Last month we did the upper part of this section and now we focus on the encircled portion.

 

LC Standard uses 2/1 GF. I've written a 64-page booklet to summarize this system. At the end of this section is a check-list for a regular partnership on the 2/1 GF style in use.

 

1NT Response

Notice that the Semi-forcing box is checked for a 1NT response. I don't think it is a big deal as to what you label the 1NT response. Really, it is just a catch-all bid to show 6-12. Responder doesn't have enough to go to the 2-level in a new suit (in the old days, 1NT was capped at 10). 

 

Here is a quick view of the good and bad of playing 1NT as 100% forcing. BAD: If 1NT is truly forcing, then opener must bid again. If opener has a flat minimum, he has to rebid in a 3-card minor (he can't repeat a 5-card major). Though possibly the last making contract, it is impossible to play in 1NT.  GOOD: If 1NT is 100% forcing, it allows responder to later show a 3-card limit raise (by jumping to 3-of-the-major) or to bid a new suit on the 2 level to show a weakish 1-suiter. 

 

I prefer "semi-forcing."  This means that opener can (and will) pass with a flat minimum. Accordingly, if opener does bid a new suit, he is not flat (he is at least 5-4). Here is a quick view of the good and bad of playing 1NT as semi-forcing.

BAD: If responder has a weak 1-suiter, he will end up unable to show it if 1NT gets passed. Also, responder might play 1NT when he actually holds a 3-card limit raise. In my experience, that's not so bad (often 1NT makes when 3-of-the-major would have failed).  GOOD: Because opener's rebid is now "real," bidding is more accurate (opener's new suit is not one of those improvised 3-carders). Also, 1NT is often the correct contract and can now be played.

 

So, "Semi-Forcing" is what I recommend for LC Standard. I've had 30 years observing that it is slightly better (and much simpler) than the alternative of 100% forcing. If you and your partner want to play it completely Forcing, then mark the card accordingly.

 

Notes: The bottom range for any 1NT response is assumed to be 6 points, but, especially at favorable vulnerability, it could be a very weak tactical action. By a passed-hand, 1NT is never forcing.

 

2NT Response

 

Jacoby 2NT is used as marked in Red (also the 2NT box is checked--as discussed last month). Assume Standard Jacoby 2NT unless your partnership wishes to take on extra memory. Jacoby 2NT is not used by a passed hand or over any interference. For an advanced system of Jacoby 2NT, click here.

 

3NT Response

 

LC Standard uses a 3NT response to show a flat 13-15 hand. Flat means 4-3-3-3. Typically, the four-card suit won't be in a major. It should be a "soft" 13-15 -- such as:  Q J 3
Q 10 5
K J 9 8
K Q 2
. Don't respond 3NT with a control-rich hand such as: K 3 2
A 3 2
A 4 2
K 7 4 2
 (respond 2 and later raise the major).  After a 3NT response, opener can pass, but usually will convert back to his major (or make a slam try).

 

Passed-Hand Bidding
Reverse_Drury (nobody uses "regular" Drury) employs 2 by a passed-hand to show 3+ cards in trump and 10+ in support (counting distribution). Opener signs off in the major with a minimum. Example: 

West	North	East	South
Pass	Pass	1	Pass
2*	Pass	2=weak

 

With any decent hand, opener does something other than signing off. If you wish to use 2-way Drury, make sure to discuss it and mark it accordingly (2 would show 4+ trumps and 2 would mean exactly 3 trumps). One-way Drury (reverse) is assumed in LC Standard.  Drury is not used in any competition (off after double, off if there is an overcall).

  

A jump by a passed-hand is fit-showing (4+ trumps and values in the suit jumped into). The jump shows invitational values. So, after P-(P)-1-(P), jump to 3 with: K 10 4 3
3 2
A Q 10 8 7
4 2
.  Even if the opponents interfere, the passed-hand jump is still fit-showing. The partnership must play in the major opened--they are forced back to 3-of-the-major.

 

Splinter Bids

 

A jump above 3-of-opener's major is a Splinter Bid. This includes 1-3 and 1-4. Splinter bids are assumed to be approximately 12-15 points in support (and 4+ trump). Splinter Bids are not used in Competition. They are off after a double or an overcall.  Use weak jumps in competition (so 1 [2] 4 shows something like: 7 6
2
K Q 10 8 7 5 4
5 3 2).
 A jump to 4-of-the opponent's suit is still (always) a splinter bid.

 Game Tries

 

There are many fancy methods on the market, but LC Standard is simple here.  A new suit after a raise is a plain-old natural game try. So, after 1-2, bid 3 with: A Q 8 7 6 2
A
K 2
Q 6 5 4
.  Responder will know that high cards in clubs are useful. He will reject the game try with something like: K J 5
Q 7 6 2
Q 4 3
8 7 2
. There is an optional upgrade listed here.

 

In Competition

 

A jump raise in competition (after a double or an overcall) is weak (4+ trump and up to about 6 points in support).

 

All jumps in competition are weak (this isn't really my favorite way, but almost everyone plays it as weak, so I am giving in). So, after 1  (X), jump to 3 with:  8 7
Q J 10 9 8 7 2
7 6 4
2.

After  1 (1), jump to 3 with: 4
7 6
5 4 2
A J 10 7 6 5 2
.

 

Of course, cue-bidding the opponent's suit shows a limit raise or better. Example: 1 (2) 3.

If the opponents make a takeout double, a limit (or better) raise is shown via 2NT (Jordan). Example: 1 (X) 2NT

 

Note: Experienced partnerships can add "transfers" after double or some form of BROMAD covered here.

 

2/1 GF

 

Any experienced partnership will want to discuss the nuances of a 2/1 GF auction. Here is a partnership checklist to address the various treatments.

 

For the complete LC Standard Card and a prettier formatted version of this series, see Bridge Winners.

Extra Reading:

What Should we Play?

2/1 GF by Larry Cohen