INTERMEDIATE BRIDGE - TIPS FOR TOPS

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - TIPS FOR TOPS

INTRODUCTION

The “Tips For Tops” that we are about to discuss are not meant for beginners. Neither are they intended for experts. They are meant for the intermediate player in an attempt to substantially improve his or her game.

As you might well imagine, it is virtually impossible to cover the infinite number of variables that might exist in the almost infinite number of possible card combinations. Furthermore, although most of the offensive and defensive tips covered are considered standard and basic by most, occasionally they will require a mutual partnership understanding in order to be put them into proper usage. Partner’s level of skill as well as the level of play of the opponents, and the use of playing and bidding Conventions, all factor into the possible variables effecting the tips discussed as well as how and when they are to be utilized.

If some of the tips, at first, seem too difficult to absorb, patience please!!! No memorization is necessary. My experience is that by doing nothing more than participating in the discussions that will accompany the presentation of the Tips to follow, you cannot help but begin to have a greater, deeper, and more thorough understanding of the game, and the logic behind the tips will become increasingly more familiar. In the final analysis, your ability to play the fascinating and challenging game of bridge cannot help but improve. Over the months ahead you will, without much effort, discover the realization of a perceptibly increased acumen at the game. Your understanding, appreciation, and pleasure of the game cannot help but improve over the next several years. Yes, it will take that long to cover the more than 600 tips that I expect to accumulate for presentation.

Finally, one “must”. Please be aware of the title of each series of Tips. They will be presented by topic and you must mentally add the title to the tip for them to make any sense. For example, if the Lesson be entitled, “When You Are A Passed Hand,” the words will not appear before each Tip. You must mentally incorporate the title as to the circumstance accompanying the Tips presented so as to complete the understanding of each item presented.

If you play a different Convention or system, are comfortable with it, and it works, by all means disregard the tip. Remember the old adage, “If it isn’t broken, don’t attempt to fix it!”.

The Tips that are to follow will be in three broad categories; (1) Bidding Tips, (2) Declarer Tips, and (3) Defensive Tips. Some ideas that will be presented will expand upon that which you already have been taught, while others will necessitate your unlearning that which you previously considered as “the law”. But, by all means, have fun, expand your mind, and improve your Bridge.

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 1

THE OPENING BID - TIPS 1-8

1. Before opening the bidding, prepare your potential rebid. Remember, unless partner makes a 1NT or a simple 2-level raise in your opening suit (both of which show a limited 6-10 HCP count), you, as opener, are obligated to make a rebid (the only other exception being if your RHO makes an overcall thereby giving responding partner another opportunity to bid). Assume partner will respond in your shortest suit - he/she usually does. If you are prepared with a reasonable rebid under the worst response scenario from partner, you will surely be prepared under better than adverse circumstances should your worst case scenario not occur. Absent this aforementioned preparation, you might be backed into a corner having to lie, err, or mislead on your rebid.

Ex: (a) AQ XX QXXXX AJXX (Open 1D)-If partner bids 1H or 1S,rebid 2C

(b) KX XX AXXX AQXXX (Open 1C)-If partner bids 1H or 1S rebid 2C

(d) AXX X AQJX AQXXX (Open 1C) - You are strong enough to reverse

2. Never open the bidding 1C holding a singleton or doubleton Club - ever!

3. With two 5-card suits, open up the higher ranking suit first, regardless of the strength of the hand or of the relative suit strengths. However, with specifically five Clubs and five Spades, open IC if the Spades are weak and/or the hand is of a minimum point count; i.e., less than 16 HCP’s.

Ex: (a) AX XXXXX AKJXX X (Open 1H, Prepared to rebid 2D)

(b) AKXXX AQXXX XX X (Open 1S, Prepared to rebid 2H)

(d) AQXXX XX A AQXXX (Open 1 S, Prepared to rebid 3C if needed)

4. With a 4-4-3-2 hand pattern, open the preferred 1D if the hand is too strong or too weak to open NT. In the same vein, with a 4-3-3-3 or 3-4-3-3 distribution, open the hand 1C if the hand be too strong or too weak for a NT opening. Always use the preferred Minor opening rather than lie about the point count.

Ex: (a) AQXX AKXX AXX QX (Open 1D) - Too Strong for a 1NT opening

(b) AQXX AQXX QXX XX (Open 1D) - Too Weak for a 1NT opening

(d) AXXX AXX XXX AQX (Open 1C) - Too Weak for a 1NT opening

(e) AXX KQXX AJX QXX (Open 1NT)

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5. With a hand strong enough to open 1NT but holding either (1) four Clubs and four Spades but no stopper in either red suit, or (2) four Diamonds and four Spades but no stopper in either alternate suit, open the preferred Minor suit rather than 1NT.

Ex: (a) AKJX XX XXX AKJX (Open 1C)

(b) AKQX XXX AQJX XX (Open 1D) If partner responds 1H, rebid 1S)

If partner responds 2C, rebid 2S)

6. With three 4-card suits plus a singleton open 1D, unless the singleton is in Diamonds, then open 1C.

Ex: (a) AKJX QXXX KXXX X (Open 1D)

(b) AKQX X KXXX XXXX (Open 1D)

(d) AXXX AXXX X AQXX (Open 1C)

7. With a broken 6-card Minor (Clubs or Diamonds) and 15HCP’s, open 1NT if you have stoppers in the other three suits. Live a little!

Ex: (a) KX KX KJX AJXXXX (Open 1NT)

(b) AX KX KQXXXX KXX (Open 1NT)

8. With a balanced hand containing specifically five Hearts and 15-16 HCP’s, open 1NT not 1H. This hand usually has no convenient rebid if partner goes to the 2-level in another suit. Most rebids are usually misleading at best. (Note: The use of the Puppet Stayman Convention will eliminate this problem.) With 17 HCP’s, however, open 1H.

Ex: (a) AX KJXXX AJX QXX (Open 1NT) If you had chosen to open 1H

and partner had responded either 1S, 2C

or 2D, you have a tough rebid problem.

(b) AX KJXXX AQX KXX (Open 1H)

If partner responds 1S, jump to 2NT.

If partner responds 1NT, raise to 2NT.

If partner responds either 2C or 2D, jump to 3NT.

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 2

THE FIRST RESPONSE - TIPS 9-17A

9. With 4-4 in the Majors, respond in the lower ranking suit (Hearts) first to a Minor Suit (Club or Diamond) opening bid. With 5-5, respond in the higher ranking (Spades) first.

Ex: (a) AJXX QXXX XX QXX (Partner opens 1C, respond 1H)

(b) KXXXX AKJXX XX X (Partner opens 1D, respond 1S)

10. With a 5-card Major suit and 5 HCP’s or a 6-card Major suit with 4 HCP’s, do not pass a Minor suit opening bid by partner if your RHO (the second hand) passes.

Ex: (a) QXXXX KXX XXX XX (Partner opens 1C, Respond 1S (audibly!!)

(b) QXX KXXXX XX XXX (Partner opens 1D, Respond 1H)

11. Partner has opened the bidding with 1C. With a 4-card or 5-card Diamond suit and a 4-card Major suit, respond in Diamonds if you have 11 HCP’s or more, respond in the Major if you have 6-10 HCP’s. With fewer than 11 HCP’s it is possible that you will only have the opportunity of only one bid and it is, therefore, more important to mention the Major suit than the Minor. With 11 or more HCP’s, you are strong enough for a second bid, and you can, thus, bid the Minor suit first and other suit later, if necessary.

