Precision Notes

Noble Shore
December 5, 2004

1 Overview and Style

This is the strong club system played by Noble Shore and James J Krot. Con-
trary to most Precision pairs, most of our conventions concerrn auctions other
than those that start with 1♣. Our NT system and auctions after 1♦ are the
most complex parts of the system.
Our style is to open fairly conservatively when compared to other Precision
pairs; we will not open many 8-loser or worse balanced hands in the 11-12
hcp range. We protect this by opening more aggressively in third seat, in fact
our white third-seat openings are ultra-aggressive. It is not uncommon for
responder to have a better hand than opener in these auctions. Similarly, we
will only open 1♥ or 1♠ with an actual Standard opener. 3-level preempts show
very little defense (1 trick at most). With more defense we will tend to open
1-major, Multi, or 4-major.
The opening structure is as follows:

1♣ 16+ hcp, any shape

1♦ 11-15 hcp, 2+ diamonds
1♥ ♠ 11-15 hcp, 5+ cards
1NT 10-12 if 1st/2nd NV, else 14-16, balanced
2♣ 10-15 hcp, 6+ cards, possibly lighter than Standard 1♣
2♦ Multi: weak two in either major
2♥ Mini-Roman: 11-15 hcp, 3-suiter short in diamonds
2♠ Transfer preempt in clubs
2NT 6-10 hcp (8-11 vul), 5-5 or better in the minors
3♣ Transfer preempt in diamonds
3♦ Transfer preempt in hearts
3♥ Transfer preempt in spades
3♠ Gambling: AKQxxxx or better in a minor, nothing outside
3NT unspecified 4-minor preempt
4♣ sound 4♥ preempt
4♦ sound 4♠ preempt
4♥ ♠ natural preemptive openings

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2 Definitions and Notation
When referring to hand shapes, notation written in such forms as 4414, 4351,
and 0373 refers to exact patterns with the order of the numbers corresponding to
the rank of suits, highest to lowest. Parenthesized shapes such as (1345), (2236),
or (5332) refer to all shapes generated by the permutation of the numbers within
the parentheses. Shapes may be partially parenthesized, such as 13(45); this
refers hands with exactly 1345 and 1354 shapes. Shapes may also contain x’s;
this does not refer to a specific unknown number but rather means that any
non-negative integer is an acceptable value in the hand shape. Thus the legal
xx55 shapes are (12)55 and (03)55. Finally, shapes may be written with +’s or
-’s after numbers. This means that any integer greater than (or less than) or
equal to the noted integer is a legal value in that spot. Thus the legal xx5+5+
shapes are (12)55, (03)55, 11(56), (02)(56), (01)66, and 00(67), and legal 3-3-
3+3+ shapes are any hand with at most 3 cards in each major and at least 3
cards in each minor.
When referring to hcp ranges, parenthesized numbers mean that hands with
that hcp count do occur, but are relatively rare compared to the other hcps.
Thus, 14-15(16) means that the range is 14-16 hcp, but any 16 hcp hand will
tend to be weaker han typical 16-counts. (11)12-15 means that the range is
11-15, but any 11-count will be a good one.

• A balanced hand is (4333), (4432), (5332), (24)(25), or 22(45). Thus a

balanced hand contains no singletons, voids, 6-card or longer suits, and at
most two doubletons, except that with a 5-card major the hand must be
(5332).
• A flat hand is (4333) or (4432).
• An unbalanced hand is any hand that is not balanced.
• A 3-suited hand is (1444), (1345), or (0445), except those patterns that
contain 5-card majors.
• A hand with the minors or both minors refers to an xx5+5+ hand.
• Shortness refers to a singleton or void, not a doubleton.
• A fragment is a 3-card suit, typically in a pattern with shortness elsewhere.
A replacement scheme is one where suited bids correspond to showing
something in that particular suit, and the cheapest NT bid “replaces” the
meaning of the highest suited bid in an attempt to save space. Other bids
may be used to replace the highest suited bid of the other bids in question
are impossible responses to the question asked, such as bidding the agreed
trump suit to show the location of a side singleton known to exist.

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3 1NT system
The 1NT system is the cornerstone of our system. We don’t play different things
after different NTs like most people. We use this for 1NT openings, overcalls,
AND rebids, and for the 1♠ response to 1♣ as well.
The one notrump opening shows 10-12 hcp balanced if in first or second
seat NV, or 14-15(16) hcp balanced otherwise. We open 1NT with most hcp-
appropriate balanced hands with a 5-card major. We tend to open 1NT with
hcp-appropriate 2452, 2425, and 4225 shapes, but we tend to open 1♦ with 4252
as we can bid this hand naturally. We usually open 1♦ or 2♣ with (2236) hands
with a long minor in the hcp-appropriate range.
Our notrump systems are based on the Keri system defined by Ron Klinger,
with various modifications (we hope improvements) by Charlie Garrod. We call
this method Keri-Garrod. The basic responses are:

2♣ forces 2♦; signoff in ♦, most invitations, or some GFs

2♦ transfer to ♥, signoff, GF, or a few invitations
2♥ transfer to ♠, signoff, GF, or single-suited inv (6+♠)
2♠ asks if opener is min or max; often a balanced invitation
2NT transfer to 3♣, signoff or GF
3♣ shows 4+♣, 0-1♦, 3-4 cards in each major, GF
3♦ shows 4+♦, 0-1♣, 3-4 cards in each major, GF
3♥ shows 4♥, 0-1♠, 3+ cards in each minor, GF
3♠ shows 4♠, 0-1♥, 3+ cards in each minor, GF
3NT to play
4♣ ♦ transfers to hearts and spades, respectively
4♥ ♠ signoff, no slam interest

The first response is usually the same as in “Standard” notrump systems

although the follow-up sequences (especially after 2♣) tend to be different. The
main change is that almost all invitational hands with some interest in a suit
contract go through 2♣; we very rarely make a transfer bid on a hand which
wants to invite game. We will also occasionally transfer into a four-card major,
especially on shapely game-going hands.

