Jim Berglund’s Bridge Lesson 6

Basic Calgary 2 over 1

Disclaimer♠ My lessons will explain how 2/1 is generally played in Calgary, by

experienced pairs♠ There are many ways to bid a bridge hand. ♠ These lessons are not designed to show you ‘the perfect bid’ in each

situation♠ Guidance given is based on what I would do, playing with an experienced

partner. Consider “Rules” as “Recommendations”♠ They are intended to have you think about the possibilities, so that you

can take appropriate action, when you should, more often.♠ Many new concepts and conventions will be introduced and (briefly)

explained. These conventions will be discussed at greater length in subsequent lessons, but you should try to understand them, now.

2/1Invented by Max Hardy; refined by Mike Lawrence & others

2 Over 1 is a significant enhancement to 5-Card Majors, which improved Standard American and is now part of the SAYC (Standard American Yellow Card)

Two Key Principles:1. 2-level bids over partner’s Major Suit openers will be forcing to game. (1♥-2 ,♣

1♥-2 ,♦ 1♠-2 ,♣ 1♠-2 ,♦ and 1♠-2 ♥ are the only relevant auctions) However: 1♦-2 ♣ is NOT typically a game force although it is forcing one-round, and may begin a

2. If opener opens one of a major, and responder bids 1NT, that is a one round force. Opener may not pass.

These fundamental changes allows 2/1 players to quickly identify game going and slam invitational hands using low level bids.

“Slow Shows. Fast Denies”

1. When partner is a passed hand; a passed hand cannot force to game.2. If partner opens 1♣3. If partner opens 1 ♦ (except 1♦ – 2♣)4. A 2 bid over 1♠ ♥ is not 2/1 (it is normally played as pre-emptive and

weak or as a splinter in support of hearts)5. Over Opponent’s Interference, including doubles♠ After an intervening overcall, responder's new-suit bid shows a long suit and

decent values, but it is not forcing to game. It could be as few as 8-9 pts, if you have a strong suit.

♠ After an intervening double, responder's 2-level bid of a new suit is weak (5-9 pts.).

♠ After an overcall or a double, a 1NT response is standard (7-10 pts. with a stopper) and is not forcing.

2/1 Does NOT apply

BenefitsBOTH VULNERABLEYOU ARE SOUTH

J5A1084QJ2AK83

W N E S

1♠ P 2♣

P 2♠ P ?

With Standard American, you have no good game forcing bid. ♠ 2NT is only invitational;♠ 3 is invitational with 2 and minimal values; A red ♠ ♠

suit bid implies a 2-suiter; ♠ a bid of 3♥ would show four Hearts, but better,

longer clubs. 3NT is too unilateral.♠ If partner has 6 spades, 4 may be the best ♠

match point contract, and you may even be missing slam.

With 2/1, your first bid is a game force, so you have much greater flexibility, and can bid 2NT, knowing partner can’t pass.

♠

♥

♦

♣

Benefits (cont)BOTH VULNERABLEYOU ARE SOUTH

QJ76532A5KQ7 8

W N E S

1♠P 2♦ P 2♠P 4♠ P ?

With Standard American, you have no idea if partner holds:♠9 ♥KJ ♦AJ10642 A93, ♣

where 6 spades hasn’t a hope, but 6D makes, or♠K10 ♥KQ6 ♦AJ964 A93, ♣

Where the spade slam is cold or♠K8 ♥Jx ♦A10876 KJ93, ♣

where 4 may go down 1, 2 or 3 on diamond ruffs♠

With 2/1, in the first two hands he can explore for the right slam, and in hand three, partner would not make a game force,

♠

♥

♦

♣

1. It is usually taught that you need ‘a better-than-opening hand’ to bid 2/1 (a good 12+ HCP is the standard)

2. You should also have one or two good suits to bid 2/13. You do not require a fit4. If you have a 3NT bid (13-15 points with 2-card support for partner,

you should bid it)5. If you have a game-forcing raise for partner, you should bid 2NT

(Jacoby,) asking for partner to bid a singleton at the 3-level, or a second 4-card or longer suit at the 4-level

6. I believe, however, that if you have a hand where you know game is definitely makeable, you may bid 2/11. You hold 963♠ ♥8 ♦A109876543 void and partner opens ♣

1 Spade. Please bid 2♦2. You hold 96432 ♠ ♥KQ8 ♦void KQ652. Partner bids 1 . ♣ ♠

Feel free to bid 2 . You should be looking for slam!♣

What do you need to bid 2/1?

The Jacoby 2NT Convention Jacoby 2NT shows 4-card support and is used to elicit more information from openerAfter 1♥ (or 1 ) – 2NT - ?, here are what the following bids mean:♠

1. Any 3-level suit bid (other than the trump suit ) shows a singleton (not a void) in the suit.

2. Any bid at the 4-level shows a 4-card suit with 5-4-2-2 distribution.3. A rebid at the 3-level is strong, and shows 5-3-2-2 or 6-3-2-2 or 7-2-2-2 or

possibly a hand with a void4. A jump to game is the weakest bid and shows 5-3-3-2 distribution5. A bid of 3NT is called ’Serious 3NT’ and is the strongest of hands and asks

partner to start bidding first and second-round controls (Aces, Kings, singletons or voids ‘up-the-line’ (in the order they occur) . Holding

Q1084 ♠ ♥87 ♦AKQJ K43, you’d bid 4 - not 4♣ ♣ ♦. When partner bids 4♥, you bid 5♦ if he now bids 5♥, you bid 6♦, and you’ve described your hand perfectly.