Ex: (a) AXXX XX KQXX XXX (Partner opens 1C, Respond 1S, not 1D)

(b) XX AKXX JXXXX XX (Partner opens 1C, Respond 1H, not 1D)

(d) QX AKXX AXXXX XX (Partner opens 1C, Respond 1D)

12. With game going responding hands, respond in your longer or stronger suit first. There may be a Slam and you could wind up in the wrong suit. Reread, reread, reread this one!

Ex: (a) AKQX XXXX AJX JX (Partner opens 1D, Respond 1S)

(b) XXXX AKQX XX AJX (Partner opens 1C, Respond 1H)

(d) AXXX AKXXX XX XX (Partner opens 1C, Respond 1H)

13. In some systems a two-over-one response is a game force. In others, it promises one more bid. In still others, it does not promise another bid if partner makes a minimum rebid. It is essential for a partnership to know which one of these methods, forcing or not, you and your partner are playing.

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14. A direct natural response of either 2NT or 3NT denies a singleton. A 1NT response may contain a singleton - yes, even a void.

Ex: (a) X AKXX KJXX AXXX (Partner opens 1S, Respond 2C) Do not even

think about bidding 2NT, you can always

bid NT later, if necessary.

(b) AX KXXX AXXX XXX (Partner opens 1S, Respond 2NT)

(d) - KXXX QXXXX QXXX (Partner opens 1S, Respond 1NT)

15. With a 4-3-3-3 distribution and 6-7 HCP’s plus 3-card support for partner’s Major suit opening, respond 1NT rather than supporting partner. With the same distribution and 8-10 HCP’s raise partner to the 2-level. However, if all of your points are in partner’s suit, raise regardless.

Ex: (a) QXX JXXX QXX QXX (Partner opens 1H, Respond 1NT in order

to slow the auction down with this piece

of cheese.)

(b) AQX XXXX XXX XXX (Partner opens 1S, Raise to 2S, all of

your strength is in partner’s suit.)

encouraging than 1NT.)

16. A 2-level Club or Diamond response to a 1 Spade opening bid by partner can be made on as few as four pieces. A 2H response to a 1 Spade opening bid by partner, however, promises five or more pieces and cannot be made on as few as four pieces.

Ex: (a) QX AXX XXXX AKXX (Partner opens 1S, Respond 2C)

(b) AX XXX AKXXX XXX (Partner opens 1S, Respond 2D)

(d) AX AXXX XXX AXXX (Partner opens 1S, Respond 2C, not 2H)

17. In competition, any response by opener’s partner promises at least a 5-card suit due to the presence of an overcall by responder’s RHO. In addition, in order to respond with a new suit at the 2-level, responder must have at least 11 HCP’s. With only a 4-card suit and/or less than 11 HCP’s, responder must use the “Negative Double” in lieu of an inadequate response with either a 4-card suit, or fewer than 11 HCP’s, or both. In the following examples, partner has opened 1S and your RHO has overcalled 2D:

Ex: (a) XX AQXXX XX KQXX (Respond 2H, You have a 5-card suit and

the requisite 11 or more HCP’s.)

(b) XX KQXX XXX AKXX (“Double” (negative) - You have the

requisite 11 or more HCP’s but only a 4-

card Heart suit.)

(b) XX KQXXX XXX AKX (“Double” (negative) - You have the

requisite 5-card suit but not the

required 11 or more HCP’s.)

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17A. Under usual circumstances, when partner opens a Minor suit (Clubs or Diamonds), and you, as

Responder, are faced with an overcall of a Major suit (Hearts or Spades) by your RHO, a double

(Negative) by you as Responder evidences a 4-card holding in the alternate Major suit.

Ex. Bidding has proceeded: a) 1C 1H Dbl. (Shows 4 Spades)

(AQXX XX XXXX KXX)

or: b) 1D 1S Dbl. (Shows 4 Hearts)

(XXX KQXX XX AKXX)

Previously we had spoken about circumstances when partner opens 1C, and you, as

Responder, are faced with an overcall of 1D by your RHO, that a double (Negative) by you, as

Responder evidences a 4-card holding in both Major suits, or at the very least, 4 of one and 3; i.e.,

tolerance, for the other.

Ex. Bidding has proceeded: c) 1C 1D Dbl.

(AQXX XXXX XX JXX)

or: (XXXX AQX XX QXXX)

or: (QXX AXXX KXX XXX)

In the specific circumstance when partner opens 1C, and you, as Responder are faced with a 1D overcall by your RHO, a double (Negative), by you as Responder, evidences a holding of 4 cards in both Majors, or at least 4 of one and 3; i.e., tolerance, for the other. Absent that holding, a bid of 1H or 1S by you, as Responder, can be made with as few as a 4-card holding in only one of the Majors; 5 cards in the bid suit are not needed.

Ex. Bidding has proceeded: d) 1C 1D ??

With: AXXX KXXX X XXXX (Double [Negative] )

X AXXX XXXXX AXX (Bid 1H [Note: previously you

would have had no other choice

but to pass] )

KXXX XX XXXXX AX (Bid 1S [Note: previously you

would have had no other choice

but to pass] )

Remember, this is only used when Responder if faced with a 1D overcall by his/her RHO subsequent to partner having opened 1C.

Note: If you and partner subscribe to this understanding, Opener must presume that Responder has only a 4-card Major suit, just as if there had not been any previous overcall by Responder’s RHO, until proven otherwise to the contrary.

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 3

OPENER’S REBID - TIPS 18-31A

18. After any 2-level response from partner, a new suit by the opener is forcing. After a 1NT response from responder, a new suit is not forcing.

Ex: (a) AKJXX X KXXX AXX (You open 1 Spade, partner responds 2C.

What is your Rebid? [2D] Forcing )

(b) J AXX KQXXX AXXX (You open 1 Diamond, partner responds 1S

What is your Rebid? [2C] Not Forcing )

19. After partner raises opener’s first bid suit, any new suit bid by opener is forcing. Bidding on in a secondary suit after partner raises you does not mean you are running from the agreed-upon suit, but rather that you are either seeking a no trump contract with a holding of 16 or more HCP’s, else are cue-bidding Aces exploring for Slam.

Ex: (a) XX AQX AX AKXXXX (You open 1 Club. Partner raises to 2C.

Bid 2H forcing. If partner bids 2S

evidencing a Spade stopper, you can bid

3NT else return to 3C. If partner

alternatively rebids 3C you can pass.)

(b) AKQXX AXXX XX AK (You open 1 Spade. Partner raises to 3S.

Bid 4C showing first round control of

Clubs. If partner bids 4D you can go to

6S. If partner returns to 4S denying

first round control of Diamonds, you can

pass.

20. Avoid re-bidding weak 5-card suits. Look for something else as an alternative.

Ex: (a) KX AKX XXX KXXXX (You open 1C. Partner responds 1D/1H/1S.

Rebid 1NT, not 2C, your Club suit is too weak.)

(b) XX AXX XXX AKQXX (You open 1C. Over partner’s 1D/1H/1S

rebid 2C, your 5-card Club suit is strong.)

