Canary Club System Agreements

Preface

The Canary C system was devised by Paul Heitner and John Lowenthal sometime in the late 50's or early 60's. There is a high level description of the system in The Encyclopedia of Bridge.

The system is really Roman C with a strong 1C opening rather than the Roman weak 1C opening. One of the drawbacks to Roman C was the necessity to create the suggestion of strength by bidding two suits rather than bidding and rebidding one suit. In addition there was no way to show a C one suiter with the opening bid - one always had to bid a shorter suit first. As a consequence, there frequently were opening bids in 3 card suits.

Canary avoids that problem altogether. In fact there is no bid in the system of a suit less than 4 cards in length unless the bid is pre-defined as artificial. There is no illusion of naturalness as there is in Roman C or in so-called natural systems.

A second feature of Roman C was the use of a step response to 1D/1H/1S as an artificial negative. This is part of the description of Canary C which appears in The Encyclopedia of Bridge too. It has also been a basis of Canary C as described in earlier versions of this document.

As of version 3, we will substitute 1N as the first relay response. This serves two purposes:

This puts us more in line with what the ACBL considers legal. The 1N response to 1D being treated as forcing is unique to this system, I believe, but probably causes no "legal" problems.
Theoretically it probably is superior as well since it causes the hand which is more likely to be balanced to be declarer.

There is a problem introduced with this change. Auctions such as 1D - 1H - 1N (which showed a D suit with a H suit at least as long as the D suit) and 1H - 1S - 1N (which showed a H suit with a S suit at least as long as the H suit) served as a way for opener to show that he didn't have "true" reversing values in the old method. There no longer is a means to show the distinction between reversing values and weaker hands. Experience will show whether this is a problem or not.

Basis of the system

The basis of this system is:

CANApé
RelaY\s
strong CLUB

Opening Bids

Opening bids	Description
1C	17 + HCP, all hand patterns except 23-24 balanced; (mostly) natural responses
1D/1H/1S	11 - 16 HCP unbalanced or semi-balanced hand. Suit of at least 4 cards. Natural in the canapé sense.
1N	13 - 16 HCP 4333, 4432, 5332, 4441 (if singleton is A or K). Could have a 5 card major if the suit has only one high honor.
2C	11 - 16 HCP 6 card C suit, no secondary major
2D	11 - 16 HCP 3-suited hand (4441/5440)
2H/2S	11 - 16 HCP 5/6 of bid major with 4/5 C. The hand has 5 or 6 (Roman) losers.
2N	23 - 24 HCP balanced
3C	11 - 16 HCP 5+ cards each minor. Hand has 4 to 6 (Roman) losers.

Hand Type	Opening Bid	Notes
Balanced
13 - 16 HCP	1N	Could have 5 card major if it has only one high honor. A hand pattern of 4441 is also allowed if the singleton is an A or K.
17 - 20 HCP	1C	rebid 1N
21 - 22 HCP	1C	jump in no trump
23 - 24 HCP	2N
25	1C	jump to 3N over 1D
Unbalanced
one suiters
11 - 16 HCP	1D/1H/1S/2C
17+	1C
two suiters
11 - 16 HCP	1D/1H/1S	normal Canapé
11 - 16 HCP	3C	minors
11 - 16 HCP	2H/2S	major and secondary Cs
14 - 16 HCP	2C	Cs and secondary Ds
17 + HCP	1C
three suiters
11 - 16 HCP	2D	singleton or void in a minor
12+ - 16 HCP	2D	singleton (no void) in a major
17 + HCP	1C

Principles

Principle of Canapé

With 2 - suited hands, the shorter of 2 suits is bid first. If the suits are of equal length, the lower ranking is bid first (hands with secondary Cs are an exception to this rule). There are two "types" of canapé, ascending and descending. When the lower ranking suit is bid first, then the sequence is called an ascending canapé; when the higher is bid first it is descending. In an ascending canapé sequence, the second suit is at least 5 cards long and is at least as long as the first. In a descending canapé, the second suit is always longer than the first.

Roman loser count (see Courtney Losers ) is used for the purpose of evaluating an opening hand. This is the Courtney loser count as modified by Giorgio Belladonna and Walter Avarelli.
1. No one suit can have more than 3 losers
2. Each missing Ace, King or Queen is a loser
3. A King with no honor higher than 10 is a ¼ loser
4. A Queen with no honor higher than 10 is a ½ loser

Throughout the description of this system, when describing cue bidding or the showing of controls, a control will mean a K or A or singleton or void indiscriminately. At the five level, cue bids will show Aces (in new suits). Cue bids will show high card controls (not singletons or voids) in partner's known 5+ card suit.

Combination Losers Combination Losers

AKQ(xxxx) 0 Axxx(xxx) 2

AK 0 Kx 1¼

A 0 Kxx(xxxx) 2¼

KQJ 1 KQx(xxxx) 1

KQ 1 KJ 1

K 1 KJx 2

Ax 1 K10 1¼

Axx 2 K10x 2¼

AQ 1 x 1

AQx(xxxx) 1 xx 2

Qx 2 xxx(xxxx) 3

Qxx(xxxx) 2½ AKx 1

QJ 2 QJx 2

Q10x 2½

With a 2 suited hand of 4Ds and a major, the D suit should be suppressed with a weak (D) suit and a weak hand.
The loser count for the opening 2H or 2S should be 5 or 6.
An opening 1D, 1H or 1S in 1st or 2nd chair shall consist of:

11 HCP or more; 2 or more quick tricks; 7 or fewer losers
14 HCP or more; 1½ or more quick tricks; 7 or fewer losers

Combination	Losers	Combination	Losers
AKQ(xxxx)	0	Axxx(xxx)	2
AK	0	Kx	1¼
A	0	Kxx(xxxx)	2¼
KQJ	1	KQx(xxxx)	1
KQ	1	KJ	1
K	1	KJx	2
Ax	1	K10	1¼
Axx	2	K10x	2¼
AQ	1	x	1
AQx(xxxx)	1	xx	2
Qx	2	xxx(xxxx)	3
Qxx(xxxx)	2½	AKx	1
QJ	2	QJx	2
Q10x	2½

Development after opening 1D/1H/1S

First Response to 1 Plain suit

Responses to 1D
1H/1S/2C natural 5 card suit, forcing
1N non-descriptive relay
D raises limit
2H/2S/3C game force; suit of HHxxxx; not solid
2N game forcing D raise (D \Hxxxx minimum)
3H/3S/4C Splinter Raise
3N not defined
Responses to 1H
1N non-descriptive relay
1S/2C/2D 5 card suit, forcing
H raises limit
2S/3C/3D game force; suit of HHxxxx; not solid
2N game forcing H raise (H \Hxxxx minimum)
3S/4C/4D singleton or void in suit called with H support
3N minimum balanced H raise
4H unbalanced preemptive raise
Responses to 1S
1N non-descriptive relay
2C/2D 5 card suit, forcing
2H 5 card suit, not forcing
S raises limit
2N game forcing S raise (S \Hxxxx minimum)
3C/3D game force; suit of HHxxxx; not solid
3H Invitational, good H suit (\HJ10xxx minimum strength)
4C/4D/4H singleton in suit called with S support
3N minimum balanced S raise
4S unbalanced preemptive raise

Development after forcing 2 over 1

1S - 2H is discussed elsewhere.

The 2 over 1 response always shows a 5+ card suit and 9+ HCP. It is forcing unless responder is a passed hand. Opener will next attempt to define his own hand. He will re-bid his opened suit with a 1-suiter, or bid his second suit (which is at least as long as the first) if he has one.

Opener's first rebid

Opener's non-forcing rebids:

Rebid of opened suit at the 2 level;
Raise of responder's suit to the 3 level (promising 3+ card support);
Bid of a C Canapé at the 3 level.

