DEPO (Double Even, Pass Odd)

DEPO is the acronym for "Double = Even, Pass = Odd." It is a convention used after partner bids 4NT Blackwood or 4 Gerber, but the next player overcalls (usually in a sacrifice attempt). Using DEPO, responder has the following bids available:

Double 0, 2 or 4 aces

Pass 1 or 3 aces

If playing Roman Key Card Blackwood, a double would show 0, 2 or 4 keycards, while a pass would promise 1, 3 or 5 keycards.

If partner bids 4NT followed by 5NT, he is making a Blackwood query for kings. All other rebids by partner are natural signoffs.

Other Considerations

DEPO responses are vaguer than DOPI, but its benefit is that it can be played at any level, like when the opponents sacrifice at the 6-level over 4NT.

See also ROPI when the opponents double 4NT.