Advanced Bridge

 

Lesson 21

 

Inverted Minor Raises

 

 

DEFINITION: - A deviation from standard bidding practices for showing support for an opening bid of one of either Minor suit, Clubs or Diamonds.

 

     A single raise is strong and forcing (10 or more HCP’s) (Example 1), while a double raise is weak and obstructive (Example 2).   This combination of a reversal of bids from standard bidding allows more room for investigation with good hands while, concurrently, offering a preemptive effect with weak hands. 

 

     When using Inverted Minors, if the opponents intervene over the opening bid, it is a matter of partnership understanding whether or not the use of this inversion is still in effect. 

 

     Inverted Minor bids are alertable. 

 

 

                                                                   Example 1:   You, South, hold:      

    

      North            South          AXX      (A bid of “2C” shows support

       1C       P      “2C”           KX         with invitational or 

                                      XXX          greater strength)

                                      KJXXX 

 

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                                   Example 2:   You, South, hold:      

    

      North            South          KXX      (A bid of “3C” is preemptive)

       1C       P      “3C”           XX

                                      XX

                                      JXXXXX

 

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VARIATION: - Many tournament players modify the above system in order to cover three types of support (forcing, invitational, and preemptive) for a Minor suit opening.    In this variation, a jump bid in the Minor is, as above, preemptive; but a jump shift into the other Minor suit (Examples 1 & 2) is invitational showing 11-12 HCP’s, and a simple raise to the 2-level in the original Minor (Example 3) is evidencing 13 or more HCP’s and is game-forcing.

 

 

 

 

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                                                                   Example 1:   You, South, hold:      

    

      North            South          AXX     (A jump shift into the

       1C       P      “2D”           KX         opposing Minor suit shows

                                      XXX        invitational support for

                                      KJXXX      the original Minor suit)

 

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                                   Example 2:   You, South, hold:      

    

      North            South          AXX     (Invitational support for

       1D       P      “3C”           KX          Diamonds)

                                      KQXXX

                                      XXX

 

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                                    Example 3:   You, South, hold:      

    

      North            South          AXX     (Game forcing support for

       1C       P      “2C”           XX          Opener’s Club suit)

                                      KQX

                                      AJXXX

 

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