There are other Lebonsohl
sequences that are used in different situations; one being after partner
doubles a weak two opening for take-out but this particular bidding is in relation to
interference after you or your partner has opened 1NT.
As with all conventions there are a number
of interpretations and modified versions. Often when your partner opens 1NT and RHO bids 2 ♣ or 2♦
you want to compete with 7 or 8 points and a 5+ suit (with a Major you would have transferred or made a weak takeout without the interference) and bid 2♥ or
2 ♠ but are afraid partner may think you are
stronger Partner has opened 1NT and RHO bids The principle is that with most hands, but
not all, you can make: a) A competitive bid (i.e.to play), b) An invitational bid or c) A forcing bid. 1 Double of naturally bid suits is for
penalties and 3NT is to play. 2 Cue bid of a minor
at the 4 level asks for best
Major. 3 All direct bids to game are to play. 4 Any bid at the two level is
to play. 5 A bid of 2NT, which requires a mandatory reply of 3 ♣
(even if the opponents have bid 2 ♣ which may be passed, followed by
a bid of a
suit that couldn’t be bid at the two level
This solves that problem and many more.
6 A bid of 2NT followed by a bid of a new suit (showing 5+) that could have been bid at the two level is invitational. (Usually, but not guaranteed, half a stop at least in opponent’s suit)
7 Any direct bid of a new suit (showing 5+) at the three level is game forcing. (No guarantee of stop in opponent’s suit)
8 An immediate cue bid of opponent’s suit is Staymanic and game forcing (No guarantee a stop in opponent’s suit.)
9 A bid of 2NT followed by a cue bid of opponent’s suit is Staymanic and invitational (No guarantee a stop in opponent’s suit.)
**Alternative way preferred by some is to make 8 to include a stop and 9 to be still game forcing without a stop and to use a double of the opponent’s suit to be optional showing 11 points and probably a four card Major.
It’s up to individual partnerships to decide which they like best.
10 If the opponents bid 2♣/2♦
conventionally showing one Major and another suit -:
Double is invitational (11pts) showing four of other Major
Three of their Major is game forcing with four of the other and a stop in opponents Major
2NT followed by 3 of their Major shows four of other without a stop.
11 If the opponents bid 2 ♣/2♦ conventionally showing both Majors, or 2 ♥ showing both, then general Lebonsol bids apply without the Staymanic elements. Double of the 2 ♥ or Pass followed by Double of 2 ♠ after the conventional 2 ♦ or Pass followed by a Double of the Major bid after 2 ♣/2 ♦ is for penalties.
Openers Action
As with all conventions that describe a hand reasonably accurately in both count and shape the Openers next bid(s) are final
It is quite complicated and at first a
simplified version is best usually incorporating 1 to 7 or perhaps 1 to 9