The method I developed here is based on the 1♣ opening  for balanced hands (11) 12-14 HCP or 18- 20 - HCP and the 1♦ opening for unbalanced hands with  diamonds .

Openings GF 2♣ and MULTI 2 ♦ complement this system.

Openings  2 Major FANTUNES are not mandatory, you can choose opening 2M in Polish style  (two-suiter 5M- 5m 6-10 HCP).

But openings of 2 Major FANTUNES (10-13 HCP unbalanced ) fit perfectly into the system.

Indeed after opening 1 in a major, conventions 2♣ SAUVET and 2♣ GAZZILLI  are then more effective.

Let me explain :

After 1M    2♣ SAUVET, the opener's rebid of 2M shows a hand of 12-13 DH and only 5 cards without singleton. Indeed, the hand was not opened a  2M FANTUNES so it is balanced except 5+♥-4 ♠. The responder can therefore judge in peace in the value of the hand.

After  1M        1x  the opener's rebid of 2♣ GAZZILLI (not necessarily with ♣) shows a hand of at least 14 HCP since the hand was not opened a 2M FANTUNES. This is an opening of the second zone at least, and it is not too troublesome to make it forcing.

 

For supporters of aggressive major openings to the  2 level, know that the openings 2M FANTUNES are more common than openings Polish 2M. Indeed, Polish 2M are normally restricted to 5-5 6-10 HCP while FANTUNES 2M are with 5M-4 + minor but also with 6 or 7 cards in the major.

Of course you can open the polish 2M very weak  or with only a 5-4 or even 5-4-2-2, but this comes at the expense of efficiency. Also in 2nd and 3rd position opponents open before you do especially since  you are weak.

Whereas with a  2M FANTUNES (in 1st and 2nd position) the rule is strict: you have 10-13 HCP and a singleton or 6+ cards. The pressure is very strong on the opponents because STATISTICALLY  opener's side prevails in points.

A 2M FANTUNES is opened about 2 times every 15 deals , ie approximately 2 times per session of 30 deals since the opponents will open 15 more deals.

 

Some basic sequences:

1x           1y

3x = 2 ACOL, 7 Cards ~ 4 losers.

 

2♦        2M

3m = single-suited, 6 cards 20-22 HCP or 7 cards 8-20 cards HCP.

 

1m         1x

3NT = 7 cards(AKQxxxx)  + additional stoppers

 

2♦        2M

3NT = 6+ cards(AKQxxx) + additional stoppers

 

1M         1x

3NT = 6 cards(AKQxxx)  + additional stoppers.

 

1M       1x

2NT = 6 very solid cards(one-suiter or two-suiter); if the hand is balanced suit is not AKQxxx.

 

1x         1M

1z          ?            A two-suiter bid at the 3 level shows  10+ cards.

                          (without possible major fit in M).

 

The different openings  :

1NT = 15-17 HCP, 5M-3-3-2 possible with exactly 15 HCP (to prefer with 5♥ but to avoid with 5 ♠).

1♣ = 2+clubs.

         Either any balanced  hand (11)12-14 HCP (even 5♦-3-3-2, 5♦-4♥-2-2 )  or 18-20- HCP (without 5♦) .                    ≈ 70%

         We also opens the balanced hand of 11 HCP 4-4 major and also non vul provided they have 4♠ or 3♠-3♥.                        

         (we play  the rule of 14 which reduces frequency of opposing interferences).                                

         Or 5+♣ unbalanced (except 4-4-4-1♦ ) 10-23 HCP (10 HCP with a solid suit).                                                         ≈ 30%

          (In the 20-23 HCP range hand is two-suiter )  

                                                                                              

1♦      = 5 ♦ unbalanced 10-23 HCP. 2 exceptions: 4-4-4-1, 5♦-3-3-2 (17+-19).

                   (In the 20-23 HCP range hand is two-suiter)

1M    = 5+ cards, 11-23 HCP, at least 14 HCP if one-suiter or major-minor two-suiter  .

                  Do not be afraid to open the hands of 11 HCP 5-3-3-2, the 2♣ SAUVET is expected to bid these hands.

2 ♣ = GF.

2 ♦ multi = weak 6M.

