I am often asked whether a particular system is on in competition ~ meaning the opponents have interfered with a double or an overcall.  In general, you want to play all systems are off.  The theory behind this agreement is that now that your opponent has made a call or bid other than pass, responder has new toys to use to describe their hand and frequency is that the convention bid is no longer useful. 

Let’s look as a few examples:

Inverted Minors
The frequency that responder holds a limit raise or better is lowered by the takeout double and/or overcall.  It is much more important to play a block bid to interrupt the opponents’ auction!

1♣  Pass  2♣ = Limit raise or better (11-12 total points) with 5+ clubs.

1♣  X  2♣ = Simple raise (6-10 total points) with 5+ clubs (could be a four-card suit).

1♦  1♥  2♦ = Simple raise (6-10 total points) with 5+ clubs (could be a four-card suit).

Forcing 1NT
Once the opponent enters the auction, the 1NT bid is better played as natural with 6-10 total points.  Responder now has a redouble and/or double available to show hands which may have been shown with the Forcing 1NT so there is no longer a need to play the bid as forcing.

1♥  Pass  1NT = Forcing one round (6-12 total points)

1♠  X  1NT = 6-10 total points with a balanced hand and two spades.

1♠  X  XX = 10+ points with five different types of hands.

1♥  1♠  1NT = 6-10 total points with a balanced hand, twohearts and a spade stopper.

1♥  1♠  X = Negative Double (8+ total points) with either three hearts, balanced hand with no spade stopper or both minors.

These are just a couple of examples.  If you have a particular convention that you would like to know whether or not it should be on or off in competition, comment on this post and I will be happy to discuss it with you!

Visit Play Better Bridge for videos, live webinars and bundles.

Take your game to the next level with a Power Bridge Retreat!

Take a look at PBB’s YOUTUBE Channel for clips of Donna’s Lesson Videos.