Strong "Soloway" Jump Shifts

Since a strong jump shift takes up so much bidding space, it behooves us to restrict the types of hands which can make one. In all cases, Responder should be uncertain as to the final level of the contract, because we are trying to enlist Opener's assistance.

Responder has one of three types of hands:

  1. A two suited hand with good support for Opener's suit
  2. A balanced hand
  3. A one suited hand with a self-sufficient suit
After Responder's initial jump shift, Opener should usually bid the next step which is a relay asking for Responder's clarification. If Opener doesn't, it should imply extreme distribution. In particular, Responder should interpret the cheapest NT bid as replacing the relay suit. Example: 1-3-3NT would imply extreme length in hearts, while 3 is the relay.

After the Relay

Responder will now clarify the type of hand held, according to the following rules:
  1. The balanced hand always bids 3NT, F1.
  2. 3OM, when available, shows the one-suited hand, otherwise rebid the suit at the 4 level, F1.
  3. 3M, when available, shows the two-suited hand with support, GF. Otherwise a 4 level bid is a control bid implying the two-suited hand (but note rule 2). 4M is NF.

Example Table

Relay333♠3NT4444♠
1-2NT-3*  21 B     
1-3-3 --21 B     
1-3-3 ----1 B 222 
1♠-3-3 --12 B     
1♠-3-3 ----2 B  1  
1♠-3-3♠ ------ B 2212

* - assuming you invert the meanings of 2♠ and 2NT over a 1 opener, meaning 2NT is the SJS with spades.