George Jesner Bridge Acol Convention

ACOL SYSTEM
BY GEORGE JESNER

With the introduction of the Acol Bidding System, bridge players have been trying to modify it. The following is a short summary of a modification by Mr. George Jesner of England. There will be a certain terminology used, which will not be understood by every bridge player. We have attempted to include the clarifications as much as possible. The Acol System proposed and offered by Mr. George Jesner is comprehensive, and we hope that we have given this modification due credit. After reviewing the material contained on this page, the bridge player could have questions which we have not anticipated. If this is the case, please contact us.

As an introduction and explanation, this modification, which is quite involved, by Mr. George Jesner is a natural system featuring 4-card suit openings, a Weak No Trump with a range of 12 to 14HCPs, and Benjamin Two-Bids. Be aware that we have tried to include most of the material and that it is quite long.

OPENING BIDS

Opening Meaning

1 Club 10-21HCPs. At least 4 clubs.

1 Diamond 10-21HCPs. At least 4 diamonds.

1 Heart 10-21HCPs. At least 4 hearts.

1 Spade 10-21HCPs. At least 4 spades.

1 No Trump 12-14HCPs. Any distribution of 5-3-3-2, 4-3-3-3, 4-4-3-2 (including weak 5-card Majors).

2 Clubs 8+ Quick Tricks in an unspecified suit, or 21-22HCPs, or 25-26HCPs with a balanced hand.

2 Diamonds Game Forcing hand, or 23-24HCPs, or 27-28HCPs with a balanced hand.

2 Hearts 4-9HCPs. A 6-card Heart suit.

2 Spades 4-9HCPs. A 6-card Spade suit.

2 No Trump 19-20HCPs. Balanced hand.

3 Clubs
3 Diamonds
3 Hearts
3 Spades Standard preempts

3 No Trump Broken preempt in either Minor.

4 Clubs Transfer to 4 Hearts.

4 Diamonds Transfer to 4 Spades.

4 Hearts Standard Four Level preempt.

4 Spades Standard Four Level preempt.

4 No Trump Specific Ace asking bid.

5 Clubs
5 Diamonds Standard preempt.

5 Hearts
5 Spades Specific trump asking bid.
Raise to 6 with one top honor.
Raise to 7 with two top honors.

6 Clubs
6 Diamonds
6 Hearts
6 Spades Specific trump asking bid.
Raise to 7 with one top honor.

One Level Opening Bids
Open the longest suit. If two suits of equal length (whether 4/4 or 5/5) open the higher ranking, which includes touching suits, except with clubs and spades where the opening should be 1 Club. With 4-4-4-1 distribution, open the suit below the singleton.
Therefore, in the bidding auction: Opener: 1 Diamond - Responder: 1 Heart - Opener: 1 Spade, the 1 Spade rebid by the opener shows a distribution of 5 Diamonds and 4 Spades.

There are occasions where a 4-card suit is opened in preference to a 5-card suit. For example, open 1 Spade in preference to 1 Heart when holding a good 4-card Spade suit and a very poor 5-card Heart suit, and less than 16 points. It avoids a rebid problem with a poor 5-card suit and insufficient values to reverse on the second round. The suit must be very poor, otherwise the auction is distorted.

Opener Responder Meaning

1 Spade 2 Spades may show a 3-card support

4 Hearts gives responder the choice of Game,
shows 5 Hearts, quality is as good as Spade holding.

1 Heart 2 Hearts

2 No Trump 17-18HCPs

Raises of One Level Opening Bids

Opener Responder Meaning

1 Club 3 Clubs Limit Raise

1 Diamond 3 Diamonds Limit Raise

1 Heart 3 Hearts Limit Raise.
3 No Trump cues the Ace of Hearts.

1 Spade 3 Spades Limit Raise.
3 No Trump cues the Ace of Spades

1 Club 4 Clubs Gerber

1 Diamond 4 Diamonds Distribution: 3-3-4-3.
Strong holding. Attempting Slam.
3 No Trump has been bypassed.

1 Heart 4 Diamonds 13-14HCPs. Distribution: 3-4-3-3.
Shows a poor hand lacking intermediates.
Example: Axx - Qxxx - Kxx - KJx
No ruffing values.

