Many players say they play SAYC (Standard American Yellow Card). Maybe you play it yourself, at least occasionally. But how much do you know about what the bids in SAYC really mean? Take the short quiz below and find out (no googling or peeking at the “official” card !).
[watupro 46]
Comments
26 responses to “Do you play SAYC? Quick SAYC quiz”
well, that was disappointing. Thx
Why 1nt overcall does not allow to transfer? why only Stayman?
What is the rational to try for slam with 1nt-3h?
Nobody said SAYC was a “good” system. 🙂
5!H and and 15 points or so. Knowing 1NT=15-17
I thought I played SAYC. Guess I was wrong
I have always played that one diamond – two no trump, that the reply means 11- 12 HCP and no four card major. I can’t believe that I have been wrong all these years.
SAYC is a terrible system, 2/1 is much better !
game forcing with 2 over 1 .. eliminates problems with the Sayc system
SAYC is not a useful system !
thanks for the refresher.
Is there anyone trying to bring a single set of bidding rules to bridge ? It makes no sense to have so many different systems. It is the only game I know that has so many (4 ? 5? ) different rules for such an important aspect of the game For people trying to learn and trying to play well with others here on BBO it is very frustrating and confusing. You just learn what a 2NT reply means in your own system and then play with people where it means something completely different.
That is sort of why the SAYC system was invented. Back in the late 1980’s (if memory serves), the ACBL tried to promote a “Standard” American Standard system. They created the SAYC card, which is and always has been, posted on the ACBL website. They even created a new regional level event, the “Standard Yellow Card”, where everyone had to play the same CC. Sadly, most players who allegedly play “SAYC”, have never troubled to actually read the card.
As to “bring a single set of bidding rules to bridge”, ….why? Forcing everyone to bid by exactly the same rules all the time is the best way I know to cause 90% of tournament players to lose interest.
Maybe apply the same logic to languages ? Would it be a better world if we standardized on isizulu ?
I started playing bridge 25 years ago,and was taught sa.It has suited me well. You can ALSO have problems playing 2/1………….P.S. If you dont know how to play cards…………..neither system will help you
AMEN!
thanks for refresher….
Don’t play SAYC, but can’t see benefit of not playing “systems on” after 1N overcall. There would seem to be an advantage to getting the stronger hand to be declarer!
I agree with Peter A – 2NT is 11-12 or maybe a good 10. 13-15 is a 3NT bid in SAYC
Actually, the theory is that with 10-12 HCP, you would bid a 1/1 or 2/1 response, and then rebid 2NT if possible. That is why SAYC assigns 2NT the game-going meaning of 13-15 HCP.
Playing SAYC means that we must follow the system. Now if each player has differences with the system it will be a Tower of Babel.
I tend to call my system SAYC, but actually I have changed 15% of it with extra conventions. Should I call it SAYC-modified?
Dave (kimosabi2)
I hate the 1NT force response in 2/1. I play sayc+ and 1NT respnse may be passed out
I’ve been playing BBO 2/1 for a year now and I like SAYC much better. It seems to be much simpler.
Thanks,I did quite well.
Unless you play the SAYC card no one should be worried about doing poorly in this quiz. I doubt Meckwell would know the answers.
I thought I was playing SAYC but obviously not. I didn’t realize SAYC was so restricted. To not provide for Jacobi Transfers or RKCB seems provincial. I will, however, read the card again – haven’t for years – and adjust my comments to others. Thank you, frank
Jacoby transfers to majors are part of SAYC. Texas is not. And yes, it is meant to be simple.
By the way pons_, experts like Meckstroth and Rodwell do know the answers, many of them were consulted to create the system in the first place.
Well, though SAYC is a special system for the yellow card, but 2/1 is more of a style than a system, and most player use the term SAYC as more of a style than a system too.
I mean, some conventional bids can be modified, agreed by partner.
I don’t consider using RKCB/system on is a great diverge from SAYC.