Acol Bridge Kiwi-style! | Welcome to My Humble Site

This is a similar but less complicated Acol Based System which also works well

Index

An Overview Page 1

Balanced Hands Page 2

The 1NT opening

Continuations after 1NT Page 3

Simple Stayman

Major Fits

Invitational Balanced

Weak 4 card major with long minor

Weak 4-4 majors

Transfers Page 4

Transferring to minors

When we don’t transfer

After intervention

Overcalling with 1NT

Unusual Sequences Page 7

Baron

Minor 5/5 (weak)

Super Accepts

Anomalies

Transferring after 2NT

1NT rebid (15-18 balanced) Page 8

Crowhurst

2NT rebid after responder bids at the 1-level

2NT rebid after responder bids at the 2-level

Anomaly

2 over 1 Page 10

Raise Structure Page 11

Using no-trumps to support partner

Three card raises

Jump shift

Trial bids

Cue bid

Raise after Intervention Page 13

After intervention of an overcall

After intervention of a double

RKB (Roman Keycard Blackwood) Page 14

Blackout Page 15

Swine Page 16

Lebensohl Page 17

The mechanics of Lebensohl after a weak two

Lebensohl after Partners 1NT opening

General statement of Lebensohl structure after 1NT

2§ opening Page 21

The 2¨ response

The 2©/2ª/3§/3¨ response

The 2NT response

Gadget

Splinters Page 22

Mini-splinters

Maxi-splinters

Mega-splinters

Fit showing jumps

Further Treatments Page 26

Change of suit forcing

Principle of fast arrival

Doubles

An Overview

Acol, like Standard American has gone through many changes since it was originally invented by a group of English players including S.J (Skid) Simon at the Acol Rd. Bridge club in London in 1927.

The Acol played today makes use of many conventions and treatments not available at that time. The system included here is but one version of Acol, but one that can be played effectively at the highest levels.

Acol is a more aggressive system than Standard, opening four card majors and using a pre-emptive (weak) no-trump opening. As a philosophical difference from Standard, Acol more vigorously distinguishes between balanced and unbalanced hands in the first two rounds of bidding. Whereas in Standard the auction 1§ - 1¨ -1ª has not disclosed the nature of openers hand, in Acol this will guarantee, at least, an unbalanced 5-4 shape. All balanced hands without a fit, (and even some with), either open or rebid NT at their earliest opportunity. The premise of Acol is to describe the nature of the hand quickly and to use a series of enquiries (Crowhurst) to unravel fits subsequently.

A good example of the difference between the two systems comes from a very simple sequence. 1§ - 1© - 2©. In Standard, the most common hand for opener to have is a flat minimum (12-14) with four card support, and it is this hand that responder uses as a guide when deciding whether or not to explore the possibility of game. In Acol the opener, if flat has 15/16 points as a minimum, and if not balanced, then the hand has distributional values on top of the opening points already described. This means that the openers hand for the simple raise will commonly be stronger in Acol than the equivalent sequence in Standard. The effect this has on the responder is that they can be somewhat more aggressive in making general tries towards game.

In this style of Acol the responders two over one promises a rebid, creating many opportunities for forcing auctions, but fewer chances to stop. A specialised raise structure allows for the responder to choose from among seventeen different ways to support partner. The failure to use one of these tends to deny support.

Although not inherently a part of Acol, a comprehensive competitive structure is included to ensure that maximum pressure is exerted on opponents bidding, while retaining the ability to constructively bid good hands.

A sophisticated consultative approach to slam bidding is also included, making use of cue bidding as well as Keycard Blackwood. Many of the conventions and treatments could be just as easily applied to a Standard system as usefully as Acol.

In no way am I suggesting that Acol has any inherent advantages over Standard, nor disadvantages, for it will always be true that how you play the system you choose, will always be more important than which system that is. (Among recognised systems anyway).

It is true, I believe, that some players are more suited to one system, rather than another, and that a working knowledge of all major systems is an advantage.

