Background: An opening bid of “2C” is, today, recognized as a strong, artificial, and forcing opening bid; a hand with 21 or more HCP’s, comprised of either a balanced hand prepared to rebid 2NT (Example 1), or 3NT (Example 2), else a strong one-suiter (Example 3). Note: With a strong 2-Suited hand, one should resist opening “2C”, since doing so wastes a level of bidding, making it more difficult to show both suits at a convenient lower level (Example 4).
Example
1 Example
2
Example 3
Example 4
AQ
AKX
AQJXXX
AKQXXX
AQX
AQJ
KQX
AKXXX
KJXX
KQJX
AK
A
(Open 1S, Rebid 3H)
AQJX
AQX
A
X
Principle:
An
opening weak 2-bid consists of 5-11
HCP’s and a 6-card suit (Example 5);
an opening weak 3-bid consists of 8-11
HCP’s with at least a 7-card suit
(Example 6) (See the Rule of 2-3-4).
Example
5
Example 6
AQXXXX
XX
X
(Open 2S)
AQXXXXX
KXXX
QX
XX
XX
(Open 3H)
Redefinition:
Since “2C” is restricted to a
strong, artificial and forcing opening
bid, it is not available to use a 6-card
pre-emptive bid in Clubs. Normally, one is
expected to hold a 7-card Club suit with
sub-minimum opening count in order to
pre-empt with a 3C opening bid (Figure
7).
With a weak hand evidencing a
poor 6-card Club suit, pass (Figure 8);
however, with most of the HCP’s
consolidated within a 6-card Club suit,
one may open a weak 3-Clubs (Example 9).
It
is sometimes plausible to open a
pre-emptive 3C bid with a good 6-card
suit and sub-minimum HCP values assuming
most of the HCP values fall within the
Club suit.
Example
7
Example 8
Example 9
KX
KXX
XX
X
(Open a
weak 3C)
X
(Pass)
XX (Open a weak 3C)
KXX
AXX
KXX
KXXXXXX
XXXXXX
KQJ9XX
Background :
When playing a 5-card Major
System of bidding, holding opening
values without a 5-card or better Major
suit holding, one is required to utilize
a preferred Minor opening bid; i.e.,
opening whichever Minor suit is
discernibly longer
(Figures 1 & 2).
Example
1
Example 2
AQXX
AKXX
AQXX
AQX
KXXX
X
(Open 1C)
X
(Open 1D)
JXXXX
Principle:
When
opening a preferred Minor suit in the
absence of a 5-card or better Major suit
holding, if the Minor suit holding be
equal, one should open 1D; if the Minor
suit holding be 6-6 (Figure 3), 5-5
(Figure 4), or 4-4 (Figure 5); and 1C,
if the Minor suit holding be 3-3 (Figure
6).
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
--
KX
AXX
A
(Open
1D)
X
(Open 1D)
XX (Open 1D)
AKXXXX
AKXXX
KXXX
KXXXXX
AQXXX
KQJX
Example 6
AKXX
XXX
(Open 1C)
AXX
KXX
Redefinition:
Remember, however, an opening bid
by you, assuming the opponents
ultimately take the bid, tends to be
lead-directing to partner should he/she
be on lead.
As a result, one must consider
the possible lead-directing consequences
and possibly alter ones Minor suit
opening bid accordingly.
Therefore, if
a Minor suit holding be such that it
would foster an embarrassment to the
would-be opening bidder, should that
suit be led by partner on defense,
opener may deviate from the opening
Minor suit preference standards listed
above (Figures 7 &
8).
Example
7
Example 8
AQ
AXXX
QXX
Open 1C)
JXX
XXXX
AKQ
(Open 1D)
KQ10X
XXX
Background :
When using The Stayman
Convention, and assuming a 15-17 HCP 1NT
opening bidding range by opener,
Responder should normally hold at least
8 HCP’s with a good 5-card or longer
suit (Figure 1), else 9 HCP’s or more
with any suit holding (Figure 2), in
order to employ The Staymen Convention
looking for a 4-4 Major suit Golden Fit,
while at the same time not jeopardizing
the partnership should no 4-card Major
suit fit be ultimately found. With less than these
requirements, Responder must not seek a
Major suit fit lest a response by opener
not be capable of being handled by
Responder (Figures 3 & 4).
Example
1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
QXXX
XX (Bid “2C”)
QXXX
XX
XX (Bid “2C”)
AXXX
KXXX
AXXX
KQJXX
XX
XXX
XXXXX
XX
KQXX
XX
(Pass)
JX (Pass)
Principle: The Stayman
Convention, in response to a (15-17 HCP)
1NT opening is invoked by a Responder
searching for a 4-4 Major suit “Golden
Fit”.
It requires at least an 8 HCP
holding by Responder so as to be capable
of handling any feasible response,
"2D", “2H”, or “2S” by
opener (Figures 5-7).
Example
5
Example 6
Example 7
AXXX
XX (Bid “2C”)
AXXX
XXX
QXXX
XX (Bid “2C”)
A10XXX
AXXX
KXXX
X (Bid “2C”)
KXX
KJX
Redefinition:
The
Stayman Convention, looking for a 4-4
Major suit fit, can be employed opposite
a (15-17) HCP opening 1NT under two (2)
circumstances:
First, when Responder has at
least 8 HCP’s or more (Figures 1-2,
5-7), and secondly, when Responder holds
as few as 0 HCP’s with a hand that can
accept any of the three possible
responses of opener by passing
(“Garbage Stayman”) (Figure 8 &
9). Under the latter
circumstances, Responder can be
reasonably confident that by passing any
of opener’s rebids (2D, 2H, or 2S),
the final contract will be more
manageable than the original 1NT bid.
Example
8
Example 9
JXXX
XXXX
XXXX
XXXX
QXXX
XXXXX
X (Bid “2C”)
---
(Bid “2C”)
Background :
Direct, 2nd position
overcalls (as opposed to balancing, 4th
position overcalls) usually guarantee at
least 8 or more HCP’s at the 1-level
and 10 or more HCP’s at the 2-level.
In addition, direct overcalls
guarantee a 5-card or better suit
(Figures 1 & 2).
