WEAK TWO:
When a hand does not have the required opening points (13) to open at the 1 level, opening hand can be opened at the 2 level as follows:
1. Must have six cards in a suit.
2. Must have 6 to 9 high card points.
3. Hands with 6 to 9 points and a seven card suit are opened at the 3 level (preemptive).
4. 2S, 2H and 2D can be opened as weak two's.
5. 3S, 3H, 3D and 3C can be opened as preemptive.
NOTE: 2 clubs opening (2C) is reserved for a strong hand (artificial).
EXAMPLE: A Q J 7 5 2 Open 2S.
10 9
Q 5 2
8 5
Hand has the required 9 high card points and six cards to open at the 2 level (weak two).
NOTE: a) Weak two's and Preemptive opening bids are useful bidding methods to preempt the
opponents from reaching an easy contract.
b) A weak two must contain a GOOD SIX-CARD SUIT.
c) A weak 2 opening bid should not contain an ouside major of four or more cards.
HAND ONE: 9 5 Open 2H.
A Q 10 7 6 2
J 10 8
J 5
With a good six-card suit and 8 HCP's, open a weak two, 2 hearts.
HAND TWO: K Q J 6 5 2 Open 2S.
5 2
J 8 5 3
8
With 7 points, open this hand 2 Spades.
HAND THREE: 8 Open 3D.
J 6
A Q 10 7 6 5 3
10 5 2
With a 7-card suit, open this hand at the 3 level, premptive.
HAND FOUR: 4 Open 1H.
Q J 10 9 5
A K 10 9 5 4
10
This hand is too strong to open 2 diamonds (weak two). Also, whenever you have a 6-card suit together with a 5-card major suit, it is always better to open the major suit first. Open this hand,
1 heart.
HAND FIVE: 10 4 Pass.
Q J 9
J 8
Q 10 8 7 4 3
Although this hand has a six-card club suit and 6 high card points, Pass is the only alternative for obvious reasons. 2C opening bid is reserved for strong hands.
Notes: HCP - high card points.
WEAK TWO: RESPONSES.
1. The 2NT response - Forces opener to describe his hand more accurately.
2. Rebids by opener after a 2NT response.
2H 2NT
??
EXAMPLE ONE: 10 8 Rebid 2H.
K J 9 8 5 4
J 6
Q 8 5
Your 3H discourages game.
EXAMPLE TWO: A K Q 9 8 5 Rebid 3NT.
J
10 7 5
10 6 5
With 10 points, opener rebids 3NT. If partner does not have stoppers in the 3 unbid suits, he bids another suit.
Additional notes:
1. A weak 2 opening bidder has only one bid.
2. A 2NT response is forcing, opener must bid again.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
DUPLICATE BRIDGE: 2-CLUBS OPENING BIDS.
STRONG 2C OPENING BIDS:
An opening bid of 2C (artificial) can show an unbalanced hand of 21 or more points or a strong hand that can win 9 or more tricks.
If playing (Loser Trick Count)*, a hand with 4 losers qualifies to open 2C.
This hand qualifies to be open 2C.
A K 9 Open 2C
A K Q 9 7 6
A 5
K 5
The above hand has 3 losers therefore it can be opened a strong 2C.
Note: The responder of the 2C opener cannot pass.
Some of the responses are: a) 2D; a waiting bid used to ask partner to describe his hand.
b) Step responses:
0 to 4 points - 2 diamonds.
4 to 7 points - 2 hearts.
6 to 10 points - 2 spades.
10 or more - 2NT.
Strong balanced hands can also be opened 2C planning to rebid 2NT at the next opportunity but, it is also customary to open strong balanced hands 2NT. The down down side to this system is that sometimes partner with 0 points or a hand with 2 or 3 points will pass partner's 2NT opening bid because unlike 2C, 2NT is not a forcing bid.
EXAMPLES OF STRONG 2C OPENING HANDS:
A K J 10 9 7 5 Open 2C
K 9 2
A K
5
This hand does not have the required 20+ points but it has only 4 losers. Open 2C.
K Q J 9 8 5 4 Open 2C
A K 5
A 9
J
Again, this hand does not have the required points but has only 4 losers. Open 2C.
A K Q Open 2NT
A K
A J 10 5
K 10 9 5
This hand has 24 high card points but is balanced. Open 2NT.
A K Q 10 8 7 5 3
K Q 5 2
A
VOID
This hand has 18 points but qualifies to be opened 2C because it has only one loser trick.
