New Page 1

- 43 -

INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 20

WHEN THE OPPONENTS PREEMPT - TIPS 143-151

143. Preempts with very light hands are the rage these days. This is especially true of first seat 3-

level 6-card suits and third seat non-vulnerable preempts. Forewarned is forearmed. As a

result, be aggressive when considering bidding over a preemptive bid by the opponents. Do so

especially when holding a singleton or doubleton in their suit, even with as few as 12 HCP’s.

Assume partner holds between 4-8 HCP’s when considering your bid lest you be fearful of

bidding.

Examples: East South (You)

3H ??

(a) AJXX X KJXX KXXX (Double.)

(b) KXXX XX KQXX AKX (Double.)

three card support for the unbid Major.)

(d) AJX X AKXX KQXXX (Double. You hold 17 HCP’s, disregard the

fact that you hold only three Spades.)

144. A simple overcall over a preempt shows opening bid values. A jump overcall following a

preempt is even stronger. It evidences at least a 15+ HCP count.

Examples: East South (You)

3C ??

(a) AQXXXX AX QJX XX (Bid 3S.)

(b) AKJXXX X AQJX XX (Bid 4S.)

145. Never, never, never preempt over a preempt by the opponent.

Example: East South (You)

3C ??

KQXXXXX XX QX XX (Pass for the time being, if it be your side’s

hand, partner will balance.)

146. If your RHO opens 3C or 3D, a cuebid of “4C” or “4D” respectively is a takeout for the Majors

(Michael’s Cuebid). It exhibits a 5-5 or 6-5 distribution with a hand that you would

otherwise have opened.

Examples: East South (You)

3D ??

(a) KQXXX AJXXXX X X (Bid “4D”.)

(b) QJXXXX KXXXX X X (Pass, you will bid “4D” later if partner

doubles.)

- 44 -

147. If your RHO opens 3H, an overcall of 4H (Michael’s Cuebid) evidences a 5-5 or 6-5 distribution

holding both Spades and an unspecified Minor suit as well as opening bid values.

Example: East South (You)

3H ??

AJXXX X AKJXXX X (Bid “4H”, Partner will bid “4NT” to negate

Spades and to ask for your Minor as an

alternative choice of suits.)

148. A “double” of an opening 4H preempt is takeout oriented. The double must have at least three

Spades. An overcall of “4NT” is the “Unusual No Trump” bid asking for the Minors.

Examples: East South (You)

4H ??

(a) AX KQX AXXXX QXX (Pass, do not double, look at your Spades!)

(b) AXX X KQXX AKXXX (Double.)

149. A “double” of an opening 4S preempt is for penalties. A “4NT” bid is the takeout overcall for

this specific singular circumstance.

Examples: East South (You)

4S ??

(a) KX AQX KQXXX AXX Double for penalties.)

(b) X AKXX KJXX AQXX Bid “4NT”, a special takeout circumstance.)

150. When partner doubles a game preempt, pass with most balanced hands and remove with

distributional ones.

Examples: East South (You)

4H ??

(a) AXX XXX QJXX QXX (Pass, your hand is balanced and you have

defensive points.)

(b) AXX XXX QJXXXX X (Bid 5D, you have a distributional hand.)

151. An overcall of 3NT following a 3-level preempt has the range of 16-22 HCP’s.

Examples: East South (You)

3S ??

(a) AQ QXX AQJX QXXX (Bid 3NT.)

(b) AKJ AXX KQXX AJX (Bid 3NT. How can partner differentiate

the two, he/she cannot.)

- 45 -

INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 21

WHEN YOU ARE A PASSED HAND - TIPS 152-157

152. A new suit response to an opening bid is not forcing. Opener (3^rd or 4^th Position)

knows you had previously passed; that you, therefore, had fewer than 13 HCP’s; and

can, thusly, make an informed decision as to whether or not further bidding

exploration is required.

Example: East (You) West (Partner)

Pass 1S

2H ?? (With fewer than 14 HCP’s, West

can pass since game is unlikely.)

153. A jump-shift by a previously passed partner evidences an “almost-opening-bid” with

primary support for partner’s opening suit. It can be made with on any 4-card or

longer suit.

Example: South (You) North

Pass 1C

You Hold: (a) AKXXX XXX JXX XX (Bid 1S, a Jump to 2S would show

11-12 HCP’s)

(b) AKJX X XX KXXXXX (Bid 2S, evidencing 11-12 HCP’s.)

154. The same type of hand; i.e., an “almost-opening-bid” with primary support for

partner is evidenced when you, as a previously passed hand, make a cue-bid of

opener’s suit in response to partner’s overcall. It shows support for partner’s

overcall suit and primary support for partner’s suit as well.

