System Summary Form (SSF), 2019 Open USBC


Team: Donn Last Updated Apr 18, 2019 at 13:45
Players: Joshua Donn - Sheri Winestock

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Bids that Require Advance Preparation

1H/S P 2C is an artificial game forcing relay.
Other 2/1 responses are natural game forces, and 2NT and 3C 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.
1D P 2H/S are reverse flannery responses, showing at least 5 spades and 4 hearts.
1D P 3C shows both minors, less than invite.
1NT P 2D is either a normal transfer to hearts, or a game-forcing hand with both minors.
1NT P 3C 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.
1D 2+, 1NT 14-16 or 15-17, 2C 6+ clubs, 2D short diamonds.
We almost always open balanced 11, not usually balanced 10.
We try not to pass opening bids, especially 1D 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

4th best against notrump, 3/5 against suits.
From AK against suits, typically A from an even number, K from an odd number.
Rusinow against notrump. A from AK holdings, Q from KQ and so on down. K asks for count/unblock.

Defensive Signals

Upside down count and attitude.
Generally attitude first.
Nothing much special about our signalling. Suit preference when we can. No Smith echo.