Siege

Index

2006-05-05T12:49:00.000+01:00

This is a site on my bridge bidding system, Siege.

Why use a short club with transfer responses?

1♣ opening - natural or balanced

1D opening - 4+cards, unbalanced, may have longer ♣

1♥/♠ openings - 5+cards, 2/1 GF

1♥/♠ openings - 5+cards, light 2/1 responses

1♥/♠ openings - 5+cards, 2♣ relay (under construction)

1NT - 10-13 1st seat NV, otherwise 14-16

2♣ opening - "Trebuchet", either a weak 2 in D or a strong hand

2D opening - "Mini-Multi", a weak hand with a 6 card major

2♥ and 2♠ openings - "Dutch", weak with a 5 card major and a 4-5 card minor

Openings in 3rd+4th seat

Coping with interference (transfers in competition)

Siege Recruits

Siege Relay

2006-05-05T12:39:00.000+01:00

At some point in the future, I will switch to at a structure that uses 1M:2C as a relay, allowing responder to ask for opener's exact shape if he desires (usually with a balanced hand) or revert back to dialogue bidding (with an unbalanced hand with a 5+card minor suit). 1S:2D would show 5+ hearts and be forcing for 1 round only. There are two ways to go regarding 1H:2D and 1S:2H - either they can be used to show a 3+card invitational raise, or they can both be used to show diamonds. The latter option would considerably simplify the relay structure.

Siege recruits

2006-03-27T19:33:00.000+01:00

Join the Siege revolution - we are taking over BBO ;)

Sorry if I have missed anyone - let me know.

MickyB (Mike Bell - me!)
Lanor Fow (Dan Cardnell)
Blofeld (Owen Cotton-Barratt)
Col3435 (David Collier)
Gerben42 (Gerben Dirksen)
Cherdano (Arend Bayer)
Hannie (Han Peters)
Ant590 (Antony Edwards)
Griffenmac (Jon Lillycrop)
Cheech (Chica Prevatt-Goldstein)
Sheepman (Rob Myers)

Dealing with interference

2006-01-26T10:05:00.000Z

In competition, we play a number of transfers -

1suit - (X) -?
Transfers starting with the redouble. The transfer to opener's suit shows an invitational+ raise, a direct raise shows a weak hand. Jumps are fit-showing - non-forcing over a 1C opener, forcing over other openings. 2NT shows a more offensive invitational+ raise.

After we open at the 1 level and the opponents overcall 1D or 1H -
After 1C (1D), X-> 1NT are transfers. 2D shows 5S4-5H, weak and 2M is a non-forcing fit-jump.
After 1C (1H), X-> 1NT are transfers, 2D is natural non-forcing, 2H is forcing with diamonds, and 2S is a NF fit-jump.

After 1D (1H), X-> 1NT are transfers, 2C shows 5S4-5C and is NF, 2D is weak (often 3 card support), 2H shows 6 spades either weak or GF, 2S is an invitational+raise, 2N is a fit-jump in spades, 3C is a fit-jump, 3D is a preemptive raise. When responder is a passed hand, 2H shows an inv+raise, 2S is a fit-jump (in theory, forcing) and 2N is a mixed raise.

After we open at the 1 level and the opponents make a 2 level (simple or jump) overcall -

A double is takeout (could be a balanced invite) unless both majors have been bid, in which case it is "values" - typically 3-4 cards in the overcalled suit and 1-2 in partner's.
2 level bids are non-forcing, 2NT+ are mainly transfers
3S asks for a stop, unless partner opened 1S, in which case 3H asks for a stop. After 1Y (2X) put overcaller on lead if possible, so 3H/S may sometimes have a (half-)stop and opener should bid 3N on half a stop.
There is always one specific suit that can be reached by either a transfer or a direct bid. After we have opened 1C or 1NT, or the auction is 1D (2S), that suit is the one below the overcall; Otherwise, that suit is opener's. Over 1C, the direct bid is invitational and the transfer weak or strong; Otherwise the transfer is invitational+ and the direct bid NF.
If there is no NF bid available, the transfers are constructive+; If there is a 2 level NF bid available then 1-under transfers are inv+ after a 1NT opening and GF otherwise (then completing is just a waiting bid) and 2-under transfers are strongly invitational+ (completing the transfer = GF with at least 2 card support, step 1 = any minimum or a hand wanting to start with a range enquiry. If responder rebids the transfer suit that is showing the invitational handtype, if opener now bids a suit at the 3 level it is natural, shapely, NF)
When responder is a passed hand, we revert to standard methods (fit-showing jumps, cue promises support, double for takeout, 2NT shows a stronger raise than 3X - mixed raise over a simple overcall, limit raise over a jump overcall) except over a 1NT opening.

