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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 10

THE OVERCALLER’S REBIDS - TIPS 74-77

74. Once partner has changed suits, in effect having ostensibly denying support for your overcalled suit, do not rebid your suit unless you have a strong 6-card suit.

East South (You) West North (Partner)

1H 1S Pass 2D

Pass ??

Ex. (a) AKXXX XXX X KXXX (Pass. Partner has few Spades and you do

not have Diamonds. Partner’s 2D is not

forcing. Quit while you are behind!!)

(b) AQJXXX XXX X AXX (Bid 2S.)

75. Overcaller’s rebid of opener’s Minor suit, subsequent to the responder to the overcall having bid No Trump, is natural and not forcing.

East South (You) West North (Partner)

1C 1H Pass 1NT

Pass ??

Ex. (a) X AQXXX XX AQJXX (Bid 2C to show a Heart-Club 2-Suiter.)

76. Overcaller’s rebid of opener’s Minor suit, subsequent to the responder to the overcall having passed, is natural and not forcing.

East South (You) West North (Partner)

1D 1H Dbl. Pass

1S ??

Ex. (a) X AQXXX AQJXX XX (Bid 2D to show a Heart-Diamond 2-Suiter.

The level is cheap and your Diamond suit

is good enough.)

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77. Be prepared for a possible cue-bid by partner. Assume that partner has a strong raise for your overcall suit (typically, at least 11-13 Support points), and wants to know more about your hand so as to best tell the final bidding destination.

(a) A rebid of your overcall suit evidences a simple overcall (8-11 HCP’s).

(b) A jump-rebid of your overcall suit evidences an invitational overcall (12-13 HCP’s).

(c) A bid of 2NT is invitational (12-14 HCP’s) with strength in opener’s suit.

(d) A jump into game shows a strong overcall of 15-17 HCP’s.

(e) A cue-bid following partner’s cue-bid is game force, slam invitational.

(f) A bid of a new suit is forcing but not necessarily better than a simple overcall.

East South (You) West North (Partner)

1D 1S Pass 2D

Pass ??

Ex. (a) AQXXX XX KXX XXX (Rebid 2S, showing a minimum overcall of 8-

11 HCP’s.)

(b) AQXXXX XX KX KXX (Rebid 3S, showing an invitational better-

than-minimum overcall of 12-13 HCP’s.)

strength in opener’s suit.)

(d) AKXXXX XX AQX QX (Jump to 4S, 15-16 HCP’s.)

(e) AKJXXX X AKXX AX (Bid 3D, a cue-bid evidencing a game force

with Slam possibilities. Pursuit of a

possible Slam is now up to overcaller’s

partner.)

(f) AQXXX XX XX AJXX (Bid 3C, then Pass if partner bids 3S.)

AJXXX KQXX XX XX (Bid 2H, then Pass if partner bids 2S.)

AJXXX KQXX AX XX (Bid 2H, then continue over partner’s 2S.)

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 11

THE TAKE-OUT DOUBLE - WHEN TO USE & WHEN NOT TO USE - TIPS 78-86

78. Under usual circumstances, a Direct Take-out Double over an opening bid of one of a suit by one’s RHO requires a HCP count equivalent to an opening bid; i.e., approximately 13 HCP’s. (Remember, a Take-out Double over a Major suit Bid by one’s opponent guarantees a 4-card suit of the alternate Major suit, a Take-out Double over a Minor suit bid by one’s opponent guarantees 4-card support for both Majors (or at least tolerance of 3 pieces for one and 4 for the other.) The ideal distribution for a Take-out Double in direct position is a 4-4-4-1 or a 5-4-4-0 with the singleton, or void, being in the suit opened by your RHO. Under such circumstances, one may double with as few as 11 HCP’s

Ex. (a) AXXX AXX KX KXXX (Over 1D by RHO, Double. {Tolerance for H})

(b) AXXX KXXX AXXX X (Over 1C by RHO, Double. {Both Majors})

(d) AXXXX AXXX QJXX - (Over 1C by RHO, Double.)