1 Spade 4 Diamonds 13-14HCPs. Distribution: 4-3-3-3.
Shows a poor hand lacking intermediates.
Example: Qxxx - Axx - Kxx - KJx
No ruffing values.

No Trump Responses to One Level Opening Bids

Opener Responder Meaning

1 Club 1 No Trump 7-9HCPs. In principle, it denies
4 Hearts or 4 Spades.

1 Diamond 1 No Trump 6-9HCPs. In principle, it denies
4 Hearts or 4 Spades.

1 Heart 1 No Trump 5-9HCPs. In principle, it denies 3-card Heart
support, otherwise responder raises to
2 Hearts and also denies 4 Spades.

1 Spade 1 No Trump 5-9HCPs. It denies 3-card Spade support,
otherwise responder raises to 2 Spades.

1 Any Suit 2 No Trump shows 10-12HCPs and is a natural bid, and denies both 4-card Major suits, except over 1 Spade where responder may have 4-card Heart suit. This bid also shows at least a doubleton in partner's suit, but the responder may have a 3-card support for opener's Major suit, but this bid denies a 4-card support for opener's Major suit.

1 Any Suit 3 No Trump shows 13-14HCPs, and is a natural bid, and denies both 4-card Major suits, except over 1 Spade where responder may have 4-card Heart suit. This bid also shows at least a doubleton in partner's suit. Responder may have a 3-card support for opener's Major suit, but this bid denies a 4-card support for opener's Major suit.

Note that the chance of opener holding 4 Spades after opening 1 Heart are minimized.

Suit Responses to One Level Opening Bids
Jump Shifts show 15HCPs plus, and at least a 4-card suit, but the Jump Shift says nothing about the suit quality, and Jump Shifts are also Game Forcing. With a 4-card plus support for opener's suit, the Jump Shift may be a short suit, called a Stepping Stone. This means bidding the suit with the highest control. For example: with Axx and KQx, the correct bid is to bid the suit containing the Ace.

Balanced Hand Openings

12-14HCPs
1 No Trump

15-16HCPs
1 suit and rebid lowest No Trump

17-18HCPs
1 suit and Jump rebid in No Trump (usually 2NT)

19-20HCPs
2 No Trump

21-22HCPs
2 Clubs and rebid 2 No Trump over 2 Diamonds negative

23-24HCPs
2 Diamonds and rebid 2 No Trump over 2 Hearts negative

26-26HCPs
2 Clubs and rebid 3 No Trump over 2 Diamonds negative

27-28HCPs
2 Diamonds and rebid 3 No Trump over 2 Hearts negative

Examples:

Opener Responder Meaning

1 Spade 2 Clubs

2 No Trump 15-16HCPs

3 No Trump 17-18HCPs

1 No Trump Opening Bid
1 No Trump shows 12-14HCPs and may contain a 5-card Minor or a weak 5-card Major.
This Guideline helps to avoid rebidding the weak Major suit.

Responses

Opener Responder Meaning

1 No Trump 2 Clubs Stayman.
Bidding 2 Hearts would show
both Major suits.

2 Diamonds
2 Hearts
2 Spades Natural sign-offs.

2 No Trump Baron - an explanation of the Baron System.
Game Forcing.
Suggesting Slam.

3 Clubs
3 Diamonds
3 Hearts
3 Spades These bids are natural, Game Forcing, and
inquire about support.
With xxx simply support the suit.
With Qxx or better, cue-bid first
round control even if holding a minimum.

3 No Trump This is a sign-off bid.

4 Clubs Gerber.
5 Clubs asks for Kings and
4 No Trump is a sign-off.

4 No Trump Quantitative invitation to 6 No Trump.

5 No Trump Quantitative invitation to 7 No Trump.
Opener must bid 6 No Trump
with a minimum.

1 No Trump 2 Clubs
Stayman

2 Diamonds 2 Hearts
2 Spades These bids by the responder are to play.
They do not necessarily indicate 5/4 in the Majors.

2 No Trump Invitational, because 1 NT - 2NT is Baron.

3 Clubs 6-card Club suit with one top honor missing and the expectation of an outside entry. The Ace or the King may be missing, but the Queen must be present. Strong invitation to 3 No Trump. For example: KQJxxx and an outside King. Note: with Diamonds there is no bid available to describe this hand, therefore, pass or bid 3 No Trump.

