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Detail specifications 21BB - Level 1 ★
The Responder's first bid after a level 1 Major opening
Responses to a level 1 Major opening.
There are 4 categories of responses :
There are 4 categories of responses :
- PASS with less than 5HCP
- RAISE with at least 3 cards in the major and a minimum of 7-8 HCP. A raise bid is not forcing. The raise level is chosen according to the number of cards the responder is holding : that's the famous law of total tricks !
- SHIFT (forcing)
- NO TRUMP no support, no 4 ♠ cards (after a 1♥ opening), or with support in a wishy washy hand (less than 7-8HCP)
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Problem E2204 PASS With 5HCP and a ♥ doubleton... PASS is often the winning bid.
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Problem E2327 PASS So as not to disappoint your partner. Refrain from responding with a 4333 hand with 1 Ace and nothing else.
Raising
Apply the law of total tricks ! The number of trump cards you hold matters more than your HCP :
Simple raise to the 2-level. With at least 3 cards in the Major and 7-8 HCP. With a poor hand, 3 cards support and less HCP, give preference to a 1NT bid...
Jump raise. With 11-12 HCP and 4 cards.
Raise to 4. With 13-15 HCP and 4 trump cards.
Raises or jump (simple or double) raises are not forcing. The opener may pass. Shifts are the only forcing bids : - for one round at the 1-level, - autoforcing at the 2-level, - jump shifts are game forcing.
Apply the law of total tricks ! The number of trump cards you hold matters more than your HCP :
Simple raise to the 2-level. With at least 3 cards in the Major and 7-8 HCP. With a poor hand, 3 cards support and less HCP, give preference to a 1NT bid...
Jump raise. With 11-12 HCP and 4 cards.
Raise to 4. With 13-15 HCP and 4 trump cards.
Raises or jump (simple or double) raises are not forcing. The opener may pass. Shifts are the only forcing bids : - for one round at the 1-level, - autoforcing at the 2-level, - jump shifts are game forcing.
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Problem E9800 2♥ 8 HCP, a 3 cards support, a decent hand... raise to level 2 (even with 5 very nice ♠ cards)
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Problem E9802 2♥ Definitely not 3♥ with this awful 4333 distribution. Your hand has no added ruffing value and your lonely Qs aren't worth much.
Shifting
When you don't have support, you may bid another suit : at level 1 with a minimum of 5 HCP and at least 4 cards in the suit (then it's ♠). at level 2 (no jump) with 10-11 HCP
Caution !
When you don't have support, you may bid another suit : at level 1 with a minimum of 5 HCP and at least 4 cards in the suit (then it's ♠). at level 2 (no jump) with 10-11 HCP
Caution !
- In response to a 1♠ opening, 2♥ promises 5 cards.
- In the minor suits, 4 cards are enough.
- All shifts are forcing.
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Problem E4819 3♥Show your strength... jump to the 3-level. This will also complicate your opponents' bidding.
NT bidding
- 1NT shows 6-10 HCP and doesn't give any other indication. Sometimes this is the only possible bid when you are not strong enough to shift to the 2-level (you need 11 HCP)
- Support 2NT. This is a very precise bid, showing exactly 11 HCP, 3 cards in the opening Major in a balanced hand.
- Support 3NT. You and your partner may agree on this support bid. With roughly 13 HCP, 4 cards in the opening Major and a balanced hand.
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Problem E5317 1NT A poor hand (4333), scattered honors...try to make 7 tricks.. rather than 8!
Give preference to 1NT.
Give preference to 1NT.
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Problem E5442. Here is the famous support 2NT in response to a Major opening. 11 HCP, a 3 cards support and a balanced hand (4432). Your hand may also be 5422, with a minor 5th. Convenient, isn't it ?
FR version