McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.

281

281 BLACKWOOD (GERBER, KEYCARD, KICKBACK, ETC.)

NOTE: We've changed to 1430 responses to all Ace-Asking Bids

effective 3/94. This section may not be completely updated to
reflect the change – there are a lot of sequences and I’m
sure I missed some1430 responses apply regardless of any
statement to the contrary anywhere in the notes.

NOTE: (3/00) KTM-Kerri not using 1430. REMEMBER. Have not

updated the notes since these notes apply to other
partnerships where 1430 is in use (including Lynn/Kerri).
Any reference to 1430 structure should be ignored in Kate-
Kerri partnership.

4NT IS BLACKWOOD UNLESS OTHERWISE DEFINED.

4NT may be variously defined as Natural, Takeout, Specific-Ace

Blackwood, Unusual, Artificial, a Q-bid, or a Preemptive
Raise as follows:

4NT IS NATURAL:

• When there has been a prior natural NT call, 4NT is Natural

(and may be Quantitative). Six EXCEPTIONS occur, even when
there has been a prior NT call.
1) When we both know we have an 8-cd MAJOR fit, 4NT is BW.
2) When one hand has SET TRUMP in a MAJOR Suit, 4NT is BW.
3) If both hands express interest in playing in a MINOR fit
above 3NT, 4NT is BW.
4) When the partner of a NT opener(any range)has shown 10
cards in 2 suits, 4NT is BW (with 6 KeyCards).
5) When a NT bidder has already shown a maximum, 4NT is BW
(no re-invitations). (However, note that we do use
quantitative 4NT facing a known minimum. See below.)
6) When we've both Q-bid, 4NT is BW.
• When we've reached 4-of-a-minor without raising any suit,
4NT is Natural.

1
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

• In response to a directional Q or COG-Q, 4NT is Natural.

• After 4th suit, immediate 4NT on the next round, by either
side, is natural.
o EXCEPTION: If the 4th suit bidder has no flexible forcing
call available on the next round, then his 4NT is BW
(follows RKC principles). Does not apply with Lynn – 4NT
by partner of 4th suit bidder is natural. 4NT by 4th suit
bidder is BW.
• By a weak limited hand, 4NT is Natural.
o P-1♠; 1N-3♣; 3♥-4♣; 4NT: Natural
• By takeout doubler of 4M preempt, 4NT is Natural.
o (4♥)-X-(P)-4♠;(P)-4NT: Natural
• When there is a lower KCK bid available, after minor-suit
trump agreement, 4NT is natural. Does not apply with Lynn –
no KCK.
• When we’ve reached 4m in competition with no opportunity to
bid 3NT, 4NT is natural (must Q-bid to set up BW sequence)
o 1♣-(3♦)-4♣-(P); 4NT: Natural (Q-bid 4♦ 1st to set up BW
follow-up)

NOTE: When the partner of "quantitative" 4NT bidder has already

defined his hand as a maximum, within a narrow range, there is
no further Quantitative 4NT. This, because we follow the
principle of "No Re-invitations." However, if he has
previously shown a minimum, we still use a Quantitative 4NT
because there are good and bad minimums. This will apply
exclusively to NT openings and rebids for the time being.
1♣-1♠; 1NT-2♦; 3NT-4NT: RKC. Opener is defined as exactly 13 -
no case for a quantitative inquiry.
1♣-1♠; 1NT-2♦; 2NT-4NT: Opener may have bad 11, or reasonable
12-count. 4NT is Quantitative.
NOTE: When responding to a Quantitative 4NT, if accepting the
invitation, we show Aces (on KC structure). (See below.)

4NT IS TAKEOUT:

• If the opponents are in 4M, AND we have not found a fit,

AND partner has bid no suit above the one-level, 4NT is
Takeout.
• If we're at the 4-level in COG or Scramble AND clearly
can't play NT, 4N is Takeout.
• When we’re bidding over an ambiguous Q-bid, or COG Q-bid,
4NT is takeout. Does not apply with Lynn – 4NT is BW.

2
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

• When we've overcalled 4♥ over 3♠, 4NT is Takeout (4♠ is

available for SBW) Does not apply with Lynn – 4NT is RKC.
• No Jump to 4NT is Takeout.

4NT IS A Q-BID:

• In a KCK sequence after ♥’s have been agreed, 4♠ is KCK,

and 4NT is a Q-bid in ♠’s.

4NT OPENING ASKS FOR SPECIFIC ACES

4NT opening or overcall is Specific Ace Blackwood (SAB).
REMEMBER. The only EXCEPTION occurs when they open with 4M or
the equivalent (i.e., Namyats), in which case 4NT is takeout.
Responses to SAB:
• 5♣ = no ace
• 5♦/♥/♠ = that Ace
• 5N = ♣ ace
• 6♣/♦, etc. = 2 Aces (show CRASH style)
After 4NT SAB and a response, any suit rebid by opener is
natural and sign-off. Opener's 5NT asks for specific Kings as
above.