                     20+-22 - HCP balanced  (5th major possible)                          → 2NT 

         minor one-suiter, sixth 20-22 HCP or seventh 18-20 HCP       → 3 m

        4-4-4-1M 21-23 HCP small singleton in a major                      → 3 in the 4th major  

                    minor one-suiter(AKQxxx) with stoppers                                 → 3NT

 

2M FANTUNES = 10-13 HCP, unbalanced (5 cards and a shortage or 6+ cards). Denies the other major. At least 6 losers.

2NT = 22+-24- HCP, contains 5M-3-3-2 and even 5M-4m-2-2 with guarded doubleton


 


 

 

ADVANTAGES opening 1 ♣

We open some of the balanced hand of 11 HCP (that is about 10 % additional minor openings)!

 

If the responder transfers for a major, opener raises at the 2 level with 12-13 DH, raise at the 1 level with 3 cards supports or 4 cards support 14-18 DH or he naturally bids 1NT with 12-14 HCP.

Responder without major can bid directly 1NT with 10+-11 HCP and 2NT with 12-(13 -) HCP but he can bid 1♠, too weak or too strong or to make partner play xNT.

On 1♣, transfer gives the opener an additional very useful bid : raise at the 1 level. With that supplementary bid at such a low level you'll have time to prospect more precisely than in STANDARD. (stop at the 2 level when standard plays 3...)

Transfer can be made with very weak hands, even facing 18-20 HCP you can play 1 in the transferred major.

We very often play from the opener's hand which face a balanced hand is a statistical advantage. Opener often plays the contract and his hand has not been revealed in minors.

It also allows you to find all weak 5-3 major fits even facing an unbalanced opening.

And the rapid announcement of the weak one-suiter (0-8 HCP) by transferring at the 2 level is an advantage in case of enemy action. Transfer at the 2 level of GF hands (12+ HCP) with 6+ cards allows for faster and accurate developments than STANDARD with inference that the transfer at the 1 level denies a sixth suit game forcing.

 

 

1♣ = 2+clubs.

   Either any balanced  hand (11)12-14 HCP   or 18-20- HCP (without 5♦) .                            ≈ 70%

           (with 5♦-4 ♥-2-2 or 5♦-4 ♣-2-2 you may open  ♣ or 1NT.

 

         Or 5+♣ unbalanced (except 4-4-4-1♦ ) 10-23 HCP (10 HCP with a solid suit).                    ≈ 30%

         (In the 20-23 HCP range, hand is two-suiter)

 

 

The developments are very similar to those made after an overcall on 1♣ opening.

 

1♦     = 4-5 hearts (may be very weak). (6 hearts if invitational or with 4 spades).

1♥     = 4-5 spades (may be very weak). (6 spades if invitational or with 4 hearts ).

1♠     = No major. (XnT, 2♣, 2♠, 3x not possible).

If unbalanced, promises 4+ diamonds and is limited to 11 HCP. It replaces STANDARD bid of 1♦ . It puts a strain on opponent's side : no take out double for major and they have to go to 2 level to bid a major.

1NT  = 10 + -11 HCP , interest(s) receiving the lead otherwise 1♠.

             Superior to STANDARD. The auction allows to stop at the 1 level if the opener is limited to

             12 HCP. It used to declare the game with 10 + HCP opposite 14 HCP.

2NT  = 12 (13-) HCP , interest(s) in receiving the lead otherwise 1♠.

3NT  = 13-15 HCP (13+), interest(s) in receiving the lead otherwise 1♠.

Bids at 2 level are TRANSFER, weak or Game Forcing

2♣     = TRANSFER, 6+ diamonds : weak (0-8 HCP) or GF (12+ HCP with minor 5-4+ possible).

             on rectification :   3 ♦ = ♣ shortage, 3M =  M shortage

2♦, 2♥  = TRANSFER, 6+ cards: weak (0-8 HCP) or GF (12+ HCP, single-suiter or two-suiter).

                 → Rectification = limited hand. → 2NT = 18-20 HCP or strong support   → 3♣ = misfit, limited hand.

                 → Jump rectif = not minimum, 3 or 4 cards support     → Others = strong hand, forcing.

 2♠      = TRANSFER, 6+ clubs : weak (0-8 HCP) or GF (12+ HCP with minor 5-4+ possible) or 6-3-2-2.

               → 2NT = 18-20 HCP → 3♣ = Regular 12-14 HCP → others = unbalanced, not mini (very rare)

 

Bids at 3 level are reserved for ♣ one-suiter.

