XYZ Convention by David Bird

When the bidding starts with three bids all under 1NT (such as 1♣-1♦-1♠), the XYZ convention can be used:

Responder can bid:

2♣ - a transfer to 2♦. This may then be passed. Other continuations are invitational.
2♦ - this is artificial and game-forcing
Higher bids are natural and game-invitational

Try it out for yourself in this quiz.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ A 5
♥ 8 7 2
♦ K 10 8 7 3 2
♣ J 6

Q: 1 - Playing XYZ, what will you bid here?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♣	Pass
1♦	Pass	1♠	Pass
?

A: 2♣. You bid 2♣. On most hands (where the opener is not exceptionally strong), he will rebid 2♦. Here, you intend to pass.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ 8
♥ K 7 6 3
♦ K 7 3
♣ J 6 5 3 2

Q: 2 - What will you rebid on this responder's hand?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♣	Pass
1♥	Pass	1♠	Pass
?

A: 1NT. You would like to bid a natural 2♣, but remember that this would be a transfer to 2♦.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ J 9 6 5
♥ A 10 7 2
♦ A 9
♣ J 9 4

Q: 3 - What will you bid now?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♦	Pass
1♥	Pass	1♠	Pass
?

A: 2♣. You are too good to raise to just 2♠. Bid 2♣, transferring to 2♦, and then bid 2♠, which is invitational. When partner has a minimum hand, you can stop safely in 2♠, while other pairs may be in a tricky 3♠.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ K 8
♥ A Q J 7 6
♦ 10 6 5
♣ K 4 2

Q: 4 - What is your choice of rebid?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♦	Pass
1♥	Pass	1♠	Pass
?

A: 2♦. You bid 2♦ to set up a game-forcing auction. You will rebid your hearts subsequently. The alternative rebid of 3♥ would be only invitational.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ 9 8
♥ J 6
♦ K Q 5 2
♣ Q 8 7 6 2

Q: 5 - Here, you have already passed. What will your rebid be?

South	West	North	East
Pass	Pass	1♣	Pass
1♦	Pass	1♠	Pass
?

A: 2♣. You need to discuss with your partner whether XYZ should apply when you are a passed hand. It is normal it NOT to. For one thing, the 2♦ forcing-to-game bid would not be much use as a passed hand. This means that you can play in 2♣ here.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

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What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
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