = natural, not 4th suit forcing – responder may have 4+4 1N = natural, denies 4 spades, NF 2 = ART 16-19 UNBAL 2/2 = signoff attempts 2 = ART GF 2 = puppet to 2 - a common theme in L-V 2 = forced Pass = wanted to sign off in diamonds, 4-7 HCP 2 = 8-10(-) raise 2 = 4th suit, invite or better 2N = to play 3 3+ = GF with 5+, shapely 2= natural, 8-9 HCP about 2 = courtesy raise, 5-7 HCP 2 = ART GF 4fit, asks for shortness (n/l/h) 2N/3/3/3 = natural INV 3 = any SPL raise with a sing. (R asks l/h) 3N/4 = void SPL raise in / 4 = weak, distributional 1 = natural, 11-19, denies 4 1N = natural, NF 2 = ART 16-19 UNBAL (now 2/2 are signoff attempts, 2 ART GF) 2 = puppet to 2 2 = forced Pass = wanted to play 2, 4-7 HCP 2 = 4th suit, invite or better 2 = 8-10(-) raise 2N = to play 3 3+ = GF with 5+, shapely 2 = ART GF 4fit, asks for shortness (n/l/h)
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2 = courtesy raise, 5-7 HCP 2N/3/3/3 = invite 3N = any SPL raise with a sing (R asks l/h) 4/4 = void SPL raise 4 = weak distributional 1N = 12-14 BAL, denies a 4 card major or 4 diamonds, shows 4/5 2 = puppet to 2 2= forced Pass = wanted to play 2 2M = weakness in the other major, invite or better 2N = to play 3 3+ = GF with 5+, shapely 2 = mild invite, raiseable 2M = semi-natural, GF, 5+ 2N/3/3 = invite 2 = 6+, limited (2 = to play, 2M = seminat GF, 2N/3 = invite) 2 = 4fit, no 4M 2/ = GF natural, initially just looking for 3NT 2N = R 3 = min UNBAL 3 = min BAL 3/ = max UNBAL, short in this suit 3N = max BAL 2 = GF, natural or 1-suiter – a “false reverse” 2 = waiting 2N = reverse with stopper 3 = 1-suiter 3 = reverse, 3 diamonds 3 = 6-4 3 = reverse, no better call 3+ = natural, shapely 2 = natural GF reverse 2N = 16-18 1-suiter (3 = to play, else = GF) 3 = 13-15, long great clubs, lots of tricks, NF 3 = 14-15 4fit UNBAL raise (3M = stopper, needs help in other major, or maybe a cue) 3M = 16-18 SPL 4fit 3N = long running clubs, some side stoppers, not overwhelmingly strong 1 = natural, style is to bid up the line so will not have 4-4+ 1 = natural, 11-19 1N = to play 2 = ART 16-19 UNBAL (2 /2 = signoff attempts, 2 = ART GF) 2 = checkback 2 = no 3fit 2 = invite, generally just 5 cards, aggressive 2 = GF, agrees 2N = GF, waiting 3 = invite
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3+ = GF 2 = 3fit, minimum 2 = GF, agrees 2N = GF, waiting, may have slam interest in 3m = nat GF 3 = good invite 2 = 3fit, max, GF (3 = sets , else natural) 2 = invit or better NT bid without a sto pper in (like 4th suit without fit) 2 = 9-10 HCP (because a 1 -2 response shows 4-8 HCP), NF 2 = 6-10(-) HCP 2N/3/3/3/3 = invite 3N = any SPL with a sing. (R asks l/h) 4/4 = void SPL raise 4 = weak distributional 1N = 12-14 BAL, denies 4 , shows 4/5 2 = checkback, or signoff in 2 = no 3fit 2 = invite, generally just 5 cards, aggressive 2 = nat GF 2N = puppet to 3, to play or show a 5-4m GF 3 = forced Pass = wanted to play 3 3 = 5-4 GF 3 = 5-4 GF 3m = 5-5m GF 3 = sets , slamtry 2 = 3fit, minimum 2 = sets , GF 3 = good invite 3N = c.o.g. 5(332) else = nat GF without 5+ 2 = 3fit, maximum, GF 3 = to play! 3 = sets as trumps 3N = 5(332) c.o.g. else = nat without 5+ 2 = 5+-4+ to play 2 = 9-10, 6+ , NF 2 = nat GF 2N/3/3 = invite 3 = 5-5 invite 2 = natural, may have 5-4, limited 2/2 = seminatural, GF 2 = 9-10 6+ , NF
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2N/3/3 = invite 2 = natural reverse, or GF with 6+ 1-suiter – a “false reverse” 2 = GF R 2N = 5-4 with stopper no fit, 16-19 3 = 6+ 1-suiter GF 3 = 6-4 3 = reverse with no better call 3N = 5-4 with stopper no fit, 20-22 else = 4-7 natural NF 2 = 4 (occasionally 3) card support 2N = R 3 = 3fit BAL min (NF) 3 = 3fit UNBAL 3 = 4fit minimum 3N = 3fit BAL max 3/4 = 4fit splinter 4 = 4fit max balanced 2 = 16+ UNBAL 3+fit for , ART 2N = R 3 = 6+-3, 16-18, NF 3 = sets , GF 3/3 = seminatural, interest in NT or 4 = sets , GF 3 = 6+-3 19+, GF 3 = sets 3 = looking for 3N 4 = sets 3 = BAL 16+ 5-4 raise, sets 3/4 = 19+ SPL 2N/3/3 = signoff attempts, very weak 2N = 16-18 6+ 1-suiter without 3fit for 3 = 13-15 6+ great clubs, lots of tricks NF 3 = 6-5 strong 3 = 14-15 UNBAL 4fit raise, or 2425 (R asks n/l/h SPL) 3/4 = 16-18 SPL 3N = long running clubs, some side stops, not overwhelmingly strong 4 = 6-5 minimum 1 = natural, will not have 4 -4+ since up the line 1N = 12-14, BAL or 1345 2 = checkback, or signoff in 2 = no 3fit for 2 = 5+-4+ invite 2 = 5+ (generally 5), mild invite 2N = to play 3, or show a 5-4 GF 3 = forced Pass = wanted to play 3 3 = 5-4 GF
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3 = 5-4 GF 3 = 5-4 GF 3/3/3 = 5-5 GF 3 = sets as trumps (now cuebidding) 2 = 3fit for , max, GF 2 = sets 3 = to play! 3N = 5(332) c.o.g. else = GF natural, denies fit 2 = 3fit for , min 3 = sets , slammish 3 = solid invite 3N = 5(332) c.o.g. else = GF natural, denies fit 2 = 5+-4+, to play 2 = 5+-4+ 2-5 HCP (with a bit more, use an original 2 response) 2 = 6+, 9-10 HCP 2N = invite 3 = invite, just 4 3 = 5-5 invite 3 = invite 2 = 5+, may have a 4 card red suit 2 = ART GF 2 = nat GF 2 = 6+ 9-10 HCP, NF 2N/3/3 = invite 2 = reverse in or , or 1444 reverse, or GF with 6+ 1-suiter, denies 3+ - a “false reverse 2 = ART 8+ HCP any hand, GF 2 = 5-4 2N = 5-4 3 = 6+ 19+ 3 = 6-4 3 = 6-4 3 = 1444 16-17 3N = 1444 18+ 2+ = natural 4-7 HCP, NF opposite a minimum reverse 2 = UNBAL 3+ fit, 16+ HCP 2 = signoff attempt opposite 16-17 2N = ART GF 3/3/3 = natural with 3 exactly 3 = 4225 4/ = 19+ 4fit splinter 3 = signoff attempt opposite 16-17, 4-4+ 2 = 4fit (occasionally 3) 2N = R 3 = BAL min 3fit, NF 3 = UNBAL 3fit max
