Help
In another post I asked what to do when they interfere with our 1NT and was recommended Rubensohl.
I have now worked my way through a not too complicated version from www.acblunit390.org/Simon/rubensohl.htm
As usual, I have questions to which I cannot find answers on the net.
After 1NT (2D) … apparently 3 spades by responder is a transfer to 3NT without a diamond stop (and denies 4 hearts).
What does opener do if they also lack a diamond stop?
After 1NT (2H) … apparently 3 diamonds by responder is a special purpose transfer to the overcaller’s suit.
I understand this bid is a game force and asks opener if they have 4 spades and does not promise a heart stop.
With 4 spades, opener can bid 3 spades.
Without 4 spades but with a heart stop, opener can bid 3NT.
Apparently, without 4 spades and without a heart stop, opener completes the transfer and bids 3 hearts.
Now what does the responder do?
If they have a heart stop, they can bid 3NT.
But where can they go without a heart stop?
After 1NT (2H) 2NT (P) 3C … I understand that responder can pass if weak.
Responder can bid 3 spades to show 6 clubs and 4 spades – is this invitational or forcing?
Without 4 spades, what does responder need to bid 3NT?
My guess is 10 points and a half heart stop?
After 1NT (2H) 3H (P) 3S … Apparently responder with only 5 spades can bid 3NT.
Does this suggest responder has 10+ points?
How can responder bid 3NT without a heart stop?
Another site suggests that responder can pass 3 spades. Does that suggest the 3 heart transfer bid only needed 8-9 points?
Thank you
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RUBENSOHL
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#2
- Secretary Bird
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Posted 2025-August-28, 15:24
If neither have a stop in the opponents' suit, you can't play 3NT.
You usually have a fit in some suit (in most of your cases, a minor, but the 4-3 other-major fit should never be discounted); it's the one who knows 3NT is not an option's job to start looking for it.
If that's opener, you have the advantage that it "can't be" a self-supporting long suit (although some will open on 6m322), so with no fit, responder is free to continue the scramble.
If it's responder, there's a chance that "stopper for 3NT" overrode any thought of stating their suit (less so in Rubensohl, of course, which will always get another call) so opener has to be more wary of pulling. But opener "should have" at least xx in the suit, so responder is more likely to be able to place the contract.
Like anything, "preempts work™" sometimes, even at the 2 level. It's possible that the last making contract is only available in the rear-view; it's possible that a poor suit will be trump with a much better one available that you would have found if it weren't for the pesky opponents telling each other what to lead. It's also possible that the interference is the only way to avoid the doomed 3NT and any plus score is a win!
I am not a Rubensohl specialist (so if those that are disagree with me, listen to them!), but traditionally in these auctions, you "concede" the invitational call opposite the tightly limited hand to the interference; therefore second bids are "looking for the best game". I would expect that any invitational call will be *clearly marked* in the notes, in fact.
You usually have a fit in some suit (in most of your cases, a minor, but the 4-3 other-major fit should never be discounted); it's the one who knows 3NT is not an option's job to start looking for it.
If that's opener, you have the advantage that it "can't be" a self-supporting long suit (although some will open on 6m322), so with no fit, responder is free to continue the scramble.
If it's responder, there's a chance that "stopper for 3NT" overrode any thought of stating their suit (less so in Rubensohl, of course, which will always get another call) so opener has to be more wary of pulling. But opener "should have" at least xx in the suit, so responder is more likely to be able to place the contract.
Like anything, "preempts work™" sometimes, even at the 2 level. It's possible that the last making contract is only available in the rear-view; it's possible that a poor suit will be trump with a much better one available that you would have found if it weren't for the pesky opponents telling each other what to lead. It's also possible that the interference is the only way to avoid the doomed 3NT and any plus score is a win!
I am not a Rubensohl specialist (so if those that are disagree with me, listen to them!), but traditionally in these auctions, you "concede" the invitational call opposite the tightly limited hand to the interference; therefore second bids are "looking for the best game". I would expect that any invitational call will be *clearly marked* in the notes, in fact.
Long live the Republic-k. -- Major General J. Golding Frederick (tSCoSI)
#3
- Secretary Bird
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- Group: Advanced Members
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- Joined: 2003-July-12
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Posted 2025-August-28, 15:33
If neither have a stop in the opponents' suit, you can't play 3NT.
You usually have a fit in some suit (in most of your cases, a minor, but the 4-3 other-major fit should never be discounted); it's the one who knows 3NT is not an option's job to start looking for it.
If that's opener, you have the advantage that it "can't be" a self-supporting long suit (although some will open on 6m322), so with no fit, responder is free to continue the scramble.
If it's responder, there's a chance that "stopper for 3NT" overrode any thought of stating their suit (less so in Rubensohl, of course, which will always get another call) so opener has to be more wary of pulling. But opener "should have" at least xx in the suit, so responder is more likely to be able to place the contract.
Like anything, "preempts work™" sometimes, even at the 2 level. It's possible that the last making contract is only available in the rear-view; it's possible that a poor suit will be trump with a much better one available that you would have found if it weren't for the pesky opponents telling each other what to lead. It's also possible that the interference is the only way to avoid the doomed 3NT and any plus score is a win!
I am not a Rubensohl specialist (so if those that are disagree with me, listen to them!), but traditionally in these auctions, you "concede" the invitational call opposite the tightly limited hand to the interference; therefore second bids are "looking for the best game". I would expect that any invitational call will be *clearly marked* in the notes, in fact.
You usually have a fit in some suit (in most of your cases, a minor, but the 4-3 other-major fit should never be discounted); it's the one who knows 3NT is not an option's job to start looking for it.
If that's opener, you have the advantage that it "can't be" a self-supporting long suit (although some will open on 6m322), so with no fit, responder is free to continue the scramble.
If it's responder, there's a chance that "stopper for 3NT" overrode any thought of stating their suit (less so in Rubensohl, of course, which will always get another call) so opener has to be more wary of pulling. But opener "should have" at least xx in the suit, so responder is more likely to be able to place the contract.
Like anything, "preempts work™" sometimes, even at the 2 level. It's possible that the last making contract is only available in the rear-view; it's possible that a poor suit will be trump with a much better one available that you would have found if it weren't for the pesky opponents telling each other what to lead. It's also possible that the interference is the only way to avoid the doomed 3NT and any plus score is a win!
I am not a Rubensohl specialist (so if those that are disagree with me, listen to them!), but traditionally in these auctions, you "concede" the invitational call opposite the tightly limited hand to the interference; therefore second bids are "looking for the best game". I would expect that any invitational call will be *clearly marked* in the notes, in fact.
Long live the Republic-k. -- Major General J. Golding Frederick (tSCoSI)
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