The bidding has gone “1D” to
your right and you hold:
Example
1
Example 2
Example 3
XXX
XXX
AXXX
AXXXX
XXX
XX
(Pass)
KQX
AJ
(Overcall 2C) KXXX
KX
(Overcall 1H)
AQXXX
KXX
Principle: A direct, second
position Overcall guarantees a 5-card or
better suit, with 8 or more HCP’s at
the 1-level, and 10 or more HCP’s at
the 2-level.
Absent a 5-card or longer suit,
one can make a Take-out Double with
Opening Count
(Figure
4), else must pass if these minimum
requirements are not met (Figure 5).
The bidding has gone “1C” to
your right and you hold:
Example
4
Example 5
AXXX
AXXX
AKXX
AK
KXXX
AXXX
X
(“Double”)
XXX (Pass)
Redefinition:
Generally,
one requires distribution and
high-card-point count as defined above
when making a direct, second position
overcall.
However, a very strong 4-card
suit is perfectly acceptable for a
1-level (not at the 2-level) overcall
(Figures 6 & 7) in second position.
The bidding has gone “1H” to
your right and you hold:
Example
6
Example 7
AQJX
AXX
XXX (Overcall 1S)
XXX
AXX
AKQX
XXX
XXX
(Pass)
Background
:
Penalty Doubles, Take-out or
Informative Doubles, and Negative
Doubles have been discussed on numerous
occasions.
They are utilized, for punishment
of overly aggressive opponents (Figure
1); as a means for a would-be overcaller
to enter the competitive bidding arena
(Figure 2); and by Responder to an
opening partner subsequent to an
overcaller by the would-be-responder’s
RHO when responder’s hand does not
allow for a response because of a lack
of suit length, enough HCP’s, or both
(Figure 3).
(In all Examples, North is the
dealer.)
Example
1
Example 2
Example
3
N
N
N
1H
1H
1H
Dbl.
W
E
W
E
W
E
4S
2S
Dbl.
2C
S S
S
4H
Dbl.
Principle:
A
Double of an artificial bid is
neither a take-out double, nor is it a
penalty double, nor is it a negative
double.
Such a double is made
specifically for the purpose of a lead
directing signal to partner.
Many such examples are possible
(Figures 4, 5, & 6). (Here,
again, North is dealer in all examples.)
Example
4
Example 5
Example
6
N
N
N
1NT
1H
1H
4NT
W
E
W
E
W
E
Dbl. Pass
Pass
Pass
Dbl.
2S
Dbl.
Pass
S
S
S
“2D” (Transfer)
3H
“3S”
“5C”
In example #6, holding (KX XXX XXXXX AXX), West’s double of South’s artificial “3S” facilitates East’s eventual lead of a Spade from East’s hypothetical AQXXXX holding from which, without facilitation, East would be, otherwise, reluctant to lead. Redefinition: A double of an artificial bid is generally a lead-directing double requesting or authorizing the lead of the artificially bid suit.
Background
:
Most beginning bridge players are
reluctant to come into the bidding as
would-be-overcallers, and are
particularly reluctant to think in terms
of bidding something with the advanced
thought that their bid cannot be made,
and that they will be set by
knowledgeable opponents, and probably
even doubled for additional penalties. Their initial
learning has been so geared to bidding
correctly, and to think in terms of
making the stipulated contract, that the
thought of bidding something with the
specific intent to go down, is abhorrent
(Example 1).
Example
1
North
has opened the bidding and
N
thereby evidences an opening
hand with
Approximately 13 HCP’s on
average.
East
1H
shows a weak hand, 5-11 HCP’s
with his/her
W
E pre-emptive
jump overcall.
South shows
Heart support and at least a
limit-raise
2S
or better (11+ HCP’s).
North & South have
S
at least 24 HCP’s, so why
should West even
contemplate bidding????
“3S”
Principle: The LAW of total
tricks advocates that one can compete to
a bidding level, in a competitive
auction scenario, to a level requiring
tricks to be taken equal to the total
number of trump pieces held between the
partnership.
(Example: Nine pieces of
trump to compete to the 3-level (Nine
tricks promised by the bid), ten pieces
of trump to compete to the 4-level (Ten
tricks promised by the bid), and so
forth.
Using this principal, and
utilizing the same bidding (Figure 2) as
above:
Example
2
West
holds:
(KXXX
XX
AXXXX
XX)
N
West should bid 4S in a flash
and without
hesitation.
He/she realizes that East
1H
shows a weak hand with at least a
6-card
W
E Spade
suit.
West holds 4 pieces and so
The partnerships combined Spade
holding
2S
is at least 10 pieces.
The LAW advocates
S
the ability to compete to the
4-level, for
Even if doubled, one expects to
lose less
“3S”
than if the opponents would have
scored a
4-Heart contract.
TRY IT !!!!!
Background
:
Most bridge players utilize the
jump-overcall as a defensive, weak,
pre-emptive tool. It shows a 6-card or
better suit with less than opening count
values (5-11 HCP’s); i.e., a hand
which, as an opening bid would have
pre-empted with a weak 2-bid or even a
weak 3-bid or better
(Examples 1
& 2). It is best to have
most, if not all, of one’s HCP’s
concentrated within the long suit.
It is customarily utilized in the
direct position; i.e., in the 2nd
seat directly after an opening bid by
one’s RHO.
The bidding has gone “1D” to
your immediate right and you hold:
Example
1
(or)
The bidding has gone “1S” to
your immediate
right
and you hold:
AQXXXX
Example
2
XX
XXX
XX
XXX (Overcall 2S)
KJXXXXX
KX
QX
(Overcall 3H)
Principle:
A
jump-overcall is a pre-emptive defensive
overcall, usually a double or triple
jump in a new suit, aimed at obstructing
the bidding by the opening side,
utilized in the direct seat immediately
to the left of an opening bid by the
opponents.
It is otherwise called a “Weak
Jump Overcall”.
This form of weak overcall
must always take the vulnerability into
account, especially when jumping to the
3-level, so as not to open the
possibility of being doubled into a loss
of more points than could have otherwise
been gained by the opponents if left
alone to their own design.