Example: South (You) West North East

Pass 1H 2C Pass

You Hold: KQ10 XXX QXX A10XX (Bid “2H” to show an “almost-

opening-hand” with Club support.)

155. With a 4-4-4-1 or a 5-4-4-0 shape, a previously-passed hand should double for

take-out even with as few as 9 HCP’s, if the opponent’s suit is your singleton or void.

Example: South (You) West North East

Pass Pass Pass 1H

You Hold: (a) KJXX X KXXX KXXX (Double for Take-out.)

(b) KXXX - KXXXX QXX (Double for Take-out.)

enough.)

(d) KXX JXXX AXXX QX (Pass - You have 4 Cards in the

the opponent’s suit.)

- 46 -

156. A direct overcall, by a previously-passed hand, of “1NT” after a Major suit opening

by the opponent’s is “unusual” for the Minors. It is the same as a direct “2NT”

overcall by an non-passed hand.

You Hold: X X QJXXXX AQXXX

Example: South West(You) North East

(a) 1S ?? (Bid “2NT” - Unusual for the Minors. A

1NT bid would have been natural; i.e.,

15-17 HCP’s.)

(b) Pass Pass Pass

1S ??

(Bid “1NT” - Unusual for the Minors.)

Do not confuse (b) above with a 4^th-seat,”balancing” 1NT which evidences

a balanced hand with as few as 9-12 HCP’s done in desperation so as not to

allow the hand to be passed out with the opponents getting the contract

cheaply.

You Hold: AXX KJX QXXX QXX

Example: South West North East

(a) 1H P P ?? (Bid 1NT - Balancing, natural.

A Balancing “2NT” would have

been “Unusual” for the Minors.)

SUMMARY:

(a) Opening Bids: 1NT = Natural, 15-17 HCP’s

?? 2NT = Natural, 21-22 HCP’s

(b) Direct Overcalls: 1NT = Natural, 15-17 HCP’s

1B ?? “2NT”= “Unusual” (5-5)

1B P P ?? “2NT”= “Unusual”

(d) By a Previously-Passed Hand

in the Direct Position: “1NT”= “Unusual” for the Minors

P P P 1B 2NT = non-existent

???

(e) By a Previously-Passed Hand 1NT = Natural, 6-10 HCP’s

when partner has Opened. 2NT = Natural, 11-12 HCP’s,

P P 1B P balanced and

??? denies a singleton

(f) Following a weak 2-Bid by 2NT = Natural, 15-17 HCP’s

the opponents.

2B ???

- 47 -

157. After an intervening overcall over your partner’s opening bid, assuming you to be a

previously-passed hand, the cue-bid substitutes for a limit raise 11-12 HCP’s, the

simple raise is natural, and the jump raise becomes pre-emptive.

Example: South (You) West North East

Pass Pass 1H 2C

You Hold: (a) XX AQXX KJXX JXX (Bid “3C” - a cue-bid to show

a limit raise, 11-12 HCP’s in

support of Hearts.)

(b) XX AQXX XXXX JXX (Bid 2H, natural.)

(d) X XXX (Bid 3H - Pre-emptive.)

- 48 -

INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 22

AFTER PARTNER OPENS 1NT - TIPS 158-164

158. Do not use the Stayman Convention with a 4-3-3-3 or a 3-4-3-3 distribution. These

hands usually play better in No Trump due to the balanced nature of both partners.

Example: South (Partner) West North (You)

1NT Pass ??

You Hold: (a) KXXX AXX KXX QXX (Bid 3NT, not “2C”)

(b) AXX QJXX QXX XXX (Bid 2NT, not “2C”)

159. In order to invoke Stayman, (See exception: # 160 to follow) responder needs at least 8

HCP’s. If one fails to connect with the sought-after Major suit, and responder is

forced to retreat to 2NT, opener will take you for invitational strength and may launch

into 3NT with a 16-17 HCP count.

Example: South (Partner) West North (You)

1NT Pass ??

You Hold: (a) AXXX QXXX XX XXX (Pass, Responder is not strong

enough to launch into a Stayman

sequence. If opener,

hypothetically, responds “2D” to

a “2C” Stayman bid; then what?)

(b) AQXX KXXX XX XXX (Bid “2C”, If partner responds

“2D” rebid 2NT (Invitational)

without being ashamed of your

dummy hand.)

160. With a 3-suited hand short in Clubs, one can use Stayman even with as few as 0

HCP’s, for under these circumstances, responder is prepared to pass any response

opener makes, even “2D”.

Example: South (Partner) West North (You)

1NT Pass ??

You Hold: (a) QXXX JXXX XXXXX --- (Bid “2C”, then pass any

response opener offers.)

(b) QXXX -- XXXXX XXXX (Must Pass.)

