Crashdak by Drew Cannell

Over Strong 1 Openings:

CRASH (Color-Rank-Shape)

1

• Dble - Good hand; willing to compete - usually two- or three- suited
• 1 - Multi-style: either a heart suit or a spade suit
• 1 - Two suits of the same COLOR
• 1 - Two suits of the same RANK
• 1NT - Two suits of the same SHAPE
• 2 - A heart suit (two under; rounded to rounded)
• 2 - A spade suit (two under; pointed to pointed)
• 2 - A club suit (two under; rounded to rounded)
• 2 - A diamond suit (two under; pointed to pointed)
• 2NT - Any wild two-suiter that is willing to obstruct more than one level
• 3 - A heart suit
• 3 - A spade suit
• 3 - A club suit
• 3 - A diamond suit
• 3NT - An even wilder two-suiter

These two-under overcalls can be used all the way though the seven-level. The notrump overcalls are wilder and wilder as you go higher. The basic premise is to preempt to the limit and have partner adjust appropriately.

All the one-level overcalls are convertible. What that means is that the partner of the overcaller will bid to his level of comfort knowing that the CRASH bidder has a two-suiter (minimum lengths are a partnership matter). The CRASH overcaller must convert to his cheaper suit if partner bids one of the two suits he does not hold. This is the conversion.

Note: With a one-suited hand of his own, CRASH bidder’s partner has a few options: (1) he can bid his suit, then rebid it (not the best solution) (2) he can bid the cheapest notrump, asking CRASH bidder to bid the cheapest number of clubs - advancer will pass with clubs or correct to his own long suit (this is a much better idea) (3) he can redouble if third hand doubles, which asks CRASH bidder to take out to the cheapest suit, which advancer will pass or correct.

Responding to the two-under preempts: DAK (Destroyer and Killer)

If third hand passes:

1

2

Pass

2*

* Bidding the known suit shows at least two-card support.

1

2

Pass

2*

* Bidding the in-between step denies as many as two (here) spades

All notrump responses are lebensohl-style (you hate partner's suit and have own suit to show):

1

3

Pass

3NT*

* 3NT forces 4, after which advancer will try to conclude the auction in his own very long suit. This is a rare action because the 3 bidder typically holds a seven- or eight-card suit for his big preempt.

1

3

Pass

4*

* Bid of a new suit (not partner’s, and not the first no support step) shows a fit for partner's suit and is lead-directing.

If third hand doubles: All of the above agreements apply, except now:

Redouble shows a void in partner’s suit and pass a singleton, the 'cheap' step is now available as a natural escape

If third hand bids: Responder is freed from all responsibilities: all bids are made in the knowledge of partner's level of obstruction.

In the Sandwich Position:

1

Pass

1

?

All bids retain their meaning except double : Multi-style: a heart suit or a spade suit

Over strong artificial 2 openings:

CRASHDAK applies here as well. All bids are the same, except the level is one higher, with this exception:

Double shows clubs in the direct position (it makes no sense to show a good competitive hand)