Blackout Convention
Blackout is a convention for responding to a reverse bid, whereby the responder can show whether or not he has any better than a minimum response. The responder bids the lower of the fourth suit or 2NT to show a hand that has no game interest opposite a reverse. All other bids show reasonable hands, generally in the eight point range. The objective of Blackout is to allow the constructive game going hands to slow down the auction and give more room for the strong auctions that may lead to potential slams.
Responder then rebids as follows:
- A rebid of his own suit shows five or more cards in the suit and is forcing for one round, but does not promise any extra strength.
- The cheapest bid of the fourth suit is forcing and 2NT shows exactly four cards in his own suit and a minimum hand for his 1-over-1.
- The non-cheapest bid of the fourth suit is forcing and 2NT shows exactly four cards in his own suit, forcing to game but not suitable for any higher bid.
- A preference back to the opening suit or raising the reverse-suit are both natural, game-forcing with mild slam-try or better.
Read more about Blackout Convention: Examples, Variation, Deficiencies, See Also
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