System Summary Form (SSF), 2021 Senior USBC


Team: Beatty Last Updated May 23, 2021 at 17:29
Players: Bryan Howard - Jim Foster

Click here to see their ACBL convention card in a new window

Bids that Require Advance Preparation

1C = 16+ HCP or equivalent playing strength, artificial
Responses are:
1D = 0-7 HCP, artificial
1H = GF w/spades
1S = 8-13 HCP, balanced GF
1N = GF w/hearts
We play numerous artificial continuations after the initial reponse to 1C
1D = 2+D, 10-16 HCP
1H & 1S = 5+ card suit, 10-16 HCP, raise to 4 can be good hand with as few as 3 trumps
1N = semi-forcing
2C = artificial GF without fit for major
1H/2D and 1S/2H = 3+fit, limit raise or better
1H/2S = 6+S, 4-8 HCP
1S/2D = 5+H, at least game invitational
2N = natural GF with doubleton fit, might have 4(5) of other major
2C = 6+C, 10-16 HCP. 2D = artificial asking bid. 2M = forcing. 2N->3C. 3C->3D.
2D = 11-15 HCP, 3-suiter with short D (4415 minus 1).
We use transfers in many auctions, including over your overcalls and takeout doubles
2 suited jump overcalls show suit bid and lowest unbid major (4) if we bid minor and lowest unbid minor if we bid major – always at least 5 of suit bid, but may be 4 of other suit, shows approximately 8-15 HCP
Pass/X inversion (1c opener's 2nd bid) and Forcing Pass at 5 level bal of power

General Bidding Style

We open and overcall very light with good distribution, preempts moderately aggressive
1N = 14-16 1st, 2nd & 3rd NV; 15-17 4th and 3rd V- upgrades & downgrades common

Opening Leads AND Leads in the Middle of the Hand

Vs. NT: 4th best, but often lead high or second high from weak suits
Vs. Suits: 3rd from even, low from odd
Std. Honor leads, A from AK unless doubleton or 5 level or higher
After the opening lead, we often lead attitude

Defensive Signals

UDCA, except we play std. attitude on opening lead of A
UD count on opening lead of K at 5 level or higher
We often give suit preference in trump suit and when following suit or discarding
First discard tends to be UD attitude
Reverse Smith vs NT
When splitting honors, we tend to play highest