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Quiz: Barrier-Reversing

Quiz: Deal # Thursday
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Basic
strategy
0000). How to use 0001). Bidding Objectives = "8 and 25" 0002). 28 for minor 0003). 33 for NT slam 0004). Suit slam 0005). Importance of length 0006). Convention card 0007). ACOL and American Standard, differences 0008). A-Z Glossary 0690). A-Z Glossary
Hand
evaluation
0010). Balanced-Unbalanced 0011). How strong is your hand, HCP 0012). Distribution points 0013). Losing trick count 0014). Barrier-Reversing 0015). Selection of opening suit 0016). Showing shape 0017). 4441 distribution 0018). The skip over principle 0019). Rule of 20 Opening 1 of a suit 0019a). Rule of 25 Opening 2 of a suit 0019b). Rule of 500 Max penalty risk on preempt if doubled 0019c). Law of total tricks 0019d). Rule of Protective bidding
Opening
bids
0020). Plan of attack 0021). Bal, 12 to 19 HCPs, weak NT 0022). Bal, 20+ points 0023). Bal, 15 to 17 HCPs, strong NT 0025). Unbal, 12 to 19 HCPs, 1 suit 0026). Unbal, Strong 2s 0027). Unbal, Pre-emptive 0028). Unbal, Gambling 3NT 0029). Benji Strong 2s
Responder
1st bids
0030). After 1NT, General principles 0031). After 1NT, Weak 0032). After 1NT, Getting out of trouble 0033). After 1NT, 11+ balanced 0034). After 1NT, 11+ 4-card major 0035). After 1NT, 11+ unbalanced 0036). After 1NT, 19+ 0037). After 2NT 0038). After 1NT, and Enemy has interfered 0039). 1 NT responses 0040). After 1 Suit, With fit 0041). After 1 Suit, No fit, but alternative suit 0042). After 1 Suit, No fit, no new suit, probably balanced 0043). After 1 Suit, 6 points, nothing to bid 0044). After 1 Suit, Very strong 0045). After 1 Suit, Weak freak 0047). After 2 Suit, Strong 2s 0048). After 2 Suit, Weak 2s 0049). After 3 Suit, Responding to preempt
Openers
rebid
0050). Unbalanced, The general idea 0051). Unbalanced, You are weak 0052). Unbalanced, You are strong 0053). Unbalanced, Partner replied with 1NT 0054). Unbalanced, Delayed support 0055). Balanced
Responder
rebids
0060). Responder rebids, The general idea 0061). Choice of two suits 0062). Responders reverse 0063). After 1NT rebid
Basic
Convention
0080). Stayman 0081). Transfer 0082). Transfer after 2NT 0161). Minor suit transfer
Slam
bidding
0090). Slam, Spotting the chance 0091). Blackwood 0092). No-trump slam 0093). Gerber 0094). Extra slam techniques
Interfering
bids
0100). Overcalls, the basic idea 0101). Overcalls, in a suit, over a suit 0102). Overcalls, in a suit, over 1NT 0103). Overcalls, in NT, over a suit 0104). Overcalls, Jump overcall 0105). Overcalls, Double then bid a suit 0106). Overcalls, Bidding opponents suit 0107). Overcalls, Balancing (protective) 0108). Overcalls, Overcall a preempt 0109). Overcalls, Preemptive double jump 0110). Overcalls, To overcall, or to double 0111). Overcalls, Response to 1NT after suit overcall (Lebensohl) 0115). Defence after 1NT 0116). Competitive bidding 0117). Be cautious sometimes 0118). Sacrificing Be bold when non-vulnerable 0119). Sacrificing 0120). Doubles, Double a 1NT 0121). Doubles, Double for takeout 0122). Doubles, Doubling after opponent overcall 0126). Doubles, Protective double
Doubles

0120). Doubles, Double a 1NT 0121). Doubles, Double for takeout 0122). Doubles, Doubling after opponent overcall 0123). Doubles, Negative double 0124). Doubles, Double a 1NT overcall 0125). Doubles, Double a suit over 1NT 0126). Doubles, Protective double 0127). Doubles, Responsive double 0128). Doubles, Double then bid a suit 0129). Doubles, Penalty 0130). Doubles, Support double 0131). Doubles, Lead directing double 0132). Doubles, Maximal double 0133). Doubles, Redoubling - coded meanings 0134). Doubles, Forcing Pass 0135). Doubles, Re-opening double 0139). Doubles, Index of doubles
Advanced
Convention
0150). Majors Jacoby 2NT 0151). Majors Splinters 0152). Majors Weak 2s 0153). Majors Weak 2 defence 0154). Trial bid 0160). NT and minors 4th suit forcing 0161). Minor suit transfer 0162). DONT Bidding When Opponents open 1NT 0163). Game tries 0166). Grand Slam Force 0167). Roman Keycard Blackwood 0168). Cue bidding for controls 0170). 2-suited Overcall Unusual 2NT 0171). 2-suited Overcall Michaels cue bid 0172). 2-suited Overcall Landy over 1NT 0173). Overcall Unassuming cue bid 0179). Very advanced

