System Summary Form (SSF), 2019 Open USBC

Bids that Require Advance Preparation

1/ P 2 is an artificial game forcing relay. Other 2/1 responses are natural game forces, and 2NT and 3 responses are game forces showing clubs. We can choose either path, relaying or starting with a suit. Always start with relaying when balanced or a game-forcing raise. 1 P 2/ are reverse flannery responses, showing at least 5 spades and 4 hearts. 1 P 3 shows both minors, less than invite. 1NT P 2 is either a normal transfer to hearts, or a game-forcing hand with both minors. 1NT P 3 is either a diamond signoff, or stronger hands with various possible suits. 3NT opening shows a solid 7+ card major with little outside.

General Bidding Style

Precision, basically "Meck-lite" style. 1 2+, 1NT 14-16 or 15-17, 2 6+ clubs, 2 short diamonds. We almost always open balanced 11, not usually balanced 10. We try not to pass opening bids, especially 1 and especially non-vulnerable. Any bid may be upgraded but we are not crazy, there will be a reason. Like, 1NT 14-16 with 13 will usually have a good five-card suit, or great spot cards, it won't just be random. Downgrades are rare. Overcalls are more likely to be light than to be 4 cards, but anything is possible. Preempt style is relatively down the middle.

Opening Leads AND Leads in the Middle of the Hand

Defensive Signals