79. In balancing position, the requirements are even further diminished. One would need as few as 8-10 HCP’s in order to make a Balancing Take-out Double (“Re-Opening Double”). It closely resembles a Take-out Double in second position, virtually no upper limit, but with only moderate strength should usually exhibit shortage in the opponent’s bid suit at at least 3-card support for each of the un-bid suits.

Ex. (a) West North East South

1D Pass Pass ??

In such situations, the Spade suit (Similar to the principle involved with the Rule of 15 in the Pass-out

seat for a potential opener) is particularly significant. Possession of Spades favors a balancing action;

lack of Spades counts against it. In more general terms, a shortage in an unbid suit, especially a Major

suit, mitigates against balancing, and a shortage in the opponent’s suit favors it

Ex. (b) X JXXX AQXX QXXX (If the bidding had gone 1S,P,P a

balancing double would be automatic.

Against a bidding of 1D,P,P, one should

pass.)

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80. Seldom bid a Take-out Double with a small doubleton in an unbid Major. It is too risky unless you have 19+ HCP’s.

Ex. West North

1C ?

(a) XX AQXX AQXX QXX (Pass. Bid aggressively later.)

(b) AQX KQXX JXX XXX (Double. Standard Holding.)

1NT showing 18-19 HCP’s.)

81. A Take-out Double followed by a NT rebid is stronger than overcalling 1NT directly.

Ex. West North East South

(a) 1C Double Pass 1D

Pass 1 NT (18-20 HCP’s)

(b) 1C 1 NT (15-17 HCP’s)

82. A Take-out Double followed by a suit rebid is stronger than overcalling the suit directly, and should show a 2-suited hand; i.e., the remaining two other than opener’s and responder’s.

Ex. West North East South

(a) 1D 1S (8 or More HCP’s)

(b) 1D Double Pass 1H

2D Pass (13-15 HCP’s)

2D 2S (16+ HCP’s and S & C.)

83. After making an overcall, you can still make a Take-out Double providing the opponents find a fit and partner has not yet bid.

Ex. (a) AKXXX AJX XX KXX

North East South West

1D 1S 2D Pass

Pass Double (Strong enough to overcall

Spades and then to Double. This

evidences 13-16 HCP’s, shortness in

the opponent’s suit, and at least

3-cards in the two unbid suits.)

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84. With 8 or 9 winners in your own hand, plus a stopper in the opener’s suit, overcall 3NT. There is no need to use the Take-out Double. Do not worry about HCP’s; this bid shows tricks, not points.

Ex. K KX AKQXXXX AXX East South(You)

1H 3 NT

( Are you chicken or what? Overcall 3NT. If necessary, hide your

singleton K Spades in with your Clubs if it eases your nerves.)

85. With 8 or 9 winners in your hand, but without a stopper in the MAJOR suit bid by the opponent to your right (RHO), make a jump cuebid. (A new toy!!!) It asks partner to bid 3NT with a stopper in the opponent’s Major; otherwise to bid the next higher suit and you will place the contract. Such a bid is more descriptive in such a situation than is a Take-out Double.

Ex. AX XX KX AKQJXXX

North East(You) South West(Partner)

(a) 1H “3H” Pass “3NT” (Shows a H Stopper)

(b) 1H “3H” Pass “3S” (Denies a stopper)

Pass “4C”

86. A direct jump bid in the opponent’s MINOR suit is natural. It shows a 7-card suit with less than opening values. In such situations, no not use the Take-out Double.

Ex. AX X XXX KQJXXXX

North East(You) South

1C 3C(Natural)

(This bid may snow the opponents. They may not have agreed between

themselves that a Double by South, in this instance, would be

negative for a Take-out Double. SHHHHH!!!! Don’t tell them!)

