General Bidding Treatments Jim Berglunds Bridge Lesson 7
General Bidding Treatments Jim Berglund’s Bridge Lesson 7 Note: do not assume that your partner will know all or any of these techniques, although most advanced players will know and play some, if not all of them. Only adopt them if you have an understanding of how, when, and why they are used – and a partner who agrees to play them in the same way! Many of these treatments will go against what you may have been taught in beginner’s lessons. They reflect a modern, aggressive style used extensively in Regional and National events. Even if you don’t play them, you should know them and know how to bid and defend against them.
Counting Points Rule: Never restrict hand evaluation to high-card points! Rule: Length points count when assessing your hand to bid. Rule: Shortness points only count if you have a ‘fit’ with partner Rule: Don’t double-count shortness points and length points Rule: Count points in the way that gives the highest total. Reassess the count as the bidding proceeds Rule: 3 -3 -3 -4 hands – subtract a point – never open a 3 -3 -3 -4 12 HCP hand. Rule: Always open 14. 5 HCP balanced hands 1 NT if you have a 5 th card in one minor suit and/or two or more 10’s Ø A = 4+ Ø Kx = 3 Ø Qxx = 2 Ø Jxxx =. 75 Ø J 10 xx = 1. 25 Ø 10 (with other honors) =. 5 Ø Doubleton =. 5 Ø 5 th card in a suit with points =. 5 Ø 6 th card = 1 point Ø 7 th, card = 2 points, 8 th = 3, etc. Ø Void = 5 Ø Singleton = 3
Overcalling Opponents’ Opening Bids ♠ One-level direct overcalls show 8+ HCP and length and/or ♠ ♠ ♠ strength in the bid suit. They are not necessarily ‘Lead-directing’ One-level doubles are takeout and show an opener, or a distributional hand. With ♠ 9876 ♥ 2 ♦K 987 ♣K 786, double a 1♥ opener. (You will not bid again unless you have a lot more) Direct overcalls at the 2 -level always show an opening hand Jump overcalls always show a pre-emptive hand A balancing overcall of 1 NT shows 11 -14 HCP and a flat hand A balancing overcall at the 2 -level may be done with 8+ HCP A balancing double that allows partner to bid at the 1 or 2 -level may be made with 9+HCP
Suit Overcalls ♠ An overcall at the one level shows 8 -15 HCP and 1 ½ Quick tricks. ♠ ♠ ♠ With ♠ 97432 ♥AQ 3 ♦Q 54 ♣ 32, bid 1♠. (Partner won’t ever bid 1♠ with ♠AKQ and little else. Partner will expect you have shown at least a Queen, overcalls do not have to be lead directing) It should show length and/or strength in the bid suit. If possible, overcall 1♥ with ♠ 974 ♥KJ 63 ♦A 542 ♣ 32 An overcall at the 2 -level shows a hand you would have opened. Don’t overcall opener’s 1♠ with ♠ 97 ♥AK 632 ♦K 52 ♣ 432, but do with ♠ 97 ♥AK 982 ♦K 1082 ♣ 43, and make a TO double with as little as ♠ 9 ♥A 862 ♦KQ 52 ♣ 8432 If partner has not passed, a preempt usually shows 6+ cards in a suit and 511 HCP ♥ ♠ use the rule of 2 or 3 - planning to go down 2, vulnerable vs vulnerable or 3, non-vulnerable vs vulnerable If partner has passed, a preemptive overcall is typically stronger than 7 HCP; It’s used to (a) interfere, (b) get the opponents to bid to a higher level than they can make, (c) give partner a suit to lead, and sometimes get them to double a contract that makes!