Opener's forcing rebids:

A new suit at the 2 level;
A jump shift to the 3 level or to 4C
A jump raise of responder's suit with 5+ card support (this is keycard "Gerber")
A jump rebid of the opened suit showing a very good suit (one loser opposite a singleton)
A jump to 3N showing a strong Canapé in responder's suit;
2N with stoppers in the unbid suits and one of the below;

A C Canapé
A one suited hand

The 2N rebid by opener (at his second bid) shows either a 15-16 HCP one suiter or a C Canapé with extra values (if the response was 2C, then the C Canapé is not possible -- opener has a 15-16 HCP one suiter). Responder's non-forcing bid is a rebid of his suit; all other non-game bids are forcing to game or the four level.

In order to determine which hand type opener has, responder can bid 3C or 3 of opener's major. The 3C bid implies a C fit, the 3 major bid implies a 3 card major suit fit.

After the 3C bid, opener rebids his major if he has the 15-16 HCP one suiter. Any other rebid by opener shows the C canapé.

After the bid of 3 of opener's major by responder, 3N shows the C Canapé.

Responder's second bid:

A preference at the two level back to opener's first bid suit is a non-forcing 3 card preference with a disinclination to bid 2N.

A preference at the three level (with or without a jump) is:

	Invitational if opener did not raise responder's suit and did not bid 2N;
	Forcing if opener raised responder's suit or bid 2N. Thus the preference at the game level is weaker than the (forcing) 3 level preference. This forcing preference can be made on 3 card support because opener has not denied a 5 card holding in his first bid suit.

A single raise of opener's long suit is invitational at the three level, forcing to game at the four level.

examples:
1H	2D
3C	4C	game force

1H	2C
2D	3D	invitational
	4D	forcing

A simple rebid of responder's suit is not forcing

A rebid of 2N is limit

A leap to 4 minor is a slam try (if it is a rebid of responder's suit, it is always used artificially, not to show a good suit - use an immediate jump shift for that purpose). It shows one of the following:

Agrees that minor if it is one of opener's suits

Otherwise artificially agrees one of opener's majors:

If opener has bid and rebid the same major, the leap to 4C and 4D both agree opener's major. 4C shows a C control and 4D shows a D control lacking a C control (remember that control means A, K, singleton or void).

If opener has bid one major and then the other, the leap to 4C agrees Hs and the leap to 4D agrees Ss regardless of the order bid by opener.

Examples
1S	2C
2H	4C	H fit
	4D	S fit

1H	2D
2H	4C	H fit + C control
	4D	H fit + D control and no C control

If opener has bid a major and a minor in either order, a leap to 4 of the minor opener did not bid agrees opener's major

Example
1H 2C
2D 4C H raise
4D D raise (forcing)

The principle of double fit applies: that is, the following auction is forcing

1H	2C
3C	3H

The bid of the fourth suit (or a third suit) by responder at his second call is always natural and:

	Non-forcing at the two level
	Forcing (to game) at the 3 level

After the jump rebid by opener, responder can;

Rebid his suit (non-forcing)
Bid a new suit (probably an advanced cue bid)

Example:
1S 2D
3S 4D non-forcing
4C advanced cue bid
4H advanced cue bid
3N not encouraging
4S not encouraging

After 1S - 2H

The 2H response to 1S is constructive, but non-forcing.

The auction develops as follows:

2S is not encouraging
3C/3D is natural (in the canapé sense) and forcing
3H is encouraging
3S is very encouraging, but denies 3Hs
2N is a contract correcting call forcing a 3C rebid by responder
3N is a strong hand with H Canapé

After 1S - 2H - 2N - 3C

	3D is final
	3H is a maximum hand with 2Hs
	3S 6S with 3Hs, maximum hand (forcing)
	3N maximum hand with 3Hs (not forcing)

After 1D - 2D

The raise shows about 8 to 10 supporting points; this call does invite a rebid of a major (which is forcing one round).

After 1D - 1S or 1D - 1H or 1H - 1S

Responder has shown 8+ HCP with a 5+ card suit. The call is forcing. Responder promises to bid again unless opener makes a simple rebid of his own suit.

Opener's rebids:

A raise of responder's long suit to the 2 level shows 3 card support and is forcing to the 3-level in that suit.
A jump raise (to the 3 - level) shows 5+ card support and is forcing.
3N shows 5+ card support with 5 - 6 losers. This is usually a shapely strong hand.
A jump raise (to the 4-level) shows 5 card support and a minimum.
A new suit is normal Canapé and denies 3 card (or more) support.
1D - 1S - 1N and 1D - 1H - 1N show a secondary C suit (i.e. a shorter C suit than the Ds)
1H - 1S - 1N shows a 5 H332 or 6 bad H322 minimum hand (i.e. just what it sounds like). New suits by responder at the two level are not forcing.
2N shows a one suited hand (semi-balanced) without 3 card support (15 - 16 HCP)

Responder's second bid after receiving a raise to the 2 level.

Opener Responder
1D 1H
2H 2S Relay
2N balanced hand
3C 1-3-5-4 or 1-3-4-5
3D 5 + Ds
3H 5 + Ss (minimum)
3S 5 + Ss (maximum)

1D 1S
2S 2N relay
3C 3-1-5-4 or 3-1-4-5
3D 5 + Ds
3H 5 + Hs

1H 1S
2S 2N Relay
3C 3-4-1-5
3D 3-4-5-1
3H 5 + Hs

Opener	Responder
1D	1H
2H	2S	Relay
2N		balanced hand
3C		1-3-5-4 or 1-3-4-5
3D		5 + Ds
3H		5 + Ss (minimum)
3S		5 + Ss (maximum)

1D	1S
2S	2N	relay
3C		3-1-5-4 or 3-1-4-5
3D		5 + Ds
3H		5 + Hs

1H	1S
2S	2N	Relay
3C		3-4-1-5
3D		3-4-5-1
3H		5 + Hs

If opener does not show 3+ card support of responder's suit, then responder's jumps to the 4 level in minors follow the same rules as after forcing 2 over 1.

New suits at the 2-level and 3-level follow the rules of forcing 2 over 1 (that is a new suit at the two level is natural and not forcing; at the three level natural and forcing).

A jump rebid is invitational

After opener bids 2N (e.g. 1H - 1S - 2N) a preference is nonforcing

Opener Responder
1H 1S
2D ?
2H simple preference (3 card support)
2S sign off
2N natural non-forcing
3C natural forcing (new suit 3 level)
3D invitational
3H invitational (4+ card support)
3S natural invitation
3N sign off
4C artificial slam try with 4+ card H fit
4D natural slam try
4H sign off
4S sign off (hand can't be too good since suit was strong enough, but no jump shift)

Opener	Responder
1H	1S
2D	?
	2H	simple preference (3 card support)
	2S	sign off
	2N	natural non-forcing
	3C	natural forcing (new suit 3 level)
	3D	invitational
	3H	invitational (4+ card support)
	3S	natural invitation
	3N	sign off
	4C	artificial slam try with 4+ card H fit
	4D	natural slam try
	4H	sign off
	4S	sign off (hand can't be too good since suit was strong enough, but no jump shift)

After 1 Major - 2 (same) Major

Ewen game tries are used. This, of course is optional. If this conventional method is not used, then the partnership agreement should be that all calls are natural in the canapé sense.

These are the conventional sequences:

Ewen Game Tries
1S 2S
3C, 3D, 3H Long suit game tries
3S game try on power
2N "forces" responder to bid 3C
Opener rebids 3D, 3H, 3S with shortness in D, H, and C respectively.

1H 2H
2N, 3C, 3D Long suit game tries
3H game try on power
2S "forces" responder to bid 2N
Opener rebids 3C, 3D, 3H with shortness in C, D and S respectively.

**Ewen Game Tries**
1S	2S
3C, 3D, 3H	Long suit game tries
3S	game try on power
2N	"forces" responder to bid 3C Opener rebids 3D, 3H, 3S with shortness in D, H, and C respectively.

1H	2H
2N, 3C, 3D	Long suit game tries
3H	game try on power
2S	"forces" responder to bid 2N Opener rebids 3C, 3D, 3H with shortness in C, D and S respectively.

If the auction goes 1 Major followed by a raise to 2, with an interfering overcall after the raise, then only "long suit" game tries are used.