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 12

RESPONDING TO A TAKE-OUT DOUBLE - TIPS 87-95

87. When a suit response is considered, never count points for your Jacks and Queen’s in the opponent’s bid suit.

Ex. 1H Dbl. Pass ??? XXXX QXX AXX XXX (Point Count = 4)

88. When a suit response is considered, add one point for any 5-card suit and three points for any 6-card suit.

Ex. 1S Dbl. Pass ??? XX AX KQXXXX XXX (Point Count = 12)

89. When responding in a suit, make a non-jump response with 0-8 HCP’s, a jump response with 9-11 HCP’s, and a cue-bid or game response with 12 or more HCP’s.

North East South West (You)

1H Dbl. Pass ???

(a) AJXXX XXX KX XXX (Respond 2S (Invitational and Non-Forcing)

Count one extra point for the 5-card Spade

suit, thus you have 9 points.)

(b) AKXX XXX KXX XXX (Respond 2S - With 9-11 points you must jump

the bidding, even with a 4-card suit.)

after adding three for the 6-card Club suit.)

(d) AJXXX QXX QXX XX (Respond 1S - Do not jump, you have only an

equivalent of 8 Points, Six in Spades [one

extra for the 5-card suit], two in Diamonds,

do not count any for the Queen of Hearts, if

the Queen of Hearts were to have been in

Clubs, you would count 10 points and would

have bid 2S.)

(e) AXX XX AJXX KXXX (Respond 2H, You are too strong to make a jump

response. It suggests game but denies four

Spades else you would have jumped to 4S.)

90. With a hand too weak to cue-bid or jump, with a 4-card Major and a 5-card Minor respond in the Major; with a 4-card Major and a 6-card Minor, respond in the Minor.

North East South West (You)

1H Dbl. Pass ???

(a) KXXX XX QXXXX XX (Respond 1S)

(b) KXXX XX QXXXXX X (Respond 2D, you will bid Spades later if

afforded the opportunity.)

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91. You do not need stoppers in all of the unbid suits to bid No Trump. You do need at least one stopper, preferably two, in the opponent’s suit. Bid 1NT with 7-9 HCP’s, 2NT with 10-12 HCP’s, and 3NT with 13-16 HCP’s.

North East South West (You)

1S Dbl. Pass ???

(a) KQJX XXX JXX XXX (Respond 1NT.)

(b) KXXX XXX XX XXXX (respond 2C, you need 7-9 even with a stopper

in the opponent’s suit.)

(d) AQXX KX QXXX XXX (Respond 2NT.)

92. When holding the option to either cue-bid or to jump in NT, your strength in the opponent’s suit should be your deciding factor.

North East South West (You)

1S Dbl. Pass ???

(a) AQJ XXXX KJX JXX (Respond 2NT, you have a double stopper in the

opponent’s suit along with your 12 HCP’s.)

(b) AXX AXXX QXXX QX (Cue-bid 2S, you can support Hearts or go to

NT later, based upon doubler’s response to

your cue-bid.)

93. After making a minimum response to partner’s take-out double showing 0-8 HCP’s, the responder may bid once more opposite a silent partner, but only with 6-8 HCP’s and either a 5-card suit, a strong 4-card suit, or a second suit as well.

North East South West (You)

1H Dbl. Pass 1S

2H Pass Pass ???

(a) KQJX XXX JXXX XX (Respond 2S, partner must have Spade support

for having previously made the take-out

double.)

(b) KXXX XXX JXXX XX (Pass, you only have 5 HCP’s.)

Spade suit is too weak and contains only four

pieces.)

(d) KXXX XX KXXXX QX (Respond 2S, you have both the necessary

points and a second 5-card suit.)

(e) XXXXX KXX KXX QX (Respond 2S, you have the points and a 5-card

suit as well.)

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94. If you must respond in a 3-card suit, respond in the cheaper 3-card suit, not the strongest.

North East South West (You)

1D Dbl. Pass ???

(a) QXX XXX XXXXX JX (Respond 1H, audibly!! - You must bid

something. Your Diamonds are not strong

enough to consider passing and thereby

converting the take-out to penalties, A NT

response would have required 7-9 HCP’s and at

least one stopper in Diamonds, and you cannot

pass.)