The level of the pre-empt should
be governed by both the vulnerability
and the playing strength of the hand.
Not vulnerable, the level of the
pre-empt should be within 3 tricks of
the declared contract; vulnerable within
2 tricks.
Redefinition:
In
the balancing position, however, a jump
overcall is NOT pre-emptive. In
that position, since it would take place
in the pass-out seat, there would be no
need for a blocking pre-emptive bid.
Accordingly, in the balancing
seat, a jump-overcall shows opening
count with a very good, 5- or 6-card or
better suit (Example 3).
The bidding has gone
“1D” P
P ,
and you hold: Example
3
KJX
AKJ10XX
XX
XX
(Overcall
2H) – The
Jump Overcall in the balancing seat
shows opening count and usually a strong
5- or 6-card suit.
-
8 -
Summation:
In the balancing position, the
requirements for almost all bids
differ from that which could be expected
of them if they had been exercised in
the direct seat; i.e., immediately by
the LHO of any opening bid by the
opponents (Figures
4-6).
The bidding
has gone “1D” to your left and you,
in the balancing seat hold:
1D
P
P
???
Example
4
KQ
(Overcall
1H – 5 Pieces are Desirable, but
not Necessary in the
AQXX
Balancing Seat, as Four Pieces
will Suffice if Necessary.)
XXXX
XXX
Example
5
KX (Overcall
1NT – only 10-14 HCP’s and a
KXX Stopper
in Opponent’s Suit are Needed
AXXX
in the Balancing Position, not
the
XXXX
15-17 HCP’s Needed in the
Direct Seat.)
Example
6
(Balance
with a Takeout Double -
AXXX
In the Balancing Seat One Needs
KXXX
Only 10+ HCP’s Along with
X
Appropriate Distribution; i.e.,
KXXX
Shortage in the Opponent’s
Opening Suit.)
Background
:
The Rule of 20 advocates that one
of the better ways to evaluate a first
or second seat hand as to whether or not
it is of sufficient strength to warrant
an opening bid, is to count all of the
HCP’s to which you then add one
additional point for every card held
within the two longest suits within the
holding.
If the total adds to twenty (20)
or greater, the hand should be opened.
Utilization of this concept to
determine whether or not to open in
first or second position does not
guarantee that one will always make
one’s contract, or that one will get a
good result on every hand.
However, its use will, in the
long run, be beneficial more often than
not.
No Rule should be taken literally, however, and as you can see by Examples 1-4 below, this rule is subject to compromise, adjustment, and exception.
Example
1
K
(Pass
– Although technically this hand
satisfies the Rule of 20,
QJ
opening it is probably a
practical joke upon the partnership.)
QXXXX
QXXXX
Example
2
AQXXX (Open
1S – Although this hand does
AXXX not
satisfy the Rule of 20, no amount
XXX
of restraint could stop me from
opening
X
this (19) count promising
holding.)
Example
3
AXXX
(Open
1C – Although technically this
hand does not satisfy the
XXX
Rule of 20, Always open any hand
containing three Aces.)
AXX
AXX
Example
4
K10XX (Open
1D – Although this hand also
X
does not satisfy the Rule of 20,
AQ10XX
texture is everything. Adding (1)
one
JXX
extra point for the two tens
(½ point each), one reaches a
Rule of
twenty threshold allowing an
opening bid.)
- 10 -
Redefinition:
The
Rule of 20 can, if one desires, be
redefined with some “Additions”,
“Subtractions”, and
“Refinements”.
1.
Additions:
Add
one (1) point for each two tens held,
especially if they be in combination
with higher honors in suits that are
three or more cards in length
(Example 5).
Example
5
A10XX
(Open
1D – This hand contains 10
HCP’s, Nine (9) cards in
AXX
Diamonds and Spades, and one (1)
additional point for
Q10XXX the
Diamond and Spade 10’s, for a total of
twenty (20).
X
2.
Subtractions:
Subtract one (1) point for each
of the following singletons: K,Q,J (All
but the A)
Subtract one (1) point for each
of the following doubletons:
KQ, KJ,QJ (Note the Ace is never
involved) (Example
6).
Example
6
QJ
(Pass
– This hand contains 13 HCP’s, But
one should subtract
KXXXX
one additional point for the
doubleton QJ and the
KJX
Singleton K, which when added to
Eight Diamond and Hearts
K
totals 19 and does not satisfy
the Rule of 20.)
3.
Refinements:
Upgrade
Aces and Kings, Downgrade Queens and
Jacks (Examples 7 & 8).
Example
7
QXXX
(Pass
– This hand contains too many Queens
and Jacks and
QJXX
should, therefore, be
downgraded.)
QJX
AX
Example
8
AXXX (Open
1C – This hand need be upgraded
XXX due
to the presence of three Aces.)
AX
AXXX
Summation:
Remember, the Rule of 20 is only
a guide to be used in first or second
positions to identify those hands which,
if opened, would likely reach a
successful result.
Having
acknowledged this however, learn to be
flexible, remember “Points
Schmoints”, be tolerant of an
aggressive partner who opens light, and
when in doubt, “OPEN” anyway.
Background
:
A REVERSE is defined as
an
Unforced
rebid at the level of two or more, in a
higher ranking suit than that bid
originally; (Examples: 1-2)
i.e., a strength-showing bid.
West
North
East
South
Example 1:
1C
P
1S
P
2H
KX
(An unforced
volitional rebid at the 2-level in a
higher
AKXX
ranking suit than was bid
originally = A
Reverse)
XX
(Reverses by Opener are
semi-forcing in that if Responder
AKJXX
has more than a minimum 5-7 HCP
holding, game is present.)
West
North
East
South
Example 2:
1H
P
2D
P
2S
AJXX
(An unforced rebid at the 2-level
in a higher ranking
AQXXX
suit than was bid originally = A
Reverse)
X
(Automatically game-forcing
(15+), since East has
AJX
evidenced 11+ with his/her
2-level new suit response.)
Opener’s
rebid in the following sequences
(Examples: 3-4) are not
a reverse because in each instance, the
opponent’s overcall has forced the
bidding to a higher level, and it should
be assumed that the Opener’s original
intention was to rebid at the level of
one.