- 49 -

161. If you are not using transfer responses to no trump opening bids, reconsider. It is

very important that the stronger hand becomes declarer so as (1) to conceal the

stronger hand, and (2) so that lead comes up toward, not through, the stronger hand.

Example: South (Partner) West North (You)

1NT Pass ??

You Hold: (a) XX QXXXX KXX XXX (Bid “2D”, then Pass openers 2H.)

(b) KQXXXX QXX AXX X (Bid “2H”, then 4S over opener’s 2S.)

inviting game.)

(d) AX AXXXX XX KXXX (Bid “2D”, then 3NT (check-back) over

opener’s 2H. Opener will pass

holding 2H, and correct to 4H

holding 3 or 4 Hearts.)

162. With game values, and a 6-4 or 4-6 Major suit holding, bid Stayman first looking for 4-

card support for responder’s 4-card suit. If no fit is found for the 4-card Major, jump

to game in the 6-card Major suit. Remember, opener must have at least two of the 6-card

Major.

Example: South (Partner) West North (You)

1NT Pass ??

You Hold: (a) AKXX AXXXXX XX X (Bid “2C”, Over opener’s “2D” bid 4H.

Over opener’s 2S bid 4S.)

163. With game values, and a 5-4 or 4-5 Major suit holding, bid Stayman first looking for

the 4-card support for responder’s 4-card suit. If no fit is found for the 4-card Major,

jump to 3 of the 5-card other Major. Opener must go the 3NT holding only two of the

second Major, or 4 of the second Major holding 3 or 4.

Example: South (Partner) West North (You)

1NT Pass ??

You Hold: (a) AKXX AXXXX XXX X (Bid “2C”, Over opener’s “2D” bid 3H.

Opener bids either 3NT or 4H.)

164. Do not run from a 1NT doubled with a balanced hand. Stick it out; fourth hand might

run. Only attempt to save opener holding a 5-card or longer suit.

Example: South (Partner) West North (You)

1NT Dbl. ??

You Hold: (a) JXXX XX XXXX JXX (Pass. You will not be playing the

hand, opener will.)

(b) JXXX XX XXXXX XX (Run to 2D, opener will bless you.)

-50 -

INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 23

WHEN YOU MAKE A NEGATIVE DOUBLE - TIPS 165-178

165. Only the Responder to an opening bid by partner can make a negative double, and it

must be at his/her first opportunity, made immediately subsequent to an intervening

overcall other than an overcall of 1NT.

Examples: South West North East

a) 1C 1H Dbl. (A negative double, evidencing support;

i.e.,4 pieces or at least tolerance for

Spades as well as Diamonds (Probably).)

b) 1D 1S Dbl. (A negative double, evidencing support,

or at least tolerance for Hearts as

well as Clubs. North is lacking either

the HCP’s to go to the 2-level, 5

pieces of Hearts, or both.)

c) 1H 1S Dbl. (A negative double, evidencing support,

for the Minors but lacking either the

necessary HCP’s, or length of suit, or

both in order to bid 2C or 2D.)

d) 1B 1NT Dbl. (A penalty double, not negative, since

it follows a 1NT overcall.)

e) 1H 1S Pass 2S

3H 3S Dbl. (Is for penalties. It is not a

negative double for it does not

come immediately subsequent to the

first overcall. It is a delayed

double, clearly for penalties.)

166. Bidding a negative Double followed by a follow-up rebid of a Minor suit evidences

6-pieces in addition to the 4-card implied Major.

You Hold: XXX AXXX KXXXXX –-

South West North East

1C 1S Dbl. P

2C Pass 2D

The 2D bid shows diamond length and a hand not strong enough to have responded 2D. It also evidences 4-Hearts. Think of a negative double followed by a suit as if partner were trying to put the brakes on the bidding.

- 51 -

167. Negative Doubles with four-card suits promise a minimum of 6 HCP’s, but are

unlimited in their maximum HCP value.

You Hold: XX AXXX AKXX QXX

South West North(You) East

1C 1S Dbl.

168. When both Minors have been bid at the one-level, a negative double promises four

cards in each of the unbid Majors or five Hearts and four Spades with 6-9 HCP’s.

South West North(You) East

1C 1D ???

You hold: a) AJXX KQXX XX AXX (Double. You have 4-cards in each

unbid Major suit.)

b) AJXX KXX XXX XXX (Bid 1S. Over 1C, 1D, you are allowed

to overcall with 1H or 1S with only

four pieces.)

c) AJXXX KQXX XX XX (Bid 1S. Do not bid a negative

double with a 5-card Spade suit at

the 1-level.)

d) AQXX XXXXX XX JX (Use the negative double. If you

respond 1H, you may lose a Spade fit

if the fourth hand bids.)

