FOR EVERY BRIDGE

PLAYER FROM INTER-

MEDIATE TO EXPERT

BY CURTIS SMITH
 Price $4.95

LET LOGIC PREVAIL

It is perhaps unfortunate that many
people are frightened of the word “logic”.
To some, it connotes a difficult college
course. Even those who look up the word
in a dictionary are apt to be awed by such
primary definitions as: “1. “The science
that deals with the canons and criteria of
validity in thought and demonstration
...”” (Webster’s New Collegiate). In any
good-sized dictionary it is only when you
get down to about the third or fourth
definition that you find something like:
“Connection, as of facts and events, ina
logical way.” Or, even more simply,
‘Reasons or sound sense, as in utterances
or actions.” (American College Dictionary).
It is in this easy sense that the word is
used in the title of the latest big bridge
book, “Bidding Through Logic.” Curtis
Smith is one of the most successful of
tournament players. He has enjoyed that
success playing with both outstanding
experts and with pupils he has coached.
Smith’s book treats the formidable task
of learning bridge in a fashion much like
the way folk music interprets life. A fun-
damental principle of his method is the
idea of limit bids. He stresses time and
again the need for one partner to make a
limit bid defining the size of his hand in
order for the other partner to properly
evaluate the combined holdings. He has
dubbed the responder’s rebid a “re-
response” and warns: “If opener has not
defined the size of his hand by making a
limit bid, then the responder must do so at
this time.”
The book is liberally sprinkled with
examples of the situations it covers; in
fact, much of its method is to teach by
example. Here are a couple of samples
from the section on “Reresponding with
balanced hands.”

Curtis Smith, Publisher

2 ©» Bom 2H
Houston, Texas
BIDDING THROUGH LOGIC
 FOR EVERY BRIDGE
PLAYER FROM INTER-
MEDIATE TO EXPERT

By Gurtis Sr ith

4
CURTIS K. SMITH, Publisher - P.O. Box 22764 ~ Houston, Texas
 Copyright 1962 by

CURTIS K. SMITH

Library of Congress

Catalog Card No. 62-21686

Printed in the United States of America

by McCowat-Mercer Press, Inc., Jackson, Tennessee
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Over the years, it has been my pleasure to play, both with and
against, most of the recognized bridge experts in this country. In the
development of my own abilities and talents for this most fascinating
card game, I have been aided considerably by two gentlemen whose
names are at the top of the list of experts.

To Oswald Jacoby and David Carter, my most sincere thanks.

Without your patient indulgence in my efforts to become a good bridge
player, I could not have formulated the ideas on bidding that are pre-
sented in this book.
 Digitized by the Internet Archive -
in 2023

_https://archive.org/details/biddingthroughlo0000smit
 CONTENTS
Page
Acknowledgment V
Foreword XI
SSE CrmOS Sy ces ee ie Renae Le ed ee ee ae 1
Uo HEYDEN EP TY eR ne i fs CURL a Oe eT ee re PVC 1
GTERELCEAG col 011(SIG oS eee ee Te ie ea Se ere On ee ea 2
orl te CAUCE TRORES ey f.ee er atiy ha sie Hi cara Bianncpheamcese
eee 3
Sete IRCCUECIIOINGS a) Sorc tr gua chs alten eae cats gail ay ed an Rae ener a Oe 4
PIN ERASACC MrN)OL Girone ee 8, Sa ia ee Set tei enn ee ee 5
DUO rROuts DCMI OStrate aya et ke oe hint ura er oa eee 6
ARC ASHI OL OOD Sr Si rang UNA Rhee ec om nnteas eee ee iL
1ESUS Wa Oe ete Re Ree, Acs aera LET Se AMER oe OUR MBM RET SEO 9
SHiveg
EUbessoMMCecil
rokaimole|Sateenstn ema anne NMG yon Mae ecrrtere | eet fie een ee 11
DO aMID ac ciate bacco oe aa Sohn ly ER Re NS Moneta 12
CELTS Des 01a VoIRR ce ae OE SEE SAR? AES Se det een nat eM 13
EEE6S) ig i soe ROP PR UBER nee rer cect As ene SAS iy Sonat 14
OCC ANS ee eg ate erces Bc aa ec bead gn hie ee 15
Review Questions -.....cccccucsecen PARC Re tee eee Mee ae ee
ee er oe 16

II. PERS OM INT PRE SPONGES oo oe eh deee ee 17,

MeTELACRISS [SOLAS SO nea cst catenins vin pst sgtoas ease ee aa 17,
Reaemeuiiate SUPPOtt fOr Opence S SUG 8 oc sharin cseaielenceasneyrmnnncitahe 18
PMG eM PPOsite SUit PCR Lt sae eas crect sheet sneornn tA Cea 20
RMA ober tieRES AOTISES a occ tonct mere eeennt treet eareneracner rere stent Meee a Pehatire
SI 22
ASG Fae 248)
ele)
TCVseekiene evi msi pees Reames av ie ete toe 22
Preterm oO)Level: ite a INGW OUIE cates ca cao ngacen ce atiniae euro ciour ronmiiyaan terse 24
LURES UTSEScrSte Selene a ula a ceebee Fae eah Us tse reed redelt enh ands 12 Glen eR 26
“een Seabe sane he eT AG Pie tes a renee ee, Osea tS. We PeaMeRe 27
Review Ouestions e(Pace) ) ees asta ceats inte teams nena oe 28
Specialized Responses ..nc:cccncncinnnnnnmmmutnnnttnnesinnnuntnntnnmitinennmnnins 29
PLe-€2 pts nseseesnnervscereneneentenenentnnneetnenennensnnaunnsnninasnenntnennamannesnnnnennnnneninninen 29
em Dn es OEE Reedy
PON eep ie) CSGIS wmv a tana tate, oddone 30
No Trump nr enrnsneennnseennnentennnennnneennennnnnnnsnnnnnnnnnnsetnnnnaennnnnnnnnnnit 31
The Stayman Convention ....ccmeccnermmenninennnmsnesinninunnitnnannmeinnenii 34
Review Questions (Part: 2) vices nmee retest itectestittetenstaatntnntnttatten 38
 CONTENTS (Continued)
Page

RUE SECOND ROUND REBIDS BY THE OPENER weriteccccsecrce ngsecre eetssct 39

After Limit Response ...ccccscnsssnmecumemsnmininnitneinunsinnsnannmnsnnsnnsmmnnunmnnntnnnntett 39
Opposite No Trump -ccccccnnncnnncnnenmmnnennnennitsntntnsnnannnnnnnaninnmannn 40
Re-evaluratisng the Hoan u.cs.cscc:tecsecsttnsmseesntsceteminemsnnstegensenenananatinennseaaee 42
ae AENnt
Following Raise it Major: ccscccccnccsccsmennctinementnsienticnint 42
Following Raise-ity Mime sscs:c.ccastec-c mcsecer ere corpies sateen ee se 45

After One Over One Response: 22. eerereees angen menses lencerameter 47
Balanced, Distribution eccccpccec ass ctecseicSo
recta cee ce cce 47
Unbalanced Distributidtisss.ccocnnscsath eect 49
After Two Level Response in a IN@w Suit cece cecccsanaete tomers se eae Seater 52
Balamced? Hats) ssccscecten tec sscssszcccessssasctaessscs te ots oe cee 53
Unbalanced! ands cece ee RE eae ener 55
Review Que stignns 3 oicc.ecieciscc osteo coe oie eee ea ee ea 57

ly; REBIDS: BY. “THE [RESPONDER@ 2 ae 58

Re-response After No. Tranp ai. ccstecicesc cents annette eee 58

eect ect eet
wtiOnn cic escccie tecosteoaet
Balanced. Distrib et ec 59
ut sie
Unbalanced. Hains ssssiccssisesiss ssscsossvonetsna
eee ee eee dlanch 62
At the Two Level jatisc.icenciittaccioesercastocecatel
cia isciestpa ede 66

After Openers Support for Respondeis) Suit: <:2eeae ceases een cee ee 69
Single Raise 2k setae epee 70
Doerse Rea sss eisss cen soissscctiageo Sasso oreecisees a a +
ft
Triple Raise. cnsicinnscssteteicenc tt ateirieteatone tap oe cae 72
At the Two Level sisseeccce tel nce oe rer eee eee eee 73
Review Questions: (Partt-1)) ss2.c-npsqntaenet
ane eee eee 76
Following Openers Same Suit ‘Rebid (32.5.2, cne rar:
Balanced Hands: icp gicscasusianusacas niece coaster eee rit,
Unbalanced. Hands is..csccussneas- oes eins er ee 79
After ‘Two Level. Response 2...) eee 81
Opposite: a JUMP sock tsetse
eateee tore cee 84