Responding to Partner’s Suit Overcalls ♠ ♠ ♠ All raises are preemptive – including jumps to game NT bids are invitational, show points and no more than 2 cards in partner’s suit Q-bids (bidding opener’s suit) are forcing and show points with good support ♥ ♠ Any bid by the overcaller, but a rebid of her suit is invitational A new suit is forcing by an unpassed hand, competitive Reverse Rosenkranz Convention and. The non-forcing otherwise Powerful. Used after partner's overcall Shows 8+/- HCP and typically, 3 -card support a. If RHO raises or bids another suit, • Double shows 3 cards without one of the top 3 honors. • Raise shows 3 cards with one of the top 3 honors b. If RHO doubles, • Re-double shows 3 cards without one of the top 3 honors • Raise shows 3 cards with one of the top 3 honors (Note: this is an advanced treatment and should be discussed with partner)
One opponent has less than 6 This time, the opponent with points. Partner is sitting over the With both opponents bidding, Opp 1 is showing 4 Spades, is sitting over your partner. Your opener, and her points should 2 game is telling your partner can is. You unlikely. Your bidhis and may not have a she fit 2 with work well. need to explore leadwill the suit , and also forces the likely the play of the partner. Feel comfortable game, and itwin could be inlike? three Whatfor might Partner’s hand look opponents to 3 -level, where hand, but. Hearts if the opponents bid 2, raising the bidding level to places, NT, or spades. the contract may fail. again, may get trouble. butthey be happy to in defend if Consider the differences in the following sequences: 1♠ 2♥ 2♥ 2♥ Opp 1 You Partner P P P Opp 1 You Partner 1♣ P 2♣ Opp 1 You Partner P 1♠ Opp 1 You Opp 2 1♣ 1♥ 2♣ Opp 2 P 3♥ 1♥ Opp 2 1♣ 3. ♠AK 432 ♥AQ 543 ♦ 543 ♣ 4. ♠K 32 ♥AQ 87 ♦J 543 ♣QJ 1♠ Opp 2 1♣ 1. ♠AK 32 ♥A 543 ♦ 543 ♣ 43 bid again partner doesn’t 2. ♠ 32 ♥AQ 87654 ♦ 543 ♣ 2 5. ♠K 5432 ♥AQ 87 ♦ 43 ♣ 32 6. ♠ 43 ♥ 876543 ♦AK ♣J 32 1♥ Partner 1♥ DBL You Hold: ♠Q 1087 ♥K 92 ♦ 1098 ♣K 98 What would you do? 1 NT 7. ♠K 43 ♥AQ 76 ♦AK ♣AJ 32 8. ♠ 43 ♥QJ 543 ♦Axxx ♣J 3 P 9. ♠J 943 ♥ 8765 ♦AK ♣J 32 DBL 10. ♠ 5432 ♥ 8765 ♦AKQJ ♣ 2
Doubles over opponents’ weak NT openers Overcaller Direct Seat DBL (Penalty-oriented 14+ HCP) 1. If Responder passes (forcing RDBL) or RDBL's 2. If Responder bids a suit (showing a 2 -suiter) Overcaller’s Partner Pass - waiting (points). Otherwise, ‘Systems on’, so 2 is Stayman; all other 2 -bids are transfers Pass - no points - no interest DBL - Penalty-oriented; Que-bid or NT is Takeout Suit - natural, non-invitational Jump bid is invitational Balancing DBL Shows 10+HCP Pass - shows 11+HCP and a suit to lead; see above for other action by Opp's ‘Systems on’, so 2 is Stayman; all other 2 -bids are transfers
Weak Two Bids – Fox-Lambert* Style! Opener Responder Rebidder Advancer 2♠ - Fox-Lambert Weak Two - shows 5 -11 HCP and 5 -7 spades. Values should be in spades (typically KJ 109 x or better!) 2 NT - Asks for further information 3♣ - 5 Spades; 9 -11 HCP (first step) When Opponents Interfere… 3♦ - 6 card suit with 5 -7 HCP (second step) 1. Overcall 3♥ - 6 card suit with 8 -9 HCP or 7 card suit with 5 -8 HCP (third • A Raise continues the preempt. Note: Pre-empter may bid again! step) • A Double is penalty-oriented. Pass with the 9 -11 HCP 5 -card suit hand 3♠ - 6 card suit with 10 -11 HCP or 7 -card suit with 9 -11 HCP (fourth step) 2. Double 3 NT - 6 card suit headed by the AKQ or better • 2 NT – bid as if there were no double 3♣/♦/♥ Shows another suit and minimal spade support • New suit – ‘Mc. Cabe’ shows spade support but is lead directing First step shows 5 Spades; 9 -11 HCP ; no support • Raise – continues the preempt Second step shows - 6 card suit with 5 -7 HCP • Redouble (weak) – asks partner to bid the next higher suit, which Third step shows 6 card suit with 8 -9 HCP or 7 card suit with 5 responder will pass or correct 8 HCP with no support Fourth step shows 6 card suit with 10 -11 HCP or 7 -card suit with 9 -11 HCP with no support A simple raise shows 3 card support A jump raise shows 4 card support Any other bid shows support and a singleton or void in the *With thanks to Bernie Lambert et al.