3 Diamonds Game Forcing and asking about distribution.
The opener's responses are included below.

3 Hearts
3 Spades Invitational, 6-card plus suit, and asks the opener
to bid 4 Hearts, 4 Spades with outside top cards.

3 No Trump Sign-off bid.

For the purposes of the 3 Diamond Game Forcing inquiring bid, Kxx or Axx is good support and QJx is borderline.
The responses are:

Opener Responder Meaning

1 No Trump 2 Clubs Stayman by responder

2 Diamonds 3 Diamonds Game Forcing and asking about distribution.

3 Hearts shows 2 Spades, 3 Hearts.
Then a 4 Clubs bid by the responder
asks for strength in the Major.

3 Spades shows 3 Spades, 2 Hearts.
Then a 4 Clubs bid by the responder
asks for strength in the Major.

3 No Trump shows 3 Spades, 3 Hearts,
and poor strength in the Majors.

4 Clubs shows 3 Spades, 3 Hearts,
but better hearts.

4 Diamonds shows 3 Spades, 3 Hearts,
but better spades.

4 Hearts shows 3 Spades, 3 Hearts,
and both adequate.

The above 4 Club Major strength inquiry bid indicates Slam interest and the responses are:

Opener Responder Meaning

1 No Trump 2 Clubs Stayman by responder

2 Diamonds 3 Diamonds Game Forcing and asking about distribution.

3 Hearts
3 Spades
4 Clubs see above

4 Diamonds poor support in both Majors.

4 Hearts good support in both Majors.

4 Spades good support in both Majors.
Perhaps Kx/Axx or Ax/QJx.

Opener Responder Meaning

1 No Trump 2 Clubs Stayman by responder

2 Hearts 3 Spades Invitational, 6-card plus suit,
asks opener to bid 4 Spades
with outside top cards.

1 No Trump 2 No Trump Baron
Game Forcing.
Suggesting Slam.

3 Spades 4 Spades 4 Spades shows Slam interest,
otherwise responder would have used Stayman,
but with a poor 4-card Spade support.

4 Spades good support in both Majors.
Perhaps Kx/Axx or Ax/QJx.

1 No Trump 3 Clubs This bid is natural,
Game Forcing, and
inquire about support.

3 Diamonds shows Honor-xx+ in Clubs and Ace of Diamonds.

3 Hearts shows Honor+xx+ in Clubs and Ace of Hearts,
but denies the Ace of Diamonds

3 Spades shows Honor-xx+ in Clubs and Ace of Spades,
but denies the Ace of Diamonds and the Ace of Hearts,

3 No Trump shows a doubleton in Clubs.

4 Clubs shows three-card support in Clubs and denies
Honor-xx+ Club support or the Ace of Diamonds,
the Ace of Hearts and the Ace of Spades.

Opener Responder Meaning

2 No Trump 2 No Trump shows 19-20 HCPs
and a balanced hand. It may contain
a 5-card Minor or a weak 5-card Major.
This is to avoid rebidding the weak Major suit.

3 Clubs 3C is Baron over all 2 No Trump openings.
However, the Flint 3 Diamond convention
is not played over any 2 No Trump openings.

Flint - an explanation of the Flint feature

2 No Trump
3 Clubs Features of the Baron System.

3 Diamonds
3 Hearts
3 Spades are all natural bids, and they are Game Forcing,
asking about support. With xxx support,
simply support the suit. With Qxx or better,
cue-bid first round control, even if minimum.

3 No Trump Sign-off.

4 Clubs Gerber
5 Clubs asks for Kings
and 4 No Trump is a Sign-off.

4 Diamonds Solid Diamond suit, invites cue bids.

4 No Trump Quantitative Invitation to 6 No Trump.

5 No Trump Quantitative invitation to 7 No Trump.
Opener must bid 6 No Trump with a minimum.

Important Side Notes:

1. All 2 No Trump openings may contain a 5-card Major suit. 2 No Trump may be opened instead of 1 Heart or 1 Spade to avoid rebidding the weak Major suit. 2 No Trump may have to be rebid over 2 Clubs or 2 Diamonds because an Acol Two should contain a 6-card suit. 2 No Trump may have to be rebid over 2 Diamonds or 2 Hearts because the Major suit is too weak to suggest as a trump suit.

2. It is impossible to make a forcing Club bid over a 2 No Trump opening. However it is possible to make a forcing Club bid over the auctions: 2 Clubs - 2 Diamonds - 2 No Trump, and 2 Diamonds - 2 Hearts - 2 No Trump.

3. The responses to the bidding auctions: 2 Clubs - 2 Diamonds - 2 No Trump, and 2 Diamonds - 2 Hearts - 2 No Trump are the same as above, except for 4 Clubs, which is not Gerber. In the bidding auctions: 2 Clubs - 2 Diamonds - 2 No Trump and 2 Diamonds - 2 Hearts - 2 No Trump a bid of 4 Clubs shows a 6-card solid Club suit with one top honor, such as the Ace or the King missing, but having the Queen. It is forcing as far as 4 No Trump.

Strong Openings
The strong opening bids in George Jesner's System are 2 Clubs and 2 Diamonds.

A 2 Clubs bid shows 8+ Quick Tricks in an unspecified suit or 21-22HCPs or 25-26HCPs and a balanced hand, and a 2 Diamonds bid shows a Game Forcing hand or 23-24HCPs or 27-28HCPs and a balanced hand depending on the rebid of the opener. These openings also contain outside defensive playing tricks - at least 2.5 defensive tricks outside of opener's suit.

2 Clubs and 2 Diamonds opening bids are Asking Bids. They ask for certain honor combinations, namely Ace and a King of different suit, or Ace/King of the same suit, or King/King/King/King, or King/King/King/Queen, or King and Queen/King and Queen. Responder may give a positive response with these honor combinations or better. It must be noted that the combination: King/King/Queen/Queen is not sufficient for a positive response.

The negative responses over 2 Clubs and 2 Diamonds openings are 2 Diamonds and 2 Hearts respectively. Over opener's rebid, the cheapest bid in No Trump by the responder is a second negative.

2 Club Opening Bid: 2 Clubs shows 8+ Quick Tricks in an unspecified suit or 21-22HCPs or 25-26HCPs and a balanced hand.

Note that an Acol Two Opening, except for 2 Clubs or 2 No Trump, is described as 8-9 Quick Tricks, forcing for one round, and showing either 6-card plus suit or possibly a two suiter. It also contains outside defensive playing tricks - around 2 to 2.5 defensive tricks outside of opener's suit.

Responses to 2 Club Openings

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Clubs 2 Diamonds Negative response denies positive combination. Remember the positive combinations are: AK or A/K or K/K/K/K or K/K/KQ or KQ/KQ. Remember that the combination: K/K/Q/Q is not sufficient for a positive response.

2 Diamonds 2 Hearts Negative response denies positive combination. Remember the positive combinations are: AK or A/K or K/K/K/K or K/K/KQ or KQ/KQ. Remember that the combination: K/K/Q/Q is not sufficient for a positive response.

2 Clubs 2 Hearts 5-card plus suit, unless the distribution of the responder is 4-4-4-1, 4-4-1-4, or 1-4-4-4, but is a natural bid with a positive combination.

2 Clubs
2 Diamonds 2 Spades 5-card plus suit, unless the distribution of the responder is 4-1-4-4, but is a natural bid with a positive combination.

2 Clubs
2 Diamonds 2 No Trump balanced hand, and any 4-3-3-3 or 4-4-3-2 distribution, but a natural bid with positive combination.

2 Clubs
2 Diamonds 3 Clubs 5-card plus suit, but a natural bid
with a positive combination.

2 Clubs
2 Diamonds 3 Diamonds 5-card plus suit, but a natural bid with a positive combination.

2 Clubs
2 Diamonds 3 Hearts Solid suit, which may play opposite a void
for no losers. Cue bids follow.

2 Clubs
2 Diamonds 3 Spades Solid suit, which may play opposite a void
for no losers. Cue bids follow.

2 Clubs
2 Diamonds 3 No Trump shows 2 Aces and a balanced hand.

2 Clubs
2 Diamonds 4 Clubs Solid suit, which may play opposite a void
for no losers. Cue bids follow.

2 Clubs
2 Diamonds 4 Diamonds solid suit, which may play opposite a void
for no losers. Cue bids follow.

Opener's Rebid Over 2 Diamond Response

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Clubs 2 Diamonds Negative response denies positive combination.