Following New Suit Rebid |...22...uqe05

ce ae ea 87
6-10: Point Balanced and Unbalanced 47... 88
11-13 Point Balanced and Unbalanced 3) 2. ee 92
13-15 Point: Balanced ands Unbalanced 2. ee 94
16 or more Point Balanced'and Unbalanced =... ee 96
Review Questions (Part 2) 2s ee 97
 CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
BIN AT TCON TRAC WAN DSLAM jistencis nce lios. cien
eets
Me oe 99
SNELL S(LICEVOS Seca we Oia ee on ee em nt MO 100
GAierwithiy LayOrSusers we goes Mie ae ora vik sae em ana chun 100
Slam with Two Suiters ......... RE asa Tr Med ENN eevee NED. ES RS eee ne Ps 100
INOW BUOSCHTGS cOUAVINAN shaiMees atures allt var ica lady oon ame wee ee 101
Recipe CONV CMON cn aaNet ak, ohne irateee 102
IDSA TRC LO aC
GrATING za a UG te Fo) Sy ee ION ye Fae Om ark oth fs eee 105
AGUCRING SAUIN CLT. eS NNSON) 5 rs etretes tae gyi in ach eee NN ei 105
PACREOSV CR OS DONBE tests3fo. os. Soi ai adanimin cee eee aa enon 106
2
HREA(TOVD,Si6 ora inaatee eat ere A AR ORM oe RO 106
NCA ACoA Tete epee peels an Ue he ee ela ee er ee 106
1fsLOVE
RIN olCle) CVE Gh ana aan ea RR se saint aE Re ester tn kg eee lo 106
BuO OM TOU ANSTEY RAISO I aoe OCs. inc eile AM he oe a ee ae 107
ACERT ERED MOPAR ION create eats eater ee sak ee Mee ap et ees 108
ENAAYR fEST Eee ta ET ct es ee A ale eR ER reac ve 109
CRACK WOO ONY CEILION eye ee are ons cistseoter ed cee ooo ce ee 110
OLS BOET ECON OY of cots ert amine Oe eaten eee eter ee eRe 111
EIRGSSION)
BONfo)MTR cypees e Wem ce Psa rasnee Heap eraaetey Someta bene) RMR em Mo ae Eee So 112
NTS MeLTaN CoOL UCACES carb co in cna altace eee 113
Review a@ucsttons (Patt Ui esters tgrdsaa ceil dvi eee 116
Mritera@ Pener seiaicse fOt) ReSPOMder $.SUE sons uscaeamimccartaaipancrncnoricetn
nme 117
|Oa 5 LOT ENFosatcote coe toe sot yek onde SO Rae Me cree cen 117
i
NEVE abAVE CSSETaay eal asp cave clr cree Meee Om pe eer arabe ecveneer a 119
"HOEEE ENE VCS 5 sg ra faee y e Mee ne eetsmt eree NPy we 120
STS (GEIR Tal ie a PR Seamer rire a TR RE a RR parE Re 120
INOS 9Wa Co on€ 7.010 peranny estes ers oe eter ener oie Vereen 121
SESH UREA Uy S55EUS ea care eer eee nn ere epee cosn ren a 122

After Opener’s Own Suit Rebid .-ennnn-nvrrninnnnnnninnnnnnnnnninnnnninnnnnnte 123

TES aslEGP SCONCE ana oes tem ne eto ene Persie 123
ORE AI to elo se ae ectisa ns greet Dean ai aleecemeisas eee 124

Support for Responders Second Suit ..... PT REE yin Late an Rae need 128
For Majors. escrcwccwscssnsctnnennnesaememensnninneinieniniinnnanntsnanniemnnnntniieineite 128
Tetaee TMT YOSGSY a ec ape ORO rr tee RRC eee rr eer er ere 129
Exploration .ccccccnccmnmnnnnntineniinnnnnnssnninnmnnmnmnmninninnninaramnsi 129

Following Responder’s No Trump Rebid ......cceeooee--eennnnnnnmnninnnnnnneie 130

Stopping Below Game ....mnrnnrnnnnnnnnnnnnnnninnnnnnnnnninnnnnnsnnnnn 130
 CONTENTS (Continued)
Page

Reaching Game ....cscsecnsscsnsnnsamenuntnmnenstntessstntnenttnntnninersnnsntnanneatentnmrentnatta 131

Oyrie lee coc) | 1; Sennen MTOR E DS en) ere Cf gets semis 134
Forcing Bids: iicnctchaioss-csonutes aise cntaasoncetiestascie noe esto gaa erred 136
Review Questions (Part 2) ccicsssssssssctssesttnscsesuneaceneetntiniastannennnanneanrstts 137
Vii DEFENSIVE BIDDING sche enemies oan tesserae cereeeeoeerete138
oicccfssepecdectecstcttectoenncasars-

Coveralls: ccc ciciecccecdh celal cs cnet eee tt ncaa gto eee oS eee rector ee 139
Evaluating the Overcalh sci sccuu hem susrnomucteeensce
mane taut eae atm ieee 140
Trick -<Corant: Scale oijossassosscsssdclecesssstnssSapicncs
Sav ance caer ln eee reece 141
Single Jump Ovérealls ccc eps fe cee 143
Pre-emptive® Jump ‘Overcast ecteccncctee et cateneatt oe nie ee 145
Overcalling: in No THatiapy socieescs ecrasorsersctcn eect tnr ete nrc ere 146
What No Trump Overcallls Meaty <.cscoccctjeccs
cece catgp eine ee eee 147

Responding to Ovencals. scccinssrmcisanctaiescstminna

nasbenccisttnics eels Ree eee nete eee 150
HOw to Respotid isco. csssieopinssiia.oisrsasancias
este eater ee asta et oe 151
Strong Jump Major Suit Overcalls o.cscciscmserectcre-nrsu
atsen iectersesteee tee tae158
Weak Pre-emptive Jump Overcalls ycicicte cette sree enter mnie ete 159
Cepimpetitive Bid
hi go cis ascot ee 159
Review Questions. (Part (1) scc.cccehoncsees en ee ee 161
Doubling for Takeout 2s. cpcieseacteesta cece aero 162
SAP acicnteisstecinndndn Saari tee haar Rte ee ae 163
SEZ csseanicsveniindansivsen code’ sewac. oie asso was GREP eel cs eee ese 164
Takeout Double: (Minimuni Scale) =cut 164
The Double of one No Tromp. asoce tee eee 166
Doubling a) Pre-emipt soc iotucise once sotto ayn teen 167
The Fishbein Comventt6it occscciuisyeenecpcaaee cate 168
The Smith Gonvention 2.205.259 need eteaten ee eee 170
Protection ‘Doubles -cccuudintckannstesy
eee aa ce ee 173

Responding toa ‘Takeout Double: ..222e 174

Noo: Denterest sccscisssssiiasanvh cesarean see 175
Mild Tenbesrest a cpscecsssticsin cnc anasecoctsed ae peaeatoea e 176
Strong -Inberest oo. tcc 177
Very Strong Interest). eee ee er 178
An Immediate Cue: Bid 222 co 180
REDIGS Wo scsesin co aysicecenoeesteaces Sango eee 181
What todo Over Takeout Doubles. 182
Review Questions (Patt 2) -23...08 ance ener ee ee 184
 FOREWORD

BY THE AUTHOR
Without any doubt, the most interesting card game ever devised is con-
tract bridge. The appeal of contract bridge is universal as a card game, and
also as a form of relaxation and entertainment. In essence, all that is required
is simply that four people sit down at a table and have 52 cards to deal out
before them, an equal number of 13 to each player. The proficiency with which
you play the game, however, is entirely up to you, the individual player. Com-
paratively speaking, there are many degrees of proficiency among bridge players.
The very best would be at the top of the scale (of which there are very few)
running down through the very good, the good, the reasonably good, the fair,
and, of course, the not so good. Where you will place yourself among these
categories will depend entirely on you, the individual player. Along with the
great teacher, experience, there are two other very definite requirements for
becoming a proficient bridge player; the first being interest and the second
ability. It is certainly safe to say that if you are willing to read a bridge book,
you have the interest. Now, all you require to develop your ability is a com-
petent guide and teacher. It is my endeavor to present to you a comprehensive
and logical means of communicating back and forth across the table to arrive
at the proper contract. Without question 75% of the game of contract bridge
is in the bidding. Before you begin to play at all, as it pertains to the manipu-
lation of the cards, you have to establish a contract and a level of contract.
It stands to reason that no matter how well you are able to play the cards, if
you are in the wrong contract, or if you are either too high or too low in your
contract for the tricks available, you are obviously placing yourself at a tre-
mendous disadvantage. I sincerely hope that, in the ensuing pages, I can provide
a bidding answer for all your problems.

XI
BIDDING THROUGH LOGIC
 CHAPTER

OPENING BIDS

HAND EVALUATION
To begin with, when the deal has been completed and each player has
received his full compliment of 13 cards, it is now up to the dealer to get the
ball rolling; this being done in the form of either a pass or an opening bid
of some description. Since our immediate objective is to properly evaluate a
hand, we'll concern ourselves with giving the cards value. For the moment,
let us be concerned with only the four highest cards in each suit. It is quite
generally accepted that the easiest way of giving value to the high cards in
your hand is to award a certain number of points for each honor card.
For simplicity and clarity, I have adopted the universally popular point
count of 4-3-2-1 for high cards, and 3-2-1 distribution. Under this scheme,
you evaluate your hand for points as follows:
High Card Points Distributional Points
Ace —4 Void io
King — 3 Singleton — 2
Queen — 2 Doubleton —1
Jack — 1
Do not count double value when your high cards overlap with your dis-
tributional features. Instead, just count the high card value in such instances.
A singleton or doubleton Ace is worth only 4 points.
A doubleton King is worth only 3 points.
A doubleton Queen is worth only 2 points.
A doubleton Jack is worth only 1 point.
When you have a singleton King, Queen, or Jack, count only for distribu-
tion. It is important to remember that distributional points are counted only
when you are going to play a suit contract. Therefore, if the final contract is
going to be in No Trump, count only your high card points in determining
how high you should get. Remember too, that your distributional points will
not come up to their full value unless you can find trump support for one of
your suits in your partner's hand.
In addition to the point count table, there is another table for evaluating
a hand that you should remember, too. This table pertains to the number of
taking tricks, or quick tricks, that you have in each hand.
1
 Ace — equals 1 Trick
King— equals 14 Trick
Ace —plus— King (in same suit) — equals 2 Tricks
Ace — plus— Queen (in same suit) — equals 114 Tricks
King— plus— Queen (in same suit) — equals 1 Trick
There is one other consideration left in evaluating your hand that is of
considerable importance; that being how many cards in each suit you hold. It is
apparent that a hand containing seven cards of one suit and six cards of another
is a far better playing hand than a hand containing only four of one suit, and
three in each of the other suits.
General Evaluation Scale for the Combined Hands
As a guide for determining the makeable level of contract that a bidding
pair should reach, it is also necessary to know how many points, either high
card wise, and/or distributional points included, are necessary in the combined
hands to have a reasonable expectancy of making the contract. If you know
how many points you need in the combined hands, and are left more or less
to your own devices in bidding back and forth between you and your partner,
then common sense will dictate that you should not bid beyond a certain limit.
Conversely, however, if the bidding would indicate that you have enough points
to make game or slam, or whatever the case may be, that you should definitely
reach a 10, 11, 12 or possibly a 13 trick contract level, the scale is as follows:
22 to 24 points— 8 tricks
25 to 26 points— 9 tricks
27 to 29 points— 10 tricks
30 to 32 points— 11 tricks
33 to 36 points— 12 tricks
37 to 40 points— 13 tricks
Let it suffice to say that just because you have a certain number of points
in the combined hands, it does not necessarily follow that you are guaranteed
to take a certain number of tricks, since it is always possible that the suits may
break badly or the high cards be off side. But, consider that bridge is a game
of percentages, and as long as the percentages are in your favor, the law of
averages will take care of you over a period of time.

