The Short Club Two Opening Bid is different to ‘Better Minor’ and to ‘Short Club All Balanced Hands’.
It helps us find the part game major fits. Consider opening with 11HCPs if you have 44 in the Majors.
(11) 12 - 14 Balanced & No 5CM. Bid 1c/1d, planned rebid is 1NT
(14) 15 - 17 Balanced (mostly) - Bid 1NT
18-19 Balanced & no 5 CM. Bid 1c/1d, planned rebid is 2NT
20-22 Bid 2NT
If we open 1D, we promise at least 4 diamonds.
If we open 1C, Partner must alert “at least two”.
Walsh.
Respond to 1C/1D with a 4cm over a 5 card Diamond Suit.
1C P 1D (promises at least 5 Diamonds and no 4 Card Major)
1C P 1H P 1S is showing an unbalanced hand with at least 5 Clubs, 4 Spades and without 4 card heart support.
Unlike the Acol Dustbin (6-9)Bid:
1H P 1NT promises 5-11 HCPs AND less than 3 Card Support in our Major AND denies 4 spades.
If Opener’s Rebid is a minor AND we have good support for that minor AND points at the top end of our range, we want to show it.
We can show whether the 1NT response is at the thin end 5/6/7/8 or thick end 9/10/11 of our response range using ‘the impossible bid’.
Thick end - 1H P 1NT P 2C P 2S (impossible as already denied spades!) Shows support for Clubs and good Points.
Thin end - 1H P 1NT P 2C P 3C Shows support for Clubs and weaker Points.
Unlike the Acol Dustbin (6-9)Bid:
Our 1Major P 1NT promises 5-11 HCPs and less than 3 Card Support in our Major
Our 1minor P 1NT response shows 6-10HCPs
Unlike the Acol Dustbin (6-9)Bid:
1. our 1S P 1NT promises 5-11 HCPs and less than 3 Card Support
or 3 card support and 0-5
or 3 card support and 9-11 HCPs in our system.
2. our 1H P 1NT promises 5-11 HCPs and less than 3 Card Support and denies 4 Spades.
or 3 card support and 0-5
or 3 card support and 9-11 HCPs in our system.
So, is it ever okay for Opener to pass the 1NT response?
Hardly ever, but we decided there were a few situations:
1. If the Responder was originally a Passed Hand and our Opening bid is minimum or light.
- He would use Drury to show 9-11 HCPs and 3/4 card Major support. So most he could have is 11 and little support.
- He can’t have 12+ or he would have opened
2. We decided we had a problem if our second suit was Spades 5H 4S 2D 2C (12-15) or a balanced 5H 3S 3D 2C (12-14). Responder can’t have 4 Spades so we don’t want to rebid 2S. We must consider Opening 1NT (15-17 or a good 14) when we have a Rebid problem. If you forgot the ‘good 14’ or are Rule of 20 or 12,13 best leave contract in 1NT as most partner can have is 11.
Direct Raises are Preemptive
Competitive Raises are Constructive
One of the Main Advantages of Bergen is that it covers the 6-11, 4 card support hands so that Partner knows that when you make a Direct Raise 1H - 3H it really is a pre-emptive 0-5
1M P 3M (4 card support, Weak, preemptive 0-5 HCPs)
1M (X) 3M (4 card support, Weak, preemptive 0-5 HCPs)
1M 2y 3M (4 card support, Constructive 6-9HCPs)
1M 2y 3y (UCB, 4 card support, Constructive 10+)
With 0-5, you would only raise to 3M after competition if you had a distributional hand with ruffing values.
After establishing Suit agreement, a new bid by Opener is a Cue Bid showing at least 2nd Round Control.
When you have an agreed fit, double is for penalties, when you haven’t, double is for takeout.
”When OPPs pre-empt, we do not.”
Extra : Supporting partner by creating a force after intervention
1S (2C) 2D (natural bid at two level is forcing for one round only)
1H (2D) 3C (natural bid at three level is game forcing)
One of the Main Advantages of Bergen is that it covers the 6-11, 4 card support hands so that Partner knows that when you make a Direct Raise 1H - 3H it really is pre-emptive 0-5.
1M - 3C : 4 card support and 6-9 HCP
1M - 3D : 4 card support and 10-11 HCP
After Intervention:
1M (X) Bergen is Still on
1M (1Y) Bergen is Off
With 10-11, Bid an UCB. 1M 1Y 2Y
With 7-9, Bid to the level of the fit. 1M 1Y 3M. Bidding after Intervention is Constructive so Partner knows this is probably 6-9. Must be less than 10+(it‘s not a UCB) and more than 5 (with 0-5, you would only raise to 3M after competition if you had a distributional hand with ruffing values).