Bidding over Opponents’ Preempts Rule*: Partner should not raise with Rule*: Never preempt a fewer than 2 or seat, 3 tricks Aces, have or a a hand that evaluates preempt ! (A suit bid In direct you- should to 15+ playing void plus thepoints. possibility of winning balancing position This means that partner can balancein with a suit and or 2 tricks ( eg 9+ AQ). Yourorpartner is non-invitational) points, double with 8+ points and support for the other 3 ‘expects’ that you have one already suits Examples: Over a 2♥ or 3♥ opener: Rule*: When a major suit fit is You should have ♠AQxxx ♥Kx ♦KQxx ♣xx or better to make a direct found, any bid of a minor overcall of 2♠ or 3♠ suit is likely NOT to play; ♠QJ 10 x ♥x ♦KQ 10 x ♣KJ 10 x would be minimum for a take-out treat it as forcing double in direct seat With ♠KJxxxxx ♥void ♦Axx ♣xxx you should pass and expect partner to re-open, which he should do. Even with ♠x ♥Qxxx ♦KQxx ♣Kxxx. Rule*: he should or bidpreempts, 2 NT Overdouble high level a Rule*: A double, or a Q-bid, or When partner balances – treat it as a minimum – a Double is the suit bid shows competing 4 NT only overbid 4♠ that are requests the only you to do something. It can be for takevalues and is non-forcing. bids out thatorasks partner for can be converted for penalty input. Q-Bid (Note: -awhen double Goren you are at favorable or even vulnerability – may shows be passed. ) 2 -suits with slam interest – asks you to bid your longest suit first. * Rule=Guideline. . Situations will arise when the rules should be broken, There are no Rules - just partner agreements & expectations
Overcalls of Opponents 1 NT – Modified Capelletti 1 NT Weak or Strong I advocate using this convention (MC) over a strong 1♣ Opener (16+HCP), are still Double – shows a 15+ HCP hand as well. Pass. Bids for penalty at the 2 -level, with made a comfortable lead or they don’t have any value. Double – shows good clubs and a good hand 2♣ - forces and ashows a hand with 6+diamonds 2♣ - forces 2♦ and 2♦ shows hand with If partner passes, she has or a 5 -4 better. 6+diamonds or. M/m a 5 -4 hand M/m or hand or diamonds. If she bids 2♥, better. If partner passes, she has diamonds. she Ifhas shehearts bids and a minor. 2 NTasks‘Which minor? ’ 2♥, she has hearts and a minor. 2 NT 2♥/♠ -minor? ’ Natural 2 NT for the Minors 2♥/♠ - Natural 2 NT for the Minors Why? The strong 1♣ bid is intimidating to many players. It also has a set of formal responses that these two-level bids make it more difficult to use effectively
When to Overcall NT, (and what it means) Opponent 1♣♦♥♠ You 1 NT Direct – eg P-1♥-1 NT shows a normal 1 NT opener. All systems (Stayman, transfers, Gerber, etc) are ON Balancing – eg 1♣ - P – 1 NT shows 11 -14 HCP and no 5 -card suit. All systems are ON After both opponents have bid – eg 1♦ - P - 1♠ - 1 NT is called Sandwich NT (even by a passed hand). It guarantees a landing place in either of the other 2 suits if partner feels compelled to bid. It should show a bad 8 to a bad 10 HCP and at least 4 cards in the unbid suits. It is NOT invitational. (Note that a Double would show a better hand with the other 2 suits) 2 NT (Optional treatment) Unusual 2 NT – shows at least 5 -4 in the minors or in the 2 lower unbid suits 3 NT/4♣/ Are transfers to the next higher suit 4♦, etc