Balanced Hands

The 1NT opening (11+ to 14-)

Our 1NT opening describes a point range between a good 11 points up to 14 non-prime points. Rather than defining a balanced hand purely by classic distribution i.e. (4333, 4432 and 5332 minor) some discretion is allowed by considering the texture of suit quality, point distribution and general suitability for playing no-trumps. This means that some 5422 (minors), 6322 and 4441 hands may choose to open 1NT, although they must be subsequently described within the balanced framework.

Points

By a good eleven I mean a hand rich in intermediaries, or control rich, or both. Don’t forget that length points are just as valuable as high card points. Vulnerability and position may also have some bearing on the decision whether or not to open an 11-point hand. An example of this is where vulnerable 3^rd in hand you know that your partner does not have 11+-14, therefore there is no real need for you to expose yourself.

A 14-point hand consisting of two aces and two kings is too strong to open 1NT, as is any 14-point hand with an excess of intermediaries and/or controls.

Shape

As well as the classic shapes a 22(54) with more than half the points in the doubletons is better described as balanced rather than two-suited. A bad six-card minor, where your points are “soft” and spread between your short suits, may not want to be rebid, therefore the 1NT opening is also preferable. Some 4441 hands (further discussion later) may, if “soft”, be better opened 1NT than the alternative lie.

This may give the appearance of “undisciplined” 1NT openings, but the reality is that the discretionary latitude given, classifies the hands into the most suitable playing compartments, and requires as much if not more discipline.

Exception

The nature of the Acol 1NT is pre-emptive and stops both opponents and us from finding good 2 level major suit fits. We judge it best therefore not to open 1NT with both four-card majors, as this is more likely to pre-empt us than the opponents.

With 4-4 in the majors and 11-14 we open 1©. If partner responds 1ª we raise, if they respond 1NT we pass and if they bid 2§/2¨ then we rebid 2ª (This is not a reverse). This sequence is bid only with 4/4 majors 11-14 points.

Continuations after 1NT

Simple Stayman (2§)

Stayman is used on all balanced hands wanting to explore a major suit fit, all invitational balanced hands without a major and weak hands with a four-card major and a long minor. We also use Stayman to run from 1NT with all very weak hands with two four-card majors.

Major fits

As in any system Stayman is primarily used to look for major suit fits.

Invitational Balanced

The only way to invite in no-trumps is via Stayman, therefore 2§ followed by 2NT does not promise a four-card major, simply invitational values. This means that Stayman is alertable and should be described as not necessarily containing a four-card major if invitational.

The exact maximum number of points that should pass 1NT has always been contentious. My simple rule for myself is that if I was not prepared to open 1NT on my hand, then it should not invite game opposite partner’s 1NT.

Weak 4 card major with long minor

A 6-4 shape with a four-card major or 5431 shape can potentially be interested in game if a major fit is found, but is definitely not interested in either 3NT or an 11 trick minor suit game. On these hands we Stayman, and, if no fit is found we bid our long minor at the three level. This is to play and must be passed. This is also alertable.

Weak 4-4 majors

Any hands with 4-4 in the majors where we may not hold the balance of points (0-9) should Stayman and pass a major response. If partner bids 2¨ (no major) then we bid 2© and the opener will either pass or correct to 2ª with three spades and two hearts. This ensures that we play with at least seven trumps. It also makes it much harder for the opponents to penalise our 1NT opening.

Transfers

Transfers are used to give the responder to 1NT extra bids to describe their hand. Instead of bidding our long suit we bid a suit below, forcing our partner to complete the transfer.

We use a code to identify the suit that we have. i.e.

After 1NT:

2¨ = 5+ hearts

2© = 5+ spades

2ª = 5+ clubs

2NT = 5+ diamonds

Our hand may be very weak, invitational, game forcing or even looking for slam. Initially the opener will not know, and must (nearly always) complete the transfer by simply bidding the suit that we have shown. Our second bid, if we make one, will clarify for partner the strength of our hand.

