Magic Pass

This is the strong pass equivalent of Magic Diamond. Magic Diamond was derived from the Strong Pass system Carrotti. For more information (in Swedish and English) see the Carrot System Files. The system presented below is different in the way that pass and 1 are the other way around in Carrotti. This makes not much difference but I think it is nicer because it allows for more symmetry in case of the strong variant.

The strong opening bid (pass or 1) is protected from extreme preempting by the inclusion of a weak balanced hand. The disadvantage is that in case of opposed bidding, responder has to assume the more common weak variant. However, I feel the gains vastly outweigh the losses.
As in any strong pass system, one bid takes care of the very weak hands. In Magic Pass, 1 is the fertilizer bid and is made on all bad hands.

Opening bids in 1st and 2nd seat

Responses
Pass 17+ unbalanced or 18+ balanced or 9 - 11 balanced See below
1 13 - 16 HCP unbalanced (rule of 21) or 15 - 17 balanced See Magic Diamond
1 0 - 7 (8 balanced) See below
1 8 - 12 HCP, 4+, longer minor possible See Magic Diamond
1 8 - 12 HCP, 4+, longer minor possible See Magic Diamond
1NT 12 - 14 balanced Bidding after 1NT
2 8 - 12 HCP, 5+, no 4/ See Magic Diamond
2 8 - 12 HCP, 5+, no 4/ See Magic Diamond
2 8 - 12 HCP, 5 4+/ Muiderberg
2 8 - 12 HCP, 5 4+/ Muiderberg
2NT 7 - 11 HCP or 17 - 21 HCP, 5 5 Unusual 2NT

In a strong pass system, there are no 3rd and 4th seat openings because pass is also an opening bid.

Responses to Pass

The 1-level responses are similar to Transfer Walsh over a preparatory 1-opening. Most higher responses assume the weak variant.
Response Further Bidding
1 0 - 6 (7 bal.) See below
1 7 - 13 HCP, 4+, longer minor possible 9 - 11 bids at the 1-level (1 is forcing), or 2
1 7 - 13 HCP, 4+, longer minor possible 9 - 11 bids at the 1-level, or 2
1 7 - 13 HCP, 5+/ 1NT asks (strong), 2 Pass or Correct (weak)
1NT 8 - 13 balanced See Weak NT only everything is GF (9 - 11 passes)
2 14+, Stayman See Weak NT - Stayman
2 14+ HCP, Asks doubleton major See Weak NT - 2
2/ 3 - 6 HCP, 6+card suit
2NT Slam interest (opposite 9-11) with long minor
3/ 3 - 6 HCP, 7+card suit
3/ Invite opposite 9 - 11 bal., 6+card suit
3NT To play opposite 9 - 11 bal.

After interference

Sometimes opponents will bid over your pass. Assume partner has 9-11 balanced (this is even more likely than it already was) and act accordingly.
Double is for take-out.
Over 1-level action, assume they opened the bidding.
2NT is Lebensohl over any 2-level action.

Pass - 1 - ?

Responder is weak, so if passer is also weak it is up to the opponents. You will rarely get in that situation because they will bid at some point.
  • Pass: 9 - 11 balanced. It's their problem now!
  • 1: 22+ unbalanced or 23+ balanced (Further bidding see Magic 1)
  • 1: 17 - 21, 4+, longer minor possible. Further bidding as if opened in Magic Diamond
  • 1: 17 - 21, 4+, longer minor possible. Further bidding as if opened in Magic Diamond
  • 1NT: 18 - 20 balanced
  • 2/: 17 - 21, 5+card. Further bidding as if opened in Magic Diamond
  • 2/: 17 - 21, Muiderberg
  • 2NT: 21 - 22 balanced

    Responses to 1

    This is the garbage opening bid that is used in every strong pass system. Although it might feel dangerous, there are not going to be many large penalties.
  • Pass: It's their problem now!
  • 1/: Natural and non-forcing (at least 4-card suit).
  • 1NT: Strong asking bid (2 = 2nd Negative, 2-bids are Transfer Walsh-style, 2NT is balanced, 3x = long suit)
  • 2x: To play
  • 2NT: Strong 2-suiter

    After interference everything is natural.