After we open a suit at the 1 level and the opponents overcall 1S, 3 of a suit or 4C - "Switch" - The other two suits are inverted unless the overcall is in a red suit and there is precisely one unbid major - i.e. 1m (3H) and 1M (3D). So, for example -

1C (1S) ?

X = 4H, occasionally 5
1NT = natural NF
2C = natural NF
2D = 5+ Hearts, 8+
2H = 5+ Diamonds, 11+
2S = Clubs, 11+
2N = Balanced, GF

Again, these only apply when responder is an unpassed hand.

After a transfer is doubled -

Pass, redouble and completing the transfer are all suggestions to play (redouble sets up a GF), others as without the double.

Bidding in competition having opened 1C - when partner and RHO have both bid, and diamonds are an unbid suit - A double is showing values and at least two cards in the opponents suit (typically the strong balanced hand). A diamond bid is a good/bad raise - so after 1C (P) 1H (2H), 2S = min raise, 3D = intermediate raise or GF raise, 3S = strong (but not GF) raise.

A balanced minimum without support should pass if possible. Double shows exactly three card support only on the auction 1C (P) 1D (1S), X.

3rd+4th seat openings

2006-01-26T04:31:00.000Z

Opposite a passed hand, we open reasonable quality 4 card majors when 11-13 balanced, or when 11-13 unbalanced with a longer minor. We can also open a good 4 card diamond suit, intending to rebid 1S over 1H or to raise partner's major.

After a 3rd vul or 4th seat opening -
1M:2C is Drury
1M:2D is 5D4oM NF
1S:2H is 5H3S NF

After a 3rd NV opening -
1M:2C is natural, unbal, 11-12 points
1M:2D is Drury
1S:2H is 5H3S NF as above

In competition, 1M (overcall) - ?
1NT and 2C are natural
2D is a good raise
2H, after a 1S opening, is 5H3S NF

2D, 2H and 2S openings are all natural in 3rd+4th seats - 0-13 points, 5+cards in 3rd; 9-13, 6+cards in 4th.

After 1M:2C Drury -

2D = genuine opening bid, but not worth a GF. If partner now bids 2M, a new suit is a slam-try
2M (and 1S:2C, 2H) = sub-minimum opening, NF
2N = GF, natural
New suit above 2M = natural slam-try
Jump into a new suit = splinter

After 1M:2D Drury -

2M = suggestion to play
2H when spades agreed = genuine opening but not GF values
2N = natural GF
New suit above 2M = natural game-try+

2H and 2S openings

2006-01-26T04:29:00.000Z

Precisely 5 cards in the major and 4-5 cards in a minor, below opening strength

These are basically 5 card weak twos with an escape suit.

Responses:

2S over 2H = natural, NF. Opener is to pass with 0-1 spades and raise with 3.
2NT = strong enquiry
3C = pass or correct
3D over 2S = hearts, weak or strong
3D over 2H, 3H over 2S = invitational raise in major
3M = preemptive
3S = natural, forcing
4C, 4D = fit-jumps
4N = bid your minor
5C/D = to play

After a 2NT enquiry:

3C = min with clubs
3D = min with diamonds
3H = max with clubs
3S = max with 4 diamonds
3N = max with 5 diamonds

Mini-Multi 2D

2006-01-26T04:26:00.000Z

6 cards in a major suit, below opening strength

Pass - either weak or long diamonds
Major suit responses upto 4H are pass or correct. We randomise our choice eg 3-3 majors may easily choose to bid 2S or 3H.
2NT strong enquiry
3C shows both minors, GF. Now 3D sets diamonds, others set clubs
3D shows a hand of invitational strength that is insisting in playing in its own major. Now 3H = min with S, 3S = min with H, 3N = "bid your own major".
4C asks partner to transfer to (bid the suit below) his major. Could be a hand with long hearts intending to pass opener's 4H bid. Sets up a forcing pass.
4D asks partner to bid his major. Sets up a forcing pass.
4H is pass-or-correct. Does not set up a forcing pass.
4S is to play

