Bridge Conventions

The origin of this conventional method is unknown. The intention of this conventional method is to show a certain shape and distribution, which is 4-4-4-1 or 4-4-5-0, with opening bids. The following should clarify this concept:

2 : Shows a holding of 4-4 or 5-4 in both Minor suits and an unknown 4-card Major suit. 12-17 points.

The only forcing bid is 2 No Trump. With 12-14 high card points, or lower range, the opener rebids Clubs to show 4 Hearts, and Diamonds to show 4 Spades. With 15-17 high card points, or maximum range, the opener bids the Major suit. If the responder first bids Hearts and Hearts is not the Major suit, the opener bids Spades. The responder may Pass or correct to a Minor suit.

2 : Shows a holding of 4-4 in the Major suit and a 4 or 5-card Minor suit. 12-17 points.

The only forcing bid is 2 No Trump. With 12-14 high card points, or lower range, the opener rebids the Minor suit. With 15-17 high card points, or maximum range, the opener rebids Hearts to show Clubs, and Spades to show Diamonds. If the responder first bids Spades, the opener should Pass, but may raise with 17 high card points, the maximum.

The advantage of the Bozo Roman conventional method is that two suits of the opener is known upon the rebid plus the lower or upper range of the high card points held. The contract then can be placed with a minimum of risk. An inherent risk or disadvantage is that the opponents, who request an explanation, may be assisted by this information. The most important feature of this conventional method is to remember that it is never used when the opener holds a 5-card Major suit.

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.

2 :	Shows a holding of 4-4 or 5-4 in both Minor suits and an unknown 4-card Major suit. 12-17 points.
	The only forcing bid is 2 No Trump. With 12-14 high card points, or lower range, the opener rebids Clubs to show 4 Hearts, and Diamonds to show 4 Spades. With 15-17 high card points, or maximum range, the opener bids the Major suit. If the responder first bids Hearts and Hearts is not the Major suit, the opener bids Spades. The responder may Pass or correct to a Minor suit.

2 :	Shows a holding of 4-4 in the Major suit and a 4 or 5-card Minor suit. 12-17 points.
	The only forcing bid is 2 No Trump. With 12-14 high card points, or lower range, the opener rebids the Minor suit. With 15-17 high card points, or maximum range, the opener rebids Hearts to show Clubs, and Spades to show Diamonds. If the responder first bids Spades, the opener should Pass, but may raise with 17 high card points, the maximum.