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3 = UNBAL 3fit min 3 = min 4fit 3N = BAL max 3fit 4 = max 4fit 4/4 = SPL with 4fit 2N = 16-18 6+ 1-suiter, denies 3 3 = 13-15, 6+ great clubs, lots of tricks, NF 3/ = 6-5, good hand 3 = 14-15 UNBAL 4fit or 4225 (R asks n/l/h short) 3N = based on long running clubs and some side stoppers, not overwhelmingly strong 4/ = 16-18 SPL for spades 4 = 6-5 minimum 1N = natural, promises 4-5 clubs 2 = 5+, to play (rarely 4) 2 = natural reverse, or GF 6+ 1-suiter 2 = ART 8+ HCP, GF, waiting else = 6-7 NF opposite minimum reverse 2 = natural reverse 2N = 16-18 6+ 3 = 13-15, 6+ great clubs, lots of tricks, NF 2 = GF BAL or natural, may have a 4 card major *** this section is a new (2013) change for L-V, and therefore this section is the author’s creation – feel free to develop your own structure *** 2 = 11-14, 1-suiter (not 12-14 BAL), or 2-suited with a major, not 3-suited 2 = R see 2+ immediate rebids below, but the range is 11-14 HCP 2 = BAL 12-14, 12-14, or 3-suiters, or both minors 2 = R 2N = 11-14 3 = Baron, no serious interest (bid suits up the line) 3 = slam interest (3M = natural without 5, 4 = 5) 3 = natural 5+-4 3 = natural 5+-4 3 = 5+-415+ HCP, not 3-suited 3 = R with no fit 3 = low short 3 = high short 3N = 2245 15-17 4 = 2245 18+ 3 = R with fit (see above steps, but +1) *** 3-suiters below use 4/4/RKC after shape resolved – (see appendix) *** 3 = 15+ HCP, 3-suiter with 4-5 3 = R
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3 = 4045 3N = 0445 15-17 4 = 0445 18+ 3 = 15+ HCP, 4414/4405 (3 asks: 3N = 4414, 4 = 4405) 3 = 15+ 4144 3N = 15-17 1444 4 = 18+ 1444 2 = 15+ UNBAL with 4 , not 3-suited 2N = R without fit 3 = 5-4 3 = R 3/ = l/h short 3N = 4225 15-17 4 = 4225 18+ 3 = asks stopper 3 = 6+-4 (R asks low short, high s hort 15-17, high short 18+) 3 = 6-5 (3 = sets , 4+ = sets ) 3 = R with fit (same steps as above but +1) 2N = 15+, 6+ 1-suiter 3 = R 3// = l/m/h short 3N = no short, 15-17 4 = no short, 18+ 3 = 15+, 5 -4, not 3-suited 3 = R no fit 3/ = l/h short 3N = 2425 15-17 4 = 2425 18+ 3 = R with fit (steps as above but +1) 3 = asks stopper for 3N 3 = 15+, 6+ -4 3 = R no fit for l/h short 3 = R with fit for l/h short 3 = 15+, 6 -5 (3 = sets , 4 = sets ) 2 = Multi – 6crd major, 4-8 HCP 2 = pass/correct (may have interest in ) 2 = pass/correct (may have interest in ) – 2N = max with , 3 = min with 2N = INV+ R 3/3 = / max (new suits are now cues for M) 3/3 = / min (new suits are now cues for M) 3 = to play 3/3 = pass/correct for the major, preemptive 4 = asks partner to transfer to the major 4 = asks partner to bid the major 2 = Reverse Flannery – 5+-4+ 5-9 HCP (with less or more HCP, respond 1 instead) Pass/2 = to play 2N = R
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3/3 = 5-4 min/max (3/4M = to play, 4 = slamtry , 4 = slamtry ) 3/3 = 5-5 min/max (4M = to play, 4 = slamtry , 4 = slamtry ) 3N = 6-4 (4 = slamtry , 4 = slamtry , 4M = to play) 3M = serious invite 2 = INV+ raise, or GF with both minors 2N/3 = to play opposite t he invite hand Pass/3 = to play 3 = 6-4 GF 3M = shortness, GF 3 = 4 diamonds, accepts invite 3M = stopper, accepts invite 2N = nat, invite 3 = preempt 3/3/3 = 7 cards, preempt
(X) XX = any 10+ HCP 1 of a suit = NF jumpshift = 5+ cards, 4 clubs, weak fit-showing jump, NF (1) X = 5+ 1 = 5+ 1 = 4 (there is no way to show exactly 4) 1N = nat, occasionally has 4 (later double for takeout if needed) 2 = F1, 5+ 2 = 4+ 4+ majors 2/2 = invit+ in NT, no stopper in this suit 3 = preempt 3/3 = 7 cards, preempt (1) X = 4 or 5 spades (1 = 3fit, 2 = 4fit) 1 = 1N bid without a stopper 2 = F1, 5+ 2 = F1, 5+ 2 = 6+ 2 = ART GF, asks for stopper 2N = invite, with stopper 3 = preempt (1) 2 = F1, 5+ 2 = 5+, invit+ 2 = 5+, GF 2 = generally BAL invit+, asks stopper
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3 = preempt (2-bids) 2-level = natural, F1 3 = to play 3-level = natural, GF except, 3 and 3 are swapped after a 2 overcall ( = , = ) (Michaels cue-bid [majors]) X = cards, penalty interest for one suit 2 = invit+ with 5+ 2 = invit+ with 5+ 2N = invite, no serious penalty interest 3 = to play diamonds = constructive but NF
1 = natural 1 = natural, wide-range, near-forcing 1N = to play 2 = ART 16-19 UNBAL (with 4144 open 1) 2/2 = weak signoff attempts 2 = ART GF, natural continuations 2 = checkback 2 = no 3fit 2 = 5(6) invite 2 = GF sets as trumps 2N = GF, waiting, denies fit 3+ = natural GF 2 = 3 hearts, balanced (12-14) 2 = GF sets as trumps 2N = ART GF no interest in 3 = ART sets as trumps 3 = invite 2 = 3 hearts, unbalanced, wide range 2N = ART GF no interest in 3 = ART GF sets as trumps 3 = invite with 5+ 3 = sets as trumps, GF 3 = 4054 extras 3 = 7+, extras, denies 3 2 = to play 2 = 6+ 9-10 (with less respond 2 to 1) 2 = courtesy raise
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2N = invite 3 = 5-5 invite 3 = 5-4+ invite 3 = invite 3 = invite, may be aggressive 3N = any SPL with a sing (R asks l/h) 4/4 = void SPL 4 = weak distributional 1N = 12-14 BAL, denies 4 2 = checkback 2 = no 3fit 2 = mild invite 5+ (usually 5) 2 = 5-4m GF (2N asks for m) 2N = GF waiting 3/3 = 5-5 GF 3 = 6+ slammish 2 = 3fit , minimum 2 = ART sets , GF 2N = ART no interest, GF 2 = 3fit , maximum 2N = ART no interest, GF 3 = ART sets , GF 2 = to play 2 = 9-10 6+ 2 = natural GF reverse 2N = invite 3/3 = 5-5 invite 3 = invite 2 = 5+-4+, wide-range, near-forcing Pass = super-weak 2 = 7-10 HCP, 2+ 2 = 9-10, 6+ 2 = 4th suit GF 2N = 16+, any shape 3 = R 3 = 6-4 3 = 3 3 = 5-5 3N = 5-4 no fit 3 = 11-15, 5-5 3 = 11-15, 6-4 3 = 11-15, 3 3 = 11-15, 5-4 no stop 3N = 11-15, 5 -4, stop 2N = invite, stopper 3 = aggressive invite (3 = GF with 6 -4) 3/3 = invite 2 = 6+, minimum 2 = 6+ 9-10
14
