ROMAN JUMPS

We have finally arrived. The defense against weak two bids to
show two suited hands which truly works is Roman Jumps. Let
us summarize the entire approach.

A cue bid of the weak two bid suit asks for a stopper in that
suit. The Cue Bidder will have a good hand, usually with a long
solid (or semi-solid) suit which will be a source of tricks. When
the Advancer holds a stopper in the suit of the weak two bid, he
bids three notrump without worry, for the Cue Bidder will hold
many tricks and simply lack a stopper in the suit of the opponents.

When the Advancer does not hold a stopper, he bids in the
cheapest suit, and allows the Cue Bidder to correct to his long
suit. As in the example previously mentioned: 2!H - 3!H - Pass - 3!S,
does not show a spade suit. This writer has, in fact, declared
four spades in this exact auction when he bid his doubleton and
was raised by the Cue Bidder who held seven solid spades.

Jump overcalls show specilly two suited hands. The jump
overcaller will hold the suit in which he has jnmped, and the next
available suit, excluding the suit of the opening weak two bid.
After an opening bid of two hearts, for example, these are the
suits shown by a jump overcall:

l) A jump to three spades shows spades and clubs.
2) A jump to four clubs shows clubs and diamonds.
3) A jump to four diamonds shows diamonds and spades.

Note that there is no ambiguity regarding the suits that the
jnmp overcall has shown. Note also that it is possible for the
Advancer to get out cheaply in a minor suit when he holds a poor
hand and the jnmp overcall shows both minor suits.

The Roman Jump overcall promises at least five-fve distribution
with a good hand. It is rare when the jump overcaller holds
the hand he has promised, and his side will be too high or without
a fit in which to play. Of the tools to be used to show two suited
hands when an opponent has opened with a weak two bid, this is
the one that works. We recommend it highly.