Unusual over Unusual - also used for other occasions where two suits are shown by opponents (like Sandwich NT, Michaels Q-bid, etc) A bid of their lower ranking suit indicates limit+ support for the lower of the other two suits A bid of their higher ranking suit indicates limit+ support for the higher of the other two suits Partner 1♣/♦/♥/♠ Opp You 2 NT Dbl is penalty-oriented 3♣ shows limit raise or better for Hearts 3♦ shows limit raise or better for Spades 3♥/♠ shows values for the suit bid - competitive but not forcing Raise should be considered weak
Michael's Que-bid 1 m-2 m shows the majors 1 M-2 M shows the other major and one of the minors. If you want to know which minor, bid 2 NT A bid of 2 NT asks for the minor suit; any other, non-game bid is forcing 1 x-2 NT or 1 x-P-1/2 y-2 NT shows the two lower unbid suits A Michaels Q-bid over a takeout double by partner– only at unfavorable vulnerability - shows 2 suits asks her to bid her longest suit first Partner Opp 1♦ 2♦ (Majors) This is called ‘Anti. Michaels. Note the similarity with Unusual over Unusual You Dbl is penalty-oriented 2♥ shows limit raise or better for Clubs 2♠ shows limit raise or better for Diamonds 3♣/♦ shows values for the suit bid competitive but not forcing Raise should be considered weak
2♦ Mini-Roman Opening hands ♠ ♠ These hands always show 11 -15 HCP and 4 -4 -4 -1 distribution with an undefined singleton. Some partnerships insist on 4 spades – (I don’t) With weak hands, responder is just trying to find the cheapest fit. 2♥ can be passed. If opener has a singleton heart, he’ll try 2♠, which can be passed or responder can comfortably find another bid – which must be passed. With invitational or forcing hands, responder bids 2 NT, and opener bids his singleton. Responder then can invite, set the contract or look for slam. DEFENSE OVER MINI-ROMAN 2♦* Dbl=Diamonds and points 2♥/♠ Biddable suit - invitational 2 NT 16 -19 Balanced 3♣ - clubs 3♦ - majors
…is a bridge convention using an 2♦ opening bid to show a hand of minimal opening bid strength (11 -15 high card points) with exactly four spades and five (or sometimes six) hearts. (These hands are normally hard to describe easily. ) ♠ Pass, 2♥, 2♠, 3♣, 3♦ – to play (drop dead and don’t bid again, partner!) ♠ 3♥, 3♠ –invitational (or pre-emptive – depending on partnership agreement) ♠ 2 NT – forcing bid. The opener describes his hand more precisely: ♥ 3♣, 3♦ – 3 cards in the bid suit (i. e. , 4=5=1=3 and 4=5=3=1 distribution, respectively) ♥ 3♥ – 4=5=2=2, 11 -13 points ♥ 3♠ – 4=5=2=2, 14 -15 points with weak minor-suit doubletons ♥ 3 NT – 4=5=2=2, 14 -15 points, but good minor-suit doubletons ♥ 4♣, 4♦ – 4 cards in the bid suit (i. e. , 4=5=0=4 and 4=5=4=0 distribution, respectively) ♥ 4♥ - a 6 -card heart suit, for those who play this variant ♠ 4♣/♦ Game forcing. Slam invitational; self-sufficient suit (at least 7 cards. no more than 3 cards in the majors. Need help in the other minor or a top honor in the bid suit for slam. ♠ 3 NT, 4♥, 4♠ – to play ♠ 4 NT - Blackwood - how many aces, partner? ♠ 5♣/♦/♥/♠ - Exclusion BW “I have a void in this suit, Partner. How many outside aces do you have?