How to rebid after a 2/1 response?

1. Rule: With 3 or more cards in partner’s suit, raise it.1. You hold AK963 ♠ ♥8 ♦AKQ3 432 ♣

Always bid 3♣2. You hold 96432 ♠ ♥void ♦AKQJ10 654. ♣

Always bid 3 (you’ll never get another chance to show ♣

partner a fit)2. Rule: You should rebid a 5-card suit if you have no

better bid. holding 96432 ♠ ♥AQJ ♦876 AJ or even♣

♠AKQJ10 ♥AQJ ♦876 A9♣

Just bid 2 . Partner will bid again! ♠

Note that this does NOT indicate a 6-card suit OR a minimum hand – just no better bid!

W N E S

1♠ P 2♣

P ?

How to rebid after a 2/1 response?

3. Rule: Bid 2NT with minimal hands with stoppers in the other 2 suits

♠K6432 ♥AQ9 ♦K76 65♣

Bid 2NT. You’d like the lead to come to your hand if you end up playing it

4. Rule: Don’t jump needlessly. Take your time♠AKQ432 ♥Q ♦KQJ87 5 ♣

Just bid 2♦. Partner will bid again AK65432 ♠ ♥8 ♦K87 52 ♣

Don’t bid 3S or 4S. Just bid 2 . Partner will ♠

bid again

W N E S

1♠ P 2♣

P ?

1. The forcing 1NT response allows for a wide range of hands; 5-13-, balanced or wildly distributional

2. The 1NT forcing bid makes it impossible to play 1NT over Major openings

3. It is often difficult for responder to bid intermediate or very strong, distributional hands comfortably so that other conventions* are often used, such as…

2-way 2-level transfersNew Minor ForcingX-Y-ZJacoby 2NTBergen Raises

4th Suit ForcingFlanneryMini-RomanConstructive Raises

Inverted MinorsFlannery AdjunctModified ReversesLebensohl/RubensohlEtc.

Don’t Panic! These will all be discussed in future lessons and you don’t have to use them all.

PROBLEMS WITH 2/1

Test Question 1BOTH VULNERABLEYOU ARE SOUTH 1 2 3 4

KQ543KQ432A65

W N E S

1♣

P ?

♠

♥

♦

♣

AKQ10783voidAK8532

♠

♥

♦

♣

K8752Q7652328

♠

♥

♦

♣

9Q97AKQJ65432

Remember: 2/1 is not used when a minor suit is openedIn hand 1, bid 1 , and jump to 3♠ ♥ over 1NT or 2♣In hand 2, bid 1 . Bid 2 ♠ ♠ IFF (if and only if) you use jump shifts over minorsIn hand 3, bid 1 , and bid 2♠ ♥ over 1NT or 2 by partner♣

In hand 4, bid 1♦, and bid 3 over partner’s major or NT bid (If you are ♣

using Inverted Minors, bid 2 ♦ initially. It is a limit raise or better for clubs)

♠

♥

♦

♣

Test Question 2BOTH VULNERABLEYOU ARE SOUTH 1 2 3 4

In hand 1, bid 1 , and bid 4♠ ♥ over any non-forcing bid. (Bid 2NT IFF you are using Jacoby 2NT to force to game)In hand 2, bid 1 . (Bid 2♠ ♠ IFF you use jump shifts)In hand 3, bid 2♥, and bid 4♥ over any move by partnerIn hand 4, bid 1NT, and bid 3♥ over partner’s non-forcing bid

KQ543KQ432A65

W N E S

1♥

P ?

♠

♥

♦

♣

AKQ10783voidAK8532

♠

♥

♦

♣

K8752Q7652328

♠

♥

♦

♣

9Q97AKQJ65432

♠

♥

♦

♣

Test Question 3BOTH VULNERABLEYOU ARE SOUTH 1 2 3 4

In hand 1, bid 3♦ – It is a splinter bid, showing spade support and a singleton diamond. (Note: Bid 2NT IFF you are using Jacoby 2NT to force to game)

In hand 2, bid 2 (Game Force)♥

In hand 3, bid 3 (splinter bid)♣

In hand 4, bid 1NT; plan to bid 2NT over a 2 rebid ♠

KQ543KQ432A65

W N E S

1♠ P ?

♠

♥

♦

♣

voidAKQ10783AK8532

♠

♥

♦

♣

K8752Q7652328

♠

♥

♦

♣

9Q97AKQJ65432

♠

♥

♦

♣

Test Question 4BOTH VULNERABLEYOU ARE North

6 7 8 9 10

Bid 3 with hands 6, 8, and 10. Always show support for ♣

partners suit if you can.Bid 2♥ in hand 7Bid 2♦ in hand 9; this is just a ‘convenient’ bid

♠

♥

♦

♣

876A5432AQQJ5

W N E S

1♥ P 2♣

P ?

