Main
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.
| S | W | N | E |
|---|---|---|---|
1NT |
Pass |
||
4 |
Pass |
4 |
Pass |
6NT |
Pass |
Pass |
Pass |
K
Q
4
7
6
K
Q
J
10
6
5
K
Q
3
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.
| S | W | N | E |
|---|---|---|---|
1NT |
Pass |
||
4 |
Pass |
4NT |
Pass |
6 |
Pass |
Pass |
Pass |
K
4
K
Q
J
10
9
8
K
6
5
K
9
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.
| S | W | N | E |
|---|---|---|---|
1NT |
Pass |
||
2 |
Pass |
2 |
Pass |
4 |
Pass |
4 |
Pass |
5 |
Pass |
5 |
Pass |
6 |
Pass |
Pass |
Pass |
| | |||||||||||
| | | | |||||||||
| K J 4 3 K Q J 3 5 A J 7 6 |
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