3.1 Bidding after 1NT-2♣

The 2♣ bid forces opener to bid 2♦. If the auction is unobstructed, opener will
always bid 2♦. Responder now describes the nature of his hand as follows:

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 Pass diamond signoff
2♥ 4-5 hearts, invitational, not forcing
2♠ 4-5 spades, invitational, not forcing
2NT game force, usually balanced
3♣ ♦ six card minor, invitational
3♥ 5+♦, 3♥, 0-1♠; game forcing
3♠ 5+♦, 3♠, 0-1♥; game forcing
3NT 2254, mild slam interest
4♣ 1264, game force
4♦ 2164, game force
4♥ 0265 or 0274, game force
4♠ 2065 or 2074, game force
4NT balanced slam invitation, 5 diamonds

After responder rebids 2♥ or 2♠, opener is permitted to pass with a mini-

mum and 3-4 card support. Opener’s actions after 2♥ are:

Pass 3-4 card fit, minimum hand

2♠ 4+♠, denies 4+♥, forcing one round
2NT minimum hand with 2♥
3♣ max hand with 2♥
3♦ max hand with 3♥
3♥ minimum with 4♥, and prime values
3NT 3433 maximum, choice of games
4♥ maximum hand with 4♥, not 4333

It is possible for us to stop short of game when opener shows a maximum,

as we tend to invite on some distributional hands where the high-card total will
be less than 25. In most cases any three-level continuation by responder will be
nonforcing. If opener bids 3♦ (showing 3-card support) then the other major
(here 3♠) can be used as a checkback, asking if opener is 4333 (opener bids 3NT
if so, otherwise four-major).
Opener’s continuations after a 2♠ invitation are similar, except that 3♥ by
opener shows five hearts and a maximum hand. Responder checks back with
3♠ if he has five spades and no heart fit.
If responder bids 3♣ or 3♦ to invite with a six-card suit, opener can pass,
bid 3NT, or cuebid a stopper if worried about stoppers.
If responder bids 2NT, opener’s continuations are:

3♣ not (4333), no 5-card major

3♦ any (4333) shape
3♥ shows five hearts
3♠ 53(32) shape
3NT 5233 shape

If opener bids 3♣, then 3♦ is Stayman and major suit bids show five cards.
After Stayman, if opener bids a major responder can bid the other major as a

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slam try in opneer’s major. If responder instead retreats to 3NT, opener may
bid 4♠ holding both majors or 4♥ as a “transfer” to 4♠. If opener bids 3♦, then
major suit bids by responder ask for a raise if opener holds four card support.
If opener bids 3♥, then 3♠ shows five spades and looks for a spade game.
If responder jumps to 3♥ or 3♠, opener’s continuations follow our general
rules for bidding over splinters, described in section 4.5

3.2 Bidding after 1NT-2♦ or 1NT-2♥

Most of the time, opener will accept the transfer. With four-card support and
a hand filled with quick tricks and trump honors, we will super-accept. A bid
of 2NT shows two top trump honors and quick tricks; bidding a suit other than
accepting the transfer shows the lowest quick trick in a hand with one top trump
honor. A bid by responder directly under the agreed major after any of these
is a re-transfer (relay) to three of the agreed major. Accepting the transfer
directly at the three level normally shows 5-card support.
After 1NT-2♥-2♠, responder’s continuations are as follows:

Pass spade signoff

2NT game force with 4+♣ and 4+♠, not balanced
3♣ game force with 4♦ and 5+♠
3♦ game force with 5+♦ and 4+♠ (6+♦ if only 4♠)
3♥ game force with 5+♠ and 4+♥
3♠ invitational to game with 6+♠
3NT balanced with 5♠, pass/correct, usually 5233
4♣ ♦ ♥ splinter with 6+♠
4♠ mild slam try with 6+♠

Notice that the only invite is the single-suited spade hand. All other in-
vitational hands with spades will go through 2♣. If responder bids 3♦, then
opener’s next call is:

3♥ three spades, checkback for a fit

3♠ sets spades as trump
3NT strength in the unbid suits (♥, ♣), suggests a contract
4♣ cuebid in support of diamonds
4♦ sets diamonds, usually weak in clubs or hearts
4♥ cuebid in support of diamonds
4♠ 4♠, but a very poor hand for slam

After the checkback, responder bids 3♠ or 4♠ with five spades. Otherwise

he bids 3NT with no particular slam interest (opener should pull with weakness
in one of the unbid suits) or bids past 3NT as a slam try.
If responder’s second bid is 3♣, opener can bid 3♠ to set spades as trump.
Other options include 3NT (with no spade fit and strength in the unbid suits)
or 3♦ as an asking bid. After the 3♦ ask we have:

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 3♥ high shortage; typically 5143 shape
3♠ low shortage; typically 5341 shape
3NT equal shortage, 5242 shape
4♣ 5242 slam try; very strong hand

If responder bids 2NT to show clubs and spades, then opener can bid 3♣ as
an asking bid, or 3♠ to set spades as trumps, or 3NT with cards in the unbid
suits. After the 3♣ ask we have:

3♦ 5+♣ and 4+♠, symmetric with direct 3♦ sequences

3♥ high shortage; typically 5134
3♠ low shortage; typically 5314
3NT equal shortage, 5224
4♣ 5224 slam try; very strong hand

If responder transfers to hearts initially instead of spades, most of the con-

tinuations are similar. We have:
Pass heart signoff
2♠ nonforcing invite; 4+♥, at least as many ♠ as ♥ but typi-
cally 5♠
2NT game force with 4+♣ and 4+♥, not balanced
3♣ game force with 4♦ and 5+♥
3♦ game force with 5+♦ and 4+♥
3♥ invite with 6+♥
3♠ game force with 4+♠ and 5+♥
3NT balanced wiht 5♥, pass or correct, usually 2533
4♣ ♦ splinter with 6+♥
4♥ mild slam try with 6+♥

The sequences after these bids are mostly identical to after the spade transfer.
Note that after 3♦, we still have 3♥ asking for a fit and 3♠ showing a fit (even
though the suit is actually hearts). After the transfer to hearts and then 2♠ bid
opener’s calls are:

Pass 3+♠ and minimum hand

2NT 2♠ and 2-3♥, minimum
3♣ minimum hand but 4♥ and prime values
3♦ shows 3♠, less than 4♥, and maximum hand
3♥ 4♥ and minimum values, signoff
3♠ minimum hand but 4♠ and prime values
3NT maximum hand with no fit for either major
4♥ ♠ maximum with 4 cards in the bid suit

3.3 Bidding after 1NT-2♠

The 2♠ bid asks whether opener is maximum or minimum. With a minimum
hand opener bids 2NT; otherwise he bids 3♣. Suit bids by responder at this

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point are single-suited slam tries. Notrump bids are natural and 4NT is quan-
titative. A suit bid sets the suit and is a “serious” slam try; opener should
normally cuebid an ace. If responder’s hand is already limited at the 2♠ ask,
opener may bid 3♥ or 3♠ to show 5 cards in that major. He cannot do this when
responder is unlimited as responder may have a slam try in a lower-ranking suit.