After Bergen (establishes Suit agreement),
A new bid by Opener is a Cue Bid showing at least 2nd Round Control
When you have an agreed fit, double is for penalties, when you haven’t, double is for takeout.
When responding to 1M, you shouldn't really add shortage points to decide if enough for a Bergen raise. Our Splinters will be 9-11 HCPs
1M P 2NT
I have at least 4 of your Major - SAME AS ACOL
I don't have a Void or Singleton (use Splinter instead) - SAME AS ACOL
I have at least a game forcing hand - SAME AS ACOL
I have 7 or fewer losers - SAME AS ACOL
If balanced, I have at least 13HCPs - SAME AS ACOL
Only applies to the Majors - SAME AS ACOL
NOT ‘Not after an Intervention’ - NEW. 1M - X - 2NT or 1M - 2x - 2NT is still Jacoby (With Partnership Agreement)
OPENER’S REBID
3M - extra length / strength, possibly 6 of the Major. Slam try. - SAME AS ACOL
4M - minimum opening hand - SAME AS ACOL
3NT - a little extra - good ish balanced hand 13/14 HCPs, maybe 5 of the Major - NEW
3X (a new Suit) - a second 4/5 Card Suit
4X (a new Suit) - A Void/Singleton
When partner Opens 1M and you have 3+ card support and 12+ points, you bid 2x - ALERT: “2 OVER 1, FORCING TO GAME”
After Opener rebids, show your support for their Major (Suit Agreement!). The following bids show at least 2nd round control of the suit.
1H P 2C (2/1 GF) P 2D (second suit) P 2H (suit agreement, 3 card support) P 2S (at least 2nd round control of Spades) P 3C (at least 2nd round control of Clubs) 4NT (RKCB) etc
Fast Arrival - if Opener jumps straight to Game after you have shown Suit agreement, he has a minimum opening hand with no slam potential.
1H P 2C (2/1 GF) P 2D (second suit) P 2H (suit agreement, 3 card support) P 4H (minimum hand)
2/1 does not apply after intervention (use UCB)
Shows 3 card support (Use Jacoby to show 4 card support)
When partner Opens 1M in 3rd or 4th seat and you have 3+ card support and 9-11 points bid: 2C - Drury
Opener rebids either:
A. 2M - Stop there! I have a minimum (or worse!) Opening hand
B. below 2M - lets try for Game . . . Or
C. above 2M - let’s try for Slam . . .
So
P P 1H P 2C (DRURY 9-11 & 3+card support) P 2D (We might have a Game here, H agreed suit, bid again)
P P 1S P 2S (6-8 & 3+ card support)
P P 1H P 2C (DRURY) P 3C (Slam try, natural club suit with values)
After interference -
P P 1H X 2C (Still DRURY)
P P 1H 1S 2S (DRURY OFF - UCB 9-11 HCPs & 3+ CARD Support)
When you have at 3 of Opener’s Major & an invitational hand ((a sharp 9) 10-11) hand, make a Limit Raise via 1NT
1M P 1NT P 2x P 3M (Jump).
There is a risk that partner may leave us in 1NT with a minimum hand (if he is minimum then it’s likely to be for the best to stay low!).
After interference -
Bid as if there had been no interference. 1H X 2H (6-8HCPs and 3 card support)
Remember if you Respond 2NT, it is Jacoby!
or Cue bid Opponents suit showing 3 card support and 10+ HCPs
1H 2D 3D P 3H P (Leave in 3H or 4H with 12+)
Do not bid 1H 2C 3H (as direct raises are pre-emptive - shows 4 hearts and a weak hand)
If they Pre-empt we do not!
so 1H - 3C - 3H is invitational (10-11) and constructive. With a weak hand (0-8) PASS
1S - 3D - 4D is Game Forcing with showing Support -P -4S (or slam try)
1S - 3D - 4S is not inviting Partner to bid again (minimum Game Force or Distributional)
Support straight away when you have 3 of the Major (unless Game Forcing).
When you have 3 of Opener’s Major and a Weaker hand (6-8 (or a soft 9))make a Direct Raise. 1M P 2M
When you have 3 of Opener’s Major AND a Very Weak (0-5) hand, make a Raise via 1NT
1M P 1NT P 2x P 2M (a preference bid at 2 level). Even if partner passes the 1NT bid we have made life difficult for Opponents to enter ‘their’ Auction.
Remember when deciding whether to respond to 1M with 2M or 1NT you can still count shortage points!