MEANING OF a 4NT OVERCALL DEPENDS UPON THE LEVEL OF THE

OPPONENTS’ BID.
After they open the bidding our 4NT overcall normally asks for
Specific Aces.
However, after their 4-of-a-major opening (or the equivalent),
our 4NT overcall is Takeout. (Follows our basic rule that 4NT
is takeout whenever they are in 4M and partner has bid no
suit above the one-level.)
(4♥)-4NT: Minors
(4♠)-4NT: No specific suits suggested, but probably 2 suited.
(4♣/♦,Namyats)-4NT: Minors (See Namyats Defense – Section 863)

3
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

4NT RESPONSE TO OUR NAMYATS OPENING IS CONVENTIONAL,

AND ARTIFICIAL.
Shows 2 KeyCards (Aces) with slam interest w/void in opener's
major. REMEMBER: (See High Level Preempts – Section 418)

4NT RESPONSE TO OUR 4-LEVEL Q-BID (2-SUIT TAKEOUT) IS

CONVENTIONAL, AND ARTIFICIAL.
Shows hand too good to risk overcaller's pass of a preference.
Asks which 2-suits (Respond CRASH).
(3♥)-4♥-(P)-4NT; (P) 5♦: 4NT is slam try, asking which two
suits 4♥ bidder holds. 5♦ says minors or majors (rank).

4NT RESPONSE TO OUR 2-SUITED JUMP OVERCALL IS

CONVENTIONAL, AND ARTIFICIAL.
Shows 2 useful (prime) cards and a fit. (But, overcaller still
responds RKC when he's interested in slam - skipping his
lowest ranking known suit, which is reserved for sign-offs).

4NT RESPONSE TO PREEMPTS AND JUMP OVERCALLS IS EITHER

BW, OR A PREEMPTIVE RAISE.

Treated as BW. If 4NT turns out to be a preemptive raise, it

shows no defense to 5-of-their suit, and suggests saving.

(See Section 280 - MEANING OF 4NT for more detail.)

IN ALL OTHER INSTANCES 4NT IS BLACKWOOD

Hence, jumps to 4NT in response to takeout doubles, takeout Q-
bids, or negative doubles are BW. Also, 4NT subsequent to a
COG-Q (after partner's choice) is BW.

4
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

281.5 RULES FOR KEYCARD (BW, GERBER, KCK)

1) ON THE 1ST ROUND OF THE AUCTION THERE IS NO KEYCARD. AFTER THE

1ST ROUND, ANY ACE-ASK IS KEYCARD.

There are two possible EXCEPTIONS to the rule.

1. Occasional EXCEPTIONS can occur in competition: If an

opponent's (or partner's) bid prevents responder from
setting trumps below 4NT, then BW may be RKC, even on the
1st round. (But, if 5♣ is available for TRUMP ASK (i.e.,
after our 4M preempts), we still revert to the basic rule
that there is no RKC on the 1st round.) With Lynn the rule
is simplified: “BW is RKC on the 1st round only in
competition, and only if we can’t set trumps below 4NT.”
We don’t use 5♣ as Trump Ask in competition.
1♠-(4♦)-4NT: RKC (no room to set trumps)
1♠-(4♥)-4NT: Not BW. Takeout (“Opponents are in 4M…”)
1♦-(3♠)-4NT: BW. But, NOT RKC. Room to Q-bid 4♠ to set trumps.
4♥-(4♠); 4NT: BW, not RKC. 5♣ TRUMP-ASK is on as long as there
is room. Does not apply with Lynn – 5♣ is more or less non-
existent, 4NT is RKC for ♥’s – see above.
(3♣)-4♥-(P)-4NT: BW, not RKC (5♣ available for TRUMP ASK). Does
not apply with Lynn: (3♣)-4♥-(P)-4NT: RKC (no room to set
trumps – no 5♣ trump ask in competition).

2. One EXCEPTION exists in our own constructive bidding:

1NT-2♣; 2♦−5♣: BW, not RKC. No suits have been bid
naturally, and we don’t create a trump-suit for RKC
purposes.)

2) A HAND WITH ZERO KEYCARDS CANNOT INITIATE AN ACE-ASKING

SEQUENCE. Therefore…
• A 3-KeyCard response is presumed to guarantee that we have
sufficient controls for slam. Therefore,
• A hand which has shown "0 or 3" bids on over partner’s
signoff when he holds three, and a "1 or 4" hand bids on
with four.
• EXCEPTION #1: The “bid on with 3 or 4” rule does not apply
in SBW sequences because the splinter bidder does not
guarantee any KeyCards. He hasn't specifically "asked" for
KeyCards. Therefore a "0 or 3" response cannot be presumed

5
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

to be sufficient for a slam. (Hence, in order to avoid

ethical problems, we try to be very careful before we
splinter to know what we will do if partner decides to show
KeyCards.)
• EXCEPTION #2: A hand which has shown substantial strength
(SJS range or better) is presumed to have at least one
KeyCard (i.e. zero is impossible). In this sort of
situation, it's possible for a hand with no KeyCards to
initiate an Ace Ask. Therefore, in a "0 or 3" response
sequence, the strong hand is already presumed to hold the
maximum number of KeyCards (three) and does not override
the weaker hand's decision. (Of course, he still overrides
in a "1 or 4" sequence.)
• EXCEPTION #3: If we’re playing in a known 8-cd trump fit,
and it is known that we are missing the trump Queen, then a
3-KC response does not necessarily mean that we will play a
slam. Here, after Queen-Ask, responder must respect
partner’s decision. But, if there is no room for the Queen
Ask, then the “0 or 3” hand with three KeyCards bids on, as
usual.

3) TO DETERMINE WHICH SUIT IS TRUMP FOR RKC, THE FOLLOWING

PRIORITY IS OBSERVED:
• If a suit has been SET AS TRUMPS that suit is trumps.
• If a suit has been AGREED, that suit is trump.
• Otherwise, a suit which has been bid & raised is trumps.
• If 2 suits have been bid and raised, there are 6 KeyCards
and 2 Queens.
• If no suit has been bid and raised, any suit either of us
has jumped in, or a suit one of has bid 3 times
(naturally), is the trump suit for RKC purposes.
• If none of the above exist, then the last suit named
naturally is trump for RKC purposes.

There is one unusual situation which constitutes an EXCEPTION to

the basic RKC rules:

4) A 2♣ OPENER’S SUIT IS ALWAYS TRUMPS IF HIS ACE-ASK FOLLOWS

IMMEDIATELY(NEXT ROUND), REGARDLESS OF RESPONDER’S ACTION.
Similarly, responder’s SJS followed immediately by 4NT by either
of us, sets responder’s suit as trumps. (Follows the rule
above that a suit one of us has jumped in is trumps.)

6
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

6 KEYCARDS
Six KeyCards exist:
o When 2 suits have been bid and raised, or
o When "MUTUAL SUITS" principle applies.

MUTUAL SUITS
If we are known to have two suits in common, MUTUAL SUIT
principles apply.
• When we show a two-suiter facing a balanced hand, six
KeyCards exist (on MUTUAL SUIT principles).
o The most frequent occurrence is when we’ve open 1NT and
responder transfers, then retransfers to his second suit.
o When we've opened 1NT and responder later bids a 2nd
"suit" which may be a "help suit," there are still 6
keycards. In other words there are always 6 keycards
whether the 2nd suit is defined as natural or as a help
suit.
• Kings of MUTUAL SUITS are counted as Aces in RKC responses.
o Therefore, it's theoretically possible to have 7
KeyCards. (However, for the sake of accuracy and memory,
we have NO 7-keycard auctions.)
o If an ambiguity arises as to which two suits are MUTUAL
SUITS (unlikely), ignore the least likely trump suit.
(The last bid suit is always live, since that is, by
definition, our most likely trump suit.)
o If there is still an ambiguity, ignore the lowest ranking
of the ambiguous suits.
o We don’t show KC’s in unbid suits (i.e., known MUTUAL
SUITS are not in KC structure if they have not been bid)
o 1♠-2N; 3♦-3♠; 4N: RKC for ♠’s only. Opener has a
singleton ♣, therefore we have 2 mutual suits (♥’s and
♦’s), but we ignore them unless they've actually been
bid.
• When only one of 2 MUTUAL SUITS is defined as AGREED, there
is only one Queen in the QUEEN-ASK. When both or neither of
2 MUTUAL SUITS is AGREED, there are 2 Queens by default,
since they are equal in importance (or unimportance).
o NOTE: 7/95, We seem to be moving away from this idea
somewhat since we changed Queen Ask responses. Seems like
we're showing both when we have 2 MUTUAL SUITS. Seems
safe to do so now, since we are usually able to clarify
which Queen we hold with the new structure. Should
discuss again and clarify.

7
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

• Once a suit is agreed, a game-try or slam-try in opener's

1st suit is natural and forcing (and brings both suits into
the KeyCard auction - i.e. 6 KeyCards – on MUTUAL SUIT
principles).
o 1♣-1♥; 3♥-4♣; 4♦-4NT: 4♣ is natural (forcing, slam
try), 4♦ is Q-bid. 4NT is KeyCard in ♣’s and ♥’s.
o 1♣-1♥; 2♥-3♣: As above, 3♣ is natural and forcing.
REMEMBER. If RKC follows later, there are 6 KeyCards.

QUEEN-ASK
In all RKC sequences, the asker may continue after the 1st
response. His 1st undefined step asks for the trump Queen.
Responses to Queen Ask are "Worst First".
• 1st step = No. 2nd step = Yes, and usually shows K in bid
suit. (ZOOM). 6T = Yes, no side King below 6T.
An undefined step is any bid which cannot be natural, and is not
predefined as conventional. Bids defined as natural (i.e.,
not available for Queen Ask) are:
o AGREED or SET suits
o Any previously bid suit, if no suit is agreed
o The cheapest NT, if a minor has been agreed
o Previously bid major, if minor has been agreed.

When There Are 2 Queens in the Queen-Ask, Responses to the Ace-

Ask Are “no,lo,hi,both”(1430 structure):
o 1 or 4,
o 0 or 3,
o 2 with no Queen,
o 2 with lo Queen,
o 2 with hi Queen,
o 2 with both Queens (ZOOM).

However, if there is insufficient room for all of the above

steps, we still respond on old structure, as follows: (0,1,2)
o 2 with no Q,
o 2 with one Q,
o 2 with both Q's.

If there is insufficient room for “0,1,2” structure we revert to

no,lo,hi,both on the assumption that asker was prepared to
raise the level.
Similarly, after a BW response and later Queen-Ask, respond
no,lo,hi,both if room, otherwise 0,1,2.