3.4 Bidding after 1NT-2NT

The 2NT bid transfers to clubs, and opener will always bid 3♣ absent compe-
tition. Responder’s continuations are:

Pass club signoff

3♦ 5+♦ and 5+♣, game forcing
3♥ 3♥, 0-1♠, and 5+♣, game forcing
3♠ 3♠, 0-1♥, and 5+♣, game forcing
3NT 2245, mild slam interest
4♣ 1246, game force
4♦ 2146, game force
4♥ 02565 or 0247, game force
4♠ 20565 or 2047, game force
4NT balanced slam invitation, 5 clubs

Continuations are basically natural and follow the general rules about bid-
ding over splinters.

3.5 Bidding after Splinters

There are many different splinter sequences in our NT methods. The most
straightforward are the direct splinter bids, which always show three-suited
hands. There are also indirect splinter sequences after minor suit transfers
(typically showing major suit shortage without four cards in the other major).
After such a splinter bid, we have the following general rules:

• If opener bids the short suit, he denies wasted hcp

• If responder bids the short suit, he shows a void there
• If opener bypasses the short suit, he shows wasted values

• If opener bids 3NT (and has not bid the short suit) he suggests a contract
• If responder bids 3NT, opener can only pass with stoppers in short suit
• If opener bids the short suit at the 4-level he knows the best fit

• New suit bids at the 3-level do not deny stoppers in the splinter suit
• If opener bypasses 3NT without a known fit, he denies strength in short
usit

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 • New suit bids below game are forcing, looking for a fit
• In general opener describes suits and wastage; responder picks the level

3.6 Doubling our 1NT for penalty

Most doubles of our weak notrump opening are penalty oriented. We play
Suction-style runouts, with the goal of finding the best contract and putting
the strong hand on lead. Responder’s calls after 1NT-X are:
Pass any 2+ places to play (often (2344)), or ♣ signoff
XX values; desire to play 1NTXX
2♣ signoff in ♦, or weak hand with both majors
2♦ signoff in ♥, or 5-5 in the black suits
2♥ signoff in ♠, or very shapely in the minors
2♠ preempt in ♣, or very shapely in the red suits
2NT preempt with extreme shape in two suits of the same shape
3♣ preempt in diamonds or very shapely in the majors

All higher bids (except 3NT) are also Suction, following the established
pattern. In general opener accepts the transfer to the next higher suit, after
which responder can correct to show the two-suited options. With great fits for
all possible holdings in responder’s hand, opener may make any higher bid as
pass or correct.
After the redouble, if the opponents run to a suit, the first double by our
side is takeout. Subsequent doubles by our side are penalty.
After a pass, opener normally bids 2♣ with a club preference if responder
has clubs and another suit. This normally shows three or more clubs. If opener
prefers all other suits to clubs, he redoubles. Opener may optionally bid a good
five-card suit if he has one. So opener’s calls are:
XX only 2♣, implies 3+ in other suits♦
2♣ normally 3+♣, but might be 2 with two doubletons
2♦ ♥ ♠ very good five card suit

After 2♣ by opener, responder can pass or bid 2♦ to show diamonds and

a major (typically 4-4). After XX, responder can bid 2♣ to sign off in clubs,
or bid any other suit to play. Redoubles in these sorts of runout auctions are
always for rescue.

3.7 Interference over 1NT

If the opponents bid 2♣ or make an artificial double of the 1NT, we play systems
on (ignoring the opposing bidding). All doubles of any NT bid weaker than 14-
16 are considered penalty doubles, regardless of what the opponents say, so we
play Suction runouts over that.
If the opponents bid 2♦ or higher naturally, we play Rubensohl transfers
and negative doubles. Two-level suit bids are natural signoff. 2NT thru 3♥

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are transfers to the next higher suit. These can be any strength and must be
accepted. The exception is a transfer into a suit which could have been bid
at the two level; such a transfer shows at least invitational values and opener
should bid more than the minimum step with a good hand. A 3♠ response
when Rubensohl is on is like a negative double where responder cannot tolerate
a pass.
A transfer into the opponents’ suit is a stopper ask. Accepting the transfer
shows specifically half a stopper (Qx or Jxx or Qxx or the like). Bidding 3NT
shows a full stopper. Other bids are natural and deny as much as a half stopper.
Responder can also transfer and then cue as a stopper ask, or takeout double
and then cue. A voluntary bid of 3NT by responder always guarantees a stopper.
South African transfers (4♣ and 4♦) are still on over enemy interference up
to 3♣. If the opponents bid 3♦ or higher, these are just natural bids. 4♥ and
4♠ by responder in any auction are to play if they are not in the opponents’
suit.

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4 1♣ opening
The 1♣ opening shows 16+ hcp, any shape. If a 14-16 NT opening is available,
then the 1♣ opening shows (16)17+ hcp if balanced.
Here is an overview of the responses:
1♦ 0-7 hcp, any shape
1♥ 5+ spades, game force
1♠ balanced, 8-13 hcp
1NT 5+ clubs, game force
2♣ 5+ diamonds, game force
2♦ 5+ hearts, game force
2♥ 4144, game force
2♠ 1444, game force
2NT balanced, 14+ hcp
3♣ 4441, game force
3♦ 4414, game force
3♥ 7+ hearts, very weak (0-4 hcp)
3♠ 7+ spades, very weak (0-4 hcp)
4♣ South African transfer, 7+ hearts, 0-7 hcp
4♦ South African transfer, 7+ spades, 0-7 hcp
4♥ 8+ hearts, 0-7 hcp
4♠ 8+ spades, 0-7 hcp
We tend not to use the 3♥, 3♠, 4♥, and 4♠ responses as these will wrong-
side the contract unncessarily. 4♣ and 4♦ are normally used for weak hands
with very long (8+ or a good 7) suits.

4.1 1♣-1♦
The 1♦ response is an artificial negative, 0-7 hcp. Opener makes a natural
rebid:
1♥ 5+ hearts or 20-21 / 25-27 balanced
1♠ (4)5+ spades, nearly forcing
1NT balanced, 16-19
2♣ (5)6+ clubs, 16-19
2♦ (5)6+ diamonds, 16-19
2♥ or higher as after 2♣- 2♦ in Standard
After 1♣-1♦-1♥, responder bids 1♠ with most hands. His bids are:
1♠ the normal bid
1NT 2+ 4-card suits, 0-3(4) hcp
2♣ or higher 5+ in bid suit, 0-3(4) hcp
After 1♣-1♦-1♥-1♠, opener bids 1NT to show 20-21 balanced, 2NT to show
25-27 balanced. Any other bid by opener is as if he has already shown 5+ hearts
and is bidding a second suit.

