Hello convention

Hello is a bridge convention used for intervention over an opponent's 1NT opening. It allows for all one- and two-suited hands to be shown, and - for one suited hands - retains the ability to transfer.

It features the following calls:

*Double is for penalty
*2Clubs shows diamonds or a major-minor two suiter. Responder transfers to 2Diams which is either passed or advanced (diamond suit) or a major is bid (2 suiter, unspecified minor)
*2Diams is a transfer to hearts
*2Hearts shows both majors (responder may pass or adjust to 2Spades)
*2Spades shows spades (natural bid)
*2NT is a transfer to clubs
*3Clubs shows both minors (responder may pass or adjust to 3Diams)
*3Diams shows both majors with massive playing strength (responder takes a preference to 3Hearts or 3Spades, or jumps to 4Hearts or 4Spades with supporting values)

By design, in many cases, the advancer will become declarer, thus placing the strong 1NT hand on opening lead.

The convention is named for two of its inventors, Jerry Helms and Bill Lohmann.

References

* Helms, Jerry (1996) " [http://www.baronbarclay.com/books/2939.html Helms to Hello] "

ee also

*List of defenses to 1NT