3♣   = 6+♣ one-suiter 9-11 HCP (classic bid but the color is at least sixth).

3x    = 6+ ♣, one-suiter GF. SPLINTER.

 

4♣, 4♦   = South African TRANSFER , 7+ cards ♥ , ♠.

 

1x = 4 + M (may be very weak) . As the auction can be very weak there is great interest in playing TRANSFER responses to temper opener's enthusiasm.

 

 

 

 

2M   = (11) 12-13 DH .

1M   = 4 cards support 14-18 DH or 3 cards support up to 20 DH.

            With 3 cards support 18-20 HCP you can bid directly 2NT ( 4-3-3-3 well oriented for NT)

3M   = 4 cards support, zone 3 ( 19-20 DH ).

               The hand may be balanced. With a 4M-3-3-3 of 18 HCP simply bid 1M.

3♦,3M,4♣ = SPLINTER. 4♣ shows a 6-4 or 6-5. The other one 5-4 or 4-4-4-1 zone 4.

                     3♦ is the only SPLINTER that can come from a 4-4-4-1. We will use the SPLINTER 4♦ for concentrated 5-4.

4M   = 5♣-4m-2-2. 19-20 HCP.

2♦     = Minors two-suiter 15-23 HCP or  one-suiter  15-19 HCP (3 cards support possible starting from 21+ DH ).

     2♥  = RELAY, 7+ HCP.

  → 2♠ = Two-suiter, then 2NT = RELAY:

3♣ = 15-17 HCP without 3cards support.

3♦  = 18-20 HCP.

3x  =   21-23 HCP. Description.

  → 3♣ = Single-suited 15-17 HCP without 3M.

  → 2NT, 3x = Single-suited 17-19 HCP. Description.

Other rebids are limited to 6-7 HCP:

2♠    = 6 cards or 5 solid (after responding 1♥ ) or 5-5 majors (after responding 1♦ ) .

2NT = 4+diamonds.

3♣    =   weak preference

3♦     = 6+ cards, ♣ shortage

3M (repeat) = 7 good cards.

 

3♣    = 7+ solid clubs. ~ 4 losers. Type ACOL. With 3 losers open multi 2♦.

3NT = 7 clubs (AKQxxxx) additional stoppers.

            The hand is a little weaker than if it had been opened multi 2♦.

Other = classic, normally without 3 cards support.

 

 

1 ♥ = 4 cards, 14-18 DH or 3 cards limited to 20 DH . 

With 3 hearts and 4 spades it seems preferable to bid ♠ first or 2NT (4-3-3-3).

 

 

 

2M   = 5 cards, 6-9 DH: 'courtesy' bid .

3M   = 5+ cards, forcing without  ambitions. Possible choice between 3NT and 4M.

1NT = 10 +-11 HCP with only 4 hearts. 4 cards in spades possible.

            For rebids see "small" Roudi.

2NT = 12-(13 - ) HCP , interest(s) receiving the start.

 

2♣    = Roudi. 12+ DH. invitational or ambitions. GF except back to 2M on the rebid of 2♦ .

               → 2♦    = 3 cards support (11) 12-15 DH: 2M, 2NT= Relay, 3m = exactly 4M-5m GF.

               → 2M  = 4 cards support, 14-15 DH (balanced more often)

               → 2M  = 4 cards support, 16-18 DH (always unbalanced)

( M = other major)

               → 2NT = 3 cards support, 18-20 - HCP.

               → 3♣   = 5+♣-3M, unbalanced 16-18 DH. Following bids deny 4 M and show 19-20 DH :

               → 3♦    = 5+♣-4♦-3M

               → 3M  = 6♣-3-3-sing M

               → 3M  = 6♣-3-3-sing ♦ .

               → 3NT = 6♣-3M-2-2.

 

2♦    = weak 4M-5+♦

1♠     = "Small" Roudi: 5 hearts 10-11 DH or 4 hearts too weak or not suitable for XNT.

                  → 1NT = (11)12-14 HCP, balanced with 3 hearts     → 2♣ = 4♥-5+♣ weak       

                                       → 2♦  = 4♥- 4+♦ 10-12 HCP, adjoining shortage. → 2♥ = 5♥, 10-11 DH      

                                       → 2♠  = 4♥-3+♠ ♦ shortage 10-12 HCP → 2NT = 12 HCP.