West
North
East
South
Example 3:
1C
1S
2D P
2H
KX
(A forced
rebid; East’s 2-level bid is forcing,
AQXX
but North’s overcall elevated
the necessary
XX
bidding. Therefore this is not a
Reverse.)
AJXXX
West
North
East
South
Example 4:
1D
2C
2H
P
2S
AJXX
(A forced rebid;
East’s 2-level response is forcing,
AQXXX
but North’s overcall of 2 Clubs
forced the
X
level of communication between
Opener and Responder
AJX
to an elevated level. No Reverse
is present here.)
An
up-the-ladder sequence at the 1-level is
never considered a Reverse bidding
sequence and, therefore, does not guarantee extra values
(Example: 5).
West
North
East
South
Example 5:
1C
P
1D
P
1H
P
1S
(An up-the-ladder, non-reverse
by both Opener and Responder.)
-
12 -
When
a Reverse is exercised by an Opening
bidder, it guarantees at least a hand
with 15+ HCP’s.
Since Responder has already
evidenced a
6+ HCP count holding by virtue of
his/her initial response,
the combined strength of the
partnership is rarely less than 23 high
card points, and is, therefore, an
evidence of game possibility
(Example: 6).
West
North
East
South
Example 6:
1C
P
1S (6+HCP’s)
P
2H
(15+ HCP’s)
(Unless Responder has a bare
minimum,
opener’s reverse will prompt a
rebid by Responder)
When
utilized by Responder, a Reverse is a
game-forcing sequence.
The partnership is committed to
reach game and neither Opener nor
Responder is permitted to pass short of
a game-level final contract (Example: 7).
West
North
East
South
Example 7:
1C
P
1H
P
2C
P
2S (Resp.’s
Reverse)
P
3NT
P
P
P
XX
AXXX
AX
KQXXX
KXX
Q
AJXXXX
KXX
In Reverse bid situations, the
first suit is always longer than the
second.
All Reverses imply that the first
bid suit consists of at least five (5)
cards, and that the second suit be
shorter, as, in some extreme
circumstances, it may be necessary to
make a reverse re-bid in a 3-card suit (Example: 8).
Most Reverses imply a 5-4
expected distribution, with the
possibility of a 5-3, 6-4 or 6-5
distribution, as well.
One Last provision, there is
such a sequence called a High-Reverse.
It is defined as a non-jump
rebid by Opener in a third suit at the
level of three (Example: 8).
A High-Reverse is always forcing
to game since the Responder has already
shown 11+ HCP’s, by definition.
West
North
East
South
Example 8:
1H
P
2D
P
3C
XX
(A High-Reverse showing 15+
HCP’s.
Note that the
AQXXX
first
bid suit contains 5-cards and that the
second
AQX
bid
suit may necessarily contain as few as
3-cards
AQX
so
as to evidence the 15+ HCP count.)
- 13 -
Although the usual axiomatic
principle is to bid length before
strength, recognizing the guaranteed HCP
count value of a Reverse, one must be
careful to compromise the
length-before-strength
principle, if that be necessary, so as
never to violate the HCP value
requirement of a Reverse bid (Examples:
9-16).
Principle:
With good hands bid naturally;
i.e., longest suits first, with weaker
mediocre hands, bid practically.
Example
9:
X
(Open this strong hand 1D.
Following an anticipated 1S bid by
AQXXX
Responder, Opener may Reverse
evidencing Diamonds being longer
AKQXXX
than Hearts and a strong holding
of 15+ HCP’s. By re-bidding the
X
Hearts once again at the third
bid, Opener will then evidence
A 6-5 distribution.)
Example 10:
X
(Open this weaker hand 1H.
This modest holding
AJXXX
does
not permit the reverse that would be
AJXXXX
evidenced if Diamonds were to
have been bid
conceal the fact that the
Diamonds are longer
so as to avoid reversing.)
Example
11:
(Open 1C, confident that over an
anticipated 1H or 1S
AJ
Response by partner, opener has
the HCP strength to re-bid AX
2D, thereby Reversing, showing
15+ HCP’s, and the Club
AQXX
holding longer than Diamonds.)
KXXXX
Example 12:
(Open this weak hand 1D,
intending to rebid 2C.
This hand
XX
satisfies the Rule of 20 thereby
allowing it to be opened.
XX
It is too weak, however, to
evidence that the Club holding
AKJX
is longer than the Diamond suit,
since doing so would
KXXXX
create a Reverse, in a hand too
weak to allow such an
Exaggeration of HCP values.)
Example
13:
(Open
this hand 1NT.
It is simply not good
KJ
enough
for a 1C opening and a 2D Reverse, and
is
AQ
too
strong for a simple 1D opening and 2C
re-bid.
QJXX
Although
opening 1NT with two doubletons is
imperfect,
KXXXX
It
is often the best strategy when your
4-card suit is
Higher
ranking than your 5-card suit.)
-
14 -
Example 14:
KXXXX
(Open this weak hand 1C with
intent to rebid Spades twice more.
A
It is too weak a hand to set up a
probable high-reverse sequence
XX
if one were to hypothetically
open 1S and partner were to
AJXXX
Respond 2H necessitating a 3C
(High-Reverse) Re-bid by Opener.)
Example
15:
(Open this hand 1S with intent to
rebid 3C
over an anticipated 2H bid by
Responder.
This
AJXXX
hand is clearly strong enough to
permit a
A
High-Reverse sequence by Opener.
Remember:
KX
Opener
must plan his/her re-bid BEFORE the
AKXXX
call
of his/her opening bid.)
West
North
East
South
Example 16:
1C
P
1S
P
????
AX
(a) AKXX
(In holding (a) Opener should
rebid 2H.
This hand is strong
XX
enough to Reverse.
In hand (b), however,
AKXXX
Opener’s re-bid should be 1NT,
Too weak to Reverse.)
(b)
XX
AQXX
KX
AXXXX
Responder, too, must be careful to think out his/her responses before making them. Doing so will ensure that the proper valid messages are being sent to partner (Examples: 17-18).
West
North
East
Example 17:
1H
P
????