OPENING ONE BIDS

The Object of Bidding and the Requirements for an Opening Bid
The object of bidding is that of the game itself; you want to win points,
and the way to win points is to open the bidding any time you have a probable
point-winning hand. There are three basic types of hands that you will en-
counter as the opening bidder. The first type is a minimum hand that contains
12 to 15 points inclusive. Of all the opening bid types of hands that you will
hold, at least 70% of these will fall in this category. The second type of hand
2
that you will have will be one that strongly invites game after partners re-
sponse. These are hands with 16 to 18 points inclusive. The third type of hand
is one that practically guarantees your proceeding to game after partnet’s initial
response. There is yet a fourth type of hand that you will encounter so sel-
dom that it will not be taken up at this time, but can be mentioned as a hand
with which you can make game with little or no support from your partner.
Due to the fact that at least 70% of the hands that you will hold as the
opening bidder fall into the category of the 12 to 15 point variety, these, per-
force, should be dealt with first. It is also necessary to understand a general
theory of opening minimum hands. Although we are not concerned at the
moment with what the opponents will do after we have opened the bidding,
it still is a factor to be considered, inasmuch as we do not bar the opponents
just because we open the bidding. Therefore, consider that, with a minimum
hand, your opening bid is both offensive and defensive. If you will think in
both these terms, then what is suggested for your minimum opening bid re-
quirements will be much more palatable to your taste.
Any hand with 12 or more high card points should be opened. Any hand
with two taking tricks and, giving full value for distributional points, with a
total of 12 points, should also be opened. Bear in mind that the two taking
tricks are not necessary if you have 12 high card points, but are absolutely essen-
tial if you are going to open the bidding with fewer than 12 high card points.
In other words, your distribution is taking the place of some of the high card
points. Inasmuch as there is a considerable spread between 12 and 15 points,
note should be taken that there are actually two defined types of minimum hands.
A bad minimum hand would be one with 12 or 13 points—a good minimum
hand has 14 to 15 points.
In General:
1. With 12 or more high card points, always open the bidding. By so doing
you inform your partner that you have a better than average hand.
Example: @ K J x
OA AOL
Om OsKex
& Qxxx
Opening Bid: One Club
Notice that should you pass and the opponents get in the bidding first,
you will have no convenient way of competing safely.
2. Open
anti any hand
—— with two taking tricks, provided it values atleast 12points —

Example: ®# AJxxx
OR NOTES X
OTe KTX
fe xx
Opening Bid: One Spade (10 high card points, plus 1 point for each of the
two doubletons, and the required two defensive tricks.)
3
me
Example: @# QJxxxx
ax
OPK Ore x
& Kx
Opening Bid: Pass (Even though this hand counts 13 points you do not
have two defensive tricks). Despite the lack of defense, this hand has
great offensive potential, so you definitely i
casemSince you have a good six-card suit along with a good offensive hand,
coming in later will not pose any problem.
4, Bear in mind that Aces and Kings are not given their full value in the 4-3-
2-1 point count. Therefore, make this exception to the rule of always open-
pe the bidding when you have 12 pee card elie

Opening Bid: Pass

Although 12 points are present in this hand, there is no semblance of a
taking trick for defensive purposes. To be sure, if the opponents play the
hand, you'll get a trick eventually somewhere, but the lesson of experience
is that eventual tricks are still waiting to be taken, so learn to mentally
discount your Queen-Jack points, and upgrade your Ace-Kings.
Example: @ K J x @) Oo lixex
0 .O- 105 x UES ae ao.<
Xx Ce OnIes
&’ KQJx & AQ 10
Opening Bid: One Club One Club
Both hands have minimum values, but the defensive possibilities are con-
crete. In the first example, leading a Club against the opponents’ contract
may produce two tricks for the defense. In the second case, the Ace of
Clubs is morally certain to take a trick, and if the Club King is favorably
located, there is a good chance for two tricks in the Club suit against what-
ever contract your opponents may reach.

Suit Requirements for an Opening Bid

Since the contract method of scoring requires that you take 11 tricks in
a minor suit in order to make game, 10 tricks in a major suit and only 9 tricks
in a No Trump, it does not take a mathematical genius to figure out that it is
better to play a 9 trick game contract or a 10 trick game contract than it is to
play an 11 trick game contract. Therefore, quite reasonably, at least 95% of

4
 the hands that are played at game level should be played in either No Trump,
Hearts, or Spades; the other 5% that are played at game level will be played
in Clubs or Diamonds. With this idea in mind, I strongly advocate that an
opening bid of one Heart or one Spade be made with at least five in number
of that suit. It will, of course, occur to you immediately, “What will I do if:
(1) Ihave neither five Hearts nor five Spades, (2) I do not have enough points
to qualify for an opening No Trump, or (3) My distribution is such that I
cannot open with a No Trump.” Each of these questions will be answered in
the ensuing pages.

Five Card Major Suit O pening Bids

A great deal of discussion has been going on for many years among the lead-
ing bridge players throughout the country on the subject of opening with five
card major suits almost exclusively, or whether to mix it up and sometimes
have a five card major suit and sometimes have a major suit. The |

majority for three very important basic reasons. (1) After an opening bid has
been made in a major suit, it eliminates the necessity of the opening bidder
having to rebid the suit at a later stage in the bidding to show the length of
the suit. The more you play the more obvious it will become that, on many
hands, particularly on those in which the opponents compete in the bidding
against you and your partner, had you opened with only a four card major
suit, you might and
taking a rather large set bedauiselyourlpartier raised Yourand gave you a pre-
ference Nr arewercerreaper ce,reer aTn whereas, had you originally guaran-
teed five of the major suit, there is little likelihood of your being overboard
due to lack of trump. (2) An integral part of any good bidding system should
be that w oth from the standpoint of the opening bidder’s
hand, and the responder’s hand
by one of the two partners so that they will not bid themselves beyond a level
that they can make.
Consider then how easy it is for your partner to describe a minimum re-
sponse on his part with hands containing only 6 to 10 points, knowing that
you, the opener, have a five card major suit. Since there is safety in numbers
it certainly makes sense that you will require at least eight of a suit in the com-
bined hands before you will want to play the contract in that suit. Assume
now that your partner has only three cards in your original major suit bid and
6 to 10 points, he can describe his hand with one simple bid; that being an im-
mediate single raise in your suit.

gee (>) With less than three of your partner's opening major
suit bid and no more than 6 to 10 points, one of two possibilities exists from
the standpoint of “What do I bid.” If the opening bid was one Heart and you
have as many as four Spades or more, your response will be one Spade. With
3)
any other holding, regardless of distribution, you simply bid one No Trump.
The bid of one No Trump in response to a major suit opening not only estab-
lishes the limit of the responder’s hand, but warns the opener away from a
rebid of the opening suit. It then follows that after your partner has told you
that he did not have as many as three of your opening major suit bid, that you
should never become bull-headed and rebid the suit with only five. — —<

sctibe a hand with at least six in number of that suit.

NOTE: A major suit opening (one Heart or one Spade) will guarantee at
least five in length of that suit.

