By Peter Rhead
Examples of possible second bids by opener after partner’s double raise of opener’s one-of-a-suit
You are the opener and you open one-of-a-suit with an unlimited hand of 13-21 points. Last week we examined some possibilities you have for your second bid after partner’s double raise (for example One Club –Three Clubs). The double raise limits his hand to 10-12 points and guarantees at least four-card support for your minor suit Diamonds or Clubs. Partner promises at least three-card support with a double raise of one of the major suits (Spades and Hearts).
Today we look at examples of the possibilities for your second bid after partner’s double raise. 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 A
Hearts KQxxx
Diamonds xx
Clubs AKQxx
Case 1: You open One Heart with your 20 points including two length points. Partner limits his hand with a reply of Three Hearts showing 10-12 points and at least three-card Heart support. The 33 point slam you now know is not possible (20+12=32). The 25 point major suit game is likely (20+10=30). He who knows… goes! You just bid and then play Four Hearts for the game score.
Case 2:
Spades Axx
Hearts KQxx
Diamonds AQJx
Clubs Qx
Case 2: You open One Diamond with 18 points. Partner responds Three Diamonds showing 10-12 points and at least four-card support for Diamonds and no four-card major. You now know your partnership has at least 28 points for a minor game try (18+10=28). You have only one possible bid. You jump to Five Diamonds and play for the game score.
Case 3:
Spades xx
Hearts xx
Diamonds AKQx
Clubs AKxxx
Case 3: You open One Club with your unbalanced 17 points including one length point. Partner jumps to Three Clubs limiting his hand. You now know he has 10-12 points and at least four-card Club support. You know also that he does not have a four-card major or he would have bid it. You have the 28 points for a Five Club minor-suit game if partner is near his maximum (11-12 points) (therefore 17+11=28). You bid Four Clubs to invite. Partner will bid Five Clubs with a good 11-12 points but PASS with only 10 points.
Next Week: More examples of one-of-a-suit opener’s second bid after partner’s double 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 vrhead23@gmail.com and I will try to include it in this column.
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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