AXXX
(Responder must bid 1S with (a)
(b)
AKXX
(a) XX
because the hand is too weak to
venture
XX
X
to the 2-level,
with hand (b), Responder
XX
QXXXXX
can bid 2C on his/her first
response, with
AKXXX
Intent to bid Spades on his/her
next response,
A Responder’s Reverse which
forces to game.)
West
North
East
Example 18:
1S
P
????
AX
(a) KJXXX
(A 2H bid by Responder is
satisfactory in hand (a), the HCP
XX
strength is there to justify such
a bid.
In (b), however,
AQXX
Responder must first bid 1NT
intending to
Show his/her 6-card Heart suit on
his/her
(b)
X
Next re-bid.)
KQJXXX
XXXX
XX
Background
:
An often used proverb sets forth
the maxim that “Failing
to Prepare is Preparing to Fail”.
So it is in bridge; i.e.,
thinking ahead is critical.
Opener’s ability to anticipate
what partner is likely to respond will
often assist Opener in planning his/her
auction’s first bid.
Murphy’s Law and the reality of
life being what they are:
When one opens the bidding with
a Minor, partner will most likely
respond in your shortest Major.
If you open 1 Heart and are short
in Spades, partner will most usually
respond 1 Spade, or 1 No Trump; and so
on and on it goes, almost endlessly.
What Opener does not want to
hear, happens anyway.
We have often spoken about the
need for Opener to plan his/her second
bid before
he/she mentions his/her first bid, and
so with the above adage in mind; i.e.,
Opener will most likely hear that which
he/she does not want to hear, plan your
rebid with each of the following hands
after the expected response, and explore
the possible need to adjust one’s
opening bid accordingly, before the
fact, not after:
Example
1:
You hold:
AXX
(Responder’s likely first
response is
AXXX
probably 1S. Open 1D and the
AXXXX
Re-bid 2S if necessary.
X
There
are worse things in life than
7-card
fits, and anyhow, they are great
character
builders.
Were Responder to have responded
1H, Opener would have Re-bid 2H; were
Responder to have responded 2C, Opener
would respond 2NT; else 2D over a 1NT
response.)
Example
2:
You hold:
X
(Responder’s likely first
response is
XXX
probably 1S.
Opener would clearly
AKJX
be inviting disaster if Opener
were to
AXXXX
have
settled on the length-before-strength
adage
and inadvertently opened 1C.
To
Re-bid
either 2D (A clear Reverse) or 2C (A
Re-bid of a poor 5-card suit) are both
very unappealing poor alternatives.
Plan ahead and open 1D such that
when Responder bids a probable 1S,
Opener can Re-bid a painless 2C showing
a weak hand with length in the Minors.
Yes, Opener would have given the
illusion that his/her Diamonds are equal
or longer than his/her Club holding, but
that is far better than the lesser
alternatives previously explored.)
-
16 -
Example
3:
You hold:
K
(An opening bid of 1D intending
KQJ
to Re-bid 2C would have been a
XXXX
valiant attempt to avoid an
improper
AXXXX
reverse, but the Diamond suit is
so
poor
that an re-adjustment to an opening bid
of 1C with intent to Re-bid 1NT is, by
far, the best of the compromises
necessary, given this particular
holding.
Opener
must always be prepared to compromise
the usual dictates for choice as to
which suit to open the bidding, if by
doing so, a clearer and more exacting
picture of his/her holding can be sent
forth to Responder.
Example
4:
You hold:
KQJXX
(When holding this kind of Major
suit
AXXXXX
bonanza, Responder’s likely
response
X
will almost assuredly be 1NT.
X Accordingly,
open 1S with intent to
Re-bid
2H even though a slight distortion of
the relative lengths of the Major suits
will necessarily ensue.
That knowledgeable distortion is
far better than the damage that would
occur should Opener have alternatively
opened the longer Heart suit first,
forced to display an erroneous Reverse
by Re-bidding the shorter higher-ranking
Spade suit.
A much stronger HCP count would
have had to be present for such a
Reverse to have been appropriately
valid.)
Example
5:
You hold:
AQXXX
(Partner’s likely response of
1NT
KJ10
to the first-glance opening of 1S
KJX with
this hand would destine the
AQ partnership
to a 3NT final contract.
Opening
2NT, alternatively, however, would
destine the partnership to the same 3NT
contract, but the obvious advantage with
the latter scenario would be that the
stronger hand winds up being the
concealed hand, and the lead would come
into, not through, the stronger hand;
two advantages which are likely to
produce an extra trick, at the very
least, as a pay-off to an opener with
enough insight and a little forethought
as to the possible consequences of his
possible alternative action.)
Example
6:
You hold:
X
(Partner’s likely response with
this
AKQJ
holding is, almost always, 1S.
KXXXX
To open a 4-card Major suit is
thought
XXX
of as being
sacrilegious, but look at the
alternative here:
To open 1D would necessitate a Re-bid
of 2H over a presumed, but unwelcome,
1S, else a Re-bid of the poor 5-card
Diamond suit.
This hand is clearly not strong
enough to offer the Reverse that would
be bid by such an action, nor is the
5-card Diamond suit a holding with which
to be proud.
The clear alternative is to
pre-plan a 2D Re-bid after opening this
hand 1H. Modern players would
sooner wash windows, but try it (Not
window-washing), I mean opening a 4-card
Major. You might just find it
refreshing.)
“Forewarned is forearmed”
– Plan Ahead!!
Background:
There are several circumstances
where a new suit by Responder forces the
auction.
A
New suit by Responder is usually
forcing (Example 1), at least for
one round, and as we have seen in
previous lessons, a
reverse by responder while showing a new
suit is not only forcing, but compels,
and irrevocably commits, the partnership
to game (Example 2).
West
North
East
South
1C
P
1H
P
2C
P
2D
(New
Suit)
P
(Note: The
2NT
P
3NT (1-Round
Force)
P
2NT bid by
Opener
shows
Minimum values,
AQX
KX
a Spade
stopper,
XX
KQXXX
absence of
3 Hearts,
KX
AXXX
Example
1:
and a
willingness to
AXXXXX
QX
play
in No Trump.)
