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	Singl./void Delta	1-2	2	2/3	Exclusion	our overcall	literature / ©	downloads
	Singl./void Extreme			Tools	others	hum overcall	bid examples	interactive

STOPPER(S)

What is not a stop?
KJ in RR and R will be declarer, Qx, Qxx, JTx, JT9x preferable not: because R counts on more in case he will investigate for slem.
F.e if RR has JTxx and R is asking for, hearing NO stop, he can count that f.e. in the only suit left you must have your points.

What is a half-stop? R can ask for J or Q in tripleton or doubleton.
So KJ in RR and R will be declarer and asking after your first denial of a stopper for a tripleton stop yes, because R must have Qx,

STOPPER BIDS:

In a natural bidding sequence and investigating a possible 3 contract, by bidding the stop suit(s)

In a relay sequence always by the bid of 3 or 3 and asking for stopper in which suit(s) depends of the fact if R has more information about 1 or more suits already.

In case of no information of the suits:
3 asking for or a Major stop, start with , proceed with firstly and then
3 asking for stop with priority and if yes info about stop

This will occur normally within the 4333/4432 shape as with this scheme:

2 -	?	2= 4333/4432
{3}	game	stopper ask and/òr for a Major and then		3 = no stop	{3} = stop ?	3 = 1/2 stop - then{ 4} = * 3 = stop 4 =ONE 3/4c M 4 =33 or 43in the M 4 =44 in the M
					{3} = stop ?	3 = stop - then 4 = * 4 =ONE 3/4c M 4 =33 or 43 in the M 4 =44 in the M
				3 = stop, no stop	{3} = stop ?	3 = stop - then{ 4} = * 4 =ONE 3/4c M 4 =33 or 43 in the M 4 =44 in the M
				3 = stop, stop, no	{ * 4 } =asking for RR's Majors if no distri known, otherwise normal distribution relay	4 =33 or 43 or 44 in the M 4 =4c , 2c 4 =4c , 2c
					{4 } = 33 or 43 in the Majors {4 } = 44 in the Majors
				3 = stop, + stop	{4 }=asking for RR's Majors if no distri known, otherwise normal distribution relay	4 =33 or 43 or 44 in the M 4 =4c , 2c 4 =4c , 2c
					{4 } = End Signal {4 } = Slam asking Bid
{3}	game	stopper ask prior in and if yes further info (in case of a 0-5p. Asking for both minors, so not prior - see example -)		3 = no stop	{3} = 1/2 stopper in 3card ? 3} = 1/2 stopper in doubleton ?
					{4 }=asking for RR's Majors if no distri known, otherwise normal distribution relay	4 =33 or 43 or 44 in the M 4 =4c , 2c 4 =4c , 2c
					{4 } = 33 or 43 in the Majors {4 } = 44 in the Majors
				3 = stop, no stop
				3 = stop, stop

In case of information of 1 suit: that means 4+ card
3 asking stop for the other 3 suits, starting with the lowest, then the highest, then the middle one
3 asking for stop in the middle one with priority and if yes info about lowest suit stop. If no stop you can ask for half-stop.

Note: 3 asking stoppers in and/òr for a Major and then , but in case opponent has bid :
the order = and/òr for a Major and then , because hearing a 3 answer in the standard scheme = + stop no , 3 will be wrong sided.

the known suit is f.e.
{3}	game or more	stopper ask and/òr for and		3 = no stop	{3} = stop ?	3 = 1/2 stop * 3 = stop 4etc= nostop and proceed distri
					{3} = stop ? to avoid lead-X	3 = stop 4etc= nostop and proceed distri
				3 = stop, no stop	{3} = stop ?	3 = stop 4et = nostop and proceed distri
				3 = stop, stop, no	{4 }=distribution relay {4 }End Signal {4 }etc.= SLam Asking Bid
				3 = stop, + stop	{4 }=distribution relay {4 }=End Signal {4 }=Slam asking Bid
{3}	game or more	stopper ask prior in and if yes further info		3 = no stop	{3} = 1/2 stopper in 3card ? 3} = 1/2 stopper in doubleton ? {4 }=distribution relay {4 }=End Signal {4 }=Slam asking Bid
				3 = stop, no stop
				3 = stop, stop