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 After 1♣-1♦-1♠, responder must bid with most hands, but he may pass
with a very bad balanced hand, 0-3(4) hcp. Any new suit shows 5+, (4)5-7 hcp
and is non-forcing. 1NT is natural and shows (4)5-7 hcp. A single raise tends
to be about (2)3-6 hcp, a bad constructive raise (9-10 losers). It should be a
bit shapely if 2-3 hcp. A double raise is highly invitational and shows 4-card
spade support, typically a semibalanced 8 losers. A jump in a new suit is a
mini-splinter that shows at least 4-card spade support.

4.2 1♣-1♠
The 1♠ response shows a balanced game force, 8+ hcp. At this point, 1NT
systems are on. Note that opener need not wrong-side the contract by transfer-
ring to a 5-card heart suit if he has one; the 2♣-2♦-2♥ sequence may be used
to find out about responder’s heart holding. Remember that both players are
relatively unlimited, so one should avoid jumping to game when possible.

4.3 Transfer positive responses showing a suit

The 1♥, 1NT, 2♣, and 2♦ responses show 5+ in the next higher suit, game
forcing. We play purely natural bidding after these; Beta asks are for 1980’s
video rental stores and TABs are for keyboards. If opener accepts the transfer
he shows 3-card or better support and does not preclude playing in other suits
(though subsequent suit bids by opener tend to show just 4 cards). If opener
bids a new major at his first turn, he is showing at least 5 cards. There is one
conventional bid available; a jump accept of the transfer sets responder’s suit
and is Minmax-Keycard. Responder makes the minimum step with minimum
values and responds to keycard with extras. See the Conventions section for a
full description.

4.4 2NT response

The 2NT response shows 14+ balanced and immediately sets up a slam explo-
ration. We play 2NT systems here with a few exceptions. First, the auction is
forced to at least 4♥; 3NT is no longer a plyable contract. Second, an accept of
a transfer tends to deny a good fit; with good 3-card support or better opener
does not accept the transfer but immediately proceeds to cuebidding. Third,
bids of 4-minor by either player after a forcing 3NT bid tend to show just a
4-card suit. Thus 1♣-2NT-3NT is likely a balancedish hand looking for a 4-4
minor fit, and 1♣-2NT-3♦-3♥-3NT may be either balanced or contain a 4-card
minor. Stayman/Transfer and bid 4-minor tends to show at least 5 in the minor.
See the Conventions section for a description of the 2NT systems.

4.5 (1444) responses

The 2♥, 2♠, 3♣, and 3♦ responses show (1444) shape, game forcing. Opener’s
normal rebid is to pic one of responder’s suits, setting the suit. Opener may

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also bid NT naturally or jump in responder’s short suit to set that suit. Opener
may also bid responder’s singleton at the cheapest level as Minmax-Blackwood.
Responder makes the minimum step with minimum values and responds to
keycard with extras. See the Conventions section for a full description.

4.6 Interference by direct seat

We play negative free bids and positive, game forcing doubles/redoubles of any
interference below 2NT. For higher-level interference, we play negative game-
forcing doubles and positive game-forcing free bids. The one exception to this
is if someone overcalls a “strong” notrump directly over 1♣. Then a double by
responder just shows some cards; it is not necessarily game forcing. Free bids
in this siutation are still negative. A negative free bid typically contains (4)5-7
hcp and 5+ cards in the suit; a positive double is game-forcing. Any cuebid or
higher of the interference by responder is a transfer to a (next-higher) very long
suit and shows a weak hand; this is sort of like playing weak jump shifts except
that this doesn’t wrongside the contract.

4.7 Interference after the response

If the response was game-forcing, doubles are penalty and bids are natural. A
jump accept of a transfer positive is still Minmax-Keycard. If the response was
not game-forcing, doubles are takeout. Lebensohl applies to any takeout double
or pass in this situation; responder bids at the cheapest level (sometimes using
Lebelsohl) or passes with 0-3(4) and doubles, jumps, or uses Lebensohl with a
better hand. If a 2-level bid is available in a suit, responder has 3 ways to bid it;
he can bid at the 2-level, jump, or use Lebensohl. In this situation, Lebensohl
and the jump are both game forcing and the jump shows a longer suit.

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5 1♦ opening
The 1♦ opening shows 2+ diamonds and 11-15 hcp. One possibility is a balanced
hand strong enough to open (13-15 or a 7-loser or close 11-12) but inappropriate
for 1NT. Another possibility is a hand with 6+ diamonds. A third possibility
is a 3-suiter not short in diamonds. The final possibility is a xx5+5+ hand.
We play a somewhat sophisticated response structure to 1♦. Responder’s
bids are:
1♥ ♠ natural, 1-round force
1NT natural, (6)7-9(10) hcp
2♣ 5+ clubs, game force
2♦ 4+ diams, (6)7-9(10) hcp
2♥ balanced (10)11-12 hcp or 5+ diams game force
2♠ 5+ diams, weak, possibly a xx5+5+ hand
2NT balanced 13-15 or 18+, game force
3♣ 6+ clubs, 10-12 hcp
3♦ 5+ diams, limit raise (typically 7-8 losers)
3♥ ♠ weak jump shifts
3NT balanced 16-17
4♣ Transfer to an unknown major, weak
4♦ weak raise
4♥ ♠ weak jump shifts

5.1 1♦-1♥ ♠
These responses are Standard, natural and forcing.
• opener rebids 1♠ even on balanced hands with 4 spades
• a 2♣ rebid shows both minors with primary clubs
• a 1NT rebid may contain a singleton in responder’s major
• 1NT systems are on after opener’s 1NT rebid
• a 2♦ rebid may contain 5 diamonds only with 1453 shape
• a jump to 2NT shows a “notrumpish” 3♦ rebid
• a jump to 3♣ shows a maximum xx5+5+ hand
After 1♦-1♥-1♠, we play 2-way NMF. 2♣ by responder puppets to 2♦ unless
opener has a maximum with 3-card heart support (in which case he bids 2♥).
2♦ by responder is an artificial game force. Other direct bids are:

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 2♣ Relay; starts invitational sequences
2♦ Artificial game force
2♥ weak, signoff
2♠ normal raise
2NT natural, invitational
3♣ weak, signoff
3♦ ♥ ♠ natural, slammish
3NT to play
After the 2♣ relay, responder’s continuations are:
pass to play
2♥ 5+ hearts, invitational
2♠ “2 and a half spades,” typically contains outside shortness
2NT natural, invitational, also shows 5+ diamonds
3♣ ♦ ♥ ♠ natural, invitational

5.2 Other responses

The 1NT, 2♣, and 2♦ responses are all natural and fairly Standard (2♣ forces
game). Continuations in all of these auctions are also natural and fairly Stan-
dard. Opener may reverse after 1NT to show a 4-6 major-diamond hand; this
is non-forcing.
The 2♥ response shows either an invitational NT hand or a 5+ diamond
game force. Opener may rebid 2♠ or 2NT to ask which hand type responder
holds; then 2NT (or passing 2NT) shows the invitational NT hand and all other
bids are natural showing the diamond game force. Opener has 2 asking bids so
that he can rightside notrump contracts. 3♣ by opener is a natural game force,
and 3♦ is an attempt to play. 3♥ and 3♠ are game forcing and show shortness.
The 2♠ response shows a weak diamond raise and mighbt also contain 5+
clubs. Opener can bid 2NT as “no preference” in the minors, else he shows his
preference.
Continuations after all other responses are natural and Standard. 1♦-3♣-3♦
is to play. 1♦-3♣-3♥ ♠ shows stuff in the suit for 3NT.

5.3 Interference by direct seat

We play completely Standard bidding here. A jump cuebid of overcaller’s major
to the 3-level asks opener to bid 3NT (responder shows a stopper and would
prefer that overcaller be forced to choose an opening lead).

5.4 Interference after the response

We play support doubles through 2♥ after the 1-major response. We play
penalty doubles after all other responses. Redouble of 1♦-pass-2♥-Dbl is penalty,
the rest of the system is on, and pass also asks responder which hand he has (2♠
shows the balanced NT invite with no heart stopper, redouble shows a shaky or
partial stopper).

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6 1♥ and 1♠ openings
These openings show 11-15 with 5+ in the suit. We basically play 2/1 game
forcing here. Here are some notes/exceptions:

• 1NT is semi-forcing; opener may pass with 45xx or a balanced hand

• 1NT denies even 3-card support for the major unless the hand is real bad
• In 2/1 auctions, a high reverse or raise by opener shows a maximum
• In 2/1 auctions, responder must jump in opener’s major at his second
call to show 4-card or better support for the major. A simple preference
typically shows 3-card support
• In 2/1 auctions, opener can jump rebid his major to set the suit as trumps
• A jump shift by either player in a 2/1 auction is a splinter
• A 1NT response followed by 2♠ (when a new suit) is like a weak jump
(0-7 hcp)
• A 1♠ response followed by 2♠ shows constructive values (8-10 hcp)
• All preferences show constructive values (8-10 hcp), this means that with
0-7 hcp and no spade support, responder may only bid 1NT if he is willing
to pass opener’s next bid

6.1 Raises
There are a number of ways to raise opener’s major. A single raise is much as
in Standard bidding, promising about 6-10 points and 8-9 losers. On occasion
a nine-loser eleven-count will make a single raise. We make single raises with
three or four card support. After a single raise, we play two-way (Kokish) game
tries. The minimum bid asks partner “in what suit would you accept a help-suit
try” while other bids are short-suit game tries. A raise to three (1♥-2♥-3♥) is
preemptive, showing an extra trump and not a serious try for game.
A direct raise to three or four of opener’s major is weak, based on the law
of total tricks. This shows a bad hand in terms of hcp. The double raise should
be a 9-loser hand, and the triple raise should typically be an 8-loser hand or
better.
Distributional limit raises (typically 7-loser hands with 9-12 HCP) and game
forces make the minimum jump bid. This is 2NT over the 1♠ opening and 2♠
over the 1♥ opening. Opener then shows his range via steps. The minimum
step shows a very minimum hand; all other steps are forcing to game. The
second step shows a good 7-loser or 6-loser hand, and the third step shows a
5-loser hand or better. Opener’s fourth step forces a cue, fifth step is keycard,
and higher bids are void-showing slam tries.

15
 If opener makes the first step response, responder can sign off in game or
show shortness (note that signing off in a partscore is not an option). Showing
shortness generally involves bidding the short suit, with a replacement scheme
(1♠-2NT-3♣-3♠ shows club shortness since clubs are unavailable below the
game level). This shortness showing bid is a game or slam try (except the club
shortness bid in the above auction which is specifically a game try since it can be
passed). If responder has a balancedish hand with slam interest despite opener’s
subminimum hand, he can show a serious slam try (see section 9.1). Bids above
that are void-showing slam tries except for whichever suit that could not have
been shown earlier for fear of opener passing 3 of the agreed major (clubs after
spades opened, spades after hearts opened).
If opener makes the second or third step response, then the minimum bid
by responder (1♠-2NT-3♦-3♥ or 1♠-2NT-3♥-3♠) is artificial and shows an un-
specified void (opener relays to ask, replacement scheme). Opposite the second
step, responder has the option to bid 3 of the trump suit which forces a cuebid
(it’s like serious) and the option to bid keycard, which is 1-over-3 of the trump
suit. Opposite the third step, responder cannot “steal” captaincy of the auc-
tion from opener so only has the option to show an unspecified void (first step,
which is three of the trump suit), the balanced game force (1-over-3, again, like
serious), or a singleton somewhere (replacement scheme above those bids).
In addition, we play 1♥-2NT and 1♠-3♣ as balanced limit raises (8 losers).
While we could express such a raise using a forcing notrump, this tends to have
poor results if the opponents enter the auction. Opener’s next bids are steps:
the first step shows 4+ in the other major, the second shows a hand not sure
whether to accept the limit raise, and the third shows a reject of the limit raise.
After opener shows the other major, responder can sign off in 3 or 4 of either
major.
It is also possible to make a game forcing raise by making a two-over-one
bid first and raising opener’s suit (to the three level) at the second turn. This
shows a powerful, 5+ card side suit and a game forcing hand.

6.2 Weak Jumps

Other than the special raising sequences mentioned above, jump responses to
one-major to the 3-level are weak jump shifts. These have the wide range of 0-7
hcp (any hand too weak for 3NT). The weak jump promises at least a six-card
suit. The suit quality and point requirements are imprecise and vary depending
on vulnerability. Opener will almost always pass the weak jump, although a
raise is possible with a good fit for responder (this is mostly a law of total tricks
bid) and opener can make other bids holding extreme shape (typically a void in
responder’s suit and either a seven card first suit or 6-5 in two suits).