After interference -
Bid as if there had been no interference.
1M 2y 2M - 3 card support and 6-8 HCPs
1M X 2M - 3 card support and 6-8 HCPs
1H 1S 1NT - At least one spade stop, else bid 2H if 3 card support and few points
Bid 2S in Response to a Strong 1NT opening with:
Either (A) 8HCPs - a light balanced game invitation
OR (B) A weak 6 Card Minor - Opener bids 3C, leave or correct to 3D
NEW. With Game Values, 9 (5-4) Cards in the Minors, 3 cards in a Major and a singleton, bid the MAJOR. Opener will know this is a FRAGMENT (You bid 2S not Stayman) and not 4. He can now decide whether to bid 5C/5D or 3NT if he has your Singleton covered.
If you transfer and then bid 4NT, this is quantitive. You haven’t agreed the suit.
With a game forcing 5-5, transfer to Spades and then jump to 3H.
With a weak 5-5, transfer to Hearts and then bid 2S.
After you have bid Transfers: a rebid at the 3 Level is Game Forcing, a rebid at the two level is to play.
. . . The 1NT Opener has responded to your Stayman enquiry with 2D denying a 4CM AND you have
You will use SMOLEN because you want to right side Declarer (the 1NT Opener will have the most points so best they play the hand).
Smolen involves jumping in the 4CM to Show 5 cards in the other Major.
1NT PASS 2C (STAYMAN) PASS
2D(no 4CM) PASS JUMP 3H(I have 5 spades and 4 hearts, Game Forcing) PASS
4S (I have 3 Spades so we have a Fit) Fast Arrival so nothing extra PASS PASS PASS
1NT PASS 2C (STAYMAN) PASS
2D(no 4CM) PASS JUMP 3H(I have 5 spades and 4 hearts, Game Forcing) PASS
3S (I have 3 Spades so we have a Fit) We play Fast Arrival so I may have extras?? PASS PASS 4S or higher
1NT PASS 2C (STAYMAN) PASS
2D(no 4CM) PASS JUMP 3S(I have 5 hearts and 4 spades, Game Forcing) PASS
4H (I have 3 hearts so we have a Fit) Fast Arrival so nothing extra PASS PASS PASS
1NT PASS 2C (STAYMAN) PASS
2D(no 4CM) PASS JUMP 3S(I have 5 hearts and 4 spades, Game Forcing) PASS
3NT (I don’t have 3 hearts - this is the best contract) PASS PASS PASS
17+8=25 So with a decent 8 count you should look for game.
However 15+8 doesn’t make 25, so don’t be afraid to PASS if your 8 HCPs are balanced and a bit rubbish!
WEAK STAYMAN - with a shortage/void in clubs, bid a weak Stayman as long as you can field any response from Opener.
FORCING STAYMAN - WITH 10+HCPs and a 4CM, a subsequent rebid at the 3 level shows 5 cards in that suit and is forcing to game.
1NT P 2C P 2H P 3D (I have 5Ds and 10+ HCPS)
1NT P 2C P 2H P 3S (I have 5Ss and 10+HCPS)
Always bid Stayman with 5/4 in the Majors (show the fifth card by rebidding the suit after Opener responds).
With 5/5 use transfers first.
After you have bid Stayman: a rebid at the 3 Level is Game Forcing, a rebid at the two level is to play.
The Strong 1NT Opening Bid is constructive not preemptive. You are looking to find the best contract and it prevents Opps overcalling at the one level. It requires more careful judgement than bidding an ACOL 1NT, but you are always likely to be able to make 1NT x - a potential scoring disaster in Acol.
The Strong 1NT bid does not have to be balanced.
- 2,2,3,6D/6C Shape. It is okay to open 1NT with a 6 card Minor.
- 4,5,2,2 Shape such as 4H,5S,2D,2C.
Here, it is okay to open 1NT to avoid a clunky Reverse particularly if you have just 14/15 HCPs.
Eg. Better to stay low with an 1NT Opening Bid than the following auction, if partner has a weak responding hand. 1H P 1NT (denying 4 Spades) P 2S (Reverse - Strong) P - 3 of ?
Upgrade a 14 count if you have a good five card suit with a Source of Tricks, such as AKXXX or A, J,10,9,8, a hand that is heavy with 9s&10s, and has protective cards in other suits (so that you can field any lead on the 2nd/3rd round).
Or bid a 1NT with a 14 count in 3rd or 4th seat to prevent Opps overcalling 1 of a Major.
Unlike the Acol 1NT, the 1NT Opener can bid again.
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