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.

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 1NT if you have a 5th card in one minor suit and/or two or more 10’s

A = 4+ Kx = 3 Qxx = 2 Jxxx = .75 J10xx = 1.25 10 (with other honors) = .5

Doubleton = .5 5th card in a suit with points = .5 6th card = 1 point 7th, card = 2 points, 8th = 3, etc. Void = 5 Singleton = 3

Counting Points

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 ♦K987 K786, 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 1NT 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 ♠ ♥AQ3 ♦Q54 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 ♠ ♥KJ63 ♦A542 32♣

♠ An overcall at the 2-level shows a hand you would have opened. Don’t overcall opener’s 1 with 97 ♠ ♠ ♥AK632 ♦K52 432, but do with ♣

97 ♠ ♥AK982 ♦K1082 43, and make a TO double with as little as ♣

9 ♠ ♥A862 ♦KQ52 8432♣

♠ If partner has not passed, a preempt usually shows 6+ cards in a suit and 5-11 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 and non-forcing otherwiseThe Reverse Rosenkranz Convention

Powerful. Used after partner's overcallShows 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 honorsb. 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)

RESPONDING TO PARTNER’S SUIT OVERCALLS

Consider the differences in the following sequences:

Opp1 You Opp2 PartnerP P 1♣ 1♥P

Opp1 You Opp2 Partner1♣ P P 1 ♥2♣

Opp1 You Opp2 Partner

P 1♣ 1 ♥1♠

Opp1 You Opp2 Partner 1♣ 1 ♥

DBL

What might Partner’s hand look like?

1. AK32 ♠ ♥A543 ♦543 43 ♣

3. AK432 ♠ ♥AQ543 ♦543 ♣

2. 32 ♠ ♥AQ87654 ♦543 2♣

4. K32 ♠ ♥AQ87 ♦J543 QJ♣

5. K5432 ♠ ♥AQ87 ♦43 32♣

6. 43 ♠ ♥876543 ♦AK J32♣

10. 5432 ♠ ♥8765 ♦AKQJ 2♣

9. J943 ♠ ♥8765 ♦AK J32♣

8. 43 ♠ ♥QJ543 ♦Axxx J3♣

7. K43 ♠ ♥AQ76 ♦AK AJ32♣

You Hold: Q1087 ♠ ♥K92 ♦1098 K98♣

What would you do?

2♣

3♥

1♠

1NT

P

DBL

1♠

2♥

2♥

2♥

One opponent has less than 6 points. Partner is sitting over the opener, and her points should work well. You need to explore

for game, and it could be in three places, NT, Hearts or spades.

This time, the opponent with points is sitting over your partner. Your 2 is telling your partner she can lead

the suit , and also forces the opponents to the 3-level, where

the contract may fail.

With both opponents bidding, game is unlikely. Your 2 bid will likely win the play of the

hand, but if the opponents bid again, they may get in trouble.

Opp1 is showing 4 Spades, and may not have a fit with his

partner. Feel comfortable raising the bidding level to 2,

but be happy to defend if partner doesn’t bid again

Doubles over opponents’ weak NT openersOvercaller Overcaller’s Partner

Direct Seat DBL (Penalty-oriented 14+ HCP)1. If Responder passes (forcing RDBL) or RDBL's

Pass - waiting (points). Otherwise, ‘Systems on’, so 2 is Stayman; all other 2-bids are transfers

2. If Responder bids a suit (showing a 2-suiter)

Pass - no points - no interestDBL - Penalty-oriented;Que-bid or NT is Takeout Suit - natural, non-invitationalJump bid is invitational

Balancing DBLShows 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

Opener Responder Rebidder Advancer2♠ - Fox-Lambert Weak Two - shows 5-11 HCP and 5-7 spades. Values should be in spades (typically KJ109x or better!)

