By Peter Rhead
Examples of possible second bids by opener after partner bids a new suit
You are the opener and you open one-of-a-suit. Your bid is unlimited showing 13-21 points. Last week we examined some possibilities you have for your second bid after partner’s bid of a new suit. Partner’s new suit does not limit his hand. He guarantees six points but he could have 20 points. Therefore your second bid must limit your hand.
Today we look at examples of some possibilities for your second bid after partner’s new suit. Remember, the partnership needs 25 points for a 3NT game or major suit game (Four Hearts and Four Spades). Note also that the partnership needs 28 points for a five-level minor suit game. The different options for your second bid depend on the strength and distribution of your hand. What might be your second bid in each of these hands?
Case 1:
Spades None
Hearts KQxx
Diamonds KQxx
Clubs AKQxx
Case 1: You open One Club with your 20 points including one length point. Partner bids a new suit. A new suit by responding partner is always forcing for one round because he has not limited his hand. If partner bids One Heart, you know you are going to be in Hearts and game. But you jump shift Three Diamonds to show your strength and a two-suited hand. This bid gives partner a chance to set the contract. At your next bid you take the contract back to Hearts.
Case 2:
Spades AQxxx
Hearts xxx
Diamonds AQxx
Clubs x
Case 2: You open One Spade with 13 points including one length point. Partner responds Two Diamonds showing five Diamonds with an unlimited and forcing hand. He guarantees 6 points but he could have 20 points or more. Your second bid should limit your hand. You bid Three Diamonds. This shows partner you have a minimum hand (13-14 points) with Diamond support. Partner now is the captain, free to take the contract where he thinks best.
Case 3:
Spades xx
Hearts Kxxxx
Diamonds AKQx
Clubs Ax
Case 3: You open One Heart with your unbalanced 17 points including one length point. Partner bids Two Clubs. His hand is unlimited (6-20 points). You must now try to limit your hand or force partner to limit his hand. You bid Two Diamonds limiting your hand to a medium value (15-18) and showing a two-suited hand. Partner is now the captain with enough information to take the contract where he thinks best.
Next Week: More examples of one-of-a-suit opener’s second bid after partner bids a new 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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