Quiz How much do you know about this page? Quiz

<= find/hide more deals exploiting this aspect

Quick summary

Use the precision of the opening 1NT to guide your partner. You'll always need 11+ HCP:

With a certain Major game, bid it

6 cards
13+ HCP

With one 5-card Major:

Transfer, or
beginners bid 2 or 3 of the suit

With a 5 or 6 card minor, head towards NT

6-card, bid it and let opener choose
5- card, bid NT

With great strength, bid 3 (not 4)

looking for suit slam
17+ HCP
5/6 cards
any suit
NB. has different meaning for beginners who don't use Transfers

Print cribsheet

Bridge Venue

	West
	K 8 3
	K 5
	A 3 2
	K 10 9 7 6

+	North
	2
	J 10 9 6 4
	10 8 7 5
	8 5 2

+	East
	A J 10 9 7 6
	8 7
	K Q 4
	Q J

+	South
	Q 5 4
	A Q 3 2
	J 9 6
	A 4 3

Example Deal

You: West
Dealer: West
Vuln: N-S

# 126019

Choice of suit in a game going hand.
..
Go to quiz (& full page) of deal # 126019
***

Click the + buttons to peep

Click on "q1" below to see question 1, and on "A1" to see the answer.

Question 1

As West would you open with NT ? And how many ?

Question 1

As West would you open with NT ? And how many ?

Answer

Well, you have a balanced shape with 13 points. Seems like a natural weak 1NT opening. And you've got stoppers in all 4 suits. A bit short in hearts. Let's hope your partner has long hearts.

Question 2

Have a peep at East's cards. East, you've got 13 points. What should you bid ? 3NT, or are you tempted to have a go at spades ?

Question 2

Have a peep at East's cards. East, you've got 13 points. What should you bid ? 3NT, or are you tempted to have a go at spades ?

Answer

A good question. After all, 8 Spades are guaranteed. And there can be no more than 2 heart losers if you play in Spades. Seems as if a game is possible in Spades.

What about NT ? With West promising 13 points and a balanced hand, 3NT seems like a reasonable bet too, but at East you're a bit exposed in Hearts, perhaps, and your clubs are also a bit short. 3NT can be better, given that fewer tricks are required, and given also that you win more prizes on the first trick. But we'd have to hope the opposition don't run off too many clubs and heart tricks before we get in.

(An unknown worry to you at East: if partner's King of Hearts is covered by an Ace, you could be in trouble. 4 Spades seems safer, with hindsight).

And probably wiser for a sensible East with foresight, such as you.

. . . .

Some subjects to follow up on
Bidding Objectives = "8 and 25"
After 1NT, 11+ unbalanced
Bal, 12 to 19 HCPs, weak NT
After 1NT, 11+ balanced

#1	+	<-- click the + to show/hide one possible Bidding Sequence
West			North	East	South
???
1NT			p	4S	p
p			p
-			System: Acol (Benji)
suggest a different Bidding Sequence

bid	explained at....
#2	+	<-- click the + for explanation of relevant Bidding Techniques
1NT	Bal, 12 to 19 HCPs, weak NT
4S	After 1NT, 11+ unbalanced




			Hand evaluation

#3	+	<-- click the + for ideas on the Opening Lead
Opening Lead: South , 6 Reasons, when playing in Suit contract: 1. don't under-lead an Ace, when playing suits. 2. unbid suit

« 0035 »

Responder 1st bids, after 1NT, 11+ unbalanced

OK, so game could be on. Tell your partner.

This page assumes you do not use Stayman or Transfers. (See notes below).

Indicate your suit and your strength

The quick summary to the left is worth studying. Your partner has told you almost everything about his hand. Time for you to spell things out. The table below also gives more detail.

2-level bid. Does it mean Game on or not ?

A 2-level suit bid it means "partner, stop bidding" ! You are very weak, and you have just rescued opener out of 1NT.

3-level bid. Does it mean Game on or Slam on ?

The 4-level bid, although strong, is actually weaker than a 3-level bid. It's a shut-out bid meaning "Game, but no further".

The 3-level bid is forcing and means either Game is on, or it could be that I'm very strong and Slam could be on - clarification can be made the next time round after the "Game" has been bid, using either 4NT Blackwood or a cue bid.

Responders can be assisted in the process by a wise opener who realises that a three-level bid by a non-transfer player can mean one of two things:

I've got 5 cards exactly and I'm up for game
I've got 5 cards or more, and I'm up for Slam

(It cannot mean 6-cards, since responder would have bid game directly).

