2 way game tries – 2WGT
Nagy/Kokish Structure
This applies in the following situations:
A. After 1 Major and direct raise to 2 Major by both UPH and PH
1. A new suit bid is a short suit game try (SSGT)
2. After 1S-2S the next immediate bid (2NT) sets up a help suit game try
(HSGT) - Resp. bids the lowest suit in which he would accept a game try.
3. After 1H-2H the next immediate bid (2S) sets up a help suit game try (HSGT)/
Resp. bids the lowest suit in which he would accept a game try. 2NT is a
(SSGT) in Ss.
B. Same 2 way GT structure applies in the family of auctions:
1Min. 1Maj.
2Maj.
1H 1S
2S
C. Special sequence: 1H 2H
2S = HSGT in Ss 2NT = accepting
3S = 5H + 4S, Reverse 4S with 4Ss or 4H with <4Ss
D. 2WGTs apply after a support double provided that Opener’s LHO does not bid over the double (except for redbl. whatever that means!)
E. 2WGTs apply in Reverse Drury Auctions in the following way
Opener’s 2 level bids are natural and shows some extra values.
Opener’s 3 level bids are SSGT
Openre’s 2N (or 2S ig H is the agreed suit) are general game try.
Examples:
I. 1S 2S
a) 3C, 3D, 3H, are all SSGT. Responder rejects by bidding 3S or accepts by bidding 4S.
After initiating a SSGT, if Opener rebids the short suit at 4 level he is indicating a void and interest in slam
b) 3S General game try – Opener has a hand which is not suitable for either SSGT or
HSGT – often Opener is weak in trumps – Resp. will accept with good trumps or if max. for his raise.
c) 3NT in original scheme a Choice of Games (COG) – unlikely
d) 4C, 4D, 4H, Natural = 5+ cd. suit with 2 of top 3, or 3 of top 5 honors --- a slam try
Note: This is an exception to our usual rule regarding splinters, since opener would start with SSGT with a hand which otherwise make a splinter bid. (see also 1e)
e) 2NT = sets up a HSGT / asking in which suit will you accept a game try?
Responses:
3C = help in Cs
3D = no help in Cs, but does have help in Ds
3H = no help in Cs or Ds, but does have help in Hs
3S = no help in Cs or Ds or Hs
3NT = help in all 3 suit / gives Opener COG / 4333 / bad trumps /
4C, 4D, 4H = max. hand with shortness in designated suit /
Opener may advance towards slam with suitable hand
4S = help in all suits or max. / not 4333 /
e1) 1S 2S
2NT 3C
3D = HSGT 3S = no help in Ds / 4S = acceptance
e2) 1S 2S
2NT 3C or 3D
3H = HSGT 3S = no help in Hs / 4S = acceptance
e3) Counter game tries:Resp. may not have help in Opener’s suit but may have a max. hand
with help in a higher suit which he bids to convey this message
1S 2S
2NT 3C
3D 3H = counter game try (no help in Ds, max hand and help in Hs)
e4) 1S 2S
2NT 3NT = COG / help in all suits / 4333 / prob. bad trumps /
e5) 1S 2S
2NT 4C, 4D, 4H, = max. hand with shortness in designated suit /
Opener advances towards slam with suitable hand /
e6) 1S 2S
2NT 4S = help in all suits / not 4333 / prob. bad trumps /
II. 1H 2H
With Hearts the structure is very similar
2NT = SSGT in Ss
3C = SSGT in Cs
3D = SSGT in Ds
2S = sets up a HSGT situation asking in which suit will you accept a game try?
2NT = help in Ss
3C = no help in Ss, does have help in Cs
3D = no help in Cs or Ss, but does have help in Ds
3H = no help in Cs or Ds or Ss
3NT = help in all 3 suits / gives Opener COG / 4333 / bad trumps /
3S, 4C, 4D, = max. hand with shortness in designated suit / Opener advances towards slam with suitable hand
4H = help in all 3 suits / not 4333 / prob. bad trumps /
Subsequent bidding as outlined under 1S/2S.
III. Notes regarding holding to make and accept Game Tries
Holdings to make HSGT xxx(x) / Axx(x) / Kxx(x) / Qxx(x) / Jxx(x) /
Holdings to accept HSGT Ax / Kx / KQx / QJx (may be) / xx / x
(should not have 2 quick losers in the suit)
Holdings to reject HSGT xxx(x) / Jxx(x) / Qxx(x) / most holdings which would make a HSGT should reject a HSGT /
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