2 Hearts
2 Spades
3 Clubs
3 Diamonds 8 playing tricks in suit bid.

2 No Trump 21-22HCPs and balanced hand.

3 Hearts 4 Spades and 6 Hearts,
8-9 Quick Tricks but Non-Forcing.

3 Spades 6 Spades and 4 Hearts,
8-9 Quick Tricks but Non-Forcing.

3 No Trump 25-26HCPs and balanced hand.

Second Negative

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Clubs 2 Diamonds Negative response denies positive combination.

2 Hearts 2 Spades
2 No Trump Second negative
Also refers to distribution with a Stopper or values.

2 Clubs 2 Diamonds Negative response denies positive combination.

3 Clubs 3 Diamonds
3 No Trump Second negative.
Also refers to distribution with a Stopper or values.

Responder's Jump Suit Response After A Negative

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Clubs 2 Diamonds Negative response denies positive combination.

2 Hearts
3 Spades
4 Clubs
4 Diamonds shows a solid 6-card plus suit with
one of the two top honors missing.

2 Clubs 2 Diamonds Negative response denies positive combination.

3 Spades
4 Clubs
4 Diamonds
4 Hearts shows a solid 6-card plus suit with
one of the two top honors missing.

2 Clubs 2 Diamonds Negative response denies positive combination.

3 Clubs
4 Diamonds
4 Hearts
4 Spades shows a solid 6-card plus suit with
one of the two top honors missing.

2 Clubs 2 Diamonds Negative response denies positive combination.

3 Diamonds
4 Hearts
4 Spades
5 Clubs shows a solid 6-card plus suit with
one of the two top honors missing.

2 Clubs 2 Diamonds Negative response denies positive combination.

2 No Trump
3 Clubs Baron

3 Diamonds
3 Hearts
3 Spades
4 Clubs These are natural bids, Game Forcing, and asks about support. With xxx support, simply support the suit. With Qxx or better cue-bid first round control, even if minimum.

3 No Trump Sign-off.

4 Diamonds Solid Diamond suit, invites cue bids.

4 No Trump Quantitative invitation to 6 NT.

5 No Trump Quantitative invitation to 7 NT.
The opener must bid 6 NT with a minimum.

2 Clubs 2 Diamonds Negative response denies positive combination.

3 No Trump
4 Clubs Baron

4 Diamonds Game force with good diamond suit.

4 Hearts
4 Spades
5 Clubs
5 Diamonds Sign-off bids.

4 No Trump Quantitative bid.

5 Hearts
5 Spades Invitational to 6 Hearts, 6 Spades
respectively with good trumps.

Opener's Rebid After A Positive Response

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Clubs 2 No Trump balanced hand, and any 4-3-3-3
or 4-4-3-2 distribution, but a
natural bid with positive combination.

3 Clubs Baron

3 No Trump Sign-off.

3 Diamonds
3 Hearts
3 Spades
4 Clubs These bids set the trump suit and leads to cue bids.

2 Clubs 2 Hearts 5-card plus suit, and is a natural bid
with a positive combination.

2 Spades Acol 2 Spade opener, strong 5-card plus suit,
and could contain a second suit.

2 No Trump 21-22HCPs, balanced hand,
and denies 4-card Heart support.

3 No Trump 25-26HCPs, balanced hand,
and denies 4-card Heart support,

Over Interference

Opener Overcaller Responder Overcaller
Partner Meaning

2 Clubs Any Overcall pass Forcing, but nothing to bid.

Double Penalty Double

2 Clubs Any Overcall Any unbid Suit Positive response with good suit.

2 Clubs Any Overcall pass pass Forcing, but nothing to bid.

Double shows balanced hand 21+HCPs.

Suit Bid Acol Two in that Suit.

2 Diamond Opening Bid
2 Diamonds shows a Game Forcing hand or 23-24HCPs or 27-28HCPs balanced hand.

Responses To 2 Diamond Openings

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Diamonds 2 Hearts Negative response denies positive combination.
See above for Positive Combinations.

