BOOK 4

This is the FOURTH volume in a series of FIVE BOOKS devoted to the study of bidding in the SAYC system, from BEGINNER through ADVANCED and EXPERT levels.

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As experienced players who learned the game before the development of the TWO-OVER-ONE system know, a one-level MAJOR-SUIT opening shows a minimum of 12 HCP. Likewise, the RESPONDER's first bid of a NEW SUIT without a jump and without interference shows 10+ HCP.

 

Under these assumptions, it is often difficult for the OPENER to determine whether the RESPONDER holds the additional 3 or 4 points needed to bid GAME.

 

As we will see throughout this book, when the RESPONDER bids a NEW SUIT WITHOUT A JUMP at the TWO LEVEL over a ONE-LEVEL MAJOR-SUIT OPENING, the hand shows 13+ and is GAME FORCING.

 

The main advantage of this system is that, from the RESPONDER's very first bid, the partnership already knows that the minimum strength required for GAME is present.

 

In my opinion, it’s a system that any player should know from the intermediate level onward.

 

This book analyzes in depth the widest possible range of situations that may arise in order to reach the correct contract. Through numerous examples, we examine the possible rebids of the OPENER, the RESPONDER, and the OPPONENTS.

At the end of each CHAPTER, you will find a TEST with many practice hands and a detailed analysis of the correct answers.

 

THE FIVE-BOOK SERIES

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· BOOK 1: Contains the minimum knowledge needed to compete at the BEGINNER level.

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· BOOK 2: Covers everything you need to know about bidding at the INTERMEDIATE level, including the basic principles of the most important conventions used at the ADVANCED and EXPERT levels.

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· BOOK 3: Focuses on the most important topics related to 1NT and 2NT openings, as well as the X-Y-Z and X-Y-1NT systems.

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· BOOK 5: Presents a COMPLETE SYSTEM for reaching the correct contract when 1NT FORCING is used in response to a one-level major-suit opening.