This scheme is used to specifically show minimum (9-11) balanced hands after a 1 Opening. Its main purpose is to allow the 1 bidder to make an early break-out from relays on hands with no slam interest. If slam is still a possibility, then the Balanced-Scheme allows the complete shape to be shown.

Variations of the Balanced-Scheme are also available after opening bids of 1,1 and 1NT (but not 1).

The balanced shapes are defined to be: (4432,4333,5minor332).

The Bal-Scheme is initiated through the auction: 1-2 : 2*.

The Balanced-Scheme

2 = 4 spades, could have 4 hearts 　 2NT 4 hearts (both Majors) 3 4 clubs 3 4-3-3-3 3 4 diamonds, low doubleton, 0-3 controls 3+ 4 diamonds, low doubleton, 4+ controls, rolling on

2 = 4 hearts 　 3 4 clubs 3 3-4-3-3 3 4 diamonds, low doubleton 3+ 4 diamonds, high doubleton, 0-3 controls etc., rolling on

2NT = 5332 on either minor 　 3 5332 on diamonds 3 5332 on clubs, low doubleton 3 5332 on clubs, middle doubleton 3NT+ 5332 on clubs, high doubleton, 0-3 controls etc., rolling on

3 = 4432 on both minors 　 3 low doubleton 3+ high doubleton, 0-3 controls etc., rolling on

3 = 4333 on either minor 　 3 3-3-4-3 3NT+ 3-3-3-4, 0-3 controls etc., rolling on