8
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

After a response showing one undefined queen, we make no

attempt, for the time being, to define which Queen we hold.
Responses above the last defined step show both Queens and the
King of the bid suit. (ZOOM)

Note that there is a conflict between void-showing responses and

a 2-Queen response if the response is 5NT and higher. The
Queen-Ask takes priority over voids when we have 2 suits in
the KC structure. Therefore, we can't respond voids to BW
when there are two Queens in the Queen-Ask.
A Queen-Ask above 5T guarantees all the KeyCards and invites a
Grand, i.e., Queen Ask is not used merely for COS. Responder
is free to bid a grand.
MUTUAL suits are in the Ace-Ask, but only AGREED suits are in
the Queen-Ask. (If a MUTUAL suit is AKxxxx facing xx, the
Queen is irrelevant when another suit is trump; so, we could
have major slam-bidding problems if both Queens are in the
Queen-Ask.) Have we abandoned this idea??
It's possible for a sign-off to function as a Queen-Ask. For
example,
• 1♦-1♠; 2♥-3♥; 4N-5♦; 5♥: Responder must have at least one
Ace to bid 4NT BW, and opener has 3 (presumably). Since we
have enough KeyCards for slam, responder's only problem
must be the Q♥. If opener has it he should bid 6♥, if not
he should pass. (This seems to contradict our general
agreement that if there is no room for a Queen Ask we bid
on over a signoff with three KeyCards. The reason for the
contradiction is that, here, opener has shown substantial
strength and is presumed to have three keycards already.
It is a safe assumption that we have four KeyCards in this
instance. Therefore, responder would only sign off with no
trump Queen.
o There are all sorts of ethical problems in these
sequences. Best to plan ahead before we make the “0 or
3” response, bid ethically according to our partnership
rules, and then hope for the best if we run into a
hesitation problem.)

GRAND TRY
5NT by the RKC bidder (when 4NT was the Ace-Ask) guarantees
possession of all the KeyCards, and invites responder to bid
a Grand.
If the Ace-Ask was other than 4NT, the GRAND TRY will usually be
opener's 2nd or 3rd undefined step (see below for priority.)

9
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

A Queen-Ask above 5T guarantees all the KeyCards and invites a

Grand. Responder may bid on.
The BW bidder can force a sign-off (e.g. in 5NT), or a choice of
slams, then bid on over the sign- off, or choice. This
constitutes a GRAND TRY, and guarantees all the controls.
(Concept applies even if there was no BW.)
COS has priority over a GRAND TRY in any ambiguous sequence (see
below for priority).
5NT can often function as a GRAND TRY in competition - denying
1st round control in the opponents’ suit. This will occur
only when we have only one place to play, and when both 5NT
and 6Q are available below 6T, i.e., when 6Q would be a GRAND
TRY with 1st-round control of their suit.

CHOICE OF SLAMS (COS)

5NT is virtually always COS, whether or not it's a jump.
When 5NT is defined as a GRAND TRY (after Blackwood), 6♣ offers
a CHOICE OF SLAMS.
• EXCEPTION: When ♣’s are a possible trump suit, 6♣ is
natural and there is no COS.
If the Ace-Ask was other than 4NT, the following priority is
observed for opener's undefined follow-ups:
o The 1st undefined step after any KeyCard response is the
Queen Ask, if needed
o The 2nd undefined step is COS, if logical and possible
o The 3rd undefined step or higher is a GRAND TRY
guaranteeing all the KeyCards. It may be specific,
particularly if there is room for more than one such
call.
o When any of the steps are unnecessary or illogical, skip
over to the next
Frequently, when the Ace-Ask is 5♣, there isn't room for both
COS and GRAND TRY. In this case there is no GRAND TRY. The
available step is used for COS (if logical). If COS is not
needed, the available step can be used as a GRAND TRY.
NOTE: Jumps to 5NT are virtually always COS, pretty much
eliminating the need for the “2nd step above” in most KCK and
SBW sequences. The upshot is that, although COS has priority,
undefined bids are more frequently Grand Tries.

10
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

PRIORITY FOR AMBIGUOUS CALLS

• Occasionally, a later call by RKC bidder may be ambiguous.

If so, the following order of priority applies (NQCG):
o NATURAL
o QUEEN-ASK
o COS (the most frequent interpretation)
o GRAND TRY
• If the later ambiguous call is 5NT the order of priority is
altered slightly. It’s possible for a 5NT call to be
natural in the sense that it may show a guarded king in the
unbid (or opponents’) suit (but we can’t play there). In
addition, GSF is a possible interpretation of an ambiguous
5NT. Hence, the following priority for an ambiguous 5NT
(NQCGG):
o NATURAL (but forcing)
o QUEEN ASK
o COS (most frequent interpretation)
o GRAND-TRY
o GSF

NOTE: I think it may be possible for 5NT to be a natural sign-

off, but it violates our rule that 5NT is always forcing. If
it occurs, we will restore it to it’s former position as the
number one priority for an ambiguous 5NT, but right now I
can’t think of why we had agreed upon this in the past.

282 DEFINING THE ACE-ASKING BIDS

1) After ♠ agreement, 4NT is the Ace-Ask.

2) After minor-suit agreement or ♥ agreement, 4T+1 is the Ace-
Ask. (See KCK below.) Does not apply with Lynn – no KCK.
3) Splinters frequently function as Ace-Asks. After splinters,
undefined steps are RKC (SBW) responses, but 4NT remains the
Ace-Ask. In SBW sequences where 4NT is defined as natural,
there is no Ace-Ask. (See Section 265 - Splinter Blackwood.)
4) 4♣ is never Gerber.
5) In general, 5♣ after natural NT bids is the Ace-Ask (SG)
o Once someone has bid 3NT (natural) and a minor is agreed,
the only Ace-Ask is a jump to 5♣ (even if ♣’s are
trump).
o Whenever 4NT is natural, SuperGerber may apply (See
Sections 280 & 289)

11
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

283 KEYCARD KICKBACK (KCK)

KCK does not apply with Lynn.

After suit agreement, 4T+1 is KeyCard Kickback. If 4T+1 is a

previously bid major, the next undefined step (i.e.,
unplayable contract) is KCK. A bid in a previously bid major
is natural, NOT KCK. (For rare EXCEPTIONS, see below.)