169. When both Minors have been mentioned at the two or three level, a negative double

shows either both unbid Majors, or 4-card support for one of the Majors plus primary

support for opener’s suit. Reread this tip!!

South West North(You) East

1D 2C ???

You hold: a) AQXX KXXX XX XXX (Double. A Perfect opportunity.)

b) JXXX XX AKXXX XX (Double. If partner bids Hearts,

return to Diamonds.)

c) QXXX XX XXXX AQX (Pass. You have no place to go if

partner bids 2H. A return to

partner’s Minor must show at least a

4-card support.)

170. When counting points in preparation for a negative double, do not include Jacks and

Queens in the opponent’s suit, unless you are intending to rebid NT, or are a

masochist.

South West North(You) East

1D 1S ???

You hold: a) QX KXXX JXX XXXX (Pass, your hand devoid of

consideration of the Spade Queen is

too weak to bid a negative double.)

b) QX AXXX KXX XXXX (Double, hand is strong enough.)

c) AQX QXXX XX QXXX (Double, You can rebid NT later if

opener does not bid Hearts.)

- 52 -

171. A 5-card Major suit can be shown at the 2-level by bidding the suit outright with 10+

HCP’s, and using the negative double with 7-9 HCP’s.

South West North(You) East

1D 1S ???

You hold: a) XX AKXXX KXX XXX (Bid 2H, you are just strong enough.)

b) XXX AQXXX QX XXX (Double and hope to bid Hearts at the 2-level, denying the strength for a direct 2H response.)

172. A negative double followed by a new suit is not forcing. In order to create a force,

cuebid.

South West North East

1C 1S Dbl. P

2C Pass ???

You Hold: a) XXX AXXX KXXXXX –- (Bid 2D, not forcing, shows a hand

too weak to have responded a

2D bid directly.)

b) AKJX KQXX XX XXX (Bid “3C” to create a force to

game.)

173. A negative double followed by a raise of partner’s second suit is not forcing.

South West North East

1C 1S Dbl. P

2H Pass ???

You Hold: a) AX AJXX KXXX XXX (Raise to 3H, invitational with 8-

losers.)

b) AX AJXX AKXX XXX (Raise to 4H. “The one who knows,

goes”.)

174. A negative double followed by a 2NT rebid is invitational showing 10-12 HCP’s.

South West North East

1C 1S Dbl. 2S

Pass Pass ???

You Hold: a) AJX QJXX AX XXXX (Bid 2NT, invitational)

b) AJX QJXX AQ XXXX (Bid 3NT, “He who knows, goes”.)

175. If, after you make a negative double, your LHO raises your RHO, and the bidding

comes back to you, a repeat double is for takeout, showing extra values (10+ HCP’s).

South West North East

1C 1S Dbl. 2S

Pass Pass ???

You Hold: a) AQXX XXX KJXX XX (Double again to show partner you

have extra values and it is your

side’s hand with the majority of the HCP’s.)

- 53 -

176. When most of your strength is in the opponent’s suit, avoid a negative double. It is

very misleading. Either bid NT or pass. Reread this tip!!

South West North East

1C 1S ???

You Hold: a) XXXX AQXX JX JXX (Respond 1NT, showing 8-10 HCP’s

with at least one stopper in the

opponent’s overcall suit.)

b) XXXX KQJX XX XXX (Pass. It would be fool hardy to

double with this hand, even though

you have four Spades. It would also

be a blunder to bid 1NT, your hand

is not strong enough. Patience is

a great virtue, even in bridge.)

177. If you pass a 1-level overcall and partner reopens with a take-out double, any bid you

make shows less than it would have shown in the direct-action position.

South West North East

1C 1H Pass Pass

Dbl. Pass ???

You Hold: a) XXX AJXX XXX XXX (Bid 1NT. Shows 5-7 HCP’s with a

stopper in the opponent’s overcall

suit.)

b) XXXX AJX XX XXX (Bid 1S, Shows 4-Spades with fewer

points than would have been

necessary to have invoked a

negative double previously.)

c) XX XXXXX XXX XXX (Toss a coin and bid 2C or 2D, your

hand has no stoppers in Hearts and

so you cannot bid 1NT.)

178. When playing negative doubles, you, of course, cannot make an immediate penalty

double; opener will not be capable of discerning the difference and must legitimately

construe your bid as a negative double. With a strong 5- or 6-card holding in the

opponent’s overcall suit, do not gasp, just pass in tempo in order to be ethical.

South West North East

1D 2C ???

You Hold: a) XXX QXX X AKXXX (Pass. Hopefully partner will

reopen the bidding with a take-out

double which you will pass

converting it to a penalty

situation. Notice you satisfy the

Rules of 10 & 12.)

