Monday, May 23, 2011

Sardine Run-out Bids

I just looked back over this blog, and I realized that I promised a couple of times to post something about a run-out system when your opponents double a weak 1NT (or micro 1NT in our case.) So here it is, the Sardine runouts (named after a BBO user Sardine)

After 1NT (X)

2C = 2-suited, clubs & hearts
2D = 2-suited, diamonds & hearts
2H = 2-suited, hearts & spades
2S = 2-suited, spades & clubs
XX = 1-suited hand (forces opener to bid 2C. After this, responder bids his or her suit)
Pass = FORCING! This forces opener to XX, which responder can pass or bid out a weaker hand
XX = automatic
2C = 2-suited, clubs & diamonds
2D = 2-suited, diamonds & spades
2H = 0-4-(54) shape
2S = 4-0-(54) shape

To force to game, we divide potential responders' hands into three categories: 1-suited, 2-suited, and 3-suited.

After 1NT (X)

2NT = 2-suited hand (forces opener to bid 3C)
3C = automatic
3D = diamonds & hearts
3H = hearts & spades
3S = spades & minor
3NT = clubs & a red suit
XX = 1-suited hand (forces opener to bid 2C)
2C = automatic
2NT = Game-forcing (forces opener to bid 3C)
3C = automatic
3D/3H/3S = shows the 5+ card suit
3NT = shows 5+ clubs
Pass = 3-suited hand (forces opener to bid XX)
XX = automatic
2NT = Game-forcing (forces opener to bid 3C)
3C = automatic
3D/3H/3S = singleton in a 4441 shape
3NT = 4441 shape with singleton club

In a running situation, 2-suited can sometime mean 4-4 as finding a Moysian fit is better than playing 1NT X sometimes. A 1-suited hand can be a good 4-card suit as well. For the game-forcing hands, 2-suited means 5-5, and 1-suited means 5+ cards.

If the balancing seat doubles, the opener has a chance to talk about his concealed 5-card minor. If he doesn't have one, then he passes and lets partner run.

After 1NT - P (X) P - ?

2C = clubs and diamonds
2D = diamonds and hearts
2H = hearts and spades
2S = spades and clubs
XX = Forces opener to bid 2C
2C = automatic
Pass/2D = 1-suited in that minor
2H = hearts and clubs
2S = spades and diamonds

These bids are a lot to learn, but once you do, you will never be afraid of the opponents doubling your weak 1NT again! In fact, I look forward to playing 1NT XX sometimes and making it for a big score. Now, on the other hand, you will occasionally be looking at a 4333 hand with no points and no bid to get out of 1NT X. Those are the times you just gotta bid your 4-card suit (using XX) and hope they decide to bid.

Sorry that it took so long to post this. I hope you enjoy, and happy bidding!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Would appear you made a minor error when listing things out with the 2!C bid both initially and after the Forcing Pass-XX sequence being flipped. I have adjusted and posted what you probably mean to say below:


After 1NT (X)

2C = 2-suited, clubs & diamonds
2D = 2-suited, diamonds & hearts
2H = 2-suited, hearts & spades
2S = 2-suited, spades & clubs
[Memory Aid: Suit Bid and the Next]

XX = 1-suited hand (forces opener to bid 2C. After this, responder bids his or her suit)

Pass = FORCING! This forces opener to XX, which responder can pass or bid out a weaker hand
XX = automatic
2C = 2-suited, clubs & hearts
2D = 2-suited, diamonds & spades
[Memory Aid: Suit Bid and the non-touching suit]
2H = 0-4-(54) shape
2S = 4-0-(54) shape
[Memory Aid: 4CM and Void in the other Major]

You're much appreciated for posting!

Unknown said...

My spouse and i ended up being absolutely thrilled Chris could complete his studies from the precious recommendations he had through the weblog. It's not at all simplistic just to be giving out concepts other people may have been making money from. We do know we have got the writer to be grateful to because of that. The most important illustrations you made, the simple web site navigation, the relationships you can give support to foster - it's got many incredible, and it's really leading our son and our family know that the issue is cool, and that is tremendously vital. Thank you for the whole thing!Sardine Run South Africa

Unknown said...

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I believed I could leave my first comment. I don't know what to state except that I've enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I can keep visiting this blog very often.Sardine Run expeditions