Rules About KCK:

• When KCK applies, 4NT (since not needed as Ace-Ask) is

defined as
• NATURAL and quantitative when we have agreed a minor
• A Q-bid of the KCK suit, when we have agreed a major
• There is no splinter available in the suit lost to KCK.
REMEMBER.
• KCK applies only after minor-suit or major-suit trump
agreement.
• KCK does not have to be a jump, but it may be.
• KCK does not have to be immediate.
o 1♦-2♦; 2♠-3♣; 4♥: KCK
• KCK occurs only after explicit trump agreement.
o 1♠-2♥; 3♣-4♣; 4♦: KCK.
o But, 1♠-2♥; 3♣-4♦: Splinter in support of ♣’s, not KCK.
♣’s were not previously agreed.
• EXCEPTION to general rule: When one of us has shown a SOLID
minor suit that suit is deemed to be AGREED. Therefore, KCK
applies and 4NT is natural.
o 1♠-2♣; 2♥-4♣: ♣’s are SOLID, and deemed AGREED;
therefore, 4♦ is KCK, and 4NT is natural.
• If the normal KCK bid is unavailable for any reason, the
next available step is KCK.
• If there is a conflict with the KCK step, and some other
conventional agreement, KCK HAS 1ST PRIORITY.
1♦-2♦; 2♠-4♥: KCK (♦’s), not a splinter.
• No KCK past 4NT. But, it’s occasionally possible for 4NT
to function as the KCK call.
o 1♥-1♠; 2♦-3♣; 3N-4♣; 4♦-4♠; 4N: KC (♣’s). We've both
shown interest in playing in a minor above 3NT, so 4NT
cannot be natural.

12
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

• It's occasionally possible for there to be no Ace-Ask

available at all, when all possible KCK suits have been
previously bid and 4NT is defined as natural.
o 1♥-1♠; 2♦-3♣; 3N-4♣: There is NO Ace-Ask available. (In
theory, 4♠ is not playable and could therefore be KCK,
but for the sake of simplicity, we follow the basic rule:
No KCK in previously bid major-suits.)
o But, 1♥-1♠; 2♦-3♣; 3N-4♣; 4♦-4♠; 4N: KC (♣’s). We've
both shown interest in playing in a minor above 3NT.
• There can never be 2 Ace-Asks available at the same time.
o In any auction where KCK is operating, 4NT is variously
defined as either NATURAL, or a Q-bid in the KCK suit,
NOT another way to ask for Aces.
o If both a major and a minor have been agreed, 4NT is the
Ace-Ask, with 6 KeyCards - KCK does not exist.
o If both minors have been agreed, KCK applies (with 6
KeyCards) and 4NT is natural.
• A possible conflict may occur when we are bidding ♠’s and
♥’s. 1♠-2♥; 3♥-4♠. It is certainly logical that
responder may want to play in ♠’s. Solution is to use the
jump to 4♠ as natural (good trumps slam try, since 3♠ is
forcing). If opener wants to bid KCK, he Q-bids over 3♥
first. Then a later 4♠ is clearly not to play.

1♣-(1♠)-2♠-(P); 3♦-(P)-4♦: Natural, ♦ raise

1♣-(1♠)-2♠-(P); 3♦-(P)-4♥: KCK for ♣’s
1♣-(1♠)-2♠-(P); 3♦-(P)-4N: Natural, Slam invitation

Lynn needs to start some form of Kickback soon. What about

this: "4m, when it's clearly natural, and clearly forcing,
asks for Aces." ?? DISCUSS.

Ambiguities with SBW & KCK

• If SBW rules are ever in conflict with KCK rules, KCK HAS
PRIORITY OVER SBW (alphabetical).
o If a suit has already been specifically agreed, a jump to
4T+1 is KCK, not a splinter. (KCK has priority over SBW)
o If the suit has not yet been agreed, a jump to 4T+1 is a
splinter agreeing the suit – not KCK since there has been
no prior trump agreement (SBW applies).
• However, if we are already in a SBW sequence when the
ambiguity occurs, SBW has priority. No KCK. Therefore…

13
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

o NO KCK by responder to a splinter. The only Ace-Ask is

4NT (as defined by SBW). Other steps are SBW responses.
o 1♠-2♣; 4♦-4♥: RKC response: 1 or 4 KC’s in ♣’s. NOT KCK
Ace-Ask. Splinter functions as the Ace-Ask. (We’re
already in a SBW sequence when the ambiguous 4♥ call
occurs.)
• EXCEPTION to the rule that KCK has priority over SBW. A
rebid of a splinter suit is void-showing, NOT KCK.
REMEMBER. Respond EXCLUSION - mandatory. (Actually, this is
not really an exception since, technically, we are already
in a SBW sequence after the 1st splinter.)
o 1♣-3♦; 3♥-4♦: Not KCK. 4♦ shows diamond void. Opener
must respond KeyCards outside ♦’s.
• EXCEPTION to the rule that a previously bid suit cannot be
the KCK ask: When we agree a minor at the 3-level, and a 3-
level rebid in a major is clearly forcing, a jump to 4M can
be KCK. This is possible only if
o 4M is the normal KCK step, and
o No natural meaning makes sense.
o 1♠-2♦; 2♥-3♣; 3♦-4♥: KCK, ♦’s. 3♥ would have been
natural and forcing. And, 3♥ would have been forcing over
2♥. Therefore, a jump to 4♥ to show good trumps makes
no sense. Be careful. Most such jumps show GOOD TRUMPS.
The good trump definition must make NO sense at all for
KCK to override.

