Woolsey convention
# Woolsey convention

    This article describes the contract bridge bidding convention.

Devised by Kit Woolsey, the convention is a defense against an opponent's one notrump opening; especially used at matchpoints. Initial bids are as follows:

| Initial Call | Meaning |
| - | - |
| Double | Promises a four-card major and a longer minor. Advancer can bid 2♣ to ask for the minor (pass or correct), 2♦ to ask for the major, or 2♥ or 2♠ to play. |
| 2♣ | Promises both majors. Advancer can bid 2♦ to ask which is better, so the overcaller's 2♣ bid can freely be made with 5-4 shape. |
| 2♦ | Promises one of the major suits. |
| 2♥/2♠ | At least 5–5 in the named major and a minor. 2NT by Advancer asks for the minor. |
| 2NT | Promises both minors. |
| 3 of any suit | Natural. |

The convention has similarities to Multi-Landy.

## Abuses

Common abuses as described by Kit Woolsey include:

* 3-1=4-5 distributional hands in the balancing seat regularly double, even with no 4-card major suit.
* Strong hands, with 19 high card points plus, start with a double and then rebid 2 Notrump (or double) to try to expose a psychic bid.
* Good 4-4=4-1 distributional hands with a stiff minor suit can start with 2♣.
* Single-suited minor hands often start with double, hoping to be able to play at the two-level. These hands will pass a 2♦ asking bid.