- 54 -

INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 24

REBIDDING AFTER PARTNER MAKES A NEGATIVE DOUBLE - TIPS 179-186

179. After responder makes a negative double following a 1H overcall of a Minor suit

opening bid, opener should rebid as if the responding partner had responded 1 S on a

4-card suit with at least a 6 HCP count. Responder could, of course, have additional

values but, if he/she does, opener will assuredly hear from responder accordingly.

South (You) West North East

1C 1H Dbl. Pass

????

You Hold: a) AXXX KXX XX AJXX (Bid 1S, the weakest possible rebid

showing 12-14 support points; i.e., a

losing trick count of 7 or 8.)

b) AXXX XX XX AKQXX (Bid 2S, showing 15-18 support HCP’s;

i.e., a losing trick count of 6.)

c) AQXX XX AX AKXXX (Bid 4S, showing an equivalent 20

point hand in support of Spades;

i.e., a losing trick count of 5.)

d) XX AQX JXX AJXXX (Bid 1NT, showing a minimum 12-14

point count without Spade support.)

e) XXX AQX KXX AKQX (Bid 2NT, showing an 18-19 HCP hand

without Spade support.)

f) X AXX AKJX KQXXX (Bid 2D, a reverse.)

g) XX QX QXX AKQXXX (Bid 2C, the same as you would have

over a 1S response.)

180. After responder makes a negative double following a 1S overcall of a Minor suit

opening bid, opener should rebid as if the responding partner had responded 1H on a

4-card suit.

South (You) West North East

1D 1S Dbl. Pass

????

You Hold: a) KJX XX KQXXX AXX (Bid 1NT.)

b) KJX XX AKXXX AKX (Bid 2NT.)

c) XX XXXX AKXX AJX (Bid 2H. [8 Losers].)

d) XX AKXX AKXXX XX (Bid 3H, [6 Losers].)

e) AX AQXX AKXXX JX (Bid 4H, [5 Losers].)

f) X XX AKXXX AQXXX (Bid 2C, [No fit has yet been

ascertained].)

- 55 -

181. After responder makes a negative double following a 1D overcall, evidencing at least

four cards in each of the Majors (or at least four of one Major and tolerance [three of

the other Major suit], jump bids by the opener are invitational.

South (You) West North East

1C 1D Dbl. Pass

????

You Hold: a) AXXX XX XXX AKJX (Bid 1S, showing 12-14 HCP’s and a 7-8

loser minimum opening bid with Spade

support.)

b) X AQXX XXX AKXXX (Bid 2H, showing 15-16 HCP’s or its

equivalent; i.e., a 6 loser holding

in support of Hearts.)

c) AKQX XX XX AKJXX (Bid 4S, showing 19-20 support points;

i.e., a 5 loser holding in support of

Spades.)

182. After responder makes a negative double following a 2-level overcall, the meaning of

the opener’s rebids vary dramatically: 2NT shows a 14-16 HCP count; 3NT shows a

17-19 HCP count; Non-jump bids show minimums; jumps are invitational, and a cue-

bid is a game force. In this manner, Responder can then, more easily, become the captain

and placing the final contract.

South (You) West North East

1S 2D Dbl. Pass

????

You Hold: a) AQXXX XX KXX AXX (Rebid 2S, hand is not strong enough

to rebid 2NT.)

b) AQXXX XX AQX KXX (Rebid 2NT - Hand is ideal for such.)

c) AJXXX AXX QXX QX (Rebid 2H! You are not strong enough

to rebid 2NT, and it is safer to

rebid 2H, a suit partner must have,

rather than 2S, a suit partner

assuredly does not have.)

d) AKXXX AQXX XX XX (Rebid 3H, invitational showing a

better than minimum 6-loser opening

bid in support of Hearts.)

e) AKXXX AQXX XX AX (Rebid 4H, your hand is too strong to

simply invite to game, go for it!)

f) AKJXXXX X X KQXX (Rebid 4S, You are just too strong to

simply invite by bidding 3S, and you

have a suit quality of 10.)

g) AKJXX XX AKX QJX (Rebid 3NT.)

h) AKXXX AXX X AKXX (Rebid “3D”, a game forcing cue-bid.)

- 56 -

183. You should pass a 1- or 2-level negative double (converting it to penalties) if you have

both length (at least 5-cards) and good intermediates in the opponent’s overcall suit.

South (You) West North East

1H 2C Dbl. Pass

????

You Hold: a) AX KQXXX X KQXXX (Pass converting to penalties, you

should only be so lucky.)

b) AJ KQXXX XX AXXX (Bid 2NT, Your Clubs are not long

enough nor strong enough to pass.)

c) AXX AXXXX X KQJ10 (Pass, Even though you only have four

Clubs, suits with 100 honors are

usually treated as one card longer

than they actually are.)

