This quiz is based on a 12-15 point range for a 1NT opening bid and incorporates the following Lebensohl conventions and agreements:

  • 2N is a relay to 3♣
  • Cue bid is stayman
  • For higher ranking suits and for NT, direct denies and slow shows
  • For lower ranking suits, direct is better and slow is weaker (for both opener and responder)
  • 2 level bids are competitive
  • Double is takeout
  • Double followed by a new suit is forcing

In these sequences, is the last bid forcing or non-forcing?

Example 1

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♦		–
2♠?		–
–		1NT
–

Sorry, no.

A 5+ card suit; non-forcing; typically represents 8-11 points but could be slightly weaker with a favorable distribution or strong shape.

Correct.

A responder with a 5+ card suit; non-forcing; usually holding 8-11 points, though they might have slightly fewer points if the hand has good shape.

Example 2

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♦		–
3♠?		–
–		1NT
–

Yes, forcing.

5+ suit; forcing; denies a diamond stop. (direct denies)

Oops, you missed this one.

2♠ is non-forcing; 3♠ is forcing.

Example 3

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♦		–
2NT		–
–		1NT
–

Yes, forcing.

2NT initiates a two-bid sequence, and it is essential to allow the responder the opportunity to complete their sequence by bidding 3♣ after 2NT.

When playing Lebensohl, the responder’s initial 2NT bid is never intended as a passable call.

No, no, no.

2NT serves as the starting point of a two-bid sequence. It is crucial to provide the responder with the opportunity to complete their sequence; therefore, you should bid 3♣ following 2NT.

In the Lebensohl convention, the responder’s initial 2NT bid is always part of a longer sequence and is never intended to be a final, passable bid.

Example 4

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♦
P		–
2NT
3♠?		–
P
–		1NT
3♣
–

Yes, it is forcing.

2NT represents the start of a two-bid sequence, requiring the opener to give the responder an opportunity to complete their intended sequence. After a 2NT bid, you should respond with 3♣ to allow this continuation.

In the Lebensohl convention, the responder’s initial 2NT bid is always forcing and is never intended to be a passable or final bid.

No, no, no.

2NT is the first of a two-bid sequence. You must give responder the chance to complete his sequence; bid 3♣ after 2N.

When playing Lebensohl, Responder’s first call will never be a passable 2NT.

Example 5

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♦
P		–
2NT
3♥?		–
P
–		1NT
3♣
–

Correct.

2♥ was available as a NF call after the 2♦ overcall. So 3♥ is forcing.

GF; 5+ hearts; promises a diamond stop. (slow shows)

Dial 911! When your partner gets finished with you, you’re going to need the help.

After 2N, higher ranking suits are forcing. Your hearts are higher ranking than their diamonds.

GF; 5+ hearts; promises a diamond stop. (slow shows)

Example 6

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♦		–
X		–
–		1NT
–

Actually, takeout doubles are NF.

You will usually choose one of the unbid suits. But you are permitted to leave the double in, converting it to penalty.

Correct.

This is a takeout double, and you will usually choose one of the unbid suits. But you are permitted to leave it in, converting it to penalty.

Example 7

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥
P		–
2NT
3♦		–
P
–		1NT
3♣
–

Nope.

Lower ranking suits are different from higher ranking suits.

This sequence is merely competitive, about 8-9 points.

Getting to 3♦ slowly, slows down the bidding.

Correct. Non-forcing.

This sequence is merely competitive, about 8-9 points.

Example 8

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥		–
2NT		–
P		1NT
3♣

No, 3♣ is not forcing.

Responder’s 2N asks Opener to bid 3♣. If clubs happens to be Responder’s suit, he will pass.

Correct.

Responder’s 2N asks Opener to bid 3♣. If clubs happens to be Responder’s suit, he will pass.

Example 9

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥		–
3♣?		–
–		1NT
–

Sorry, not forcing.

With lower ranking suits,
direct = invitational (about 10-11)
slow = competitive (about 8-9).

3♣ (directly) is invitational. To accept the invitation, Opener will bid 3N with a stop and 3-cue to ask for a stop.