               → 2♣  = 5+♣-3♥, 11-13 HCP

               → 2♦   = 5+♣-3♥, 14-15 HCP (too strong for 2♣ but not enough for 3x) or

                               4 cards support, 15 +-18 DH (too strong for 2♥ ) .

                               If the responder returns to 2♥ it shows a minimum hand of 6-7 HCP.              

               → 2♥    = 4 cards support, 14-15 - DH.

               → Other = see Roudi

 

3m = 6 cards invitational.

 

  1♠ = 4 cards support, 14-18 DH or 3 cards limited to 20 DH . 

  With 3♠ and 4♥ only do a reverse at 2♥ if 20+ DH.

 

 

1NT = 6-10 HCP. Only one bid available for hands  6-10 HCP, but economic rebids with 3 or 4 cards

           support  make possible not to exceed the level of security.

               → 2♣   = 5+♣-3♠, 11-13 HCP.

               → 2♦    = 5+♣-3♠, 14+ HCP (needless to say more: it is not in slam zone)

               → 2♥(M) = 4 cards support, 16-18 DH.

               → 2♠    = 4 cards support, 14-15 DH.

               → Other = see Roudi

2♥   = Small Roudi: 5♠ 10-11 DH or 4♠-heart shortage 10-12 HCP ( 'wobbly' 2NT) .

 

3m  = 6+ cards invitational.

3♥   = 5-5 major, 10-11 HCP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1NT = 12-14 HCP, no 3 cards support, 3+ cards in other suits (except 5m-4-2-2M).

              Remember that the responder denied a sixth suit 12+ HCP.

           weak 5♠-5♥ is responded 1♦.

 

               Retransfer = Weak 5+ M                  → PASS

                                 Invit, 6 good cards       → 3M

                                 16+ HCP                      → 2NT without 5 cards to announce.

            2♣            = Weak 5+♦                      → PASS

                                invitational in major      → 2♥,2♠

                                 ♦ shortage. 10+-15 H     → 2NT = 10+-12- H → 3x = 12 +-15 H with 3♥ = 5♠-4♥-4-0

            2♠            = Weak 5+♣.                     → PASS or rectification.

                                 ♣ shortage. 10+-15 H       → 3♥ = 5♠-4♥-4-0 ♣

                               Opener rebids 2NT minimum with valuees  in ♣ or else  3♣.

            2♥              = Weak 5♠ → PASS

                                ♠ shortage. 10+-15 H      → 2NT = 10+-12- H → 3x = 12+-15 H with 3♠ = void

            2♦           = Weak 4♥ exactly             → PASS

                               5♠-4♥ . 12-15 H             → conclusion, possibly SPLINTER at 4m with 5♠-5♥

                               ♥ shortage. 10+-15 H      → 2NT = 10+-12 - H     → 3x = 12+-15 H

                              The opener rebids 2♥ with 4♥ or else 2 ♠.

               2NT        = 10+-12 H without singleton. Do not upgrade a 5 major (no fit)

                                       but upgrade a 5th minor (fit almost guaranteed). 

               3m          = 10-11 H, 5+ cards (concentrated 5-5 or 6m-4 or 5m-4 ).

               3♥         = concentrated 5-5  major, very close to the game.

               3M         = 4-4-4-1M or 5M 4-4-0-M . 16+ HCP.

 

 

 

 

 

2NT = 18-20 - HCP. May have 3 cards in the major,

                 in a 4-3-3-3 hand suitable for NT.

 

3♣ =   weak 5+♦             → Pass

            the two majors   → rebid 3♥

            ♦ shortage           → rebid 3♠ = ambitions with 4♣ ;  3NT = no ambitions ;  4♣  = ambitions with 5♣

3♦ = weak 4♥ or ♥ shortage.

3♥ = weak 5♠ or ♠ shortage.

3♠ = ♣ shortage.

 

 

2 ♣ normally denies a 3 cards support.

 

 

 

 

2♥ = 5♠-4♥ weak after responding 1♥ (transfer).

2♠ = 5♠-5♥ weak (maxi 9 HCP) after responding 1♦(transfer).

2♥ (rpt) = weak 6♥ (4♠)

2♠ (rpt) = 6♠ 9-11 HCP misfit

3M (rpt) = 11 HCP solid suit.

