Double Club System

Auctions starting 1, 1; 1

The Kokish Relay

Opener's rebid of 1 is the Kokish Relay and is forcing, a key feature of the Double Club System. Opener's bids are either both natural, or opener has a balanced hand of 20+ hcp.

Responder's Strategy

Responder should normally complete the Kokish Relay by bidding 1. However, there are two situations where responder should not complete the Kokish Relay but should make a different bid instead:

• When responder has 4-card or better support for either clubs or hearts and the values for a single raise (6-9 hcp, or 9 losers), he should instead bid 2 or 2. The reason for this is that if responder did not show support immediately, and opener were to rebid 2 (showing that his club and heart bids were natural), if responder were now to pass or to bid 2 it would not show genuine support. The breaking of the Kokish Relay will not cause a problem when opener has the 20+ hcp balanced hand, since opener can rebid 2NT and both players then know that the side has enough points for game.
• When responder has a hand of 12+ hcp with a diamond suit, he should instead bid 2. This lets opener know the true nature of responder's hand, and the auction becomes forcing to at least 2NT, 3 or 3.

When responder has a stronger or weaker hand with 4-card or better support for either clubs or hearts he should complete the Kokish Relay and then show his support on the next round (if opener doesn't bid no trumps).

Other hand types that opener may have

Although opener will have either the 20-22 hcp balanced hand or a normal clubs-hearts two-suiter more than 95% of the time, responder should be aware that opener may occasionally have some other type of strong hand.

Opener may have an exceptionally strong balanced hand of 27-30 hcp, which he will show by rebidding 2NT after completion of the Kokish Relay.

Opener may have a game-invitational or better club-heart two-suiter, 6-5 or better, which he will show by rebidding 2 (forcing for one round).

Or opener may have a Game-Forcing three-suited hand with clubs, hearts and the third suit, which he will show by bidding the third suit next.

Continuations

1♠ ^[Alert]

Responder's normal action is to complete the Kokish Relay. This does not show or deny any particular holding or any particular strength.

1NT ^[Alert]

Responder does not want to play in 1NT, of course. He has avoided bidding 1 because he hopes opener can declare the final contract and he expects it to be in spades. He shows a weak hand with at least 5 spades and at least 2 clubs, wanting to play in 2 opposite a balanced 20-22 hcp, but prepared to play in 2 opposite a natural club hand with short spades. Opener should bid 2 or 2. If opener has a balanced 27-30 hcp, he rebids 2NT or 3, obviously forcing to game. Do not use this bid unless you are sure that your partner will understand it. Instead bid 1, which is certain to be safe.

2♣

A raise of clubs, showing 6-9 hcp (9 losers) and at least 3-card support. Opener may not have a club suit. If not, opener will be a balanced 20-22 hcp and can correct to 2NT (forcing).

2♦

Natural and strong, forcing to 2NT or three of a minor. Shows 12+ hcp and a 5-card or longer diamond suit (with a 3=3=4=3 shape responder should complete the Kokish Relay, even if strong). Note that this strong and forcing repeat of diamonds by responder follows the Double Club System's standard pattern.

2♥

A raise of hearts, showing 6-9 hcp (9 losers) and at least 4-card support. Opener may not have a heart suit. If not, opener will be a balanced 20-22 hcp and can correct to 2NT (forcing).

Author: Chris Burton
Gravesend Bridge Club