2 Spades 5-card plus suit,
unless responder has 4-4-4-1, 4-4-1-4 or 4-1-4-4.

2 No Trump balanced hand,
any 4-3-3-3 or 4-4-3-2,
natural with positive combination.

3 Clubs 5-card plus suit,
unless responder is 1-4-4-4,
natural with positive combination.

3 Diamonds 5-card plus suit,
natural with positive combination.

3 Hearts 5-card plus suit,
natural with positive combination.

3 Spades Solid suit, which may play opposite
void for no losers. Cue bids follow.

3 No Trump shows 2 aces and balanced hand.

4 Clubs Solid suit, which may play opposite
void for no losers. Cue bids follow.

4 Diamonds Solid suit, which may play opposite
void for no losers. Cue bids follow.

4 Hearts Solid suit, which may play opposite
void for no losers. Cue bids follow.

Opener's Rebid Over 2 Hearts Response

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Diamonds 2 Hearts Negative response denies positive combination.
See above for Positive Combinations.

2 Spades
3 Clubs
3 Diamonds
3 Hearts Game force in suit bid.

2 No Trump 23-24HCPs and balanced hand.

3 Spades
4 Clubs
4 Diamonds
4 Hearts Indicates a Solid suit. Cue bidding begins.

3 No Trump 27-28HCPs and balanced hand.

Second Negative

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Diamonds 2 Hearts Negative response denies positive combination.
See above for Positive Combinations.

2 Spades
3 Clubs
3 Diamonds
3 Hearts 2 No Trump
3 No Trump
3 No Trump
3 No Trump The negative responses over 2 Clubs and 2 Diamonds openings are 2 Diamonds and 2 Hearts respectively. Over opener's rebid, the cheapest bid in No Trump by the responder is a second negative.

2 Diamonds 2 Hearts Negative response denies positive combination.
See above for Positive Combinations.

2 Spades
3 Clubs
3 Diamonds
3 Hearts 3 Clubs
3 Diamonds
3 Hearts
3 No Trump Each rebid by the responder is an
alternative method of indicating a
second negative by bidding the cheapest
suit possible above the rebid by opener.

Responder's Jump Suit Response After A Negative Response

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Diamonds 2 Hearts Negative response denies positive combination.
See above for Positive Combinations.

2 Spades
4 Clubs
4 Diamonds
4 Hearts Each rebid shows a solid 6-card plus suit,
with one of the two top honors missing.

3 Clubs
4 Diamonds
4 Hearts
4 Spades Each rebid shows a solid 6-card plus suit,
with one of the two top honors missing.

3 Diamonds
4 Hearts
4 Spades
5 Clubs Each rebid shows a solid 6-card plus suit,
with one of the two top honors missing.

3 Hearts
4 Spades
5 Clubs
5 Diamonds Each rebid shows a solid 6-card plus suit,
with one of the two top honors missing.

After a Negative Response, opener bids or Jump bids. These bids are Forcing and responder must bid again, even if it is a Second Negative bid.

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Diamonds 2 Hearts Negative response denies positive combination.
See above for Positive Combinations.

2 No Trump 3 Clubs Baron

3 Diamonds
3 Hearts
3 Spades
4 Clubs natural bids, Game force, asks about support,
with xxx support simply support the suit, with
Qxx or better cue-bid first round control (even
if minimum).

3 No Trump Sign-off

4 Diamonds Solid diamond suit, invites cue bids.

4 No Trump Quantitative invitation to 6 NT.

5 No Trump Quantitative invitation to 7 NT.
Opener must bid 6 NT with a minimum.

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Diamonds 2 No Trump balanced hand,
any 4-3-3-3 or 4-4-3-2,
natural with positive combination.

3 Clubs Baron

3 No Trump Sign-off

3 Diamonds
3 Hearts
3 Spades
4 Clubs These rebids by the opener sets the
trump suit and leads to cue bids.

2 Diamonds 2 Hearts

3 No Trump 4 Clubs Baron

4 Diamonds Game force with good diamond suit.

4 Hearts
4 Spades
5 Clubs
5 Diamonds Sign-off.

4 No Trump Quantitative.

5 Hearts
5 Spades Invitational to 6 Hearts or
6 Spades with good trumps.

Over Interference

Opener Overcaller Responder Meaning

2 Diamonds Any higher
unbid suit. pass Forcing pass.

Double Penalty Double

Any Suit rebid Positive response with good suit.