21. With a minimum hand and a 2-2-5-4 distribution, open 1D and rebid 2C over a Major suit response.

However, if the Major suit doubletons are strong, rebid 1NT.

Ex: (a) XX KX AJXXX KQXX (Open 1D. Over partner’s 1H/1S, rebid 2C.)

(b) AQ KX QXXXX KXXX (Open 1D. Over partner’s 1H/1S, rebid 1NT.)

22. With a 3-1-5-4 or a 1-3-5-4, open 1D. If partner responds in your singleton suit, rebid 2C, not 1NT.

Ex: (a) Q AXX QXXXX AKXX (Open 1D. Over partner’s 1S, rebid 2C.)

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23. A jump shift followed by a simple return to partner’s original suit shows 3-card support, not four.

Ex: (a) AQX X AQXXX AKXX North (You) 1D 3C 3S

South (Partner) 1S 3D

24. Anytime you skip over two suits, including No Trump, to rebid your original suit, you show a 6-card suit.

Ex: (a) AX XX QXX AKXXXX North (You) 1C 2C

South (Partner) 1D

25. Rebidding a suit three times tends to show a 7-card suit, or, at the very least, a strong 6-carder. Such a bid is non-forcing and implies a 7-card suit with a weak opening bid.

Ex: (a) X AJXXXXX QJX QX North (You) 1H 2H 3H

South (Partner) 1S 2NT

26. With three 4-card suits and a singleton Diamond, open 1C and rebid 1H over a 1D response from partner. If you rebid 1S, you erroneously deny having four Hearts. If partner has four Spades, you’ll hear about it momentarily.

Ex: AJXX XXXX X AKJX (Open 1C, and rebid 1H over a response of 1D.)

27. With a 5-4-4-0 distribution, open 1 Spade. If partner responds 2C, your void suit, rebid 2H, not 2D. If you respond 2D, you deny four Hearts.

Ex: AJXXX KXXX AKXX - (Open 1S, over partner’s 2C response, rebid 2H.)

28. Holding a 5-5 Major suit distribution, having partnership game values, open the higher ranking suit first, then rebid the lower ranking suit twice - even after partner gives you a preference to your first suit. Ex: Opener (You) Responder Opener Responder

KXXXX AJ 1S 2NT

AKXXX QXX 3H 3S

AX KQXX 4H Pass

X JXXX

Responder is allowed to prefer Spades with a strong doubleton rather than rebid 3NT with weak Clubs or Diamonds. Responder does not know whether opener’s Hearts are four or five pieces. However, when opener rebids the Hearts, showing five, responder accepts the 4-Heart contract with responder’s 2-3 Spade-Heart holding.

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29. In a similar vein, holding a 5-4 Major suit distribution, having possible partnership game values, do not insist upon your 5-card suit even after a preference. Partner already knows you have 5 Spades, and should he/she have only 2 Spades, 2NT or 3NT are better contracts.

Ex: Opener (You) Responder Opener Responder

KQXXX AJ 1S 1NT

AXXX QXX 2H 2S

AK KXXX 2NT 3NT

JX XXXX

After hearing 2H, responder returns to a 5-2 fit rather than to accept a possible 4-3 Heart fit, initially believing opener to have a minimum 13 HCP hand. Opener knows, absent an initial support of Spades, that responder does not have 3 Spades, and ,thus, with a better than a minimum hand, opener corrects to 2NT. Now knowing there is game, Responder continues to 3NT.

30. Now that you are getting the hang of this, consider this. Holding a 5-4-3-1 distribution, and assuming you to be strong enough, consider the possibility of bidding in order you 5-card, 4-card, and then even your 3-card suit. What fun!

Ex: Opener (You) Responder Opener Responder

AQXXX KX 1S 1NT

AJX XXXXX 2D 2S

AKXX XX 3H 4H

X AJXX

By first rebidding 2D, opener denies having 4 Hearts (see Tip # 27). By next rebidding Hearts at the 3-level, you complete the picture of your hand; i.e., a maximum 17-18 HCP and a 5-3-4 holding. Partner gets the message, raises to 4H and you are in the right contract.

31. Bidding twice opposite a silent partner shows extra values (15-17 HCP minimum). Bidding three times opposite a silent partner shows a hand in the 18-20 HCP range. Bidding four times opposite a silent partner hints strongly of a death wish.

31A. The normal procedure for bidding a 6-4 distribution is 6,4,6.

Ex: KQXX AX X KQXXXX - (Open 1C, over partner’s probable 1D or 1H,

Rebid 1S with intent to bid Clubs once

more at the next opportunity, unless, of

course, partner supports your Spades.)

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 4

RESPONDER’S REBID - TIPS 32-43

32. Return preference to a Major suit after an initial 1NT response usually shows a doubleton.

Ex: South (You) North (Partner)

1H 1NT

2D 2H (Showing a doubleton)

33. If a 1-level responder wishes to sign-off thereby showing a weak hand (6-9 HCP’s), the weak bids to evidence this are, pass, rebidding responder’s original suit, returning to opener’s original suit at the cheapest level, or 1NT.

Ex: South (You) North (Partner)

1D 1H

1S ? ?

(a) XX KQXXXX JX QXX (Rebid 2H showing a 6-card suit, or at

the very least a strong 5-carder.)

(b) XX KXXXX XX QJXX (Rebid 1NT. Do not even think of

rebidding those lousy Hearts.)

(d) QXX KJXXX X XXXX (Pass)

34. One level responding hands in the 11-12 HCP range are expected to make invitational rebids after opener makes a minimum rebid. These invitational rebids include: 2NT or at the 3-level and suit that has already been bid.

Opener Responder

(a) 1D 1H

1S 2NT (11-12 HCP’s, not forcing)

(b) 1D 1H

1S 3H (10-12 HCP’s, a 6-card suit, not forcing)

1S 3D (11-12 support points, invitational)

(d) 1D 1H

1S 3S (11-12 support points, invitational)

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35. After a one-level response. Holding game-going values, rebid game if a major suit fit has been uncovered, game in an independent Major suit, or 3NT. Do not bid 2NT with such a hand since, as in # 34 above, 2NT would be invitational and not forcing.

Ex: South (You) North (Partner)

1D 1H

1S ? ?

(a) XX AKJXXXX KX XX (Rebid 4H; 3H is not forcing)

(b) AQXX AQXXX XX XX (Rebid 4S; 3S is not forcing)

36. When a one-level responder wants to be in game, but does not know which game, a new suit should be bid in order to continue to force the bidding. If this new suit is the fourth suit, the bid may be completely artificial, and usually evidences a 5-card first-bid suit. FOURTH-SUIT FORCING BIDS ARE ALERTABLE.

Ex: AX AKJXX JXXX XX North (Partner) South (You)

1D 1H

1S “2C”

After partner’s 1S bid, you are sure that game is likely, although you are uncertain whether this hand belongs in Hearts, Diamonds, or even NT. “2C” is fourth-suit, alertable, and forcing. It enables responder to find out more about opener’s hand. Partner will now support Hearts with 3-pieces, will bid NT with a Club stopper, or will return to Diamonds holding 5 pieces. (Note: a 3-level jump to 3D or 3H by responder would not have been forcing (Tip #34).