After a double by RHO -

Pass = mild suggestion to play
XX = Asks opener to bid the major he hasn't got
Major bids = Pass or correct

After a direct seat major suit overcall upto 4H, a double is "Pass or Correct". After a major suit overcall by 4th seat, double is pass or correct upto 4S if it is in the suit "bid" by responder, penalties in the suit not bid by responder, i.e. 2D-(P)-2H-(3H), P-(P)-X is pass or correct, 2D-(P)-2H-(2S), P-(P)-X is penalties.

Trebuchet 2C

2006-01-26T04:23:00.000Z

Any GF, 22-24 bal, or a weak 2 in diamonds (6 cards 1st vul/2nd, may be 5/4 or 5/5 minors 1st NV)

Responses -

2D Waiting, to play opposite weak 2D
2H enquiry, looking for game opposite weak 2D
2S natural NF. Any weak hand with 3 spades raises, with 0-1 spades passes.
2NT Hearts, forcing
3C Semi-positive or better in diamonds (now 5D = weak two, others = strong)
3D = preemptive, guessing that partner has the weak two.
3H = mildly invitational opposite a weak two
3S = strongly invitational opposite a weak two

We used to play that 2D was a semi-positive and 2M to play, either natural positive or artificial double-negative. This was fine until we felt the need to investigate a 4M contract opposite a weak two!

Over a 2H enquiry -
2S = any min, or a max without shortage (will bid on). Now 2N/3D = NF, others GF
2N = Any strong hand, forcing to slam; now 3C = waiting, others = nat
3C = max, naturalish (after a 1st NV opening, this is likely to bid iff opener has only 5 diamonds)
3D = max, club shortage
3H = max, spade shortage
3S = max, heart shortage (now 4S = to play)
3N = max, balancedish, keen to declare (now 4S = to play)

Over 2S -
2N = max, two spades - now 3D NF asking for 2 top honours in D, 3C/H nat game-try
3C = min, three spades - now 3D/3H game-tries

Over 2N -
3C/D/H nat NF (3C may be on a good 3 card fragment, 3H may be on a doubleton)
3S = max, typically 2 hearts
3N = max, typically 0-1 hearts

Over 3C -
3D = GF hand, waiting
4D = GF hand, sets diamonds
others = nat

If 2C is doubled, pass is a suggestion to play; Opener is typically expected to correct with 5D2C or 6D3C 1st NV; 6D2C is borderline in other positions.

After an overcall, assume opener has the weak option - double is pens, new suits are constructive, NF. Doubling a diamond bid is lead-directing.

Over 2C:2D, standard stuff when opener is strong; 2H Kokish includes 22-24 balanced.

10-13 NT 1st seat NV

2006-01-25T23:23:00.000Z

The rest of the system file assumes a 14-16 1NT opening, but 1st seat NV, we use a 10-13 NT. 1C is now 13+with clubs or 14-19 balanced (could have a 5 card major), with the balanced hand rebids showing (13)14-16 and 17-19. 11-12 point hands with clubs are now passed in order to have 1C show the strength of the (much more frequent) 14-15 point hands immediately. Other than using 2C as natural and 2D as Drury after a 3rd seat NV opening, and an adjustment of a couple of points in some of the ranges, this requires no other changes to the system.

Some like to use a 10-13 NT 2nd NV as well; I prefer not to, because in 2nd seat -

It is more likely to be our hand, so there is less reason to preempt, and a 14-16 NT is comparatively more frequent.
If they have a game on, 3rd seat will usually be able to start with a double. Some of the mini NT's best results come when neither opponent can act with 12-14 points.
The passed hand can act aggressively to fight for the part-score without giving a false impression of his values.