♠

♥

♦

♣

QJ108KQJ5434QJ

♠

♥

♦

♣

QKJ542A43K654

♠

♥

♦

♣

654AKQ76KQ362

♠

♥

♦

♣

AKJ8AK832632K32

What do you need to bid a forcing NT?Remember that it can only be forcing over a major-suit opening

1. 2-card support and 5-12 HCP2. 3 card support and 5-7- or 9+-13 HCP (and no 4-card spade suit)

• With the better hand, plan to bid 3 of his major as your next bid• With 8+/- HCP and 3-card support make a constructive raise to the 2-level

3. 4-card support and 5-6- HCP (and no 4-card spade suit)• With 8+/- HCP and 4-card support make a constructive raise• With 9+ 11 HCP and 4-card support make a limit raise to the 3-level

4. 5-card support and 0-4- HCP (Tactical bid)• Bid a constructive raise with an Ace or a King and 5 to 7 HCP• Make a limit raise with 8 to 10 HCP• Bid game with 11 or 12 HCP and no Aces

5. Zero or one card support and 6+-12 HCP (Pass with 0 to 5)

Test Question 5BOTH VULNERABLEYOU ARE SOUTH

11 12 13 14 15

Bid 2 with hand 11 (this bid ♣ must be alerted and should always be made unless you have a 4-card red suit – even if you are 5-3-3-2 distribution!)Bid 2♦ with hand 12 (Note: it guarantees at least 4 Diamonds)Bid 2 with hand 13 (partner cannot have 4 spades)♣

Bid 2 with hand 14 (this is a reverse*, showing a very good first suit and a very ♠

good hand – generally 17+ playing points) (partner cannot have 4 spades) * discussed extensively in a future lessonBid 2NT with hand 15. It shows 18-19 HCP and no singletons or voids

876AK432Q5QJ5

W N E S

1♥ P 1NT

P ?

♠

♥

♦

♣

AKKQJ543543252

♠

♥

♦

♣

J1065KJ543KQK6

♠

♥

♦

♣

KQJAQJ654AQJ 10

♠

♥

♦

♣

AQ8AJ832KJ2K3

♠

♥

♦

♣

Test Question 6BOTH VULNERABLEYOU ARE SOUTH

16 17 18 19 20

Bid 3 in hand 16 – Invitational, denies 3 spades♣

Bid 2♥ in hand 17 – shows a very weak hand and 2 or 3 heartsBid 2♦ in hand 18 – (This is NOT ‘new minor forcing’.) It is a ‘drop-dead’ bid, asking partner to pass with most handsBid 3 (yuck!)♥ in hand 19 – this is an invitational bid. It shows limit-raise values (10-12) but only 3 hearts.Bid 3♥ in hand 20 (same as previous)

87A4QJ52KJ932

W N E S

1♥ P 1NT

P 2♣ P ?

♠

♥

♦

♣

A102J365432532

♠

♥

♦

♣

J1076QJ9743276

♠

♥

♦

♣

KJ2432QJ3QJ52

♠

♥

♦

♣

Q98AKQ6432J83

♠

♥

♦

♣

Test Question 7BOTH VULNERABLEYOU ARE SOUTH

21 22 23 24 25

Bid 2♥ with hand 21 – Any other bid would be forcing for one roundBid 2 ♠ with hand 22 – One-round forcePass with hand 23 – hope partner re-opens. When you then bid 3 , ♣partner will know you have this handDouble with hand 24 - a nice negative double Bid 3♦ with hand 25 – a bid of opponent’s suit in this sequence is called a Q-bid and shows limit-raise or better support for partner. Slam is not a remote possibility with this hand. Look for it. Don’t bid 4S on your next opportunity!

87654A43QJ5J5

W N E S

1♥

2♦ ?

♠

♥

♦

♣

QJ1042432654AK

♠

♥

♦

♣

10743QJKQJ5432

♠

♥

♦

♣

KQ42Q6Q3K652

♠

♥

♦

♣

AQ84A8326KQ32

♠

♥

♦

♣

Test Question 8BOTH VULNERABLEYOU ARE SOUTH

26 27 28 29 30

Bid 4♦ (forcing) with hand 26; Be prepared to bid 5♦ over 4♥Pass with hand 27 & hand 28 – hope partner re-opensBid 3NT with hand 29 – the easiest & best gameBid 4 with hand 30 – ♠ Exclusion BW*. Shows 4-card heart support, a void in spades, and asks partner how many aces she has (not counting the spade ace) * discussed extensively in a future lesson

8765

AQJ5432A10

W N E S

1♥ 3♠ ?

♠

♥

♦

♣

J10243KJ109KQJ10

♠

♥

♦

♣

10743QJKQJ5432

♠

♥

♦

♣

KQ5A6Q652Q652

♠

♥

♦

♣

A832AQ84KQ832

♠

♥

♦

♣