Responding to KCK:
Normal RKC response structure: 1430
Responses are mandatory, not optional. DO NOT CONFUSE WITH SBW.
After KCK, All Bids Are Step Responses to KCK. NO NATURAL
BIDS, AND NO SIGN-OFFS.
Show voids in response to KCK in the same way as to RKC-BW. The
5th step (or a "raise" of the KCK suit) starts the void
showing responses (and shows an even number of KeyCards).
Higher bids show an odd-number of keycards and a void.
Analogous to 4NT-5NT+. Higher bids (if room) show genuine
interest in a grand and specific side kings.

FOLLOW-UP TO KCK:
4NT by the KCK bidder is a natural
next step and is needed for the
Return to the agreed trump suit by
Rebid to a previously bid major is
totally impossible).
sign-off (unless it’s the
Queen Ask – see below).
KCK bidder is sign-off.
a natural sign-off (unless

14
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

Cheapest undefined step is continuation of relay (Queen-Ask,

Grand Try, etc.).
NOTE: After 5♣ Gerber the continuation is the next undefined
step (not 6♣). Not analogous to 4N-5N. Same principle is
used in KCK or SBW auctions. Next step is the continuation.

PRIORITY, CONFLICT, POSSIBLE AMBIGUITIES:

It may be possible for BW rules to conflict with either KCK or
SBW rules. If it occurs, the priority is BW, KCK, SBW.
By coincidence, the priority is alphabetical, making it easier
to remember.

Another instance of KCK: 1♣-2♦; 4♣-4♦. 4♦ is KCK because 4♣ is

Solid ♣’s. (Similar to 1♦-2♣; 2♦-4♣; 4♦: KCK) Opener changed
the auction. 4NT is to play.

Cavendish ‘91:
Kerri Kate
Kxx Axx
--- AKx
Kxx AQxxx
AKQJ10xx xx
1♣-2♦; 4♣-4♦; 4♥-4♠; 5♦-7NT (4♣ showed solid ♣’s and slam
interest; 4♦ KCK; 4♥ showed 0 or 3 KC’s outside ♣’s; 4♠
asked for further information; 5♦ = K♦)
NOTE: We were playing 0314 at the time; we were also excluding
SOLID SUITS from KC responses at that time – would now
respond 4NT showing 2 with Queen.

284 EXCLUSION BW
In some specific situations BW and RKC may exclude particular
suits.
Do NOT exclude a "SOLID SUIT" (it might not be solid)
After any bid specifically defined as showing a VOID: RKC
responses excluding the void suit
The hand opposite the void may not use BW if already above 4NT.
(i.e., may not ask for Aces, but may show KeyCards. See
Section 265 - Splinter Blackwood.)
Responder to the void-showing bid has the option of rejecting
(i.e. signing off in cheapest level of trump suit), unless
specifically defined to the contrary. In most situations, the
KC response is optional. See below for situations where the
EXCLUSION response is mandatory.

15
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

Bids defined as showing voids:

1) When a double jump is defined as a splinter, a triple jump
shows a void; e.g.
o 1♥-2♣; 4♦: 3♦ would show singleton ♦, 4♦ shows void.
o 1♣-4♦: as above
o (3♦)-3♠-(P)-6♦: 5♦ may be singleton or void (not willing
to commit to six-level). 6♦ is clearly void.
o 1NT-2♣;2♥-5♦: Sing ♦ is shown w 3♠ over 2♥, 5♦ is void.
2) Jumps to “Game” are usually void-showing. But, be very careful
about these. Recent change means that most jumps to “game” are
actually void-showing now, NOT natural. (The only natural
♣ -5♦
jumps to game are 1m-4M and 1♣ ♦. All others are splinters -
usually void-showing responses.)
o 1♣-4♥/♠: natural; 1♦-4♥/♠: natural
o 1♥-4♠: void (3♠ would show unspecified singleton 10-12;
3NT shows singleton spade 13-15)
o 1♠-4♥: singleton (or possible void);
o 1♠-3♥: SJS
o 1♠-5♥: void
o 1c-5♦: natural (3♦ is singleton, 4♦ is void)
o 1d-5♣: void (4♣ is singleton)
o 1♥- 5♣/♦: void; 1♠-5♣/♦: void
3) TEXAS TRANSFER followed by a new suit is defined as a VOID.
o NOTE: NT opener must respond RKC, excluding the void
suit, after Texas. No sign-off available. Also, no Ace-
Ask available to opener, since we're already above 4NT.
o 1NT-4♦; 4♠-5♦; 5♠: Opener has 1 or 4 KeyCards outside
♦’s.
4) After 4-level trump agreement, 5 of a new suit (jump or non-
jump) is void showing, as long as the bidder could possibly be
void in that suit. Initial five-level Q-bids are treated as
void-showing (but not when the Q-bid occurs in an already
cooperative Q-bidding sequence).
5) After 1M-2N (whether or not 2NT shows fit for major): Opener’s
jump to 5x shows a void.

SPECIFIC AUCTIONS: RESPONDER TO VOID-SHOWING BID MAY NOT REJECT:

The following sequences do not give responder an option. He must
respond KeyCards (EXCLUSION)
o After Texas Transfer
o Repeat Splinter when responder has already signed off
Otherwise, responder always has the option to reject (i.e. sign
off).