West
North
East
South
Example 2:
1C
P
1H
P
2C
P
2S (Resp.’s
Reverse)
P
3NT
P
P (Game-Forcing)
P
XX
AXXX
AX
KXXXX
( Note:
Opener’s Jump to
KXX
A
3NT is weaker than a 2NT
AJXXXX
KXX
bid since partnership
has
already committed itself to game by
virtue of the Responder’s Reverse.
Remember, “A
Quick Arrival Is Weaker Than A Slow
Arrival”.
In this instance, the 3NT shows
the bottom of Opener’s minimum
range, 11-13, whereas, if Opener had
bid 2NT under the scenario of this
game-forcing auction, Opener would
have evidenced a maximum, 14-15
HCP’s.)
A third circumstance where a new suit by Responder is forcing is, at the 1-level. (Example 3) Such a Fourth Suit call at the 1-level is natural; i.e., not artificial, and is forcing for one round.
West
North
East
South
1C
P
1D
P
1H
P
1S
(New
Suit)
P
1NT
P
P (1-Round Force)
P
AX
KXXX
AQXX
XXX
XXX
AXXX
Example 3:
AXXX
XX
-
18 -
At a higher level than at the
1-level, however, a fourth suit call is
very different.
This is the circumstance of the
classic, specially-named, “Fourth-Suit-Forcing”
scenario.
Such a call is
also forcing for one round, as are most
other new suit calls by Responder. Such a fourth
suit call, however, may be artificial,
and is,
therefore, alertable.
A Fourth-Suit-Forcing call
requires at least 11 HCP’s in order to
be utilized. (Example 4)
West
North
East
South
Example 4:
1C
P
1H
P
1S
P
“2D”
(Fourth
Suit)
P
2NT
P
3NT (Forcing
for)
P
(One Round)
KXXX
AXX
AX
KQXXX
AXX
XXX
( Note:
If Opener had
QJXX
KX
had Three Hearts, his/her
third
bid would have been “3H” and not
“2NT”.
In this manner, the partnership
would have found their 8-card Golden Fit
in Hearts had it been, hypothetically,
present. )
New Calls By
Responder That Are Not-Forcing:
There are, however, several
circumstances where a new call by
Responder is not
forcing.
The first is when the new call by
Responder is NT. (See Example 5)
West
North East
South
1C
P
1H
P
2C
P
2NT (Invitational)
P
P
P
(Not Forcing)
KQX
AXX
XX
KXXX
KX
AXXX
Example
5:
AXXXXX
XX
Responder’s 2NT call is encouraging, but not forcing. Responder could have bid 3NT, but instead has invited Opener to 3NT should Opener have more than just a minimum 11-12 HCP’s. In this instance Opener declines the invitation and the partnership plays in a partial game contract.
-
19 -
A second scenario where Responder bids a new suit which is not forcing occurs subsequent to a 1NT re-bid by Opener. Such a new suit offers a second choice for a potential suit contract while exhibiting an abhorrence for NT as a final contract. Such a bid is not forcing. (Example 6) If Responder did wish to force he/she must jump the bidding. (Example 7)
West
North
East
South
Example 6:
1C
P
1S
P
1NT
P
2H (Not Forcing)
P
2S
P
P
P
KXX
AXXXX
AXX
KXXX
AXX
XX
( Note:
Opener has taken a
QJXX
XX
simple preference in this
Non-forcing auction.)
Given the same bidding scenario by Opener, if Responder had wished to force the auction for at least one more round, he/she would have to make a jump on his/her second bid. (Example 7)
West
North
East
South
Example 7:
1C
P
1S
P
1NT
P
3H (Forcing)
P
4H
P
P
P
KX
QXXXX
AXXX
KXXX
AXX
KQ ( Note:
Responder’s jump on
QJXX
KX
his/her second bid following
Opener’s re-bid of 1NT forces
the bidding, at least for one more
round. In this instance,
Opener takes a clear choice with his/her
4-Heart holding. )
Background:
The requirements for opening of
1NT are basically universally accepted
today as 15-17 HCP’s; an evenly
balanced hand; i.,e., the absence of any
voids, singletons, and/or more than one
doubleton; and a lack of any 5-card
Major suit holding.
Having learned these standards,
let’s now consider the possibility of
deviation from our rigidities of the
past.
Refinements:
Let us revisit the above rigid
standards in light of the following
considerations:
1.
Long
suits, Aces, Kings, and Tens are gold.
2.
Queens,
Jacks, and honors in short suits are
grossly distasteful.
3.
Avoid
re-bid problems, before
the fact.
Using the above refinement
considerations, let’s consider the
subsequent hands in order to re-assess
whether or not a 1 No Trump Opening bid
is best, given the following holdings:
Example
1:
XX
(No
– Tens are more valuable than Deuces,
KJ10X
better
to open this hand 1C and reverse with
A10X
a 2H rebid if necessary over a
probable
AKQ10
1 Spade response from partner.)
Example
2:
AQ
(Yes
–
Opening this hand with 1NT better
KXX
describes this holding than does
a
XXXXXX
1 Diamond opening followed by a
2D re-bid.
AQ
The weak Diamond holding coupled
with great
Stoppers
argue for a 1NT opening despite the
presence of two doubletons.)
Example
3:
QJXX
(No
–
Opening this hand with 1 Diamond.
QJ
This 15 HCP count full of Queens
and
QJXX
Jacks is a pile of trash.
With one measly
KQJ
quick trick, do not open 1NT.
Example
4:
A10X
(Yes
–
Opening this hand with 1 No
Trump.
K10X
This 14 HCP hand coupled with the
XX
presence of multiple tens and
this beautiful
AQJ10X
5-card Club suit is consistent
with many 15
HCP
holdings.
-
21 -
Example
5:
AJ10X (No
–
Four Aces should be counted as 17
AXX
not as 16.
This hand is, therefore
AX
worth 18 HCP’s and should be
opened with 1 Club
AXXX
intending to jump to 2 NT on the
re-bid.
Example
6:
KJ
(Yes
–
It would be quite uncomfortable
if
AJXX
one were to open this hand with
1D
KJXXX
and partner were to respond with
1S.
