Intervention after two-over-ones ================================ They Overcall ------------- If they intervene BELOW the level of responder's 9-11 non-forcing rebid, - Double is penalty (may be a 4-card holding in a weak no-trump) - Pass is forcing but likely to be a weak no-trump - Raising responder's suit to 3-level is non-forcing - New suits are natural and don't show extra values below 3-responder's-suit - 2NT is a weak 6-card rebid If they intervene ABOVE the level of responder's 9-11 non-forcing rebid, - Double is take-out - Pass is non-forcing - Bids are natural and forcing After 1S - 2D our level is only 2H so any intervention is above and doubles are take-out If opener's LHO passes then bids and doubles are subject to the level-dependent rules UNLESS they are in a fit auction when we revert to take-out (for example when LHO raises or advances a double). They Show Two Suits ------------------- Either by cue-bidding our suits or by 2NT. - Pass is a fit-less weak no-trump (or similar values) - X is strong defensive, looking for a penalty. Subsequent penalty doubles - 2S is 5+ spades, non-minimum values but NF [only possible after 1S (P) 2D (2H*);] - 2NT is a weak 6-card rebid, 3-responder's suit NF - Raising responder's suit to 3-level is non-forcing - Cue with extra strength: lower = support, higher = own suit (subject to sensible ordering) - 3NT natural (likely unwilling at vulnerability to seek penalty) They Double ----------- Continue ARTIFICIALLY as without intervention. As further intervention is possible, Pass/XX cover weak no-trumps, getting them 'out of the way': Pass/XX show weak NT without/with stop or alternatively, no support/3+support in a weak NT So for Pass/XX we don't have to worry that opponents know what they're doing. Note that as a weak no-trump with nothing to say passes a double of 2C, opener's 2H is unambiguous - it shows both majors. If they DOUBLE responder's 2C showing clubs OR for take-out - Pass is a stop-less weak no-trump / no club support - XX is a weak no-trump with a stopper / club support - others as without double except that 2H shows both majors (weak NT excluded) If they DOUBLE responder's 2D = hearts showing diamonds - Pass is a stop-less weak no-trump, at most two hearts - XX is a weak no-trump with a stopper, with two hearts - 2H minimum, three hearts (TRF complete style) - 2S 5+ spades, short hearts (but some minimums may pass) - 3D stopper ask - others as without double If they DOUBLE responder's 2H = diamonds showing hearts - Pass is a stop-less weak no-trump - XX is a weak no-trump with Hxx or better in hearts - others as without double If they have no partnership understanding - that is they don't know ehen questioned at the table - then, if they've not asked we assume they are doubling for take-out, if they've asked and realise 2D or 2H is artificial, then we assume they are showing that suit. Only redouble changes - it now suggests taking a penalty. If they make an IRREGULAR DOUBLE of responder's 2D = hearts for take-out (= hearts + clubs). Our double of 3C (their most likely escape and above 2H) is take-out as 2D doesn't show that much unless we redouble initially. We are not forced beyond 2H unless someone shows extras. - Pass is a weak no-trump unsuitable for 2H - XX is a strong misfit (2DXX OK, switch to penalty doubles) - 2H is natural, 3+ hearts min - 2S is 5+ spades, short hearts, NF If they make an IRREGULAR DOUBLE of responder's 2H = diamonds for take-out (= diamonds + clubs). Again their most likely escape is to 3C but we are forced to 3D and can double for penalties. - Pass is a weak no-trump - XX is a strong misfit (2HXX OK, switch to penalty doubles) - 2S is 5+ spades Examples -------- 1S (P) 2C (2H); P - forcing; responder's 3C NF, others FG X - penalty usually with trumps 2S - 5 spades, likely spades and diamonds 2NT - 6+ spades, minimum 3C - NAT, NF 3D - diamonds, extras 3H - Extras, either clubs or 17-19 without heart stop 3NT - strong, stopper, implied club fit for trick source 1H (P) 2D (2S); P - forcing; responder's 3D NF, others FG X - penalty usually with trumps 2NT - 6+ hearts, minimum 3C - NAT, not necessarily extras but not bad min 3D - NAT NF support, may be weak no-trump 3H - 6+ hearts not minimum 3NT - strong, stopper, implied diamond fit for trick source 1S (P) 2D (3C); P - forcing; responder's 3D NF, others FG X - take-out, some extras, maybe stopless 17-19 Bal doubleton heart 3D - diamonds, extras 3H - NF raise (values as per non-comp auction) 3NT - strong, stopper, implied doubleton heart 4C - strong heart raise 4H - some extras (values as per non-comp auction) 1S (P) 2C (3D); P - non-forcing opposite 9-11 clubs X - take out; maybe suitable minimum 3H - hearts, extras 3NT - strong, stopper, implied club fit for trick source 4C - Clubs, extras, 5+ spades 4H - some extras 1S (P) 2C (X); P - weak no-trump, nothing in clubs XX - weak no-trump, at least Hxx in clubs 2D - 5+ spades not 4+ hearts, 11-15 2H - 4+ hearts, 11+ 2S - 4+ diamonds, 16+ etc. 1S (P) 2C (X); 2H (3C) P - forcing, may be lurking X - take-out, no fit [2H = majors] 3D - natural, presumably angling to no-trump without club stop 3M - nat, forcing 4C - control, major fit 4M - fast arrival implications 1S (P) 2H (2S*);P - weak no-trump, no diamond support X - strong, looking for penalty 2NT - weakish, long spades, 3D NF 3C - diamonds, good hand 3D - diamonds, non-forcing, may be weak no-trump 3H - spades, good hand 3S - spades, non-forcing but constructive 3NT - strong, stoppers 4C - splinter 4D - optional key-card ask? 4H - splinter 4S - long spades, lack of controls 1S (P) 2C (2NT);P - weak no-trump, no diamond support X - strong, looking for penalty 3C - Natural NF 3D - clubs, good hand etc. as above