2-Way Checkback

Introduction to 2 Way Checkback

2 Way Checkback (2WCB) is an approach to bidding after a 1NT rebid by opener. It replaces what is normally used today – New Minor Forcing (NMF). It is applied after opener bids 1 of a suit , responder bids 1 of a suit and opener rebids 1NT.

Comparing the 2 systems involves rating how each handles the 3 basic hand groups that responder will hold:

Sign-Off hands

Invitational hands

Forcing hands

2WCB & NMF are about equal in terms of handling sign-offs. Both have flaws as relating to getting out in a minor suit at a low level. However 2WCB allows much more definition and clarity in the invitational and forcing sequences. It is capable of relaying distribution, high card strength and location of strength information to opener so that the correct strain and level can be reached.

2 Way Checkback – The Basics

The basic premise of 2WCB is that bids of 2C and 2D are both artificial. There are 3 features to the system

1) The 2C response to a 1NT rebid is a forced relay to 2D

2) The 2D response to a 1NT rebid is an artificial game force ( even if partner’s opening bid was 1D !!). It is usually a Major suit checkback but is occasionally a prelude to showing a forcing bid in a minor.

3) Jump rebids by responder, in any suit, are forcing. They describe “pure” hands – good suit(s) with HCPs in long suit(s).

2 Way Checkback – The Sign-off

This treatment is very much the way most play it now. Responder’s rebid of the original major ( or 2H if 1S was the initial response) are not forward going. Below are some easy examples

1m 1S 1m 1S 1H 1S

1N 2S 1N 2H 1N 2S

The approach to signing off in a minor is as follows. To sign-off in 2D responder bids 2C - Opener should alert and explain as a RELAY to 2D, either to play or the start of some invitational sequence.

So if you were to hold ( playing a “walsh” style )

JXXX

AJXXXX

The auction can go 1C 1S

1N 2C*

2D* P

Changing the auction and responder’s hand

JXXX

AJXXX

XXx

The auction can go 1D 1S

1N 2C*

2D* P

This is how responder gets back to 2D. Remember you can’t bid 2D directly over 1N as a preference for it is an artificial force.

Signing off in Clubs is the only tricky part. This is the exception to the 2C is invitational rule. In this case bid 2C forcing 2D then bid 3C to play. We’ll revisit this area at the end of the discussion to see how different approaches might be applied to this sequence that will open up several possibilities for the scientists.

2 Way Checkback – The Invitational Hands

In present NMF methods responder bids NMF or jumps to the 3 level to show an invitational hand. Playing 2WCB responder bids 2C – forcing 2D from opener. Responder then clarifies his hand type as the example below shows

1C 1S Responder’s Bids

1N 2C* P = to play

2D* ??? 2H = Invitational values w/5+S and 4+H

2S = Invitational with 5+S

2N = Invitational with C

3C = sign-off in C ( see above )

3D = Invitational with D

3H = Highly Invitational w/5+S and 5+H

3S = Highly Invitational w/6+S

How do we invite in NT ? just bid 2N over 1NT as in standard.

As you can see the invitational sequences are very descriptive compared with the NMF sequences. Admittedly there are exceptions revolving around the club suit that need to be remembered - this is a drawback – I’ll introduce some ideas at the end that may be easier on your memory.

2 Way Checkback – The Forcing Hands

In present NMF methods responder bids NMF then makes a strength showing bid of some type to establish a force. Playing 2WCB responder has two options available to show forcing hands

1) Jump rebids. These tend to be “pure”hands. If jumping in the suit you responded this should show at least 6 cards in length and values in the suit ( not Kxxxxx, the worst holding may be more like AJT9xx ). If jumping into a new suit, responder shows at least 5-5 distribution with HCPs concentrated in the suits bids

2) All other forcing hands start with responder bidding 2D over opener’s 1NT rebid. This immediately establishes a game force. Opener now responds naturally. I use the following priorities for opener (Responder should remember that Opener’s bidding of “a” does not deny “b” or “c”. However bidding “b” does deny “a”, and so forth.)

a. Bid the other Major with 4 of them

b. Bid partner’s major with 3

c. Rebid good 5 card minor ( or 6 card minor for hand hogs )

d. Bid 2N with none of the above

So 2D usually is a “random force” type looking for a major suit fit (4 of the other major or 3 card support for bid major), a force in either minor or just some hand that does not fall into the jump rebid categories. Some examples will help clarify things responder needs to keep in mind.

AKQJT Bid 2D – good suits but should be 5-5 to

AKXX jump.

AKQJT Bid 2D – good suits but should be 6+ to

KXX jump.

QXX

KJTXX Bid 2D – right shape but scattered values.

KXXXX Not a “pure hand”. Partner may misjudge

AQ potential of hand.

An example sequence with definitions of calls by responder follows.

1C 1S Responder’s Bids

1N 2D* 2S = Forcing with 6+S, looks “no trumpish”

2H ??? 2N = Random force 17 HCP +/-

3C = Natural force – doesn’t fit jump requirements

3D = Natural force – doesn’t fit jump requirements

3H = Forcing, better than 4H

3S = Forcing 6+ (may be 4 cd for opener’s minor??)

3N = to play, opener can correct with 3 card S support.

4m = splinter in support of H

2 Way Checkback – General

Note that 2WCB is used in the following 2 auctions ( it actually works well in both of these )

1C 1D 1H 1S

1N 1N

It works well in a walsh style because it allows diamonds to be a playable spot at a low level.

It is also easily adapted to a weak NT system, especially when opener will bypass a major suit to show strength.

2 Way Checkback – Clubs Revisited

Some of the harder parts of 2WCB to remember are the “exceptions” -

2C forces 2D, to play or starts invitations UNLESS I rebid 3C then its to play , to Invite in C I bid 2C then 2N. To Invite in NT I don’t go through 2 C I bid 2N directly. I learned it this way and have played it with many partners for years, so I have no trouble remembering. However may be a slight change in this structure will ease the load. Try this tweak that Patty and I are currently playing

forget the 2C then 3C to play, 2c then 2N to invite in C, bid directly to invite in NT. Use 2Cas a relay to 2 D to play or INVITATIONAL in some strain or NT. Now the only memory required is that if I want to invite I start with 2C….ALWAYS …NO EXCEPTIONS.

See below

Old Approach New Approach

1C 1S 2N = Inv with C 2N = Natural NT Inv

1N 2C* 3C = C to Play 3C = Inv with C

2D ??? TO INV in NT bid 2N to get out in 3C don’t bid 2C bid 2NT =a relay to 3C not 2C

The only thing I need to remember is that 2N is a relay to 3C. I know 2N can’t be invitational. Why ? Because ALL Invitational sequences start with 2C !!!

However if exceptions are your expertise, the above opens up a whole new set of bids that await definition. How about these

1m 1M

1N 2N*

3C ???

What if responder now bids at the 3 level ? May be the following is a possible use :

3D = support for opener’s m (4+)with a lower stiff

3oM = support for opener’s m (4+) with a higher stiff

3M = 5-2-2-4 with 5M and 4m

3N = 4-2-2-5 with 4M and 5m