Example: N E S South’s Hand

Pass _ Pass 1 @ AK Ox
O xix
OK xx
fm Jxxx
No matter what North responds to the one Spade opening, South must pass.
Minor Suit Openings
You may ask, ““What do I do now, since I have the point requirements
for a minimum opening bid, but do not have a five card major suit?” The answer
is fairly simple: The more you play the more you will realize that no more than
5% of the hands played in a game of contract should be played in either Clubs
or Diamonds. Certainly these two suits must have more utility value than to
be bid one out of every twenty hands. Therefore, put these suits to use and
consider them as suits of convenience in bidding, and as a means of opening
the bidding with the idea in mind of finding a fit in one of the two major suits
if possible. If a fit cannot be established with your partner in one of the two
major suits, think in terms of playing a No Trump contract. By the time the
bidding has progressed to the level of two or three, both you and your partner
should pretty well know whether a part score is all that is in sight, whether game
at No Trump is feasible, or whether this might be the one hand out of twenty
where you should contemplate playing the hand at game in Clubs or Diamonds.
A well known query that always pops up at the table with a new or strange
partner is, “Do you play the short Club bid or the short Club?” There is really
no such convention. It’s simply that an opening one Club or one Diamond
bid should be employed whenever it’s logical. Note should be taken too, that
you can use both the Club and Diamond suits for opening bids of convenience
and apply some common sense in opening with whichever of the two suits
shows the greatest potential of trick taking value.
With minimum hands of the 12 to 15 point variety inclusive, a sensible
approach to the matter as to which of the two minor suits you choose, Clubs
or Diamonds, would be as follows: _ RESTON ase
highwcatd=~
6
 with four Diamonds and three Clubs open with one Diamond; with
our Clubs and three Diamonds open with one Club. Even though a three
card minor suit may have more high cards than a four card minor Suit,«make
choosehe
3 pracicenormalyto fourca minor.
There are some exceptions
which will come under discussion later. Holding three Clubs and three Dia-
monds, open the bidding with whichever suit looks the most attractive from
the standpoint of high cards in that suit. If the three card minor suits are ap-
proximately equal in high card strength, open the bidding with one Club. Never
open the bidding with a minor suit of the three or four card variety if you
have a five card major, r j it.
Hands without five card major suits and unsuitable for opening one No
Trump, should be opened with a minor suit bid. Clubs and Diamonds should
be considered suits of convenience in bidding.
Which Suit to Open (Balanced Hands):
With four Clubs and four Diamonds, open with one Diamond, unless
Clubs are much stronger in high cards.
Example: # Kxx & Kxx
Ve es Ox
rials x G10) oe Se Se
& AQxx & AKIJx
Opening Bid: One Diamond Opening Bid: One Club
With four Diamonds and three Clubs open one Diamond.
With four Clubs and three Diamonds open one Club.
Holding three Clubs and three Diamonds, open the bidding with that
minor suit which is richer in high cards.
Example: # AJ x & AJx
Oi lOex 7X UP heh e.< sig 62
OAK x Oe ax
& jJxx & KQx
Opening Bid: One Diamond One Club
If both three card minor suits have equal or nearly equal high card strength,
open the bidding with one Club.
Opening One No Trump
An opening one No Trump bid shows 0 17 poi
and a balanced hand. A balanced hand contains one of the following distribu-
tions: 4-3-3-3, 4-4-3-2, or 5-3-3-2. To have body, a 15 point opening No Trump _

Example: @ Q 10x @& Qxx @ Kx

ORISS 59°x Oe Key) 9 Oa EX
Cm Aa LOX OMINEX Cae LOE Sex
& KQx &# KQxxx & Al10xx
NOTE: Complete discussion of No Trump bidding will follow Ww later.
7
 Distributional Hands
Having propounded the theory of an opening of one Heart or one Spade
showing at least five in number and an opening one Club or one Diamond
bid to be made with as few as three, we now need to consider the manner in
which we would bid with unbalanced hands. Rather than run through all the
possibilities that exist in the unbalanced hand category, it is easier to outline
the three types of balanced hands: (1) 4-3-3-3, (2) 4-4-3-2, and (3) 5-3-3-2.
An unbalanced hand, then would be anything other than the three above from
the standpoint of distribution. Holding five cards in one suit and four in another
enables us to lay down a basic law. Bid length over strength regardless of the
high card value of the four card suits. In dealing with hands of two five card
suits another rule can be followed. Bid the higher ranking suit first. In almost
all cases, there are some exceptions which will be discussed shortly under re-
verses. With even greater distributional hands in the opening one bid category
(these being 6-4, 6-5, 6-6, 7-6, 7-5) apply the same rules as previously stated.
Which Suit to Open (Distributional Hands) :
Holding three four card suits, open with a minor.
Example: @ x
7 oh Ones
O SNS izcee
& AJxx
Opening Bid: One Diamond
With one five card suit and one four card suit, always open with the five
card
regardless
suit ofstrength. |
Example: @ Jxxxx
AS x
Oi AK: OFx
de xx
Opening Bid: One Spade

Example: @ x
OF A-Oiees
Oo -Ox
Kx ex
Opening Bid: One Heart

strength.—
Example: @ AKJxx
UR es <
reek
&® Kxxxx
Opening Bid: One Club
 2)

Example: 4
v
©
op
Opening Bid: One Club (19 points)
When the two five card suits are touching, the high ki it should
always be bid first. : ss vena
Example: @ x
x x
OPAL
Sex 5 x
& AKQJ10
Opening Bid: One Diamond
With highly distributional hands, the longer suit should be bid first.
Example: @ Qxxxxx
Y void
One
Ar ix x
oe xx
Opening Bid: One Spade

when the hand counts less than 18 points.

& x
Opening Bid: One Heart (less than 18 points)
Reverse Bids
One of the hardest things to do is to give a true definition of a reverse.
Let’s think of it in this manner. A normal order of bidding with at least a five
card suit and a four card suit would be to bid the five card suit first and then
the four card suit. This would work out fine and dandy providing your part-
ner responds in the four card suit that you hold or in a suit lower in rank than
your four card suit, but if your partner responds in a suit higher in rank than
your four card suit at the one level or bids a new suit at the two level, you then,
by bidding your four card suit, would reverse. Therefore, a simple definition
of a situation would be as follows:

This bidding situation on the part of the opening bidder will guarantee
a minimum number of 18 points a de-
manding that the responding hand bid again.
9
 ing. To avoid confusion, let us
further add that support or an immediate raise in your partner's bid suit does
not constitute a reverse. Keeping in mind the definition of a reverse, there
is one specialized hand or holding that ai ae have that should be Ze in
this particular manner. i
we i i ' nie hand | hevbid

Se reverse situation can never occur since there is no bid

your partner can make that will force you to bid the Spade suit at a higher
level. There is one more axiom that should be observed in dealing with reverse
bidding. . i ini
ibuti true reverse bid occurs
when you first bid a lower ranking suit thatlt0uchest@ higher ranking suit, and
then bid the higher ranking suit the next go-round. Clubs and Diamonds are
touching, Diamonds and Hearts are touching, Hearts and Spades are touchin;
5
; iteeSince Clubs and Hearts
are not touching, and Diamonds and Spades are not touching, you can, in order
to show this very attractive hand, reverse the bidding wi
any times
you will find that this order of bidding will be a convenient way for you to
show a big hand and at the same time make a forcing bid.
Example: N E S W
19 Pass 20 Pass
24a
The bid of two Spades by North has taken him past the two Heart level,
and therefore constitutes a reverse.
Example: N E S W
& Pass 14 Pass
29
The bid of two Hearts has taken North past the two Club level, and there-
fore constitutes a reverse.
Since the normal order of bidding for the opener, with five card suits or
longer, is to bid the higher ranking suit first (except with Clubs and Spades),
when you bid otherwise you are reversing the bidding. A
en
minimum o
Example: N E S W
10 Pass lee Pass
2@ (Reverse) North’s Hand
& AKxxx
SAGs
OKO ies
& x. (19 points)
10
Example: N E S W
19 Pass 14 Pass North's Hand
30 (Jump force) & xx

(20 points)
very
and then convey the
message of a 20-point

Example: N E S W
10 Pass 14 Pass North’s Hand
20 (Reverse -more Diamonds a x
than Hearts) Le Noah OSou]ap 8
en tA ke Sx
de x
__ To avoid confusion about reverses, here are two important rules to remem-
ber, concerning bids that are absolutely not reverse bids.
SUPPORT OF PARTNER'S SUIT IS NOT A REVERSE.
THE REBID OF A NEW SUIT AT THE ONE LEVEL IS NOT A RE-
Example: N E S WwW
10 Pass 14 Pass
2@ (Not a reverse)
Example: N E S W
1G = Pass 19 Pass
1@ (Not a reverse)

SPECIALIZED OPENING BIDS

In this category, there are three basic types of bids open for discussion.
The reason these opening bids are deemed to be something special is that they
give double and specific information all at the same time. Within definite
limits, th and indicate the distribution.
These three types of bids are: Opening Demand Bids
of Two in a Suit, and
OPENING NO TRUMP
The problem of what to do with a 16 to 17 point hand or a 1'Sepoint/hand,,
wthbodyianswered by an opening one No Trump bid, providing your hand
meets the following requirements:
1. 15 to 17 high card points.
2. Balanced distribution.
11
 A distributionally balanced hand would be one of the following: 4, 3, 3, 3,
or 4, 4, 3, 2, ot 5, 3, 3, 2. In addition to the balanced distribution of the hand
and the necessary point requirements, 15 to 17, the opening No Trump should
also have three of the four suits stopped.
The allusion to a 15 point hand with body should now be explained more
fully. As you can readily see, the point count table gives value only to the honor
cards, those being the Aces, Kings, Queens, and Jacks, but, quite obviously, if
your hand contains some tens and nines in support of your honor cards, you
have a better hand than if you had only the honor cards and the rest of your
hand were composed of deuces, treys, and fours. Therefore, the reference to
body of the hand applies to the tens and nines that you will hold in conjunction
with your 15 high card points.
Whereas you ascribe no value to your opening No Trump count for the
distribution of your hand, a five card suit that is headed by two of the top four
honors certainly is better than just a four card suit, since the fifth card of that
suit may easily be developed into a trick. Therefore, if you have 2 honors in
a 5 card suit, you may add one point or consider it worth an extra point in
making your choice of opening bids holding 15 high card points. Your open-
ing No Trump bids are valuable tools in the hands of skilled artists as they
accomplish three things all at one time.
1. Partner knows with one bid the size of your hand.
2. Partner knows with one bid the distribution of your hand.
3. The opening bid tends to keep the opponents out of the bidding,
which is definitely to your advantage.
Many people are reticent about opening the bidding with one No Trump
for one reason or another, but it should be stressed that if your hand meets
the requirements for an opening No Trump and you open with some other
bid there is never any adequate way of correcting this error at a later stage in
the bidding. Your partner trusts you; you, in turn, should trust your partner.
Therefore, if you have an opening No Trump, open with one No Trump. Don’t
foul up the bidding.
Example: ® K xx @ Q 10 x=
ATR OS Y Redd
aa nl Oeee OR ESS
& Q x (17 points) & <A 9 (15 points with body)
Opening Bid: One No Trump Opening Bid: One No Trump

