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Detail specifications 21BD - Level 3 ★

The Responder's first bid after a level 1 Major opening

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Responses to a level 1 Major opening.
There are 4 categories of responses :
  • 1-PASS with less than 5HCP
  • 2-RAISE Make the appropriate raise of partner's major if you have 4-card support (single, limit or forcing raise) or  3-card support with 5-10 points (single raise)
  • 3- suit SHIFT (forcing)
      at the 1 level (1♥ - 1♠) with 4+♠ and 5+HCP...
      "Game forcing" 2/1 If you have game-forcing values, bid a new suit at the 2-level.
  • 4- NO TRUMP
      1NT forcingWith all other hands (5-11 points without support or 10-11 points with 3-card support),
      Jacoby 2NT 4+ trumps & 13+ support points ,
      RKC Blackwood 4NT to directly ask for key cards count... with a very strong hand
  • 5-Splinter with a 4 cards fit, game force or more and a shortness

SWNE
1
Pass
2
7
3
8
6
A
K
J
6
4
K
Q
8
5
Problem E40002 2♣ With 14HCP, a ♥ doubleton, not 4 cards in ♠... bid your longest minor.
 
SWNE
1
Pass
1NT
8
5
10
8
3
A
K
Q
J
4
7
4
2
Problem E40009 1♠ With 13HCP, a ♥ doubleton, and 4 cards in ♠... bid 1 ♠ and show your strength later.
 
 
RAISES
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 5-9 HCP. With 3 cards support and 10-11HCP, give preference to a 1NT forcing bid...
   Limit raise at level 3 With 11-12 HCP and 4 cards.
   2/1 then support.
    at level 4 With 13-14 HCP and 3 trumps.
    at level 3 With 15+ HCP and 3 trumps.

  Jacoby 2NT with 4+ trumps & 13+ support points
  Splinter 4+ trumps & 13+ support points and a singleton.
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.
SWNE
1
Pass
4
10
7
3
K
10
8
4
5
A
K
Q
8
4
Problem E40011 4♣ With 13 HCP you could bid 2♦, forcing to game, or even a Jacoby 2NT ... but here it is probably wiser to show your 4 cards in ♥ and your ♣ shortness by using a splinter
 
SWNE
1
Pass
2
10
7
3
K
8
4
J
8
5
Q
J
8
4
Problem E40153 2♥ With 5-10 HCP and a 3 cards fit with the opener, bid a simple support at 2♥
 
 
Suit Shift
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 .
  • at level 2 (2/1) with game force values (13+ HCP)

    • Caution !
    • In response to a 1♠ opening, 2♥ promises 5 cards.
    • In the minor suits, 4 cards are enough.
    • All shifts are forcing.

    SWNE
    1
    Pass
    2
    7
    8
    4
    A
    K
    J
    6
    4
    K
    Q
    8
    5
    3
    Problem E40004 2♣ With 14HCP, a ♥ doubleton, not 4 cards in ♠... bid your longest minor.... Here, with two 5-cards suits respond in the higher-ranking suit...You might then bid 3♣ in the next round.
     
    SWNE
    1
    Pass
    2
    7
    5
    3
    8
    6
    A
    K
    J
    4
    K
    Q
    8
    5
    Problem E40003 2♣ With 14HCP, a ♥ doubleton, not 4 cards in ♠... bid your longest minor.... Here,with two 4-cards suits bid up-the-line..
     
     
    NT bidding
    • 1NT 'forcing' shows 6-12 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
    • Jacoby 2NT. This is a very precise bid, 4+ trumps & 13+ support points.
    • RKC Blackwood 4NT. With a strong hand, to directly ask about the opener's key cards count.

    SWNE
    1
    Pass
    1NT
    7
    5
    3
    8
    4
    A
    K
    J
    7
    4
    Q
    7
    4
    Problem E40015 1NT Forcing (and catch all)You are not strong enough to force with 2♣....Which would be game forcing 2/1
    You are not fitted and do not have 4 cards in ♠... Bid 1NT, round forcing.
     
    Q
    J
    5
    2
    K
    Q
    Q
    5
    3
    A
    8
    6
    2
    SWNE
    1
    Pass
    2NT
    Pass
    3
    Pass
    3
    Pass
    4
    Pass
    4
    Pass
    4
    Pass
    Pass
    Pass
    A
    K
    8
    4
    3
    A
    9
    3
    2
    10
    9
    8
    J
    Problem E40042. Here is the famous Jacoby 2NT in response to a Major opening. It shows 13+ points and 4+ spades - game forcing!
     
     
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