In case of information of 1 suit: that means 4+ card
but you do not have the 3 available because of a Relay-bid
3 is asking for stopper in the 2 highest suits and start with the highest one

the known suit is f.e.
{3}	game or more	stopper ask and		3 = no stop	{3} = stopper ?
				3 = stop, no stop
				3 = stop, stop

In case of information of 2 suits: that means . 5+ card and known singleton or void and in a forcing situation!
2 stopper asking for distribution and (at the same time or later) stopper sequence only - poswible only if L=

f.e. : [Pass] -1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 (Pass hand has s/v L= 1 suiter or 5431, 64 and 13-16p.) - see example board -
the known suit is f.e. and the singleton/void =
2}	game or more	distri + stopper asking (if 4c then immediately stopper sequence)		2= 1 suiter	3 = stopper asking + incl. h-stop 3 = stopper asking + ful stoppers only 3 = 1,5-2 stops? 3 = 1,5-2 stops? 3 = to play
				3 = 4 card	3 = stopper asking + 3 = 1,5-2 stops? 3 = 1,5-2 stops? 3 = to play
				3 = 4 card , 5431 and a max or 64 and a minimum	3 = stop? 3 = stop? 3 = pass with both stops
				3 = 4 card , 5431 and a min. , no stop can have stop	3 = stop?, rest is 3 ,ES , SLab
				3 = 4 card , 5431 and a min. , stop no stop	3, ES, SLab
				3 = 4 card , 5431 and a min. , + stop	Pass,ES, SLab

In case of information of 2 suits: that means f.e. 5+ card and known singleton or void and in a forcing situation!
3 stopper asking both 2 suits start with the highest + the opportunity to ask for half-stopper in both suits lateron
3 is asking for full stopper in the 2 suits and start with the highest one and no halfstopper asking possibility

the known suit is f.e. and the singleton/void =
{3}	game or more	stopper ask and		3 = no stop	{3} =half stop + a half stop? both in a 3card	3 = no 3 = yes
					{3} =half stop in your 3card ?	3 = yes 4etc= nostop and proceed distri
					{3} =half stop in your 2+card ?	Pass = yes 4etc= nostop and proceed distri
				3 = stop, half stop	{3} = in tripleton?	3 = yes 4etc= no 3c and proceed distri
					3 = to play = Q/Jx or fullstop
				3 = stop, no stop or half	{4 }=distribution relay {4 }End Signal {4 }etc.= SLam Asking Bid
				3 = stop + stop	{4 }=distribution relay {4 }=End Signal {4 }=Slam asking Bid
{3}	game or more	full stopper ask and		3 = no stop	{3} = stopper ?
				3 = stop, no stop
				3 = stop, stop

In case that you 3 only as stopper asking (3 = then pass with a minimum):

the known suit is f.e. and the singleton/void =
{3}	game or more	stopper ask and		3 = no stop	{3} = stop?	3 =1/2
						3 = yes
						reset=distri
					{3} =half stop in your 3card ?	3 = yes 4etc= nostop and proceed distri
					{3} =half stop in your 2+card ?	Pass = yes 4etc= nostop and proceed distri
				3 = stop ,can have half stop in doubleton	{3} =half stop doubleton ?	3 = yes 4etc= no half in doubleton and proceed distri
					3 = to play
				3 = stop, half stop in tripleton	{4 }=distribution relay {4 }End Signal {4 }etc.= SLam Asking Bid
				3 = stop + stop	{4 }=distribution relay {4 }=End Signal {4 }=Slam asking Bid

In case you are interested in a stopper (by an Ace or King) only. Bid 3: is Control Asking Bid and start with in case L= not: of course
3= yes a stopper and you can pass comfortably. In this way you do not give more side information.

In case RR has a stiff K or A and both stoppers the answers are mentioning the K or the A . In case of the Ace at the same time the distribution. As an example in a 2-suiter 5431 min/max or 64 (thus 6421) with a minimum the scheme is :

4 = stiff King + the both stoppers asked for
4 = stiff Ace + the both stoppers asked for and a 5431 with a minimum
4 = stiff Ace + the both stoppers asked for and a 5431 with a maximum
4 = stiff Ace + the both stoppers asked for and a 6421 with a minimum and at the same time a Slab answer 6c as trump (stiff Ace excluded of course)
etc.

