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Pre-Escape - Especially when playing Weak Notrump or Mini Trump
opening bids, Responder is well advised to make a semi-psyche 2C
Stayman bid when holding a worthless hand. This action complicates the
auction for the opponents, making them both wonder if their partnership has
the balance of power and whether to seek game or initiate a penalty double.
Of course, responder Passes any opener bid.
|
Bid |
Meaning |
|
1N - (P) - P |
Responder Passes
with adequate values yet insufficient for game. |
|
1N - (P) - 2C |
While responder's 2C
bid is indeed Stayman, when the combined partnership assets are less
than 15 points, bidding 2C is prudent. The opener is unaware of
responder's strength, naturally bidding either a 4 card major suit or
Diamonds without major support. Responder intends to Pass any bid and hoping the auction will
avoid a penalty double by opponents. |
|
1N - (P) - 2C - (X);
P - ?
1N - (P) - 2C - (P);
2H - (P) - P - (X);
P - ? |
Should advancer Double,
the partner in the overcaller seat may be uncertain whether to bid or
Pass for penalty. Should
advancer belatedly Double, the overcaller may also be uncertain
of the best action. |
1N - (X) - any
If overcaller Doubles, by definition responder's calls are no longer
Pre-Escape sequences. Any suit bid is either
natural or a transfer, depending on opponent and partnership agreements.
Assuming overcaller's Double is natural showing values, a
common treatment is to play Jacoby transfers "on" when 1 Notrump
opener's range is 11+ points, and play natural (transfers "off") when
opening 10-12 or fewer points. As an aside, ACBL regulations prohibit
conventional responses when opening 1 Notrump below 10
points (assuming opponent Passes). Also see
Moscow Escapes and Exodus
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