37. After fourth suit, any subsequent rebid by the responder at the 3-level is game forcing, and any subsequent rebid at the 2-level is invitational.

Opener Responder Opener Responder

1D 1H 1D 1H

1S “2C” 1S “2C”

2NT 3C/D/H/S (Forcing) 2D 2H/S/NT (Invitational)

38. Raising a second suit promises 4-card support.

Opener Responder If opener does not have four Clubs he/she

1H 1S better have a pretty good reason to not; like:

2C 3C “Sorry partner, I had one of my Spades mixed

up in my Clubs!”

39. A direct response of 2NT (following a Major suit opening ) not only shows 13-15 HCP’s, but specifically denies a singleton, as opposed to a 2NT rebid, which evidences 11-12 HCP’s and does not deny a singleton.

Ex: (a) KQX KX AXXX QXXX North (Partner) South (You)

1H 2NT

(13-15 HCP’S & denying a singleton)

(b) KQX KXXXX X KXXX North (Partner) South (You)

1D 1H

1S 2NT

(11-12 HCP’S & a possible, not guaranteed, singleton)

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40. A direct response (following a Major suit opening ) of 3NT shows 16-17 HCP’s and specifically denies a singleton. A rebid of 3NT shows 13-15 HCP’s, but does not deny a singleton.

Ex: (a) KX AQXX KQX QXXX North (Partner) South (You)

1S 3NT

(16-17 HCP’S & denying a singleton)

(b) KQX KQXXX X KJXX North (Partner) South (You)

1D 1H

1S 3NT

(13-15 HCP’S & a possible, not guaranteed, singleton)

40A. A direct response of 2NT or 3NT following a Minor suit opening by partner evidences 11-12

HCP’s in the first instance, and 13-15 HCP’s in the second instance with a tendency to deny a 4-

card Heart or Spade suit in both instances.

Ex: (a) QXX QXX KQX QXXX North (Partner) South (You)

1C 3NT

(11-12 HCP’S, denying a singleton and 4-cards in either Major)

(b) QXX KQX KQX QXXX North (Partner) South (You)

1D 3NT

(13-15 HCP’S, denying a singleton and 4-cards in either Major)

41. Responding in a lower ranking suit and then rebidding a higher ranking suit: (1), shows a 6-5 distribution, and (2), is forcing (new suit by responder).

Ex: (a) AJXXX AKXXXX X X North South(You)

1D ? (Respond 1H planning to then bid

and rebid Spades.)

42. Do not bid a new suit at the 2-level with fewer than 11 HCP’s .

Ex: (a) XX AJXXX QXXXX X North (South(You)

1C 1H

1S ?? (Rebid 1NT, 2D would show 11+)

(b) AX AJXXX QXXXX X North (South(You)

1C 1H

1S ?? (Rebid 2D, at least 11 HCP’s, and

is forcing as a new suit by responder.)

43. After partner rebids 1NT, a new lower ranking suit is not forcing.

Ex: XX AJXXX QXXXX X North (South(You)

1C 1H

1NT ?? Rebid 2D, (6-10 HCP’s, and the

only sequence wherein a new suit by responder is not-forcing)

Contrast this sequence with # 42.

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 5

THE JUMP SHIFT BY THE RESDPONDER - TIPS 44-48

44. Think of a Jump Shift by Responder as a Slam invitation. Having 19 or more HCP’s opposite an opening bid, Slam is probable, and it is up to the Responder to push towards that goal.

45. With Responder having 19 or more HCP’s opposite an opening bid, Slam is likely unless:

(1) The hand is misfitted.

(2) Two cashable Aces are missing; i.e., no voids are present nullifying a missing Ace.

(3) You have a worthless doubleton; i.e., two quick losers in one side suit.

(4) You are missing one Ace plus the King of Trumps.

(5) You have an 8-card Trump fit and are missing one Ace plus the Trump Queen.

(6) You have seen partner’s play before and must mentally subtract one trick.

46. A Jump Shift by Responder evidences 19 or more HCP’s plus one of the following types of hands:

(1) A one-suited hand with 6 or more cards in the suit. ( AQJXXX AX AQX KX )

( Partner opens 1H, Respond 2S, intending to rebid the suit.)

(2) A hand with 4 or more cards in partner’s suit. ( AKXX AQXXX KX KX )

( Partner opens 1S, Respond 3H, intending to return to Spades.)

(3) A balanced hand with a 5-card suit. ( AKJXX AX AJX KXX )

( Partner opens 1H, Respond 2S, intending to rebid No Trump.)

47. Do not jump shift with a 2- or a 3-suited hand ( unless one of the suits is partner’s ) regardless of the strength of the hand. By keeping the bidding space open you have the timing and the room to find the best spot in which to play; and the bidding will remain open simply by your continuing to force the by means of bidding a new suit until the denomination (suit or No Trump) of the final contract has been established.

Ex: (a) AKXX AQXX X AQXX ( Partner opens 1D, Respond 1H. You do not

have any of the three types of hands

partner will be expecting if you jump

shift. Discipline !!!)

(b) AKXX AKXXX AJX X (Partner opens 1C, Respond 1H. Patience !!!)

48. A Jump Shift can be made on a 4-card, yes even on a 3-card suit providing responder has strong support for opener’s first suit and manifests the responsibility of later taking control of the hand.

Ex: (a) AX X AKQX AQXXXX (Partner opens 1C, Jump to 2D. This hand

would otherwise be difficult to describe if

you begin by responding 1D.)

(b) AKX QJXXX AQX KX (Partner opens 1H, Jump to 2S.

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 6

WHEN PARTNER MAKES A JUMP SHIFT - TIPS 49-53

49. Regardless of the strength of your opening bid, it generally pays to make a minimum rebid allowing partner to describe his/her hand as to which of the three types of jump shift it be; i.e., a single suited 6-card or better hand, support for you, or a balanced hand.

You hold: AX XX KJX AQJXXX South(You) North (Partner)

1C 2H

?? (Although there is a certain Slam or

even a Grand Slam, bide your time

with a 3C rebid. Give as much room

as is possible for partner to

describe which of the three types of

jump shifts he/she holds.)

50. If you do Jump in your opening suit, it does not show extra values, it shows solidarity.

You hold: X AKQJXX QXX XXX South(You) North (Partner)

1H 2S

?? (Jump to 4H to show a solid suit.)

51. Do not rebid any suit that does not have an Ace or a King. Partner, by virtue of his/her jump shift, does not have a second suit (see Tip # 47). Partner is more interested in where your strength is located.

You hold: KXXXX AKX QXXX X South(You) North (Partner)

1S 3C

?? (Rebid 3H rather than 3D. Partner

cannot have 4 Hearts, so there is no

chance for a mix-up.)

52. Before leaping into 4NT (Blackwood) it pays for the partnership to set the Trump suit, if at all possible.

You hold: KJXX X AKXXX KXX South(You) North (Partner)

1D 2S

?? (Rebid 3S thereby setting the suit

before either player plunges into

Blackwood.)

53. Whichever partner takes control of the hand on the way to Slam, the controlling partner should NEVER utilize any Ace-asking Convention (Blackwood or Gerber) when holding a void and/or a worthless doubleton. To do so may result in the answers received from Gerber or Blackwood, worthless. Alternatively, cue-bidding should be used by the controlling partner, and even then, only after the Trump suit is set (See Tip # 52).