2NT - Asks for further information3♣ - 5 Spades; 9-11 HCP (first step)3♦ - 6 card suit with 5-7 HCP (second step)3♥ - 6 card suit with 8-9 HCP or 7 card suit with 5-8 HCP (third step)3♠ - 6 card suit with 10-11 HCP or 7-card suit with 9-11 HCP (fourth step)3NT - 6 card suit headed by the AKQ or better

3♣/♦/♥ Shows another suit and minimal spade supportFirst step shows 5 Spades; 9-11 HCP ; no supportSecond step shows - 6 card suit with 5-7 HCP Third step shows 6 card suit with 8-9 HCP or 7 card suit with 5-8 HCP with no supportFourth step shows 6 card suit with 10-11 HCP or 7-card suit with 9-11 HCP with no supportA simple raise shows 3 card supportA jump raise shows 4 card supportAny other bid shows support and a singleton or void in the bid suit

When Opponents Interfere…1. Overcall • A Raise continues the preempt. Note: Pre-empter may bid again!• A Double is penalty-oriented. Pass with the 9-11 HCP 5-card suit hand

2. Double• 2NT – bid as if there were no double• New suit – ‘McCabe’ shows spade support but is lead directing• Raise – continues the preempt• Redouble (weak) – asks partner to bid the next higher suit, which

responder will pass or correct

*With thanks to Bernie Lambert et al.

Weak Two Bids – Fox-Lambert* Style!

In direct seat, you should have a hand that evaluates to 15+ playing points. This means that partner can balance with a suit and or 9+ points, or double with 8+ points and support for the other 3 suits

Examples: Over a 2♥ or 3♥ opener:You should have ♠AQxxx ♥Kx ♦KQxx ♣xx or better to make a direct

overcall of 2♠ or 3♠♠QJ10x ♥x ♦KQ10x ♣KJ10x would be minimum for a take-out

double in direct seatWith ♠KJxxxxx ♥void ♦Axx ♣xxx you should pass and expect partner

to re-open, which he should do. Even with ♠x ♥Qxxx ♦KQxx ♣Kxxx he should double or bid 2NTWhen partner balances – treat it as a minimum – a Double is the

only bid that requests you to do something. It can be for take-out or can be converted for penalty

Goren Q-Bid - when you are at favorable or even vulnerability – shows 2-suits with slam interest – asks you to bid your longest suit first.

Rule*: Never preempt a preempt ! (A suit bid in balancing position is non-invitational)

Rule*: When a major suit fit is found, any bid of a minor suit is likely NOT to play; treat it as forcing

Rule*: Over high level preempts, a suit bid shows competing values and is non-forcing.

Rule*: A double, or a Q-bid, or 4NT over 4♠ are the only bids that asks partner for input. (Note: a double may be passed.)

Rule*: Partner should not raise with fewer than 2 or 3 tricks - Aces, or a void plus the possibility of winning 2 tricks ( eg AQ). Your partner ‘expects’ that you have one already

* Rule=Guideline..Situations will arise when the rules should be broken, There are no Rules - just partner agreements & expectations

Bidding over Opponents’ Preempts

1NTWeak or Strong

Double – shows a 15+ HCP hand with a comfortable lead

Pass for penalty

2♣ - forces 2♦ and shows a hand with 6+diamonds or a 5-4 M/m hand or better.

If partner passes, she has diamonds. If she bids 2♥, she has hearts and a minor. 2NT asks ‘Which minor?’

2♥/♠ - Natural

2NT for the Minors

I advocate using this convention (MC) over a strong 1♣ Opener (16+HCP), as well. Bids are still made at the 2-level, or they don’t have any value.

Double – shows good clubs and a good hand2♣ - forces 2♦ and shows a hand with 6+diamonds or a 5-4 M/m hand or better.

If partner passes, she has diamonds. If she bids 2♥, she has hearts and a minor. 2NT asks ‘Which minor?’

2♥/♠ - Natural

2NT 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

Overcalls of Opponents 1NT – Modified Capelletti

When to Overcall NT, (and what it means)Opponent You

1♣♦♥♠ 1NT Direct – eg P-1♥-1NT shows a normal 1NT opener. All systems (Stayman, transfers, Gerber, etc) are ON

Balancing – eg 1♣ - P – P – 1NT shows 11-14 HCP and no 5-card suit. All systems are ON

After both opponents have bid – eg 1♦ - P - 1♠ - 1NT 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)

2NT Unusual 2NT – shows at least 5-4 in the minors or in the 2 lower unbid suits

(Optional treatment)

3NT/4♣/4♦, etc

Are transfers to the next higher suit

Unusual over UnusualUnusual 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

2NT 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

1m-2m shows the majors

1M-2M shows the other major and one of the minors. If you want to know which minor, bid 2NT

A bid of 2NT asks for the minor suit; any other, non-game bid is forcing

1x-2NT or 1x-P-1/2y-2NT 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 You1♦ 2♦ (Majors) Dbl is penalty-oriented

2♥ shows limit raise or better for Clubs2♠ shows limit raise or better for Diamonds3♣/♦ shows values for the suit bid -

competitive but not forcingRaise should be considered weak

IF THE OPP’S BID MICHAEL'S

This is called ‘Anti-Michaels. Note the

similarity with Unusual over Unusual

Michael's Que-bid

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 2NT, and opener bids his

singleton. Responder then can invite, set the contract or look for slam.