TWO AND THREE NO TRUMP BIDS

These two types of hands occur so infrequently that they can be covered
in rather short order. Distributionally, the requirements are the same as an
opening one No Trump, and instead of just three of the four suits being pro-
tected, all four should be guarded. The high card requirements for an opening
two No Trump are 22 to 23 points and an opening three No Trump bid should
have 24 to 26 points. The opening two No Trump bid is not a forcing bid to
12
game, but does suggest to partner that if he has as many as 3 or 4 high card
points he should in turn respond with three No Trump. Obviously, partner
may pass an opening three No Trump bid, because you are already in game.
A cursory glance at the point count table for the combined hands to have a
probable play for either a small slam or a grand slam, will enable the responder
to place the contract at the slam level by adding the number of points he is
looking at to the number he knows you have for the bid that you have made.
Example: @ A Kx 4 KJx
9 KQx 9 AKJx
Or a x Oe AO &
& K Q x (22 points) & A Q x (24 points)
Opening Bid: Two No Trump Opening Bid: Three No Trump

OPENING TWO BIDS IN A SUIT

It has been often repeated, mostly by the losers, that the opponents held
ali the cards. This is about what happens when you have an opening two bid.
Opening with two of a suit says, “Partner, we have game in our combined
hands, regardless of whether or not you have 13 deuces.” Since your partner
may have 13 deuces it boils down to this: That you actually have a game in
your own hand. A comparatively easy way to decide whether or not you have
an opening two bid (that is, game in your own hand) is to count the losers
in your hand rather than the winners. Exercise some judgment in evaluating
your possible distributional losers.
You certainly do not assume that every time you hold a six card suit, the
opponent immediately to your left or to your right is also going to hold the
same six card suit. The chances of this happening are infinitesimal; just let
the law of averages take care of you. The suits won’t always break badly.
Example: @ AK Jxx x o& A
Os iy AO Nae ee OT XS ek
Cie x CAIN GSES 8
& Void we x
Opening Bid: Two Spades Opening Bid: Two Hearts

OPENING PRE-EMPTS
An opening pre-empt is, above all else, a defensive bid. It is a bid in which
you contract for nine, ten, or eleven tricks all in one swoop and denies to part-
ner the requirements of a normal opening one bid; obviously, it is made with
a long suit and little else. A guide to follow in thinking in terms of the level
at which you should open a pre-emptive hand would be that, if doubled, you
should plan to lose no more than 500 points.
13
 The idea of voluntarily placing yourself in a position to lose 500 points
may be at first a little hard to swallow. Further examination of the possibilities
of the hand may make this idea taste a little better. Assume that yours is the
following hand:

Example: Void
OTUKRO] exe xex
Oa apes 5
om xx
Non Vulnerable Opening Bid: Three Hearts
Your opening three Heart bid could reasonably be expected to go set three
if your partner has nothing. A penalty double by the opponents would give them
a net plus of 500 points since you are not vulnerable. On the surface this does
not sound too good, but on the other hand the odds are definitely that the op-
ponents could probably make a small slam and quite conceivably could make
a grand slam if they were to play the contract. Most players overlook the fact
that it is impossible always to score a plus on your side of the ledger and that
after the cards are dealt you can only hope to achieve the best results with the
hand you hold. The key to winning bridge is to minimize your losses with
the bad hands and to get the maximum plus score with your good hands. As
you can now see, the 500 point set you incurred on the foregoing hand is in
reality a minimum loss. Fix the idea firmly in your mind that a pre-emptive
bid is always a defensive bid and that it will cause the opponents considerable
consternation if used properly. If the opponents have the better hand, you have
plainly jammed their communication. If your partner has three or four taking
tricks, his course of action is easy to follow: he will simply raise your suit to
game. Once in a great while you will hold a hand in the third or fourth position
which is obviously a sound opening one bid but should be opened by a game bid.
Example: @ x
OA KIO xe
Ox
& KQ109x
Opening Bid: Four Hearts
The reason for bidding game, rather than one Heart, is that there is some
chance your partner may be forced to pass; also the opponents, even after origi-
nally passing, might be able to find a fit in another one of the suits (in this case
Spades or Diamonds) and take a rather cheap save against your game contract.
Your partner being a passed hand could conceivably have just the right cards
enabling you to make a slam, but the chances of this being the case are negli-
gible, so just forget about it.
14
 LIMIT SCALE
The need for a new, more closely defined Standard LimitScalevof Bidding,
has become increasingly evident in recent years with the pronounced failure
of our representative United States Bridge teams to win in International Competi-
tion. In integrating and developing this system for intelligent use by all bridge
players, this problem has been thoroughly investigated and I have provided
the solution by narrowing
ommon sense and logic will certainly dictate that the more concise and
exact the information that you are able to give your partner through the medium
of bidding, the easier it is for the partnership to arrive at the right contract.
The purpose of the Opening Bid Scale presented below is to give you, the
reader, a check against the different limit bids that you make as they come
up. For the best bidding results, refer to the evaluation and limit scales fre-
quently and try to form a mental picture of the meaning of all bids.

THE OPENING BID (CATEGORIES)

12-13 points A bad minimum
14-15 points A good minimum
16-17 points (a) An opening No Trump (Not forcing)
(b) A jump rebid in your own suit
(Not forcing)
(c) A jump rebid in your partner’s suit
(Not forcing)
18-19 points A forcing bid after partner’s response, but not
a force to game. (Very strong invitation)
20-21 points A forcing bid after partner’s response and reach
game.
22-23 points Opening 2 No Trump (Not a force to game)
24-25 points Opening 3 No Trump or a game demand bid.
26-or more points A game demand bid.

15
 CHAPTER I: Review Questions

As The Opener: Evaluate and Bid each of the following hands:

Example:

Evaluation: 14 Pts. Bid: 1 Club

@#5 eee
Aww @#ocg EOD

“a «MM
paypal

xe A
~
040 O65
“
WMO

x
pe
nw

€05° KROL €59°°0 bd sa ood €9

“x MM OM
wee
“4%

065)
Ps a= “bd
0°04)
cae

445)
A
«|

wD
|MM
xOude
O ! |yw
MMO
dv
< <o<é
|MOOo
|

@ AKQx

Q J 10s a
KR Qzx
x

16
 CHAPTER II
FIRST ROUND RESPONSES
_The first round responses to the opening bid are divided into two cate-
gories—“limitedwandsunlimited%; and have the overall objective of finding a
place to play the contract with the idea in mind that 95% of all game contracts
will be played in either a major suit or in No Trump. Excluding the specialized
opening bids wherein your partner has described the limits and the distribution
of his hand with one bid, you now need to cooperate in the same manner by
supplying your partner with information about your hand. Contract bridge is
the same as dancing in this respect; i If you both know
the steps and move smoothly about the floor, dancing is a great pleasure—
the same is true about bridge. If, on the other hand, you prefer Blind Man’s
Buff, where you stumble around the room, bridge will become a nightmare.
So let’s dance!

LIMIT RESPONSES
The word “pass” is the first limit bid on the agenda and is one of the
most abused. All too frequently the partner of the opening bidder feels com-
pelled to commit Hari-Kari for the partnership by responding with nothing.
Resist this impulse and remember discretion is the better part of valor. It re-
quires 6 points to respond. These 6 points do not necessarily have to be in
high cards alone. The distribution of your hand will count too. If your hand
lacks six high card points and these is a question in your mind as to whether
you have enough to keep the bidding open, then look for distributional points.
A word of warning should now be inserted to this effect: if your partner has
opened with a major suit, definitely do not add distributional points to your
hand for a void, singleton, or doubleton in your partner’s bid suit. To bid,
without reason, will only make a bad situation worse and can easily convert what
is already a minor mishap into a major catastrophe.
Some liberties may be taken with a minor suit opening. Since your part-
ner’s minor suit opening does not necessairly show great length in that suit,
whereas the major suit opening guarantees at least five, you may be able to
find a better fit somewhere else. Unless your partner now makes a forcing re-
bid, remember not to bid again.
s There is no such thing
as a forcing club or diamond, even though your partner may have opened with
a three or four card minor suit. If the opponents are willing to let your partner
play one Club or one Diamond, undoubled, you may become a little bit water-
logged from going set two or three, but at least you won't drown—as you most
assuredly would had you bid.
17
 When you do have 6 or more points, however, it is your duty to tell your
partner what you have. Sometimes you can accomplish this in one bid; or you
may take several rounds of bidding to get the message across. Regardless of
which type hand you may have, you set the stage for the ultimate contract by
your first round response.

