Double Club System

Auctions starting 1, 2/, 2

What has been shown?

Opener has shown an unbalanced hand with at least 5 spades and 4 hearts. Opener's strength is wide-ranging, from light to quite strong. Note: this is the only situation in which a light opener may bid a new suit at his second turn.

Responder has shown a hand with the bid minor as the (possibly joint) longest suit and 12+ hcp, although he may be a fraction weaker if having 3-card support for opener and 7 losers.

Strategy

Opener's bid is forcing but it may be any strength, from light to strong. If responder is minimum, not having the values for game opposite a light opener, he should make a minimum rebid in no trumps or one of the three suits already bid.

However, if responder is happy that game values are likely to be held, even opposite a light opener, he should bid the fourth suit, bid a game contract, or make a forcing jump bid.

Continuations by Responder

2

Weak preference for spades, prepared to play there if opener is light. Opener should bid on, with any natural bid, if he has full opening values. If opener bids on, spades should not yet be considered to be the chosen trump suit.

2NT

A natural and non-forcing limit bid, showing 12-13 hcp, or a poor 14 hcp. Opener should pass if light, but bid on, with any natural bid, if he has full opening values.

3/

Natural and non-forcing: Responder has a good 5-card suit or longer but minimal values. Responder prefers to play here if opener is light, even without much help from opener in the trump suit.

fourth suit (the unbid minor)

Fourth suit forcing (and possibly artificial). Responder has the values for game, even opposite a light opener, but does not yet know where to play. Or responder may have a good idea of where to play but may be too strong to bid it directly. Opener should make a bid that shows extra length in either of his suits, if possible, bid 3NT with Q x or better in the fourth suit, otherwise support responder's suit with 3 cards or better. With nothing more to say, opener must repeat the fourth suit (which cannot be natural, since he would bid 3NT with 5-4-4-0 shape). Responder can then choose the denomination, including 4NT as a possible final contract.

3

A natural and non-forcing limit bid, showing 7 losers and 4-card support for hearts. Opener should bid on, with any natural bid, if he has full opening values.

3

A natural and non-forcing limit bid, showing 7 losers and 3-card support for spades. Opener should bid on, with any natural bid, if he has full opening values.

3NT

A natural and non-forcing limit bid, showing 14-16 hcp. Opener should usually pass, but may bid on if he needs to (e.g. he may have a 5-card heart suit). With a good 17 hcp or more, he should look for a slam, perhaps by cue-bidding the fourth suit.

higher bids

Natural, and forcing if not a game or slam bid.

Author: Chris Burton
Gravesend Bridge Club