DEFENSE OVER MINI-ROMAN

2♦* Dbl=Diamonds and points2♥/♠ Biddable suit - invitational2NT 16-19 Balanced3♣ - clubs3♦ - majors

THE FLANNERY CONVENTION …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)♠ 2NT – 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♥ 3NT – 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. ♠ 3NT, 4♥, 4♠ – to play♠ 4NT - Blackwood - how many aces, partner?♠ 5♣/♦/♥/♠ - Exclusion BW “I have a void in this suit, Partner. How many

outside aces do you have?

2♦* 2♥=3-suit TO

Dbl=NT oriented

2♠/3♣/♦ to play

2NT=Minors

2♥* DBL=3-suit TO

2♠/3♣/♦ to play

2NT=MinorsNote 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 FLANNERY

Direct DBL of bid Stolen bid, with pointsQ-bid of real suit 3-suit takeoutAny other suit bid To play2NT Same as 1NT overcall, with stopper.Pass, then double Penalty-orientedPass, then bid Two-suited TO, showing the lowest TO suit

♠ 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 and 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

Defense Over 2-Level 2-Way Transfers

2♠ - P – 2NT - 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

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

K led Upside-down Count Signals – the play of a low card shows an even number; the play of a high card shows an odd number

A led Upside-down Attitude Signals – the play of a low card asks for a continuance; the play of a high card asks for a switchThe play of an honor shows the next lower honor or a singletonRule: With most partners, show attitude on the opening lead

Suppose dummy has a singleton and you want partner to switch to another suit: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 LeadsAn Ace, on Opening Lead, asks for

Attitude (Should I continue the suit?)

A King Lead asks for Count(How many cards in this suit do you have,

partner?)A Queen Lead against NT asks

partner to play the Jack if she has it.Normally done with AKQ10(x) or KQ109(x)

Defensive carding (Signals)

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 1NT (or 2NT) 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.

7 2NT shows a limit raise or better

8 Jump raises are preemptive

9 Jump shifts show a singleton or void and a limit raise or better

1 1♦ - DBLYou hold:♠Kxxx ♥Qxx ♦xxx ♣xxx

or ♠xx ♥Qxx ♦xx ♣QJxxxxPass with both. If you have another

chance to bid, just raise with either hand

4 P – P – 1♠ - DBLYou hold:♠xx♥Qxx ♦KJ109x ♣ xxx

or ♠xx♥xx ♦xx ♣ QJxxxxxBid 2♦ with the first, 2♣ with the

second. Don’t bid again

5 1♦ - DBLYou hold:♠Kxxx ♥Qxx ♦xx ♣Jxxx

or ♠Axx ♥QJx ♦xx ♣QxxxxBid 1NT with either hand. (Why not 1♠ with hand 1? – because the best likely spot to play this is in NT, with the lead coming to

you, and even if partner has 4 spades, you’re in a 4-4-4- fit)

6 1♦ - DBLYou hold:♠KJxx ♥QJx ♦xx ♣QJxx

or ♠Axxx ♥QJxx ♦x ♣QxxxRedouble with either hand

7 1♦ - DBLYou hold:♠KJx ♥QJx ♦xxxx ♣ Qxx

or ♠Axx ♥QJxx ♦Qxxx♣Jx Bid 2NT with either hand

8 1♥ - DBLYou hold:♠xxx ♥Qxxxx ♦xxx ♣ xx

or ♠A♥Jxxx ♦xxxxx ♣xxx Bid 3♥ with either hand

9 1♠ - DBLYou hold:♠KJxx♥QJxx ♦x ♣Qxxx

or ♠xxxx ♥AJxx ♦KJxx ♣JBid 3♦ with the first, 3♣ with the second

3 1♦ - DBLYou hold:♠KQxx ♥Qxx ♦xxx ♣ xxx

or ♠xx♥Qx ♦Jxx ♣ KQxxxxBid 1♠ with the first, 2♣ with the second

2 1♣ - DBLYou hold:♠xxx ♥Qxx ♦Kxx ♣ xxxx

Passor ♠xx ♥Qxx ♦Kxx ♣KQxxx

RDBL

Bidding After Opponents Takeout Double