DEFENSE OVER FLANNERY 2♦* 2♥=3 -suit TO Dbl=NT oriented 2♠/3♣/♦ to play 2♥* DBL=3 -suit TO 2♠/3♣/♦ to play 2 NT=Minors Note that some pairs open Flannery with 2♥ instead of 2♦. This gives up the weak 2♥ bid, but right-sides more Flannery contracts. the 2♥ variation is more difficult to defend over. Few opponents will have a formal defense and are more likely to create problems for themselves
Defense Over 2 -Level 2 -Way Transfers ♠ 2 -level-2 -way transfers* are used over an artificial ‘short club’ bid only. ♠ (2♣ is inverted and game forcing; ) 2♦ is a transfer to hearts; 2♥ is a transfer to spades and 2♠ is a transfer to diamonds. ♠ Normally these bids are made with a long suit and a weak hand, or with a great suit and a very strong hand (2 -way). They are never made with a ‘normal’ hand. ♠ With a very good hand a great suit, responder’s bid after openers acceptance of the transfer is a RKC bid in support of the suit. Eg. 1♣ - P – 2♥ - P 2♠ - P – 2 NT would show one or 4 Key cards in support of spades. Since it is only done with a great suit and a very strong hand, it must show 4! Since few pairs will have a prepared defense over these bids, it is only fair to provide it, in written form, for them Direct DBL of bid Q-bid of real suit Any other suit bid 2 NT Pass, then double Pass, then bid Stolen bid, with points 3 -suit takeout To play Same as 1 NT overcall, with stopper. Penalty-oriented Two-suited TO, showing the lowest TO suit
Defensive carding (Signals) Responding to partner’s opening lead of an Ace or King (assuming she keeps the lead) K led Normal Count Signals – the play of a high card shows an even number; the play of a low card shows an odd number A led Normal Attitude Signals – the play of a high card asks for a continuance; the play of a low card asks for a switch An Ace, on Opening Lead, asks for K led Upside-down Count Signals – the play of a low card shows an even Attitude (Should I continue suit? ) number; the play of a high card shows an odd the number King. Signals Lead– the asks Count A led Upside-down. A Attitude play for of a low card asks for a continuance; themany play ofcards a highin card a switch (How thisasks suitfordo you have, The play of an honor shows partner? ) the next lower honor or a singleton Rule: With A most partners, Lead show attitude on the opening Queen against NT askslead Suppose dummy has a singleton and you want partner to switch to partner to play the Jack if she has it. another suit: Normally done with AKQ 10(x) or KQ 109(x) Normally, a high card by you would ask for a switch to the higher of the other two suits (not counting the led suit or trumps) Honor Leads
Bidding After Opponents Takeout Double 1 A Pass may show no points, or be waiting to see what happens before making a bid 2 A simple raise is non-forcing 3 A new suit is forcing (by an un-passed hand) for one round. It shows a rebiddable suit and/or support for partner 4 A new suit is non-forcing (by a passed hand) and typically denies the ability to make a raise 5 1 NT (or 2 NT) shows 7 -9 HCP and little support for partner 6 Redouble shows 10+ HCP and tends to show no fit for partner; A subsequent bid of a suit by redoubler is forcing one-round; a raise of p[artner’s opening suit is invitational. 5 1♦ - DBL 1 1♦ DBL 2 1♣ DBL 1♦ DBL 43 P – 1♠ a 1♦limit raise. DBL or♥Qxx better♦xx ♣Jxxx 6 7 2 NT shows. You - DBL hold: ♠Kxxx 87 1♥ 1♦ DBL You hold: ♠Kxxx ♥Qxx ♦xxx hold: ♠xxx ♥Qxx ♣♦xx xxxx You hold: ♠KQxx ♥Qxx ♦xxx ♣♣xxx 9 You 1♠ are -♦Kxx DBL You hold: ♠xx♥Qxx ♦KJ 109 x ♣xxx ♣Qxxxx You hold: ♠KJxx ♥QJx ♣QJxx 8 Jump raises preemptive or ♠Axx ♥QJx ♦xx You hold: ♠xxx hold: ♠KJx ♥Qxxxx ♥QJx ♦xxx ♣♣Qxx xx or ♠xx. Pass ♥Qxx ♦xx ♣QJxxxx or ♠xx♥Qx ♦Jxx ♣♦x KQxxxx You hold: ♠KJxx♥QJxx ♦x ♣Qxxx or ♠xx♥xx ♦xx ♣ QJxxxxx or ♠Axxx ♥QJxx ♣Qxxx Bid 1 NT with either hand. (Why not or 1♠void with and handa 1? – because 9 Pass Jump shifts show a singleton limit raise or better or ♠xx ♥Qxx ♦Kxx ♣KQxxx or ♠A♥Jxxx ♠Axx ♥QJxx ♦xxxxx ♦Qxxx♣Jx ♣xxx with both. If you have another Bid 1♠ with the first, 2♣ with the second or ♠xxxx ♥AJxx ♦KJxx ♣J Bid 2♦ with the first, 2♣ with the Redouble with either hand the best likely spot to play this is inhand NT, with the lead coming to RDBL 2 NT 3♥ with either hand chance to bid, just raise with either Bid 3♦ Bid with the first, 3♣ with the second bid again you, second. and even. Don’t if partner has 4 spades, you’re in a 4 -4 -4 - fit)
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