OPENER'S REBID:
1. Opener's rebid in a suit is forcing.
2. Opener's rebid in NT shows a balanced hand and is not forcing.
RESPONDER'S REBID AFTER BIDDING 2D WAITING.:
1. With 4+ points, raise opener's suit with 3-card or longer support.
2. With 4-card support and no aces, kings, singletons or voids, jump raise opener's suit.
3. Bid a new 5-card or longer suit (J 10 9 6 5 or better).
4. Bid NT at the lowest level.
EXAMPLES: 2C - 2D
2S - ?? You have the following hands.
K 7 5 Raise to 3S.
10 5
Q J 7 6 3
8 7 6
A forcing bid, opener must bid again.
J 8 4 2 Raise to 4S.
Q 8 7 5
10 3
J 7 5
With excellent support jump bid opener's suit.
9 8 Bid 3H.
K J 9 7 5
J 9 6 4
7 5
You have no spade support, show your 5-card heart suit.
J 8 Bid 2NT.
J 10 9
9 8 7 5
Q J 7 5
you must say something to keep the auction going, 2NT shows a weak hand.
RECAP:
A 2C opening is artificial.
Open a 21+ points balanced hand 2NT.
A 2C opening usually has 4 loser tricks.
Responding to 2C:
With a good 5-card suit and 8+ points, responder bids 2H, 2S, 3C or 3D.
Wit 8+ points and a balanced hand, bid 2NT.
Bid 2D waiting for all other hands.
Opener's rebid:
Bid your longest suit.
Bid the high-ranking of two 5-card suits.
NOTE: If opener rebids a suit after the 2D response, the partnership is forced to the game level.
Recap:
An opening bid of 2C (artificial) can show an unbalanced hand of 21 or more points or a strong hand that can win 9 or more tricks.
If playing (Loser Trick Count)*, a hand with 4 losers qualifies to open 2C.
This hand qualifies to be open 2C.
A K 9 Open 2C
A K Q 9 7 6
A 5
K 5
The above hand has 3 losers therefore it can be opened a strong 2C.
Note: The responder of the 2C opener cannot pass.
Some of the responses are: a) 2D; a waiting bid used to ask partner to describe his hand.
b) Step responses:
0 to 4 points - 2 diamonds.
4 to 7 points - 2 hearts.
6 to 10 points - 2 spades.
10 or more - 2NT.
Strong balanced hands can also be opened 2C planning to rebid 2NT at the next opportunity but, it is also customary to open strong balanced hands 2NT. The down down side to this system is that sometimes partner with 0 points or a hand with 2 or 3 points will pass partner's 2NT opening bid because unlike 2C, 2NT is not a forcing bid.
EXAMPLES OF STRONG 2C OPENING HANDS:
A K J 10 9 7 5 Open 2C
K 9 2
A K
5
This hand does not have the required 20+ points but it has only 4 losers. Open 2C.
K Q J 9 8 5 4 Open 2C
A K 5
A 9
J
Again, this hand does not have the required points but has only 4 losers. Open 2C.
A K Q Open 2NT
A K
A J 10 5
K 10 9 5
This hand has 24 high card points but is balanced. Open 2NT.
A K Q 10 8 7 5 3
K Q 5 2
A
VOID
This hand has 18 points but qualifies to be opened 2C because it has only one loser trick.
OPENER'S REBID:
1. Opener's rebid in a suit is forcing.
2. Opener's rebid in NT shows a balanced hand and is not forcing.
RESPONDER'S REBID AFTER BIDDING 2D WAITING.:
1. With 4+ points, raise opener's suit with 3-card or longer support.
2. With 4-card support and no aces, kings, singletons or voids, jump raise opener's suit.
3. Bid a new 5-card or longer suit (J 10 9 6 5 or better).
4. Bid NT at the lowest level.
EXAMPLES: 2C - 2D
2S - ?? You have the following hands.
K 7 5 Raise to 3S.
10 5
Q J 7 6 3
8 7 6
A forcing bid, opener must bid again.
J 8 4 2 Raise to 4S.
Q 8 7 5
10 3
J 7 5
With excellent support jump bid opener's suit.
9 8 Bid 3H.
K J 9 7 5
J 9 6 4
7 5
You have no spade support, show your 5-card heart suit.
J 8 Bid 2NT.
J 10 9
9 8 7 5
Q J 7 5
you must say something to keep the auction going, 2NT shows a weak hand.
RECAP:
A 2C opening is artificial.
Open a 21+ points balanced hand 2NT.
A 2C opening usually has 4 loser tricks.
Responding to 2C:
With a good 5-card suit and 8+ points, responder bids 2H, 2S, 3C or 3D.
Wit 8+ points and a balanced hand, bid 2NT.
