October 2017 - 49

Newer Players

Bidding Basics
BY LARRY COHEN

larryco.com

Responding to 1♦
This is easier than last month's
article (in which partner opened 1♣)
because we don't have to consider a
1♦ response. Just about everything we
discussed last month applies here.
Partner
1♦

Opponent
Pass

You
?

1 of a major response
A 1♥ or 1♠ response shows four or
more cards in that suit and at least 6
points. As responder, you are unlimited
in strength, so opener must bid again.
With 4-4 in the majors, respond in
hearts (even if the spades are better).
With 5-5 in the majors, respond 1♠
(even if the hearts are better).
Respond 1♥ with:
♠A 10 7 6 ♥Q 7 6 5 ♦K 8 7 6 ♣2.
Respond 1♠ with:
♠K J 8 7 6 ♥K Q 10 9 8 ♦3 ♣K J.
1NT response
This shows 6-10 high-card points,
balanced and no four-card major.
Respond 1NT to 1♦ with:
♠K J 7 ♥J 7 2 ♦A J 4 ♣10 8 7 6

tainly can have a side four-card major.
This way is called: "2/1 game forcing."
Assuming that system, respond 2♣
with either hand below:
♠K Q 6 2 ♥A 2 ♦6 5 ♣A K 6 4 3
♠6 5 2 ♥4 ♦A 4 3 ♣A K Q J 9 2
2♦ response
This shows 6-10 points in support
and at least four diamonds. The 1♦
opening almost always shows four or
more diamonds, so raising on four is
OK. The raise denies a four-card major.
Respond 2♦ with either hand below:
♠A 2 ♥K J 2 ♦J 8 7 6 5 ♣4 3 2

♠Q J 6 ♥K Q 7 ♦Q 10 7 ♣Q 7 6 5
♠K 3 ♥Q J 3 ♦K J 6 5 ♣J 10 7 6
3♣ response
This can be played in many ways. It
could be a natural bid (very strong or
very weak). I recommend intermediate/invitational with a good six-card or
longer suit. This is a matter of partnership agreement. If you aren't 100%
sure that you and your partner know
what the bid means, don't make it. If
playing it as invitational, here are some
examples:
♠7 6 ♥4 3 ♦K 6 5 ♣A Q J 10 8 7

♠6 5 ♥6 5 ♦K Q J 7 ♣J 8 7 6 5

♠4 ♥K 3 2 ♦K 2 ♣K J 10 8 7 6 5

2♥/2♠ response
Most players today use these jump
bids as weak (old-fashioned would be
very strong). Don't make such a bid
if you aren't 100% sure your partner
knows what it means. Assuming it is
weak, it is very weak (approximately
2-6 HCP). Here are some examples of
the weak jump-shift response to 1♦:

3♦ raise
This is a limit raise (10-12 points in
support) with at least four-card support. Opener can pass with a minimum.
Here are some examples:

♠5 ♥K J 9 8 7 6 ♦5 4 3 2 ♣6 5

3♥/3♠ response
Same as 2♥/2♠, but with a seventh
card in the suit. This is another bid you
shouldn't make unless you are 100%
sure your partner knows what it means.

♠A 9 7 ♥Q 7 6 ♦6 5 2 ♣8 7 6 2

♠A 10 9 6 5 2 ♥3 2 ♦8 5 3 2 ♣3

2♣ response
This shows four or more clubs and ??
HCP. The ?? depends on whether you
wish to play old-fashioned ("standard")
where only 10 or 11 HCP are required.
I strongly recommend the modern way
where opening-bid strength is promised and the partnership is forced to
game. If playing the latter way, you cer-

2NT response
This shows a natural, balanced hand,
typically with stoppers in the unbid
suits. It denies a four-card major. Regarding high-card points, I recommend
11-12 (invitational). The opener can
pass with a minimum. Make sure you
and your partner agree on the range.
Here are some examples:

♠7 2 ♥A 6 ♦K J 7 6 4 ♣Q 10 3 2
♠4 3 2 ♥3 2 ♦A 10 5 4 2 ♣A Q 5
♠5 4 2 ♥3 ♦A Q J 9 ♣K 10 7 6 5

3NT response
Assuming 2NT is 11-12 HCP, this
has all the same qualifications, but
with 13-15 HCP.

October 2017 Bridge Bulletin

49
http://www.larryco.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of October 2017
