By Peter Rhead
Possible second bids by one-of-a-suit opener after partner’s one-level raise of opener’s suit
You are the opener and you open one-of-a-suit. Partner responds with a single raise of your suit. Last week we examined some possibilities you have for your second bid after partner’s single raise. The single raise shows 6-9 points with at least three-card support for your suit.
Today we will look at examples of these possibilities. Remember, the partnership needs 25 points for a 3NT game or major suit game (Hearts and Spades). Note also that the partnership needs 28 points for a minor suit game. The different options for your second bid depend on the strength and distribution of your hand. What would be your second bid in each of these hands?
Case 1:
Spades AKQxx
Hearts KQx
Diamonds QJ
Clubs xxx
Case 1: You open One Spade with your 18 points including one length point. Partner limits his hand with a reply of Two Spades showing 6-9 points and three-card Spade support. Game is a possible if partner is at his maximum 8-9 points (18+8=26). You bid 2NT to invite and let partner choose the game, Four Spades or 3NT, or PASS depending on the strength and distribution of his hand.
Case 2:
Spades Axx
Hearts KQxxx
Diamonds QJ
Clubs Qxx
Case 2: You open One Heart with 15 points including one length point. Partner responds Two Hearts showing 6-9 points and support for Hearts. You now know your partnership does not have the 25 points for a game try (15+9=24). You just PASS and you play Two Hearts for the part score.
Case 3:
Spades AKxx
Hearts KQxx
Diamonds AKQx
Clubs x
Case 3: You open One Diamond with your unbalanced 21 points. After partner responds Two Diamonds limiting has hand. You know he has 6-9 points and probably at least four-card Diamond support. You know also that he does not have a four-card major or he would have bid it. You probably have the 28 points for a Five Diamond minor-suit game (21+7=28) but you bid 3NT and take your chances on a potentially easier game.
Next Week: More examples of one-of-a-suit opener’s second bid after partner’s single raise of opener’s suit.
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 [email protected] and I will try to include it in this column.
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
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