We use a system of 4 suit transfers designed to enable a GF responder with a small singleton to describe his pattern to opener. Opener's holding in responder's short suit is often the key to the best spot - KQJ and you probably belong in 3NT, xxx or Axx and you probably belong in a 4-3 major fit or a minor suit game or slam. If responder is balanced with a small doubleton, we just look for a 4-4 major fit then bid 3NT if one is not found - if opener cannot stop our doubleton suit then it is unlikely that we are making 5m off two cashing tricks, so instead we will play in 3NT and challenge the opponents to find the lead to take it off.

Siege Light

2006-01-25T23:14:00.000Z

1H/S = 5+cards, rule of 19

"Siege Light" is so called because it features light 2/1 responses and light major suit openings. It is particularly suitable for those who are more comfortable with Acol than 2/1 GF.

Responses -
1N 6-9, denies 3 card support. 2N rebid by responder = good raise
2X 10+, forcing to 2 of opener's major

After a 2/1 response -

A 2N rebid by opener = GF single suiter
Raising responder's suit = NF
The step above 3 of responder's suit = GF raise
3M = splinter in the suit "lost" to the GF raise - e.g. 1H:2C, 3H = diamond splinter
3N = 17-19.

Follow-ups usually natural at 3 level, cues at 4 level. After 1S:2X, 2N, responder's bids are natural (3S from either side sets spades as trumps) and 4th suit forcing applies. 1S:2C, 2N:3D, 4C:4S is to play, not a cue (responder may be 2245 unsure of best game). After a 3N rebid - 4C asks for suitability for slam in responder's suit (4D = unsuitable, others = cues); 4 of responder's suit = two-suiter, clubs+first bid suit, forcing; 4S to play, 4N quant.

There is some merit in using 2/1 GF in response to 1H and light 2/1s in response to 1S. This is because 2/1 makes the 1S:1NT sequence very unwieldy - 1H:1NT, 2m:2S is free to be a good raise which allows weaker hands to raise directly to 3m, whereas after 1S:1NT there is only one way to raise opener's minor.

Siege 2/1

2006-01-25T23:06:00.000Z

1H/S = 5+ cards, Rule of 20

Responses to 1H -

1S = natural (won't have 3 hearts unless invitational+ or very weak)
1N = 5-11, non-forcing
2m = Game forcing
2H = 7-10 approx
2S = Invitational+ raise, usually balanced, asks for shortage
2N = Invitational+raise, usually unbalanced, asks for values
3m = 6+cards, invitational
3H = 3-8 approx, 4 card support
3S = any splinter, 3NT now asks
3N = void splinter in spades
4C/D = void splinter

Responses to 1S -
1N = 5-11, non-forcing
2C = GF except rebid
2D/H = Game forcing
2S = 7-10 approx
2N = Invitational+ raise, usually balanced, asks for shortage
3C = Invitational+raise, usually unbalanced, asks for values
3D/H = 6+cards, invitational
3S = 3-8 approx, 4 card support
3N = any splinter, now 4C asks
4C/D/H = void splinter

After 1H:1S:

1NT shows any 15+ (except for 5-5 GF hands)
2C natural, min (can be 2533)
2D 4+cards, min
2H 6+cards, min
2S 3+cards, min
3C 5+cards, GF
3D 5+cards, GF
3H 6H3S, GF
3S 4+cards, invitational

After 1H:1S, 1N -

2C shows 0-1 H, either weak or GF
2D shows 2+H, either weak or GF; or invitational with 6S2H
2H shows 2H, invitational (7-8 points approx).
2S shows 6S, 0-1H, invitational
2N shows 4-5S, 0-1H, no 6 card minor, invitational
3m shows a 6+ card suit, invitational

After responder's 2C rebid, opener assumes responder is weak and, unless GF values, bids accordingly:

2S with 3
2D with 4
3C with 5
2H with 6
2S with 2 (2524, 2533)
2D with 3 (1534)

Responder must now pass with the weak variant, except for after 1H:1S, 1N:2C, 2D, when a misfitting responder can bid 2H instead. Opener may look for a better part-score if he sees fit.

With GF values over a 2C response, opener bids

3D with 4
3S with 4
3H showing 6, looking for a singleton honour in partner's hand
2N Balanced or 4 clubs

After 1H:1S, 1N:2D, opener bids 2H without 3 spades, 2S with 3 spades, or higher to GF.