Development after Forcing 1N Response

The one no-trump response to 1D, 1H and 1S opening bids is forcing one round. It is a non-descriptive relay and of course is "alertable". When asked what it means, I usually say "It shows 6 to 29 HCP and asks for a further description of my hand.".

Opener's rebids:

First Rebid after Forcing 1N
After 1D - 1N
2C/2H/2S normal Canapé (2C shows 5+ Cs and exactly 4 Ds; with 5+ in each minor the opening is 3C)
2D minimum one suited hand (could have secondary suit of Cs)
2N natural with long Ds (could have a singleton) shows extra values
3C 4 card C suit, good hand (the only non-Canapé bid by opener in the system)
3D good hand, good suit 5 or 6 losers
3H/3S 6 card (H/S) suit 4 losers
3N 7 card D suit, 4 card C suit
After 1H - 1N
2C/2D/2S normal Canapé
2H minimum one suited hand
2N natural with long H (could have a singleton) shows extra values
3C/3D Canapé 4 or 5 losers
3H good hand, good suit 5 or 6 losers
3S 6 card S suit 4 losers
3N 7 card H suit with 4Cs
After 1S - 1N
2C/2D/2H normal Canapé
2S minimum one suited hand
2N natural with long S (could have a singleton) shows extra values
3C/3D/3H Canapé 4 or 5 losers
3S good hand, good suit 5 or 6 losers
3N 7 card S suit with 4Cs

First Rebid after Forcing 1N
After 1D - 1N
2C/2H/2S	normal Canapé (2C shows 5+ Cs and exactly 4 Ds; with 5+ in each minor the opening is 3C)
2D	minimum one suited hand (could have secondary suit of Cs)
2N	natural with long Ds (could have a singleton) shows extra values
3C	4 card C suit, good hand (the only non-Canapé bid by opener in the system)
3D	good hand, good suit 5 or 6 losers
3H/3S	6 card (H/S) suit 4 losers
3N	7 card D suit, 4 card C suit
After 1H - 1N
2C/2D/2S	normal Canapé
2H	minimum one suited hand
2N	natural with long H (could have a singleton) shows extra values
3C/3D	Canapé 4 or 5 losers
3H	good hand, good suit 5 or 6 losers
3S	6 card S suit 4 losers
3N	7 card H suit with 4Cs
After 1S - 1N
2C/2D/2H	normal Canapé
2S	minimum one suited hand
2N	natural with long S (could have a singleton) shows extra values
3C/3D/3H	Canapé 4 or 5 losers
3S	good hand, good suit 5 or 6 losers
3N	7 card S suit with 4Cs

Responder's rebids

After opener makes a rebid of his first bid suit or bids a new suit at the 2 level, then:

Raises of long suit are invitational
The cheapest call is a relay. If the cheapest call coincides with opener's first bid suit, the call is a relay not a preference.
A preference at the 2 level shows 3 trumps and about 11 HCP.
A preference at the 3 level is a limit bid. If a H or S preference, it shows a singleton in opener's long suit.
New suits are natural and game forcing unless the call qualifies as a relay. The hand is typically 5332. Don't do this with a singleton.
2N is a relay if opener's second bid is 2S; it is a natural limit bid if opener bid touching suits in a descending (higher ranking suit bid first) Canapé; it is a game force in the suit displaced by the relay otherwise.
Jump shifts into a new suit show a solid suit (AKQ109x)

Sample Forcing 1N auctions
1H 1N
2C ?
2D second relay (game force)
2H 3 card preference (about 11 HCP)
2S natural game force
2N game force with long Ds
3C invitational
3D solid suit (game force)
3H 4 card support with singleton in C (not forcing)
3S solid suit
3N to play
4C very invitational
4H to play
1H 1N
2D ?
2H second relay (game force)
2S natural game force
2N natural limit
3C natural game force
3D invitational
3H 4 card support with singleton in D (not forcing)
3S solid suit
3N to play
4C solid suit
4D very invitational
4H to play

Sample Forcing 1N auctions
1H	1N
2C	?
	2D	second relay (game force)
	2H	3 card preference (about 11 HCP)
	2S	natural game force
	2N	game force with long Ds
	3C	invitational
	3D	solid suit (game force)
	3H	4 card support with singleton in C (not forcing)
	3S	solid suit
	3N	to play
	4C	very invitational
	4H	to play
1H	1N
2D	?
	2H	second relay (game force)
	2S	natural game force
	2N	natural limit
	3C	natural game force
	3D	invitational
	3H	4 card support with singleton in D (not forcing)
	3S	solid suit
	3N	to play
	4C	solid suit
	4D	very invitational
	4H	to play

After 1D/1H/1S - 2N

The call of 2N is a game force in the suit opened. Responder promises \Hxxxx of trumps. Opener rebids his long suit. A 3N bid by either (except if 1D is opened) is a trump asking bid: the response shows the number of honors (step 1 = no honors; step 2 = 1 honor etc.). Later development is cue bidding except that a jump cue bid is a control asking bid to which the response is:

Step Responses to Asking bids
Step Suit holding
1 xx(xx...) x could be a Q
2 x
3 K (x...)
4 Ax (x....)
5 void
6 AK(x...) or singleton A

Step Responses to Asking bids
Step	Suit holding
1	xx(xx...) x could be a Q
2	x
3	K (x...)
4	Ax (x....)
5	void
6	AK(x...) or singleton A

Steps 2 and 5 are deleted if shortness is impossible

How responder shows a good suit and game forcing values

To show a strong, 1 suited hand (i.e. a Roth-Stone 5-card major type), which is not suitable for a jump shift, first make the relay response and over opener's response:

Bid your suit with a jump if it is solid.

Bid your suit if it needs real support at the cheapest level. If your suit coincides with the next relay, bid 2N (a replacement bid) to show the displaced suit.

If opener bids your suit, make a second relay and then agree the suit the next round.

If opener surprises you by jumping to the 3 level on round 2 or bids 2N, show your suit as best you can. Jumps should be natural and suit showing. If you fit with opener's jump (be thankful, first of all), continue the relays, Blackwood or something. It won't happen often so it's not worth worrying about. Thus:

1S 1N
3D 4H shows very good hearts,non-force

1S 1N
2N 4C shows good clubs

D - C 2 suiters

D - C 2 suiters with fewer than 17 HCP are opened:

3C: 5+ Cs and 5+ Ds with 4 to 6 losers
2C: 4 Ds and 6 Cs with 4 losers
1D: 4 Ds and 5+ Cs 5 or 6 losers or 5+Ds and 4 Cs

The following is a summary

Showing 2 suited minor suited hands
Number of Hand Strength Opening Bid Comments

Cs Ds

5 4 any 1D good suits if 5422, otherwise open 1N

5 5 any 3C raise responder's D preference with 4 losers

5 4 any 1D

6 4 min 1D or 2C suppress D suit

4 5 min 1D * rebid 1N over 1H (2H with 3 card H support)

* rebid 1N over 1S (2S with 3 card S support)

* rebid 2D over 1N (relay)

4 6 max 1D jump shift into Cs next (only non-canapé rebid in system)

Showing 2 suited minor suited hands
Number of	Hand Strength	Opening Bid	Comments
Cs	Ds
5	4	any	1D	good suits if 5422, otherwise open 1N
5	5	any	3C	raise responder's D preference with 4 losers
5	4	any	1D
6	4	min	1D or 2C	suppress D suit
4	5	min	1D	* rebid 1N over 1H (2H with 3 card H support)
				* rebid 1N over 1S (2S with 3 card S support)
				* rebid 2D over 1N (relay)
4	6	max	1D	jump shift into Cs next (only non-canapé rebid in system)

After Third or Fourth Chair Openings

Most responses are the same. Jump shifts are an exception. They show a 4 card fit and a source of tricks (flower bids). A jump shift is forcing to 3 of opener's suit.

