Woolsey convention

This article describes the contract bridge bidding convention.

Devised by Kit Woolsey,[1] the convention is a defense against an opponent's one notrump opening; especially used at matchpoints. Initial bids are as follows:

Initial Call Meaning
Double Promises a four-card major and a longer minor.
Advancer[2] can bid 2♣ to ask for the minor (pass or correct), 2♦ to ask for the major, or 2♥ or 2♠ to play.
2♣ Promises both majors.
Advancer can bid 2♦ to ask which is better, so the overcaller's 2♣ bid can freely be made with 5-4 shape.
2♦ Promises one of the major suits.
2♥/2♠ At least 5–5 in the named major and a minor.
2NT by Advancer asks for the minor.
2NT Promises both minors.
3 of any suit Natural.

The convention has similarities to Multi-Landy.

  1. ^ Francis, Henry G.; Truscott, Alan F.; Francis, Dorthy A., eds. (2001). The Official Encyclopedia of Bridge (6th ed.). Memphis, TN: American Contract Bridge League. p. 576. ISBN 0-943855-44-6. OCLC 49606900..
  2. ^ In bridge literature, the term Intervenor is used to describe a player who first makes a call after the opposition has opened the bidding; he may also be referred to as the Overcaller if overcalling in a suit or notrump; his partner is referred to as the Advancer.