2 = ART GF 2N/3/3 = invite 3 = natural GF 2 = 4fit (occ. 3) 2N = R 3 = 3fit BAL min (now 3 = to play) 3 = 3fit UNBAL 3 = 4fit min 3N = 3fit BAL max 3/4 = SPL 4fit 4 = 4fit BAL max 2 = 6+ 16+ (if just 16-18, then has 3), or big 4fit raise – a “false reverse” 2N = 8+ HCP R, GF 3 = 6+-3 16-18 (3 = fit, 3 = sets ) 3 = 6+ 19+, denies 3 3 = 4fit 17+ (R asks n/l/h short – if SPL then 19+) 3 = 6+ 19+, with 3 else = signoff attempt, 4-7 HCP 2N = 16-18 long 1-suiter, denies 3 (3 = ART GF, 3 = to play, else = GF) 3 = natural GF jump shift 3 = 13-15 long great , lots of tricks 3 = 14-15 UNBAL 4fit raise or 2452 (R asks n/l/h short) 3/4 = 16-18 SPL 4fit raise 3N = based on long running diamonds, some side stops, not overwhelmingly strong 4 = 6-5 minimum 1 = natural 1N = 12-14 BAL 2 = checkback 2 = no 3fit 2 = invite 5+-4+ 2 = mild invite, 5+ (usually 5) 2N = GF waiting 3/3/3 = 5-5 GF 3 = 6+, slammish 2 = 3fit , max, GF 2 = sets 2N = ART no interest, waiting 2 = 3fit , min 2N = ART no interest, GF 3 = ART sets , GF 2 = to play 2 = 2-5 HCP, 5+ -4+ 2 = 9-10, 6+ 2N = invite 3/3/3 = 5-5 invite 3 = invite 2 = 5+-4+, wide-range, near-forcing
15
Pass = super-weak 2 = 7-10 HCP, 2+ 2 = ART GF (2 = catchall no stop, 2N = stop, 3m = natural extras) 2 = 9-10 6+ 2N/3/3 = invite 3 = courtesy raise 2 = 6+ (or 5-4) 2 = ART GF 2 = 9-10 6+ 2N/3/3 = invite 3 = natural GF 2 = natural reverse, or GF 1-suiter, or 6+-3 16+, or big 4fit raise – a “false reverse” 2N = 8+ HCP, GF R 3 = 3 spades (3 = fit, 3 = sets , 3 = punt) 3 = 6+ 19+, denies 3 3 = natural reverse, denies 3 or stop 3 = natural huge 4fit (3N asks n /l/h short, if SPL then 19+) 3N = reverse with stopper else = very weak, signoff attempt opposite 6+-3 2 = natural 4fit (occ. 3) 2N = R 3 = BAL min 3fit (3 /3 = to play) 3 = 3fit min UNBAL 3 = 3fit max UNBAL 3 = 4fit min 3N = BAL max 3fit 4/4 = 4fit SPL 4 = 4fit BAL max 2N = 6+ 1-suiter, denies 3 , 16-18 (3 = ART GF, 3 = to play) 3 = natural GF jumpshift 3 = 13-15 6+ great diamonds, lots of tricks 3 = 6-5 good hand 3 = 14-15 UNBAL raise or 4252 (R asks n/l/h short) 3N = based on long running diamonds, some side stops, not overwhelmingly strong hand 4/4 = 16-18 4fit SPL raise 4 = 6-5 minimum 1N = natural 2 = 5+-4+ NF 2 = 5+ UNBAL NF 2/2 = natural reverse 3 = invite 2 = ART BAL or natural, GF, may have major *** this section is a new ( 2013) change for L-V, and therefore this section is the author’s creation – feel free to develop your own structure ***
16
2 = 11-14, UNBAL 1-suiter or with a major, not 3-suited 2 = R 2+ = as an immediate 2 + below, but weaker 2 = BAL 12-14, or 3-suiter short , or both minors 2 = R 2N = 11-14 3 = Baron, asks to bid suits up the line (3 = 5 diamonds) 3 = natural 5+-4 3M = natural, just 4 3N = no M, just 4 4 = 5+ 3 = natural 5+-4 3 = natural 5+-4 3 = 15+ 5+ -4+, not 3-suited 3 = R no fit (3/ = l/h short, 3N/4 = 2254 15-17/18+ 3 = R with fit (as above, but +1) *** 3-suiters below use 4/4/RKC (see Appendix) *** 3 = 15+ 3-suiter with 5 -4 3 = R 3 = 4054 3N = 0454 15-17 4 = 0454 18+ 3 = 15+ 4441 3 = 15-17 4450 3N = 18-21 4450 3 = natural GF 3 = 6-5 GF 3/3 = 6-5M GF 2 = 15+ UNBAL with 4 , not 3-suited 2N = R without fit 3 = 5-4 3 = R 3/3 = l/h short 3N/4 = 4252 15-17/18+ 3 = asks for stopper 3 = 6+-4 (R asks l/h short) 3 = 6-5 (3 sets as trump, 4+sets ) 3 = R setting as trumps (see above steps, +1) 2N = 15+, 6+ 1-suiter 3 = R 3// = l/m/h short 3N = 15-17 no short 4+ = 18+ no short 3 = 15+ 5- 4, not 3-suited 3 = R no fit 3/3 = l/h short 3N/4 = 2452 15-17/18+ 3 = R with fit (above steps, but +1) 3 = 15+, 6+-4
17
3 = R without fit (l/h short) 3 = R setting (l/h short) 3 = 15+, 6+-5 (3 = sets , 4+ = sets ) 2 = Multi – 6crd major, 4-8 HCP same rebids as over 1-2 2 = Reverse Flannery – 5+-4+ 5-9 HCP (with less or more HCP, respond 1 instead) same rebids as over 1-2 2 = ART GF raise, may have a 4M 2N = BAL with just 4/5 (3M = natural) 3 = UNBAL (3 asks l/m/h short, 3M = natural) 3 = 6+ BAL 3M = 6-5M (bid other major to set M, bid a minor to set ) 2N = invite 3 = ART invite raise (3M = stopper) 3 = preempt 3M = preempt, 7 cards
(X) XX = any 10+ HCP hand 1M/2 = NF 2M/3 = weak fit-showing jump, 5+ cards, 4+, NF (1) X = 4/5 (1 = 3fit, 2 = 4fit) 1 = tends to be a NT bid without a stopper, often 5 clubs 2 = nat F1 2 = NF, may be a good 3 cards 2 = 6+ 2 = ART GF raise 3 = INV raise 3 = preempt (1) X = negative 2 = 5+, 10+ HCP 2 = NF, may be a good 3 cards 2 = 5+, GF unless suit rebid 2 = generally asks for a stopper 3 = INV+ raise 3 = preempt 3 = good 6+ , GF (Michaels Cue-bid 2) X = cards, penalty interest for one suit 2 = invit+ with 5+ 2 = invit+ raise 2N = invite, no serious penalty interest
18
3 = constructive NF 3 = to play
1 = natural 1N = 12-14 BAL 2 = checkback 2 = no 3fit 2 = invite with 5 -2 2 = mild invite with 5+ (usually 5) 2N = ART GF 3/3 = 5-5 GF 3 = GF natural 3 = slammish, sets as trumps 2 = 3fit , max 2 = sets as trumps 2N = GF waiting, no interest 2 = 3fit , min 2N = GF waiting, no interest 3 = ART sets as trumps 3 = ART sets as trumps 3 = solid invite 2 = to play, canapé 2/2 = to play 2N = invite 3/3 = 5-5 invite 3/3 = invite 2 = Gazzilli, or 15-19 BAL, or good raise 2 = 8+ HCP relay, GF opposite strong variants 2 = 11-15, and 2/3 = to play 2N/3/3 = invite 2 = ART 19+, if single suited then has 3 2N = R (respond as if 3 + direct below, but 19+) 2N = 16+ single-suiter without 3 3 = R 3 = 6+ 19-21 R sets , asks n/l/m/h short) 3 = 6+ 16-18 R sets , asks
19