IMMEDIATE SUPPORT FOR THE OPENING BID SUIT

MAJOR SUITS:—
Single Raise:
An immediate single raise of a major suit opening tells your partner that
istributional points should
be included in the evaluation of your hand. Note should be taken of the
definite advantage you have over those who have to guess whether their
partner may have opened with only a four card major suit, or more. The
knowledge that your partner has at least a five card major enables you to
tell your story with one bid:
1. You have trump support and are limited in points to no more than 10.
2. You make it much more difficult for the opponents to compete in the
bidding, since they would be naturally reticent to bid at the higher
levels where their chances of being doubled for penalty are increased.
Example: N E S Ww
14 Pass ? South’s Hand
@ Qxxxx
OU meOV ix
O x
South’s Bid: 2 Spades. & xx
Distributional points may be counted, ufilessmresponse
is tolbe!madelinuNo
Trump.
Example: N E S W
19 Pass : South’s Hand
@& Kjxxx
VRQ <
Ones
South’s Bid: Two Hearts &h& Qxx
Don’t worry about the Spade suit; one fit is enough. Ielisiifar!imore important

Example: N E S W
19 Pass ? South’s Hand
& Kxx
Opeiex
Ow Kites
South’s Bid: Two Hearts & Qxxx
 Double Raise:
itewvill guarantee at least four
trumps and exactly 11 - 13 points. This bid i
Example: N E S W
1&@ Pass 34 South’s Hand
& Kxxx
ax
Oo Ae Orexex
#& x x (12 points)
Triple Raise:
This bid is pre-emptive and serves a double purpose.
1. It tells your partner that you feel, due to the distribution of your
hand, there is some play for game, and defensively your hand is prac-
tically valueless.
2. On your part, it is particularly effective in shutting the opponents
out of the bidding.
Example: N E S W
14 Pass 4h South’s Hand
@& Kxxxxx
asx
OP xx
& Q)xx
MINOR SUITS:—
Single Raise:
An immediate single raise of a minor suit opening tells your partner that
you have 6-10 points and at least four trumps. As well as showing four
trumps, an immediate raise without an intervening bid by the opponent
denies the presence of any four card major suit. Although it is not entirely
true, an immediate single raise of partner’s minor suit should show some
high card strength in that suit, by the responder.
Example: N E S W
le Pass 2d South’s Hand

Double Raise:
An immediate double raise in a minor suit promises at least five trumps,
no major, 11 - 13 points, and invites opener to rebid three No Trump. This
19
 jump bid is not entirely forcing to game. If the opener has only a bare 12 -
13 point hand, then he may, at his own discretion, choose to pass, but
should try for game, either at No Trump or in the agreed minor suit with
14 or more points.
Example: N E S WW
10 Pass 30 South’s Hand
& Kx
OC Saxe
Se DAV Oe ak ex
& Qxx

Triple Raise —or— Jump to Game:

This bid is probably even more pre-emptive than an immediate jump to
game in a major suit, due primarily to the fact that you are trying to elimi-
nate the possibility of the opponent finding a fit in a higher ranking major
suit. Whereas a jump to game in a major suit will probably have some
play for the contract, many times a jump to the four or five levels in a minor
by the respondent, will be only for the purpose of shutting out the op-
ponents and taking a premature save.
Example: N E S W
1e& Pass Sa South’s Hand
& x
DO. x
O- Keexic
&: QO] xx we

RESPONDING WITH ONE NO TRUMP AFTER AN OPENING

OF ONE IN A SUIT
After a one in a suit opening, a bid of one No Trump will deny the pres-
ence of any four card or longer suit higher in rank than the opening suit that
can be bid at the one level. In addition, a one No Trump response will show
a maximum high card strength of no more than 10 points. Special attention
should be paid to the fact that distributional points are not to be counted when
responding with No Trump. Therefore, unless your hand contains at least six
j d your only possible response is in No Trump, be sure that
your hand contains the minimum high card value before saying something
other than “pass.”
Example: N E S Ww
14 Pass 1 NT South’s Hand
& xx
exe
Or (Oar
& Qxx
20
 A one No Trump response will show 6-10 high card points and denies as
many as four trumps opposite a mznor suit opening or three trumps opposite a
major suit opening.
Example: N E S W
10 Pass 1NE South’s Hand
& KJx
Ve (OR10ex
Ox
. &® K 10x xx
With less than 11 points and no four card suit that may be bid at the one level,
one No Trump ts obviously the only thing left.
Example: N E S WW
le Pass 2& South’s Hand
&® xxx
OK xex
Ol mt x x
& KQxx

FIRST ROUND TWO AND THREE NO TRUMP RESPONSES

TO AN OPENING BID OF ONE IN A SUIT
A bid of some number of No Trump at any stage during the auction is
always a limit bid. An immediate jump to two No Trump in response to part-
ner’s opening one bid is even more restrictive than if bid later on. In response
to a major suit opening two No Trump would deny as many as three of that
suit, and would describe a balanced hand with 12 - 14 points. To a minor suit
opening, two No Trump would deny as many as four of either major suit,
contain 12-14 points, and strongly suggest !ength in the other minor suit.
An immediate three No Trump response would conform to the same distribu-
tional restrictions as the two No Trump bid, but would show 15 - 16 high card
points.
Example: N E S WW
19 Pass 2 NT South’s Hand

> ae
~* bat

OSD be
4

Example: N E S W
10 Pass 2INT South’s Hand

ZA
Example: N E S W
10 Pass aN South’s Hand
4 AQx
OT OUEx
OR Seb.
& K109xx
Example: N E S W
14 Pass 3 NT South’s Hand
@ Qx
V0 FeO x
OTS ee x
& K10xx

RESPONSES — NO LIMIT
Providing the hand that you may hold as the responder does not fit into
any of the foregoing limit bid categories the objective of the opener and the
responder now should be to establish the presence of either a fit or the absence
of same in a major suit. A fit in a major suit can best be described as being
in number at least 8 cards of the major suit, in the combined hands. To progress
further in the bidding it is therefore necessary for you to understand the prin-
ciple of the one-over-one response. Suits are meant to be bid, providing you
possess the necessary points to qualify for a bid at a particular level. Any suit
is a biddable suit regardless of high cards in that suit.

ORDER OF BIDDING
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
To establish a fit in an agreed upon major suit at the lowest possible level.
(4 opposite 4; 5 opposite 3; 5 opposite 4; 6 opposite 3, etc.)

RESPONDING TO MINOR SUIT OPENINGS

With only four card suits, bid in an ascending manner at the one level
your next available suit in rank to partner's opening bid, at same level.
Example:
Partner opens: One Club Response: Holding 4 Diamonds & 4 Hearts
bid 1 Diamond
Holding 4 Hearts & 4 Spades
bid 1 Heart
Holding 4 Diamonds & 4 Spades
bid 1 Diamond
22
Partner opens: One Diamond Response: Holding 4 Clubs & 4 Hearts
bid 1 Heart
Holding 4 Clubs & 4 Spades
bid 1 Spade
Holding 4 Hearts & 4 Spades
bid 1 Heart
Holding 4 Diamonds & 4 Clubs
& 6-10 pts. bid 2 Diamonds
Holding 4 Diamonds & 4 Clubs
11 or more pts. bid 2 Clubs
Excluding the limit bids, your one-over-one response in no way tells your part-
ner the size of your hand except that you have enough to respond with, a mini-
mum of 6 points.
Example: N E S W
10 Pass ? South’s Hand
@ AJ10x
O21 Oak xex
xx
&® Axx
South’s Bid: One Heart
REMEMBER: It is the number of cards of a given suit in the combined hands
that determines the playability of that suit as trump and not the high card
strength of the trump suit.
Example: N E S Ww
19 Pass ? South’s Hand
@ Jxxx
Ox x
Ofte ORS
oh Qxxx
South’s Bid: One Spade
In response to a one Heart opening, with four or more Spades and 6 - 10
points, without as many as three Hearts, always bid one Spade and not one No
Trump.

With five card suits, respond in a descending manner, regardless of high

card strength of the suits.
Example: N E S Ww
10 Pass ? South’s Hand
@& Jxxxx
Ome A Ke xexe x
Or Ex (x
he x
South’s Bid: One Spade (South will bid Hearts at his next opportunity).
23
Example: N E S Ww South’s Hand
10 Pass ? & xx
Ree ex
Oo 2s
South’s Bid: One Heart & AQxxx
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Four card suits are bid up the line in an ascend-
ing order, five card suits are bid down the scale in a descending order. When
not in violation of the point requirements for response bids at the two level
(11 or more points) always bid length over strength.
Example: N E S Ww South’s Hand
1 = Pass 1d @ ‘KO xx
OP Ors x
Orie x
oh xx
A pertinent observation of good bidding technique can be made from this
example, to wit—about 95% of the time a one Spade response to an opening
bid of one Club without an interfering call by the opponents should show five
Spades in the responder’s hand. This is true only if the opening bid is one
Club. With a square hand and only four Spades, a temporizing bid of one
Diamond is the preferred response.