In above scheme Jx or Jxx are involved too as an half stopper. If you want to focus on Queen only and double- or tripleton does not bother you, following scheme can be used

alternative		Queen orientated : Qx or Qxx in half stop only
the known suit is f.e. and the singleton/void =
{3}	game or more	stopper ask and		3 = no full or half stop	3} = what in ?	3 = half stop 3 = full stop 4etc= nostop and proceed distri
					3} = half stop in your 3card ?	3 = yes 4etc= nostop and proceed distri
					3 = to play
				3 = half stop, if stop then a full one	3} = what in ?	3 = full stop 4etc= no stop and proceed distri
					3 = to play
				3 = full stop, no stop or half	{4 }=distribution relay {4 }End Signal {4 }etc.= SLam Asking Bid
				3 = full stop + full stop OR = half stop + half stop OR = full stop + half stop	{4 }=distribution relay {4 }=End Signal {4 }=Slam asking Bid
{3}	game or more	full stopper ask and		3 = no stop	{3} = stopper ?
				3 = stop, no stop
				3 = stop, stop

Additional possibility in a Delta setting with a previous positive relay (after 1 -s/void /) with [2] and a 2 answer then 2 is stopper asking including halfstoppers and willing to proceed further with a postive (both stoppers and a max 3 and 3 remain the same (stopperasking) resulting not to pass over the 3bid
the known suit is f.e. and the singleton/void =
{2}	game or MORE	stopper ask and	3 = no fullo ror half stop	3} = what in ?	3 = half stop 3 = full stop 3etc= nostop and proceed distri
				3} = half stop in your 3card ?	3 = yes 3etc= nostop and proceed distri
				[3] = distri relay
				3 = to play
			3 = half stop, if stop then a full one	3} = what in ?	3 = full stop 3etc= no stop and proceed distri
				[3] = distri relay
				3 = to play
			3 = full stop, no stop or half	[3] = distri relay
				3 = to play,Slab, ES
			3 = full stop + full stop, 4c low + min. OR = half stop + half stop OR = full stop + half stop	3 = to play {4 }=distribution relay {4 }End Signal {4 }etc.= SLam Asking Bid
			3 = full stop + full stop, 4c high + min. OR = half stop + half stop OR = full stop + half stop	{4 }=distribution relay {4 }End Signal {4 }etc.= SLam Asking Bid
			4 = full stop + full stop, 4c low + max. OR = half stop + half stop OR = full stop + half stop	{4 }End Signal {4 }etc.= SLam Asking Bid
			4 = full stop + full stop, 4c high + max. OR = half stop + half stop OR = full stop + half stop	Slab
{3}	game or event. more	stopper ask and	3 = no full or half stop	3} = what in ?	3 = half stop 3 = full stop 4etc= nostop and proceed distri
				{3} = half stop in your 3card ?	3 = yes 4etc= nostop and proceed distri
				3 = to play
			3 = half stop, if stop then a full one	3} = what in ?	3 = full stop 4etc= no stop and proceed distri
				3 = to play
			3 = full stop, no stop or half	{4 }=distribution relay {4 }End Signal {4 }etc.= SLam Asking Bid
			3 = full stop + full stop OR = half stop + half stop OR = full stop + half stop	{4 }=distribution relay {4 }=End Signal {4 }=Slam asking Bid
{3}	game or event. more	full stopper ask and	3 = no stop	{3} = stopper ?
			3 = stop, no stop
			3 = stop, stop

2 bid meaning a 4333 (then 2 by R = to play of course)
or if 2 bid meaning any 4333 - the stopper structure for both bids is then in case you do not play that:
3 = CPand 3 = CAB

{3}	game or more	distribution asking		3 = 4c	3 = to play 4 = End Signal Rest is Slab
				3 = 4c	3 = to play 4 = End Signal Rest is Slab
				3 = 4c	3 = to play 4 = End Signal Rest is Slab
				3 = 4c	Pass= to play 4 = End Signal Rest is Slab

{3}	game or more	Minor stop asking		3 = obliged	3 = stopper?	3 = yes	4 = End Signal Rest is Slab
						No stop 4 = 4cm or 4c	4 = End Signal
							4 = Pass with 4c	4 = no 4c and R will Pass
						No stop 4 = 4c	all to play
	game				3 = stopper?	Pass = yes
						No stop 4 = 4cm or 4c	4 = End Signal
							4 = Pass with 4c	4 = no 4c and R will Pass
							else = Slab

{3}	game or more	stop asking		3 = no 4c	4 = End Signal Rest is Slab
				3 = yes
				4 = no 4c	4 = End Signal Rest is Slab
	game			4 = no 4c	all to play
				4 = no 4c	all to play