Correct. Non-forcing.

With lower ranking suits,
direct = invitational (about 10-11)
slow = competitive (about 8-9).

3♣ (directly) is invitational. To accept the invitation, Opener will bid 3N with a stop and 3-cue to ask for a stop.

Example 10

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♠		–
3♥?		–
–		1NT
–

You missed this one.

direct = invitational (10-11).

This is the same as the previous example, even though it’s a major suit.

Yes, non-forcing.

direct = invitational (10-11).

This is the same as the previous example, even though it’s a major suit.

Example 11

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♠
P		–
2NT
3♥?		–
P
–		1NT
3♣
–

Ouch! No…

Lower ranking (slowly) = about 8-9 points.

Responder didn’t want to sell out to 2♠. He needs to be able to compete without having Opener bid more.

Non-forcing indeed.

Lower ranking (slowly) = about 8-9 points.

Responder didn’t want to sell out to 2♠. He needs to be able to compete without having Opener bid more.

Example 12

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♦
P		–
X
3♥?		–
P
–		1NT
3♣
–

Correct. Double followed by a new suit is forcing.

Why didn’t responder jump to 3♥ on his first call, showing or denying a diamond stop along the way?

He must have both 5+ hearts and 4 spades. Doubling first finds whatever major suit fits exist.

This is FORCING.

Double followed by a new suit is a power double.

Why didn’t responder jump to 3♥ on his first call, showing or denying a diamond stop along the way?

He must have both 5+ hearts and 4 spades. Doubling first finds whatever major suit fits exist.

Example 13

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♠		–
X		–
P		1NT
3♦?

No. It’s non-forcing.

When opener goes to the three level after a TO double…

direct = pre-accepts an invitation.

slowly = declines (slows down the bidding)

If Responder doesn’t have an invitation, he just passes. What does responder do with a game-going hand? 3N promises a stop, and 3-cue asks for one.

Correct. Non-forcing.

When opener goes to the three level after a TO double…

direct = pre-accepts an invitation.

slowly = declines (slows down the bidding)

If Responder doesn’t have an invitation, he just passes. What does responder do with a game-going hand? 3N promises a stop, and 3-cue asks for one.

Example 14

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥		–
3♥?		–
–		1NT
–

Definitely forcing.

Cue bid is Stayman (direct denies).

Definitely forcing.

Cue bid is Stayman (direct denies).

Example 15

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♠
P		–
2NT
3♠?		–
P
–		1NT
3♣
–

Correct.

Cue bid is Stayman (slow shows).

Forcing. This is still a cue-bid even though Responder started with 2NT.

Cue bid is Stayman (slow shows).

Example 16

WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♠
P		–
2NT
3NT?		–
P
–		1NT
3♣
–

NOT forcing.

Responder has GF strength; no interest in a major suit; and promises a spade stop (slow shows).

There’s no excuse for Opener to bid again..

Non-forcing indeed. In fact, the auction demands that Opener pass.

Responder has GF strength; no interest in a major suit; and promises a spade stop (slow shows).

3NT is the contract he wants to play.

Now let’s look at some 1NT opening hands.

Example 17

     South
♠ A J T 7
♥ K 5
♦ T 7 6 2
♣ A Q 3 
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♣		–
2♥		–
P		1NT
?

What should South bid?

There are two reasonable bids. First you must give serious consideration to PASS. It’s true you have a maximum and partner might have an invitation, but you do not have a heart fit so the hand must be accordingly downgraded.

Second, your hand benefits by fielding the opening lead from left hand opponent’s club suit. This promotes your hand by almost a half trick, provided you are declarer. You must therefore give serious consideration to 2NT.

Take your pick. Neither is “wrong”.

Example 18

     South
♠ A J T 7
♥ K 5
♦ T 7 6 2
♣ A Q 3 
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♣		–
2♠		–
P		1NT
?

What should South bid?

You have a maximum with four card support and a ruffing value. It’s a shame that the opening lead will go through your club tenace, reducing its value.

