Friday, May 16, 2003 7:15 AM

NT - Systems On

PITBULLS:

The systems on block on a convention card is very specific and applies to 1NT openers and overcalls only . All other NT auctions do not have systems on unless a specific partnership agreement ! Lets review the NT structure in the direct position and in balancing .

A direct 1NT overcall is obvious and the direct double & a rebid of NT shows a hand too strong to overcall 1NT . If your hand is 20-22 you can leap in NT after doubling first . In all these auctions except for the direct 1NT overcall – systems are not on . No transfers and no toys apply if you have doubled first. The systems on is a luxury given by a direct 1NT overcall and the bidding being at the one level with no opponent interference.

The balancing spot is a different animal then the direct for the NT structure . The reason is that you have information in the balancing that you do not have in the direct . One hand is too weak to respond if you are balancing whereas in the direct spot that hand is just unknown. The flagship of the balancing NT is the 2NT balance . It is not unusual but shows 18-19 flat . All other NT bids are derived from that HCP range . If you balance 1NT you are in the 10-12 HCP range and some people beef it up over a spade. If you double first in the balancing and then bid NT at your first opportunity you are just showing a 1NT overcall range. In the balancing , if you double and then jump in NT you are showing the 20-22 HCP range. In all cases in the balancing , systems are off unless you have a special partnership agreement !!

NT bids over a weak two is another source of confusion . Systems are off in these structures unless a specific partnership agreement . If the wrong hand plays the contract , we have to live with it. Transfers applicable only after a 1NT overcall or opening bid ! Thurs nite , Pitbull Lorna had a hand in the balancing spot that fits this discussion .

J	A	A	K
x	x	K	Q
x	x	Q
		J
		x

I opened a club and around to Lorna in the balancing . She has 20 HCP and a 5 card suit so she is too strong to balance 2NT which shows the 18-19 HCP range . At the table Lorna doubled and Lloyda bid 1♠ . The correct bid is 2NT now to show your hand in one fell swoop . 4NT or 4♠ makes as partner as a 5 card spade suit to the Ace and the jack of clubs.

Systems on is an unnecessary confusion when partners try to make these NT toy bids universally applicable. Partner transferring when she should not have is a frequent hot bed for disaster. Discuss these “systems on” sequences with partner.