184. The higher the level of the negative double, the less strength you need in the

opponent’s suit to reasonably pass thereby converting the double to penalties. With

a balanced hand and three cards in the opponent’s overcall suit, a 3-level negative

double can be passed. South (You) West North East

1S 3D Dbl. Pass

????

You Hold: a) AKXXX XX AXX K10X (Pass, Partner is presumably short in

Spades, making your hand attractive

defensively.)

b) AKXXX QJX XXX KX (Rebid 3H! Partner does not promise

5 Hearts but has at least four

pieces. It is too risky to pass,

your Diamond are not strong enough.

Your options are either 3H or 3S.

Nobody ever said playing negative

doubles was going to solve all

problems all of the time!)

185. BIG TIP !!! Assume you have opened the bidding, your left hand opponent overcalls,

and there are then two passes back to you. If you are short in the opponent’s suit (a

void, singleton, or a small doubleton), there is a good chance that partner may be

lurking over there with a penalty double but be unable to do so for, indeed, it will

have been construed as a negative double instead.

Ask yourself the following question: “If partner had made a penalty double of

this overcall, would I have passed?” If the answer is yes, reopen with a takeout double

which partner may well convert to penalties. If the answer is no, bid something else.

South (You) West North East

1D 1H Pass Pass

????

You Hold: a) AXXX X QJXX KQXX (Double. You would have passed a

penalty double by partner.)

b) KQX XX AXXX KQXX (Double, same reason.)

c) X X AQXXXX KQXXX (Rebid 2C! You would not have passed a

penalty double by partner.)

- 57 -

186. In a similar vein, assume you open the bidding, your LHO overcalls, and again there

are two successive passes back to you. Unlike Tip # 185, you have length, not

shortness, in overcaller’s suit (three or more pieces or possible even a strong

doubleton). It is, therefore safe to assume that partner was unlikely to have wanted a

penalty double, and is, therefore, very weak (less than 6 HCP’s).

In order to reopen the bidding with length in the opponent’s suit, you must

have extra values, either high card or distributional, else you must pass.

South (You) West North East

1D 1H Pass Pass

????

You Hold: a) AXX QJX AKXXX XX (Pass, nothing held by you) plus

nothing (held by partner) equals

nothing.)

b) AXXX QJXX AKJX X (Pass, partner was not able to make a

negative double or support your

Diamonds, so where are you going –

Nowhere!! - Just Pass!!!)

c) KQXX AXX AKJXXX - (Rebid 1S, You cannot give up on this

hand, you are too strong.)

d) AXX QJX AKXX AJX (Rebid 1NT. A reopening bid on 1NT

evidences a stronger hand than would

have been evidenced by an original

1NT opening bid; i.e., namely, 18-19

HCP’s.)

- 58 -

INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 25

WHEN YOU DOUBLE AN OPPONENT’S BID - TIPS 187-194

187. A Double of an Artificial bid is usually to invite the lead of that suit by partner. (The

most common circumstances are as in (a) Subsequent to a Jacoby transfer bid and (b)

subsequent to a response to Blackwood or Gerber Conventions, (c) subsequent to a

Stayman “2C” bid. Other circumstances include cue-bids, Splinter bids, Drury and Fourth

Suit Forcing Bids.)

You(East) Hold: XXX AKJ10X KX XX

South West North East

(a) 1NT P “2H” Dbl.

(b) 1S P 3S P

“4NT” P “5H” Dbl.

You(East) Hold: XX AXX XX KJ10XXX

South West North East

188. Conversely to #187, failure to double a Blackwood response, warns partner should

he/she be on lead, that you have no interest in that suit being led.

You(East) Hold: XX JXXX XXXX KQJ

South West North East

1H P 3H P

“4NT” P “5C” ??? (Seize the opportunity to double.

This will insure a Club lead against an

eventual Spade contract. Passing 5C in

this situation is a bridge blunder.)

189. Do not double an artificial bid if you are likely to be on lead unless you suffer from

amnesia.

You(West) Hold: XX KQJX XXX XXXX

South West North East

1S P 3S P

“4C” P “4D” P

“4H” ??? (Do not double for a Heart

lead, you will be on lead and

can lead Hearts yourself.)

- 59 -

190. After you double a low-level artificial bid and then later bid a new suit, you show a

2-suited hand requesting partner to take a choice.

You(East) Hold: X AJXXX XX KQJXX

South West North East

1NT P “2H” Dbl.

2S P P 3C (The double shows long Hearts, and the

Club bid shows long Clubs. Voila, you

have shown your hand exactly.

191. The double of the opponent’s final contract of 3NT asks for a specific lead depending

upon the bidding to that point. It is important to learn the various leads to each of

several particular circumstances, for if the doubler does not intend for the specific

message that such a double implies, then the would-be-doubler must not double in

the first place; i.e., wanting a different lead than the implied, the would-be-doubler

must then refrain from doubling hoping that by chance his/her wishes will be

otherwise fulfilled and that the contract will be set absent a penalty double. Such

doubles vary as to their significance varying upon the bidding leading to the final NT

contract.

