Ripstra defense to 1NT opening

• 2 = major suit takeout (at least 4-4), longer clubs than diamonds
• 2 = major suit takeout (at least 4-4), longer diamonds than clubs
• 2/2= natural
• DBL = penalty

Holding both majors with equal minor suit lengths, bid 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 over-caller has bid.

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 However, the convention is obsolete amongst tournament players today.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.