16
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

285 RESPONSES TO ACE-ASKS (BW, GERBER, KCK)

1) Modified RKC Responses: 1430, 2 Without (Worst First); 2 With.
(Slide down or up, when the Ace-Ask is other than 4NT.)
2) Always respond on RKC structure, even when BW is not RKC.
REMEMBER. 1 or 4, 0 or 3, 2 or 5. (Applies in EXCLUSION
auctions as well, even though there will be only 3 or 4
KeyCards in the auction.)
3) After an "either/or" response, responder is expected to bid on
over a sign-off with the higher number, unless the lower is
impossible. If hand has already shown great strength (the
equivalent of a SJS or better), by virtue of a 2♣ or 2NT
opening, a SJS (or perhaps a reverse?) the higher number is
presumed. In an ambiguous situation where BW bidder can't be
sure of the strength of responder's hand, responder should
avoid making a passable "either/or" response with the higher
number. (i.e., if your step response is in the trump suit, and
you think it may be passed when you don’t want it to be, don’t
make the bid.)
4) Otherwise, a 3 KC response is presumed to be enough for slam.
5) Kings of MUTUAL SUITS are counted as Aces in responding to
Ace-Ask.
6) After a Q-bid which "guarantees" an Ace, we still count the
Ace we have already Q-bid in responding to BW (just in case
the guarantee was a phony).
7) Subsequent to a control-showing response (i.e., after 2♣
opening), responder to BW still shows Aces, unless he can't
hold one (by virtue of the original response). In this case he
responds with whatever he can legally hold (Kings, Queens) on
the same RKC structure (1430).
8) EXCLUSION BW responses may apply in sequences where one of us
has shown a void. EXCLUSION responses also apply after Texas
Transfer. (See Section 284 - EXCLUSION Blackwood)

Showing Voids in Response to Blackwood

Responder to BW (or any other Ace Ask) may show a useful void if
he chooses to do so, but he is expected to exercise judgment.
Tendency is to err on the side of caution and not show the
void, particularly when BW bidder will not know for certain
which void responder holds.
Generally, we only show the void with 0,1 or 2 KeyCards.
Avoided with 3 or 4 KeyCards since there is likely to be
duplication if responder to BW holds the higher number, and
the ambiguity simply confuses our auction. We may do so
anyway with 3 or 4 KC’s if convenient and clear, or if the

17
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

auction is well-timed for responder to BW to bid on by

himself.
If the short suit is already known prior to BW, we show the void
with the 1st void-showing step available (normally 5NT or 6♣).
If we bid past the first two steps (even, odd), we’re showing
an odd number, a void in the known short suit, and a useful
side-card in the bid-suit.
FUTURE DISCUSSION: While we avoid showing a void which will be
unknown to partner, there may be a possibility of locating it
(i.e., after 5NT showing even KC and a void). Do we want to?

VOID-SHOWING RESPONSES TO 4NT BW(OR RKC):

o 5N = even number of keycards with a useful void

o 6X = odd number... (X = void if below 6T)
o 6T = odd number... (higher void)

If either of 2 voids might be useful (opponents are bidding 2

suits), void is deemed to be
1) the suit they've both bid, otherwise (arbitrarily)…
2) the suit on the bidder's left.
We can't show voids at all if there are 6 KeyCards and 2 Queens,
because of the conflict in the meaning of responses of 5NT
and higher.
Bids higher than the void-showing responses (if room) are used
to express real interest in a grand. They show specific kings
(depending upon amount of room available below 6T). These
bids don't normally exist after Blackwood, but may become
available in SBW sequences.

RESPONDING ACES TO QUANTITATIVE 4NT

In general, if accepting a Quantitative 4NT we show Aces along
the way, in order to avoid reaching a slam off two Aces.
In simple auctions like 1NT-4NT, 5m is natural looking for help.
Ace responses start with 5♥.

In complex auctions, the structure has been recently simplified.

Formerly, 5♣ was always RKC in the “necessary” suit. Now, all
bids over 4NT are KC responses, except 5OS where OS is clearly
playable.

(See Section 280.6 in 4NT Section for Specific Rules.)

18
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

Blackwood Interference
R2D2
In Ace-Asking structures we’re counting on our fingers,
therefore R2D2 applies (see Section 267 - R2D2)

If they double the Ace-Ask: responses are on R2D2 structure.

(Redouble or Double is the 2nd Step.) Pass = 1st step (0 or
3), XX = 2nd step (1 or 4), etc.
If they bid over any Ace-Ask: R2D2
If they double a KC response, we may continue the relay, using
pass as the first step (e.g., Queen Ask). Logically, we may
want to key on playing NT from the right side after a double.
Meaning will depend upon the logic of the situation.
NOTE: In certain specific situations the R2D2 structure may be
modified. For example, after our splinter, our double is
always penalty. Pass may be sign-off (if they bid a suit, or
Q-bid our trump suit after our splinter). If bid above 5T,
"Even-Odd" responses apply. Another example: After our 2NT
response, if they bid, double is penalty.

Follow-ups After Blackwood

• 5NT guarantees all the KeyCards and is a general GRAND TRY.

If accepting, responder bids values or source of tricks. 6T
(or 6♣ if T is unknown) is a sign-off.
• Queen-Ask above 5T guarantees all KeyCards and invites
Grand. Responder is free to bid on.
• Queen Ask below 5T allows a stop at 5T.
• 6♣ by BW bidder is pick-a-slam, so long as ♣’s have not
been suggested as trumps. If ♣’s may be trumps, then 6♣
suggests ♣’s, and there is no other COS available.
• 6-level old-suit bids (other than agreed suit) are strong
suggestions that this suit be considered as trumps. Respon-
der may correct to the agreed suit, but should be alert to
possibility that we don't belong in the agreed suit.
• 7-level old-suit bids (in suits other than the agreed trump
suit) are TRUMPS! No choice has been offered to responder.
• 7♣, if not a possible trump suit, is used when accepting a
grand try to allow partner to pick the trump suit.

