14 / COUNTER BIDS [06.21.2007] COMMENT:   OMEGA "Counter Bids" are available to combat opponent's offensive bidding.  Some are designed to suggest defensive strategies.  Others are designed to allow accurate competition. "FISHER X" Vs 3NT X Vs 1NT - 3NT Direct [REQUIRES C Lead] X Vs 2C (Stayman)  -  Pass of 3NT [SUGGESTS C Lead] X Vs 2C (Stayman)  -  X Vs 3NT [REQUIRES C Lead] Pass Vs 2C (Stayman)  -  X Vs 3NT [REQUIRES D Lead Vs 2D = Multi (Weak 2Bid Either MAJOR  -or-  Balanced 22+ HC) X = Take-Out of Weak 2S 2H = Take-Out of Weak 2H 2S = NATURAL;  5+ S 2NT = NATURAL;  15-18 HC;  "Systems ON" 3Suit (Immediate) = NATURAL;  USUALLY 6+ Cards 3m (After Passing) = Competitive minor / MAJOR 2-Suiter 3NT = FINAL 4m (Immediate) = GOOD minor / MAJOR 2-Suiter 4M = FINAL Vs 2D = 3-Suiter (Under Construction) Vs 2NT = WEAK minor 2-Suiter Immediate OverCall X = 15-18 HC 3m = Transfer to "Corresponding" MAJOR;  USUALLY 6-Cards;  Competitive 3M = MAJOR 2-Suiter;  Competitive;  3S = 6 S;  PASS-or-CORRECT 3NT (RARE) = FINAL 4m = NAMYATS;  Transfer to "Corresponding" MAJOR;  8-1/2+ Tricks 4M = MAJOR 2-Suiter;  STRONG;  4S = 6 S;  PASS-or-CORRECT Transfer Responses "Gap Bid" = "Relay" to Opener's MAJOR 3-Level Acceptance = minimum 3NT (RARE) = Intended as FINAL 4-Level Acceptance = FINAL 4Either MAJOR (Over 3minor) = FINAL 4S (Over 4C = H) = "SpadeWood";  14-30 4NT (Over 4D = S) = Blackwood;  14-30 "Gap Bid" "Relays" to Opener's MAJOR P = FINAL Raise = Final 3NT-or-4NT = Blackwood;  14-30 New Suit = Asks Control in NEW SUIT by Steps 1st Step = 2 Losers 2nd Step = KING  -or-  Singleton 3rd Step = ACE  -or-  VOID;  OPTION [3rd = VOID;  4th = ACE] Vs 3NT = Gambling "Intervener's" Bids X = 16-19 HC 4m = Transfer to "Corresponding" MAJOR;  NAMYATS Style 4M = MAJOR 2-Suiter;  4S = 6 S;  PASS-or-CORRECT 4NT = L-O-N-G minor;  Competitive;  5C Required;  PASS-or-CORRECT 5minor = L-O-N-G minor;  10-1/2+ Tricks Transfer Responses "Gap Bid" = "Relay" to Opener's MAJOR Acceptance = minimum 4S (Over 4C = H) = "SpadeWood";  14-30 4NT (Over 4D = S) = Blackwood;  14-30 "Gap Bid" Sequences P = FINAL 4NT = Blackwood;  14-30 New Suit = Asks Control in NEW SUIT by Steps 1st Step = 2 Losers 2nd Step = KING  -or-  Singleton 3rd Step = ACE  -or-  VOID;  OPTION [3rd = VOID;  4th = ACE] "OMEGA DEFENSE" Vs Penalty X of our 1NT P [FINAL] XX requires 2C [C  -or-  "RED"  -or-  "ROUND"  -or-  "BLACK"] 2C requires 2D [D  -or-  BOTH MAJORS] 2D [H Transfer] 2H [S Transfer] 2S [S + D]