Response Guidelines


  1. Bids by opener(1st rebid) & responder(1st bid):

    • Limiting bids:
      • Minimum hand
        • minimum suit raise or rebid
        • 1NT
      • Invitational hand
        • 1-level jump raise or rebid
        • 2NT
      • Minimum to good/excellent hand
        • Opener:  new suit, non-jump - NOT forcing

    • 1-round forcing bids:
      • Opener
        • reverse
        • new suit after reponder makes 2/1 bid
      • Responder
        • new suit, non-jump
        • exception:  after opener bids NT

    • Game forcing bids:  forcing to 3NT or higher
      • Opener
        • jump in new suit (jump shift)
      • Responder
        • reverse or jump reverse in new suit
        • new 4th suit at 3 level

    • Jump to Game bids:
      • Responder's 1st bid:   distributional & weak
      • Later in auction
        • Partner unlimited:   points just enough for game or 1 trick extra
        • Partner limited:   points less than needed for slam

  2. Bids:  after trump fit found

    • Minor suit fit:  new suit
      • generally, showing stoppers to play in NT
    • Major suit fit:  new suit (non-forcing auction)
      • game try - 2nd suit looking for game
    • Major suit fit:  new suit (forcing auction)
      • cue bid investigating slam

  3. Bids by opener(2nd rebid) & responder(2nd bid):
    • Generally same as above.
    • Exceptions:
      • Responder 2nd bid is 1S (4th suit) - not forcing
    • Priciple of Fast Arrival
      • Sequence:  game force bid has been made
      • Concept:  bid game (fast arrival) with weaker hand
      • Bidding:
        • Game level bid shows minimum
        • Raise of suit below game level shows extra values
        • Bidding 3 NT shows minimum
        • Bidding 2 NT shows extra values