Nevertheless, you must raise. In fact, if your opponents had overcalled diamonds instead of clubs, you could jump to the spade game because you have no devalued diamond honors.

Example 19

    South
♠ K 9 7
♥ A Q T 6
♦ 8 5
♣ K J 9 3
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♣		–
2♠		–
P		1NT
?

What should South bid?

You do not have a maximum, and your hearts are devalued.

PASS

Example 20

    South
♠ K 9 7
♥ A Q T 6
♦ 8 5
♣ K J 9 3
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♠
P		–
2NT
3♦		–
P
P		1NT
3♣
?

What should South bid?

Partner’s sequence is merely competitive (slow slows down the bidding).

PASS

Example 21

     South
♠ T 2
♥ T 7 2
♦ K Q J 6 4
♣ A Q 3
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥		–
3♠		–
P		1NT
?

What should South bid?

Whatever you do, DON’T bid 3NT. Neither of you have hearts stopped (direct denies).

Partner’s 3♠ is forcing, so you must choose between 4♦ and 4♠.

I think 4♦ is the better call because you are not making a unilateral decision. Bring Partner into the loop.

Example 22

  South
♠ T 2
♥ T 7 2
♦ K Q J 6 4
♣ A Q 3  
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥
P		–
2NT
3♠		–
P
P		1NT
3♣
?

What should South bid?

3NT.

Partner has promised a heart stop (slow shows) and GF strength. Without spade support, you carry on the indicated game.

Example 23

     South
♠ K 9
♥ A 7 2
♦ Q J 7 6 4
♣ K J 3  
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♠		–
3♠		–
P		1NT
?

What should South bid?

3NT.

Partner’s cue bid is Stayman (direct denies) with GF strength. You don’t like your spade stopper, but you’re not in charge of this auction. For all you can tell at this point, partner could have 12 winners after you stop their spades.

Example 24

     South
♠ 9 6
♥ A 7 2
♦ Q J 6 4
♣ K Q 8 3  
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♠
P		–
2NT
3♠		–
P
P		1NT
3♣
?

What should South bid?

3NT.

Partner’s cue bid is Stayman (slow shows) with GF strength.

Trust Partner to have the spade stopper he’s promised. If you have reason not to trust him, help him review Lebensohl or look for a new partner.

And if you avoid 3NT when he’s trustworthy, he’s the one who will be looking for a new partner.

Example 25

    South
♠ Q 9
♥ A T 7 2
♦ K J T 2
♣ Q 9 3  
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥		–
X		–
P		1NT
?

What should South bid?

You’re going to choose diamonds in response to partner’s takeout double.

But you need to use Lebensohl to pre-accept or pre-decline just in case partner has invitational values. With a minimum, you decline.

Bid 2NT, and when partner completes the sequence, correct his 3♣ to 3♦ (slow slows down the bidding).

Example 26

  South
♠ Q 9
♥ A T 7 2
♦ K T 2
♣ A Q 9 3  
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥
P		–
X
3♥		–
P
P		1NT
3♣
?

What should South bid?

Your 3♣ direct bid pre-accepted after partner’s takeout double.

Partner must have liked that because he took another call. His 3♥ bid confirms game values and asks for a heart stop.

Bid 3NT.

Example 27

     South
♠ A Q 9 3
♥ A T 7 2
♦ K T 2
♣ Q 9  
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥		–
X		–
P		1NT
?

What should South bid?

You’re not surprised that Partner is short hearts and can make a takeout double.

You’re going to choose spades, but you don’t need to pre-accept because you can bid on the two level. If Partner has invitational values, he’ll take another call.

Bid 2♠.

Let’s shift our focus to Responder. Just a reminder… 1NT is 12-15. If 1NT were played as a different range, 15-17 perhaps, The meanings for all the Lebelsohl sequences could remain the same – competitive, invitational, or forcing. But the actual hcp numbers would have to be adjusted.

Example 28

    North
♠ K Q T 6 2
♥ Q J 2
♦ A T 2
♣ Q 9 
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♦		–
?		–
–		1NT
–

What should North bid? And what is his planned sequence?