95. Never pass a low level take-out double because of weakness. The only excuse to pass is length and strength in the opponent’s suit. You need either five cards headed by three of the top four honors, or six cards headed by at least two of the top four honors. With only five pieces, and without three of the top four honors, the intermediaries must be exceptional.

North East South West (You)

1H Dbl. Pass ???

(a) X AJ10XXX XX JXXX (Pass, you have six pieces and at least two of

the top five honors.)

(b) XX KQ1098 XX QXXX (Pass, your intermediaries are excellent.)

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 13

THE REBIDS BY THE TAKE-OUT DOUBLER - TIPS 96-101

96. Once you make a take-out double with merely minimum values (7-8 Losers), do not bid again unless partner makes a forcing bid or bids two suits requesting a preference.

Example: East South (You) West North

1D Dbl. Pass 2H

Pass ?

AXXX KJX XX AJXX (Pass, 2H is not forcing)

97. After a 1NT response from partner, a new suit is not forcing, a jump is invitational, and to force one must cue-bid and then bid a new suit.

Example: East South (You) West North

1C Dbl. Pass 1NT

Pass ?

(a) AXXX KXXX KJXXX - (Bid 2D, Not Forcing)

(b) AJXX AXX KQJXXX - (Bid 3D, Invitational)

a force.)

98. If you raise partners forced response to your take-out double, it shows primary support (4-pieces) and 16-18 HCP’s (6-Losers); .i.e., more than minimum vales to the original take-out and is invitational. The same 16-18 HCP’s are shown by the bid of a new suit.

Example: East South (You) West North

1D Dbl. Pass 1S

Pass ?

(a) AKXX QXX AX KJXX (Raise partner to 2S, you have more than

a minimum)

(b) AJX AKXXX X AXXX (Bid 2H, mildly invitational)

99. A jump raise of partner’s forced response to your take-out double evidences 19-21 support points (5-Losers) as well as primary support for responder’s bid suit. The same 19-21 is evidenced by a jump-shift into your own 5-card suit.

Example: East South (You) West North

1H Dbl. Pass 1S

Pass ?

(a) AKXX X AQX KXXXX (Jump Raise to 3S, Highly Invitational)

(b) AQX KQX X AKJXXX (Bid 3C, Highly Invitational)

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100. After any jump-response from partner, including 2NT, a new suit is forcing.

Example: East South (You) West North

(a) 1D Dbl. Pass 2H

Pass 2S Pass ?? (In Both cases, South’s

last bid is forcing)

East South (You) West North

(b) 1D Dbl. Pass 2NT

Pass 3H Pass ???

101. Doubling the same suit twice, or even three times, does not alter the original take-out meaning

of the double. Even though you might sound as if you were a broken record, each successive

double below game level evidences more and more strength. A second double shows 16-18

HCP’s, and a third double shows 18-20 HCP’s. Only after the second or third double takes

place at the game level, is it to be construed as a penalty double and not for take-out.

Example: You Hold: AQXX X AQXX AKJX

East South (You) West North

1H Dbl. 2H Pass

Pass Dbl. 3H Pass

Pass ??? (Double again.)

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 14

OPENER’S REVERSE - TIPS 102-108

102. An opener who bids two suits, forcing a three-level preference to the first suit, has reversed. (This occurs when the second suit is higher ranking than the first). The same greater than minimum opening count is evidenced with a 3-level new suit rebid by opener over a 2-level new suit response by opener’s partner. Both evidence a 16-18 HCP count; i.e., more than a minimum.

Examples: Opener Responder

(a) 1D 1S

(b) 1S 2H

103. A reverse after a one-level response can be passed if the responder has fewer than 10 HCP’s.

Example: Opener Responder

XXX (Responder should

1C 1H (6 HCP’s) AXXX Pass on his/her

2D ?? XXXX Rebid)

104. A reverse by opener following a 2-level response by responder is game forcing. Opener has

shown 16-18 HCP’s and responder at least 11 HCP’s.