After 1H:1NT, 2m (3+cards), 2NT is invitational without support, 2S is invitational with 4+card support for opener's minor.

After 1H:2m, reverse's show extras, 3m does not. Jumps to game by responder are picture showing (1H:2C, 2H:4H = 2325 with an extra card somewhere, no ace or king in the outside suits)

After 1H:2S -

2N = Spade shortage
3C = Club shortage
3D = Diamond shortage
3H = no shortage, minimum
3S = no shortage, GF. Now step responses showing 9-11, 12-13, 14-15, 16-17
3N = 5-6 in majors
4m = natural, at least 5-5

After 1H:2N -

3C = Either values in clubs or any hand that does not wish to make a game-try. Now 3D asks which opener has (3H = minimum, higher = club game-try)
3D = Values in diamonds
3H = values in spades, non-forcing
3S = values in spades, GF. Now 3NT = Friv
3N = 5-6 in majors
4m = natural, at least 5-5

1D Opening

2006-01-25T22:56:00.000Z

Unbalanced, 4+diamonds, may have longer clubs

Responses:

1M natural
1N 4+clubs NF
2C 4+clubs F1
2D normal, 3-4 diamonds
2M 3-7, 6 cards
2N Diamond raise, either very weak or GF
3C Invitational diamond raise
3D single raise, 4-5 diamonds
3M/4C splinters

After 1D:1H -

1S = natural unbalanced
1N = 5+clubs, 4+diamonds, clubs of equal or greater length than diamonds
2C = 4+clubs, longer diamonds
2D = 6+diamonds, minimum
2H = 3+hearts, minimum
2S = Natural GF
2N = 6+diamonds, denies 3 hearts unless GF values
3C = 4+clubs, longer diamonds, GF
3D = 6+diamonds, precisely 3 hearts, NF (15-18)

After 1D:1S -

1N = Both minors, either way around
2C = 4+hearts, longer diamonds
2D = 6+diamonds, minimum
2H = 5 hearts, 6 diamonds, (sub)minimum
2S = 3+spades, minimum
2N = 6+diamonds, denies 3 spades unless GF values
3D = 6+diamonds, precisely 3 spades, NF (15-18)

1D:1S, 3D - 3H xfer to spades, 3S values in hearts
1D:1H, 3D - 3H NF, 3S values in spades, 3N values in clubs (maybe spades also), 4C sets hearts, 4D sets diamonds

1C opening

2006-01-25T22:46:00.000Z

Good 11-13 balanced; 17-19 balanced; or natural unbalanced without 4 diamonds

Responses -

* 1D = 4+H, diamonds may be longer if not strong enough to invite opposite a weak NT
* 1H = 4+S, as above
* 1S = 5+diamonds
* 1N = 5-11; no game opposite weak NT
* 2C = Natural (can be 5m4M GF), INV+ opposite weak NT
* 2X = 3-7, 6 card suit
* 2N = 6C, wants to play 3C opposite 17-19 bal
* 3C = 6C, to play opposite 13 bal, wants 3NT opposite 17 bal

After 1C:1D

* 1H = minimum, either 2-3 H balanced or 3 H unbalanced
* 1S = natural, unbalanced
* 1N = 17-19
* 2C = Natural, denies 3 H
* 2D = Good/bad raise
* 2H = 11-14 unbal with 4H or 13-15 unbal with 3H
* 2N = C single suiter, extras, denies 3 card support unless GF
* 3C = C single suiter, 3 H; Natural follow-ups, except 3H and 3D are inverted

1C:1H is similar, with 1S initially showing the weak NT without 4 card support. 2H is used as the good/bad raise, so 2D = H reverse. After opener's 3C rebid, 3H and 3S are inverted.

