System Summary Form (SSF), 2025 Mixed USBC

Bids that Require Advance Preparation

1 includes most balanced hands not in NT range, including some hands with 2 clubs and 4/5 diamonds Responses to 1: 1, 1 transfer with 4+ major. Opener's 1N rebid shows 17/18-19. 1 catch-all response with no four card major. Any strength balanced or both minors. Less than GF with single minor. 1N, 2 GF transfer to a minor. May also have 4 card major. 2, 2 6+ major transfer, either very weak (0-7) or very strong. 2 6+ clubs, mixed (7-9/10 HCP) 2N natural invitational 3 both minors, weak NV, constructive Vul 1-2 artificial invitational raise 1-2 artificial game forcing raise 1M-3 4 card limit raise, may be intending to raise to game with shortness somewhere 2 10-15 HCP, 4 5+ (Flannery) => 1-1N may have 4 spades, or even 5 when we have 3 hearts. Responses in competition include many transfers and swaps. (1 natural) 2 is natural, 2 is majors (1 strong) 1N is 5-5 majors constructive, 2 single major, 2 hearts+minor, 2 spades+minor Direct double of 1N is penalties by unpassed hand, 2 shows majors, and 2 shows a single major. In balancing seat, or by passed hand, Double is a single minor or both majors (Meckwell).

General Bidding Style

Generally light initial actions, conservative responses when we don't have a fit. We open and overcall aggressively nonvul and fairly standard vulnerable. When nonvul, we open most hands with 11 HCP, some with 10 HCP or rule of 19. Responder with as much as 13 HCP may be considered invitational. We tend not to pass 1 if we can do something. Balanced 11-13/14 with 5+ will usually open 1 but 1 is an option. Otherwise 1 is natural unbalanced 11-21 in first and second seat. In third and fourth seat, we may open 1D with a balanced minimum when we prefer a diamond lead. 1M openings are on the light end, especially nonvulnerable, but when we open light we try to have quick tricks and better suits. 5332 hands prefer to open 1NT or 2NT when in range. In third and fourth seat, we many open good four card suits with a minimum. Our 1N opening may have 5 card major or 6 card minor. With 13 HCP, many but not all hands open 1N when NV. Vulnerable or 4th seat, 1N is at least a good 14 HCP. When nonvul, weak 2s can be 5 cards usually only with a very good suit and some shape. 3 level preempts are rather light.

Opening Leads AND Leads in the Middle of the Hand

Defensive Signals