2 Diamonds Any higher
unbid suit. Responder passes.
Partner of
Overcaller passes

Double shows balanced hand
and 23+ HCPs.

Any Suit rebid Game Force in that suit.

Baron, Clubs or Gerber
Consistent agreement is needed whether the following similar sequences are Baron, Gerber, or merely show clubs:

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Clubs 2 No Trump Positive response.

3 Clubs Baron

4 Clubs Baron

2 Clubs 3 No Trump Positive response.

4 Clubs Clubs

5 Clubs Clubs

Gerber is probably unnecessary in these sequences because opener can bid a suit and later Blackwood.

2 Hearts, 2 Spades Opening Bids
Weak two bid. 4-9HCPs, 6-card suit (quality undescribed but less than AKxxxx).
Denies a void. 1 to 1.5 defensive tricks in any suit.

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Hearts 2 Spades Forcing for one round.

2 No Trump Feature asking. Game forcing.

Opener
Responses

3 Hearts Nothing outside of Hearts.

3 No Trump Random bits and pieces outside.

3 of any suit High card or potentially Stopper.

3 Clubs
3 Diamonds Natural bid.
Forcing for one round.

3 Hearts Preemptive

3 Spades
4 Clubs
4 Diamonds Good suit, game force, requests cue-bid.

3 No Trump Sign-off.

Opener Responder Meaning

2 Spades 2 No Trump Feature asking. Game forcing.

Opener
Responses

3 Spades Nothing outside of Spades.

3 No Trump Random bits and pieces outside.

3 of any suit High card or potentially Stopper.

3 Clubs
3 Diamonds
3 Hearts Natural bid.
Forcing for one round.

3 Spades Preemptive

3 No Trump Sign-off.

4 Clubs
4 Diamonds
4 Hearts Good suit, game force, requests cue-bid.

Preemptive Bids

Opener Meaning

3 No Trump Broken 8-card minor suit pre-empt.

4 Clubs
4 Diamonds Preemptive opening bids.

4 Hearts
4 Spades
Preemptive opening bids.
Possibly lacking the defensive trick
requirements for an Acol 2 bid.

4 Hearts
4 Spades
5 Clubs
5 Diamonds Preemptive opening bids.

4 No Trump
Standard Preempt Acol 4 NT Opening Bid
For Responses for Ace Showing
click on the link above.

5 Hearts
5 Spades Responder raises One Level
for each Top Honor held = Ace or King.

Opener	Responder	Meaning
2 Diamonds	2 Hearts	Negative response denies positive combination. See above for Positive Combinations.
2 Spades 4 Clubs 4 Diamonds 4 Hearts		Each rebid shows a solid 6-card plus suit, with one of the two top honors missing.
3 Clubs 4 Diamonds 4 Hearts 4 Spades		Each rebid shows a solid 6-card plus suit, with one of the two top honors missing.
3 Diamonds 4 Hearts 4 Spades 5 Clubs		Each rebid shows a solid 6-card plus suit, with one of the two top honors missing.
3 Hearts 4 Spades 5 Clubs 5 Diamonds		Each rebid shows a solid 6-card plus suit, with one of the two top honors missing.

Opener	Meaning
3 No Trump	Broken 8-card minor suit pre-empt.
4 Clubs 4 Diamonds	Preemptive opening bids.
4 Hearts 4 Spades	Preemptive opening bids. Possibly lacking the defensive trick requirements for an Acol 2 bid.
4 Hearts 4 Spades 5 Clubs 5 Diamonds	Preemptive opening bids.