2NT.

After opener puppets to 3♣, you’re going to bid 3♠ (slow shows).

Partner will choose between 3NT and 4♠.

Example 29

   North
♠ 9 7 4
♥ 2
♦ Q T 8
♣ K Q T 9 6 2
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥		–
?		–
–		1NT
–

What should North bid? And what is his planned sequence?

2NT.

After opener puppets to 3♣, you’re going to pass (slow slows down the bidding).

Partner will expect 8 or 9 points, but a strong six card suit and the perfect singleton more than make up for a missing point.

Example 30

     North
♠ Q J 5 4
♥ 3 2
♦ Q T 8
♣ A Q 6 2 
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥		–
?		–
–		1NT
–

What should North bid? And what is his planned sequence?

Double.

Whatever suit partner picks, you will pass.

Example 31

     North
♠ Q J 5 4
♥ 3 2
♦ Q T 8
♣ A Q 6 2 
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥
P		–
X
?		–
P
–		1NT
3♦
–

What should North bid? And what is his planned sequence?

3♥

Partner has gone to 3♦ without using the cautionary 2NT along the way (direct accepts).

You have an invitational hand, and partner has pre-accepted. Your 3♥ bid asks him if he has a heart stopper.

Example 32

     North
♠ T 7 4
♥ A J T 6
♦ K J 9
♣ A Q 8
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♠		–
?		–
–		1NT
–

What should North bid? And what is his planned sequence?

You have plenty of hcp for game, you just don’t know which one. So ask partner to decide.

Bid 3♠ as stayman (direct denies).

If partner doesn’t have four hearts, he’s a strong favorite for a spade stop. But he won’t bid 3NT hoping you have one. (smile)

Example 33

    North
♠ A 9 8 7 4
♥ A J T 6
♦ K J 9
♣ 8  
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♣		–
?		–
–		1NT
–

What’s your bid? And your plan?

You want to find out if opener has 4 hearts, and if not, does he have 3+ spades.

Start with a double. If Partner bids diamonds, you’ll bid 2♠.

A new suit after a double is forcing, which leaves plenty of room to sort out a club stopper.

Example 34

    North
♠ K T 5 4
♥ Q T 8 7 6
♦ K T 6
♣ 5  
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♦		–
?		–
–		1NT
–

What’s your bid? And your plan?

You can’t double because partner might bid clubs.

Bid 2♥. It’s a shame to lose the spade suit, but you’re not strong enough for any other action.

Some players avoid playing Lebensohl because they don’t want to give up a natural and invitational 2NT. They have not looked at my version of Lebensohl. Here is how you can invite and still play NT – 3NT if Opener accepts, and 2NT if he declines.

Example 35

     North
♠ J T 4
♥ K J 6
♦ Q T 5
♣ A T 9 5  
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥		–
?		–
–		1NT
–

How can you invite a NT game?

Double.

If Opener bids 2♠, you won’t know if he accepts or declines, so follow-up with the bid you wanted to make, 2NT. Then Partner will accept or decline.

And if Partner removes your double to a minor suit, he will pre-decline by bidding 2NT, thinking you will continue with 3♣ so he can place the contract. But you won’t complete the transfer. You will pass and leave partner in 2NT. After all, he has already declined.

By now you’ve figured out what to do if Partner pre-accepts by bidding 3♣ or 3♦ directly. Continue to 3NT.

Example 36

     North
♠ K J 4
♥ 8 6
♦ Q J 6 5
♣ A T 9 5
WestNorthEastSouth
–
2♥		–
?		–
–		1NT
–

How can you invite without a heart stop?

Double.

If Opener pre-declines with 2NT, complete the transfer and let him choose clubs or diamonds.

And if Partner pre-accepts, continue with a 3♥ cue bid, asking for a stopper. Lacking that, retreat to 4 of his minor.

And if he bids 2♠, you won’t know about his strength. You could play safe and pass, or you could go all-in and invite with 3♠. If Partner accepts he should try 3NT with good hearts, just to see which game you want to play.

This was a tough one.

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