Mini-Roman 2D

Rev: June 3, 2000

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By opening the bidding with 2D, you have an undisclosed three-suited hand with weak to intermediate strength. Purpose is to describe your shape and to avoid a difficult rebid if you had opened a suit. You show: 11-15 HCP and shape of 4-4-4-1 only (not 5-4-4-0 where you should open the bidding with your 5-card suit).

Responses (No Interference)

	Partner with at least 10 HCP (or a good 9) shows a positive response by bidding 2NT asking opener to bid his shortness.
	With less than a good 9 HCP responder bids his longest suit and opener will pass unless that suit is opener’s shortness, in which case opener will continue to bid “up-the-line” until some type of fit is found.

Responses (With Interference)

When opponent doubles or bids 2NT you pass. Any subsequent double by you is for penalty.

When opponents overcalls:

Pass shows no interest in competing.

A suit bid is to play and competitive

Double shows that you have length and defensive tricks in opponent's suit and is for penalty.

2NT is invitational asking partner to bid 3NT if maximum even if opener's shortness is in opponent's suit.

A cue-bid of opponent's suit asks opener to bid NT if not short in opponent's suit, otherwise bid lowest-ranking suit. (Like Western Cue).

Defense To Mini-Roman

Simplified Defense (Recommended for Mini-Roman)

	Double - Strong takeout double 17+ HCP
	Overcall - Natural
	2NT - Any two-suited takeout double

Warning - Do not enter the bidding with doubtful hands. It is usually wise to pass and await developments, rather than step into a potential misfit.

Alternate Defense (Used againt any 3-suited opening bid)

	Double - Double shows at least 15 HCP and suggest a balanced hand with good defensive prospects; hence, all further doubles are for penalty.
	Overcall - All suit bids (including opener’s artificial bid) are natural and show good suits.
	Two NT - Overcalling 2NT is natural and invitational to 3NT. This implies an offensive hand (otherwise double), typically with a 5- or 6-card minor suit.

Warning - Do not enter the bidding with doubtful hands. It is usually wise to pass and await developments, rather than step into a potential misfit.