n/l/m/h short) 3 = 2533 18-19 3N = 2533 16-17 3 = 4 spades, 16+ 3 = 3-5-4m 16-18 (3 asks l/h minor) 3 = 3-5+ 1-suiter 16-18 3 = denies fit, asks length 3N = 5 4 = 6 sets 4m = cue for 3 = 5-4, less than 3, 16-18 3N = 5-4, less than 3 , 16-18 2 = 5-7, doubleton 2 = 5-7, 6 (5) 2N = 5-7, 3-suiter short (3 = to play) 3m = 5-7, 4 -6m 2/2 = natural, 11-15 2 = 4fit 2N = ART 6+ -4m GF, may be light 3 = R (3/ = / 15-17 lots of tricks, 3 /N = / 18+) 3/3 = 5-5 GF, may be light 3 = 13-15 UNBAL raise or 4522 (R asks n/l/h short) 3N = based on long running , some side stops 4m = 16-18 SPL for 4 = lots of tricks, not too strong 4 = 6-5 minimum 1N = nonforcing 2 = Gazzilli or 15-19 BAL 2 = 8+ HCP relay, GF opposite strong variants 2 = - 11-15, NF 2 = invit raise 2N = invit, 3 = to play 2 = ART 19+, if single suited then has 3 2N = R (respond as if 3 + direct below, but 19+) 2N = 16+ single-suiter without 3 3 = R 3 = 6+ 19-21 R sets , asks n/l/m/h short 3 = 6+ 16-18 R sets , asks n/l/m/h short 3 = 2533 18-19 3N = 2533 16-17 3 = 4 spades, 16+
20
3 = 3-5-4m 16-18 (3 asks l/h minor) 3 = 3-5+ 1-suiter 16-18 3 = asks length 3N = 5 cue = 6+, sets 3 = 5-4, less than 3, 16-18 3N = 5-4, less than 3 , 16-18 2 = 5-7, doubleton 2 = 5-7, 5-5 minors 3m = 5-7, long minor, NF 2/2 = 11-15 natural NF 2 = GF reverse, 18+ 2N = 6+-4m GF, may be light 3 = R (3/ = / 15-17 lots of tricks, 3 /N = / 18+) 3/3 = 5-5 GF, may be light 3 = 6-5 good hand 3N = based on long running , some side stoppers 4 = lots of tricks, not too strong 2 = ART GF, natural or balanced 2 = natural, denies 4 2 = R with fit 2 = 11-14 2N = R 3 = 5-4 3 asks: l/h/n short) 3 = 5-5 3 asks: l/h sing, l/h void) 3 = 6+-4 3 asks: l/h short) 2N = 15+, 5 -4 (3 asks: l/h/n short) 3 = 15+, 5 -5 (3 asks l/h short) 3 = 15+ 6 -4 (3 asks l/h short) 3 = 15+ 6 -5 (cues) th 2 = 4 suit forcing, generally no stopper or fit 2N = R without fit, tends to have stopper 3 = 5-4 (3 asks: l/h/n short) 3 = 5-5 (3 asks: l/h short [diamonds are assumed trumps]) 3 = 6+-4 (3 = sets asks l/h short, 4+ cue for ) 3 = natural 3/ = 5+-4 card support, natural 2 = 4, any strength 2 = R with fit 2N = 11-14 3 = R 3 = 5-4 UNBAL
21
3 asks l/h short 3 = 6+-4 3 asks l/h short 3N = 4522 3 = 15+ 5 -4 UNBAL (3 asks l/h short) 3 = 15+ 6+ -4 (3 asks l/h short) 3 = 15+ 4522 2N = R without fit, may have fit 3 = 3+ 3 = R without fit 3 = 4504 ( assumed trumps) 3 = 4603 4 = sets 4 = sets 3N = 4513 11-14 4 = 4513 15+ ( assumed trumps, but 4N = to play) 3 = R with fit (steps as above but +1) 3 = 6+-4 no fit 3M = sets suit, asks l/h short 3 = 4522 (3 = fit) 3 = 4531 15+ 3N = 4531 11-14 3 = natural GF 3 = 4th suit, tends to deny M fit or stop 3M = natural with 5+ and 4M 2 = 5(332) 12-14, 5 -4 min, or 6+ 1-suiter 2N = R 3 = 5-4 min (3 asks l/h/n short) 3 = 5+-3 (3 asks: 3 = 6+, 3N = 5332) 3 = 6+, less than 3 3N = 3532 12-14 exactly 3 = natural GF 3 = natural GF 3 = 5+-4 nat 3 = asks stop, short , good minor stops, interest in NT 2N = 5(332) 15-19 3 = 5+-4 15+ 3 = waiting 3 = 6+-4 3 = 5-4 short 3N = 5-4 2-3 3 = sets , asks n/l/h short 3 = 5-5 15+ 3 = R asking l/h short, no fit 3 = R asking l/h short, sets 3 = awesome suit (3N = to play, else = cue for )
22
3 = 5-5 min, honors not in short suits (4 sets , 4 sets , 4 to play) 3N = 5-5 min, honors in short suits (as above) 2 = 5+ GF 2 = 4 spades, any strength 2 = R without fit 2N = 11-14 3 = R 3 = 5-4 UNBAL 3 asks l/h short 3 = 6+-4 3 = sets , asks l/h short 3 = 4522 no honor 3N = 4522 with honor 3 = 15+ 5 -4 UNBAL 3 = R (3 = low short, 3 = high 18+, 3N = high short 15-17) 3 = 15+ 6 -4 (3 = sets , asks l/h short) 3 = 4522 15+, no honor 3 = 4522 18+ with honor 3N = 4522 15-17 with honor 2N = R with fit 3 = 5-4 11-14 (3 R for l/h/n short) 3 = 5-4 15+ UNBAL (3 R for l/h short) 3 = 6+-4 15+ (3 asks l/h short) 3 = 6+-4 11-14 (3N asks l/h short) 3N = 4522 15+ 3 = natural unbalanced 3 = natural 3/3 = 5+-4crd M 2 = 1-suiter, or min fit, or min 4, or 3523 12-14 2N = R 3 = 11-14 4 , may have fit 3 = R (3 = 6, 3 = 1534, 3N = 5-4 no fit) 3 = 11-14 3/4 , denies 4+ 3 = R (3 = 6, 3N = 5332) 3 = 11-14 6+ , denies 3 or 4 3 = stall 4+ = cue for 3 = 15+ 6+ , denies 3 or 4 3N = 3523 12-14 3/3 = natural 3 = 5+-4 2N = 5(332) 15-19 3 = 15+, 4+ , may have 3 3 = R without fit 3 = 6 (3 = sets , 4 = sets )
23
3 = 1534 (4m = sets m) 3N = 5-4+ no fit 4 = 5-5 great hand, no fit 3 = sets , asks l/h/n short 3 = 15+ 4+ 3 = R for length (3 = 6+, 3N = 5 ) 3 = stall 4+ = cue for 3 = great long suit (3N = to pla y, else = cue for ) 3 = 5-5 min, not much in short suits (4 sets , 4 sets , 4 to play, 4 sets ) 3N = 5-5 min, honors in short suits (as above) 2 = raise, wide-range (2N = general gametry, new suit = nat gametry or better) 2 = 5-5m or 6-4m, GF 2N = R (3m = 5-5, 3 /3 = 6-4 /) 2N = invite raise, 10-11 3fit or 7-9 4fit 3 = R (3 = max 4fit, 3 = min 4fit, 3 = 10-11 3fit) 3/ = natural game/slam try 3 = mixed raise, 4-6 about 3 = any GF SPL, aggressive (3 asks for l/m/h shortness) 3 = very weak 3 = preempt, 7 cards 3N/4/4 = void // SPL raise 4 = preempt
(X) XX = 10+, may have 5 or 6m, F to 2 1N = 3fit 9-11 2/2 = to play 2 = 3fit, less than 9 2 = mixed raise 2N = 3fit limit or better 3 = 4fit, invite to game or slam 3 = any GF SPL, like normal 3 = pree 3/4m = void SPL 3N = 4fit, game only (1) 2/ = nat F1 2 = wide-range 2 = 4fit invit to game or slam 2N = 3fit invit+ 3 = mixed raise 3 = any GF SPL, like normal 3 = pree 3/4m = void SPL 3N = 4fit, game only
24
(1N) 2m = 5-5m (2) 2 = 5+ 10+ 2 = wide-range 2 = 5+ GF unless suit rebid 2N = 3fit invit+ 3 = 4fit, invit to game or slam 3 = mixed raise 3 = weak 3/4m = void SPL 3N = 4fit, game only (2) 2 = F1 2N = raise, invite to game or slam 3 = nat GF 3 = mixed raise 3 = pree 3/4m = void SPL 3N = 4fit game only (2 Michaels) X = cards 2 = 4fit, invite to game or slam 2N = 3fit invit+ 3m = nat GF 3 = to play 3/4m = void SPL 3N = 4fit, game only (2) 2N = raise, invite to game or slam 3m = nat GF 3 = to play 3/4m = void SPL 3N = game only raise
2 = Drury 3fit opposite 3rd seat, natural max 5+ NF opposite 4th seat 2 = natural, max, NF 2N = 4fit 9-10 3 = 4fit 6-8 In competition, all ART raises are on.