3♥ = 5♠-5♥ invitational (10-11 HCP) after responding 1♥ (transfer).

3♦ = 6♦, 10-11 HCP.

2♦ = 3rd suit forcing.

 

1♠ = If unbalanced promises 4+ ♦ and limited to 11 HCP.

Unlimited if balanced.

 

 

2m = max 9 HCP, at least 5 cards, minor two-suiter.

2M = 10+-11 HCP, fragment + shortage in the other major. (5-4 two-suiter or ♦ one-suiter).

3♣ = 10- 11 HCP, 5+-5 minor.

3♦ = 9 +-11 HCP, 6+♦ without major shortage.

3M = 4-4-3M-2. Ambitions.

4m = 5m-3-3-2. Ambitions.

 

 

2♣ = TRANSFER, 6+ diamonds : weak (0-8 HCP) or GF (12+ HCP with minor 5-4+ possible).

 

 

 

2♥,3♦ = TRANSFER two-suiter 6-4+.

2♠ = TRANSFER , 5+♦-4+♣. And on 2NT RELAY :

  3♣ = 5+♦-5♣

  3♦  = 6+♦-4♣

  3M = 5♦-4♣-3-1M.

  3NT= 5♦-4♣-2-2  ambitions. 16-17 HCP.

RETRANSFER = One-suiter,  ♣ shortage or 6-3-2-2, 7-2-2-2 not suited for 2NT or 3NT.

3M = One-suiter +  M shortage.

2NT = 6-3-2-2 or 7-2-2-2 ambitions + interest to receive the lead.

3NT = 6-3-2-2 or 7-2-2-2 without ambitions and interest to receive the lead.

 

 

 

2M-1 = TRANSFER, 6+ cards, weak (0-8 HCP) or GF(12+ HCP)

2M = rectification.

 

 

2♠, 3x = TRANSFER  two-suiter 6-4+. (2♠ = 6♥-4+♣, 3♣ = 6M-4+♦.....3♠ = 6♠-4+♣)

Jump = SPLINTER (void + 7 solid major + ambitions if 4 level).

RETEXAS = one suiter, shortage or 6-3-2-2, 7-2-2-2 unsuited for 2NT or 3NT.

                      3M ask the shortage ?

2NT = 6-3-2-2 ou 7-2-2-2 ambitions and interest to receive the lead.

3NT = 6-3-2-2 without ambitions and interest to receive the lead.

 

 

2M-1 = TRANSFER, 6+ cards : weak(0-8 HCP) or GF(12+ HCP)

2NT = 18-20 HCP balanced or strong support.

 

 

3x = TRANSFER  6-4+, 12+ HCP. (3♣ = 6M-4+♦.....3♠ = 6M-4+♣)

Jump = SPLINTER (void +  solid 7 cards major).

3NT = 6-3-2-2 ~ 12 HCP, poor in controls.

4NT = 6-3-2-2 (AKQxxx) ~ 12 HCP, without adjoining control.

RETRANSFER = one-suiter then conclusion with a weak hand (3NT =6-3-2-2 with two big honors)

                             or  control with the hand 12+ HCP.

 

 

Developments after PASS

 

An auction to 2 level  really is no more interesting since we have not opened a  MULTI 2♦ or 2M FANTUNES. By cons, we can have an interesting hand with two major 6-4 or a problem  with 5♠-4 +♥ . Here's what I propose :

 

2♣ = 5+♠-4 ♥ limited to 7 HCP (5-5  we transfer at 1 ♦ )

2♦ = TRANSFER 6♥-4 ♠ 8-10 HCP.

2♥ = TRANSFER, 6♠-4+♥ 8-10 HCP.

 

2♠ is unchanged whereas  a single-suited ♦ is responded 1♠.

With 5♠-4 +♥ 8-10 HCP you normally bid 1 ♥ (4+ ♠) and then on the annoying 2♣ you rebid 2♦ (3rd forcing) with clubs support else 2♥.

 

This sequence takes the style that is made in all positions on the opening of 1♦ .

Namely, rebid in the minor at 2 level shows weak hand 5♠-4+♥ without precision on support in the minor;

both bids above shows a major two-suiter 8-10 HCP without minor support;

and with 5+♠-4♥ 8-10 HCP and a minor fit  we start by bidding  ♠ first .

 

 

To follow : ROTATING DOUBLE