Ripstra

Ripstra is a convention for use after the opponents have opened 1NT. It is a variation of the Landy convention, using not only a 2 overcall to show the major suits (at least 4-4), but a 2 overcall as well.

2   At least 4-4 in hearts and spades, but with better clubs than diamonds.

2   At least 4-4 in hearts and spades, but with better diamonds than clubs.

2   Natural, 5+ hearts.

2   Natural, 5+ hearts.

Holding both majors with equal length in the minors, overcaller bids 2.

The purpose of Ripstra is to allow partner to pass 2/2 when he can see no major-suit fit but has a lot of cards in the minor suit that overcaller has bid.

Origins

Ripstra was invented by American player Joseph Ripstra. However, the convention is obsolete amongst tournament players today. It overemphasizes the major suits at the expense of showing other two-suited hands. It also lacks the ability to show natural 2 or 2 overcalls.

2	At least 4-4 in hearts and spades, but with better clubs than diamonds.
2	At least 4-4 in hearts and spades, but with better diamonds than clubs.
2	Natural, 5+ hearts.
2	Natural, 5+ hearts.