{3}	game or more	stop asking		3 = yes
				No stop 4 = 4cm or 4c	4 = End Signal 4 = Pass with 4c, if not bid 4 Rest is Slab
				No stop 4 = 4c	all to play

3 = to play

In a 5m332 and a max|minimum setting (and knowing no 2/3 toph. in the 5c minor) there are fine-tunings regarding the indication of the minor suit involved + stopper indication in ONE bid to + the possibility to ask for exact distribution.
In this way the Relayer with a (very) strong hand knows on forehand the eventual slem prospects, or find the best game. So it is not a matter of relaying only!


In case of an intervention and afterwards f.e. a relay-break stopper handling still to be maintained. I will give you an example.
PASS - (1) - ?
further progress is completely system-on + taking into account at the same time if a stopper is there + if so that the contract will be right-sided.
? :Double = 0-5 any shape OR as usual the 6-11 bal. 1 bid, so just system on. R bids f.e.[1] = the normal relay. Suppose RR has a bal. 1 opening 6-9p., no 5c Major, and now the intervention 1 bid is taken into account: 1 = the normal answer but with a -stopper, whilst the 1 answer (normally meaning 0-5 any shape) can have a seccond meaning, namely the 1 opening 6-9p., no 5c Major and NO -stopper. R treats this 1 as a 0-5 and RR with a maximum always will be able to sell his hand with a suitable maximum afterwards.

Example of a normal STOPPER handling after an intervention
W	43		AQ87	E
W/non - IMP	A94		762
A4			876
AQJ765			K32	BRIDGE Magazine (NL) Oct2006 board 8
North bids 1 (natural)

13+ any	[Pass]	X	6-11 part balanced or 0-5 any
13+ any 5+c or 4441 OR 23+ 4333/4432	[1]	1	0-5 any shape OR 6-9p. any 4333/4432 or 5m332 (no 2 toph.) AND NO- stopper
natural and n.f.	2	2	a max and + stop, no stop so just the standard "answers" for a 3-suit stopper asking ( -stop is already denied),
East can have KQ so : a direct stopper ?	2	3	yes
note: in IMP 2 will be rare your aim so it has a meaning
the answers after 2 are standard BUT bidding has restrictions: 2 = a max but no stop 2 = a max, stop no stop (thus a stop) 2 = a max, stop + stop, no stop 2 = a max, stop + stop + stop + half stop (f.e. Kxxx. Kxxx, Qx, Qxx, note normally no stop but R has called , so defendable and moreover partner can work this out!) 3 = a max, stop + stop + stop but no half stop In this way first of all it is always possible to end in a 3 contract, even after a further asking of R (which can handle a half stopper too) , or secondly find your (Moysian) Major-fit if R decides that (with a 3/ bid in every stage of the bidding).

the complete scheme with a max in RR
2	2 = no stop	2 = proceed	2 = + no Q no h stop	2 = 4c?	3 = no	3/ = Major fit search
					3 = yes + 4c
					3 = yes + 4c
					3 = yes no 4c Major
				3 = sign of
				3/ = Major fit search
			2 =++ h stop, Q =?	3 = Pass if no Q
				3/ = Major fit search
			3 =+ + Q no h stop	3/ = Major fit search
		2 = ?	2 =A or /KQ + h stop	3/ = Major fit search
			3 = not enough	3/ = Major fit search
			3 =A no h stop
		2 = ?	3 = not enough	3/ = Major fit search
			3 =A no h stop
			3 =A or /KQ + h stop
		3 = sign of
		3/ = Major fit search
	2 = stop no stop	2 = proceed	2 = + h stop	3 = 3+c ? and n.f.
				3/ = Major fit search
			3 = but no h stop	3/ = Major fit search
		2 = ?	3 = not enough	3/ = Major fit search
			3 =A no h stop
			3 =A or /KQ + h stop
		3 = sign of
		3/ = Major fit search
	2 =+stop, no stop	2 = ?	3 = not enough	3/ = Major fit search
			3 =A no h stop
			3 =A or /KQ + h stop
		3 = sign of
		3/ = Major fit search
	2 =++stop+ hstop	3 = sign of
		3/ = Major fit search
	3 =++stop, no h	3/ = Major fit search

STOPPER SHOWING

Normally in a relay break and a positive continuation by natural bidding.
(Although stopper-asking is an option too. Up to you.)

Example of STOPPER SHOWING
W	Q75432		AKT	E
W/EW	A6		T75
AJ			8532
Q83			AT5	origin board: IMP bidding contest

13+ any	[Pass]	1	6-11 part balanced or 0-5 any
13+ any 5+c or 4441 OR 23+ 4333/4432	[1]	2	6-9 5332 (no 2/3 toph.) or 54?22 10-11 4333 good quality but no extra filling 10-11 4432 poor quality 10-11 5332 (no 2/3 toph.)
13-15 5c or 13-14 6c, highest 2c and n.f.	2	3	stopper SHOWING
+ stopper	3	Pass
OR
	2	3	+ + stopper ASKING (acc. the' standard' procedure)
+ + stopper	3	Pass
In this case working, but if you are interested only in + stopper and hearing no stopper, you could have a problem -not in this case because you own the points- So I prefer after a relay break the stopper SHOWING (avoiding misunderstandings too). And this procedure equals the same as with interventions and further natural-bidding.

Example to figure out Queen or Jack tripleton
W	AKJ73		Q2	E
E/EW	J4		Q2
AJ92			KQT4
J2			AQT86	origin board: VIVA bidding contest

	--	Pass	13+ any
6-11 part balanced or 12+ any	[1]	[1]	13+ balanced or ++ any
12+ any	[1]	2	13-15 minor or any 7222 with 2 toph. or solid with side ace
relay	[2]	2	minor is 5332, 5422 or 6322
stopper asking prior and if yes give info	3}	3	no stopper
Queen or Jack tripleton?	3}	4	no and a « 2245 »
	4	Pass
If you have f.e.Jxx, then bid after the 3bid (= no stopper) :
Queen or Jackdoubleton?	3}	Pass	yes

Normally The Relayer can ASK only for stopper(s) or a half-stopper within the whole system. In a 5m332 sequence I have worked out an very extended scheme in case RR gives information (without R is asking for) regarding his stopper(s) including the possibility to have at the same time information about the distribution or to be able to find f.e. a Mosian Fit.
As an example only, because it loads your memory hughly, and to show you that there are further possibilities within the system to explore/adjust if you prefer that more then the given "standard" ones. (see this example)

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Exampleof the 2 bid = combining distribution and stopper sequence
W	x		Axxxx	E
E/EW	AJxx		KQxx
Qxx			Axx
AKQxx			x

	--	Pass	13+ any
6-11 part balanced or 12+ any	[1]	1	13-16 s/v OR s/v and L=M or any 5/5
relay	[1]	1	s/v variant and L=M or any 5/5
positive relay and g.f.	[2]	2	L=
because of g.f. situation: distri + stopper sequence	2}	3	« 5431 » and a minimum (13-14p.), stoppers in +
SLam Asking Bid	4}	5	3 Aces of 5 + Queen , no Queen
Jack? (as introduction to be able to ask for Jack )	5}	6	no Jack
Jack ?	6}	6	no Jack
	Pass

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Exampleof the 3 bid in a 0-5 range = stopper asking both minors
W	xxxx			E
W/EW	xx		AKQJx
Qxx			AKxx
xxxx			AKxx

0-7p. any shape	1	[1]	13+ any 5c or 23+ 4333/4432
0-5, no A or K+ any Q	1	[1]	strong relay
0-3p. (if 3 then no K) balanced 4333 up to 7222	2	[2]	game forcing relay
any 4333/4432	2	3}	stopper asking minors* (so not prior as usual because of 0-3 range)
stop (Q only = enough), no stop	3	[4]	distri relay - Major orientated as usual, (4= ES, rest = Slab)
42 and 3/4 or 4/3 in the minors	4	5	pick a minor
	6	Pass
			after 4 the possibilities are: 4 = to play 5, 5, 5= to play 5 = distri relay 5 = pick a minor 6x = to play

* after the 2bid 3(normally CP) and 3 (normally CAB) are of course useless, so use those ones in a stopper sequence too.
3= as usual, asking for stop and you can inform if no stop for 1 Major only
so if you want to now both Majors, or any Major = okay, you have a problem. Solution:
3= one Major stop? --> 3= no (then 3= to play!, no more slam interest), 3 = yes
3= both Major stop? --> 3= no, 4 and higher = yes and at the same time distribution answer

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