Responding to 1 of a Suit Flashcards
(39 cards)
What are responder’s priorities when responding to Opener’s opening bid?
- Support opener’s major suit. 2 Explore other suits by suggesting a new suit. 3. Suggest notrump when no viable major suit can be found. 4. Support opener’s minor suit.
When is a notrump contract a better choice than a minor suit contract?
When we have some strength in every suit between the two hands.
When is a minor contract safer than notrump?
When one of our suits is very weak.
At what point/strength ranges does responder want to communicate to his partner?
6-9 HCP (minimum)
10-12 HCP (invitational)
13+ HCP (game forcing)
How many points between the two hands are needed to bid a game?
25 HCPs
When Opener has opened with a bid of 1, at what level is responder showing sufficient points for game?
13+ HCP or a game forcing level
Why is the term “invitational” used to describe a responder’s hand with 10-12 HCPs?
Because responder has almost enough strength for game, but will need opener’s opnion?
Why is the term “minimum” used for a responder’s hand with 6-9 HCPs?
Because it is a minimum response. With fewer than 6 HCPs, responder will pass
How many HCPs are needed to bid a game contract of 3 NT, 4 hearts, and 4 spades?
25 HCPs
Why is the HCP count of 25 the same even though 4 hearts and 4 spades require one more trick than 3NT
Because a good trump suit generally is worth an extra trick.
How many tricks are required for game in a minor suit?
5 tricks over the 6-basic tricks (11 tricks in total)
How many cards do we need in a major suit for a game contract fit?
At least 8 cards
How many major cards does responder need to raise major’s opener of 1 in a major?
3 cards in the major
If responder has a minimal hand (6-9 HCPs), how many levels should responder raise a 1-bid by Opener in a major suit?
Only one level by bidding 2-hearts or 2-spades
If responder has an invitational hand (10-12 HCPs), how many levels should responder raise a 1-bid by Opener in a major suit?
Two levels to 3-hearts or 3-spades
With a fit and a game forcing hand (13+ HCPs), how many levels should responder raise a 1-bid by Opener in a major suit?
Responder should bid a new suit first.
What does responder do when he is unable to raise Opener’s major or when opener opens in a minor suit?
Responder will generally bid a new suit
What is accomplished by bidding a new suit when responder is unable to raise Opener’s major or when opener opens in a minor suit?
It may help to locate a major suit fit., and bidding in a minor suit, helps to explore the possibility of playing a no trump contract because notrump generally requires strength in every suit.
How many cards is responder promising when he bids a new suit?
At least 4 cards because the 5-card majors rule applies to the opening bid only.
What is the one exception to responding in a new suit with at least 4-cards?
A 2-heart response to a 1-spade opening bid promises 5 hearts.
What strength does a 1-level response in a new suit show?
It shows 6+ HCPs (i.e., at least a minimum hand).
What strength does a 2-level response in a new suit show?
It shows 13+ HCP (i.e., a game forcing hand).
What does a 2-level response show about the strength of responder’s hand?
It shows that responder has at least 13+ HCPs?
Should you jump to the 2-level just because you have 13+ HCPs?
No. You should bid cheaply when you respond by bidding at the lowest available level.
