The 1 - Opening Shows 15+ HCPs in 1st and 2nd seats, but 17+ HCPs in 3rd and 4th seats. There is no ristriction on shape, but poor balanced hands can be down-graded, while good shapely 14-counts can be upgraded.

Low-Level Responses to 1

Responses HCPs Description

1 0-8 1st-Negative. Any shape 1 9+ 4+ s 1 9+ 4+ s (not 4+ s) 1NT 9+ 4+ s (no 4+ Major) 2 9-11 Minimum balanced 2 9+ S1-Scheme (s)

Note: All bids from 1 to 2 have established a GF.

The 2 response 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.