Example: Opener Responder

1D 2C

105. Most reverses evidence five cards in the first suit and four in the second. Some reverses

evidence six cards in the first suit and four in the second. Reverses with a 4-4 distribution are

rare. Never “invert” a reverse with a 5-5 distribution, rather, open the bidding with the higher-

ranking suit.

Examples: (a) AKXX AQJXX KXX X (Open 1H, Rebid 2S)

(b) AX AXXX AKQXXX X (Open 1D, Rebid 2H, Then 3D)

106. Do not confuse an up-the-ladder rebid by opener at the 1-level as being a reverse, it is not.

Up- the-ladder rebids by the opening bidder at the 1-level are not reverses.

Example: Opener Responder

1C 1H

1S (Not a reverse)

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107. After a 2-level response from responder, opener may reverse with as few as 15HCP’s.

Example: South (You) West North East

1D Pass 2C Pass

(a) XX KQXX AKJXX XX (Rebid 2D, not strong enough for reversing)

(b) XX KQXX AQXXX AX (Rebid 2H, a reverse, game forcing)

108. In competition, if partner’s suit outranks opener’s first bid suit, a seeming reverse may be made

with as few as a minimum opening bid.

Examples: (a) South (You) West North East

1D 2C 2H Pass

(b) 1H 2C 2D Pass

(a) Partner’s response at the 2-level outranked opener’s Diamond opening

bid. This made it impossible for opener to rebid his/her original

suit at the 2-level. When this happens, opener’s mention of a

higher ranking suit is not considered a reverse and can be made with

as few as a minimum opening count.

(b) Partner’s 2-level response was in a lower ranking suit. Had opener

wished to do so, he/she could have rebid his/her original suit at

the 2-level had he/she held a minimum opening count. The 2S here

is, therefore, a reverse.

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 15

WHEN PARTNER REVERSES - TIPS 109-113

Opener’s Reverse Quiz: Which of the following examples are true reverses by opener and which are not. What is the HCP value range exhibited by each example?

North (Opener) South (Responder)

Examples: 1) A Reverse (16-18 HCP’s) 1C 1H

2) A Simple Showing of a 1D 1S

Second Suit By Opener 2C

(13-15 HCP’s)

3) A Reverse (16-18 HCP’s) 1H 1NT

4) A Rebid By Opener Forced 1H 2C

To The 2-Level By Virtue 2S

Of Responder’s Response

(13-18 HCP’s)

5) A “Reverse-Like” Super 1H 2D

Opening Count (15-18 HCP’s) 3C

109. With hands in the range of 5-7 HCP’s the ways of stopping short are either to pass opener’s

reverse, rebid responder’s suit (showing at least 5 pieces), or to rebid 2NT.

Examples: North South (You)

1C 1S

2D ??

(a) KQXX XXX XXXX JX (Pass, Game is unlikely)

(b) KQXXX XXX XXX JX (Rebid 2S, not forcing)

110. As a corollary to #109, after a reverse by opener, any bid by responder other than a pass, a

rebid or responder’s suit, or a 2NT bid, is therefore, forcing to game.

Example: North South (You)

1C 1S

2D ??

(a) KQXX XXX KQXX JX (3D, Game forcing)

(b) KQXX AXX XXX JXX (3NT)

Heart stopper)

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111. Remember, opener has shown 16-18 HCP’s. With 8+ HCP’s, insist upon game, with an opening

bid, invite to Slam, and with a greater than opening bid, bid Slam if a fit is found.

112. A jump raise of opener’s second suit shows, not only support, but is a Slam attempt. Remember,

had responder simply raised opener’s second suit, it would have been game forcing.

Examples: North South (You)

1D 1S

2H ??

(a) AXXXX KQXX XX KX (Bid 4H, emphasizing a Slam attempt.)

(b) AXXXX QXXX XX KX (Bid 3H, game forcing.)

113. A return to partner’s first suit is a forward-going game-forcing bid. Remember it does not fit any

of the three non-game forcing bids as set forth in #109 above.

Example: North South (You)

1D 1S

2H ??