Bid 2D waiting for all other hands.
Opener's rebid:
Bid your longest suit.
Bid the high-ranking of two 5-card suits.
NOTE: If opener rebids a suit after the 2D response, the partnership is forced to the game level.
Recap:
DUPLICATE BRIDGE: THE JACOBY 2NT CONVENTION.
JACOBY 2NT RESPONSE TO AN OPENING BID OF 1 HEART OR I SPADE.
When partner opens the bidding with 1 heart or 1 spade and you have:
a) A 4-card support
and
b) 13 or more points
The Jacoby 2NT response is often used to explore the possibilities for slam.
This convention gives up the natural meaning of the 2NT bid but, helps the partnership to explore bidding at the 6 or 7 level instead of the usually 4 hearts or 4 spades.
EXAMPLE: Partner opens 1 spade with the following hand:
A K 10 9 8
K J
K Q 6 5 4
Q
You have: J 7 6 5 Respond: 2NT (Jacoby)
A Q 9 8
A
K 9 5
With 14 high card points and 3 points for the singleton A of diamond, responder feels comfortable to explore slam with the proper rebid by opener.
Here are the possible rebids by opener after responder bids 2NT (Jacoby).
1. With a singleton or a void, bid that suit at the three level.
2. With a second good 5-card suit, bid that suit at the four level.
3. With no feature and a minimum hand, jump to game in the original suit.
4. With medium strength 13 to 15 points, rebid 3NT.
5. With Maximum strength 17, 18 or more points, rebid the agreed suit at the three level.
EXAMPLES: Partner opened 1 Heart. You respond, 2NT
With the following hands, opener rebids:
K 9 8 Rebid 3D
A 10 7 6 5
J
A Q 9 7
3 diamonds is the conventional bid to show a singleton diamond. This information can prove useful to the responder especially if his hand contains the ace of diamonds.
10 9 Rebid 4D
A K 10 9 8
A K 9 7 5
2
The 4 diamonds shows a good 5-card diamond suit. If responder can attack the losers in the other two suits, slam can be a possibility.
10 9 Rebid 3NT
A Q J 6 5
K Q J 5
Q 10
With the above medium hand of 15 points, opener rebids 3NT, conventional.
9 8 3 Rebid 4H
A J 10 9 7
K Q 8
K 5
With no feature, no additional 5-card suit and a minimum hand, opener rebids 4H, a closeout bid.
A Rebid 3H
K Q J 10 5
K J 5
K 10 5
With a maximum hand, opener rebids 3 of the original suit, conventional.
RECAP:
Jacoby 2NT is to be utilized by the responder when the possibility of slam exists. With an opening hand and no special features, responder can make use of other bids to reach the final contract.
Examples:
1. Limit raises
2. Bergen major suit raises
3. Splinter bids etc.
When partner opens the bidding with 1 heart or 1 spade and you have:
a) A 4-card support
and
b) 13 or more points
The Jacoby 2NT response is often used to explore the possibilities for slam.
This convention gives up the natural meaning of the 2NT bid but, helps the partnership to explore bidding at the 6 or 7 level instead of the usually 4 hearts or 4 spades.
EXAMPLE: Partner opens 1 spade with the following hand:
A K 10 9 8
K J
K Q 6 5 4
Q
You have: J 7 6 5 Respond: 2NT (Jacoby)
A Q 9 8
A
K 9 5
With 14 high card points and 3 points for the singleton A of diamond, responder feels comfortable to explore slam with the proper rebid by opener.
Here are the possible rebids by opener after responder bids 2NT (Jacoby).
1. With a singleton or a void, bid that suit at the three level.
2. With a second good 5-card suit, bid that suit at the four level.
3. With no feature and a minimum hand, jump to game in the original suit.
4. With medium strength 13 to 15 points, rebid 3NT.
5. With Maximum strength 17, 18 or more points, rebid the agreed suit at the three level.
EXAMPLES: Partner opened 1 Heart. You respond, 2NT
With the following hands, opener rebids:
K 9 8 Rebid 3D
A 10 7 6 5
J
A Q 9 7
3 diamonds is the conventional bid to show a singleton diamond. This information can prove useful to the responder especially if his hand contains the ace of diamonds.
10 9 Rebid 4D
A K 10 9 8
A K 9 7 5
2
The 4 diamonds shows a good 5-card diamond suit. If responder can attack the losers in the other two suits, slam can be a possibility.
10 9 Rebid 3NT
A Q J 6 5
K Q J 5
Q 10
With the above medium hand of 15 points, opener rebids 3NT, conventional.
