System Summary Form (SSF), 2019 Open USBC

Bids that Require Advance Preparation

Negative free bids through 2 if 1 opening is overcalled or doubled Responses over 1-(P): some start at 0 HCP 1M shows 4+M, 0+ HCP (unlimited) or 3+M with 9-11 balanced; we may pass with 0-8 and no major or long minor, or if 0-5 with 3+. We won't pass with a 5-card major. Without interference, the 1M response is a one-round force by an unpassed hand. Two-way new minor over 1-1M-1 or 1N. 1-1N is a game forcing relay if direct seat passes; otherwise we play negative free bids and 3-level invitational+ transfers. 2 shows 5+, 0-11 HCP not forcing, natural rebids 2 shows 5+, 6-11 HCP 2M shows 6+M, 5-9 HCP 2N is 12-13 HCP balanced with no major 3-level suit bids are natural slam tries Over our Major openings: 2 is a game forcing relay by unpassed hand without interference; pass continues relay over later interference. 1-2 and 1-2 show the 3-card limit raise 1-2 shows 5+ with invitational values 1-2->2N: after which 3m is minor invite, 3 fit-showing with side suit Fit-showing jumps to 3m with 4 trump, 8-9 HCP 1M-3M shows 8-9 HCP with 4 trump also 3N opening: 8- to 8 1/2-tricks, solid or one-loser 8-card major, forces 4 vs 1N: Multi-Landy 1-P-2 = & , INV

General Bidding Style

Big Club (15+ HCP) with transfer responses; opener relays for shape without interference or bids naturally over 1 or higher by either opponent. Over 4th seat simple overcall of a positive (10+) response, opener's pass continues relay. Higher or further interference reverts to natural bidding. 1-1N shows 14+ HCP, any shape, and relays start with 2 (or pass over interference). We open any good 10 HCP in 1st and 2nd, even 4333, e.g., Axx Kxx K10xx xxx or Axxx Kxxx QJx xx, but not Axxx Kxxx Qxx Jx or KJxx QJxx QJ xxx. 1 10-14 HCP: 10-12 if balanced (10-13 in 3rd & 4th); may have no diamonds if 4=4=0=5. Includes 5+ with 4+M but no other 6-card suit and no 5M without 6. 13 to 15 1N in 1st and 2nd, 14-16 in 3rd and 4th; frequent 5-card major, occasional 6-card minor or 5-4 shape. Major openings 5+, 10-14 HCP; 13-14 with no side suit if 6+M. Unpassed hand 2 response is a game forcing relay, without interference only. Intermediate two bids in all suits, 10-14 HCP; next step response (without interference) is an invitational+ relay asking for a side suit, and 2N shows the relay suit (except 2-2N). Other responses are natural and inv+. Over interference, X (XX) asks shape. Either responder or opener may splinter raise, and 2m-4m is 1430. 2: 6+ with any side suit or none. 2N->3 2: 6+, no major, or 5+, 4+ 2M: 6+M, 10-12 if no side suit Preempts at the 3 level often good 6-card suits, otherwise normal range and trick expectation Direct-seat overcalls and advances are constructive unless partner has denied opening values, after which they may be a trick light 3rd seat openings of 1 through 2M can be a point light, 4th seat a point heavy, but not off-shape. Doubles generally takeout in competition, no special agreements Suction in direct seat over opponents' Big : X shows or majors 1 shows or blacks 1 shows or minors 1 shows or reds 1N shows and 2 shows and X majors, 1N minors over 1 response to Big Club Over Strong (14+) NT: X shows or 2 shows and 2 shows 2 shows 2 shows and

Opening Leads AND Leads in the Middle of the Hand

Defensive Signals