WBF Convention Booklet

Details of Multi Twos and the Full Booklet

Contents:

• WBF Systems Policy
• Multi Twos according to the WBF Conventions Booklet
• The Full WBF Conventions Booklet
• Comments on Multi Twos by Grattan Endicott
• Note on Cue-bid Overcalls and Brown Stickers by Grattan Endicott

WBF Systems Policy

According to the WBF Systems Policy, the following is not a "Brown Sticker Convention":

• A two level opening bid in a minor showing a weak two in either major, whether with or without the option of strong hand types, as described in the WBF Conventions Booklet.

Multi Twos according to the WBF Conventions Booklet

Multi 2

An opening 2 shows one of three types

1. Weak two in a major suit
2. A strong balanced hand of a defined range
3. Strong three-suited hand

Responses to 2. The first response assumes that Opener has a weak two in a major.

• 2: Willingness to play here or in at least 2
• 2: Willingness to play here or in at least 3
• 2NT: Forcing, asking opener to clarify his hand

Opener's rebids.

• With type (i):
  • Over 2: pass or bid 2
  • Over 2: with hearts, bid 3.
  • Over 2NT: bid 3 to show hearts, upper range;
    3 to show spades, upper range;
    3 or 3 with lower range.
• With type (ii):
  • rebid in notrumps at minimum level
• Other rebids show type (iii) and should be specified on the Convention Card.

The Full WBF Conventions Booklet

Comments on Multi Twos

by Grattan Endicott, WBFLC Secretary

My research has led me to the following conclusions with regard to Multi:

1. We normally think of it as Multi 2 but the Systems Policy allows that alternatively it may be Multi 2 Clubs.
   
   
2. A Multi is not Brown Sticker if it shows a hand which may be weak in either major and has no other weak possibilities; it may have 'several' strong meanings. No restriction is stated as to these.
   
   
3. There are, however, specified requirements as to disclosure. The easiest way to cover this question is to set out for you the relevant text. [WARNING - read this in conjunction with the WBF Systems Policy since if any conflict exists between them the Systems Policy prevails.] I quote:
   
   
   • Specify with one descriptive word before the word 'weak' your style for the weak 2M: standard (i.e. a fair six card suit) or undisciplined (i.e. bad six card suit or often fair five card suit acceptable); or random (anything is acceptable). You may use a more descriptive adjective. After this replace the word "or" with the strong hand types, using semi-colons. Here is a proper entry on the card: e.g. MulTI 2 (random weak 2M; Strong two in minor; 17-24 three suiter; 25+ BAL). Inside the card you must include a full description of range and style for the weak type.
     
     
   • Responder to MulTI 2 assumes a weak two and bids as follows:
     • Pass: long in minor suit opener has named (usually Diamonds)
     • 2 Pass or correct
     • 2 Pass or correct (willing to play at least 3 opposite a weak-2 in Hearts.)
     • 2NT forcing, showing genuine values, asking for clarification (specify rebids).
     • All other Heart bids: Pass or correct. (include something descriptive about style here)
     • You must have agreements about responses of 3 or 4 in a minor.
       
       
   • You must have agreements about opener's immediate continuations with the strong hand types over simple and jump responses. You must have agreements in competition (including Pass and Redouble).
     
     
   • Note: If you have some special agreements, such as 'might pass a 2 response randomly with a weak-2 in Spades' or 'Pass over opponents double of opener means nothing' such variations are sufficiently important to merit "QUOTES" around the name. Your opponents will want to know about this sort of thing in advance.

Note on Cue-bid Overcalls and Brown Stickers

by Grattan Endicott, WBFLC Secretary

Editor's note:

• On the Bridge-Laws mailing list someone said:
  • The jump cue bid in an opponent's suit - e.g. (1) 3 - to ask for a stop is a Brown Sticker convention
  • Nobody knows this except people who were in Antalya for the Junior Europeans.
• This was Grattan Endicott's reply.

I believe this is a false reading of the Systems Policy. The Systems Policy refers to 'overcalls' and , in my view (but I think also in the view of John Wignall since he has made no comment about an earlier exchange I had on the point, not on blml), these are distinguished from 'Cue Bids in Opponent's Suit'. Unless John comes to the surface quickly and says something else I think we may act upon the understanding that an 'overcall' is not in the denomination specified by opponent. I base my view on the Bridge Player's Dictionary; if you look at 'Overcall' you will find that it refers to 'other measures available' and quotes 'Cue Bid in Opponents Suit' as one of them.

Editor's note:

• If you want to comment on this article, why not write direct to Grattan Endicott, WBFLC Secretary?
• He will be pleased to hear from you!
• Alternatively you can write to me, David Stevenson? for opinions on any of the Laws of Bridge or anything else to do with this article

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