After 1NT - 2© (transfer to spades)

2ª -?

2NT = Only 5 spades (Partner may pass or bid 3ª, 3NT or 4ª)

3§ = 5+ spades and 4+ clubs (game forcing)

3¨ = 5+ spades and 4+ diamonds (game forcing)

3© = 5+ spades and 4+ hearts (game forcing)

3ª = 6 card spade suit (invitational)

3NT = Only 5 spades (Partner should pass or correct to 4ª)

4ª = 6+ spades

Rather than list every possible sequence we can make general rules that apply to all transfer sequences.

Rule:

Transfer followed by a new suit is game forcing.

Transfer followed by a NT bid shows a balanced or semi balanced hand.

Transfer and rebid of shown suit shows extra length and is not forcing.

Transferring to minors

You are not forced to transfer to a minor and may still ignore it and just raise NT if you wish to.

Transferring to a minor is different to a major in that you are bidding two levels below the suit you are showing. This allows partner two different bids without going past 3§ or 3¨. We use this extra space so that partner can show whether or not they have a fit in the suit we are showing. i.e.

1NT - 2ª (Transfer to clubs)

2NT = I don't have a fit for clubs

3§ = I do have a fit for clubs

1NT -- 2NT (Transfer to diamonds)

3§ = I don't have a fit for diamonds

3¨ = I do have a fit for diamonds

Rule:

Accepting partner’s minor shows a fit with them.

When we don't transfer

Because we use the 2NT response as showing diamonds, all our normal balanced invitational hands must start off with a 2§ Stayman. This means that Stayman no longer promises to have a four card major if responders second bid is 2NT.

Rule: Balanced invitational hands go via Stayman

Because we play a transfer followed by a new suit as game forcing, then Stayman followed by a minor will become non-forcing. i.e.

1NT - 2§

2¨ -?

3§ = Weak with 5/6 clubs and a four card major

3¨ = Weak with 5/6 diamonds and a four card major

1NT - 2§

2© -?

3§ = Weak with 5/6 clubs and four spades

3¨ = Weak with 5/6 diamonds and four spades

Rule: Stayman followed by new suit at the three level shows a weak hand with five cards in the suit bid and a four card major (the four card major may not be known)

Immediate bid at the three level

1NT - 3 §/¨/©/ª

These bids are natural (not transfers) and show slam interest. They are normally single suited hands (minors often six plus). The 1NT opener should either.

Bid 3NT = no fit

Bid game in suit = fit but bad hand

Cue bid = fit with good hand

Immediate game bid

1NT - 4©/ª or 5§/¨

These bids are to play and the reason for not transferring first may be one of pre-emption or to protect a holding.

After Intervention

Rule: If the opponents intervene over your partner’s 1NT you CANNOT transfer. All bids become natural.

If your opponents intervene after your transfer then the opener may not take the transfer, in order to show their holding in the doubled suit. They use pass and double to show differing strengths. These bids neither confirm nor deny a fit in responders suit.

ie.

N E S W

1NT P 2¨(trans.) Double

Pass = some diamonds

XX = Good diamonds

2H = Taking transfer

1NT P 2¨(trans.) 2ª

Pass = No fit or minimum hand

Overcalling with 1NT

You can agree with your partner to play normal Stayman and transfer sequences after a 1NT overcall, effectively pretending that your partner has opened with 1NT. This is by no means the only effective method however. It is certainly an area that needs partnership discussion.

Unusual Sequences

Baron

One anomaly is that a spare transfer sequence exists. If you transfer to hearts and then bid spades you can either bid two or three spades?

i.e.