RESPONDING AT THE TWO LEVEL IN A NEW SUIT

The requirements for the naming of a new suit at the two level are a bit
stiffer than those advocated in some other systems of bidding; 11 points are
necessary to qualify for a legitimate new suit response. The 11 points required
for a two level response in a new suit do not necessarily have to be in high
cards alone since you may include distributional points. More often than not,
however, you will find that in order to meet the 11 point minimum require-
ments you will have 11 high card points. It

y will this holding not add distributional value to your hand,

but in many cases will actually detract from your hand, particularly if you cannot
find a suit on which to agree. It cannot be emphasized too strongly that once
your partner has opened the bidding, a two-level response in a new suit will
guarantee 100% a minimum of 11 points. This may be more, but never less.
For the purpose of illustration, consider that you and your partner have signed
an ironclad contract always to aid each other to the utmost of your respective
ability. If you violate this trust that your partner has in you by deceiving him
about the value of your hand, you will have committed a breach of contract
by the commission of this act. You will have undermined your partner’s faith
in you. Worse still, you will go down to defeat at the hands of the Philistines.
David slew Goliath, not because he was bigger, but because he used his head
and employed the tools at his command with deadly accuracy. It is not suggested
that you murder your opponents literally, but you might have a little fun watch-
24
ing them squirm through your bidding ability to get the best results obtainable
from the cards that you hold.
Earlier, it was stated the correct procedure for bidding with a five card
suit and a four card suit would be to bid the five card suit first. This is always
true in an opening bid. In responding, however, the point count value may
change the response. If your hand counts 11 or more points, you have no prtob-
lem and should definitely respond in the longer suit. The 6-10 department,
though, does require a bit of further discussion. Everything is rosy when your
partner has opened the bidding and you have 11 points or more, but remember
the future is not necessarily so bright when you hold only 6-10 points. The
correct response at this point hinges on the nature of your partner’s opening bid.
Example: N E S Ww
1e Pass ? South’s Hand
& xx
D2 Ox xX
Oe x
South’s Bid: 1 Heart & AQxxx
It is apparent that the requirements for a new suit bid at the two level
are not present in this hand, but certainly you are entitled to make a bid. Since
you are the proud possessor of a four card suit which can be bid at the one
level, proceed.
Example: N E S W
19 Pass a & Kx
aexex
Or Ar ax x
South’s Bid: Two Clubs &@ KQxxx
The bid of a new suit at the two level in response to an opening one bid
in a suit, guarantees at least 11 full points. Distribution may be counted, but
do not give value for voids, singletons, or doubletons, in partner's bid suit.
Example: N E S WW
19 Pass ? South’s Hand
@® Kx
Oe Ack x
OFA x
South’s Bid: Two Clubs he O'R x
With 11 or more points, without four cards in your partner’s opening major
suit, respond in a new suit. Do not jump, since any bid of a new suit is forcing
for one round, unless you have previously passed.
Example: N E S WW
1c Pass ? South’s Hand
& KE) x xx
eT AO xx
Ox
South’s Bid: One Heart he x
25
 With suits of unequal length, and 11 or more points, the longest suit should
always be bid first by the responder.
Example: N E S W
10 Pass ? South’s Hand
4 KQxxx
CO x ee
ax
South’s Bid: One Spade eh x
Distributional hands that contain less than 11 points should be bid as
though both suits were only five card suits.

FREE RESPONSES
The term “‘free responses” means that, after your partner has opened the
bidding and the next opponent makes a bid other than pass, any action you
take other than saying pass is done freely. The inference is that, since no one
has a gun at your back, you don’t have to bid if you don’t want to. Ifeyousbid.
ini res If you are
unwilling to bid now, simply because an opponent makes an overcall bid in
front of you, you may find that you have joined the rank and file of those
who proclaim after the hand is over, “We was robbed.’’ Good common sense
will tell you that if you don’t bid now, you surely won’t have enough to bid
later unless your partner takes drastic action. Thereforewabandor
the idéaithaty

Example: N E S W
19 2d ? South’s Hand
& Axxx
Y Key ees
Ou see x
South’s Bid: Two Hearts & xx
Inasmuch as your original response would have been two Hearts and
limits the size of your hand to 6 - 10 points, simply ignore the opponent's bid.
In actual practice you free bid should show a minimum of 7 points.
Example: N E S W
10 14 ? South’s Hand
4 KQx
D yee
Osis
South’s Bid: One No Trump ke QOxx
26
 Without an intervening bid by the opponent of one Spade, your choice
of response would have been one Heart, but since you cannot now bid at the
one level and your hand does not justify a bid at the two level, your only alter-
native is to show your partner that you have enough points to bid at the one
level and you have the Spade suit stopped. Without a stop in Spades you would
have to pass.
Example: N E S W
lef 19 ? South’s Hand
& Ax
De
aye OFA fieiciip's
South’s Bid: Two Diaraonds &® Oxx

Example: N E 5 Ww
19 1h ? South’s Hand
& xx
ee SK OK
© Kxx
South’s Bid: Two Clubs & AQxxx
In a competitive situation, especially when the opponents have a higher
ranking suit than either you or your partner, a free response in a new suit can
be shaded to fit the hand. If your side winds up ultimately as the defenders,
surely you would prefer the lead of a Club instead of a Heart. There is little
likelihood of your being in any kind of trouble if you play the hand since you
can always stop at some number of Hearts when you know you have at least
eight in number in the combined hands.

LIMIT SCALE
In keeping with the concept of dividing each hand into a narrow point
count category for accurate bidding, specific values have been accordingly as-
signed to thewesponding handsy,Y ou will note there are two categories in which
there is an overlap:
1. 6-8 points and 8 - 10 points.
2. 11-13 points and 13 - 15 points.
This overlap is unavoidable, because as has been previously mentioned,
there is a difference in the type of points that you may possess. If
This does
not mean to underbid one hand and overbid the next. It does mean, however,
that you must exercise good judgment in evaluating your cards when faced
with a close decision. Familiarity with the response scale will help you to per-
form this function better.
7A
 RESPONSE — (Categories)
6-8 points A bad minimum
8-10 points A good minimum
11-13 points A strong invitation to game opposite a minimum
opening.
13-15 points A game after a minimum opening.
16-17 points With a good fit in an agreed upon suit, a possible
slam.
18-19 points With a fit in a suit, bid to slam.
20 - or more points A slam.
CHAPTER II. (Part 1) Review Questions
As the Responder: Evaluate and Respond with each of the following hands.
Example:
Opening Bid: 1 Heart
— Responder’s Hand
@ Kx
YO xx
On eX oak
hm xxx
Evaluation: 8 Pts. Response: 2 Hearts
Opening Bid: 1 Spade
& x & xxx & Qxxx
Vir ONG Ss 90 KQxx OD 3h QO x xs
Om xx On Oixex O aRhax
& Qxxxx & Qxx te xx
Bae ks b2= Res E Ries
Opening Bid: 1 Heart
@& Qx &@ Ax & void
i Se: Oe fax ix 0 OU xe es
OF GAO X Kako x O WS Orxex sx Cee okex
& Jxx & Kx fe xxxx
E. RAE 5 |Desa wens ear ale E. Ri;
Opening Bid: 1 Club
@® xx ( ae OUP expdipal < @& Kxx
iP soAw eX st OF AAO: x:x Ox
OO xx Orix OTe
& Kxx Meicx:< & KQxx
E. R. E. Rose |
A 81
Opening Bid: 1 Diamond
Orit @ KJjJx & VAS] =
OQ Serx Oe AO Me ap
aa OI O SKyQexex'x
& AKx xx & Q10xxx &h& Qxx
Es ee Eo en! Foc sia
 SPECIALIZED OPENING BID RESPONSES
PRE-EMPTS
If you will remember that a pre-empt is always a defensive bid and has
been made by your partner to cause the opponents a great deal of consternation
and difficulty in getting together on their bidding, you will never be in a quan-
dary as to what to do with your hand. Take it for granted that your partner,
in making the pre-empt, icks i
any play for the contract he has already bid. So, in order for you tosraisesthe
[caninesmrnnicnsios sommslienessajiesnjninaiamieniesioreanisiegatsinin Do not
confuse points with taking tricks, Entirely too often the responder, after raising
his partner to game and watching him go set two or three doubled, will be heard
to squeal, “But partner, I had 14 points.’’ Points do not take tricks. Aces and
Kings, plus distribution, accomplish this little task.
Example: N E S WW
39 Pass ? South’s Hand
& Axxx
OD Kx
AO Sex
South’s Bid: Four Hearts & Qx
In responding to major suit opening pre-empts, repress the temptation to
bid No Trump; raise your partner in his suit. Depending on the condition of
vulnerability and the overall strength of your hand, a No Trump contract may
be considered after opening minor suit pre-empts.
Example: N E S W
3@ ~~ Pass ?

South’s Bid: Pass & KJx

Even though your hand is full of points the probability is that your partner
will encounter a great deal of difficulty in negotiating the route toward taking
nine tricks, let alone ten tricks.
RESPONSE TO OPENING TWO BIDS IN A SUIT
Having opened a demand bid, your partner is interested in only two things:
Do you have anything? If so, where is it? And where should we play our game
contract or slam?
Your first bid should show the presence of a taking trick or the absence
of same. In other words, make a positive or negative response. Any suit bid or
an immediate single raise in your partner’s bid suit is a positive bid and your
partner will construe this bid as meaning that you have at least one taking
trick. Whenever possible, try to bid the suit in which you have your taking
trick or tricks. If this is impossible, due to the distributon of your hand, don’t
distort the bidding. It is not always necessary when making a positive response
to an opening game demand bid to have your trick or tricks in the bid suit.
29
A negative response denying a trick would be the bid of two No Trump. It is
up to you, the responder, accurately to show your partner, who is the captain
of the team, since he has guaranteed to make game, the value of your hand.
Example: N E S W
20 Pass ? South’s Hand
&® xxxx
OP go's wig 8
Oso &
South’s Bid: Two Hearts fe xx
Many players are reticent about making a positive bid with a hand con-
taining fewer than 7 points, but bear in mind that your partner has guaranteed
game in his own hand. Therefore, your Ace may be just the ticket that is needed
for your side to make a possible slam.
Example: N E S W
2a Pass ? South’s Hand
O&O xx
Je IS a) se Se ox
Oke
South’s Bid: Two No Trump & Qjx
As the Chinese Laundryman might say—‘‘No trickie - No laundry.” With-
out a quick trick, make a negative response.
Providing your partner does not jump to game, thereby precluding the
possibility of a Slam, you will have the opportunity on the next go-round to
show the point value of your hand.
Example: N E S W
20 Pass ? South’s Hand
QO FAO xs
OF xx
Ona
South’s Bid: Two Spades & AQx
Although your trick-and-a-half is in the Club suit, it is preferable to name
your long suit even though your actual strength is somewhere else.
Special Notice:
The bid of two No Trump should be used by the responder with no posi-
tive values when he is answering an opening game demand bid of two Spades,
two Hearts or two Diamonds, but should not be used when responding to two
Clubs. A negative response to an opening two Club bid should be two Diamonds.
The reason for this is that sometimes the opener will have a hand good
enough to justify his opening with two or three No Trump, but will not have
balanced distribution. This being the case, he can open with an artificial bid of
two Clubs and leave more bidding room for himself and his partner to exchange
information at the two or three level. Morever, if the ultimate contract winds up
in some number of No Trump, it is a far better arrangement for the big hand
30
to be given the chance to become the declarer rather than his “busted” partner.
Example: (C)
N E S Ww
2 Pass ? South’s Hand
@ Qxxxxx
OEE 58 Sie
exe x
®e FOLK ex 1%
If, instead of two small Diamonds, the responder’s hand contained the
Ace or the King-Queen of Diamonds, he would raise to three Clubs. With a
trick in Diamonds and without Club support, a call of three Diamonds would
be correct.

