By Peter Rhead
Example second bids by you after partner’s 2NT response
You open one-of-a-suit. Partner responds 2NT showing 10-12 points and no three-card support for your suit. Last week we examined some possibilities you have for your second bid after the 2NT. Today we will look at examples of these possibilities.
Remember, the partnership needs 25 points for a 3NT game or major suit game. Note also that the partnership needs 28 points for a minor suit game. There are different options for your second bid depending on the strength and distribution of your hand. What would be your second bid in each of these opening hands?
Case 1:
Spades Axx
Hearts KQxxx
Diamonds QJ
Clubs xxx
Case 1: You open One Heart with 13 points including one length point. Partner replies 2NT showing 10-12 points and no three-card Heart support. Game is a low percentage game because partner has to be at his maximum points, twelve (13+12=25). You have no way to invite game with this hand because your partnership is already at 2NT. Any bid you make would show a hand stronger that yours. Your safe bid is just to PASS.
Case 2:
Spades Axx
Hearts KQxxx
Diamonds QJ
Clubs Qxx
Case 2: This is almost the same opening hand as Case 1 but a little stronger. You open One Heart with 15 points including one length point. Partner responds 2NT denying support for Hearts. You now know your partnership has the points for game (15+10=25). You bid 3NT for the game try.
Case 3:
Spades Axxx
Hearts Kxxx
Diamonds AKQx
Clubs x
Case 3: You open One Diamond with your unbalanced 16 points. After partner responds 2NT, you know he has at least the 10 points needed for game. You know also that he does not have a four-card major. You bid 3NT and take your chances.
Next Week: More examples of one-of-a-suit opener’s second bid after partner’s 2NT response.
Remember, as we all fight COVID-19 with social isolation, if you want your Bridge fix, online competition is available for all skill levels. From the ACBL Bridge website, you can hook up either to play live people or to play robots. Either way you test or consolidate various Bridge skills. At ACBL.org just click on “Play Bridge” and follow the prompts for various choices.
If you wish to promote an activity in your Bridge group or ask a Bridge question, send the information to vrhead23@gmail.com and I will try to include it in this column.
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
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