SUCTION

Presented by  -  Mike Savage

 

A Defense over 1NT and Strong 1 or 2 Clubs Openings

Hall/Savage Version

1. OVER STRONG 1 NOTRUMP:

Dbl = Clubs or Hearts and a minor (Hamilton) See below in blue.

2C = Diamonds or Hearts and Spades Majors

2D = Hearts or Spades and Clubs Blacks

2H = Spades or Clubs and Diamonds Minors

2S = Spades and Diamonds (Pointy)

2NT = Clubs and Hearts (Six Clubs and four Hearts)

Continuations over Dbl after a pass and 2C by partner (semi-forced):

Pass = Clubs

2D = Diamonds and Hearts (Reds)

2H = Clubs and Hearts (Usually five Hearts & four or five Clubs)

2S = Six Clubs and four Spades

2NT = Six Clubs and four Diamonds

2. OVER WEAK 1 NOTRUMP (upper limit 15 or less): You could keep the same

structure as over strong 1NT but we make these changes over weak, shown in red:

Dbl = Penalty

2C, 2D & 2H = All have the same meaning as over strong 1NT above.

2S = Clubs or Diamonds and Hearts Reds

2NT = Clubs and Hearts (Rounded)

3C = Diamonds and Spades (Pointy)

3. BASIC GENERAL RESPONSES TO SUCTION OVER 1NT (Continuations):

SUCTION primarily shows the suit above your bid or the two suits above that.

Almost always accept the transfer to partner’s presumed one-suiter.

After partner of the bidder of SUCTION bids the one-suiter, bidding the ranking suit shows the two-suiter and other suit bids shows four of the suit bid and six of the one-suiter (bidding notrump shows the "unbiddable" 4/6).

C. With three plus cards in the single suit & four plus cards in one of the two

suits, jump as high as you can afford to. Partner will pass, raise or correct.

D. If you have a very good suit of your own, bid it at the two-level.

E. Bid 2NT as a general invitation with an "uncertain" fit but a good hand.

F. Over Dbl by Responder (partner to the 1NT opener):

Pass = Length in the suit doubled and shortness in indicated suit.

          Rdbl = Good hand and with or without a fit

G.  Over a Two of a Suit by Responder (partner to the 1NT opener):

  • Dbl = Shows values, no certain fit, asks partner to bid, or pass if it’s their

    • suit. Double of "4th suit", the one partner can’t have, is penalty.

    4. SUGGESTED DEFENSES vs. SUCTION OVER 1NT:

    Dbl (or Rdbl) = Eight good or more HCP. We play it or they play it doubled.

    Rebids by the Opening side after the opponents bid a suit:

    Dbl = Penalty; in the immediate seat, showing good trumps and in the

    pass-out seat, penalty also but may be on power, not trumps.

    2 of a Major = If they accept the one suit shown or one of the two suits

    shown, at the two level, a bid of 2 of a major not shown

    by the opponents, in the pass-out seat, shows a four card

    suit and is forcing.

    2NT in the pass-out seat = Invitational. Denies strength in opponent’s suit.

    2 of a Major (over 2C or above) = To play

    2NT, 3C, 3D, 3H = Invitational or better transfers. Generally bid game or

    show HCP concentration with a maximum, in response.

    Over Dbl by the opponents: Systems are on (Stayman, Jacoby, etc)

    Over 2C by the opponents: Dbl = Eight good or more HCP, penalty oriented

    2D = Stayman

    2H/2S = To play

    2NT = Lebensohl

    5. SUCTION after STRONG 2C (or STRONG 1C):

    Dbl = Diamonds or Hearts and Spades Majors

    2D = Hearts or Spades and Clubs Blacks (1D)

    2H = Spades or Clubs and Diamonds Minors (1H)

    2S = Clubs or Diamonds and Hearts Reds (1S)

    2NT = Clubs and Hearts (Rounded) (1NT)

    3C = Diamonds and Spades (Pointy) (2C)

    Jump Overcalls = Natural and preemptive

    6. SUCTION after 2D RESPONSE to Strong 2C (or 1D RESPONSE to Strong 1C):

    Dbl = Hearts or Spades and Clubs Blacks

    2H = Spades or Clubs and Diamonds Minors (1H)

    2S = Clubs or Diamonds and Hearts Reds (1S)

    2NT = Clubs and Hearts (Rounded) (1NT)

    3C = Diamonds or Hearts and Spades Majors (2C)

    3D = Diamonds and Spades (Pointy) (2D)

    Jump Overcalls = Natural and preemptive