Raises over 1C:1R -
2R = Good/bad raise - either 11-13, good 18-19 bal, or unbal not suitable for a direct splinter. 4 card support unless 6C3M GF
2M = Unbalanced; 11-14 with 4 card support or 13-15 with 3 card support
Splinters below 3M = singleton, invitational+
Splinters above 3M = void
3M = 17-18 bal

After 1C:1R, 2R
Now:
2M = to play opposite weak NT
2M+1 = relay, GF opposite strong option
Others = short-suit trials opposite weak NT
3M = blocking opposite weak NT, GF opposite strong option

Over 2M:
2N = 15+, 5422/5431 with stiff honour
3C = 6C, 3-4M (GF if only 3)
3M = Good 18-19 bal
With H agreed: 2S = minimum with a void, now 2N asks: 3C = D, 3D = H; 3D = 1435 inv; 3S = 1435 GF
Over 2S, 3D/H = minimum with a void

Over 2M+1:
Step 1 = Weak NT, now nat game-tries
Step 2 = 6C3M
3M = Balancedish
3M-1 = a void, now step 1 asks; now step 1 = D void, higher = void in oM
3N = Balanced
4C = 6C4M
3S over 2S = 1435

1C:1D, 1H:?

* P = usually 5H332, weak.
* 1S = asks pard to bid 1N if bal, 2C if unbal (now 2D = range+shape enquiry)
* 1N = 4S4H, NF, choice of part-score
* 2m = 5H4+minor, NF, choice of part-score
* 2H = 6 cards, to play

1C:1H, 2D

2D = heart reverse, 2H = lebensohl (now 2S/N/3C = nat NF, higher = GF - 3D ART, 3H 5-6 shape, 3S three card support)

Transfer Checkback

This applies after 1C:1R, 1N; and, by an unpassed hand only, after 1C:1H, 1S and 1C:1D, 1H:1S, 1N.

2C = weak with diamonds or many invites. now bids invitational (3new = 5-5). Break the puppet to 2M with a min with 3 card support, except for 3S4H after a 1H response. After a 1D response - 3H = 4-4 GF, 3N = 4-5 GF.
2D, 2H transfers. Transfer to own suit = as above, except 2D:2H, 2S = Inv 4-5. Transfer to other major as before (1C:1D, 1N:2H = NF, 1C:1H, 1N:2D looking for preference. Be aware that opener may occasionally be 2-2 in majors for a preference to 2S).
2S = Clubs (6+ unless GF), or inv with diamonds. 2N = like, 3C = don't like//3D = inv with 6D, 3H = D fragment, 3M = oM fragment
2N = Baron style
3C = Diamond splinter - 4414 or 4405
3D = Club splinter - 4441/(43)51
3M = Splinter in oM - (41)44 or (40)(45)

1C:1S sequences

NB 1S will have at least 2 clubs unless 8+points (3=3=5=2 shape)
1N = 11-13 bal or 11-14 (42)25 or (43)15. After a 1st NV opening, this is 14-16, or 13 if unbal.
2C = 11-15, 5+clubs unbalanced
2D = 11-14, usually unbalanced if only 3 diamonds
2H = 17-19 balanced
2S = (43)15, 16+
2N = 6+clubs, 15+. Denies 3D unless GF strength. May have 4H/S (intends to rebid them/raise partner's major bid).
3C = 6C3D, 15-17
3D = 15-17, unbalanced with 3 diamonds, shortage in a major
3M = Splinter, GF

After 1C:1S, 2H - responder usually relays with 2S, now 2N = min with poor diamonds (Jxx = poor), 3C = max with poor diamonds, 3D = min with good diamond fit, 3M/N = max, good diamond fit, natural. The alternatives to relaying - ???
After 1C:1S, 2S - 2N = Leb (now 3D = 6D 8-11 (GF), 3M = 3352 strength in suit bid). others = natural, forcing, decent hand. 3N to play.

1C:1N sequences

Pass = 11-13. Unbal 11-13 can pass or bid 2C.
2C = 11-16 5+clubs. Now pass/raise on min or bid 2D/H/S/N natural game-try with extras. 3X = splinter (5+clubs), 3N = upgrade
2D = 17-19 bal, now 2N = nat suggestion to play, 3C = nat inv, 2H/2S = nat 3 cards GF, 3D = nat 5-5 GF, 3H/S = spl, 3N to play
2M = 5+C4M, now step 1 = leb
2N = 15+, 6+clubs, if GF then no shortage
3C = Preemptive
3X = splinter

