Source: Max & Mary Hardy, presented by Mike Savage

HELLO is a very effective defensive convention used when the opponents bid 1NT – either as an opening bid or as an overcall. With a 1-suiter, it transfers play in clubs, diamonds and hearts, directly bids spades at the 2-level (blocking their standard no-trump responses) and also handles all 2-suiters.

I. 1NT (opening) followed with an overcall by a non-passed hand of:

2C = Shows a one-suited hand in diamonds or a two suited hand with a major and a minor.

2D = Semi-automatic response to find out which hand your partner has.

Pass = Shows that you had a one-suited diamond overcall

2H or 2S = Shows that major and an unknown minor (shows 5-5).

2NT = Asks you to bid your minor.

2D = Shows Hearts

2H = Shows Both Majors.

2S = Shows Spades.

2NT = Shows Clubs

3C = Shows Both Minors.

3D = Shows Both Majors with a very good hand and is game invitational.

DBl = Penalty – made with tricks or overwhelming power. Partner is requested to pass.

II. If they open 1NT and you are in the pass-out seat, all bids remain the same except two:

DBL = Shows a one suited hand in clubs or a two-suited hand with diamonds and hearts.

2C = Automatic response.

Pass = Shows that you had a one-suited club overcall.

2D = Shows that you have a two-suited hand with diamonds and hearts.

2C, 2D, 2H and 2S are the same as when you are not a passed hand (see above).

2NT = Shows better clubs and stronger if non-passed; both minors, when you’re a passed hand.

III. HELLO can also be used after your partner’s opening bid and the next hand overcalls 1NT.

The bidding structure is basically the same as above; for example 1H-1NT-2D still shows hearts

but is now a simple raise. There are some subtle differences in the meaning of 2C. Here they are:

If opener has bid 1C:

2C = Shows diamonds or a minor and a major. Responder could have a club fit and a major

or he could have diamonds and a major. Opener should bid 2D to find out which he has.

If opener has bid 1D:

2C = Shows a fit for diamonds and a major suit. Opener bids 2D with or w/o a potential

major fit - but with major shortness, he can preempt in diamonds, assured of a fit

If opener had bid 1H:

2C = Still shows a diamond 1-suiter or a major/minor 2-suiter. Opener bids 2D to find out.

2H by responder shows 3 or more hearts, a 5-card minor and is a constructive raise.

2S by responder shows 5-5 in spades and a minor (2NT always asks which minor).

If opener had bid 1S:

2C = Still shows either diamonds or a major/minor 2-suiter. Opener bids 2D to find out.

2S by responder shows 3 or more spades, a 5-card minor and is a constructive raise.

2H by responder shows 5-5 in hearts and a minor (2NT always asks which minor).

IV. After any HELLO auction, 2NT (“Heavy” 2NT) by advancer is fit showing, inviting game.