Under
KX
this hypothetical scenario, a
re-bid of 1NT would
be an underbid, and a 2NT
re-bid would be an
over-bid. Best to get the
values spoken for immediately by
opening 1NT despite the two
doubletons.
Think ahead !!!
Take care if one’s 5-card
suit
be
lower ranking than one’s 4-card
suit.
An alternative action with this
holding would be to open 1 Diamond and
to reverse with a 2H re-bid.
Example
7:
AQ10XX (No
–
The gorgeous 5-card Spade suit
AXX
makes this hand too good for a
mere
AXX
1 NT opening bid.
Better to treat this as if
KX
it were an 18 point hand, open
with 1S intending
to re-bid 2 NT on one’s second
call.
Example
8:
AX
(No
–
With any hand holding a 5-4
distribution
KX
and the 5-card suit is higher
ranking
KJXXX
than the second suit, one never
has to open
KQXX
with 1NT.
A 1D opening bid followed by a 2C
Re-bid evidences an 11-18 HCP
count with the
first bid
suit equal or longer in length than the
second bid suit.
Example
9:
AQ10
(Yes
–
The fifth diamond coupled with
two
KX
tens in this hand allow one to
equate
KQ10XX
this 14 HCP count hand to most 15
HCP hands.
XXX
Example
10:
QXX
(Yes
–
A 1NT opening describes this 15
point
KJ
hand better than any other series
of
KQ
bids.
The Club suit is not good enough
AXXXXX
to justify a rebid of 2C.
Example
11:
AX
(No
–
The gorgeous 6-card Club suit
makes
KX
this hand too good for a 1NT
opening.
AQ10XXX
Better to open it with a 1D
bid intending to
K10X
re-bid 3D at one’s next call.
Summation:
One’s
requirements for an opening 1 No Trump
bid must remain flexible in order to
accommodate for variant holdings which
augment or diminish one’s values.
Rigidity on this issue can get
one into bidding difficulty & under-
or over-evaluations.
Background: In nearly all circumstances, procedures normally available in most player’s bidding system; namely, consideration that 26 HCP’s is usually required for game, Responder’s use of The Stayman Convention looking for four of a Major Suit in opener’s hand, and/or Jacoby Transfers when Responder has 5 or more of a given suit, all provide the standard keystone foundation for most bidding sequences following an opening bid of partner’s 1NT.
Refinements: The are, however, many adjustments and tangential considerations to these standard practices which are important to consider in fine tuning one’s bidding sequences subsequent to Opener’s 1NT. The following are some of these considerations:
Partner
opens with
1NT
(15-17 HCP’s)
Consideration
#1:
If
you, as Responder to a 1NT opening bid
by partner,
have,
Specifically,
a 4-3-3-3 distribution, DO
NOT
consider
using the Stayman Convention.
The combined hand
holdings of Opener and Responder
are statistically likely
to do better in a No Trump
contract even
if an 8-card
Major fit were, hypothetically,
to have been present.
Example 1:
QJXX
KJX
KXX
QXX (Respond 3NT – Do not use Stayman)
Example
2:
QXX
KXXX
QXX
QXX (Invite by bidding 2NT – Do
not
use Stayman)
Consideration
#2:
Do
not neglect to add extra points for
long suits. The
trick-taking capacity of
Responder’s added length (5 or
more in a suit) increases the
value of Responder’s
holding opposite a 1NT bid by
partner.
(The
holdings in Examples 3-5 are not
equal even though they each contain
identical honor values.
The actual trick-taking capacity
of the hand increases by one with each
card of 5 or more in a given suit.)
Example 3:
XXXX
XXX
KXX
AJ10
(Pass. 3NT is not likely
with these 8 HCP’s)
Example
4:
XXX
XX
KXX AJ10XX
(Invite by bidding 2NT
The hand is worth 9 HCP’s)
Example
5:
XX
XX
KXX AJ10XXX
(Bid 3NT – Go for it!!!)
-
23 -
Consideration
#3:
If
you, as Responder to a 1NT opening bid
by partner,
have, Specifically, a
nondescript 8 HCP’s Pass, even one
with a 4-card Major suit.
If, however, Responder has
enhancing “spot cards”,
consider increasing the presumed
value of the hand.
Example 6:
QXX
QXX
JXX
KXXX
(Pass)
Example
7:
XXXX
QX
KJX QXXX
(Pass – Even with a 4-card
Major)
Example
8:
XX
JXX
K109X
A10XX (Raise to 2NT)
Example
9:
XX
109X KJ109
A1098
(Bid 3NT)
Consideration
#4:
When
confronted with a Jacoby Transfer demand
by
Responder, A 1NT Opener should
take a “Super-Acceptance”
transfer to either Major when
Opener holds both
4-card
support for Responder’s Major and
a maximum 17 HCP holding.
Example 10:
Opener
Responder
AQXX
1NT
“2H” KXXXX
AXXX
3S
4S
X
XX
P
QXXXX
AKX
XX
Note: Opener takes a
“super-acceptance” of a transfer to
Spades when
holding 17 HCP’s and a 4-card
support for Responder.
For those
familiar with the losing trick
card method, by so-doing, Opener
guarantees a 6 loser hand.
Responder, previously intent on
abandoning the bidding at 2
Spades, can re-assess his/her hand.
Having re-evaluated it to be an 8
loser hand, Responder can now
confidently go to a non-stopable
4S contract with their combined
22 HCP holding.
-
24 -
Consideration
#5:
With
5-4 in the Majors, Responder begins with
Stayman rather
than Jacoby.
Only in this manner can Responder
effectively
handle both
Major
suits.
Example 11:
Opener
Responder
AQX
1NT
“2C”
KXXX
AXX
“2D”
2H (“Drop Dead”)
XXXXX
XXXX
P
QX
AJX
XX
Example
12:
Opener
Responder
AQX
1NT
“2C”
KXXXX
AXX
“2D”
2S (“Drop Dead”)
QXXX
XXX
P
XXX
AKXX
X
Example
13:
Opener
Responder
AQX
1NT
“2C”
KJXX
KQJ
“2D”
3H (Game-Forcing)
AXXXX
KXX
4H
(Holding 5 Hearts
AXX
QXXX
and 4 Spades)
X
Example
14:
Opener
Responder
AQ
1NT
“2C”
KJXXX
KQJ
“2D”
3S (Game-Forcing)
AXXX
KXXX
3NT (Denial
(Holding 5 Spades
AXX
QXXX
of a fit
and 4 Hearts)
X
In either Major)
Background:
Numerous bidding misconceptions
are present in the minds of many bridge
players.