1C:2C sequences

2D = minimum balanced (14-16 1st NV)
2H = Balanced, either unsure over who should declare or wishes not to. Now stop showing bids. 2NT now from either side is NF, otherwise GF
2S = Clubs, inv+. Pard bids 2N suitable or 3C unsuitable, then 3C = natural invitational with a weak suit (denies KQ or A), 3D = natural 5-5 or 4-6, 3H = 1-3 majors, 3S = 3-1 majors, 3N = to play
2N = Forces 3C. Now 3D = (23)44 slam-try; 3H = 2245 slam-try (now 3N = disc); 3S = 2425, initially CoG; 3N = 4225 CoG; 4C = 4225 slam-try (now 4D sets spades, others = cues for clubs)
3C = diamond splinter, 3-4 cards in each major
3D = 6C4M GF - forces 3H - now 3S = H, 3N+ = S.
3H = 4H, 0-1S, 5+C
3S = 4S, 0-1H, 5+C
3N = to play

2M = nat unbal, could be 3 cards
Now 3C = inv, others = GF, 3M promises 4 card support

2N = 17-19 bal
All bids natural and forcing. Responder's 3rd bid, when looking for slam, will often be shape-showing, even at the 4 level.

3C = 6+cards; NF 1st NV, GF otherwise
3new = splinter
3NT = 15-17 (223)6/2227
4C = sets trumps

After 1C:1S, 1N -
2C puppets 2D then next bid INV
2D/H/S/3C all natural and GF
2N = Pick a minor
3D = C splinter
3H = 3H, 0-1S
3S = 3S, 0-1H

Why use a short club with transfer responses?

2006-01-25T22:13:00.000Z

I like to show whether a hand is balanced or unbalanced at the first opportunity – it clearly benefits the bidding of the latter and simplifies auctions for the former, so I won't bid two suits on a balanced hand (unless raising partner). To try to avoid missing a 4-4 major fit, a minimum responder shows a 4 card major even with 4 or more diamonds. Using this style, you miss the 4-4 spade fit when responder has both majors, and the 1H and 1S responses are much more frequent than 1D – a waste of bidding space. Much better is to have the cheapest responses, 1D and 1H, assigned to hearts and spades, with 1S showing 5+diamonds and denying a 4 card major unless invitational or better opposite a weak NT. "Completing the transfer" to a major suit is used to show a minimum hand, either unbalanced with 3 card support or balanced with 2-3 card support, while a 1NT rebid shows a strong balanced hand.

This is a fairly simple modification to a normal 5 card major structure, whatever the 1NT opening range - the only change necessary is to always open 1C with the strong balanced type. However, as usual, I prefer to make things more complicated...

I believe that showing which of your minors is longer on a balanced hand isn't terribly useful - on a lot of hands, it will help the opponent's defence more than it will our bidding. I prefer to put all of the balanced hands into the 1C opening, which frees up a 1NT rebid after opening 1D - Siege puts it to good use having opened 1D on unbalanced hands with 4 diamonds and longer clubs. Removing these hands from the 1C opening helps greatly, both in contested and uncontested auctions -

Opener can show the general nature (balanced or unbalanced) of his hand at his second call, without giving up on 4-4 spade fits. Most structures require you to choose which of these objectives to fulfil (i.e. whether to rebid 1S or 1NT after 1C:1H when holding a balanced hand with 4 spades)
When opener has 11-13 balanced and responder has a two-suiter with 5 hearts, responder can offer opener a choice of part-scores without giving up on Checkback.
17-19 balanced can be shown at the 1 level. This allows responder to bid on few values and leaves more room for investigation.
Opener can always show a minor two-suiter without distorting the relative lengths of his suits. Similarly, he can show a two-suiter with primary diamonds and secondary hearts.
The 1S response to 1C can preempt the opponents out of the majors, and showing the 5th diamond immediately can be useful in competition
There are many sequences where, having opened 1C, a diamond rebid cannot be natural. The most obvious is 1C:1R, 2D. We use 1C:1H, 2D as a reverse into hearts and 1C:1R, 2R as a good-or-bad raise. Similarly, 1C-P-1D-2S; X cannot be pure takeout as opener cannot have the standard shapes for a takeout double (1=3=4=5, 2=2=4=5, 1=2=4=6) so is used to show "values" (typically the 17-19 balanced hand, which would otherwise be difficult to show)