RainBow Series – Lesson IX
Lebensohl
Many people ask:
"What's so great about Lebensohl ?
Why do so many experts insist on teaching us Lebensohl
rather than any of the other conventions that exist ?"
The reason, quite
simply, is that other conventions are helpful and
interesting; while Lebensohl is
necessary.
Indeed, it is part of the 2-over-1.OK convention card, and
should have been part of the SA-YC.OK card.
Because it isn't, you will have to ask any new
prospective SAYC partner if they, too, play Lebensohl.
By using an artificial bid of 2NT,
Lebensohlers can distinguish between
bad hands
and
good ones, or between hands that
do have a
guard in the opponents' suit from hands that do
not.
The Lebensohl 2NT comes up in many
instances.
Case (1):
The first is when the opponents have
overcalled our partner's 1NT opening with
2-of-a-suit (e.g., 1NT-2♥-2NT is Lebensohl).
1NT Opener is forced to bid 3♣.
Then Responder
can Pass with a weakish (i.e., "competing") hand
that includes long Clubs or correct to any suit
BELOW the Overcaller's suit.
In this way, Responder can compete without getting 1NT Opener
too excited.
Responder:
| x x
| Q J x x x
| K x x
| x x x
|
West | North | East | South
|
1NT | 2 | 2NT | Pass
| 2NT = Lebensohl.
|
3 | Pass | 3 |
| – Competing the partscore.
|
| | |
| Advancer is NOT inviting 4!
|
In standard Lebensohl, a free bid by
Responder at the 3-level without prefacing it
with the 2NT bid (e.g., 1NT-2♥-3♦) becomes Forcing.
Responder:
| A x
| K Q x x x
| K x x
| J x x
|
West | North | East | South
|
1NT | 2 | 3 |
| – FORCING. 10+ HCPs.
|
With stronger hands, the 2NT-force to
3♣ can be used to distinguish hands that do have
a guard in the opponents' suit from those that don't.
For example, 2NT followed by 3NT promises a
stopper in the opponents' suit, while a jump to 3NT
(e.g., 1NT-2♦-3NT) denies any such guard.
Similarly, 2NT followed by a cuebid shows a stopper, while a direct cuebid (e.g., 1NT-2♥-3♥) denies one.
In this way, "Slow Shows", while "Direct Denies".
In other words, the slower 2NT followed by a cuebid or
3NT (e.g., 1NT-2♥-2NT-Pass-3♣-Pass-3NT) shows a stopper,
while the faster 1NT-2♥-3NT denies one.
Remember: Slow Shows, Direct Denies.
Responder:
| Q x x x
| A J x x
| x x
| A x x
|
Opener
| Overcaller
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
1NT
| 2D
| 3D
| .
| Denies a Diamond guard.
"Major ?"
|
Responder:
| Q x x x
| A J x x
| A x x
| x x
|
Opener
| Overcaller
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
1NT
| 2D
| 2NT
| Pass
| –
|
3C
| Pass
| 3D
| .
| Shows a Diamond stopper.
"Major ?"
|
Responder:
| x x
| A J x
| K Q x x
| Q x x x
|
Opener
| Overcaller
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
1NT
| 2S
| 3NT
| .
| Denies a Spade stopper.
|
Responder:
| Q J x
| A J x
| K Q x x
| 10 x x x
|
Opener
| Overcaller
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
1NT
| 2S
| 2NT
| Pass
| –
|
3C
| Pass
| 3NT
| .
| Shows a Spade guard.
|
In this way, 1NT Opener can predicate subsequent
action based upon knowledge of Responder's strength in
the opponents' suit.
Note: Many pairs play Lebensohl only
after interference over their 1NT openings.
A bid of a suit higher than overcaller's
(i.e., a suit which Responder could have bid at the 2-level) is
forcing if a jump,
invitational if prefaced by the 2NT relay to 3♣.
Responder:
| x x x
| K J x x x
| K x x x
| J x
|
Opener
| Overcaller
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
1NT
| 2C
| 2NT
| Pass
| –
|
3C
| Pass
| 3H
| .
| This invites game.
|
Responder:
| A x x
| K J x x x
| K x x x
| J x
|
Opener
| Overcaller
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
1NT
| 2C
| 3H
| .
| This forces game.
|
---- Case (2): Lebensohl Against Weak 2-bids ----
The second instance where Lebensohl is common is
over Partner's double of their weak 2-bid (e.g., 2♥-Dble-P- ??).
Here, 2NT asks the doubler to bid 3♣, allowing partner
("Advancer") to Pass (with a weak hand and Club length) or
correct to any suit below Overcaller's.
A direct 3-over-2
response by Advancer shows a slightly better hand (8-11 HCPs)
but, unlike opposite a 1NT Opener, is not forcing.