25
1N = nonforcing 2 = Gazzilli or 15-17 NT 2 = 8+ HCP relay, GF opposite strong variants 2 = - 11-15 *** This modification to Gazzilli allows symmetry with 1 opening continuations, as well as the ability to play 2 when responder has long *** Pass/3/3 = to play 2 = to play (3 = 5-5 15 NF) 2N = invite 2 = ART 19+, if single-suited then has 3 2N = R (responses are as direct 3+ below) 2N = 16+ 1-suiter, denies 3 3 = R 3 = 6+ 19-21 R sets asks n/l/m/h short) 3 = 6+ 16-18 R sets asks n/l/m/h short) 3 = 5233 18-19 3N = 5233 16-17 3 = 16+, 4 only 3 = 16-18, 5 -3-4m (3 asks l/h m, then bid short m to set ) 3 = 16-18 5+ -3 single-suiter 3 = asks 5/6 (3N = 5, cue = 6) 3N = to play, generally short 4m = cue for 3/3N = 16-18 5 -4/ without 3 2 = 6(5), 5-7, signoff attempt 2 = doubleton , 5-7, signoff attempt 2N = short , 5-7, signoff attempt 3m = long suit, 5-7, signoff attempt 2/2 = natural, 11-15 2 = 6+ 11-15, not a great number of tricks 2N = 6-4m GF, may be light 3 = R (3/ = / 15-17, 3 /N = / 18+)
26
3/3 = 5-5 GF, may be light 3 = 13-15, long great suit, lots of tricks, invite 3N = based on long running , some side stops, not overwhelmingly strong 4 = lots of tricks, not too strong 2 = ART GF, BAL or natural 2 = natural, denies 4+ 2 = 4th suit, no fit, tends to lack a stopper 2 = R with fit 2N = 11-14 3 = R 3 = 5-4 UNBAL 3 asks l/h short 3 = 5+-5+ R asks l/h short 3 = 6+-4 R asks l/h short 3N = 5242 3 = 5+-5+ 15+ (R asks l/h sing, l/h void) 3 = 15+ 5143 3 = 15+ 5341 3 = 15+ 6+ -4 (3N asks l/h short) 4+ = 5242 18+ cues 2N = waiting, stopper, no / fit (natural rebids) 3 = natural 3 = 4fit, may be BAL 3M = solid SPL for , 4+fit 2 = natural, may have a 4 card minor 2 = R with fit 2N = 11-14 3 = R 3 = 5-4 UNBAL R asks l/h short 3 = 5-5 R asks l/h short 3 = 6+-4 R asks l/h short 3N = 5422 3 = 5-5 15+ (R asks l/h sing, l/h void) 3 = 5413 15+ 3 = 5431 15+ 3 = 6+-4 15+ (3N = l/h short) 3N = 5422 15-17 4+ = 5422 18+ cues 2N = waiting, no fit, may have fit (natural rebids) 3 = natural 3 = 4th suit, no fit or stop
27
3M = natural 5+ -4M 2 = 5332 12-14, 5 -4 min, or 6+ 1-suiter, denies 4 2N = R 3 = 5-4 min (3 asks l/h/n short) 3 = 5+-3 1-suiter 3 = R 3 = 6+ min 3N = 5 4+ = cue with 6+ 15+ 3 = 6+ extras without 3 3 = 6+ min without 3 3N = 5332 12-14 exactly 3 = natural 3/3 = natural, no stopper in 4th suit 2N = 15-19 5(332) 3 = 5+-4 15+ 3 = waiting 3 = 6+-4 3 = 5-4 short 3N = 5-4 2-3 3 = sets , asks l/h/n short 3 = 5-5 15+ 3 = R no fit, asks l/h short 3 = R with fit, asks l/h short 3 = awesome spade suit (3N = to play, else = cue for ) 3 = 5-5 min, honors not in short suits (4 sets , 4+ = sets ) 3N = 5-5 min, honors in short suits (4 sets , 4+ sets ) 2 = 5+ GF 2 = natural 2 = R with fit 2N = 11-14 3 = R 3 = 5-4 UNBAL 3 asks l/h short 3 = 5-5 3 asks l/h short 3 = 6+-4 3N asks l/h short 3N = 5422 3 = 15+, 5 -4 3 = R 3/ = l/h short 3N/4+ = 5422 1517/18+ 3 = 15+, 5 -5 (R asks l/h sing, l/h void) 3 = 15+, 6+ -4 (R asks l/h short) 3 = 15+, 5440 (3N = sets still, 4+ = cue for ) 3N = 15-17 5404
28
4 = 18+ 5404 2N = R no fit 3 = 3+ 3 = R 3 = 5440 (use 4/4/RKC – see Appendix) 3 = 6430 (same) 3 = 5431 15+ (same) 3N = 5431 11-14 (same) 3 = 6+-4 no fit 3M sets the suit, asks l/h short 3 = 5422 (3 = sets , 4+ = cue for ) 3 = 5413 15+ (4 = sets , 4 = sets ) 3N = 5413 11-14 (same) 3 = natural GF, 5+-4+ 3 = good 6+ 3/3 = 5+-4/ 2 = 5(332) 12-14, 6+ 1-suiter, or 5 -4 minimum 2N = R 3 = 11-14 4 , may have fit 3 = R 3 = 6 3 = 5134 3N = 5-4 no fit 3 = 11-14, 3-4 , denies 4 3 = R 3 = 6+ 3N = 5-3-[3-2] 12-14 3 = 11-14, 6+ , denies fit 3 = stall 4+ = cue for 3 = 15+ 6+ , denies fit (3N to play, else = cue for ) 3N = 3523 12-14 exactly 3/3 = natural 3 = 5+-4 2N = 15-19 5(332) 3 = 15+, 4+ , may have 3 3 = R, no fit (3 = 6+, 3 = 5134, 3N = 5 -4 no fit) 3 = sets , asks l/h/n short 3 = likely just missing stopper for 3N, short 3 = 15+, 4+ 3 = R 3 = 6+ 3N = 5 15-17 4 = 5 18+ 3 = general interest, not willing to go past 3N 4+ = cue for 3 = great long suit (3N = to play, else = cue for ) 3 = 5-5 min, no honors in short suits (4 sets , 4 sets , 4/ sets )
29
3N = 5-5 min, honors in short suits (as above) 2 = 5+ GF 2 = waiting, no fit or 5-5 2N = R 3/3 = natural 3 = 6+ 1-suiter (3 = optional 3N, 3N = definite 3N, 4+ = cue for ) 3 = 5233 15-17 3N = 5233 12-14 4 = 5233 18+ 3/ = natural, no stopper in other minor generally 3 = natural 3 = 5-4 2N = 3crd fit 3 = R 3 = BAL 15+ (cues for ) 3 = BAL 11-14 (cues for ) 3 = 4+ (3N = sets , 4 = sets ) 3N = 4+ (4 = sets , 4 = sets ) 3 = ART sets as trumps, asks l/h/n short 3 = 5-5 3 = 5-5 3 = 4fit (3 asks l/h/n short) 3 = great 6+ (3N = to play, else = cue fo r ) 2 = raise, wide-range (2N = general gametry, new suit = na t game try or better) 2N = 10-11 3fit, or 7-9 4fit 3 = R (3 = 10-11, 3 = max 4fit, 3 = min 4fit) 3/ = natural game/slam try (4 = max for , 4/ = max for side suit) 3 = invitational with 6+ 3 = asks for a side suit 3/4 = to play 3 = nat gameforcing 3 = any GF SPL, aggressive (3 asks l/m/h) 3 = 10-11 4fit 3 = preemptive 3N/4/4 = void // SPL 4 = to play, long suit, not much else 4 = preempt
(X) XX = 10+ no fit, unless 3fit GF maybe 1N = 3fit 9-11 2/2/2 = to play 2 = less than 9 2N = 3fit invit+ 3 = 4fit, invit to game or slam 3 = any GF SPL, as normal 3 = mixed raise
30
3 = preempt 3N = 4fit game only 4// = void SPL (2) 2/2 = nat F1 2 = wide-range 2N = invit+ 3fit 3 = 4fit, invit to game or slam 3 = any GF SPL as normal 3 = mixed raise 3 = pree 3N = 4fit game only 4+ = void SPL (2) 2 = nat F1 2 = wide-range 2N = invit+ 3fit 3 = nat GF 3 = 4fit invit to game or slam 3 = mixed raise 3 = pree 3N = 4fit game only 4/4/4 = void SPL (2) 2N = invit+ 3fit 3m = nat GF 3 = 4fit invit to game or slam 3 = preempt (mixed vulnerable) 3N = 4fit game only 4/4/4 = void SPL (2 = Michaels Cuebid) X = cards 2N = invit+ 3fit 3 = 4fit invit to game or slam 3 = to play 3N = 4fit game only 4m = void SPL 4 = SPL
2 = Drury 3fit opposite 3rd seat, natural max NF opposite 4th seat 2/2 = natural max NF 2N = 4fit 9-10 3 = 4fit 6-8
31
32
2 = Stayman (modified) 2 = 4, or minimum no major – denies 4 2 = invite with spades, or any game force 2 = 4 spades 2N = GF relay 3 = min with a 4 card minor (3 asks /) 3 = max with a 4 card minor (3 asks /) 3 = 4333 3 = invite 2N = minimum, no major 3 = R 3 = 5 3 = 5 3 = 4-4 minors 3N = 4m-333 3 = 5-4 slammish UNBAL 3 asks l/h short 3 = 4351 slammish 3 = 4153 slammish 3N = to play, often with 4 3 = 5-4 slammish 3 = 5-4 slammish 3 = 31(54) slammish 3 = 13(54) slammish 3N = was looking for typically 2 = 4, or max no major – denies 4 2 = invit+ ask, if jus t invite then promises 4 2N = max, no major 3 = R 3 = 5 3 = 5 3 = 4-4 3N = 4m333 3 = 5-4 slammish UNBAL (3 asks l/h short) 3 = 3451 slammish 3 = 1453 slammish 3N = to play, often with 4 3 = 4-4m minimum 3 = asks for l/h minor, GF 3 = to play 3/4/4 = cue with fit 3 = 4-4m maximum 3 = no fit, asks l/h minor 3/4m = cue for 3 = 3433 min 3 = 3433 max 2N = invite, denies interest 3 = 5-4 slammish
33
3 = 5-4 slammish 3 = 31(54) slammish 3 = 13(54) slammish 3N = to play, was looking for typically 2 = 4-4 majors, minimum 2N = to play 3 = R asking for l/h tripleton 3 = fit, puppet to 3 , then Pass, sign off, or cue (3N is not to play) 3 = fit, puppet to 3 , then Pass, sign off, or cue (3N is not to play) 3N = to play 2N = 4-4 majors, maximum continue just as over 2 above 2 = 5+, or GF with 9+ cards in the majors 2 = denies 4 hearts 2 = puppet to 2N 2N = forced 3 = 5+-4+ invite 3 = 5+-4+ invite 3 = invite 3 = 6+ 1-suiter, slammish, 2/top 3 honors 3N = 6+ 1-suiter, slammish, denies 2/top 3 honors 2N = invite 3 = 4+ GF (3 = fit no fit, 3 = fit) 3 = 4+ GF 3 = GF, 9+ cards in the majors 3 = tripleton spade 3N = 4-5 NF 4m = cue for 4 to play 3N = 2-3 4m = cue for 4 = to play 5-5 4 = 4 spades 4 = slam try 4 = transfer to spades 3N = c.o.g. with 5 2N = 4fit max (3 = retransfer, then cues) 3 = 4fit min (cues) 2 = 5+ 2 = denies 4 spades 2N = invite 3 = 4+ invite or better 3 = to play, 4 -2 3 = 3 spades (3 = NF) 3 = to play, 2 -3 3N = to play, max, no fit
34
4+ = cue with 4+ -2, very suit oriented 3 = 4+ invite or better 3 = 3 spades (3 = NF) 3 = to play, doubleton spade 3N = to play, max no fit 4+ = 2-4+ max, very suit-oriented 3 = 6+ slammish 3 = invite 3N = c.o.g. with 5 spades 2N = max with 4 spades 3 = retransfer, then sign off or cues 3 = min with 4 spades (sign off or cues) 2 = clubs, or 5-5 minors GF, no 4 card major 2N = denies good fit for 3N 3 = Hxx or better typically Pass/3 = to play 3 = 5-5 minors GF 3//4 = shortness, long , GF or better 3N = very mild slamtry, BAL with 6 (over 2N) 4 = strong slamtry 6+ BAL 2N = diamonds, no 4 card major 3 = denies good fit for NT 3 = Hxx or better typically Pass/3 = to play 3/3/4 = shortness, long , GF or better 3N = very mild slamtry, BAL with 6 (over 3) 4 = good slamtry with 6, BAL 3 = 5+-4, invite 3 = 5+-4+ invite 3 = 5+-4+ minors, invite to game (bids are to play) 3 = 6+-4 minors, GF (3N = no 4m, 4m = 4 cards) 3N = to play 4/4 = South African Transfers to 4 /4
Use your favorite here, it is not critical to the system.