AJXXX JX AXX XXX (Bid 3D, Game-forcing, if partner has 3

Spades, responder will hear about them soon

enough.)

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 16

BALCKWOOD CONVENTION REVISITED - TIPS 114-118

114. A 4NT bid subsequent to an opening 1NT bid by partner, is not Blackwood. It is a quantitative

bid asking opener to pass with a minimum 15 HCP’s and to proceed to 6NT with a maximum opening

of 16-17 HCP’s. Also remember, few 33 HCP partnerships can make 6NT without the presence of at

least one partner holding a 5-card or longer suit.

Example: North (Partner) South (You)

1NT ???

AQXX AX KXXXX AX (Bid 4NT seeking 16-17 HCP’s from partner to

complement your 17 HCP’s to insure a 6NT contract.)

115. In most slam auctions, the stronger hand bids Blackwood. The weaker hand responds and tells;

the stronger hand provokes and asks. REREAD, REREAD, REREAD THIS ONE!!!

116. Do not use Blackwood prematurely when you have two or more losers or a worthless doubleton

in any unbid suit.

Example: North (Partner) South (You)

1C 1S

3S ??

KQXXX QXX AKQX X (Cue-bid “4D”. Do not bid 4NT .. yet. You have two

quick losers in Hearts. You need some sort of

heart cue-bid from opener before you can legitimately proceed to 4NT.)

117. Never use Blackwood with void. Example: North (You) South (Partner)

“2C” “2D”

2S 3S

AKQXXX - KQX AKQX (Cue-bid “4C”, hoping for a “4D” cue-bid from

partner. Rushing into 4NT is poor bidding. Suppose responder does have one Ace< how does that information assist you if you have no certainty whether it be the Heart or the Diamond Ace? Absent partners cue-bid of “4D” you can proceed to 6S, finding partner’s Ace of Diamonds, you can proceed to 7S.)

118. Do not ask partner for Kings unless you have all four Aces between the two hands. Partner is

allowed to jump to seven in response to 5NT believing all four Aces are held by the partnership.

North (Partner) South (You) KXXXX X AQJX KXX (Bid 6S. Do not

1H 1S seek Kings with a

3S 4NT 5NT inquiry. You are

“5H” ?? missing an Ace.)

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 17

WHEN PARTNER INVOKES BLACKWOOD - TIPS 119-127

119. Respond “5C” with either no Aces or all four Aces. If partner is not able to tell the

difference from your previous bidding and that which he/she holds, either you can’t bid or

partner can’t play. Since nine times out of ten, the stronger hand usually is the one invoking

Blackwood, the “5C” is usually no Aces.

120. Do not count a void as an Ace.

121. With one Ace (or three) plus a void (not a void in partner’s first bid suit) jump to six of the void

suit - if the void suit is lower ranking than the trump suit. If the void is higher ranking than the

trump suit, jump to six of the trump suit.

Example: North (Partner) South (You)

1H 4H

4NT ??

(a) JXXXX AJXXXX JXX - (Respond “6C” to show one Ace (or three)

with a Club void.)

(b) – AJXXX JXXXX JXX - (Respond “6H” to show one Ace (or three)

plus a higher-ranking void.

122. With zero or two Aces, plus a void, respond “5NT”. Remember, the void must not be in partner’s

first bid suit.

Example: North (Partner) South (You)

1S 2H

4NT ??

XXX AJXXXX -- AQXX (Respond “5NT” in order to evidence two Aces

with one void in other than the Spade suit.)

123. If partner cue-bids your void suit and then asks for Aces; do not show your void, disregard

same and simply show Aces only.

Example: South West North (You) East

1S 2H 2S 3H

“4H” Dbl. 4S Pass

4NT Pass ??

XXX -- AXXXX JXXXX (Respond “5D”. Disregard the void. Partner

has cue-bid the suit already showing first

round Heart control.)

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124. If the opponent’s interfere with partner’s Blackwood beneath the 5-level of your agree-upon

suit, use “DOP1” (like the dwarf) in order to show Aces.