Development after 1D/1H/1S -- Jump Shift

Now that a jump shift is sensibly a forcing to game bid to show a good 6 card suit, we can develop an intelligent follow up. This is it:

Jump rebid - this unusual call shows minimal support (\Hx, xxx) for the jump shift suit and a real suit of opener's own.
Raise - tentatively this shows support without a second suit you wish to show (no controls in it presumably). It is conceivable that opener has good support and sure slam ambitions; he will be able to develop his hand easily via cue bidding.
Suit rebid - nothing special
New suit - natural in the Canapé sense. If opener later raises opener's jump shift suit, he denies holding hand (1).
Jump to game in jump shift suit - a truly miserable opening. Lack of controls, points, structure etc.
Jump shift to a new suit. A fit with responder and shows opener's long suit.
Minimum notrump - non-committal if 2N, else sign-off. Notice the ramification mentioned in (4)

Examples
1H	2S	opener denies any real support for responder, else he would call 4C at turn 2
3C	3S
4S

1S	3C
4S		Opener could have SAQJxx Hxx DKxx CKxx

1S	3C
4H		Opener could have SQxxx HAQJxx Dxx CAx

1H	2S
3S		SKxx HAQxx DA CQxxxxx SKx HAxxx DQJxxxx CA SKx HAQxxx DQJx CAxx

1H	3C
3H		SAxx HKQxxxx DKxx Cx

1H	3C
3D		SAx HKxxx DAQxxx Cxx

1H	2S
4S		SKxx HKQxxx DKx Cxx

1H	2S
2N		Sxx HAKxxx DKQx CAxx Sxx HAQxx DQJxxx CKx

Relay Principles

Initiating relays

Relays are begun in the following ways:

By bidding 1N in response to 1D/1H/1S and then making the cheapest call over opener's rebid.
By making the cheapest response to 2H/2S (see Development after 2H and 2S
By responding 2S or 2N to 2C (see Development after 2C).
By responding 2H or 2N to 2D (see Development after 2D).
By responding 3H or 3S to 3C (see Development after 3C).

Relay Auctions after 1D/1H/1S

Opener's first rebid is discussed in the section titled Development after Forcing NT. After the second relay a game force is established. The only exception is that the auction can stop in an agreed minor at the four level if it was agreed at the three level. Opener bids naturally in the canapé sense. With a 5431 hand, he bids his 3 card suit; with 5422 he bids NT. With a 46 hand, he rebids his 6 card suit. With a 4630 hand, opener has a choice of rebidding his 6 card suit or bidding the fragment. With a 55 or 65 hand, opener rebids his first bid suit. Responder bids No Trump or one of opener's suits at his third call to establish the suit or suggest No Trump.

One problem that can occur is that opener's third bid can be 3H, 3S or 3N not allowing responder the opportunity to set trumps below the 4 level in a major. In order for responder to show which suit is trumps (and make a slam try), he will have to implicitly agree a major by bidding 4C or 4D. If one of opener's natural suits can be bid below game and the other cannot, then a bid of that suit is natural and other bids show a control and agree the second suit. If both of opener's suits can be bid below game, then the cheaper bid shows support in that suit and all other bids show support for the other suit.

Examples
1D 1N
2S 2N Game Force
3S ? shows 6S & 4D
3N to play
4C C control, agreeing S
4D agreeing Ds
4H H control, no C control, agreeing Ss
4S natural sign off

1S 1N
2H 2S artificial Game Force
3H ? shows 4S & 6H
3S Agrees S
3N to play
4C C control agreeing H
4D D control, no C control, agreeing H
4H sign off in Hs
4S sign off in Ss

1S 1N
2H 2S artificial Game Force
3S ? shows 5S & 6H (with 55 open 1H, bid Ss, rebid Hs)
3N to play
4C agrees Hs
4D agrees Ss
4H sign off in Hs
4S sign off in Ss

1H 1N
2S 2N artificial Game Force
3N ? shows 5S4H22
4C agrees H
4D agrees S
4H sign off in Hs
4S sign off in Ss

1D 1N
2S 2N artificial Game Force
3D ? shows 5+S & 5+D
3H H control agreeing Ds
3S agrees Ss
3N to play
4C C control, no H control, agrees D

Examples
1D	1N
2S	2N	Game Force
3S	?	shows 6S & 4D
	3N	to play
	4C	C control, agreeing S
	4D	agreeing Ds
	4H	H control, no C control, agreeing Ss
	4S	natural sign off

1S	1N
2H	2S	artificial Game Force
3H	?	shows 4S & 6H
	3S	Agrees S
	3N	to play
	4C	C control agreeing H
	4D	D control, no C control, agreeing H
	4H	sign off in Hs
	4S	sign off in Ss

1S	1N
2H	2S	artificial Game Force
3S	?	shows 5S & 6H (with 55 open 1H, bid Ss, rebid Hs)
	3N	to play
	4C	agrees Hs
	4D	agrees Ss
	4H	sign off in Hs
	4S	sign off in Ss

1H	1N
2S	2N	artificial Game Force
3N	?	shows 5S4H22
	4C	agrees H
	4D	agrees S
	4H	sign off in Hs
	4S	sign off in Ss

1D	1N
2S	2N	artificial Game Force
3D	?	shows 5+S & 5+D
	3H	H control agreeing Ds
	3S	agrees Ss
	3N	to play
	4C	C control, no H control, agrees D

If opener has shown a one suited hand, he bids his splinter over the second relay if he has one; bids his suit for the third time with 6+ cards and no singleton or bids the cheapest No Trump with a 5 card suit. The exception is:

1D 1N (=relay)
2D 2H (=relay)
3C

this shows a secondary C suit (not good enough for a 3C rebid on the second round)

What calls constitute a relay

First relay - a 1N response to a 1D/1H/1S opening
Second relay - the cheapest call even if opener's first bid suit.

1D/1H/1S - relay - 3 same suit

Opener needs a semi-solid suit (one loser opposite a singleton) to make this jump rebid. The hand should have 5 or 6 (Roman) losers

Responder's rebids are:

New suit by responder is a control and agreement. This situation shows why the relay hand should not have a singleton and a suit of its own; It's virtually impossible for the responder to catch up.
3N is to play
Game is not encouraging

1D/1H/1S - relay - 2N

This call shows a maximum hand with a broken 6 card suit or a good 5 card suit. The hand can contain a singleton.

Responder's rebids are:

3N is to play
3 new suit (not 3C) game force, natural
3 opener's suit is a non-force
3C is a relay which asks for a singleton; opener bids singleton if he has one (rebid of long suit shows C singleton)

Competitive auctions after we open 1D, 1H, or 1S

The enemy overcalls the opening bid.

Double is informative through 2S. It shows two hand types:

Support (3+ cards) for the unbid suits and about 8 - 11 HCP. Opener makes a limit bid if possible.
A suit of its own and a game force. If it turns out that the suit could have been bid originally (i.e. without a double) below the 2 level in opener's suit, then it shows a semi-solid suit. Otherwise it shows a 5 card suit.

No Trump bids are natural and limit.

Jump shifts are preemptive.

New suits are natural and forcing unless the call made is above the 2 level of opener's suit when a negative double is available. This is our definition of a negative free bid.

Examples:
1D (1S) ?
2C is a force
2H is a non-force (negative free bid)

1D (3C) ?
all new suits are forcing since a negative double is not available.

The enemy overcalls the suit showing responses

Opener rebids as in natural systems; bids at the two level do not show extra values, at the three level they do. We hate to lose our 5+ card major, so we make allowances for opener holding a true dog when he bids a major (either re-bids or bids for the first time) at the two level.

They overcall the forcing 1N response:

If opener is able to make his normal response (i.e. the overcall has not taken away bidding space), then all is normal and relays can continue. Otherwise relays are off. They are also off if overcaller's partner interferes further.

Examples:
1H P 1N 2C
2D P normal auction, 2H = relay etc.

1H P 1N 2D
3C P relays off, Opener has shown extra playing strength, but there is no pre-defined relay type sequence now available

They double the opening bid:

XX = penalty
2N = limit raise
Raises = preemptive
Jump shifts = preemptive
New suits = natural force (including 2H / 1S)
1N = natural non-force with at most 3 card support for opened suit (8-11 HCP)

Other actions by Forcing NT hand:

LHO bid a suit and partner passed:

New suit is game force;
Double is for takeout (through 2S);
Cue bid asks for stopper.