9 8 3 Rebid 4H
A J 10 9 7
K Q 8
K 5
With no feature, no additional 5-card suit and a minimum hand, opener rebids 4H, a closeout bid.
A Rebid 3H
K Q J 10 5
K J 5
K 10 5
With a maximum hand, opener rebids 3 of the original suit, conventional.
RECAP:
Jacoby 2NT is to be utilized by the responder when the possibility of slam exists. With an opening hand and no special features, responder can make use of other bids to reach the final contract.
Examples:
1. Limit raises
2. Bergen major suit raises
3. Splinter bids etc.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
DUPLICATE BRIDGE: NoTrump Openings and Responses.
NO TRUMP OPENING:
REQUIREMENTS FOR 1NT OPENING BID:
a) A balanced hand 4-3-3-3; 4-4-3-2; 3-3-4-3.distribution.
b) 15 to 17 high card points.
c) No voids* and no singletons**
REQUIREMENTS FOR 2NT OPENING BID:
a) A balanced hand.
b) 21 or more points
c) No voids and no singletons.
REQUIREMENTS FOR 3NT OPENING BID:
a) A balanced hand
b) 25+ points
c) No voids and no singletons.
NOTE: With 15, 16 or 17 points and a 5-cards hearts or spades, first, open the major at the 1 level ready to show the point count with the next bid.
EXAMPLE: A Q 10 7 5 Open 1 Spade.
K Q 5
A 10 8
J 7
North West South East
1S Pass 2C Pass
?
Opener rebids 3NT.
NO TRUMP RESPONSES:
Responder's choices: a) 0 to 7 points, pass
b) 8+ points and a balanced hand, 2NT.
c) 10+ points, bid 3NT.
d) 8+ points and a 4-card major, bid 2Clubs-Stayman***
e) with a 5-card hearts of spades bid Jacoby Transfer****
NOTE: With Jacoby Transfers, the point count can be anywhere from 0 to 10+ points.
EXAMPLE ONE: Opener bids 1NT.
A 9 8 Respond 2NT.
K 10 5
Q 6 5 2
10 7 6
With 9 points and a balanced hand, bid 2NT (invitational). Opener with a minimum hand will pass. With a maximum hand, opener bids 3NT.
EXAMPLE TWO:
K 10 7 5 Respond 2C (Stayman)
A 7 5
J 9 5 4
K 8
With 11 points and a 4-card spade suit, responder bids 2 clubs asking partner for a 4-card major.
EXAMPLE THREE:
Q 9 8 Respond 3NT.
K J 5
J 9 8 4
K Q 5
With 12 points and a balanced hand, responder bids 3NT.
EXAMPLE FOUR:
J 9 8 Respond, Pass.
Q 6 5
Q 10 5
J 9 8 5
With 6 points responder passes.
EXAMPLE FIVE:
Q 9 5 Respond, 2D (Jacoby Transfers)
Q J 10 7 5
Q 5 4
10 9
Responder with a 5-card heart suit bids 2 diamonds, the Jacoby Transfer Convention.
* Void - A three-suited hand.
** Singleton - One card in a suit.
*** THE STAYMAN CONVENTION:
When playing notrump, having the Golden Fit of 8 or more cards (majors) in the two combined hands, it is usually best to play in the suit trump. Therefore, after an opening of 1NT, responder job is to find a major suit fit.
The Stayman Convention uses a response of 2C (an artificial bid) to find that fit.
2C is used to ask opener for a 4-card or longer major suit.
With no 4-card major suit, opener makes the conventional rebid of 2D (diamonds).
After the 2D responder by opener, responder rebids 2NT.
**** THE JACOBY TRANSFER:
Playing Jacoby Transfers, responder bids at the 2 level.
Jacoby transfers deals with Hearts and Spades.
The Jacoby transfer bidder must have a 5-card suit.
2D (diamonds) transfers to hearts.
2H (hearts) transfers to spades.
EXAMPLE ONE: Partner opnes 1NT.
K J 8 5 Respond 2C (Stayman)
Q 8 7
J 6 5
K J 5
With 11 high card points, partner belongs in game. There are 26 points in the two combined hands. if opener rebids 2S (spades), raise to 4S. If opener responds 2D (diamonds) showing no 4-card major, bid 3NT.
EXAMPLE TWO:
Q 8 7 4 Respond 2C
K J 6 5
K Q 5
10 8
With a 4-card heart suit and 11 points, responder asks opener for a 4-card major, bids 2 Clubs. If opener rebids 2H or 2S, raise to game. If opener rebids 2D denying a 4-card major suit, bid 3NT.
