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Detail specifications 43SB - Level 3

The Rubensohl convention after a 2♥ overcall on 1NT opening

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The Rubensohl is used by the responder after a 1NT opening and an overcall. Kit recommands that experienced players use this system.
After a natural overcall of 2 CO:
  • - all the responder's bids in a suit at the two level are natural
  • - from 2NT onwards all bids are Texas transfer bids. 2NT is therefore artificial (Texas for clubs)
  • - the impossible Texas is a Stayman
  • - the double is a takeout. It could be a Stayman with just 8HCP or show a balanced hand of 8HCP or more.
SWNE
1NT
2
2
Q
J
10
6
3
7
J
10
9
8
7
6
5
Problème E9021
2 that show 5 cartes in and a hand with maximum 7HCP. Most of the time, the opener will pass.
 
A
J
10
5
A
9
7
K
Q
J
2
10
9
SWNE
1NT
2
X
Pass
2
Pass
Pass
K
Q
9
8
8
6
10
7
6
J
8
7
6
Problème E9024
X ambigous that here will work as a Stayman
 
 
After a natural overcall of 2
  • The responder's bids
  • in a suit at the two level are natural and non forcing. They are limited to a maximum of 7HCP.
  • The double is not punitive. It requires at least 7-8HCP and often reveals a hand that would have bid 2NT without the overcall. The double asks the Partner to bid a four or five-card suit or to bid NT if he has stoppers in the overcall suit. With a suitable hand, the opener can also pass and transform the double into a punitive one!With a hand of just 8HCP it can also be used by the responder as a Stayman non game forcing.
J
10
5
4
6
5
4
K
8
7
6
K
8
SWNE
1NT
2
X
Pass
3
Pass
Pass
K
Q
6
8
7
A
J
4
A
Q
10
9
4
Problème E9029
3 The rebid by 3 after responder's double denies 4 cards in and a stopper.
 
Q
J
4
A
5
A
9
8
4
K
Q
9
7
SWNE
1NT
2
2
3
3
Pass
Pass
Pass
K
10
7
6
5
7
6
7
6
5
J
6
5
Problème E9022
2 that shows 5 cards in in a weak hand (less than 8HCP). The 3 bid by Opener is purely compétitive.
 
 
The Texas responses
From 2NT onwards all the responses are Texas. The impossible Texas (for the overcall suit) is a Stayman. This forcing bid requires 8HCP and at least one four-card major.
  • 1NT - 2 CO- 2NT = Texas for clubs (it guarantees 6 cards)
  • 11NT - 2 CO- 3 clubs = Texas for .
  • 11NT - 2 CO- 3 diamonds = the impossible Texas. The responder cannot want to play 3 diamonds so it's a game-forcing Stayman.
  • 11NT - 2 CO- 3 hearts = Texas for spades
  • 11NT - 2 CO- 4 diamonds = a major two-suiter at least 5-5
  • 1NT - 2 diamonds - double = either a weak Stayman, or else a regular hand of 8-9HCP
A
K
9
8
K
8
K
J
10
5
4
J
7
SWNE
1NT
2
3
Pass
3
Pass
Pass
5
4
7
6
5
8
7
K
Q
10
6
5
4
Problème E9030
3 Texas transfer for Thanks to the Texas transfer, the opener (with the strong hand) will be playing the 3 contract.
 
 
The 3 rebid by responder
After the 2 overcall,The Texas transfer for is 3 . The 3 bid is natural ; It shows :
  • 5 cards in
  • AND a stopper

The opener will then choose between 3 NT and 4 !
K
Q
9
7
6
A
9
5
7
6
5
5
4
SWNE
1NT
2
3
Pass
4
Pass
Pass
Pass
J
10
4
7
6
K
Q
J
A
K
J
7
6
Problème 9085
3 This response is forcing to game and shows at least 9HCP, 5 cards in and a stopper. It is up to the opener to choose the best game : Here, South, being fitted choose game at 4 ..