Rahul Sharma (Editor)

Hello convention

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Hello is a bridge convention used for intervention over an opponent's 1NT opening. It allows for all one- and two-suited hands to be shown, and - for one suited hands - retains the ability to transfer.

Contents

History

The name of the convention is derived from the names two of its inventors, Jerry Helms and Bill Lohmann. Jerry Helms had previously co-developed the Cappelletti convention and saw this as an improvement to that convention. Helms considered that using 2♣ to show a major used up no bidding space and therefore lost the preemptive value typically attached to bidding major suits.

Description

It features the following calls:

  • Double is for penalty
  • 2♣ shows diamonds or a major-minor two suiter. Responder transfers to 2♦ which is either passed or advanced (diamond suit) or a major is bid (2 suiter, unspecified minor)
  • 2♦ is a transfer to hearts
  • 2♥ shows both majors (responder may pass or correct to 2♠)
  • 2♠ shows spades (natural bid)
  • 2NT is a transfer to clubs
  • 3♣ shows both minors (responder may pass or adjust to 3♦)
  • 3♦ shows both Majors with massive playing strength (responder takes a preference to 3♥ or 3♠, or jumps to 4♥ or 4♠ with supporting values)

    • By design, in many cases, the advancer will become declarer, thus placing the strong 1NT hand on opening lead.

    References

    Hello convention Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA