This convention was invented by Mr. Michael Cappelletti as a defense generally against a 1 No Trump opening. This method is also called Hamilton and/or Pottage. Mr. Michael Cappelletti created this method to be used either in the direct seat or in the balancing seat. The bids are as follows and as you can see, they are mostly artificial, but they impart information to the partner of the overcaller as well.
|
2 |
shows any one-suited hand | |
|
2 |
shows Hearts and Spades | |
|
2 |
shows Hearts and a Minor Suit | |
|
2 |
shows Spades and a Minor Suit | |
|
2 NT: |
shows both Minor Suits | |
|
Double: |
any double is for penalty; Partner must pass |
Each overcall generally promises less than 15 high card points.
The 2 No Trump overcall shows a strong distributional hand.
All overcalls at the Three Level are natural.
The responder has several options, not forgetting that the 1 No Trump bidder sits to his left with a defined strength and distribution.
After his Partner has overcalled with 2 Clubs
Pass: with at least 6-card support in Clubs 2
:
Relay Bid, allowing his partner to pass or bid his suit 2
:
this bid shows a 5-card Heart suit 2
:
this bid shows a 5-card Spade suit 2 NT:
promises 11 plus High Card Points and support for all four suits.
His partner is invited to bid game with a maximum.
After his Partner has overcalled with 2 Diamonds
Pass: with at least 6-card support in Diamonds 2
cheapest Relay Bid, choice of suit, unconstructive 2
choice of suit, unconstructive 2 NT:
asking bid for the better Minor suit of his partner 3
:
this bid shows a 6-card length in Clubs 3
invitational, promising 4 or more Trump 3
invitational, promising 4 or more Trump
After his Partner has overcalled with 2 Hearts or 2 Spades
New Suit:
a natural bid and non-forcing Raise:
promises 7 to 11 points 2 NT:
requests his partner to name his Minor suit.
However, if the responder bids three of of the Major,
he promises 10-12 points and invites to game.
In the case that the auction proceeds as follows: 1 No Trump - 2 Clubs - Double, a Redouble shows 7 or more high card points and support in all suits, and invites his partner to compete on the Three Level.
As already mentioned, the Cappelletti Treatment can be used as either a direct overcall or in the pass-out seat. The treatment can also be used after the opponents have opened a 2 No Trump or even a 3 No Trump. The treatment can also be used over a Gambling 2 No Trump or a Gambling 3 No Trump. The treatment can also be used if your partner has opened the auction and an opponent overcalls with 1 No Trump.
As you can see, the treatment has many uses. If you decide to use this treatment, then it is advisable to incorporate it into your written Partnership Agreement.
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.