- 13 -

INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 7

WHEN YOU OVERCALL - TIPS 54-60

54. A reasonable minimum for a one-level overcall is a 5-card suit and at least 8 HCP’s. If you are timid and desire greater security as to the validity of your overcall; i.e., a self-imposed structured rigidity, then the suit with which you overcall should have a suit quality of 7 (One point for every card in the overcall suit + one point for every card 10 or above). In the following, 1D has been bid by the dealer, your RHO.

Ex: (a) XX AQXXX XXX QXX (Overcall 1 Heart)

(b) XX AXXXX QXX QJX (Pass)

55. A reasonable minimum for a two-level overcall is at least 10 HCP’s with a 5-card or longer suit. If the hand does not have at least one Ace or one King outside of the main suit, chances are you have a weak jump (pre-emptive) overcall instead. In the following, 1C has been bid by the dealer, your RHO.

Ex: (a) AX XX AQJXXX XXX (Overcall 1D) - An outside Ace is present.

(b) XX JXX AQJXXX QX (Overcall 2D) - no outside Ace or King.

56. Fourth seat overcalls frequently depend upon the strength of your RHO’s response when there

has been a previous opening bid by your LHO. If your RHO has made a two over one response,

BEWARE! The opponents are in a power auction scenario, and your bid should only be made with a

strong suit to help direct a lead from partner and/or to suggest a sacrifice. Forget points, you are

outgunned. The opponents figure to have at least 23 or more HCP’s between them.

West North East South (You)

1S P 2C ???

Ex: (a) KJX AQXXX AXX JX (Pass - Your suit is seedy, you have

losers galore, remember Spades were bid by

your LHO, and besides, partner figures to

have 2-3 HCP’s, at most.)

(b) X KQJXXX QXXX XX (Bid 2H - After a two over one start by

your opponents, a fourth seat overcall

should be thought of as a weak jump

overcall pointing towards a possible

sacrifice or else lead directing.)

57. Conversely, if responder makes a weak response. Particularly a single raise in opener’s suit, loosen up. Your overcall can be made, even at the 2-level, with as few as 9 HCP’s.

West North East South (You)

1H P 2H ???

Ex: AKQXX XX XXX XXX (If opener passes, partner can place the

opponents with 18-21 HCP’s at best, and will

know your strength within a point or two.)

- 14 -

58. A Jump Overcall of “2NT” is “unusual”, showing 5-5 or longer in the two lower-ranking suits. The range is anywhere from 6-11 HCP’s. With greater strength one could, alternatively, bid both suits (the higher ranking suit first); i.e., giving partner a choice.

Ex: (a) Your RHO opens with 1H/1S and you hold: X X AXXXX KXXXXX

(Overcall “2NT”, “Unusual” for the Minors (two lower-ranking unbid.)

(b) Your RHO opens with 1C and you hold: X KJXXX AJXXXX X

(Overcall “2NT”, “Unusual” for D/H (the two lower-ranking unbid.)

(Overcall 1H, intending to rebid Clubs later.)

59. A vulnerable two-level overcall should approximate an opening bid. A non-vulnerable two-level overcall need not be as strong. One Heart has been bid by the dealer, your RHO.

Ex: (a) AX XX KJXXXX QXX (Pass vulnerable, overcall 2D non-

vulnerable.)

(b) AX XX AQXXXX QXX (Overcall 2D at any vulnerability.)

60. Michael’s (either 2-way or 4-way) Cue-bid overcalls are used to describe a 5-5 or longer distribution with as suit specificity as follows:

1C “2C” = Hearts and Spades

1D “2D” = Hearts and Spades (2-way)

1H “2H” = Spades and an Unspecified Minor

1S “2S” = Hearts and an Unspecified Minor (4-way)

The conventional wisdom is that such cue-bid overcalls should be used with either very weak (0-10 HCP’s) or very strong (16 or more HCP’s) two-suiters. With an intermediate HCP range (11-15 HCP’s) it is recommended to bid both suits yourself, the higher ranking suit first.

Ex: (a) Your RHO opens with 1C and you hold: QXXXXX KXXXX X X

(Overcall “2C”, “Michael’s” for the Majors accepting partner’s choice

of the two without any further bidding by you (WEAK).)

(b) Your RHO opens with 1D and you hold: AKXXXX AKQXX X X

(Overcall “2D”, “Michael’s” for the Majors. After partner’s choice of

H/S, you would cue-bid Diamonds once more to evidence (VERY STRONG).)

(Overcall 1S with intent of rebidding 2H giving partner a choice of

H/S (INTERMEDIATE).)

- 15 -

INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 8

WHEN PARTNER OVERCALLS - TIPS 61-66

61. A single raise of partner’s overcall is equivalent to a single raise of an opening bid; i.e., 6-10 HCP’s and at least three pieces for partner’s (5-card) bid suit.

West North(Partner) East South (You)

1H 1S 2H ???

Ex: AXX XX KXXX XXXX (Raise partner by responding 2S.)(9 Losers)

62. Jump raises in partner’s overcall suit are preemptive. They promise at least 4 pieces of partner’s overcall suit with fewer points (3-5 HCP’S) than would otherwise have been evidenced by a simple raise as in Tip #61.

West North(Partner) East South (You)

1H 1S 2H ???

Ex: AXXX XX JXXX XXX (Jump-Raise partner by responding 3S.)(10 Losers)

AJXXX XX XXX XXX Do not make the sissy bid of 2S. Your team is

never going to buy the contract for 2S anyway,

and so you might as well attempt to pre-empt the

opponents, while, at the same time, informing

partner of the situation.)

63. With primary (4 Pieces) support for partner’s overcall suit and a hand too strong for a single raise, cue-bid the first bid suit of the opponents inviting partner to game. A CUE-BID IS THE ONLY FORCING BID THAT CAN BE MADE BY A RESPONDER TO AN OVERCALL. No other bid is forcing. A cue-bid, therefore, is a stronger raise in partner’s overcall suit than a simple raise would be.

West North(Partner) East South (You)

1D 1H 1S ???

Ex: X KJXX JXX AQXXX (Cue-bid “2D”,the first bid suit by the opponents,

evidencing 11-12 HCP’s (8 Losers) inviting

partner to game.)

- 16 -

64. If partner overcalls with a Major suit, do not change suits if you have support for that Major. A change to any other suit, Minor or Major, would evidence lack of support for partner’s suit and is not forcing.

West North(Partner) East South (You)

1C 1H 2C ???

Ex: (a) XX JXX AKXXX XXX (Bid 2H, 2D would deny support for Hearts.)

(b) AKXXX QXX XXX XX (Bid 2H, 2S would deny support for Hearts.)

65. If partner overcalls with a Minor suit, a change to a Major suit by partner does not deny support for the overcall suit. It does, however, guarantee at least a 5-card, or better, Major suit.

West North(Partner) East South (You)

1C 1D 2C ???

Ex: (a) XX AJXXX XXX KXX (Bid 2H, does not deny Diamond support.)

