The origin of this conventional defense method is unknown. The defense method is employed after an opening of No Trump by the opponent and may be employed either in the immediate position or in the pass-out seat after two passes.
This conventional method is a variation of the concepts Astro, Aspro, and Asptro, and employs so-called idle bids not employed in the original versions, which is shown below.
Since there are so many idle bids in the original concept, variations have evolved. One of these variations is outlined below. The origin of this variation is unknown. However, this variation is sometimes referred to as Kastro. It is also unknown whether this designation has any connection to Sifnos, which is the fourth island in the Western Cyclades, one of the Greek Islands, and the town of Kastro, which has been inhabited for over 3000 years and was at one time the capital of the island.
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Any double is for penalty. Partner must pass. |
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2  :
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Promises Hearts and an unspecified Minor suit with longer Spades. |
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2  :
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Promises Spades and an unspecified Minor suit with longer Hearts. |
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2  :
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Promises Hearts. |
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2  :
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Promises Spades. |
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2 NT:
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Promises both Minor suits. |
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3 :
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A natural bid showing length in Clubs. Generally preemptive and obstructive in nature but with working values. |
| 3 : |
A natural bid showing length in Diamonds. Generally preemptive and obstructive in nature but with working values. |
The shape and distribution of the holding determines primarily the decision to make an overcall or not. The high card point count is secondary although the location of the values is a strong determining factor. The distribution is generally 5-4 by favorable vulnerability and should be 5-5 by unfavorable vulnerability when two suits are shown. Whether or not the principle concept can be employed with a distribution of 4-4 by any vulnerability is a matter of partnership agreement as are all continuances.
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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Home Page I
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Glossary
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Home Page II
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NT Defense Methods
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