If the Ace-Ask was other than 4NT (KCK, Gerber, SBW) we stay in
the same pattern as a 4NT auction except that COS has

19
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

priority over Grand Try. That is, the first undefined step is
the Queen-Ask if needed; the 2nd undefined step is COS if
logical; the 3rd undefined step is a Grand Try (saying that
we have all the controls).
Other undefined bids are grand tries looking for help in that
suit. Responses are not structured. Use common sense. If
asking bid is below 5T, may still be looking for a slam. If
above 5T, a help-suit ask is obviously Grand Try (not an
attempt to suggest another strain).

287 5NT
5NT is always forcing.
The only possible EXCEPTION is in a 5♣ Gerber sequence. The
asker can conceivably sign off in 5NT if that is a logical
possibility, but not if he had an alternative route.
• 1N-5♣; 5X- 5N is defined as a GRAND TRY. Forcing.
• For 5NT to be a sign-off, the bidder must have been clearly
trapped into Gerber at a high level, and there must be no
conflict with a GRAND TRY or QUEEN ASK. If responder to
Gerber bids 5♠, too bad - we can't play in 5NT because the
next step is always a further inquiry. In practice, we
don’t make the exception because it isn’t worth trying to
“thread the needle.”

In general, if 5NT is not defined to the contrary, it's CHOICE

OF SLAMS. (The most frequent meaning, by far) EXCEPTIONS:
• After 4NT(BW), 5NT is Grand Try and 6♣ is COS.
• 5NT is usually COS in high-level competition (See Section
279)
• 5NT is Kx of unbid suit when obvious and logical. Usually
occurs in a Q-bidding sequence when we have one and only
one trump suit - suggests that we may want to play NT to
right-side the contract and guard the King.
• If we have one and only clearly AGREED trump suit, 5NT is
GSF whether or not it's a jump.
o There is no GSF after RKC.
o 5NT as GSF is rare and will only occur when we're too
high for RKC or for a void-showing jump (otherwise we
don't need it since RKC and SBW will clarify our trump
holdings).
NOTE: It's possible that 5NT GSF will have no practical
application.

(See Section 275 - GSF, and Section 279 - Grands.)

20
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

289 SUPER-GERBER
When 4NT is natural, SuperGerber usually applies. 3 conditions:
o 5♣ must be a jump
o 4♣ would be forcing
o KCK is not applicable

If these conditions exist, then 5♣ is SuperGerber (SG has

priority over splinters and jump showing good trumps when ♣’s
are trump).
If 4♣ is non-forcing, and 4NT is natural, and KCK is not
applicable, then 5♣ is natural and there is no Ace-Ask.

Responses to Super-Gerber are on RKC structure as always (1430),

even if we have no trump suit.
1NT-5♣; 5♥-5♠: Forces 5NT (if responder wants to play ♠’s he
starts with 2♥ or 4♦.
1NT-5♣; 5♥-5NT: Forcing. Grand Try (we're not missing two Aces).

After 5♣ Gerber, continuation is next undefined step - not 6♣.

Not analogous to 4N-5N. Same in KCK auctions, or SBW auctions
– next step is the continuation.

NOTE: No 4♣ Gerber exists anywhere in our structure. (4♣ is a

transfer to ♦’s (if needed), otherwise SA Texas.)
• Regular Texas (i.e., 4♣ is needed as a transfer to ♦’s):
o After our strong 2NT openings (which start with 2♣), and
o After our 3NT overcall (4♣ = slam-try transfer).
• 4♣ is South African Texas:
1) After our 1NT Opening
2) After our 2NT overcall (since 4♣ is not needed as
transfer to ♦’s)
3) After our Michaels Q-Bid (if Michaels showed both
majors, 4m is ST)
4) After our 2♣ Q-bid (5/4 majors)
5) After our 2♣ Opening (immediate, or after 2♣-2♦-2♥)
Easy way to remember which applies: Default is always South
African Style. Regular Texas is used only when 4♣ is needed
as a transfer to ♦’s (probably only when we open strong 2NT,
or overcall 3NT).

21
McCallum/Sanborn January 2000 BW.281

Potentially Ambiguous Sequences

If we've overcalled 4m, and a 4-level Q-bid of the opponent's
suit is available, 4NT is natural (we're in 4m without having
found a fit). 4Q functions as RKC (actually SBW).
o (3♥)-4♦-(P)-4♥: SBW, treated as splinter even though it
may not be
o (3♥)-4♦-(P)-4N: Natural, must use 4♥ for BW.
If we're in 4♥, in a similar situation, where 4♠ is available as
Q, invoking SBW, then 4NT is takeout.
o (3♠)-4♥-(P)-4♠: SBW, treated as singleton ♠ even though
it may not be.
o (3♠)-4♥-(P)-4N: Takeout, probably minors, but may be
start of slam try in ♥’s. REMEMBER.

KTM THOUGHTS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION

4NT after 2nd round of bidding - if we have no agreed suit - is
always NATURAL.
After 2 Q-bids 4N is forward going with no convenient Q-bid (DI)
4NT by the partner who initiates Q-bidding is DI, not BW.

22