LHO took action and RHO took action (partner passed):

New suit is game force;

Double is penalty unless RHO raises LHO to 2S or less, then they are informatory.

Actions by Forcing NT hand after RHO interferes over opener's second bid:

1. RHO bids a suit:

	Double is penalty;
	Raises are competitive;
	New suit is game force;
	Cue bid is game force is limit raise plus
	No relays.

RHO doubles

Redouble is penalty;
Other bids retain meaning.

Development after 2C

Unlike other 1C systems, the Canary 2C opening is never made with major suit length. As a consequence, there is no need to have a mechanism for uncovering 4-4 major suit fits (usually a response of 2D is used for that purpose in other 1C systems). Canary C uses the 2D and 2H bids to show length (5+ cards) in the next higher suit and at least game invitational values.

Responses:

2D
shows 5+ H (forcing)
2H
shows 5+ S (forcing)
2S
artificial relay (shows at least game invitational values)
2N
natural, forcing
3C/4C
semi-preemptive
3D/3H/3S
HHxxxx game force
3N
to play

2C 2D/H

Opener accepts the transfer with 3 card support. Sometimes the transfer is accepted with only 2 card support if the Cs are too weak to rebid or the hand is not strong enough to bid 2N.

Opener bids 3D with a D suit and reversing strength. Opener bids a new suit (not Ds) or jump "raises" with a good hand with support. The new suit shows a singleton (in the suit bid).

2C 2S

Opener rebids 2N with a maximum hand (usually 14 - 16 HCP). Responder's 3C now asks for a singleton (if any).

If opener bids 3D over 2S, he is showing a hand with reversing strength and a four card D suit. All minimum hands are shown with a 3C bid.

After 2C - 2S - 2N/3C:

3D shows a D stopper for No Trump
3H shows a H stopper for No Trump and denies a D stopper
3S shows a S stopper for No Trump and denies a D or H stopper

Opener rebids 3N if he stops the other 2 suits; otherwise he shows his stopper over 3D and bids 3S over 3H to show his D (repeat D) stopper.

Examples
2C 2S
2N (=extras) 3D (shows D stopper)
3H (shows H stopper, no S stopper)
3S (shows S stopper, no H stopper)
3N (shows H and S stoppers)

2C 2S
3C (=minimum) 3H (shows H stopper, denies D stopper)
3S (shows D stopper, no S stopper)
3N (shows D and S stoppers)

After 2C - 2N

Opener shows a singleton if he has one. He bids the suit in which he has shortness bidding 3N with no shortness. If opener bids 3C, he is showing a secondary D suit and reversing strength.

Additional note. After transfers new suits are forcing.

Examples
2C 2H
2N 3D force
3C non-force
3H force
3S non-force

2C 2D
2H 3C non-force (the principle of double fit does not apply because the H fit is not established)
3D force
3H non-force
3S force

Competitive auctions after 2C

If the enemy bids directly over 2C with:

Double

Pass - ambiguous
Re-double - penalties
Other calls retain meaning

Suit bid

Double - penalties
New suits forcing
Cue bid asks for stopper
C raises are competitive

Development after 2D

Here is where the opening of 1N with 4441 and a singleton A or K comes into play. We never have a singleton A or K when we open 2D. Why is this important? Because it helps responder evaluate his hand.

The 2D opening shows 2 kinds of hands:

11 - 16 HCP 4441 or 5440 where the short suit is a minor
12+ - 16 HCP 4441 where the short suit is a major

The responses are:

2H
relay
2S
sign-off
2N
game force (artificial)
3 suit
force unless opener's singleton (then it is a sign-off)

Opener's rebids after 2D - 2S

Opener passes with 3 suited hand unless he is short in Ss; in that case he bids 2N.

Opener's rebids after 2D - 2N

Opener bids his short suit. Responder now sets the trump suit.

Opener's rebids after 2D - 3 suit

Opener bids his short suit with a fit; passes with a singleton or void.

Development after 2D - 2H (relay)

2S
shows a singleton major

2N
asks which major is short

3C
Short H Now 3H gets two step answer showing strength
3D
Short S and a minimum
3H
Short S and a maximum

3C/3D
signoff
3H/3S
not defined
3N
to play

2N
shows short Cs

3C
Asks size. Step 1 & 2 = min, Step 3 & 4 = max.
Steps 2 & 4 show a void
3D/3H
signoff
3S
mildly encouraging (didn't bid 2S first)

3C
shows short Ds

3D
Asks size. Step 1 & 2 = min, Step 3 &4 = max.
Steps 2 & 4 show a void
3H
Signoff
3S
mildly encouraging (didn't bid 2S first)

Further development of 3 suited hands

After opener has shown shape and size, the only forcing bids by responder are bids in the short suit:

The first "cue" bid gets controls by steps

step 1 = 3 controls
step 2 = 4 controls
step 3 = 5 controls
step 4 = 6 controls
step 5 = 7 controls
step 6 = 8 controls

The second "cue" bid gets queens by steps like Blackwood (singleton Q does not count)

step 1 = 0 queens
step 2 = 1 queen
step 3 = 2 queens
step 4 = 3 queens

The third "cue" bid is to play.

Competitive auctions after 2D

The enemy overcalls 2D directly

They double

Pass = poor hand with D tolerance
Redouble = good hand with D tolerance
Over either the pass or the redouble, opener is expected to rescue himself by bidding 2H if his short suit is Ds.
Other calls retain their meaning

Overcalls of 3C or 3D

Double = conditional penalty i.e. opener passes unless that is his short suit.
3 major is forcing (opener raises with a fit)
3N = to play
Other minor = force to game if 4 minor

Overcalls of 2H or 2S

Double = conditional penalty i.e. opener passes unless that is his short suit.
2N asks for short suit

Overcall of 2N. Double is penalty, other calls are not defined.

The enemy overcalls the 2H or 2N relay

They double

Re-double = penalty
Pass is undefined
Other calls retain meaning

3 minor

Double = penalty
Suit = 5 cards, void in enemies' suit
Pass = 4441 singleton in enemies' suit

Over other calls, just do the best you can

Development after 2H or 2S opening

Remember that these two openings show 5 or 6 losers with 5 or 6 of the opened major and 4 or 5 Cs. Responders first bid is as follows:

3C is a sign off
3D is natural, not forcing, opener can raise gently
raise is invitational
raise to game is to play
4 other major is to play
4D is natural force
4C is forcing unbalanced C raise
3N is forcing unbalanced raise of major opened

After 2H

2N shows a 6+ card S suit (forcing)
2S is a relay
3S is not defined

After 2S

2N is a relay
3H shows a 6+ card H suit (forcing)

To make a forcing raise, either make an immediate 4C or 3N bid or make 2 relays. Sequences that bid one of opener's suits after one relay are not forcing.

After making two relays, then responder shows the suit he wants to play in by bidding the suit naturally at the game level (a signoff), or by bidding it below game (if possible).

If there are two bids to agree opener's suits below game, then the cheaper one is used to agree that suit and other bids agree the second suit.
If there is one suit that can be bid below game naturally, then that bid agrees that suit and other calls agree the second suit.
If there is no suit that can be bid below game naturally, then the lower outside suit agrees the major and the higher outside suit agrees Cs.
If there is no suit that can be agreed naturally below game and there is only one call between the last bid and game in one of the suits (e.g. 4C was just bid and opener opened 2H), then that one bid is used to agree the major and the higher bid is used for Cs.

The relay auctions develop as described in the following text.