6.3 Fit Jumps

Jump responses to one-major to the 4-level are fit-showing. This is similar to
a direct raise to 4-major (low hcp, trumps), but it may show fewer trumps and

16
it also shows 5+ cards in the side suit mentioned. If the opponents compete,
opener should continue bidding holding a good double fit and lack of honors in
short suits.

6.4 Interference
We play completely Standard bidding here. A jump cuebid of a 1♠ overcall to
3♠ shows a stopper and asks opener to bid 3NT. Doubles by either player after
a redouble are penalty. A negative double of an overcall in the other major
might only contain one minor. We play support doubles after a 1♠ response
and penalty doubles at all other times.

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7 2♣ opening
The 2♣ opening shows six or more clubs, 10-15 hcp. This might not be a hand
that would open in Standard bidding; it might be a strong preempt. The 2♣
opening frequently contains a four-card major, but it should not contain a 5-card
major.
After a 2♣ opening:
2♦ asking bid, shows inv+ hcp
2♥ 5+ hearts, inv or worse
2♠ 5+ spades, inv or worse
2NT raise, either constructive or GF values, denies a limit raise
3♣ weak raise
3♦ ♥ ♠ 6+ in suit, game force
3NT to play
4♣ weak raise
4♦ keycard in clubs
4♥ ♠ to play
Bidding is natural after all 3-level or higher responses. After a 2♦ repsonse,
opener bids a 4-card major if he has one, else bids 2NT (game force) with a
maximum or 3♣ with a minimum. Similarly, after a 2♥ or 2♠ response opener
can pass with a minimum and a doubleton or 3 small in support, or rebid 2NT
or 3♣ to show hcp. The 2NT rebid here is non-GF since responder may have a
very bad hand. In non-GF sequences, responder may make a non-forcing rebid
of 2NT or 3♣; all other bids are game-forcing. Responder may rebid a major
suit bid naturally at the 3-level after opener shows max or min; this is game
forcing if responder’s initial bid was 2♦ but invitational if he responded in a
major. A rebid of 3♦ in all cases asks opener for stoppers; opener shows them
in a replacement scheme. If opener rebids 2NT, 3♣ by responder is to play if he
initially responded 2♥ or 2♠ (did not promise inv hcp), but it is a slam try in
clubs if he initially responded 2♦ (promised inv+ hcp). Opener may also raise
responder’s major (NF) or bid a new suit above 3♣. The latter shows a stopper
and a very powerful hand in tricks, looking for 3NT. After 2♣-2NT, opener bids
3♣ unless he has the powerful hand just described, after which responder will
pass with a constructive raise or bid a first round control with a game forcing
raise. Responder could also bid Kickback or jump in a new suit with a void at
his second call in these auctions.

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8 Multi 2♦ opening
Our 2♦ opening shows a weak two in either major. We aren’t very disciplined
when it comes to this bid; we may open with a wide range of strength and
either 5 or 6 cards in the suit. It will only be a 5-card suit when NV 1st or 3rd
seats. Also, the hand may be really bad at first seat favorable, and will never
be as strong as an unfavorable weak-two. Thus the terms minimum, medium,
maximum below are extremely subjective and depend highly on seating and
vulnerability. There are no additional strong meanings, so we really play Mini-
Multi. Our responses are a “pass or correct” style and are geared to make the
2♦ opener dummy when possible. The responses are:

pass long diamonds, signoff

2♥ pass or correct, no tolerance for hearts
2♠ pass or correct, raise of hearts but no tolerance for spades
2NT artificial inquiry
3♣ long clubs, signoff
3♦ natural, game force
3♥ pass or correct, raise of both majors
3♠ natural, invitational
3NT to play, don’t care what partner has
4♣ asks opener to transfer into his suit
4♦ asks opener to bid his suit
4♥ pass or correct, raise of both majors
4♠ to play

After 2♦-2♠, opener passes with spades and shows his strength via steps
with hearts.
• 2NT shows a minimum hand
• 3♣ shows a medium hand
• 3♦ shows a maximum hand
After 2♦-2NT, opener shows his general strength and suit.
3♣ minimum hand
3♦ medium hand with hearts
3♥ medium hand with spades
3♠ maximum hand with hearts
3NT maximum hand with spades
After the 3♣ rebid, responder may bid 3♦ as a game forcing ask for partner’s
major suit. Opener bids 3♥ to show spades and 3♠ to show hearts; this will
make the strong, unknown hand declarer. If responder does not wish to force
game, he may also bid 3♥ or 3♠ as “pass or correct.”

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9 Mini-Roman 2♥ opening
The 2♥ opening shows 4414, 4405, 3415, or 4315 shape, 11-15 hcp. We try
not to open 2♥ with the singleton ace or king of diamonds. Most of the time,
responder will know where to play and how high immediately after th e 2♥
opening. Sometimes you will need more information out of opener, so you can
bid 2NT to ask. The responses are:

3♣ minimum hand, 3♦ asks, then 3♥ and 3♠ natural (3415),

3NT 4414
3♦ 4414 maximum
3♥ 3415 maximum
3♠ 4315 maximum
3NT 4405 maximum

Once opener’s shape is known, responder can cuebid diamonds to ask for
controls. The first step shows 0-2 controls (A=2, K=1). Subsequent steps show
increasing numbers of controls.
If the opponents interfere with the 2♥ opening, all doubles and redoubles
are penalty and the 2NT response is still asking even in competition. The rest
of the system is unchanged.

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10 Other openings
There isn’t that much to say about the other openings. Respond to the transfer
preempts as to normal ones. The 2NT preempt shows both minors (at least
5-5) and a weak hand; this is essentially the “unusual 2NT” bid. The hcp
range is around 5-10 not vulnerable, 8-11 vulnerable. In response to the 2NT
opening, 3♣ and 3♦ are to play, 3♥ and 3♠ start forcing auctions with clubs
and diamonds, respectively, and any other bid is natural (4♣ and 4♦ are weak,
4NT is invitational). After the 3♠ or 3NT openings, any bid of clubs at any level
is pass or correct. 4♦, if available, is keycard in opener’s minor (pass/correct
after 3♠ opening). Any bid of diamonds at any level is a request to play in
the minor opener doesn’t have. Other bids are natural. After 3♣, 3♦, or 3♥
transfer preempts, new suits are natural and forcing.

