FISHBEIN CONVENTION
This convention was devised by Mr. Harry Fishbein.
He became tired of the popularity of the Preempts
and attempted to find a good defense. Studying the following example will help in
understanding the logic of Mr. Harry Fishbein.
| Opener |
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Mr. Harry Fishbein |
3  |
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Double |
The concept of the Fishbein convention allows the player directly following, and this is important to remember, the Preemptive opener to make a Penalty Double. The double is not a Takeout Double and the partner must pass this double.
The concept of the Fishbein convention does not allow the preempt to be followed by two passes, and then a double. Therefore, the auction 3 Hearts - pass - pass - Double is not allowed. Only the player sitting directly after the Preemptive opener may double. If the opponent in the Pass Out Seat is holding enough values to make a penalty double, he may not bid. This would, of course, be aggravating, because it is definitely a disadvantage of the Fishbein convention.
In all fairness to Mr. Harry Fishbein, the concept carries with it a unilateral decision by one partner of the partnership. The other partner has no choice in the matter, and many bridge players consider this a major flaw. The Fishbein convention also precludes the natural use of an overcall, which is also considered a major drawback.
Whether it was indeed Mr. Harry Fishbein or other bridge players, who revised and altered the Fishbein convention to rectify this feature, is really not important. Important is that the concept was changed to fit the needs of the bridge players. The following illustration will help in understanding the changes made to the Fishbein convention.
| Opener |
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Mr. Harry Fishbein |
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Meaning |
| 3 |
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3  |
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Takeout Double |
The 3 Spade bid of Mr. Harry Fishbein does not show a long Spade suit. Using the Fishbein convention, this bid in the cheapest, next available suit is a conventional bid, and replaces the Takeout Double. Another example would be: North: 3 - East: 4
would be a Takeout Double over the Preemptive opening. The auction North: 3 - East: 3NT is not allowed since a No Trump opening would show a balanced holding, values exceeding a normal No Trump opening, and a stopper in the preempted suit. An overcall of 3 No Trump is to play. An example follows:
| Opener |
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Mr. Harry Fishbein |
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Meaning |
| 3 |
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4 |
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Takeout Double |
This inclusion of this rather unique Takeout Double would show a minimum of 16 high card points and a three-suited holding, or possibly even a two-suited and. This Takeout Double is unconditionally forcing and the partner may not pass.
It must be repeated that the concept of the Fishbein convention does not apply in the Pass Out Seat. Any auction such as 3 Hearts - pass - pass - 3 Spades indicates a natural bid. This bid is not forcing and partner may pass.
Depending on held values and distribution the responder has several options:
| 1. |
With a weak holding and fewer than 8 points, the responder bids his longest suit at the lowest level. |
| 2. |
With values between 9-11 points, the responder bids game in his longest suit, even if it is a 4-card suit. |
| 3. |
With stronger values, 12 plus points, the general consensus is to cuebid the suit of the opener. |
An example held by the responder follows:
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Opener
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Intervenor
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Responder
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Advancer
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3
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3 
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Pass
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4
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Pass
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The Fishbein convention was devised as a defense against Preemptive openings. A Weak Two Bid is a Preemptive Opening, and the Fishbein convention can also be applied immediately after a Weak Two Bid, but again this becomes a unilateral decision by one player, although the unique Takeout Double still applies.
Variation: A variation of the Fishbein conventional method employs the cheapest overcall in No Trump after a preemptive opening, generally on the three level. This action is referred to as No Trump For Takeout. The advancer must respond especially when the partner of the opener has passed because this No Trump overcall, even at the three level, is the same action as a Takeout Double. If the advancer holds sufficient values exceeding 8 points and the partner of the preemptor supports the suit of the preemptor, then the advancer should compete if he is able to name a suit on the same level but higher-ranking. Whether or not a double in this instance, where the single raise by the partner of the suit of the preemptor may be considered obstructive in nature, is for penalty, is a matter of partnership agreement.
If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.
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