(b) AKXXX QXX X XXXX (Bid 2S)

66. Know your HCP ranges when it comes to bidding no trump in response to a 1-level overcall by partner. A 1NT response = 8-11 HCP’s; a 2NT response = 12-14 HCP’s;

and a 3NT response = 15-18 HCP’s. All, of course, evidence a stopper in the opener’s bid suit

as well as lack of primary support for partner’s overcall suit

West North(Partner) East South (You)

1C 1S Pass ???

Ex: (a) XX AQX JXXX KXXX (Bid 1NT.)

(b) XX AQX KXXX AXXX (Bid 2NT.) Is not forcing.

- 17 -

INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 9

WHEN PARTNER OPENS NT / STAYMAN OR JACOBY TRANSFERS / WHEN & HOW - TIPS 67-73

67. The STAYMAN CONVENTION is only used over partner’s NT opening when the responder

has one or two 4-card Majors and is seeking a 4-card match from opener. Stayman is never

used to seek a 3-card match for an existing 5-card suit.

Stayman & Jacoby Transfer Bids are not interchangeable

JACOBY TRANSFERS are used over partner’s NT opening under very different

circumstances. Such transfers are only used: (1), when responder is seeking 3-card support for

his/her 5-card Major suit; (2), when responder has 5 or more pieces of any suit, Major or Minor,

and is transferring into a suit for which he/she knows opener has no fewer than 2 pieces but is

desirous of having the stronger hand concealed and/or the lead coming into the stronger holding;

(3), when responder is desirous of escaping into a suit contract under circumstances in which

he/she feels that a NT contract is untenable; (4), assuming the partnership is playing 3-way

transfers, the responder may be seeking a Minor suit preference (“Minor Suit Stayman”) on the

way to a possible Slam in one of the Minors. Jacoby Transfers are never used to seek a 4-card

match for an existing 4-card suit.

68. There are times when partner opens 1NT, or even 2NT, and responder is not capable of

extricating the partnership from the a NT scenario. Never attempt to utilize either the Stayman

Convention or Jacoby Transfers if conditions are not favorable for their usage.

Ex. (a) XXXX QXX XXX JXXX (Partner opens 1NT, You must Pass)

69. The Stayman Convention must never be utilized seeking a 4-4 Major suit fit under conditions

when responder has too few HCP’s such that he/she cannot tolerate the worst case scenario

response from opener. Thus, assuming the partnership is playing a 15-17 HCP 1NT opening,

and unless under circumstances as seen below in Tip #70(a-f), responder must have no fewer

than 9 HCP’s to invoke the Stayman Convention.

Ex: (a) AXXX KX XXXX XXX (Over a 1NT opening bid by partner,

responder with this holding must pass and

not seek a 4-4 Spade fit with Stayman,

for if opener were to respond “2D”, or 2H

over “2C”, responder would have to rebid

2NT which would appear to opener as if it

were an invitation to 3NT which, if

accepted, would place the Contract in

game with no greater than a 24 HCP count

for the combined partnership.)

(b) XXX AQXX QXXXX X (Pass. If Stayman were to be used and

opener were to give a 2S response opposite

this holding, responder would have no

place to run. In addition, the hand has

too many points to needlessly run into a

Diamond contract in lieu of a potentially

better scoring NT contract.)

- 18 -

70. “DROP DEAD” SCENARIOS: There are some circumstances where responder has too few HCP’s to seek game or even to invite to game; but where responder may believe it advantageous to escape to a suit contract rather than remain in what responder believes to be an untenable NT contract for the partnership. The Stayman and Jacoby Transfer Conventions can both be utilized under the following circumstances for the purpose of pursuing a “drop dead” best suit alternative following a NT opening by partner.

(1) “Drop Dead” Stayman Scenarios with a 3-Suited S,H,D, Holding

Ex: (a) XXXX XXXX AXXX X (Bid “2C” with intent to pass “2D”, 2H, 2S.)

(b) JXXX QXXX XXXXX - (Again, Invoke Stayman and pass any

response.)

(d) AXXX XXXXX XXXX - (Again, Invoke Stayman and pass any

response.)

(2) “Drop Dead” Stayman Scenarios with either a 5-4 or 4-5 in the Majors

Ex. (e) KXXXX XXXX XX XX (Bid “2C”. If partner bids 2H or 2S you

will pass, if opener responds “2D” you will

bid 2S and play in, worst case scenario, a

5-2 fit.)

(f) XXXX KXXXX XX XX (Bid “2C”. If partner bids 2H or 2S you

will pass, if opener responds “2D” you will

bid 2H and play in, worst case scenario, a

5-2 fit.)

Note: In examples (e) and (f), when a 4-card and a 5-card Major are both

present, the Stayman Convention takes precedence over Jacoby transfers

so as not to miss a possible 4-4 fit.

(3) “Drop Dead” Jacoby Transfer Scenarios Holding a 5-Card or Longer Suit

Ex. (g) XXXXX XXX XX XXX (Bid “2H” transferring to Spades.)

(h) XXX JXXXXX XX XX (Bid “2D” transferring to Hearts.)

(i) XX X KXXXX JXXXX (Bid “2S”, “Minor Suit Stayman”, requiring

opener to choose his/her best Minor.)

(4) “Drop Dead” Specialized Scenario Holding 5-5 or Better In The Majors

Ex. (j) XXXXX XXXXX XX X (Bid “3H”. This tells partner to either

pass or correct to 3S dependent upon

opener’s better Major suit holding.)

(5) “Drop Dead” Exit Into Clubs or Diamonds

Ex. (k) XX XXX XX QXXXXX (Bid “2S”. Partner will bid 3C showing

a Club preference which responder may

then Pass; else opener will bid “2NT”

showing a Diamond preference and

responder may then correct to 3C.)

Note: When playing Stayman and Jacoby Transfer bids, there is no way to play in a final 2C or 2D contract. The 3-level is the earliest escape into a Minor.

- 19 -

71. INVITATIONAL SCENARIOS: There are circumstances in which responder has enough

HCP’s (9-10) such that he/she wishes to explore for a 4-4 or a 5-3 Major suit fit while at the same

time, inviting to game. The Stayman and Jacoby Transfer Conventions can both be utilized

under the following circumstances for the purpose of pursuing a possible Major suit fit following

a NT opening by partner while, simultaneously inviting to game.

(1) Invitational Stayman Scenarios

Ex: (a) KXXX AXX QJX XXX (Bid “2C”. If opener bids “2D” or 2H you

can rebid 2NT allowing opener to pass with

a minimum 15 and to go to 3NT holding a

maximum of 16-17 HCP’s. If opener

responds 2S, responder can invite to game

by bidding 3S, wherein opener passes with

15 HCP’s or continues to 4S with 16-17

HCP’s.)

(b) XX AXXX AXXX QXX (Bid “2C”. If opener bids “2D” or 2S you

can rebid 2NT allowing opener to pass with

a minimum 15 and to go to 3NT holding a

maximum of 16-17 HCP’s.) If opener

responds 2H, responder can invite to game

by bidding 3H, wherein opener passes with

15 HCP’s or continues to 4H with 16-17

HCP’s.)

(2) Invitational Jacoby Transfer Scenarios

Ex: (c) KXXXX AXX QXX XX (Bid “2H” and rebid 2NT after opener

responds 2S. Opener will either pass 2NT,

or else correct to 3S, 3NT, or 4S.)