2 = waiting 2 = 5+, 4-5m, or GF BAL
35
2 = forced 2N = BAL GF, not 26-27 (use opening 2N structure) 3 = 5+-4+m GF (3 asks: 3 = , 3 = ) 3 = 6+ 1-suiter GF 3 = honor at least (3N sugg. play, else cue) 3N = denies honor 3 = 4-5+ GF 3 = 4-5+ GF 3N = 26-27 BAL 4 = asks for suits up the line else = 5+crds F1 2 = 5+ or 4-5+m GF 2N = R 3 = 5+-4+m (3 asks: 3 = , 3 = ) 3 = 5+-4+ GF (3 asks: 3 = 5, 3N = 4 ) 3 = 4-5+ GF 3 = 6+ 1-suiter GF 3N = 4-5+ GF, not too strong 2N = 22-23 BAL (use opening 2N structure) 3/3 = 6+crd 1-suiter GF (seminatural continuations) 3 = short GF, less than 4 (5+-4+ minors typically) 3 = short GF, less than 4 (5+-4+ minors typically) 3N = to play based on long running minor and side stops 2 = 5+ 8+ HCP 2 = 5+-5+ 8+ HCP (2N = waiting, 3m = sets suit, 3M = 6+cards) 2N/3/3 = good long suit in // (transfer)
Pass = 5+, no game 2 = 4+, or strong one suited / slammish, or 4144/40(54) GF, denies 4 2 = denies 4 spades Pass = how to sign off in spades 2N = strong 1-suiter in /, or signoff in (with 4) 3 = forced Pass = had 4-5 weak 3 = 3-suiter short , GF or better 3 = 6+ slammish 3 = 6+ slammish 3 = 5+-4+ GF 3 = 5+-4+ GF 3 = 5 spades, c.o.g. 3 = 5(332) slam invite 2N = 4 spades 3 = 6+ slammish 3 = retransfer, then Pass, 3N c.o.g., or cue jumpshift = splinter for , slam interest 2 = puppet to 2N, a NT hand, or 6+ GF, or 5, or 3-suiters short 2N = forced
36
Pass/3N = to play 3 = 6+ GF+, or 5 -4+, or 5 3 = R 3 = 6+ GF (3 = countertry for slam) 3 = 5-4+ GF (4 = sets ) 3N = 5 c.o.g. 4N = 5(332) quantitative 3 = 5+-4+ GF 3 = 3-suiter short , slam interest 3 = 3-suiter short , no slam interest 2N = signoff in /, or slamtry 6+, or invite to 6N 3 = forced Pass = wanted to play 3 3 = puppet to 3 3 = forced Pass = wanted to play 3 3+ = cue with 6+ , slammish 3 = 5(332) quantitative 3 = 5(332) quantitative 3N = quantitative, no 4M or 5m 3 = Stayman, with at least one major, maybe 5+-4 3 = at least one major 3 = 4 3 = fit 3N = no fit (4m = 5+cards slammish) 3 = 4 3N= no fit 4 = slam-suitable hand for (4 retransfer) 4 = avg hand 4 = 4-4 majors, slamtry 4 = 4-4 majors, no slam 3 = no major, tripleton 3 = puppet to 3N, to play or show a 5+m slammish 3N/4m = 5+ -4 slammish 4 = to play with 5+ -4 3N = no major, without 3 hearts (Pass, or bid a 5+crd minor slammish) 3 = 5+-4 GF (3N = no fit [4 = retransfer with 6 ]) 3 = slammish, minors, short , less than 4 spades 3 = slammish, minors, short , less than 4 hearts 3N = GF 5-5 majors 4/4 = good hand for / (step 1 puppet to 4M, then can bid RKC or whatever) 4/4 = bad hand for slam 4 = transfer to 4 4 = transfer to 4
37
These I leave to you, there are no amazing secrets here.
3 = Puppet Stayman, may have 5-5 majors slammish, or 5-4 3 = at least one major 3 = 4 spades (3 = fit, 3N = no fit [4m = 5+crds slammish]) 3 = 4 hearts 3N = no fit (4m = 5+crds slammish) 4 = good hand for slam 4 = bad hand for slam 3N = no major, to play 4 = 4+-4+ majors, slammish 4 = 4+-4+ majors, no slam 4 = 5+ slammish 4 = 5+ slammish 3 = no majors 3 = prepares a signoff in 3N, or minor suit slamtry 3N = forced Pass = to play 3N 4/4 = 4 cards slammish 4/4 = 5/5 slammish 3N = 5-4 NF 4 = 3 spades good hand for slam 4 = 3 spades bad hand for slam 4 = 5-5 majors, slammish 4 = declines, puppet to 4 to pass/correct 4/ = accepts (pd may RKC now) 3 = 5 spades (4m = 5cards slammish, 4 = slamtry ) 3N = 5 hearts (4 = 5 cards slammish, 4 = puppet to 4 , 4 = slamtry 5) 3 = 5+, including 5-5 no slam, or 5-4, or signoff in 4 3 = denies 4 hearts 3 = transfer to 3N 3N = doubleton heart 4m = 4 cards slammish 4 = 5 slammish 4 = fit, good for slam 4 = fit, bad for slam 3N = 5-4 NF 4 = good hand for slam 4 = good hand for slam 4 = 5-5m slammish 4 = fit good for slam 4 = asks l/h minor 4 = 5-5 no slam 4 = how to sign off in 4 3N = max, 4 hearts (4 = retransfer) 4 = min, 4 hearts
38
3 = 5+, including a signoff in 4 3 = denies 4 spades 3N = c.o.g. 4/4 = natural slammish 4 = to play 3N = max, 4 spades (4 = retransfer) 4 = min, 4 spades 3 = 5+-4+ minors, GF (3N = no great minor fit, 4 /4 = 4 cards suit oriented) 3N = to play 4 = slamtry 6+ (4 = countertry) 4 = slamtry 6+ (4 = countertry) 4 = slamtry 6+ (4 = countertry) 4 = slamtry 6+ (4N = RKC , 5 = countertry)
After 3-suiters have been shown, it is difficult to set a suit for keycards. Asker can thus continue with the following:
4 = puppet to 4 , prepares a natural slamtry (over which responder can Pass or ask keycards with step 1) 4 = puppet to 4 , prepares a signoff somewhere (will pass/correct 4) 4 = RKC for the lowest of the three s uits 4 = RKC for the middle of the three suits 4N = RKC for the highest of the three suits
If 4 was the relay response, then 4 is simply not available, but 4 and above still are.
39
2 Opening Right-Sides the Contract 2013 Bermuda Bowl
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
Both West
AT953 K6 Q43 642
8764
Q2
North
QJT874
A95
852 ---
A97
West
East
AKJ85
South
KJ 32 KJT6 QT973
Closed Room West Lauria Pass 4 Pass
North Ravenna Pass Pass Pass
East Versace 2 4
40
South South Alujas Pass Pass
Open Room West Pellegrini Pass 2 Pass
North Sementa Pass Pass Pass
East Camberos 1 4
South Duboin Pass Pass
In the Closed room, Versace’s 2 protected the strong hand from the lead. lead. South, with few clues, led longest and strongest from this unappetizing holding (any lead might give away a trick), a club. Versace had no problems playing spades and, despite the the trump switches by the defense, he made an overtrick. In the other room, West bid hearts first in a natural auction, and Sementa found a diamond lead. Declarer could still make it by finessing North but in the crossruff, Sementa overruffed a club a nd returned a trump, and after a second trump by Duboin, the contract contract was down 1. 13 IMPs to the Italians.