Opener's rebid

Accordingly, if opener has 3-level support, thus guaranteeing an 8-card fit, then rather than simply bidding 4 of the Major suit, opener can then tell his partner a bit more about his hand:

My hand is the weaker type of hand: bid 4 of the Major
My hand is suitable for a Slam: cue bid the "cheapest" Ace

A stronger type of opener hand will contain two of the following 3 features:

4-card support, rather than 3 (or 2!)
maximum HCP (14)
an outside doubleton, for use in ruffing

The extra information can then be used by responder to decide whether to press on to investigate Slam.

35. You have an UN-balanced hand, with >11 HCP
HCP points	situation	intermediate + players	elementary
11-12	23-26 HCP combined	With a 4-card Major, bid Stayman. With a single 5+ card-major, Transfer. With 6 card-minor, Transfer . With 5-4 or 5-5 in the Majors, use Stayman. With a 5-card minor, bid 2 NT. (NB: with a ‘good' 11 pts bid 3 NT, with ‘bad' 11 pts invite with 2NT. Or use 2 to indicate precisely 11 points, and 2NT to indicate 12 points).	With 5-card Major, bid 3, asking partner to choose game in NT or the Major. (Denies 4 in the other Major). With 5-card minor, generally bid NT, either 2 or 3. (Bidding 3 suggests slam interest and no 4-card Major).
13-16	25+ assured	With a 4-card Major, bid Stayman. With 5 card-major bid Transfer. With 6 card-major bid 4 (game) in the Major. With 6-card minor, bid 3 of the minor, to allow opener to choose 5 minor or 3NT.
17+	31+ is possible	You are strong, and your next bid must be forcing. 3 is stronger than 4 in this case, so bid 3 of your 5/6 card suit, Major or minor. You are in the driving seat. Your bid is game forcing and investigating suit Slam. Opener will choose 3NT if 2-card support, or 4 of your suit with 3-card support. Responder can then investigate, using Slam techniques.	Difficult. The 3 bid serves both as a game force and as Slam interest. Time to learn Stayman & Transfers ?
19+	31+ is certain	As above: Bid 3 and Investigate Slam
21+	35+ is possible	As above: Bid 3 and Investigate Slam
Add to your customised cribsheet

The table above can seem like quite a lot to memorise. So don't ! You can work it all out. Just remember the general principles.

For example, with a 6 card suit you are guaranteed 8 cards in total, so if the points look good, it makes sense to bid to game if it's a Major. The logic is similar for a 5-card suit. And since you know that your partner can't have more than 14 points, there's no chance of missing a suit Slam unless you have 17 points.

Minors of course are a harder place to reach game in, and since length in a minor can be useful in NT, steer to NT if you have length but don't have enough points for a minor game (around 28).

Points		If Transfers not being used (please try to learn them !)
11+	5-card Major	3, 3. 23HCP and 7-card guaranteed. So invite to game by bidding 3 of Major. Opener does his sums to decide game or not: if game he decides whether the Major or NT (or declining the invitation, passes). If you're playing transfers, it's a bit different. Note that with Transfers, you don't need this 3 level response to 1NT. Instead, with Transfers, any 3 of a *suit* bid is used to show *strong* hands with Slam interest.
11+	6-card Major	4, 4. ("must have 8 card fit"), 9 & 23 likely, 8 and 23 guaranteed. OK, not 25, but your two short suits will make up the difference, so bid 4. (Note also: 6/2 trump distribution better than 4/4). This is a limit bid. If you are stronger, then..
13+	6-card Major	4, 4. Game guaranteed (8-card, 25 point). Opener must pass.
Slam interest	5-card Major or minor	3. To indicate great strength (eg. 16+), after a weak 1NT opening, bid any 3 level suit bid (if using transfers). Unlike the bids above, this one is forcing to game, invitational to slam. Opener will choose 3NT if 2 card support, or 4 of the suit with 3card support. Responder can then investigate.
11+	5-card minor	For a minor, bid NT, because 7 of the suit and 25 points max is not enough for a minor game. The long minor can often be established in a NT game. (NB; with a ‘good' 11 pts bid 3 NT, with ‘bad' 11 pts invite with 2NT).
13+	6-card minor	OK, you've got the 8-card fit. But, for a minor game, need more strength (28), so let opener choose: bid 3 of the minor. Opener can choose 3NT or 5 of the minor. With 2236 and good stoppers, you are still balanced, so bid NT.

Stayman and Transfers

Transfers are useful, flexible, and strongly recommended as soon as you've got the hang of basic bidding and Stayman. Beginners are at a disadvantage when it comes to indicating subtlety of strength around the crucial 11-12/13+ point border. "Transfers" allow you to be more more precise about strength and suit preference. As a result you can get to game more often without running the risk of failure, and you can avoid games that can't be made. Transfers also allow you to use 3 level bids for showing greater strength to investigate Slam..

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Quiz: Barrier-Reversing

Quiz: Deal # Thursday