EXAMPLE THREE:
K Q J 6 5 4 Respond 4S
K Q 5
10 5 4
9
With a 6-card spade suit, there is no need to use the Stayman Convention. Responder can take the partnership directly to 4 spades. this is a signoff bid and opener is expected to pass.
EXAMPLE FOUR:
K Q 5 2 Respond 2C
J 10 5 4
9 5
K 7 6
If opener rebids 2H or 2S, raise to 3H or 3S. Opener can pass with a minimum or continue to 4H or 4S with a maximum. If opener rebids 2D, denying a 4-card major, rebid 2NT, an invitational bid.
EXAMPLE FIVE:
J 10 5 4 2 Respond 2H (Jacoby transfer)
Q 9 5
K 7 6
J 3
With 7 points and a 5-card spade suit, responder bids 2 hearts, a transfer bid to spades. Opener must answer the transfer and bid 2 spades.
EXAMPLE SIX:
Q 10 5 Respond 2D (Jacoby Transfer)
K J 7 6 2
J 3
K J 9
With 11 points and 5 hearts, responder bids Jacoby. After opener rebids 2H, responder with 11 points invites opener to game by rebidding 3H.
REQUIREMENTS FOR 1NT OPENING BID:
a) A balanced hand 4-3-3-3; 4-4-3-2; 3-3-4-3.distribution.
b) 15 to 17 high card points.
c) No voids* and no singletons**
REQUIREMENTS FOR 2NT OPENING BID:
a) A balanced hand.
b) 21 or more points
c) No voids and no singletons.
REQUIREMENTS FOR 3NT OPENING BID:
a) A balanced hand
b) 25+ points
c) No voids and no singletons.
NOTE: With 15, 16 or 17 points and a 5-cards hearts or spades, first, open the major at the 1 level ready to show the point count with the next bid.
EXAMPLE: A Q 10 7 5 Open 1 Spade.
K Q 5
A 10 8
J 7
North West South East
1S Pass 2C Pass
?
Opener rebids 3NT.
NO TRUMP RESPONSES:
Responder's choices: a) 0 to 7 points, pass
b) 8+ points and a balanced hand, 2NT.
c) 10+ points, bid 3NT.
d) 8+ points and a 4-card major, bid 2Clubs-Stayman***
e) with a 5-card hearts of spades bid Jacoby Transfer****
NOTE: With Jacoby Transfers, the point count can be anywhere from 0 to 10+ points.
EXAMPLE ONE: Opener bids 1NT.
A 9 8 Respond 2NT.
K 10 5
Q 6 5 2
10 7 6
With 9 points and a balanced hand, bid 2NT (invitational). Opener with a minimum hand will pass. With a maximum hand, opener bids 3NT.
EXAMPLE TWO:
K 10 7 5 Respond 2C (Stayman)
A 7 5
J 9 5 4
K 8
With 11 points and a 4-card spade suit, responder bids 2 clubs asking partner for a 4-card major.
EXAMPLE THREE:
Q 9 8 Respond 3NT.
K J 5
J 9 8 4
K Q 5
With 12 points and a balanced hand, responder bids 3NT.
EXAMPLE FOUR:
J 9 8 Respond, Pass.
Q 6 5
Q 10 5
J 9 8 5
With 6 points responder passes.
EXAMPLE FIVE:
Q 9 5 Respond, 2D (Jacoby Transfers)
Q J 10 7 5
Q 5 4
10 9
Responder with a 5-card heart suit bids 2 diamonds, the Jacoby Transfer Convention.
* Void - A three-suited hand.
** Singleton - One card in a suit.
*** THE STAYMAN CONVENTION:
When playing notrump, having the Golden Fit of 8 or more cards (majors) in the two combined hands, it is usually best to play in the suit trump. Therefore, after an opening of 1NT, responder job is to find a major suit fit.
The Stayman Convention uses a response of 2C (an artificial bid) to find that fit.
2C is used to ask opener for a 4-card or longer major suit.
With no 4-card major suit, opener makes the conventional rebid of 2D (diamonds).
After the 2D responder by opener, responder rebids 2NT.
**** THE JACOBY TRANSFER:
Playing Jacoby Transfers, responder bids at the 2 level.
Jacoby transfers deals with Hearts and Spades.
The Jacoby transfer bidder must have a 5-card suit.
2D (diamonds) transfers to hearts.
2H (hearts) transfers to spades.
EXAMPLE ONE: Partner opnes 1NT.
K J 8 5 Respond 2C (Stayman)
Q 8 7
J 6 5
K J 5
With 11 high card points, partner belongs in game. There are 26 points in the two combined hands. if opener rebids 2S (spades), raise to 4S. If opener responds 2D (diamonds) showing no 4-card major, bid 3NT.