Minor suit Transfer Continuations Find Best Partial or Game 2013 Vanderbilt Round of 32
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
None East
QT932 832 QJ63 A
K6
J85
North
KQ64
7
KT9
A54
KJ87
West
East
QT9654
South
A74 AJT95 872 32
Closed Room West Versace 1NT 3 3NT
North Lusky
East Lauria Lauria Pass 2 3 Pass
Pass Pass Pass
41
South Falk Pass Pass Dbl Pass
Open Room West Parker
North Cayne
1NT 3
East Rogoff Pass 2NT 2NT Pass
Pass Pass
South Seamon Pass Pass Pass
In the Closed room, Lauria could inquire about the club quality, and e ven warn partner of the heart shortness, so not only was game reached, but the right game was reached (3NT vs 5). North led the 8 in deference to South’s lead-directing double, and South chose to duck, which gave Versace time to make the contract. contract. In the Open room, East’s system prevented him from asking about fitting fitting club honors and he reasonably chose to sign off in a club partial, a loss of 7 IMPs.
Gazzilli 2011 Turkey National Open Teams
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
N-S East
T876 KJ2 Q6 A986
KQJ2
A53
North
Q7543
T8
AK
T42
K5
West
East
QJ732
South
94 A96 J98753 T4
Open Room West Versace 1 2 Pass
North Tez
East Lauria Pass 1NT 2
Pass Pass Pass
42
South Ozbey Pass Pass Pass
Closed Room West Göksu
North Tokay
1 1
Pass Pass
East Eymen Pass 1 1NT
South Zorlu Pass Pass Pass
2
Pass
2
Pass
3
Pass
Pass
Pass
In the Open room, Versace knew from East’s 1NT and 2 that partner was weak with a doubleton heart, or very weak weak with three hearts. hearts. Not vulnerable, at IMPs, facing a misfit, West chose to take a plus score in 2. In the Closed room, West had to to finish showing the shape and HCP and found himself too high in a misfit. This went down 2 for a 6 IMP loss when West chose to ass ume hearts were not 3-3 and North-South scored extra trumps via ruffs.
Inferences from Opener’s “Cards” Double 2012 Italy Cup
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
None East
JT765 86 AK92 86
9
A82
North
JT5
A43
T8763
Q
J974
West
East
AKQ532
South
KQ43 KQ972 J54 T
Open Room West Versace Pass 4 Pass
North Di Febo
East Lauria 1 Dbl 5
2NT 2NT 4 Pass
43
South Di Eusanio 2 Pass Pass
Closed Room West Colarossi
North Angelini
Pass Pass
East Severini 1 3NT
1 Pass
South Primavera 1 Pass
A typical “16+ HCP” card-showing double by opener opener in the Open Open room. As LauriaVersace use 2 to show 18-19 balanced, and 1NT covers 15-17 HCP hands, the hand must be unbalanced with 5 or more clubs. Hence, Versace, with the singleton singleton spade and four clubs evaluated to a strong raise and Lauria could deduce West’s spade shortness and push to 5, possibly as a sacrifice. The extra trumps on dummy came came in handy as entries to set up the fifth diamond to pitch a heart. In the Closed room, East removed West from the decision process and in doing so went down in 3NT an d lost 10 IMPs.
Transfer in Competition Allows Extra Raises
11th European Champions’ Cup
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
None East
AT8 AKQ93 2 K965
KQ7654
932
North
J52
76
AJT
7643
4
West
East
J872
South
J T84 KQ985 AQT3
Closed Room West Helgemo 1 Pass Pass
North Lauria
East Helness Pass Pass Pass
2 4NT 6
44
South Versace 1 3 5
Open Room West Giubilo
North Fantoni
2 Pass
East Cima Pass Pass Pass
3 Pass
South Nunes 2 4
In the Closed room, Lauria’s 2 showed a constructive hand with hearts, so Versace could show a little extra with 3 (as opposed to a simple 2), which was enough for North to ask keycards and sign off in slam. In the Open room, South’s South’s 2 opening showed 10-13 HCP and 5 or more more diamonds. Over 3, South had only one way to raise hearts (3 would be “I can’t do anything else”, and not a raise necessarily), so 4 was just about right. North could not tell if South was 10 HCP HCP with spade length or 12-13 HCP with a singleton spade, so had had to Pass. 11 IMPs to our protagonists. This is one of the advantages of transfers, it allows an extra bid fo r partner where there was none before (2 compared to 3 ).
Extra Relays after Stayman to Find Best Game 2011 Bermuda Bowl Italy vs Poland
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
Both West
J83 872 J975 A86
KT92
AQ64
North
A64
K53
KQ KQ75
T63
West
East
J92
South
75 QJT9 A842 T43
Open Room West Versace 1NT 2 2 3
North Narkiewicz Pass Pass Pass Pass
East Lauria 2 2 2NT 4
45
South Buras Pass Pass Pass Pass
Pass
Pass
Closed Room West Gawrys 1NT Pass
North Sementa Pass Pass
East Kalita 3NT
South Duboin Pass
One of the themes of Lauria-Versace’s style is to always determine whether 3NT or 4 of a major is better, better, if possible. Lauria asked with 2NT 2NT and found that West had a doubleton somewhere (not 4333 shape) so chose 4 instead of 3NT. In the Closed Closed room, East chose to just bid 3NT with his own 4333 4333 hand. With clubs coming in and diamonds breaking , 3NT seemed cold. cold. However, because North chose a spade lead from3 cards and South discarded a club on the third spade , West put North with length clubs, losing to South’s Ten. Ten. 13 IMPs to Italy. in clubs and eventually finessed deep in clubs, Even without the misplay, 4 is a safer con tract than 3NT because of the diamond weakness.
3NT vs 4 of a major 2011 Turkey National Open Teams
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
N-S South
AT3 963 KQ832 Q8
KJ4
765
North
QT8
AKJ75
AT9
J4
JT75
West
East
A43
South
Q982 42 765 K962
Open Room West
North
East
South
Versace
Koksoy
Lauria
Pass 2
Pass Pass
1 2
Assael Pass Pass Pass
46
2NT Pass
Pass Pass
Closed Room West Atabey 1 1NT 2 Pass
3NT
Pass
North Tokay
East Kahyaoglu
Pass Pass Pass Pass
1 2 4
South Zorlu Pass Pass Pass Pass
Continuing with the theme of 3NT vs 4 of a major , Lauria (at the time playing Drury ev en opposite a 4th seat opening) waited with 2, and when West described a 4333 shape, East took the opportunity to try 3NT 3NT with his 5332 shape. North led a low diamond and after forcing out North’s A and then holding up a dia mond, North was out of the equation and East had 9 tricks. In the other room, an inferior 4 was reached as East never knew knew if West West was 4333. 4333. 11 IMPs to Lauria-Versace.
2NT-4 slamtry in clubs 2010 Spingold
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
None East
43 QT64 -- AJT6432
T9875
Q62
North
5
KJ3
9765 KQ7
JT8432
West
East
9
South
AKJ A9872 AKQ 85
Open Room West Fredin Pass Pass Pass
North Lauria
East Fallenius Pass Pass Pass Pass
4 5NT Pass
47
South Versace 2NT 4 6
Closed Room West Duboin
North Stefanov
Pass Pass Pass Pass
East Sementa Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass
2 4 6 Pass
South Aronov 1 2 4NT 6
Over 2NT, Lauria had available a direct slamtry with long cl ubs (ignoring hearts since clubs provided at least a 9 card fit), and af ter South cooperated, North with the void could not help but bid slam. It turns out the void was not too helpful, but South’s AKQ were! West led the singleton heart, and South discarded the the hearts on the diamonds and finessed clubs. In the other room, a strong club auction reached reached a 5-4 heart fit instead, but it was not possible to avoid two losers. The slam try with a long minor is difficult for most pairs after a 2NT opening, especially with a 4 card major, but LauriaVersace have a bid exactly for that purpose.
