DOPI and ROPI

Quick Summary

DOPI (Double = 0, Pass = 1) and ROPI (Redouble = 0, Pass = 1) are responses to Blackwood when opponents interfere. They let you show your aces even when the opponents try to disrupt your slam auction.

The Problem

You open 1♠, partner bids 4NT (Blackwood), and RHO overcalls 5♦:

1♠ - (Pass) - 4NT - (5♦) - ?

Normally you’d bid 5♥ to show 1 ace. But 5♥ is still available… or is it safe? And what about when they bid higher?

DOPI/ROPI solve this by using pass and double to show ace counts.

DOPI: After They Bid

When opponents bid over your partner’s Blackwood:

Your Call Meaning

Double 0 aces (or 4)

Pass 1 ace

Next step 2 aces

Step +1 3 aces

Example: After 4NT – (5♦): – Double = 0 aces – Pass = 1 ace – 5♥ = 2 aces – 5♠ = 3 aces

ROPI: After They Double

When opponents double your Blackwood response:

Your Call Meaning

Redouble 0 aces (or 4)

Pass 1 ace

Next step 2 aces

Step +1 3 aces

Example: After 4NT – (X): – Redouble = 0 aces – Pass = 1 ace – 5♣ = 2 aces – 5♦ = 3 aces

Memory Trick

Double = 0 = D–O-P-I Pass = 1 = D-O-P–I Redouble = 0 = R–O-P-I Pass = 1 = R-O-P–I

The 0-1 is in the name!

Full Example Auction

Without Interference

West North East South 1♠ Pass 4NT Pass 5♥ (2) Pass 6♠ All Pass

With Interference (DOPI)

West North East South 1♠ Pass 4NT 5♦ Pass(1) Pass 6♠ All Pass

West passes to show 1 ace. The 5♦ interference didn’t hurt.

After a Double (ROPI)

West North East South 1♠ Pass 4NT X Pass(1) Pass 6♠ All Pass

West passes over the double to show 1 ace.

Using DOPI/ROPI with RKCB

The same principle applies to Roman Key Card Blackwood:

After 4NT – (5♣): – Double = 0 or 3 key cards – Pass = 1 or 4 key cards – 5♦ = 2 key cards, no trump queen – 5♥ = 2 key cards + trump queen

Just substitute “key cards” for “aces” in the standard structure.

The Asker’s Options

After partner uses DOPI/ROPI, the Blackwood bidder can:

• Sign off, Bid slam or stop at 5-level

• Bid 5NT, Ask for kings (as usual)

• Cue-bid, If still exploring

If partner passed (showing 1), you may need to bid to get out of the doubled contract or to continue the auction.

Common Variations

DEPO (Reverse DOPI)

Some partnerships reverse the meanings: – Double = Even (0, 2, or 4 aces) – Pass = Odd (1 or 3 aces)

ROPI Without Redouble

If redouble isn’t available (some sequences), just use: – Pass = 0 or 1 (then clarify) – Next step = 2 aces

Three-Level Interference

When interference is below the 5-level:

After 4NT – (5♣): – Double = 0 – Pass = 1 – 5♦ = 2 – 5♥ = 3

When there’s bidding room, you can still use regular steps after Pass/Double.

When to Override DOPI

Sometimes it’s better to bid naturally:

You hold: ♠K52 ♥A ♦AKQJ742 ♣63

1♦ - (Pass) - 4NT - (5♠)

With a self-sufficient diamond suit and 2 aces, you might just bid 6♦ rather than trying to show 2 aces via DOPI. Use judgment!

Partnership Discussion

Important agreements to clarify: 1. Do you play DOPI, ROPI, or both? 2. Does it apply to RKCB? (Usually yes) 3. What about interference above 5NT? (Typically off) 4. Do you play DEPO instead? (Reverse meanings)

Key Takeaways

• DOPI = Double 0, Pass 1, after they bid over Blackwood

• ROPI = Redouble 0, Pass 1, after they double

• Steps continue normally, 2 aces = next bid, etc.

• Works with RKCB too, just count key cards instead

• Requires partnership agreement, add to your convention card!

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See also: Blackwood (basic ace-asking), Cappelletti (your own interference over NT)