Responding to an Opening Bid

Post date: Jun 16, 2013 4:35:32 PM

1) opponent passes:

If you have less than 6 pts, pass.

If you have 6-10 pts but no 4-Card suit, bid 1NT.

If you have 4-Card Major, bid 1-Major

If you have 10 or more pts, it is acceptable to bid 2 of a suit.

If you want to raise a minor, you need 4 or more cards.  Jump raise with 5-6. (limit raise)

If you have 5 weak majors for a Major opening or 4 strong ones, jump raise. (limit raise)

If you have 3 cards with a Major opening or 4 weak, raise.

If you have more than 13 pts and balanced hand, say 2NT

2) opponent overcalls

same bids as 1

a double up to 2Spade is negative- a negative double of a 2-level needs 8 pts, of a 1-level needs 6.  Shows 4-Cards in all unbid majors, and is meant to act like a takeout double and show support for any rebids opener makes.

2 over 1 shows 11 pts and 5-Cards if it is major

If you have 4-4 in the unbid suits and it is minor-major, bid negative double

After 1Heart overcall, negative double shows 4 spades and 1Spade shows at least 4. (requires 6 pts)

When you want to make a penalty double in a negative double situation, pass and invite your partner to double if he is short in the opponent's suit.

3) opponent bids takeout double

jump shift is preemptive

redouble if you plan on doubling opponents and playing defense (requires 10 HCP)

Remember that the bidding will go on if you pass.

Non-jump shifts are forcing.

A limit raise is preemptive, to jump raise say 2NT

2 over 1 does not apply