Advancer:
| x x x
| x x
| 10 x x x x
| x x x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
2H
| Double
| Pass
| 2NT
| Asks Doubler to bid 3C.
|
Pass
| 3C
| Pass
| 3D
| Weakish hand with Diamonds.
|
Advancer:
| K x x
| x x
| K Q x x x
| x x x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
2S
| Double
| Pass
| 3D
| 9-12 points.
Not forcing.
|
Again, strong Advancer who is interested in playing
in a 4-4 major suit fit may cuebid directly without a stopper,
while preferring 2NT followed by a cuebid when Advancer does
have a stopper (in case 3NT is the correct place after all).
Advancer:
| Q J x
| A J x x
| K x x x
| x x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
2S
| Double
| Pass
| 2NT
| Forces 3C.
|
Pass
| 3C
| Pass
| 3S
| "4H, pard ? 3NT perhaps ?"
|
Advancer:
| x
| A J x x
| K x x x
| A x x x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
2S
| Double
| Pass
| 3S
| "4H ? 4C or 4D, maybe ?"
|
Consistent with the "SLOW SHOWS" theme, if Advancer
bids 2NT followed by 3NT, s/he wants to play in 3NT and is
interested in a slam (if Doubler is maximal).
A jump to
3NT directly over the double denies slam interest.
Both 3NT bids by Advancer are natural ("to play"), promising a
guard in the opponents' long suit.
Advancer:
| A J x
| K x
| K Q x x
| Q J x x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
2S
| Double
| Pass
| 2NT
| Asks Doubler to bid 3C.
|
Pass
| 3C
| Pass
| 3NT
| 14-17 HCPs, slam interest.
|
Advancer:
| A J x
| K x
| Q J x x
| J x x x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
2S
| Double
| Pass
| 3NT
| 11-13 HCPs, NO slam interest.
|
Similar rules are in effect, if Responder raises
the opening bid and Doubler is forced to double again.
Advancer:
| x x
| Q J x
| x x x
| K x x x x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
1H
| Double
| 2H
| Pass
| Usually 0-7 points.
|
Pass
| Double
| Pass
| 3C
| Clubs.
5-7 points.
|
Advancer:
| x x
| x x x
| x x x
| x x x x x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
1H
| Double
| 2H
| Pass
| Usually 0-7 points.
|
Pass
| Double
| Pass
| 2NT
| Asks Doubler to bid 3C.
|
Pass
| 3C
| Pass
| Pass
| Clubs.
0-4 points.
|
---- Case(3): Extending Lebensohl ----
Many pairs agree that if Opener's major-suit opening
is raised after Partner has doubled, Lebensohl is in effect.
Advancer:
| x x
| Q J x x
| K x x x
| Q x x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
1S
| Double
| 2S
| 2NT
| Asks Doubler to bid 3C.
|
Pass
| 3C
| Pass
| 3H
| Hearts, 8-9 points.
|
Advancer:
| x x
| Q J x x
| K x x x
| A J x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
1S
| Double
| 2S
| 3H
| Hearts.
10-12 points.
|
Advancer:
| x x
| Q J x
| K x x x x
| Q x x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
1H
| Double
| 2H
| 2NT
| Asks Doubler to bid 3C.
|
Pass
| 3C
| Pass
| 3D
| Diamonds.
8-9 points.
|
---- Case(4): Lebensohl Over Opener's Reverse ----
Some long-standing partnerships "extend" Lebensohl
to cover reverses:
Responder:
| Q J x x
| x x
| x x x
| Q J x x
|
Opener
| RHO
| Responder
| LHO
| Explanation of Action
|
1D
| Pass
| 1S
| Pass
| –
|
2H
| Pass
| 2NT
| Pass
| –
|
3C
| Pass
| 3D
| .
| A weak signoff in Diamonds.
|
Responder:
| A J x x
| x x
| Q x x
| Q x x x
|
Opener
| RHO
| Responder
| LHO
| Explanation of Action
|
1D
| Pass
| 1S
| Pass
| –
|
2H
| Pass
| 3D
| .
| Good hand supporting Diamonds.
|
Actions by a Strong Doubler or Reverser over 2NT
In the case of the 1NT Opener, 2NT will always
fetch a 3♣ rebid by Opener.
This will allow Responder to
Pass 3♣ with length in Clubs and a poorish hand.
Opener:
| A J x x
| K Q x
| A J x x
| K x
|
Responder:
| x x
| J x x
| Q x
| Q J x x x x
|
Advancer
| Opener
| Overcaller
| Responder
| Explanation of Action
|
–
| 1NT
| 2H
| 2NT
| Forces 3C.
|
Pass
| 3C
| Pass
| Pass
| Weakish, with Clubs.
|
With little hope of game opposite what Advancer
has shown, the partner who made a takeout double will also
"co-operate" with the 2NT-force to 3♣.