A. If no suits have been bid by either team, partner’s double of 3NT announces the possession of some solid suit, usually a Major.

You(South) hold: QXXX XX QXXXX XX

East South(You) West North

1NT Pass 3NT Dbl. (Partner has a solid suit.

Pass Pass Pass It cannot be Spades or

Diamonds, so it must be

Hearts or Clubs. With a blind choice between a Major and

a Minor, lead the Major. In this hypothetical example,

lead Hearts.)

B. When neither you nor your partner have bid, but multiple suits have been bid

by the opponents, lead dummy’s first bid suit.

You(South) hold: XX QXXX QJXXX XX

East South(You) West North

1H Pass 1S Pass

1NT Pass 2NT Pass

3NT Pass Pass Dbl. (Do not try to be a genius,

this is a “no brainer”,

lead Spades as requested by partner.)

- 60 -

C. If you have not overcalled, and partner has overcalled, lead doubler’s suit.

You(South) hold: JXXX X XX QJ10XXX

East South(You) West North

1S Pass 2D 2H

2NT Pass 3NT Dbl. (Lead your singleton Heart.

The lead of the otherwise

normal Queen of Clubs would be a slap in partner’s face.)

D. If you have overcalled at the 1-level and doubler passes throughout; later doubling the opponent’s 3NT contract:

(1) If the doubler had the chance but failed to exercise the opportunity to

support your overcall suit at the 2-level, the double requests a diversion

from the normal lead of the overcall suit and, instead, requests the lead of

dummy’s first bid suit.

East South(You) West North

1C 1H 1S Pass

1NT Pass 2NT Pass

3NT Pass Pass Dbl. (Requests a Spade lead and

not that of the overcall suit.)

(2) If the doubler had no opportunity to support your suit at the two level,

then the double requests you lead your overcall suit.

East South(You) West North

1C 1H 3C Pass

3NT Pass Pass Dbl. (Requests the lead of the

overcall suit since the doubler

had no opportunity to support

your overcall suit at the 2-level.)

E. If partner opens a Heart or a Spade and later doubles a 3NT contract, lead an unbid Minor suit! Here’s why: the normal lead is to lead partner’s Major suit. If partner feels the hand will be defeated with the normal lead, partner passes thereby encouraging the normal would-be lead. The double is to divert you from the normal lead. Partner has a two-suiter and wants you to find the second suit.

You(South) hold: XX JXXXX XX QXXX

North East South(You) West

1S 1NT Pass 3NT

Dbl. Pass Pass Pass (Partner wants a minor suit.

From your hand it looks as

if Partner wants the Diamond suit led.)

- 61 -

F. If partner opens a Club or a Diamond and later doubles a 3NT contract, the

converse is true. There is a strong presumption to assume that partner’s Minor

suit opening is either short and/or weak after the opponents get to a 3NT

contract. The double here reassures you that it is not. Lead partner’s Minor.

North East South(You) West

1C Dbl. Pass 2H

Pass 2NT Pass 3NT

Dbl. Pass Pass Pass (Lead a Club, any Club.)

G. If everybody bid, consider suicide or relocation of your abode. Then lead

dummy’s first bid suit if it was bid at the 1-level, if dummy’s first bid suit was at

the 2-level, then lead partner’s suit.

East South(You) West North

1C 1H 1S 2D

2NT Pass 3NT Dbl.

Pass Pass Pass (Partner wants a Spade Lead)

East South(You) West North

1H 1S 2C 2D

2NT Pass 3NT Dbl.

Pass Pass Pass (Partner wants a Diamond Lead)

192. The double of a voluntarily bid suit slam, as opposed to a sacrifice, is similar to a

double of 3NT; it asks for an unusual lead. If partner thinks the normal lead will

defeat the slam, partner simply does not double. The two most common reasons to

double a slam are:

A. The presence of a void, particularly after a preempt.

You(South) hold: XX XX XXXXXX QJ10

North East South(You) West

4H 4S Pass 4NT

Pass 5H Pass 6S

Dbl. Pass Pass Pass (Partner probably has a

Diamond Void. Lead a

Diamond. Those who guessed a Club Queen should re-read this tip.)

B. When a void seems remote, another possibility is that partner has an AK or AQ in

dummy’s first bid suit. It is important to work out which of either A. or B. is the

more likely, if you do not, you most likely will never hear the end of it.

- 62 -

193. Trying to figure out which suit to lead versus a doubled slam is akin to trying to

figure out who the killer is in a movie mystery. In the movies it is the butler; at the

bridge table it is usually the last suit you would have thought about leading.

