After we open 1 or 1
and partner raises to 2, what should we do? We should add at least a point to our original evaluation, because our 5+ card suit is now worth more. For example,
K10765 might not be worth much opposite a singleton, but knowing partner has support (picture
QJx), means we have lots of tricks in our suit. With a re-evaluated strength of less than 16, game is unlikely (facing at most 9 or a so-so 10). With about 16-18 in strength, we want to invite game. This is done by bidding a new suit (typically something like Axxx or Q10x -- where you want partner to evaluate his cards in that suit to help with marginal decisions). A re-raise (1
-2
-3
) should just be a blocking bid--based on the LAW of Total Tricks--not invitational. With more than 18, opener just bids game (no need to give away extraneous information). What if the opponents interfere after the raise? After 1
(Pass) 2
(3
), opener can bid 3
just to compete (not invitational). To invite game, he has to bid a new suit (in this case, the only try is 3
--and says nothing about hearts). What if the opponents overcall in the suit one below opener's? For example: 1
(2
) 2
(3
) ? In this case, 3
is needed as just competing for the partscore (not inviting game). If opener wants to invite, the partnership has to use "Game-Try Doubles"(also called "Maximal Doubles") -- whereby double of the suit 1-under is not penalty, but invites game. In all cases above, responder would bid game with about 9-10 and reject with about 6-7. In between hands require judgment.
Matchpoints, nobody vulnerable, South holds:
AQ10765
KQ93
A2
2
What is his call after:
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1![]() |
|||
Pass | 2![]() |
Pass | ?? |
Pass
3
3
4
IMPs, both vulnerable, South holds:
A
KQJ82
K1087
K87
What is his call after:
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1![]() |
|||
Pass | 2![]() |
Pass | ?? |
Pass
2
3
3
3
4
Matchpoints, vulnerable against not, South holds:
5
AQJ983
KJ42
Q2
What is his call after:
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1![]() |
|||
Double | 2![]() |
Pass | ?? |
Pass
3
3
4
IMPs, nobody vulnerable, South holds:
AQ1075
8
AQ32
KJ2
What is his call after:
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1![]() |
|||
Pass | 2![]() |
3![]() |
?? |
Pass
Double
3
4
Matchpoints, nobody vulnerable, South holds:
AQJ76
KJ8
K2
KJ2
What is his call after:
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1![]() |
|||
Pass | 2![]() |
Pass | ?? |
Pass
2NT
3
3
3
3NT
4
Matchpoints. Nobody vulnerable. South holds:
K52
AJ10862
A8
98
What is his call after:
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1![]() |
|||
Pass | 2![]() |
Pass | ? |
Pass
3
3
Other