These opening bids were devised and developed by Mr. John H. Hancock, born in the year 1923, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States, (also of Deming, New Mexido, and also of San Anselmo, California) and additionally by Mr. Allen Bowman of Green Valley, Arizona, United States. Mr. John Hancock, or Jack, was born 1923 of Deming, New Mexico, United States. He was by profession a mathematician. He won Master Mixed Teams and placed Second in the Vanderbilt event in 1951 with team mates Barry Crane, Emanuel Hochfield, Gloria Turner, and Hortense Evans.
Incorporated are the opening of 5-card Majors, the 1 No Trump Forcing convention after a Major suit opening, and the use of Stayman and Transfers after a 1 No Trump opening. Following a strong opening of 2 Clubs and / or 2 Diamonds, relays are used as artificial negatives.
Opening Bids Only
| Bid |
|
Strength |
|
Meaning |
1  : |
|
11-20 high card points |
|
Promises a 3-card plus Club suit. |
1  : |
|
11-20 high card points |
|
Promises a 3-card plus Diamond suit. |
1  : |
|
11-16 high card points |
|
Promises a 5-card plus Heart suit. |
1  : |
|
11-16 high card points |
|
Promises a 5-card plus Spade suit. |
| 1 NT: |
|
14-16 high card points |
|
Shows balanced shape. |
| 2 : |
|
17+ high card points |
|
Promises a 5-card Major suit. |
| 2 : |
|
21+ high card points |
|
Indication of a 5-card Major suit. |
| 2 : |
|
5-10 high card points |
|
Promises 6 Hearts. |
| 2 : |
|
5-10 high card points |
|
Promises 6 Spades. |
| 2NT: |
|
19-20 high card points |
|
Shows balanced shape. |
If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.