2S - 2N (relay)

3C
short Ds with 3+ Hs
3D
short Hs with 3+ Ds
3H
6S 4C 2-1 in the side suits
3S
5S4C22
3N
5S5C 2-1 in the side suits
4C
6S5C 2-0 or 1-1 in the side suits

2S - 2N - 3C

3D
relay

3H
5S 3H 1D 4C

3S
forcing, Ss are trump
3N
to play
4C
forcing, Cs are trump
4H
to play
4S
to play

3S
6S 3H 0D 4C

3N
to play
4C
forcing, Cs are trump
4D
D control, Ss are trump
4H
H control, Ss are trump
4S
to play

3N
5S 3H 0D 5C

4C
forcing, Cs are trump
4D
D control, Ss are trump
4H
H control, Ss are trump
4S
to play

4C
5S 4H 0D 4C

4D
forcing, Cs are trump
4H
forcing, Ss are trump
4S
to play

3H
force setting H as trumps
3S
invitational (probably wasted D values)
3N
final
4C
invitational
4H or 4S
to play

2S - 2N - 3D

3H
relay

3S
5S 1H 3D 4C

3N
to play
4C
forcing, Cs are trump
4D
D control, Ss are trump
4H
H control, Ss are trump
4S
to play

3N
6S 0H 3D 4C

4C
forcing, Cs are trump
4D
D control, Ss are trump
4H
H control, Ss are trump
4S
to play

4C
5S 0H 3D 5C

4D
forcing, Ss are trump
4H
forcing, Cs are trump
4S
to play

4D
5S 0H 4D 4C

4H
forcing, Ss are trump
!!
There is no forcing C raise

3S
invitational (probably wasted H values)
3N
to play
4C
invitational
4D
force setting D as trumps
4S
to play

2S - 2N - 3H

3S
invitational
3N
to play

2S - 2N - 3H or 3N

4C
invitational
4D
forcing Ss are trump
4H
forcing Cs are trump
4S
to play

2S - 2N - 3S

3N
to play
4C
invitational
4D
Ss are trump
4H
Cs are trump
4S
to play

2H - 2S (relay)

2N
short Ss with 3+ Ds
3C
short Ds with 3+ Ss
3D
6H 4C 2-1 in side suits
3H
5H 4C 22
3S
undefined
3N
5H 5C 2-1 in side suits
4C
6H 5C 1-1 or 2-0 in side suits

2H - 2S - 2N

3C
relay

3D
1S 5H 3D 4C

3H
forcing, Hs are trump
3S
S control, Cs are trump
3N
to play
4C
forcing, Cs are trump no S control
4D
forcing, Cs are trump (has D control?)

3H
0S 6H 3D 4C

3S
S control, Hs are trump
3N
to play
4C
forcing, Cs are trump
4D
D control, no S control Hs are trump
4H
to play

3S
= 0S 5H 3D 5C

3N
to play
4C
forcing, Cs are trump
4D
control, Hs are trump
4S
S control, Hs are trump

3N
0S 5H 4D 4C

4C
forcing, Cs are trump
4D
D control, Hs are trump
4H
to play
4S
S control, Hs are trump

3D
force setting Ds as trumps
3H
invitational (probably wasted S values)
3S
undefined
3N
to play
4C
invitational

2H - 2S - 3C

3D
relay

3H
3S 5H 1D 4C

3S
S control, Hs are trump
3N
final
4C
forcing, Cs are trump
4D
D control, Hs are trump
4H
to play

3S
3S 6H 0D 4C

3N
final
4C
forcing, Cs are trump
4D
D control, Hs are trump(limited usefulness since opener is void, should be used to show S control, but will never remember)
4S
S control, Hs are trump

3N
3S 5H 0D 5C

4C
forcing, Cs are trump
4D
D control, Hs are trump (limited usefulness since opener is void)
4S
S control, Hs are trump

4C
4S 5H 0D 4C

4D
Hs are trump
4S
Cs are trump

3H
invitational (probably wasted D values)
3S
force, setting the suit
3N
final
4C
invitational

2H - 2S - 3D or 3N

3H
invitational
3S
Cs are trump
3N
final
4C
invitational
4D
Hs are trump

2H - 2S - 3H

3S
Cs are trump
3N
final
4C
invitational
4D
Hs are trump

2H - 2N (S suit 6+ cards)

3C
Cs
3D
3 Ds
3H
6 Hs
3S
2 or 3 Ss not forcing
3N
no S fit
4D
S fit, artificial slam try
4S
2 or 3 Ss not forcing

2S - 3H

3S
6 Ss
3N
no H fit
4C
5 Cs
4D
H fit, artificial slam try
4H
H fit, not forcing

2H - 2S - 4C

4D
Hs are trump
4S
Cs are trump

2S - 2N - 4C

4D
Ss are trump
4H
Cs are trump

2 Major - 4C or 2 Major - 3N

Cue bidding commences in the partnership's methods. Neither partner can call blackwood.

Competitive auctions after 2H or 2S opening bid

Directly over 2H or 2S

They double

Redouble
penalties
Pass
ambiguous
3C or 3D
running
Relay
asking (ignoring double)
Other major
running

They bid a suit (D or the other major)

Double
penalties
2N over 2S
asking (opener describes his hand as well as he can; he bids his fragment with 5431, rebids his major if 64xx, bids 3C with 5422 and 3N if 55xx)
raise
competitive
4C (with or without a jump) - natural forcing
Cue bid
High card game raise of major
4 (our) major
distributional raise

After relay response

If they double, rebids by opener are unchanged
They bid a suit

Double
5431 with 3 of enemies' suit
Pass
5431 or 5422 with shortness in enemies' suit
3N
55xx (There is no need to have 3N as a natural bid)
Other calls
tend to be as descriptive and natural as possible

Example
2S P 2N 3D
?

X
5-1-3-4
3S
6-x-x-4
P
5-2-2-4 or 5-3-1-4
3N
5-x-x-5
3H
5-3-1-4

Development after 3C opening bid

Remember that the 3C opening bid shows at least 5 cards in each minor and promises 4 to 6 (Roman) losers. The responses are:

pass or 3D
a signoff
3H
game force (trumps = C)
3S
game force (trumps = D)
3N
to play
4C or 4D
invitational
4H or 4S
final

Opener's rebids

3C - 3D
raise gently with 4 losers
3C - 3H or 3S
Cue bidding begins.
3C - 4C or 4D
pass or raise

Competitive Auctions after 1N

1N - enemy double - ?

If the double is for penalties (as opposed to Brozel or whatever), then we use the following agreements to scramble out of the rough.

2C C + D (sometimes C + H -- take 2D preference out to 2H)
2D D + H
2H H + C
2S game try with both majors
Redouble force. Opener bids 2C. Responder passes or bids his suit
Pass force. Opener re-doubles -- Responder rebids:

Pass
they made error
2C
C + S
2D
D + S
2H
H + S
3 level bids
forcing

2N "cue bid" ` strong hand unsuitable for No Trump play
3 level bids preemptive

1N - P - P - X

Re-double is for penalties (showing 15-16 HCP).

1N - P - P - X - P - P - ?

2C
C + D
2D
D + H
2H
H + S
2S
S + C
Redouble
force Opener bids 2C - Responder rebids

pass
C suit
2D
D suit
2H
H + C (with a long major, responder is expected to have transferred at his first turn)
2S
S + D

1N - enemy overcall - ?

The general approach is to use lebensohl and informatory doubles:

Double
informatory 9+ - 12- HCP typically a small doubleton in the enemy suit.
2 level
competitive
3 level
forcing to game or 4 level
cue bids of 3D/3H/3S
ask for a four card major and deny stopper help
3N
to play (denies stopper help)
2N
forces opener to bid 3C
Responder rebids: pass or non-cue bid shows responder's suit. If the suit is higher ranking than the overcalled suit, the call is invitational. Cue bid asks for a four card major and shows stopper help. 3N is to play, and shows stopper help.

After 1N - P - Transfer - X

Opener re-doubles to show a 4 card holding (to an honor) in the artificially bid suit and denies 3 or more cards in the indicated suit. Opener passes with fewer than 4 cards in the artificially bid suit and fewer than 3 cards in the indicated suit. Opener accepts transfer with 3 card support

After 1N - P - transfer - overcall - P - P

Responder bids suit under true suit to re-transfer. He bids long suit directly to show invitational values. He bids a second suit to make a game force.

Example
1N P 2D 2S
P P ?

3C
natural game force
3D
re-transfer to 3H
3H
invitation
2N/3N
natural
Double
natural
3S
asks for stopper

Development after 2N

We use a set of responses based somewhat upon the 1N structure. The responses are:

3C
Stayman
3D
H transfer
3H
S transfer
3S
transfer to 3N, then responder does ...

Pass
Wants to play 3N
4C
D transfer
4D/H/S
3 suiter short in bid suit

3N
C transfer

Miles' method over 2N

This material is placed here for those partnerships that wish to have a good definition of their 2N auctions. In CANARY there are two strong 2N auctions:

1C - 1D - 2N and 2N

These are sufficiently rare to use very simple transfers rather than Miles' approach. Anyway here is Miles structure over a strong 2N.

3C
Stayman
3D
transfer to 3H
3H
transfer to 3S
3S
transfer to 3N
3N
transfer to 4C
4C/4D
natural forcing suit of \Hxxxxx
4H/4S
natural slam try suit of \H\Hxxxx (forcing to 4N)

Notice that the structure looks similar to the 1N structure. This is not an illusion. Our 1N structure is patterned on Miles 2N structure.

2N - 3C

3D
no major

3H
shows 5S (forcing) - this also shows 4H
3S
shows 5H (forcing) - this also shows 4S
3N
to play
4C
Gerber
4D
4441 (short C) slam try
4H/4S
natural slam try showing 5 of bid suit with 4 of other major

3H/3S
the bid major

4C
Gerber
4D
artificial slam try agreeing the bid major

3N
both majors

4C
Gerber
4D
transfer to 4H
4H
transfer to 4S

2N - 3D

3H is a neutral bid. Other calls show super fits. New suits by responder are forcing.

2N - 3H

3S is a neutral bid. Other calls show super fits. New suits by responder are natural and forcing (except 4H which shows 5+ S and 5+ H)

2N - 3S

3N is the automatic response and is the only way to get to 3N. Typically a partnership using Miles will have at least one disaster by bidding 3N over 2N rather than using 3S. Responder next bids:

4C
transfer to 4D
Responder then shows his secondary major (forcing to 4N) or bids 4N showing a good (HHxxxx) D suit and a slam try (not forcing)
4D/4H/4S
(4441 short in bid suit and a slam try)
4N
5-5 in minors

2N - 3N

4C is the automatic response. Then 4D or 4H or 4S show responder's secondary suit forcing to 4N. A 4N bid by responder over 4C shows a good (\H\Hxxxx) C suit and is a slam try (not forcing).

Competitive Methods

After the enemy opens other than 1N

The defensive system is a mixture of Roman and Kaplan structure and philosophy. The Kaplan part consists of natural good overcalls with a new suit forcing by advancer (i.e. the partner of the person taking the first action for the defensive pair). In addition most jump overcalls are preemptive in nature. The Roman part is 2-suit showing overcalls and a Roman style take-out double.

The 1N overcall shows 17-20 HCP. The responses are the same as those over a 1N opening bid. Since we don't always have a stopper in the enemy's suit, a "transfer" into opener's bid major is asking for a stopper there.

The 2-suit overcalls show 5 or 6 losers and go as follows:

Over 1 Major opening

2N is for minors
3D is for Ds and the unbid Major with 5 or 6 losers
jump cue bid is for Ds and the unbid Major with a big hand
cue bid shows Cs and the unbid Major (top and bottom)

Over 1D opening

2N is for Hs and Cs
2D is for Majors
3C is Ss and Cs with 5 or 6 losers
3D is Ss and Cs with a big hand

Over 1C opening

2N is for Ds and Hs
2C is for Majors
3C is for Ds and Ss

Over all openings, 1N bid by a passed hand is a minimum balanced hand.

Our doubles of 1 level opening bids are not shape oriented, but instead show opening values with a choice of at least two suits. They can also, of course, be very powerful hands too strong for a simple overcall.

If we start our defensive actions with a double of a one-level opening bid, we use a Roman style set of responses unless the doubler is a passed hand (i.e. we don't use exclusion (defined below) bids if doubler is a passed hand -- whether advancer is a passed hand or not is irrelevant). Since doubler doesn't necessarily have support for all unbid suits, advancer's first duty is to exclude the suit he doesn't have support for and to also indicate his strength.

The exclusion bid is made at the one or two level (two level without a jump). If made at the one level, the exclusion bid shows 0-10 HCP with at most 3 cards in the suit bid. If made at the two level, it promises about 7-10 HCP and at most 2 cards in the suit bid. With 7-10 HCP and 4333 pattern, advancer bids 1N regardless of whether he has a stopper of the doubled suit or not.

If advancer has 0-6 HCP and no suit of three cards or shorter that he can bid at the one level, he also bids 1N. Therefore, 1N is a two way bid: either 0-6 with no suit of fewer than 4 cards he can bid at the one level or 7-10 4333.

With a game forcing response of 11 or more HCP, advancer bids 2N or jump shifts into a 5 card or longer suit.

If responder re-doubles, advancer's suit bids are natural and not too encouraging.
If responder bids a new suit, a new suit by advancer is natural and encouraging, doubler raises freely (i.e. doesn't show extra values) with 4 card support
Over responder's new suit, a double is an exclusion bid of the newly bid suit. That is, it asks for a takeout into one of the unbid suits.
The exception to this double being an exclusion bid occurs when the doubler is in pass-out seat, so that it is the opener who is bidding a new suit. In that case double is penalty oriented. Advancer's bid of a new suit is natural and encouraging just as in other systems.

If responder raises to the 2 or 3 level, double is responsive.

Since we make takeout doubles with most patterns without a dominant suit, one of the fallouts is that we don't have the balancing seat problems that other systems have. Double, of course, is still for takeout in the pass-out seat and suit bids and cue bids are the same as in the direct seat. 1N is still 17-20 HCP balanced even in the pass-out seat. If the 1N bidder is a passed hand, then the bid shows a minimum balanced hand

CRASH after they open Big C

Over 1C

Double
Wish to dispute ownership of the hand. 16+ or playing tricks. Advancer bids his shortest suit (exclusion) or passes with long Cs.
1D
Color (Reds or Blacks)
1H
RAnk (Majors or Minors)
1S
SHape(Pointed or Rounded)
1N
Probably minors (not a strong balanced hand)
Higher bids
natural

Over 1C P 1D

Double
Wish to dispute ownership of the hand. Advancer bids his shortest suit (exclusion) or passes with long diamonds
1H
Color
1S
RAnk
1N
SHape
Higher bids
natural

Advancer's objective is to get to the 3 level as quickly as possible. The objective of the partnership is not to determine what high level contract to reach as a sacrifice, but to remove the 1 and 2 level from the enemy.

Overcaller is obligated to correct (if necessary) any contract advancer names at advancer's first turn (through 5S) to the cheaper of his two suits.

System History

A brief description of changes to this document:

Version 2

The actions taken after 1C double have been changed.

The meanings of the 1S and 1N responses to 1C have been interchanged.

The auctions after 1C - overcall have been altered slightly.

Responder's doubles after an overcall of the opening 2D are now conditional penalty.

Version 2.1

Opener's rebid of 2N after 1C - 1S has changed.

Version 3

The first relay after a 1D or 1H opening is 1N, not the step bid (1H over 1D and 1S over 1H).

Version 3.1

Miscellaneous editorial changes including using PRANCER printer.

Version 3.2

A minor change to 1C auctions where opener's minor has been agreed (see discussion )

Version 3.3

Minor editorial changes due to using WordPerfect 5.1

Version 3.4 (September 1994)

Relays after 2 major end after determining pattern. General simplification of 2 Major openings. 2D no longer includes big balanced hand. 2N shows 23-24 balanced. 3C shows 55 in minors and opening strength.

