Suggested Beginner CC from Hoki

[LadyStar17]

Beginner/Novice Convention Card
Prepared by Hoki

.........................Opening bids and responses

1NT = 15-17..........Stayman, Jacoby transfers
...........................systems off over interference (not standard for SAYC)
...........................3-suit shows six cards, is GF, slam invitational
...........................4 Clubs = Gerber - Ace Asking Convention

2NT = 20-21..........Stayman, Jacoby transfers

..................Minor-suits three or more in length

With unequal length: open longer minor.
With 3-3 in minors: open 1Club.
With 4-4 in minors: open 1 Diamond (1 okay if balanced).
Raise to two-level: 6-10 points (at least five-card support).
Raise to three-level: 11-12 points (at least five-card support).
Bid four-card major before raising minor.
.....1NT = 06-10..........(denies major suit)
.....2NT = 11-12..........(denies major suit)
.....3NT = 13-15..........(denies major suit)

.......................Major-suits five or more in length

Raise to two-level and three-level: as for minor suits.
Raise to four-level: weak, 5+ trumps, singleton/void (pre-emptive)

2 Clubs– strong, artificial: 23+ points

2 Clubs is game-forcing unless followed by 2NT (22 to 24, balanced).
2 Diamonds= waiting (semi-automatic).
2Hearts/Spades= 5+ cards, at least two of top three honours, 8+ HCPs.
3 Clubs/Diamonds = 5+ cards, at least two of top three honours, 8+ HCPs.
2NT = balanced hand, 8+ HCPs.
responses to opener’s 2NT rebid as for 1NT/2NT opening bids.

...................2 // – weak twos: 6 to 10 points
In 1st or 2nd seat: two of top three or three of top five honours.
..........(Five honours are Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten)

2NT = feature ask (show side suit ace or king).

Raise to three-level: pre-emptive (not invitational).

New suit = 5+ cards, 1 round force

RONF (raise is the only non-forcing non-game bid)

Miscellaneous agreements

• natural game tries (long suit)

• regular Blackwood (5C = 0 or 4, 5D = 1, 5H = 2, 5S = 3)

• fourth suit forcing game-forcing

• strong jump shifts

...............................Standard leads and carding

• fourth down from length

• ace from A-K

• low from Hxx[x]

• middle-upper-down (MUD) from three small unless partner bid the suit (then small)

• high-low = encouraging (or even number)