EXAMPLE TWO:
Q 8 7 4 Respond 2C
K J 6 5
K Q 5
10 8
With a 4-card heart suit and 11 points, responder asks opener for a 4-card major, bids 2 Clubs. If opener rebids 2H or 2S, raise to game. If opener rebids 2D denying a 4-card major suit, bid 3NT.
EXAMPLE THREE:
K Q J 6 5 4 Respond 4S
K Q 5
10 5 4
9
With a 6-card spade suit, there is no need to use the Stayman Convention. Responder can take the partnership directly to 4 spades. this is a signoff bid and opener is expected to pass.
EXAMPLE FOUR:
K Q 5 2 Respond 2C
J 10 5 4
9 5
K 7 6
If opener rebids 2H or 2S, raise to 3H or 3S. Opener can pass with a minimum or continue to 4H or 4S with a maximum. If opener rebids 2D, denying a 4-card major, rebid 2NT, an invitational bid.
EXAMPLE FIVE:
J 10 5 4 2 Respond 2H (Jacoby transfer)
Q 9 5
K 7 6
J 3
With 7 points and a 5-card spade suit, responder bids 2 hearts, a transfer bid to spades. Opener must answer the transfer and bid 2 spades.
EXAMPLE SIX:
Q 10 5 Respond 2D (Jacoby Transfer)
K J 7 6 2
J 3
K J 9
With 11 points and 5 hearts, responder bids Jacoby. After opener rebids 2H, responder with 11 points invites opener to game by rebidding 3H.
DUPLICATE BRIDGE: Suit Responses.
PART I: MAJOR SUITS
PARTNER OPENS 1 HEART OR 1 SPADE:
RESPONDER HAS 0 to 5 points Pass
6 TO 9 POINTS:
Responder has three clear choices:
a) support (3-cards) partner's suit at the 2 level.
b) bid a new suit at the one level. (at least 4 cards).
c) bid 1NT* (does not have to be a balanced** hand).
RESPONDER HAS 10+ POINTS:
Responder's choices are:
a) support partner's suit at the 3 level.
b) bid a new suit at the 2 level.
RESPONDER HAS 13+ POINTS:
Responder's choices are:
a) with a 4-card support for partner's suit, bid 2NT.
b) bid new suit at the 2 level.
c) all responder's bids are forcing.
d) partnership cannot stop short of game.
PART II: MINOR SUITS
PARTNER OPENS 1 DIAMOND OR 1 CLUB.
With 0 to 5 points: Pass.
With 6 to 9 points: Responder's first priority is to bid a 4-card major suit.
With 5-cards support for clubs, raise partner to 2 clubs.
With 4-cards support for diamonds, raise partner to 2 diamonds.
With no proper support, responder bids 1NT.
With 10+ points, responder: a) raises partner's suit at the 3 level.
b) bid new suit at the 2 level.
With 13+ points, responder: a) bid new suit (major)
b) with a balanced hand, bid 2NT.
EXAMPLE ONE: Partner opened 1 diamond.
A Q 9 5 Respond: 1 Spade.
Q 5
Q J 10 8 2
Q 5
With 5 diamonds, responder could support partner's suit but his responsibily is to find a Golden Fit*** in a major suit.
EXAMPLE TWO: Partner opened 1 Club.
Q 5 3 Respond 2 hearts.
K Q J 10 8 2
K Q 5
10
With a 6-card heart suit, responder bids 2 hearts looking for a golden fit**** in hearts.
EXAMPLE THREE: Partner opened 1 Club.
J 9 5 Respond 2 Clubs.
Q J 10
K Q
10 5 4 3 2
Responder has not biddable suit, responds 2 clubs showing a 5-card support in clubs.
EXAMPLE FOUR: Partner opened with 1 Heart.
Q 10 8 Respond 2 Hearts.
K 9 5
10 5 4 2
K J 9
With a 3-card support and a minimal hand, responder bids 2 hearts.
EXAMPLE FIVE: Partner opened 1 Spade
K 9 Respond 2 Hearts.
A K 9 4 2
K J 9 5 3
10
With opening point count and two 5-card suits, responder bids 2 hearts, the higher-ranking suit planning to bid the diamond suit at his next opportunity.
EXAMPLE SIX: Partner opened 1 Heart.
A 10 4 Respond 1NT.
K J
10 8 5 2
J 9 8 3
Unable to bid a new suit at the 2 level and with no support for hearts, responder bids NT, the best alternative showing a minimum hand of 6 to 9 points.
RECAP: 0 - 5 points Pass.
