The origin of this competitive defense method is unknown. The concept is employed when the opposing side opens the auction with a bid of 1 No Trump. The designation for this defense method is sometimes also written as CoCa, and is so named owing to the canapé structure of the double / 2 Clubs bids with a rebid in another suit promising a longer suit.

History and Concept

The concept was first published in the Bridge Magazine IMP of the Netherlands in September 2006, and authored by Mr. Johannes Koelmann. The purpose behind the defense method is that all unbalanced holdings with a Major suit can be bid, which permits the opposing side to enter the auction more frequently. As opposed to other competitive defense methods is the fact that a Comfy Canapé overcall establishes at least one Major suit as an anchor suit.

Note: the concept has the advantage that the structure of the of the Comfy Canapé allows the partnership to end the bidding in the longer suit at the two-level. The information communicated that the opener indeed already possesses a 4-card Major suit also permits the partnership not to exceed the two-level. This action lessens the frequency that the partnership may end up declaring a 4-3 fit (Moysian fit) when a preferable fit of 5-3 is available to the partnership.

Note: it is important for the visitor to remember that this defense method does not provide a penalty double.

Structure of the Concept

Following an opening bid of 1 No Trump by the opposing side the defense method is outlined below. It must be noted that if the No Trump range of the opposing side is weak (10-14 points) as opposed to strong (15-17 points), then adjustments must be made.

Opponent		Overcaller		Meaning
1 NT				The range should be determined in advance in order to adapt to the number of points and also whether a 5-card Major suit is permitted.
		Double		Promises a 4-card plus Spade suit and a longer suit, or
				promises a 6-card Spade suit.
		2		Promises a 4-card plus Heart suit, or
				promises a 6-card Heart suit.
		2		Promises a distribution of 4-4 in both Major suits.
		2		Promises a 5-card plus Minor suit.
		2		Promises a 5-card plus Minor suit.

Responses by the Advancer

The following responses of the advancer are only if the responder passes. Otherwise the response may change depending on whether the responder enters the competitive auction.

Opponent		Overcaller		Responder		Advancer		Meaning
1 NT								The range should be determined in advance in order to adapt to the number of points and also whether a 5-card Major suit is permitted.
		Double						Promises a 4-card plus Spade suit and a longer suit, or promises a 6-card Spade suit.
				Pass		Pass		Shows a holding / values suitable more for defending than competing. Generally denies possession of the Spade suit.
						2		The overcaller either passes or corrects.. The response denies a 4-card Spade suit. The doubler has the option of passing or bidding the longer unspecified suit.
						2		The overcaller either passes or corrects.. The response denies a 4-card Spade suit. The response also promises a holding for conversion to 3 Clubs, and the overcaller either passes or corrects to the longer suit.
						2		The overcaller either passes or corrects. The response denies a 4-card Spade suit. The response is suitable for a conversion to 3 Clubs / 3 Diamonds, which the doubler may pass or bid the longer suit.
						2		Promises a Spade fit.

Such responses are also applicable to a 2 Clubs overcall as presented in the following chart:

Opponent		Overcaller		Responder		Advancer		Meaning
1 NT								The range should be determined in advance in order to adapt to the number of points and also whether a 5-card Major suit is permitted.
		2						Promises a 4-card plus Heart suit, or promises a 6-card Heart suit, or promises a 6-card Spade suit.
				Pass		Pass		To play.
						2		The overcaller either passes or corrects. This response denies a 4-card Heart suit. The doubler may pass or bid the longer suit.
						2		Promises a fit in Hearts.
						2		To play.

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.