SCUM is defensive convention against a 12+
HCP 1NT opening. It is an acronym for "Shape, Color and Majors",
which refer to the conventional calls of Double,
2
and
2
, respectively. Each of these calls represents a particular two-suited hand with at least 4-4 length. In ACBL tournaments, SCUM is technically GCC-legal because Double and
2 do not have to promise two specific suits.
| Overcall |
Meaning |
| Double | 2 suits of the same Shape, i.e. /
(the rounded suits) or / (the pointed suits). Partner is expected to bid 2 with club tolerance,
or else 2. |
| 2 | 2 suits of the same color, i.e. /
or /. Partner should pass or correct. |
| 2 | The majors. |
| 2 | Natural. |
| 2 | Natural. |
| 2NT | The minor suits. |
Origins
SCUM was invented by American expert Bart Bramley. A full writeup is available in the
3/12/07 ACBL Daily Bulletin.
According to Bramley, "The
ambiguities of the system (double and 2) are
coupled. Once you know one suit, you know the
other. Other systems don't have this. For example, in
DONT 2 is clubs and a higher suit, or in
Cappelletti, 2 is hearts and a minor. There's no
connection between the lower-ranking suit and the
higher one in those systems."
