Source: BridgeHands
XYZ Convention – XYZ, meaning 3 successive partnership bids beneath the 2 level is a forcing conventional bid (similar to [ilink url=”http://csbnews.org/new/new-minor-forcing/?lang=en”]New Minor Forcing[/ilink] and [ilink url=”http://csbnews.org/new/conventions-two-way-checkback/?lang=en”]Checkback Stayman[/ilink] methods).
XYZ allows the partnership to explore game using low level bids and efficiently find suit fits. Generally, the XYZ Convention is “on” when responder’s rebid options include both minor suits (2C and 2D). The XYZ Convention has 10 possible unimpeded bidding sequences:
1 – 1 ;1  |
1 – 1; 1  |
1 – 1; 1NT |
1 – 1; 1 |
1 – 1; 1N |
| 1 – 1; 1NT |
1– 1; 1 |
1 – 1; 1NT |
1 – 1; 1NT |
1 – 1; 1NT |
Should the opposition enter the auction, XYZ is still on in 1 level auctions, such as:
| 1 – (X) – XX – (1/); 1 /NT |
1 – (1/) – X – (P); 1NT |
1 – (P) – 1 – (1); X Still on if Support Dbl |
After XYZ is invoked responder bids are:
| Response | Meaning |
| 2 |
Requests opener to bid 2 which responder may pass or follow up with an invitational bid. Note: like similar conventional bids, responders rebid beyond 1 Notrump is artificial and alertable. |
| 2 |
Game forcing, responder’s hand pattern not yet disclosed, leaving an abundance of bidding space. Note: like similar conventional bids, responders rebid beyond 1 Notrump is artificial and alertable. |
| 2/ |
Showing a signoff bid |
| 2NT | Inviting 3NT |
| 3 |
Showing a signoff bid |
| 3/S |
Game forcing, shape showing |