194. The double of a No-Trump slam asks for the lead of dummy’s first bid suit. If you

desire another lead to set the contract do not double.

- 63 -

INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 26

CUE-BIDS - TIPS 195-203

195. Cuebids come in all shapes and sizes, denominations and bidding levels. They can:

a) Show a Control For Slam Purposes

b) Show a Two-Suited Hand (Michaels)

c) Show a Strong Raise (Limit Raise or Better)

d) Create a Force to Game or For One More Round

e) Ask For a Stopper

f) Show a Stopper

g) Create a Long-Suit or Short-Suit Game Try

196. After a Major Suit Agreement at the 3-level or higher, new suits are slam-oriented

cuebids showing a control (Ace or void) in the bid suit.

Examples: Opener Responder

1D 1H

3H “4C” (A slam-oriented cuebid (a) because

there has been a Major suit

agreement at the 3-level.)

1D 1S

4S “5D” (A slam-oriented cuebid (a) because

there has been a Major suit

agreement above the 3-level.)

1S 2S

“3C” (A Long-Suit Game Try (g).) because

is a Major suit agreement below the 3-level.)

197. After a Minor Suit Agreement at the 4-level or higher, new suits are slam-oriented

cuebids showing a control (Ace or void) in the bid suit.

Example: Opener Responder

1D 4D

“4H” (A slam-oriented cuebid (a) because

there has been a Minor suit

agreement at the 4-level.)

- 64 -

198. After a Minor Suit Agreement at the 2- or 3-level, new suits are considered efforts to

get to 3NT and are asking for a stopper in the bid cuebid suit.

Example: Opener Responder

1C 1D

3D “3H” (A 3NT attempt (e) asking for and

seeking a Stopper in Hearts. It is

not a slam-oriented try showing a stopper for is below the 4-level.)

199. A cuebid in response to a Major suit opening, guarantees primary support and

evidences a limit raise (11-12 HCP’s [8-Losers] or more [or fewer]). It is inviting to

game in the agreed-upon suit.

You Hold: AKXX XX KJXX QXX

North East South(You) West

1S 2H ??? (Bid “3H” (c) showing primary

Spade support with at least 11 HCP’s or more.)

200. A cuebid in response to a Minor suit opening, guarantees primary support and

evidences a limit raise (11-12 HCP’s [8-Losers] or more [or fewer]). It is inviting to

game in 3NT.

You Hold: AXX XX KJX KJ10XX

North East South(You) West

1C 1H ??? (Bid “2H” (c) showing primary

Club support with at least 11 HCP’s or more.)

201. A cuebid followed by a new suit is 100% forcing to game. No, make that 1000%.

You Hold: A XX AXXXXX KQXX

North East South West(You)

1H Dbl. 2H “3H”

Pass 3S Pass 4D (The 4D bid preceded by a cuebid is

forcing (d).)

202. After you, partner, and one opponent have bid and there has been a Minor suit

agreement, a cuebid in the opponent’s suit asks partner to bid No Trump with a

stopper in the cuebid suit

You Hold: AJX A10X XX KQ10XX

South(You) West North East

1C 1D 3C Pass

??? (Bid “3D” (e). You would like to

play in 3NT if partner has a

Diamond Stopper. A good partner will have one!)

- 65 -

203. If the opponents have bid two suits (as opposed to one suit as in Tip # 202), a cuebid in

one of their suits shows a stopper and asks partner to bid NT with the alternate suit

stopped.

You Hold: AXX AX XX AKJXXX

South(You) West North East

1C 1S 2C 2D

??? (Bid “2S” (f). It shows a Spade

stopper, and at the same time asks

partner to bid NT holding a Diamond stopper.)

202-203 Revisited and Summarized. When the opponents have bid one suit, a cuebid asks. When the opponents have bid two suits, a cuebid tells.

- 66 -

INERMEDIATE BRIDGE - BIDDING TIPS FOR TOPS

LESSON 27

EVALUATING YOUR HAND - TIPS 204-216

204. Do not be a slave to point count. There are other, sometimes more important,

considerations.

205. Downgrade Jacks and Queens in suits bid by your opponents, unless partner makes a

natural NT bid. Avoid making any encouraging bids with too much strength in the

opponent’s suit(s). Partner will almost assuredly think you have too much strength

outside and bid too much.

You hold: KJX QJXX XXX XXX

(a) North East South(You)

1S 2D ??? (Raise to 2S, your Heart strength

could be worth something.)

(b) 1S 2H ??? (Pass, your Heart strength is

valueless on offense.)

206. Downgrade honor cards in suits that have been bid to your left.

You hold: KJXXX AQX KJX XX

South(You) West North East

1S 2H 2S &n