Balance Seat Bidding

after 1-Level Suit Opener

Pass in Balance Seat

  • 0-6 pts, any distribution
  • 7-10 pts, 5+ cards in opener's suit
  • Guideline:   vulnerable need an extra 2 points to bid, esp. with poor suit

Summary:   Bids in Balance Seat

  1. Bid at 1-level: (4)5+ cards, 7-12 pts

  2. Bid at 2-level: 5+ cards, 9-12 pts

  3. Jump Bid to 2-level: (5)6+ cards, 12-15 pts

  4. Jump Bid to 3-level: 7+ cards, 12-15 pts

  5. 1 NT Overcall: balanced, 10-14 HCPs

  6. Double:
    • 3/4 cards in unbid suits
    • 10-15 pts
    • suitable for a trap pass

  7. Cue bid:
    • Case A: strong & 1 suited
      • 6+ card suit
      • 15+ HCPs
      • rebid: long suit
    • Case B: strong & balanced
      • balanced hand
      • 15+ HCPs
      • rebid: min NT
  8. 2 NT: unusual for minors