Bridge Bidding

Question 1

What s the rule of 20?

Answer 1

in borderline cases un first or second position , the high-card points are added to the number of points in the two longest suits. If the total is 20 or more consider opening, otherwise pass.

Question 2

what does system on mean?

Answer 2

In the game of bridge, “system on” typically refers to a partnership agreement or bidding system that the players have agreed to use during the game. This agreement can include specific meanings for certain bidding sequences, and may be designed to help the partnership communicate effectively and make better informed decisions during the auction and play of the hand.

Question 3

what does system off mean?

Answer 3

In the game of bridge, “system off” typically refers to a partnership agreement or bidding system that the players have agreed to not use during the game. This means they will not use the bidding system they have agreed upon, or they might not have any system and are going to play with natural bidding. It could also mean that the partnership has decided to not use any specific bidding conventions or agreements for a particular hand or set of hands.

Question 4

How do you respond to 1NT with a balanced hand?

Answer 4

0-7 pass (signing off in part score)
8-9 raise to 2 NT (inviting game)
10-15 raise to 3NT (signing off in game)
16-17 raise to 4NT (inviting a small slam)
18-19 raise to 6NT (Signing off in a small slam)
20-21 raise to 5NT (inviting a grand slam)
22+ raise to 7NT (signing off in grand slam)

Question 5

How do you open a balanced hand?

Answer 5

12-14 open 1 of a suit, planning to rebid NT at the cheapest level
15-17 open 1NT
18-19 open 1 of a suit, planning to rebid 2NT
20-21 open 2NT
22-24 open 2C, planning to rebid 2NT
25-27 open 2C, planning to rebid 3NT

Question 6

when faced with the decision of whether to play in a 4H or 4S suit contract or in no-trump, what should you choose?

Answer 6

Experience shows that playing in an 8 card or longer trump fit will usually provide at least 1 more trick than in no-trump , and often 2 or more ticks.

Question 7

Is it better to play 3 NT or 5C or 5D contract?

Answer 7

it is usually best to play 3NT

Question 8

What is the response to 1 NT if you have an unbalanced hand and 3 or fewer cards in the major suits?

Answer 8

0-7 pass
8-9 2NT
10+ 3NT

Question 9

What is the response to 1 NT if you have an unbalanced hand and 4 cards in the major suits?

Answer 9

0-7 pass
8-9 2C stayman
10+ 2C stayman

Question 10

What is the response to 1 NT if you have an unbalanced hand and 5 cards in the major suits?

Answer 10

0-7 Transfer and pass
8-9 Transfer and bid 2NT
10+ Transfer and bid 3NT

Question 11

What is the response to 1 NT if you have an unbalanced hand and 6 or more cards in the major suits?

Answer 11

0-7 Transfer and pass
8-9 Transfer and raise
10+ Transfer and bid game

Question 12

what is the reason for going through the Stayman convention?

Answer 12

experience has shown that playing in a 4-4 fit -if there is one will often produce more tricks than the 6-2, 6-3 or even the 6-4 fit.

Question 13

what is the new suit forcing concept?

Answer 13

a new suit response to an opening bid in a suit is forcing

Question 14

what are the exceptions to new suit forcing concept?

Answer 14

responder passed initially or when opener’s right hand opponent bids

Question 15

is it common practice to replace length points with dummy points when raising partner’s major suit ?

Answer 15

Yes

Question 16

what is a limit raise?

Answer 16

jump raise of opener’s major, promising 4 card support and about 11-12 points

Question 17

what is Jacoby 2NT over 1H/1S?

Answer 17

four card or longer support and 13 or more points

Question 18

when does Jacoby 2NT no longer apply?

Answer 18

if responder is a passed hand or if there is a double or an overcall by responder’s right hand opponent?