Runouts after 1NT-Dbl (natural)

We use this after strong or weak notrumps.

1NT-(Dbl)-?

Pass = forces a redouble, promising either

+ , or

+ , or

a penalty redouble

After redouble,

2 = +

2 = +

Pass = business

Opener is allowed to compete after this action if he has length in diamonds; he may double RHO's bid hoping that the Pass was penalties as long has he has four or more diamonds. (And the ability to double naturally, of course.)

Once the penalty redouble is exposed, we are in a force at the 2-level only. Immediate doubles are penalty at any level.

Rdbl = puppet to 2, shows a single-suiter

After 2,

Pass = clubs

2, 2 = natural, one suited

2 = weak spade single-suited runout

3any = strong, forcing, natural 1-suiter

2 = and a major

Responses:

2 = natural

2 = pass or correct

Pass of a double is to play

2 = +

2 = +

2 = 6, non-awful hand, can handle raise in comp

2NT = some strong hand, usually two suited (never happens)

3any = preemptive

3NT = to play, probably gambling, but has enough to expect advancer to pull

Responder can show a 3-suiter short in clubs by redoubling twice. 4333 hands are sometimes shown this way. Responder can show a 3-suiter short in diamonds via Rdbl..2...Rdbl.

In general, redoubles are takeout except after the business pass. They can be on hands that have psyched; if we want to play somewhere, we play it just doubled.

If opener bids an "impossible" suit, it's to play and natural, not fitted. Responder is not expected to correct. It's usually a six- or seven-card suit or a possible psych.

We will psych responses even after a double if we have a good place to run. If opener chooses a suit and responder overrides into a different suit, that suggests a psych. (It's unclear which action was the psych (both?) but opener cannot correct.)

We will once in awhile psych without a place to go, praying to find a non-doomed spot, especially against a good pair who we hope play takeout doubles. Down seven white undoubled in the 2-1 fit is probably better than being doubled if responder is broke.

We won't generally psych after a strong notrump, but are quite prone to it after a 10-12. Sometimes, confusion will be our epitaph. ...or escape.