1NT - 2¨ transfer

1NT - 2¨

2NT = 4333 any (3§ then asks for four card suit with 3NT showing clubs)

3§ = Four clubs and another four card suit (3¨ then asks with 3NT showing Diamonds

3ª = A five card club suit

3NT = A five card diamond suit

Minor 5/5 (weak)

Another strange advantage of the transfer structure is that if you held a very weak 5/5 in the minors you can transfer to diamonds (via 2NT) and if your partner has a fit with diamonds they will bid 3¨, which you can pass. If they don't have a fit with diamonds then they will bid 3§, which you can also pass (they must have a fit in clubs.)

Super accepts

If your partner transfers to a major and you have four-card support then you should super-accept. A jump to the three-level shows a minimum hand and with a maximum you bid 2NT with a 4333, otherwise bid your other four-card suit.

Anomalies

When partner transfers to hearts they may be starting the Baron enquiry, therefore a super accept where partner then bids 3NT shows that the original 2¨ bid was the start of a Baron enquiry.

There is no requirement to super-accept with minimum 4333.

Transferring after 2NT

After a 2NT opening you have to agree whether to play 3§ as Stayman or Baron and whether or not to play transfers (usually only to the majors).

If you play Baron and transfers then the spare bid of 3ª should be used to show five spades and four hearts (a combination that cannot be shown below 3NT using normal methods. i.e.

2NT -?

3§ = Baron (bid your four card suits up the line)

3¨ = Transfer to hearts (rebidding 3ª with 5 hearts and 4 spades)

3ª = 5 spades and 4 hearts

1NT rebid (15-18 balanced)

After partner has rebid 1NT then most game enquiries go via the Crowhurst convention.

Crowhurst

2§ is the enquiry and the opener bids the cheapest feature of, new suit, own five-card suit, or three-card support for partner, bidding at the lowest level with a minimum and jumping with all maximums. Impossible sequences show a fragment with three-card support for partner and a five-card suit, and jumps to 3NT always shows a maximum 4333. Eg

2¨ = 3532 15 - 16 points

2ª = 3523 15 - 16 points

2NT = 3433 15 - 16 points

3§ = 3523 17 - 18 points

3¨ = 3532 17 - 18 points

3NT = 3433 17 - 18 points

3§ = 5¨, 3§, & 3 card support

2NT = 5 § & Doubleton in partners suit

The Crowhurst sequence is forcing on the opener to at least 2NT

Failure to use Crowhurst in non-game force sequences is not forcing even though it is a change of suit. The opener should always support however with four-card support for the second suit eg

1¨ - 1ª - 1NT -?

2§ = Crowhurst

2¨ = To play (opener can bid 3¨ with a max and a fit)

2ª = Natural non - forcing

these last two sequences show the sort of hand at least 5/4 and interest in game only if partner is maximum with 4-card support for the second bid suit. The opener will normally return to 3¨ but may occasionally pass 2©

2NT rebid after a 1-level response (19-20 and game forcing)

Crowhurst 3§ still applies but non-Crowhurst sequences describe unbalanced hands and are still game forcing. (I don’t see the point in crowhurst here)

2NT rebid after a 2-level response (15-20 and game forcing)

Crowhurst (3§) can still be used with opener bidding at the three-level with both 15-16 and 19-20 (but not 3NT), and at the four-level with 17-18. If opener has 19-20 then they describe their hand shape but kick on over any sign off by partner. Be careful not to make a game bid before having described your extra values.

Anomaly

Because we play the sequence 1§ - 1© - 4© as showing a weak 6-4 (not 19-20), the balanced hand with four-card support goes via 2NT. Over partners next bid opener jumps to 4©, therefore confirming primary support.

2 over 1

We play that a change of suit at the two level promises the ability to make a second bid. This means that the opener can exploit the fact that responder will bid again. The simple rebid of openers own suit is forcing and therefore unlimited in strength. The raise of responders suit is game forcing, as is a change of suit at the three level or above openers suit. (Exception 1© - 2§/¨ - 2ª shows the 11-14 4/4 in majors). The 2NT rebid is of course 15-20 and therefore game forcing already. The jump rebid of openers suit merely emphasises