Version 3.5 (May 1998)

Entire system converted to HTML

	11 HCP or more; 2 or more quick tricks; 7 or fewer losers
	14 HCP or more; 1½ or more quick tricks; 7 or fewer losers

Responses to 1D
1H/1S/2C	natural 5 card suit, forcing
1N	non-descriptive relay
D raises	limit
2H/2S/3C	game force; suit of HHxxxx; not solid
2N	game forcing D raise (D \Hxxxx minimum)
3H/3S/4C	Splinter Raise
3N	not defined
Responses to 1H
1N	non-descriptive relay
1S/2C/2D	5 card suit, forcing
H raises	limit
2S/3C/3D	game force; suit of HHxxxx; not solid
2N	game forcing H raise (H \Hxxxx minimum)
3S/4C/4D	singleton or void in suit called with H support
3N	minimum balanced H raise
4H	unbalanced preemptive raise
Responses to 1S
1N	non-descriptive relay
2C/2D	5 card suit, forcing
2H	5 card suit, not forcing
S raises	limit
2N	game forcing S raise (S \Hxxxx minimum)
3C/3D	game force; suit of HHxxxx; not solid
3H	Invitational, good H suit (\HJ10xxx minimum strength)
4C/4D/4H	singleton in suit called with S support
3N	minimum balanced S raise
4S	unbalanced preemptive raise

	Rebid his suit (non-forcing)
	Bid a new suit (probably an advanced cue bid)

Example:
1S	2D
3S	4D	non-forcing
	4C	advanced cue bid
	4H	advanced cue bid
	3N	not encouraging
	4S	not encouraging

	2S is not encouraging
	3C/3D is natural (in the canapé sense) and forcing
	3H is encouraging
	3S is very encouraging, but denies 3Hs
	2N is a contract correcting call forcing a 3C rebid by responder
	3N is a strong hand with H Canapé

	A raise of responder's long suit to the 2 level shows 3 card support and is forcing to the 3-level in that suit.
	A jump raise (to the 3 - level) shows 5+ card support and is forcing.
	3N shows 5+ card support with 5 - 6 losers. This is usually a shapely strong hand.
	A jump raise (to the 4-level) shows 5 card support and a minimum.
	A new suit is normal Canapé and denies 3 card (or more) support.
	1D - 1S - 1N and 1D - 1H - 1N show a secondary C suit (i.e. a shorter C suit than the Ds)
	1H - 1S - 1N shows a 5 H332 or 6 bad H322 minimum hand (i.e. just what it sounds like). New suits by responder at the two level are not forcing.
	2N shows a one suited hand (semi-balanced) without 3 card support (15 - 16 HCP)

	Raises of long suit are invitational
	The cheapest call is a relay. If the cheapest call coincides with opener's first bid suit, the call is a relay not a preference.
	A preference at the 2 level shows 3 trumps and about 11 HCP.
	A preference at the 3 level is a limit bid. If a H or S preference, it shows a singleton in opener's long suit.
	New suits are natural and game forcing unless the call qualifies as a relay. The hand is typically 5332. Don't do this with a singleton.
	2N is a relay if opener's second bid is 2S; it is a natural limit bid if opener bid touching suits in a descending (higher ranking suit bid first) Canapé; it is a game force in the suit displaced by the relay otherwise.
	Jump shifts into a new suit show a solid suit (AKQ109x)

1S	1N
3D	4H shows very good hearts,non-force

1S	1N
2N	4C shows good clubs

	By bidding 1N in response to 1D/1H/1S and then making the cheapest call over opener's rebid.
	By making the cheapest response to 2H/2S (see Development after 2H and 2S
	By responding 2S or 2N to 2C (see Development after 2C).
	By responding 2H or 2N to 2D (see Development after 2D).
	By responding 3H or 3S to 3C (see Development after 3C).

	First relay - a 1N response to a 1D/1H/1S opening
	Second relay - the cheapest call even if opener's first bid suit.

	New suit by responder is a control and agreement. This situation shows why the relay hand should not have a singleton and a suit of its own; It's virtually impossible for the responder to catch up.
	3N is to play
	Game is not encouraging

	3N is to play
	3 new suit (not 3C) game force, natural
	3 opener's suit is a non-force
	3C is a relay which asks for a singleton; opener bids singleton if he has one (rebid of long suit shows C singleton)

Examples:
1D	(1S)	?
		2C is a force
		2H is a non-force (negative free bid)


1D	(3C)	?
		all new suits are forcing since a negative double is not available.

Examples:
1H	P	1N	2C
2D	P	normal auction, 2H = relay etc.

1H	P	1N	2D
3C	P	relays off, Opener has shown extra playing strength, but there is no pre-defined relay type sequence now available

	XX = penalty
	2N = limit raise
	Raises = preemptive
	Jump shifts = preemptive
	New suits = natural force (including 2H / 1S)
	1N = natural non-force with at most 3 card support for opened suit (8-11 HCP)

	New suit is game force;
	Double is for takeout (through 2S);
	Cue bid asks for stopper.

	3D shows a D stopper for No Trump
	3H shows a H stopper for No Trump and denies a D stopper
	3S shows a S stopper for No Trump and denies a D or H stopper

2C	2S
2N (=extras)	3D (shows D stopper)
3H	(shows H stopper, no S stopper)
3S	(shows S stopper, no H stopper)
3N	(shows H and S stoppers)

2C	2S
3C (=minimum)	3H (shows H stopper, denies D stopper)
3S	(shows D stopper, no S stopper)
3N	(shows D and S stoppers)

2C	2H
2N	3D	force
	3C	non-force
	3H	force
	3S	non-force

2C	2D
2H	3C	non-force (the principle of double fit does not apply because the H fit is not established)
	3D	force
	3H	non-force
	3S	force

	11 - 16 HCP 4441 or 5440 where the short suit is a minor
	12+ - 16 HCP 4441 where the short suit is a major

	step 1 = 3 controls
	step 2 = 4 controls
	step 3 = 5 controls
	step 4 = 6 controls
	step 5 = 7 controls
	step 6 = 8 controls

	step 1 = 0 queens
	step 2 = 1 queen
	step 3 = 2 queens
	step 4 = 3 queens

	3C is a sign off
	3D is natural, not forcing, opener can raise gently
	raise is invitational
	raise to game is to play
	4 other major is to play
	4D is natural force
	4C is forcing unbalanced C raise
	3N is forcing unbalanced raise of major opened

	2N shows a 6+ card S suit (forcing)
	2S is a relay
	3S is not defined

	If there are two bids to agree opener's suits below game, then the cheaper one is used to agree that suit and other bids agree the second suit.
	If there is one suit that can be bid below game naturally, then that bid agrees that suit and other calls agree the second suit.
	If there is no suit that can be bid below game naturally, then the lower outside suit agrees the major and the higher outside suit agrees Cs.
	If there is no suit that can be agreed naturally below game and there is only one call between the last bid and game in one of the suits (e.g. 4C was just bid and opener opened 2H), then that one bid is used to agree the major and the higher bid is used for Cs.

2S	P	2N	3D
?
	X 5-1-3-4 3S 6-x-x-4 P 5-2-2-4 or 5-3-1-4 3N 5-x-x-5 3H 5-3-1-4

2C	C + D	(sometimes C + H -- take 2D preference out to 2H)
2D	D + H
2H	H + C
2S	game try with both majors
Redouble	force.	Opener bids 2C. Responder passes or bids his suit
Pass	force.	Opener re-doubles -- Responder rebids: Pass they made error 2C C + S 2D D + S 2H H + S 3 level bids forcing
2N	"cue bid" `	strong hand unsuitable for No Trump play
3 level bids	preemptive

1N	P	2D	2S
P	P	? 3C natural game force 3D re-transfer to 3H 3H invitation 2N/3N natural Double natural 3S asks for stopper

	If responder re-doubles, advancer's suit bids are natural and not too encouraging.
	If responder bids a new suit, a new suit by advancer is natural and encouraging, doubler raises freely (i.e. doesn't show extra values) with 4 card support
	Over responder's new suit, a double is an exclusion bid of the newly bid suit. That is, it asks for a takeout into one of the unbid suits.
	The exception to this double being an exclusion bid occurs when the doubler is in pass-out seat, so that it is the opener who is bidding a new suit. In that case double is penalty oriented. Advancer's bid of a new suit is natural and encouraging just as in other systems.