“Double” = “0” Aces

“P”ass = “1” Ace

Next ranking suit = “2” Aces etc.

Example: South West North (You) East

1S Pass 3S 4C

4NT 5C ??

KXXX XX KJXX KQX (“Double” to show no Aces)

AQJX XX KJXX QXX (“Pass” to show 1 Ace)

AQXX XX AQXX JXX (Bid “5H” to show 2 Aces)

AXXX AX AXXX QXX (Bid “5S” to show 3 Aces)

125. If the opponents interfere with partner’s Blackwood above the five level of your agree-upon suit,

use “DEP0” (pronounced depot) in order to show Aces.

“Double” = An “E”ven Number of Aces (0,2,4)

“P”ass = An “0”dd Number of Aces (1)

Next ranking suit = 3 Aces

Example: South West North (You) East

1H Pass 3H 3S

4NT 4S ??

XX KQJX KJXX KXX (“Double” to show (0) an even number of Aces)

XX AKXX KJXX KXX (“Pass” to show (1) an odd number of Aces)

XX AQXX AQXX JXX (“Double” to show (2) an even number of Aces)

XX AQXX AXXX AXX (Bid “5C” to show (3) Aces)

126. If you can count 13 tricks, disregard partner’s request for Kings and bid “7NT”.

Example: South You) West North East

4H 4S 4NT Pass

“5C” Pass 5NT Pass

X KQXXXXXX KQX X (Bid 7NT. Partner must have all four Aces in

order to have bid “5NT” asking for Kings.)

127. If, after inquiring for Aces, partner bids a new (previously unbid) suit subsequent to your

response, bid 5NT. Do not worry, just do it. The hand is missing 2 Aces and partner desires to

exit into a 5NT contract.

Example: South North (You)

1H 3H

4NT “5D”

“5S” ??

Example: QX KQXX XX AJXXX (Bid 5NT, it is not for you to reason why?)

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 18

SLAM BIDDING TIPS - TIPS 128-133

128. When the opponents have bid one suit, a raise or leap by partner to the 5-level of the agree-upon

Major suit asks you to bid a Slam with either first or second round control of the opponent’s

bid suit.

Example: South (You) West North (Partner) East

1H 3S 5H Pass

XX KJXXXX -- AKJXX (Pass. You have neither first nor second

round control of Spades.)

129. Do not confuse the raise to the 5-level of the agreed upon suit with a competitive bid at the 5-

level.

Example: South West North East

(a) 1H 4S 5H Pass

5H, in this instance, is a non-jump raise which comes immediately

subsequent to a competitive bid by the RHO and is, therefore,

competitive in of itself, not an asking bid.

(b) 1H 2S 3D 3S

4H Pass 5H Pass

5H, in this instance, is a non-jump raise which comes immediately subsequent to a pass by the RHO, and, therefore, asks about Spades rather than being competitive.

130. When answering a 5-level asking bid, as in tip # 128, or # 129,

(a) Pass, lacking first or second round control in the ask suit.

(b) Bid 5NT with the guarded King.

(d) Cue-bid their suit holding the Ace in the ask suit.

131. If NoTrump has not been bid previously, a leap to “5NT”, The Grand Slam Force, asks a

specific question. Which honors do you have in the agree-upon suit (or last bid suit absent any

agreement).

(a) Bid 6 holding one (1) of the top two honors.

(b) Bid 7 holding two (2) of the top three honors.

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132. When Clubs is the agreed suit, 4NT is a risky Ace ask, since the answer might well take the

partnership beyond the safety level of 5C. A better idea is to use a jump to the 4-level of the

cheapest unbid suit to ask for Aces. Example:

Opener Responder Opener Responder

AKQXX J 1C 1H

X KQXXX 1S 3C

X XXX “4D” “4S”

KQXXXX AJXX 5C Pass

Note: Blackwood would have resulted in a disastrous response of “5D”

forcing an unmakeable 6C contract.