False Reverse Allows Cooperative and Accurate Bidding Below 3NT 2009 Bermuda Bowl Italy vs Russia
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
N-S West
Q753 KQT Q864 73
42
KJ98
North
9532
J8764
J3 KQT85
2
West
East
964
South
AT6 A AKT975 AJ2
Open Room West Dubinin Pass Pass
North Lauria Pass 1
East Gromov Pass Pass
48
South Versace 1 2
Pass Dbl Pass Pass Pass
2NT 3 4 5 Pass
Closed Room West Nunes Pass 3 Pass Pass
North Khiuppenen Pass Dble 3 Pass
Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass
3 3 4 6
East Fantoni 2 Pass Pass Pass
South Kholomeev Dbl 3 3NT
Lauria-Versace do not fear opening one of a suit with very strong hands, si nce they respond light and have a good structure structure to investigate slam or stop in game. Here in the Open room, Versace opened a very dynamic hand, and made a false reverse of 2 - 2NT showed 8 or more HCP, and South showed three spades. North set diamonds as trumps, and South proceeded to slam with the extra trump and North having enough to bypass 3NT. In the Closed room, Fantoni took advantage of the favorable vulnerability and third seat to preempt with 5 cards, which made slam near-i mpossible to find. False Reverse - #2 2009 Vanderbilt
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
E-W North
QJ632 83 Q75 752
AT5
K
North
QT72
A64
J3
AK9642
Q983
West
East
AKJ
South
9874 KJ95 T8 T64
Closed Room West Versace 1 2NT 3NT 5
North Gerstman Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass
East Lauria 1 2 3 4NT 6
49
South Sutherlin Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass
Pass
6 Open Room West Feldman
North Fantoni Pass 1 Pass Pass
1 Pass 5
Pass
Pass
East Gerard 1 3 4 Pass
South Nunes Pass 3 Pass Pass
So 20 HCP with a good 6 card suit is ok to open 1. How about 22 HCP! HCP! It is easier to describe a flexible hand with a 1 opening than a strong 2 , since there is more bidding room. In this case, the other room chose 1 as well. well. However the Lauria-Versace bidding system did better. better. East made a false reverse reverse with 2, West inquired with 2NT, promising 8+ HCP, and East completed the description by showing 19+ HCP with 3 and 6+. West could not go past 3NT to start, but but East could make a quantitative 4NT and West made a counter-try and East could go on. With a low heart, lead and 3-2 split, it was easy. In the Open room, East had to fabricate a club suit, which West took took a little too seriously. Game made of course, but 13 IMPs to Lauria-Versace. The false reverse reverse combined with the wide-range style of opener’s cheap rebids allows accurate description of very strong hands. 2NT Limit Raise Makes it More Difficult to Interfere 2009 Yeh Brothers Cup
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
Both East
3 8743 QT9 KQJ62
KJ874
AQ652
North
AK92
QT65
KJ4 3
83
West
East
75
South
T9 J A7652 AT984
Closed Room West Versace
North Weinstein
East Lauria
50
South Carruthers
Pass 2NT Pass
Pass Pass
1 4 Open Room West Stansby J
North Balicki
East Stansby L Pass 2 4 Pass Dbl
Pass 4 Pass 5 Pass
1 2 Rdbl Dbl Pass
Pass Pass Pass
South Zmudzinski Pass Dbl Dbl 4NT Pass
2NT as a raise has become more and more more prevalent in top level bridge. One reason is that it makes it more difficult to interfere compared compared to lower calls. This hand is such an example. In the Closed room, Lauria-Versace had an uninterrupted auction to 4 because South had no convenient way way to show both minors at a safe level. In the Open room, South (who could also have tried 2NT) doubled a Drury call which allowed them to find the good sacrifice and a 10 IMP gain. 1N-3 Quickly Describing Major Suits 2008 White House Champions’ Cup
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
E-W East
KJ K9 KQJ542 876
8762
QT3
North
T8743
AJ2
A3
97
K3
West
East
AQJ95
South
A954 Q65 T86 T42
Closed Room West Versace 3 Pass
North Baldursson
East Lauria 1NT 3
3 Pass
Open Room
51
South Jonsson Pass Pass
West Armannsson
North Fantoni
2 4
3 Pass
East Jorgensen 1NT 3 Pass
South Nunes Pass Pass Pass
The major suit fit is the goal of bridge, and the Lauria-Versace system attempts to maximize accuracy when it comes comes to the majors. Both East’s chose to open the East hand 1NT. Here, Versace could show exactly 5-4 with an invite hand in one quick bid, which made Lauria’s 3 a complete signoff. In the other room, room, East was cajoled into a 3 bid, competitive, but West took a reasonable guess guess to bid game. At least they found the heart fit – imagine if West had started with Stayman! But game was too high as North got a ruff in spades. 6 IMPs to Lauria-Versace. Lauria-Versace.
Asking for Shortness 2008 Societario Final
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
E-W North
Q9 T9764 62 QT85
K7642
AJT5
North
3
A82
AQ5
KJ984
J643
West
East
7
South
83 KQJ5 T73 AK92
Open Room West Versace 1 3NT 4 Pass
North Sementa
East Lauria 1 3 4 4 Rdbl
Pass Pass Pass Pass
52
South Duboin Pass Pass Pass Dbl Pass
4NT 6 Closed Room West Ferraro
Pass Pass
5 Pass
Pass Pass
North Fantoni
East Bocchi 1 3 Pass
South Nunes Pass Pass Pass
Pass Pass
1 4
Locating a singleton or void is critical to slam -bidding, and I have made sure to include a lot of shortness asks in this system, s ystem, as Lauria-Versace do locate the shortness whenever possible. Here, 3 by Lauria showed an unbalanced hand, so Versace a sked with 3NT, and Lauria showed a club singleton or void. That helped Versace Versace’s hand and they got to a reasonable slam. In the other room, we can only imagine that West had no such tool and so, since East could have a singleton heart, West took a very understandable shot and did not even invite.
More Relays After 1NT 2008 European Championships Italy vs Germany
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
None North
632 7643 A KJ972
AT8
KQJ
North
AKT9
Q52
K973
Q8642
83
West
East
AT
South
9754 J8 JT5 Q654
Open Room West Versace 2 2 3
North Gromoeller
East Lauria Lauria 1NT 2 2NT 3
Pass Pass Pass
53
South Kirmse Pass Pass Pass Pass
3 4 5 5 Closed Room West Smirnov
Pass Pass Dbl Pass
3 4 Rdbl Pass
North Bocchi
East Piekarek 1 1NT Pass
Pass Pass
1 3NT
Pass Pass Pass Pass
South Duboin Pass Pass Pass
Lauria evaluated the East hand as 15, and opened opened 1NT. Versace inquired, found East had a minimum hand hand with 5 diamonds and was suit-oriented. suit-oriented. Therefore, Versace made made a small slam try (5 bypassed 4NT, which in Turbo shows an odd number of keycards, but he was unwilling to show weakness by bidding 5, so made up a 5 call). Lauria knew there were enough keycards but the double of 5 was a warning that the defense may set up a club trick before enough can be discarded, so went quietly in 5. The double served not only to warn against sla m, but hinted how to play diamo nds, and it made. In the Closed room, West had no reason to suspect clubs would run and 3NT down, so just bid bid 3NT. South led a normal club and 10 10 IMPs to the the Italians. Mixed cue-bidding style with Turbo 2008 European Championships Italy vs Germany
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
E-W West
73 T98642 8 JT76
J96
AKQ5
North
AKQ
7
QJT6 Q82
AK753
West
East
543
South
T842 J53 942 AK9
Open Room West Versace 1NT 2 2NT 3NT
North Gromoeller Pass Pass Pass Pass
East Lauria Lauria 2 2 3 4
54
South Kirmse Pass Pass Pass Pass
4 5 Closed Room West Smirnov 1NT 2 3 3NT Pass
Pass Pass
4 Pass
North Bocchi Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass
East Piekarek 2 2 3 6
Pass Pass
South Duboin Pass Pass Pass Pass
While Versace’s 5 bypassed 4NT and thus showed 1 ke ycard, it also bypassed clubs, denying the Ace or King, so Lauria knew that the defenders had two cashing clubs - thus 5. In the Closed room, the Germans Germans had a similar auction, but never found out about partner’s AK, netting 12 the missing club control. Bocchi rose to the occasion to lead to partner’s IMPs for Italy.
Light Responses Disrupt the Opponents’ A uction 2013 Champions’ Cup
Vul: Dealer: IMPs
None West
96543 Q95 K8 QJT
AKQ
T8
North
8
J7642
T9543 A943
Q76
West
East
865
South
J72 AKT3 AJ2 K72
Closed Room West Versace 1 2 Pass
North Sabbatini Pass Pass Pass
East Lauria 1 2
Open Room
55
South Comella Pass Pass
West Mina 1 Pass Pass Pass
North Krasnossel Pass 2 2NT Pass
East Basile Pass Pass Pass Pass
South Gladysh 1NT 2 3NT
The Lauria-Versace style is to open wide-range, wide-range, and respond wide-range. The importance is to get the shape in at all costs, in preparation for competition. Then the system will sort everything else out. Here, Lauria with a wisp of a diamond fit chose to respond 1, which kept South out of the auction (some would overcall 1NT, but they may not have had that available). In the Open room, room, East Passed instead and NorthNorthSouth had no problem problem getting to game. 10 IMPs to Lauria-Versace.
56