(d) XX AXXXX KXX KXX (Bid “2D” and rebid 2NT after opener

responds 2H. Opener will either pass 2NT,

or else correct to 3H, 3NT, or 4H.)

(e) AX QXX KXXXX XXX (Bid 2NT. Note: Never use Jacoby Transfers in

an invitational 9-10 HCP scenario when

holding a 5-card or longer Minor Suit,

rather invite with 2NT directly.)

(3) Invitational Bids Seeking 3NT When Holding a 6-card or Better Minor Suit

Containing Two of the Three Top Honors

Ex: (f) XX JXX XX AQXXXX (Bid “3C” evidencing a 6-card or better Club

suit headed by two of the top three honors

and fewer HCP’s than would normally be

necessary for a 3NT contract. Partner either

passes or alternatively if holding the

missing honor and stoppers in the other three

suits bids a gambling 3NT response.)

(g) X XX KQXXXXX XXX (Bid “3D”. Opener either passes or as in (a)

above, corrects to a gambling 3NT.)

- 20 -

72. GAME-FORCING AUCTION SCENARIOS: There are circumstances in which responder has 11 HCP’s or more and will therefore force to game no matter whether opener has even as few as 15 HCP’s. The Stayman and Jacoby Transfer Conventions can be utilized under the following conditions in order to seek a preferred Suit contract in lieu of NT.

(1) Game-Forcing Stayman Auctions

Holding One 4-Card Major Suit

Ex. (a) AXXX XX AXX KXXX (Bid “2C”. If opener responds 2S you can

go to 4S. If opener responds 2H you can

go to 3NT and opener can correct to 4S

holding four Spades knowing responder has

four Spades else he/she would not have

invoked Stayman. If opener responds “2D”

you can go to 3NT.)

(b) XX AXXX KX KQXXX (Bid “2C”. If opener responds 2H you can

go to 4H. If opener responds “2D” or 2S you

can go directly to 3NT.)

Holding Two 4-Card Major Suits

you can go to 4H or 4S respectively. If

opener responds “2D’ you can bid 3NT.)

Holding One 5-Card, and One 4-Card Major Suit

(d) AXXXX KXXX AX XX (Bid “2C”. If opener responds “2D” you can

go to 3S evidencing four Hearts and five

Spades, demanding partner continue to 4S

DO NOT USE JACOBY holding three Spades, else 3NT with only two

Spades. If opener responds either 2H or 2S

you can continue to 4H or 4S respectively.)

(e) AXXX AQXXX XXX A (Bid “2C”. If opener responds “2D” you can

go to 3H evidencing four Spades and five

Hearts, forcing partner to continue to 4H

DO NOT USE JACOBY holding three Hearts, else 3NT with only two

Hearts. If opener responds either 2H or 2S

you can continue to 4H or 4S respectively.)

Holding One 6-Card or Better, and One 4-Card Major Suit

(f) QXXXXX AXXX AQ X (Bid “2C”. If partner bids 2H or 2S you can

go to 4H or 4S respectively. If partner

DO NOT USE JACOBY bids “2D” you can go to 4S knowing opener

holds no fewer than two Spades.)

(g) AXXX AQXXXX X JX (Bid “2C”. If partner bids 2H or 2S you can

go to 4H or 4S respectively. If partner

DO NOT USE JACOBY bids “2D” you can go to 4H knowing opener

holds no fewer than two Hearts.)

- 21 -

(2) Game-Forcing Jacoby Transfer “Check-Back Stayman” Scenarios

Holding One 5-Card Major Suit

Ex. (h) AXXXX XX AKX XXX (Bid “2H”. After partner responds 2S,

rebid 3NT (“Check-Back Stayman”) asking

opener to correct to 3NT holding only

two Spades.)

(i) XXX AKXXX AX XXX (Bid “2D”. After partner responds 2H,

rebid 3NT (“Check-Back Stayman”) asking

opener to correct to 3NT holding only

two Hearts.)

(3) Game-Forcing Jacoby Transfer Scenarios

Holding One 6-Card or Longer Major Suit

Ex. (j) AKXXXX XX AXX XX (Bid “2H”. After partner bids 2S you can

continue to 4S making the stronger hand

the concealed declarer.)

(k) AX XXXXXX AQ QXX (Bid “2D”. After opener bids 2H you can

continue to 4H.)

(4) Game-Forcing Specialized Scenario Holding 5-5 or Better In The Majors

Ex. (l) XXXXX XXXXX XX X (Bid “3S”. This tells partner to bid

either 4H or 4S dependent upon which

Major suit he/she prefers, else 3NT if

holding an unlikely 2-2 in the Majors.)

73. MINOR SUIT SLAM There are very infrequent but possible times when responder, opposite a 1NT or 2NT opening from partner, wishes to seek which Minor suit Opener prefers before proceeding to a Small Slam or a Grand Slam one of the Minors. Jacoby “2S” Minor Suit Stayman is excellent for determining which is the better Minor for the Slam attempt.

Ex. (a) AK X AXXXX AKXXX (Bid “2S” requesting partner’s Minor suit

preference. Partner will show equal or

longer Clubs by bidding “3C” or longer

Diamonds by responding “2NT”. Responder

may then proceed with either Blackwood,

Gerber, or Cue-bidding in a Slam attempt.

- 21A -

SERIES 1

In the following first grouping of test exercises, you are Responder with your partner having opened 1 NT. Your holdings are as follows: Remember, as responder you are the Captain since you know more about partner’s hand than partner knows about yours. Ask yourself whether you are in a passing, a salvaging- “drop-dead”, an invitational, or a game-forcing scenario. Then ask yourself what additional information, if any, you need to have from partner so as to best place the hand in the proper level and denomination; i.e., what piece or pieces of the puzzle need you determine so as to effectively Captain your team, and what are the pertinent questions you need to ask? Remember that The Stayman Convention is utilized when you have four pieces and are looking for a matching four; Jacoby Transfers are utilized to effect a transfer or to attempt to find three pieces to match your holding of five.

a. AXXX KXX XXX AXX

b. XXXXX QXXX X XXX

c. XX XXX AQXXXX XX

d. KJXX AXXXXX KX X

e. QJ10 XX KQXXX Q10X

f. AJX KX XX KQJXXX

g. AKXXXX KX XXXX X

h. XX KXXXX XXXX XX

i. KXXXX AJXX XX AX

j. XX X KXXXX XXXXX

k. XXX AXXX KXXX XX

l. KQXXX AXXXX AX X

m. AXXX XXXX XXXX X

n. XXXX XXXX X XXXX

o. KQXX X AJXX AJXX

p. QX XX XX XXXXXXX

q. JXXXX XX XXXX XX

r. X KX AJXXX AQXXX

s. AQXX KJXX KX QXX

- 21B -

SERIES 2

In the following grouping of test exercises you are the opening 1NT bidder faced with the following sequence of bids from your responding partner. What information is responder seeking and what should be your reply, and why? Is partner in a “drop-dead”, invitational, or game-forcing scenario?

a. AXX AXX AJXX KXX (1NT P “3C” P)

b. AQX KJXX XX AJXX (1NT P “3D” P)

???

c. QJX KXXX AKXX AX (1NT P “2C” P

2H P 3H P

???

d. KJXX QJXX AQX AX (1NT P “2C” P

2H P 3NT P

???

e. XX AKX QJX AXXXX (1NT P “2H” P

???

f. AXX XX KQJX KQJX (1NT P “2C” P

“2D” P 3S P

???

g. AXX AXX AX QJXXXX (1NT P “2C” P

“2D” P 2NT P

???

h. AQX QX KQX KXXXX (1NT P “2C” P

“2D” P 3H P

???

i. AX KXXX KQXX AXX (1NT P “2S” P

???

j. AXXX AXX AQ QXXX (1NT P “3C” P

???

k. AQX QX AQX QJXXX (1NT P “2H” P

2S P 4H P

???

l. QJX KQX AXX AXXX (1NT P “2C” P

“2D” P 2H P

???

m. KX AXX AXXX AJXX (1NT P “2H” P

2S P 3NT P

???

n. KXX AX AXXX KJXX (1NT P “2D” P

2H P 2NT P

???

o. AQXX KXX KQX KXX (1NT P “2H” P

???