4 No Trump Standard Preempt	Acol 4 NT Opening Bid For Responses for Ace Showing click on the link above.

5 Hearts 5 Spades	Responder raises One Level for each Top Honor held = Ace or King.

Opening	Meaning
1 Club	10-21HCPs. At least 4 clubs.
1 Diamond	10-21HCPs. At least 4 diamonds.
1 Heart	10-21HCPs. At least 4 hearts.
1 Spade	10-21HCPs. At least 4 spades.
1 No Trump	12-14HCPs. Any distribution of 5-3-3-2, 4-3-3-3, 4-4-3-2 (including weak 5-card Majors).
2 Clubs	8+ Quick Tricks in an unspecified suit, or 21-22HCPs, or 25-26HCPs with a balanced hand.
2 Diamonds	Game Forcing hand, or 23-24HCPs, or 27-28HCPs with a balanced hand.
2 Hearts	4-9HCPs. A 6-card Heart suit.
2 Spades	4-9HCPs. A 6-card Spade suit.
2 No Trump	19-20HCPs. Balanced hand.
3 Clubs 3 Diamonds 3 Hearts 3 Spades	Standard preempts
3 No Trump	Broken preempt in either Minor.
4 Clubs	Transfer to 4 Hearts.
4 Diamonds	Transfer to 4 Spades.
4 Hearts	Standard Four Level preempt.
4 Spades	Standard Four Level preempt.
4 No Trump	Specific Ace asking bid.
5 Clubs 5 Diamonds	Standard preempt.
5 Hearts 5 Spades	Specific trump asking bid. Raise to 6 with one top honor. Raise to 7 with two top honors.
6 Clubs 6 Diamonds 6 Hearts 6 Spades	Specific trump asking bid. Raise to 7 with one top honor.

12-14HCPs	1 No Trump
15-16HCPs	1 suit and rebid lowest No Trump
17-18HCPs	1 suit and Jump rebid in No Trump (usually 2NT)
19-20HCPs	2 No Trump
21-22HCPs	2 Clubs and rebid 2 No Trump over 2 Diamonds negative
23-24HCPs	2 Diamonds and rebid 2 No Trump over 2 Hearts negative
26-26HCPs	2 Clubs and rebid 3 No Trump over 2 Diamonds negative
27-28HCPs	2 Diamonds and rebid 3 No Trump over 2 Hearts negative

Opener	Responder	Meaning
2 Clubs	2 Diamonds	Negative response denies positive combination. Remember the positive combinations are: AK or A/K or K/K/K/K or K/K/KQ or KQ/KQ. Remember that the combination: K/K/Q/Q is not sufficient for a positive response.
2 Diamonds	2 Hearts	Negative response denies positive combination. Remember the positive combinations are: AK or A/K or K/K/K/K or K/K/KQ or KQ/KQ. Remember that the combination: K/K/Q/Q is not sufficient for a positive response.
2 Clubs	2 Hearts	5-card plus suit, unless the distribution of the responder is 4-4-4-1, 4-4-1-4, or 1-4-4-4, but is a natural bid with a positive combination.
2 Clubs 2 Diamonds	2 Spades	5-card plus suit, unless the distribution of the responder is 4-1-4-4, but is a natural bid with a positive combination.
2 Clubs 2 Diamonds	2 No Trump	balanced hand, and any 4-3-3-3 or 4-4-3-2 distribution, but a natural bid with positive combination.
2 Clubs 2 Diamonds	3 Clubs	5-card plus suit, but a natural bid with a positive combination.
2 Clubs 2 Diamonds	3 Diamonds	5-card plus suit, but a natural bid with a positive combination.
2 Clubs 2 Diamonds	3 Hearts	Solid suit, which may play opposite a void for no losers. Cue bids follow.
2 Clubs 2 Diamonds	3 Spades	Solid suit, which may play opposite a void for no losers. Cue bids follow.
2 Clubs 2 Diamonds	3 No Trump	shows 2 Aces and a balanced hand.
2 Clubs 2 Diamonds	4 Clubs	Solid suit, which may play opposite a void for no losers. Cue bids follow.
2 Clubs 2 Diamonds	4 Diamonds	solid suit, which may play opposite a void for no losers. Cue bids follow.

Opener	Overcaller	Responder	Overcaller Partner	Meaning
2 Clubs	Any Overcall	pass		Forcing, but nothing to bid.
Double				Penalty Double

2 Clubs	Any Overcall	Any unbid Suit		Positive response with good suit.

2 Clubs	Any Overcall	pass	pass	Forcing, but nothing to bid.
Double				shows balanced hand 21+HCPs.
Suit Bid				Acol Two in that Suit.