Over the years of their bridge
skills development, certain axioms,
dogmas, or understandings have been
ingrained to such a degree that they are
believed to be sacrosanct and incapable
of
possible re-examination,
modification, or even actual
abandonment.
Nothing could be farther from the
truth.
Flexibility in being able to
modify one’s bidding procedures is
central to the development of improved
bridge capabilities.
Consider the following possible
misconceptions!!!
Misconception
#1:
“3NT
is always a Shut-out bid!”
One
of the earliest bidding sequences a
beginning bridge player
learns is 1NT-3NT.
The 3NT bid is a shut-out for,
indeed, if
Responder had been interested in
inviting to. or ending in, a Slam
contract, Responder would surely
have taken a different tact. Thus,
the unjustified misconception
that all 3NT bids have the effect
of
closing the bidding.
This is decidedly false!
Consider the following:
Example
1:
You (West)hold:
AQJ10XX
West
North East
South
K
JXXXX
1S 3H
3NT
P
X
????
There is nothing about West’s
hand that would condone confidence in a
final 3NT contract.
East’s 3NT bid guarantees
combined partnership values for game.
East has at least one Heart
stopper and fewer than three Spades.
However, East did not say that
he/she is confident that 3NT would be
the best final contract. East’s bid is a
suggestion which West should correct to
4S.
Example
2:
You (West)hold:
KJXX
West
North East
South
X
XXX
1C
P
1S
P
AKXXX
2S
P
3NT
P
????
East has game values, four Spades
and a balanced hand.
He/she is suggesting, not
demanding, an alternative contract.
West’s singleton Heart is a
liability in 3NT, but, alternatively, an
asset in 4S.
Bid 4S!!!
- 26 -
Misconception
#2:
“Opener
must have a 4-card support in
order to raise a one-of-a-Major
response by Responder!”
Example
3:
You (West)hold:
KQX
West
North East
South
AQXX
JXXXX
1D
P
1S
P
X
????
West’s Diamonds are two weak to
rebid 2D.
West can neither bid 1NT with the
Club singleton, nor can he/she bid 2H
which would signify a much stronger hand
(Reverse).
West must re-bid 2S!
Example
4:
You (West)hold:
X
West North
East
South
AQX
AQXXX
1D
P
1H
P
XXXX
????
Although 2C would, in some
holdings by East be best, West’s
Hearts are good enough, and his/her
Clubs weak enough to justify 2H as a
better re-bid than 2C.
Do not fear, playing a 4-3 fit is
a character-building scenario.
Misconception
#3:
“Responder
must have five (5) pieces to
Support Opener’s Minor suit
opening!”
Example
5:
You (East)hold:
XXX
West
North East
South
X
AXXX
1D
P
????
QXXXX
Raise
to 2D. No other action
including a Pass is acceptable.
Example
6:
You (East)hold:
XXX West
North East
South
X
AKXX
1D
P
????
XXXXX
Raise
to 2D. No other action is
appropriate.
Example
7:
You (East)hold:
AQ
West
North East
South
X
QXXX
1D
2H
????
JXXXXX
Raise
to 3D. What other choice do
you have?
-
27 -
Misconception
#4:
“Only
overcall with a strong suit!”
Example
8:
Your RHO bids 1C:
XXXXX
West
North East
South
AK
JXXX
1C
????
AX
Overcall
1S. Would East prefer a
better 5-card suit? Of course!
Anyone would prefer our long
suits to hold numerous honors, but one
cannot always wait for the ideal
circumstances.
He who hesitates is lost!!!
Example
9:
Your RHO bids 2D:
A
West
North East
South
QXXXX
AXX
2D
????
AQXX
Overcall
2H. One must play the
hand as providence dealt it.
Misconception
#5:
“The
stronger
hand must be the declarer!”
Example
10:
You (East) hold:
X
West
North East
South
QJ10XXX
QJXX
1S
P
1NT
P
XX
3NT
P
????
Bid
4H. Opener has 20 or more
HCP’s and two or three Hearts.
Example
11:
You (East) hold:
QJXX
West
North East
South
X
XXX
1H
P
1S
P
KJXXX
3D
P
????
Bid
3NT. Opener has 19+
HCP’s and there is no other place to
go.
Many
means of assessment have been offered in
an attempt to set forth a minimum
criteria that would ordinarily signal
enough of a holding to warrant an
opening “2C”, strong, artificial,
and forcing bid by a would-be-opener.
a.
Originally,
a threshold of HCP’s coupled with a
suit length requirement for unbalanced
hands was used as the standard method of
evaluation towards this question.
25 HCP’s with a 5-card suit.
23 HCP’s with a 6-card suit
21 HCP’s with a 7-card suit
b.
Some
suggested setting a minimum threshold of
at least 21+ HCP’s or more without
consideration as to the
distribution of the hand and the number
of cards within a given suit.
c.
Still
others, using the losing-trick count
criteria suggested opening “2C” with
any hand holding no more than four (4)
losers.
d.
Some
suggest that opener not
bid “2C” as an opening call, even if
an arbitrary point count or losing-trick
count is satisfied, if, the hand
contains two or more biddable suits.
Recently, a more exacting method
of assessment has been set forth to deal
with this issue.
It embraces the suggestion that any
hand, regardless as to its distribution,
and whether or not it contains even two
biddable suits, be considered as a
candidate for a strong, artificial., and
forcing “2C” opening if it satisfies
the following two (2) requirements:
and
AK = 2 Quick Tricks
(No suit may have more two (2)
quick tricks)
AQ = 1 ½ Quick Tricks
A
=
1 Quick Trick
KQ = 1 Quick Trick
Kx
=
½ Quick Trick
(Jacks are never “quick”)
3.
Always open “2C” with any
hand with six (6) or more quick tricks
and is there be a close decision, open
“2C” if in doubt.
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