133. After an opening 1NT or 2NT bid, a leap to “4C” asks for Aces (Gerber). To ask for Kings, use

a subsequent “5C” bid. When the Gerber bidder bids 4NT after hearing a response to the

previous “4C” ace-asking bid, he/she is not making an “honesty check” by re-asking for Aces.

He/she is desirous of playing in 4NT - two Aces are obviously missing.

Example:

Opener Responder Opener Responder

QJX X 2NT “4C”

AKQJ XX “4H” 4NT

QXX AKJXXXX Pass

KQJ XX

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INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 19

WANT TO PRE-EMPT? - TIPS 134-142

134. Do not open the bidding with a beneath game preempt holding two Aces or one Ace and two

Kings. You have too much defensive strength.

135. Do not preempt in a Minor suit with a side 4-card Major suit holding.

Example: KQXX X X AXXXXXX (As dealer pass. If partner has already

passed, a preempt with such a holding

has better validity.)

136. Do not preempt in one Major suit while holding four cards in the other Major suit --- unless

your suit can easily play opposite a presumed hypothetical singleton.

Example: (a) AXXXXXX KXXX X X (Pass. Your long Major suit is not

independent and, in this instance,

preempting in Spades may cause an

inadvertent loss of a Heart fit.)

(b) KQJXXXX JXXX X X (Open 3S, or even 4S with favorable

vulnerability (Not-Vul. Vs. Vul.).

Your Spades are so strong that it

will not matter if you inadvertently

miss a Heart fit.

137. After you preempt, and partner bids either a new suit beneath the game level or “2NT”, you

cannot pass. Remember the acronym “RONF” (“Raise Only Non-Force”). Anything other

than a raise in your preempt suit is forcing. (See Intermediate-2, Lesson 3)

138. Position is important when considering a preempt bid. First and second seat preempts tend

to exhibit traditional values (Partner has not yet bid); third seat preempts can be somewhat

distorted and more flexible (Partner has already passed). The same principles apply to second

seat preemptive weak jump overcalls (Partner has not yet bid), verses fourth seat preemptive

jump overcalls (Partner has already passed). Fourth seat preempts are the next thing to

opening bids; with a weak hand in fourth seat, pass the hand out.

Example: X KXX KJXXXXX QX (Open 3D in first, second or third

seat; in fourth seat, pass.)

139. For structured disciplined preempts either guarantee two of the top three honors, satisfaction

of the Rule of 2-3-4 (See Intermediate-2, Lesson 14), or both. Within these limitation, preempt

as often as possible, it drives the opponents crazy.

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140. A response of 3NT to a 3-level preempt by partner ends the auction; partner has elected to

play at the game level in NT, it is not for the preempter to disapprove or opt for an alternative

contract.

Example: South (You) North You Hold: XXX QJXXXXX KJX ---

3H 3NT (Pass. It is no longer your problem.)

141. After you preempt, partner is in charge and takes any further sacrifices or chooses to force the

bidding further if it is perceived to be your hand and not the opponent’s. It is not your

prerogative, you are no longer in charge. If the preempter bids further without prompting

from partner, either his/her preempt bid was wrong, or his/her second un-invited furtherance is

wrong, or both. Reread this tip!!!! Reread this tip!!!!!!

Example: X KQJXXXX JXX XX South (You) West North East

3H 3S 4H 4S

(Pass. Even thinking about bidding 5H is too shameful to discuss in public. Your hand is known to partner, his/her hand is not to you. What about the vulnerability? Partner ostensibly is aware of that as well. Partner may be frothing at the mouth to double for penalties. Once again, Pass or else!!!)

142. When a preemptive bidder doubles an eventual contract (usually a Slam), it generally indicates

a side suit void and asks for an unusual lead other than his/her preemptive suit. The double

forbids the lead of the preempter’s suit and asks (No!! Begs!!) partner for a ruff.

Example: South (You) West North East

3S 4H Pass 4NT

Pass 5H Pass 6H

You Hold: AJXXXXX XXX --- JXX (Double, and pray!!!)