RUBINSOHL

A transfer method by the responder immediately after an overcall. This method uses the combination of transfers and Lebensohl in competitive auctions, aimed at allowing a player to show his distribution with both weak and strong hands. This method was introduced by Mr. Bruce Neill of Australia in an article in The Bridge World in 1983. The concept was based on the articles published in the same magazine by Mr. Jeff Rubens, who used the term Rubensohl. The concept had been used previously in the United States by Mr. Ira Rubin, and therefore the name Rubinsohl, not Rubensohl. The following chart presents the meaning of the responses of the Responder, the partner of the opener. This transfer method may be employed after a No Trump opening or an opening in a suit, and even after a Weak Two bid.

Opener		Overcaller		Responder		Meaning
1 NT		2		2 NT		Transfer to Clubs
				3		Transfer to Diamonds
				3		Transfer to Hearts
				3		shows a 4-card Heart suit
				3		Transfer to 3 No Trump, shows no stopper and no Hearts
				3 NT		To play with stopper

It is also important to remember that the 3 Spades rebid by the responder, a cuebid, shows no stopper in the suit of the overcaller. It is a request to the opener to bid 3 No Trump with a stopper.

The use of the Double by the responder is generally considered penalty-oriented.

 

As long as the opener and the overcaller do not exceed the established responses of the responder, then the Rubinsohl Transfer Method can be employed.

Opener		Overcaller		Responder		Meaning
1		2		2 NT		Transfer to Clubs
				3		Transfer to Diamonds
				3		Transfer to Hearts
				3		shows a 4-card Heart suit
				3		Transfer to 3 No Trump, shows no stopper and no Hearts
				3 NT		To play with stopper

The meaning of the responses by the responder remain the same. If the responder cuebids the suit of the opponent, then this cuebid shows no stopper in that suit and requests that the opener bid No Trump, when holding a stopper.

 

The Rubinsohl method can also be employed if the overcall is a Weak Two Bid. The responder must have sufficient values to carry the partnership to the three level and must also have at least a 5-card suit, to which he can transfer the partner. The responses remain the same and the system is on.

 

 

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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