- 21C -

SERIES 1 - (Answers)

a. Bid 3NT. (Game-Forcing) - In this hand you have enough HCP’s which when

added to partner’s 15-17 will, almost always, produce game.

Your hand is balanced with little ruffing necessity and so

rather than give the opponents possible valuable defensive

information your intent is to abandon the attempt to find a

Spade fit which is statistically likely to fail in almost 60%

of the time anyway.

b. Bid “2C”. (“Drop-Dead” scenario) - You realize that 1NT is a likely

disaster for partner with the near bust hand you hold. The 5-4

Major suit holding, however, allows you to bid “2C”. If

partner bids a hoped-for 2H or 2S, you plan to pass. If

opener bids “2D” denying a 4-card Major, you will bid a

“drop-dead” 2S planning to play the hand in a Spade contract

with no fewer than a combined total 7 or 8 trumps.

c. Bid “3D”. (Invitational) - This is an invitational bid looking towards a

3NT contract if partner has the missing honor for your 6-card

Minor suit which you have stated houses 2 of the top 3 honors.

Alternatively, absent this missing honor, opener is expected to

pass your “3D” invitation independent as to whether he/she

holds 2, 3 or 4 of your suit; 15, 16, or 17 HCP’s.

d. Bid “2C”. (Game-forcing) - With a 4-6 or 6-4 in the Majors, use Stayman

and if partner denies a 4-card Major, you can go to 4 of your

6-card Major suit, confident both that you have enough combined

HCP’s for game and that opener can have no fewer than 2 of your

6-card Major owing to the original 1NT balanced declaration.

e. Bid 3NT. (Game-forcing) - Live a bit on the edge! You have an otherwise

invitational hand . However, it holds a 5-card suit, as well

as several 10’s. (Disregard the 5-card Minor suit with respect

to seeking a possible alternative Diamond contract.)

f. Bid 3NT. (Game-forcing) - Your hand has enough HCP’s to force to game.

Additionally, you are strong enough so as to disregard the

6-card Club suit which with the combined HCP count between

opener and yourself can surely offer more scoring potential in

NT at 40 and 30 points per trick than the 20 points per trick

should you have alternatively decided upon a Club contract.

g. Bid “2H”. (Game-forcing) - Following this transfer to Spades your intent

is to go directly to 4S. Opener can have no fewer than 2

Spades for his/her original 1NT opening bid and you desire to

maintain concealment of the stronger hand by allowing the 1NT

hand to remain hidden as Declarer.

h. Bid “2D”. (“Drop-Dead Scenario”) - Your intent is to pass opener’s

compliant 2H bid in this drop-dead rescue scenario.)

i. Bid “2C”. (Game-forcing) - You have enough HCP’s so as to ultimately head

towards a game contract. Because your hand is unbalanced,

however, you would like to find either a Heart or Spade Golden

fit so as to increase your hand’s potential via its ruffing

value. With a 5-4 Major suit distribution, you first bid

Stayman. If partner responds 2H or 2S you continue to the 4-

level. If partner bids “2D” denying any 4-card Major, you

still need to determine if partner holds a 3-card Spade

holding. Your next bid of 3S forces opener to either continue

to 4S holding a 3-card Spade suit, else to exit with a 3NT bid.

- 21D -

j. Bid “2S”. (“Drop-dead” rescue scenario) - “Minor Suit Stayman” requesting

opener to select a Minor suit preference by bidding “3C” if

his/her Clubs are equal of longer than Diamonds, else “2NT if

his/her Diamonds are longer. If opener bids “3C’ you will

pass, if opener bids “2NT” preferring Diamonds, you will bid

“3D” and opener will pass.

k. Pass. (You cannot use Stayman here looking for a matching 4-card Heart

suit because you do not have enough HCP’s to tolerate and

respond to a likely 2S response from opener. As much as you

would like to rescue opener, you have no guarantee as to

finding that which you would like, and so you must Pass.)

l. Bid”2H”. (Game-forcing) - You surely have enough HCP’s to force to game

but you need to know which Major opener prefers. Because

a NT opener can have no more than one doubleton, opener surely

has at least one 3- or 4-card Major suit. You, therefore,

first bid “2H” transferring into the higher Major. Following

partner’s 2S bid you then rebid 4H. Opener now knows you have

two 5-card Majors and either passes 4H or corrects to 4S.

m. Bid “2C”. (“Drop-dead” scenario) - Responder’s intent is to pass any of

the only three possible answers from opener; “2D”, 2H or 2S.

Surely this has got to be a welcomed rescue from an almost

certain disaster should the hand have been played in 1NT.

n. Pass. (You would surely be pleased if opener holds one or two 4-card

Majors, but have no come-back (too few points) to a potential

“2D” response from opener should he/she have no 4-card Major.

Smile, Pass, and wish your partner the best of luck!)

o. “2C”. (Game-forcing) - Knowing that game is assured and Slam unlikely,

Responder need only investigate for a possible Spade fit.

Should opener respond 2S, responder can bid 4S. If opener

responds 2H, having two 4-card Majors, opener will correct to

4S after responder bids 3NT. If opener bids “2D” showing no 4-

card Major, responder will bid a sign-off at 3NT.

p. “2S”. (“Drop-dead scenario) - Headed for a hoped-for salvage of 3C,

responder bids “2S”, “Minor suit Stayman” requesting what

opener believes to be a request for an answer as to which Minor

suit opener prefers. Irrespective of the answer, however, if

opener bids “3C” (Clubs equal or longer), responder passes; if

opener bids “2NT”(Diamonds are longer), responder corrects to

3C and opener passes.

q. “2H”. (“Drop-dead scenario) - With responder holding so few points,

and desirous of winding up in 2S as a constructive alternative

to 1NT, responder transfers to Spades and then passes.)

r. “2S”. (Slam) - Desirous of seeking opener’s Minor suit preference on

the way to a probable 6C or 6D contract responder invokes

“Minor suit Stayman”. Over opener’s “2NT” (Diamond preference)

or “3C” (Club preference) response, responder may then bid “4C”

(Gerber) investigating a probable Minor suit Slam.

s. 3NT. (Game-forcing) - Anytime responder has enough HCP’s to total no

fewer than 29 HCP’s (30 in this instance) the combined holding

is almost always likely to produce as many potential tricks in

No Trump as in Hearts or Spades, and so responder does not even