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11 General Agreements
11.1 Bidding After Agreeing a Major Suit
In general, if a major-suit is agreed at the 2-level, we play Kokish Game Tries.
The cheapest step is a long-suit game try in any suit, and other bids are short-
suit game tries in the named suit (replacement scheme). A re-raise to the 3-level
is preemptive. After the generic long-suit game try, the partner of the player
making the long-suit trial bids the cheapest suit for which he would accept a
long-suit trial. If he would accept any suit, he makes a control-showing bid
above 3-major if partner is unlimited.

11.2 4-level Bidding Where no Suit is Agreed

In these situations, 4NT is to play. If we have agreed a minor, 4NT is still to
play but other bids are cues in support of that one suit.

11.3 When NT Systems are On

1NT or 2NT systems are on whenever one player makes such a bid naturally
and the other has not shown any suit(s). This means that systems will be on in
a variety of situations where it might not seem normal. Remember that systems
are also on after 1♦-1♥ ♠-1NT.

11.4 Defense to Interference of Step Systems

If we are in a step system, our artificial major raises or keycard, and the oppo-
nents interfere, we have an agreed defense. If they double, redouble is penalty,
pass suggests redoubling for penalty, and all other bids are as if the double had
not occurred. If they take up one step, double is penalty, pass replaces the first
step, and the rest of the system is on. If they take up two steps, double replaces
the first step, pass replaces the second step, and the rest of the system is on. If
they take up more room than that, the system is off and doubles are penalty
(when a fit is agreed).

11.5 Defense to Doubles of Cuebids Agreeing a Major

In competitive auctions, we may cuebid the opponents’ suit agreeing overcaller
or opener’s major. If this gets doubled, we play that rebidding the major is the
weakest possible action. Pass is slightly stronger, allowing room for game tries.
Direct action other than the above is stronger yet: our normal game tries are
on in this situation. Redouble is a strong action and shows a control.

11.6 Doubles of Opponents’ Cuebids

Similarly, our opponents may cuebid a suit that we have bid in support of their
partner’s bid. If we double this bid, it is lead-directing with one exception: if we

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have shown 5+ cards in the suit already (overcalls and, uhh, preempts count)
then double is lead-inhibiting. It asks partner not to lead the suit.

11.7 Kickback
We generally use the cheapest step above 4 of the agreed suit as 1430 Keycard
in the agreed suit. A 4-level bid may also be Kickback if a suit is not agreed.
If we have agreed suit T and we are deciding whether 4W is Kickback, 4W is
Kickback when:
• We have agreed suit T, and 4W is the cheapest step after 4T.
• There is a natural, forcing bid available in W at a lower level than 4W.
However, 4W is not Kickback when:

• Both partners have made nonforcing bids thus far in the auction.
• We agreed a minor at the 4-level (by some 4♣ or 4♦ bid).

The responses to Kickback are the Standard steps:

• 1st step: 1 or 4 keycards

• 2nd step: 0 or 3 keycards
• 3rd step: 2 keycards, no trump queen
• 4th step: 2 keycards, trump queen (or 10-card fit)

The cheapest step after the 1-4 or 0-3 responses is an ask for the trump
queen. Responder to Kickback bids 5 of the agreed suit without the queen, and
otherwise bids his cheapest king (replacement scheme). Thus, in the following
auction: ...4♠-4NT-5♣-5♦ responder bids 5♥ to show the ♥ K and ♠ Q, 5♠ to
deny the ♠ Q, 5NT to show the ♦ K and ♠ Q and deny the ♥ K, 6♣ to show
the ♣ K and ♠ Q and deny the ♥ K or ♦ K.
To ask for specific kings after the 1-4 or 0-3 responses, the Kickback bidder
must first ask for the trump queen, even if he himself holds it, and then continue
over partner’s 5-agreed suit bid with 5 of the Kickback suit. If no queen ask
is available, 5 of the Kickback suit is the specific king ask. If the Kickback
bidder instead bypasses the trump queen ask in favor of a direct bid of 5 of the
Kickback suit (or NT), he is making a CAB (see below) in that suit. If he is
bidding NT, he is making a replacement-scheme CAB (see below). However, we
play that this 5NT bid is natural in matchpoint events (dollar try).
If the Kickback bidder needs more information after the initial key-ask, he
may bid something other than the cheapest step or 5 of the Kickback suit as a
Precision-style control-asking bid (CAB) in the bid suit (replacement scheme,
if applicable). The responses are:

• 1st step: no control

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 • 2nd step: queen or doubleton
• 3rd step: king or singleton
• 4th step: king and queen
• 5th step: something really unexpected, like an unshown void

This CAB may occur before or after a specific king-ask. Thus, in the auction
...4♥-4♠-4NT-5♣-5♥, the Kickback bidder may bid 5NT as a spade CAB, 6♣
as a club CAB, 6♦ as a diamond CAB. 5♠ would be a specific-king ask. Instead
of the 5♣ bid, the Kickback bidder could have bid 5♦ as a diamond CAB, 5♠
as a spade CAB or 5NT as a club CAB. If responder to Kickback had bid 5♦
instead of 5♥ in the above auction, 5♠ would then be a spade CAB, 5NT would
be a diamond CAB, and 6♣ would be a club CAB. If a CAB is repeated, the
asker wants to know whether the control is high-card based or shortness-based.
The first step says it is shortness-based, the second step says it is high-card
based, and the third step says it is both.

