Hello convention explained

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.

History

The name of the convention is derived from the names two of its inventors, Jerry Helms and Bill Lohmann. Jerry Helms had previously co-developed "Helms", similar to the Cappelletti convention and saw this as an improvement to that convention.^[1] Helms considered that using 2 to show a major used up no bidding space and therefore lost the preemptive value typically attached to bidding major suits.^[2]

Description

It features the following calls:

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

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

See also

• List of defenses to 1NT

Further reading

• Helms, Jerry (2006) Helms to Hello

Notes and References

1. Web site: Hello Convention. Bridgeguys. 7 August 2016.
2. Web site: Introduction to Helms to Hello. Jerry Helms. 7 August 2016.