6 - 9 points Major suits: Raise to the 2 level with 3-card support.
Bid new suit at the 1 level (4-cards).
Bid 1NT.
Minor suits: Bid new suit (major) at the 1 level.
Raise at the 2 level with 5 clubs or 4 diamonds.
10 + points Major suits: Raise to the 3 level (3-card or longer support).
Bid a new suit.
Minor suits: Bid a new suit ( a 4-card Major).
Raise partner suit to the 3 level with support.
13 + points Major suits: Jump to 2NT (explore slam possibilities***).
Bid a new suit.
Minor suits: Bid new suit (major).
Bid 2NT with a balanced hand.
Notes: * NT - No Trump
** Balanced - 4-3-3-3 or 4-4-3-2 distribution.
*** Small Slam - Bid 6NT or 6 of a suit.
Grand Slam - Bid 7NT or 7 of a suit.
**** Golden fit - The magic number of 8 cards in a suit in a partnership.
PARTNER OPENS 1 HEART OR 1 SPADE:
RESPONDER HAS 0 to 5 points Pass
6 TO 9 POINTS:
Responder has three clear choices:
a) support (3-cards) partner's suit at the 2 level.
b) bid a new suit at the one level. (at least 4 cards).
c) bid 1NT* (does not have to be a balanced** hand).
RESPONDER HAS 10+ POINTS:
Responder's choices are:
a) support partner's suit at the 3 level.
b) bid a new suit at the 2 level.
RESPONDER HAS 13+ POINTS:
Responder's choices are:
a) with a 4-card support for partner's suit, bid 2NT.
b) bid new suit at the 2 level.
c) all responder's bids are forcing.
d) partnership cannot stop short of game.
PART II: MINOR SUITS
PARTNER OPENS 1 DIAMOND OR 1 CLUB.
With 0 to 5 points: Pass.
With 6 to 9 points: Responder's first priority is to bid a 4-card major suit.
With 5-cards support for clubs, raise partner to 2 clubs.
With 4-cards support for diamonds, raise partner to 2 diamonds.
With no proper support, responder bids 1NT.
With 10+ points, responder: a) raises partner's suit at the 3 level.
b) bid new suit at the 2 level.
With 13+ points, responder: a) bid new suit (major)
b) with a balanced hand, bid 2NT.
EXAMPLE ONE: Partner opened 1 diamond.
A Q 9 5 Respond: 1 Spade.
Q 5
Q J 10 8 2
Q 5
With 5 diamonds, responder could support partner's suit but his responsibily is to find a Golden Fit*** in a major suit.
EXAMPLE TWO: Partner opened 1 Club.
Q 5 3 Respond 2 hearts.
K Q J 10 8 2
K Q 5
10
With a 6-card heart suit, responder bids 2 hearts looking for a golden fit**** in hearts.
EXAMPLE THREE: Partner opened 1 Club.
J 9 5 Respond 2 Clubs.
Q J 10
K Q
10 5 4 3 2
Responder has not biddable suit, responds 2 clubs showing a 5-card support in clubs.
EXAMPLE FOUR: Partner opened with 1 Heart.
Q 10 8 Respond 2 Hearts.
K 9 5
10 5 4 2
K J 9
With a 3-card support and a minimal hand, responder bids 2 hearts.
EXAMPLE FIVE: Partner opened 1 Spade
K 9 Respond 2 Hearts.
A K 9 4 2
K J 9 5 3
10
With opening point count and two 5-card suits, responder bids 2 hearts, the higher-ranking suit planning to bid the diamond suit at his next opportunity.
EXAMPLE SIX: Partner opened 1 Heart.
A 10 4 Respond 1NT.
K J
10 8 5 2
J 9 8 3
Unable to bid a new suit at the 2 level and with no support for hearts, responder bids NT, the best alternative showing a minimum hand of 6 to 9 points.
RECAP: 0 - 5 points Pass.
6 - 9 points Major suits: Raise to the 2 level with 3-card support.
Bid new suit at the 1 level (4-cards).
Bid 1NT.
Minor suits: Bid new suit (major) at the 1 level.
Raise at the 2 level with 5 clubs or 4 diamonds.
10 + points Major suits: Raise to the 3 level (3-card or longer support).
Bid a new suit.
Minor suits: Bid a new suit ( a 4-card Major).
Raise partner suit to the 3 level with support.
13 + points Major suits: Jump to 2NT (explore slam possibilities***).
Bid a new suit.
Minor suits: Bid new suit (major).
Bid 2NT with a balanced hand.