24
12 Overcalls
1-level overcalls are fairly Standard, 8-16 hcp, 5+ cards in suit. New suits by
advancer are forcing, and a cuebid of opener’s suit is a limit+ raise of overcaller’s
suit. Jump raises are weak: a raise to 3♥ or 3♠ tends to show 9 losers. We can
make a jump cuebid of opener’s suit if availableto show an 8-loser 4-trump raise
. Jumps by advancer in new suits are fit-showing and preemptive.
We tend not to overcall 4-card suits at the one-level; our further bidding
assumes opener has a 5-card suit. However, we may stretch the hcp range a bit
below 8 with some shape and a good suit. In general, we tend to have either
a good hand or a good suit for one-level overcalls. However, there are certain
auctions that merit aggressive actions, particularly when white. Noble likes to
make marginal 2♣ overcalls over 1♦ openings, and marginal 1♠ overcalls over
either 1♣ or 1♦ openings. Noble’s 2♣ and 2♦ overcalls over 1♥ and 1♠ are
very sound; they typically show a hand that would open the same bid. 2♥ over
1♠ may also be a bit of a stretch in terms of hcp; it might just be a sound 2♥
preempt rather than a hand with defense. Other overcalls aren’t particularly
sound or aggressive.
A direct takeout double may be based a two-suited hand with the highest 2
unbid suits, typically 452 shape in the unbids. An equal-level correction from
advancer’s bid of the lowest unbid suit to the next-lowest shows this hand.
A direct cuebid shows the highest and lowest unbid suits and a good hand.
The lower-ranking suit should be longer than the higher-ranking suit. “Good
hand” is extremely subjective; the hcp range is supposed to be 10+ but Noble
will cuebid with good offensive hands with little defense and less than 10 hcp.
The minimum shape is 4-5 in the suits, but 4-6 is a more realistic expectation.
This direct cuebid of a one-suit opening is the only time we play top-and-bottom.
A balancing cuebid of a one-suit opening is Michaels just like other people
play. A cuebid of a natural 2-level opening shows a hand with a running minor
and asks for a stopper for 3NT. A cuebid of either opener or responder’s suits
in sandwich seat when the opponents have bid 2 suits is natural. A cuebid of
opener’s suit after a 1NT response is Michaels. A direct jump cuebid of a minor
opening is natural; a direct or balancing jump cuebid of a major opening shows
a long running minor and asks for a stopper for 3NT.
A direct 1NT overcall is 15+-18 over a major, 14-17- over a minor, systems
on. A balancing 1NT overcall is 13+ to 17 over a major, 11-15 over a minor,
systems on. A sandwich 1NT overcall is takeout for the other 2 suits, a mini-
unusual NT.
Direct or balancing 2NT+ non-jump overcalls of preemptive openings are
strong, typically 16-18 / bad 19 hcp; 2NT systems are on. Jump 2NT overcalls
are unusual for the lowest 2 unbid suits, showing either a very good hand or a
preemptive-type hand. We do not use unusual 2NT normally with hands in the
11-14 HCP range.

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13 Doubles
Here are some doubles that we play for penalties:

• The auction is 4♠ or above.

• We have agreed a suit.

• The doubler has already shown some length in the doubled suit.
• We have already attempted to penalize a contract.

• We have opened with a weak two, preempt, or 2NT showing minors.

• We have shown a game force before the interference that was doubled.
• We previously doubled Michaels, Unusual 2NT, Capp 2♦, or any similar
bid.
• (1any) - X - (non-jump new suit) - X
• The 1NT opener doubles something above 2♠ when responder has never
bid.
• The auction is above 2♠, there is at most 1 unbid, and no fit has been
shown by either side.
• Situations as previously noted in the notes.

We play some doubles for takeout that others play for penalties. Here are
examples.

• We double 1NT showing values, opponents run to a suit, and we double.

• We open 1NT, opponents compete in 2-suit, and opener or responder
doubles.
• Negative doubles through 4♥.

• Responsive doubles through 3♠.

• Snapdragon doubles through 2♥.
• Support doubles through 2♥.

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14 Defenses to Opponent Openings
14.1 Defense to Opponents Notrump
If our opponents open a strong (14 to 17 or better) notrump, we play Meckwell:

Double shows both majors or one minor

2♣ ♦ named suit + a major, normally 4-5
2♥ ♠ natural, usually six card suits
2NT unusual for the minors

If our opponents open a weak notrump, we play the following methods:

X penalty, 15+ hcp in direct seat, or lighter with a runnable

minor
2♣ both majors, normally 10-15 hcp
2♦ ♥ ♠ natural, normally 10-15 hcp

A balancing double of 1NT could be as light as 12 hcp, and is just “values”

asking partner to act if possible.
If partner pulls a double of weak notrump, this normally shows a weak
hand unsuited to defense. A jump-pull shows shape and invites game. If the
opponents run after a double of their weak notrump, the first subsequent double
of a suit contract by our side is takeout. Later doubles as the scramble continues
are penalty oriented.

14.2 Defense to Strong Club Openings

We play the Suction defense to strong 1♣ and 2♣ openings. A double shows a
hand interested in game, typically 15+ HCP with some distribution. Any suit
overcall at any level shows either the next higher suit or the other 2 suits (not the
bid suit and not the next higher suit). Any NT overcall shows 2 non-touching
suits, either spades and diamonds or hearts and clubs. After a Suction double,
bidding is natural. After any suit overcall, any suit by advancer is pass/correct
and any NT bid by advancer shows interest in game.

14.3 Defense to Flannery 2♦ Opening

Double shows a diamond overcall. A 2♥ overcall is takeout for hearts. A
2♠ overcall is natural. A 2NT overcall is strong, showing 16-19- HCP. Minor
overcalls are natural. 3♥ shows a running minor and asks for a stopper for 3NT.

14.4 Defense to Mini-Roman 2♦ Opening or Multi 2♦

Opening
Double shows 15+ hcp. Any overcall is natural. A 2NT overcall shows 16-19-
hcp.

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14.5 Defense to Ekren 2♣ or 2♦ Opening
Double shows 15+ hcp. Any overcall is natural. A 2NT overcall shows 10-13ish
hcp with the minors.

14.6 Defense to Unusual 2NT Opening

Double shows 15+ hcp. Minor overcalls show sound Standard one-major open-
ings (extra hcp values). Major overcalls show sound weak twos or minimum
one-openings.

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15 Leads and Carding
Against suit contracts, we play 3rd/5th leads. We lead 3rd from 5-card or
longer holdings containing no honors. We play Standard honor leads. We lead
A from AK holdings on trick one only except when we hold AK doubleton or a
side singleton or void (and desire to ruff). In the middle of the hand, we lead
attitude or 3rd/5th from current holdings.
Against notrump contracts, we play 4th best and Standard honor leads. Ace
asks for honor drop or upside-down count. We lead the nine from H98x.
We play upside-down attitude (low encourages). Most of the time, we give
Standard suit preference when following suit to declarer and dummy’s plays. At
times, when it is obvious to do so, we will give upside-down count, but in general
our signals are Standard suit preference. This includes Lavinthal discards.
Some odds and ends: we give upside-down count on an AK lead against a
suited slam, strict upside-down attitude for the Jack after a KQ lead against a
suit when dummy has honor-third or 3-small or after a KQ lead against notrump.
Versus suits, if declarer’s RHO leads K from AKxx or longer and there is Jxxx
on the dummy, declarer’s LHO plays the middle card from any 3-card holding
and gives upside-down attitude otherwise (small from xx when can ruff).

29