Doubler:
| A K x x
| x
| A J x x
| A x x x
|
Advancer:
| x x
| J x x
| Q x x
| Q x x x x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
2H
| Double
| Pass
| 2NT
| Forces 3C.
|
Pass
| 3C
| –
| –
| Willing to play in 3C.
|
A much stronger Doubler, with visions of game,
may refuse to bid 3♣ over Advancer's 2NT, and make a
cuebid of the opponents' suit (game-forcing) or any natural bid
instead of 3♣.
Doubler:
| A K Q x
| —
| A K Q x x
| A K J x
|
Advancer:
| x x x
| J x x
| Q x x
| Q x x x
|
Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
| Explanation of Action
|
2H
| Double
| Pass
| 2NT
| Forces 3C.
|
Pass
| 3H
| –
| –
| Game forcing.
|
The same is true of a Reverser who hears Partner
try to sign off with a Lebensohl 2NT transfer to 3♣.
Again, most Reverser's will co-operate and rebid 3♣.
But a very strong Reverser may force game with any rebid
higher than 3♣.
Opener:
| 10
| A K Q x
| A x
| A K x x x x
|
Responder:
| Q J x x
| J x
| Q x x x
| x x x
|
Opponent
| Opener
| Opponent
| Responder
| Explanation of Action
|
Pass
| 1C
| Pass
| 1S
| –
|
Pass
| 2H
| Pass
| 2NT
| Hoping to stop in 3C.
|
Pass
| 3NT
| .
| .
| Too strong to bid 3C.
|
---- Discussing Lebensohl with Partner ----
This, however, is not part of "standard" Lebensohl,
and would have to be discussed beforehand.
"Partner," you might ask after establishing that
you play Lebensohl,
"do we play it after a reverse ?
How about over a double of their weak 2's ?
If so, do you also play it over 1♥-X-2♥ and 1♠-X-2♠ ?"
----- Quiz -----
1.
Partner opens 1NT and RHO overcalls 2♥.
Your bid with:
Responder A:
| K J x x x
| K x x
| x x
| x x x
|
Responder B:
| K Q x x x
| K x x
| x x
| J x x
|
Responder C:
| K Q x x
| A J x
| x x
| J x x x
|
Responder D:
| x x x
| x x
| J x x
| K Q J x x
|
Responder E:
| K x x
| x x
| A Q J x
| Q x x x
|
Responder F:
| A x x
| x
| A Q J x x
| K x x x
|
2. You open 1NT with:
A Q x
K J x x
x x
A Q x x
What do you rebid after these auctions:
Auction
| Opener
| Doubler
| Responder
| Advancer
|
Auction A:
| 1NT
| 2D
| 2NT
| Pass
|
Auction B:
| 1NT
| 2D
| 2NT
| Pass
|
3C
| Pass
| 3S
| Pass
|
Auction C:
| 1NT
| 2D
| 3NT
| Pass
|
Auction D:
| 1NT
| 2D
| 3S
| Pass
|
Auction E:
| 1NT
| 2D
| 3D
| Pass
|
3H
| Pass
| 3NT
| Pass
|
3.
You play Lebensohl over 1♥-Dble-2♥.
Your bid with:
Advancer A:
| K J x x
| x x x
| Q x x
| x x x
|
Advancer B:
| J x x
| A Q x
| K Q x
| Q 10 x x
|
Advancer C:
| x x
| x x
| K x x x
| K J x x x
|
Advancer D:
| x x
| x x
| A x x x
| A J 10 x x
|
4.
You play Lebensohl over reverses.
The auction goes:
Opener
| RHO
| Responder
| LHO
|
1C
| Pass
| 1S
| Pass
|
2H
| Pass
| ?
| –
|
Your rebid with:
Responder A:
| K 10 x x
| x x
| K x x
| 10 x x x
|
Responder B:
| A 10 x x
| x x
| K x x
| J x x x
|
|
RAINBOW Series
|
The Rainbow Series, from 10:00 A.M.
to 12:30 PST, every weekday, is a lecture program on the
SAYC system, from Opening Bids all the way through to the conventional aspects of
SAYC.
Unlike the FireSide and 5th Chair sessions mentioned above, the Rainbow Series is a semi-private lesson program for our students.
Nevertheless, you are invited to stop by
and "eavesdrop" on the discussion from the Spectator's Loft.
If you have any questions arising from these notes, or about the Rainbow Lesson Series, please do not hesitate to
email me at: cpw@escape.ca
|
If your computer has midi capacity,
you have been listening to LedZeppelin's "Going to California".
|
saved from url=http://www.firesides.ca/rainbo9.htm