Notes: * NT - No Trump
** Balanced - 4-3-3-3 or 4-4-3-2 distribution.
*** Small Slam - Bid 6NT or 6 of a suit.
Grand Slam - Bid 7NT or 7 of a suit.
**** Golden fit - The magic number of 8 cards in a suit in a partnership.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
DUPLICATE BRIDGE: Major Suits Opening Bids:
MAJOR SUITS OPENING BIDS:
To open in a major suit (hearts or spades), the requirements are:
a) an opening hand (13 points)
and
b) a 5-card suit.
When a hand contains 2 five-card major suits, open the higher ranking** first.
EXAMPLE ONE:
A K 9 8 2 Open this hand: 1 Spade.
Q 6 5
Q 4
K 6 2
This hand has the required opening points and 5 cards, open 1 spade.
EXAMPLE TWO:
A J 8 5 Open this hand: 1 Heart.
K Q 10 9 5
7 6
K 2
With 5 hearts, open this hand 1 heart.
EXAMPLE THREE:
K J 9 6 2 Open this hand: 1 Spade.
A Q 9 7 6
K
10 8
With two 5-card majors, open the spades and rebid the hearts at your next opportunity.
EXAMPLE FOUR:
A J 8 6 5 Open this hand: Pass
K 10 9 5
Q 9
10 2
This hand does not have the required 13 HCP's.
Notes: ** Suit ranks; Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs.
HCP's; High Card Points.
To open in a major suit (hearts or spades), the requirements are:
a) an opening hand (13 points)
and
b) a 5-card suit.
When a hand contains 2 five-card major suits, open the higher ranking** first.
EXAMPLE ONE:
A K 9 8 2 Open this hand: 1 Spade.
Q 6 5
Q 4
K 6 2
This hand has the required opening points and 5 cards, open 1 spade.
EXAMPLE TWO:
A J 8 5 Open this hand: 1 Heart.
K Q 10 9 5
7 6
K 2
With 5 hearts, open this hand 1 heart.
EXAMPLE THREE:
K J 9 6 2 Open this hand: 1 Spade.
A Q 9 7 6
K
10 8
With two 5-card majors, open the spades and rebid the hearts at your next opportunity.
EXAMPLE FOUR:
A J 8 6 5 Open this hand: Pass
K 10 9 5
Q 9
10 2
This hand does not have the required 13 HCP's.
Notes: ** Suit ranks; Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs.
HCP's; High Card Points.
DUPLICATE BRIDGE: Minor Suits Opening bids.
PLAYING FIVE CARD MAJORS:
When playing 5-card majors, it is understood by both partners that an opening bid of 1 heart contains 13 high card points and 5 hearts. The same is true when opening
1 spade.
Playing 5-card majors, minor suits, diamonds and clubs are treated as follows:
Absent of a 5-card major suit and having the proper opening high card points (13) you are obligated to open your hand.
With 4 diamonds and 4 clubs; always open a diamond.
With 3 diamonds and 3 clubs; always open a club.
With 2 diamonds and 3 clubs; always open a club. (short club)
Remember: When opening a diamond suit, you must always have 4 cards.
EXAMPLE ONE:
A Q 8 5 Open this hand: 1 Club.
A 10 9 5
K 5
10 8 6
EXAMPLE TWO:
A Q 8 Open this hand: 1 Diamond.
A 10
J 10 5 4
K 8 6 2
EXAMPLE THREE:
K 8 6 5 Open this hand: 1 Club.
A Q 10 2
J 10 5
K 8
EXAMPLE FOUR:
A Q 10 2 Open this hand: 1 Club.
J 10 5
Note: HCP - High Card Points.
Opening Points - 13
When playing 5-card majors, it is understood by both partners that an opening bid of 1 heart contains 13 high card points and 5 hearts. The same is true when opening
1 spade.
Playing 5-card majors, minor suits, diamonds and clubs are treated as follows:
Absent of a 5-card major suit and having the proper opening high card points (13) you are obligated to open your hand.
With 4 diamonds and 4 clubs; always open a diamond.
With 3 diamonds and 3 clubs; always open a club.
With 2 diamonds and 3 clubs; always open a club. (short club)
Remember: When opening a diamond suit, you must always have 4 cards.
EXAMPLE ONE:
A 10 9 5
K 5
10 8 6
EXAMPLE TWO:
A Q 8 Open this hand: 1 Diamond.
A 10
J 10 5 4
K 8 6 2
EXAMPLE THREE:
J 10 5
K 8
EXAMPLE FOUR:
A Q 10 2 Open this hand: 1 Club.
J 10 5
K 8 5
Q 7 4
Note: HCP - High Card Points.
Opening Points - 13
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