1D/1H/1S Opening Bids
These bids all indicate 11-15 HCP. 1D indicates 4+D. 1H/1S indicate 5+ cards in the suit (5+M).
In the Basic version of the Bidding System we use the same response patterns that you would use in Standard American or 2/1, adjusted for the fact that the opening bid has a limited range.
As an example of those adjustments, in Standard American one tends to not pass with 6+ HCP in case Opener has an 18-21 point hand and we might miss a game. In this Bidding System, we already know that Opener has a maximum of 15 HCP, so constructive bidding is pointless unless you have a 3+ card support or have 8+ HCP; game is highly unlikely and getting into trouble is highly likely. So a Pass is usually the best bid.
A Pass on your first bid does not prevent you from participating in further competitive bidding. It does let opener know the weakness of your hand.
