Authored by Mr. Mark Abraham and published online in its latest updated version in the year 2005. This system is a major advance within the SCRAPE framework (Strong Club Relay Avoiding Passing Ever). It features a strong pass with variable-captaincy relays for positive responses that ensure an unbalanced hand shows shape opposite a balanced hand whenever this occurs. The 1 Club and 1 Diamond openings are double-under transfers with immediate differentiation of game-forcing relay, invitational probe and non-forcing auctions

Note: The picture below presents Mr. Mark Abraham of Australia in the year 2006.

Note: This general approach is also known as SPREAD.

Note: The website of Mr. Mark Abraham is named Mark's Bridge Bidding Systems.

Note: A write-up of the Short Club Variant, dated February 10, 2009, authored by Mr. Mark Abraham, Mr. Griff Ware, and Mr. Daniel Geomboux has only been preserved and archived on this site in .pdf file format for future reference.

Note: A newer write-upof the Short Club Variant, dated April 20, 2009, authored by Mr. Mark Abraham and Mr. Griff Ware has only been preserved and archived on this site in .pdf file format for future reference.

Opening Bids Only

Bid		Strength		Meaning
Pass:		15 plus high card points		The system uses a strong pass with symmetric relays.
1 :		9-14 high card points		Shows a balanced holding with 9-14 points, or
		8-13 high card points		shows an unbalanced holding, 4 plus Hearts; may be balanced, three-suited, or have a longer second suit.
1 :		10-14 plus high card points		Shows a balanced holding with 10-14 points, or
		9-13 plus high card points		shows an unbalanced holding, 4 plus Spades; may be balanced, three-suited, or have a longer Minor suit.
1 :		0-7/8 high card points		Shows an unbalanced / balanced holding with Hearts, or
		0-5/6 high card points		shows an unbalanced / balanced holding without Hearts.
1 :		7-9 high card points		Shows either a balanced holding without Hearts, or
		6-8 plus high card points		shows a balanced holding with no Major suit, or
		6-8 plus high card points		shows an unbalanced distribution.
1 NT:		11-14 high card points		Distribution: 1-3 Spades - 1-3 Hearts - 2-5 Diamonds - 2-5 Clubs; balanced holding with no Major suit or 5-4 or 4-5 with both Minor suits.
2 :		10-14 high card points		Shows 6+ Clubs - 0-3 Spades - 0-3 Hearts - 0-4 Diamonds.
2 :		10-14 high card points		Shows 6+ Diamonds - 0-3 Spades - 0-3 Hearts - 0-4 Clubs.
2 :				Weak, undisciplined; 4+ Hearts, 4+ Spades.
2 :				Weak, undisciplined; 5+ Spades.
2NT:		10-14 high card points		Shows a holding with 5+ Diamonds - 5+ Clubs.
3(x):				Normal three-level actions subject to vulnerability and positional concerns.
3 NT:				Shows a four-level Minor suit preempt.
4m:		(Note: m = Minor suit):		Shows a holding stronger than the corresponding 4-Major opening.
4M:		(Note: M = Major suit):		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.