XYZ Convention

XYZ Convention - XYZ, meaning 3 successive partnership bids beneath the 2 level is a forcing conventional bid (similar to New Minor Forcing and Checkback Stayman methods).  Like similar conventional bids, opener's artificial "Z" call in the XYZ sequence is alertable.  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:

1C - 1D; 1H	1C - 1D; 1S	1C - 1D; 1N	1C - 1H; 1S	1C - 1H; 1N
1C - 1S; 1N	1D - 1H; 1S	1D - 1H; 1N	1D - 1S; 1N	1H - 1S; 1N

If the opposition enter the auction, XYZ is still on in 1 level auctions, such as:

1C - (X) - XX - (1H/S); 1S/N

1D - (1H/S) - X - (P); 1N

1D - (P) - 1H - (1S); X   Still on if Support Dbl

After XYZ is invoked by opener, responder's bids are:

Response	Meaning
2C	Requests opener to bid 2D which responder may pass or follow up with an invitational bid
2D	Game forcing, responder's hand pattern not yet disclosed, leaving an abundance of bidding space
2H/S	Showing a signoff bid, except opener's reverse: 1H followed by 2S
2N	Inviting 3N
3C	Showing a signoff bid
3D/H/S	Game forcing, shape showing