If you open 1 of a Major, Partner Responds at the 2 Level (2/1 Game Force) and then OPPs overcall with a suit - what next for you the Opener?
1. If you can’t make your planned rebid at the 2 level, consider a (forcing) PASS. Partner knows you have Game values between you and will bid again.
2. If you have defensive values (length in the overcalled suit) consider a DOUBLE. You have the majority of the points. In a Game force auction DOUBLE is for PENALTIES.
3. If you have just one Stopper in the Overcalled suit and think NT might be the contract but you would prefer the lead to go to Partner’s hand if they also have a Stopper, then bid partner’s suit.
If partner opens 1 of a Major and Opps overcall with a suit - our lovely 2/1 GF bid is OFF.
How do we now show a Force?
Direct Raises are Preemptive and not forcing. They agree the suit:
1H 1S 2H (6-8 HCPs and 3 hearts)
1S 2C 3S (0-9 HCPs and 4 hearts)
1S 2D 4S (0-9 HCPs and 5 hearts)
If you have agreed a suit and then Double, this is a Penalty Double.
A Pass is clearly not forcing. However, if Opener has 2 or fewer of the Overcalled suit he should consider making a Takeout Double. 1H 2C PASS X. You can then agree his suit with just 2 cards or bid your own suit etc.
If partner opens 1 of a Major and Opps overcall with a Double - our 2/1 GF bid is still ON.
When you Open 1S / 1H or 1D and Responder shows 12+ points, by bidding 2x - ALERT: “2 OVER 1, FORCING TO GAME”, if you then (jump) to the 3 level:
1H P 2C P 3NT - Takes up a lot of bidding space. Very annoying for your partner! Shows extras 15-17(18)HCPs. Rarely used as you should probably have opened 1NT.
1H P 2C P 3S - Splinter, agreeing clubs and showing 0/1 Spades. Alert the Splinter as it is a jump bid in a new suit. 12-19HCPs
1H P 2C P 3H - Very Solid Heart suit (probably 6) with at most one loser in the suit. 12-19 HCPs
1H P 2C P 3C - 3 or 4 Clubs, if you haven’t got heart support we should play in NTs, I would prefer the lead to go to your hand so leave you to bid the NTs. 12-19 HCPs. If I wanted the lead to my hand, I would bid 2NT.
And similar for 1S P 2C/2D (gf) or 1D P 2C(gf)
When partner Opens 1M and you have exactly 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!).
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).
You only want to initiate cue Bidding on hands that have interest in bidding a slam. In 2/1 sequences we tend to bid 3M +1 as ‘non serious’ to say I’m not interested in slam but if you are then cue bid. A cue bid is first or second round control.
1H - 2C
2H - 3H
3S (non serious)
1H - 2C
2H - 3H
4C (I’m serious about wanting to bid slam, tell me your cue bids, I don’t have a spade cue bid)
1H - 2C
2H - 3H
3NT (I’m serious about wanting to bid slam, tell me your cue bids, I have a spade cue bid)
2/1 does not apply after intervention (use UCB).
Shows 3 card support (Use Jacoby to show 4 card support And an Opening hand.)
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