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Detail specifications 61JL - Level 2 ★
The Gerber convention
The 4 clubs Gerber
is a response to a no-trumps bid. Like Blackwood, it is a slam investigation bid that asks partner how many aces he holds.
is a response to a no-trumps bid. Like Blackwood, it is a slam investigation bid that asks partner how many aces he holds.
- The difference from Blackwood is that Gerber is only used for no-trumps. This is because 1NT-4NT is natural, inviting partner to bid 6NT.
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Responses to a 4 clubs Gerber:
4 ♦ shows 0 or 4 aces.
4♥ shows 1 ace
4♠ shows 2 aces
4NT shows 3 aces.
4 ♦ shows 0 or 4 aces.
4♥ shows 1 ace
4♠ shows 2 aces
4NT shows 3 aces.
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Exercise 40173 Opener shows 0 or 4 aces (here clearly 4).... Good news
After hearing partner's response, the Gerber bidder can bid 5♣ to ask for the kings.
Responses to a 5 clubs Gerber (for the Kings)
5 ♦ shows 0 or 4 kings.
5♥ shows 1 king
5♠ shows 2 kings
5NT shows 3 kings.
Responses to a 5 clubs Gerber (for the Kings)
5 ♦ shows 0 or 4 kings.
5♥ shows 1 king
5♠ shows 2 kings
5NT shows 3 kings.
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Exercise 40086 Gerber can also be used as a jump rebid after a Stayman sequence. Here, responder is interested in 6♥..
FR version
With 16 HCP and a strong ♣ 6 carder, responder is interested in slam but need to make sure the camp is not missing two aces