LEARNING CENTER

When we open 1 of a suit and the opponents make a takeout double, a redouble always shows 10+. After our redouble, any subsequent doubles are penalty. If the opener runs prematurely, he is showing a weak shapely hand (such as: 1-(X)-XX-(2); 2).

Examples:

West	North	East	South
1	X	XX	2
Pass	Pass	X=Pen.

West	North	East	South
1	X	XX	2
2=Weak (6+)

A new-suit on the 1-level is forcing one round. With a hand such as: 3
A Q J 9 8
A 4 3
J 6 5 4
, after 1-X, I'd rather get the hearts in at once (1) instead of redoubling and being subject to preemption. Some 10+ point hands will have the option to go either way (either redouble, or bid at once).

A new-suit on the 2-level is natural and non-forcing.  (One of the system-upgrade options is available here).  For example, 1 (X) 2 shows something like: 43
32
Q32
AQ9864
 (the hand is limited by the failure to redouble).

This treatment of NF on the 2-level and forcing on the 1-level is by far the most common worldwide (not something special to LC Standard).

Jump shifts are weak [example: 1 (X) 2 ].

Jump raises are weak [example: 1 (X) 3 ].

A jump to 2NT after their double is artificial. It shows a limit raise or better. After 1 (X) or 1 (X) the 2NT bid shows 3+ trumps (and 10+ in support). After a 1 opening, it shows at least 4 trumps and after a 1 opening, at least 5.

For a full LC Standard Convention Card and a prettier version of this series, see Bridge Winners.

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