Romex system

The Romex system is a contract bridge bidding system designed by Mexican bridge expert George Rosenkranz.[1] Key features of Romex are the multiple meanings attributed to certain bids, such as the dynamic one notrump and the Mexican two diamonds.

Dynamic one notrump

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The dynamic one notrump opening indicates either:

  • a balanced or unbalanced hands in the range of 19-21 high card points (HCP) and six controls, or
  • an unbalanced hand just short of a 2 opening.

The most common responses to the dynamic one notrump opening are:

  • 2 – negative (0-5 HCP)
  • 2 – 6+ HCP, game force.

Higher-level responses indicate control count.

A consequence of the use of the dynamic notrump is that the 1NT rebid by opener becomes wide-range (typically 12-16 hcp). With game invitational values or better, responder reacts to such a rebid with a 2 checkback convention to ask opener to further describe his hand.

Mexican two diamonds

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This opening indicates one of four hands:

  • a balanced hand with 21-22 points and seven controls
  • a balanced hand with 27-28 points and 10 controls
  • an unbalanced game-forcing hand with diamonds as the longest suit or
  • a three-suited game-force hand.

Other calls

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One-level and 2 openings are as per Standard American with 3+ minors and 5+ majors and limited by the failure to open one notrump.

Romex employs special asking bids in lieu of cuebidding, and for slam investigation.

References

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  1. ^ Francis, Henry G.; Truscott, Alan F.; Francis, Dorthy A., eds. (2001). The Official Encyclopedia of Bridge (6th ed.). Memphis, TN: American Contract Bridge League. p. 392. ISBN 0-943855-44-6. OCLC 49606900.