RESPONDING TO NO TRUMP
The ability to add will prove of inestimable value to you now, in determin-
ing your course of action after your partner’s opening bid of one No Trump.
Since the opening No Trump bidder has defined his hand as being balanced
in distribution and containing 15 to 17 high card points, (those of the 15 point
variety being hands with body), the responsibility of placing the contract lies
with you, the responder. With the knowledge that you have a reasonable play
for nine tricks if your combined hands total 25 to 26 points, simply add the
number of points you have to the number that you know your partner has by
the opening one No Trump bid, and respond accordingly.
Sensibly to discuss and clarify the No Trump responses, the following
explanations and illustrations of hands are divided into two categories:
BALANCED and UNBALANCED. Do not confuse the categories.
Responding with Balanced Hands:
Anything less than 8 points will be an obvious pass. An 8 or a bad 9 points
should be shown by the bid of two No Trump. This response will invite the
opener to bid game in No Trump with 17 points. The opener should pass two
No Trump with fewer than 17 points. With responding hands containing a
good 9 to 15 points inclusive, bid three No Trump; with 16 to 17 points, bid
four No Trump; with 18 or 19 points, bid six No Trump. Holding 20 or 21
points, a direct bid of six No Trump would be a little pessimistic, since a
grand slam might easily be in the offing. Therefore, temper your bidding
slightly by making a forcing bid on the first round, and explore the hand more
fully. With 22 or more points simply bid seven No Trump.
Example: N E S W
1 NT Pass Pass South’s Hand
@ Qxx
Ue) xX (7 pts.)
Gy 1G) se Sep
& Qxx
ow
Example:
Pass South’s Hand
xs
A A “vA (9 pts.)
On"
et Kw
pS

Example:
1 NT Pass 3 NT u 0) 5 Au

(11 pts.)

M
won
Example:
Pass = lasE
APOK
5 BMm
ny v4
A.
A

(17 pts.)

2. nyog aan
APrOW
Example:
Pass a OKO
m 5 Au
w
—_ro)ios) fg
26 ~
“A w w
p>AA
> Om“A
4
Example: S W
Pass 2@° (1 round Cc en Qu
2 forcing bid
Stayman) WA

£POB-
7
>
b> OPWK
£FOS3PLY
£FOSPL
SPP
FOSS
£FOSPY“Khyop
Responding with Unbalanced Hands:
Weak Distributional Hands:
The balanced hand responses to an opening No Trump are simple in
comparison with the unbalanced responses. Inasmuch as the only concern of
the responder is to raise No Trump, many times unbalanced hands pose the
responder quite a few problems. The first of these problems is—what to do
with fewer than 8 high card points, but with distribution. An unbalanced hand
with few or no face cards is almost entirely useless in No Trump, but does
have some value when played in a suit. Since it is considered somewhat sneaky
and unethical to bid by inflection, we need to differentiate between the good
and the bad suit responses to opening No Trump. Therefore, fix firmly in
32
your mind this rule: Any suit bid at the two level, except two Clubs (Stayman)
by the hand responding to an opening one No Trump bid is weak and de-
mands that the opening No Trump bidder pass.
Example: N E S Ww
1 NT Pass 29 Pass South’s Hand
Pass a& xx
Ve Oc etOrx x
Oo <x
& Qxxx
Example: N E S W
1 NT Pass 24 Pass South’s Hand
Pass @.) 10 x x xx
0) Xax
IOs
& xx
As you can plainly see, the above examples have little or no value if the
hand is played in No Trump, but do have distributional trick-taking value
when played in a suit contract. A two level suit bid response to an opening
No Trump should never be made with as much as 8 high card points.
Strong Distributional Hands:
If a two level response in a suit other than Clubs demands that the open-
ing No Trump bidder pass, then it is apparent that the responder must either
jump to the three level in a suit or employ the use of the Stayman convention
which we will come to in just a minute. Let’s consider the jump to the three
level in a new suit by the responder first. This bid is absolutely forcing, and
commands the opening No Trump bidder to bid again.
Example: N E S W
1NT Pass 39 (forcing) South’s Hand

Example: N E S W
1NT Pass 30 (forcing)

Normally all three level jump responses, by inference, show big distribu-
tional hands. A game contract is promised by the responder and Slam possi-
bilities are suggested, but it is entirely the responsibility of the responder to
determine the ultimate level to be reached, and the opening No Trump bidder
should never presume to go beyond game level if the responder places the
contract.
fe,
 Pre-emptive Distributional Hands:
Occasionally the responder may jump to game directly, after an opening
No Trump bid by his partner. An immediate jump to game by the responder
is mildly pre-emptive and demands that the opening No Trump bidder pass.
Example: N E S WW
1 NT Pass 4Q Pass South’s Hand
Pass o x
VETO Wee xa
Osx
&® Q10xx
The trick taking value of this hand obviously does not come from the high
card strength, but from the length of the trump suit and the hope of not losing
too many tricks in the side suit.

THE STAYMAN CONVENTION

Of all the modern day gimmicks and artifices injected into the many dif-
ferent Contract Bridge bidding systems, the Stayman convention is unquestion-
ably the most sensible and is universally accepted and used by all competent
bridge players. The convention itself is named after its inventer, Mr. Sam
Stayman, of New York City. Its primary function in the bidding is to give the
partnership bidding room in which to establish the presence of, or the absence
of, a fit in a major suit, while at a comparatively low level. Secondary advan-
tages to be gained from the use of Stayman are that when a major suit fit can
be found in the combined hands, the better of the two hands can remain un-
disclosed with the lead coming up to the opening No Trump bidder, rather
than through the strong hand. Also, the convention permits the responder to
force for one round, without jumping to the three level in a suit.
The Stayman convention is applicable only after an opening No Trump
bid by the partner, and is, in essence, simplicity itself. The response of two
Clubs to an opening No Trump is the beginning. It is an artificial bid that
does not show Clubs, but normally suggests major suit cards and a distributional
type of hand. The opening No Trump bidder is requested to do exactly one
of three things, depending on the distribution of his hand:
1. With 4 or 5 Spades, regardless of size, he should rebid 2 Spades.
2. With 4 or 5 Hearts, regardless of size, he should rebid 2 Hearts.
3. Without as many as 4 Hearts, or 4 Spades, his rebid should be 2
Diamonds. 2 Diamonds does not show Diamonds, but merely denies
Hearts and Spades.
NOTE: With 4 Hearts and 4 Spades, the opening No Trump bidder should
respond in Hearts first.
There are many ramifications and ways of using the Stayman convention.
Keeping in mind that the two Club bid by the responder to an opening No
Trump is always a one-round force under any variation to the original con-
34
vention, there are two types of Stayman: one is forcing upon the partnership
to reach at least the two No Trump level. This is called “forcing Stayman.”
This writer's personal preference is the use of “non-forcing Stayman,” which
allows the responder to pass the rebid of the opener. The main advantage to
be gained from the use of “‘non-forcing Stayman,” as against “forcing Stayman,”
is that the responder on occasion may have a vety bad hand, unsuitable for
play in No Trump, but of value for piay in a major suit contract. With both
majors in the responder’s hand, the responder can make an effort to have the
hand played from the right side of the table, i.e., with the strong hand being
the declarer. If the opening No Trump bidder is unable to name a major suit,
and has to rebid two Diamonds, then the responder can safely bid either Hearts
or Spades, depending on the distribution of his hand, without fear that the
original No Trumper will carry him on past the two level. Don’t forget that,
even though you originally respond with two Clubs (Stayman), any other suit
bid at the two level, by the responder, demands that the opening No Trump
bidder pass.
Example: N E S W
1 NT Pass 24 (Stayman) South’s Hand
@ KJjJxx
Ae exes
O38
We eOpax x
If opener’s rebid is in either Hearts or Spades, then the responder’s course
of action is clear; jump to game. If two Diamonds is the rebid by the opener,
then settle on game in No Trump. Don’t concern yourself with not having
anything in Diamonds. You have ample in the way of high cards in the com-
bined hands to justify game and your partner, by his opening No Trump bid,
has to have a certain number of high card points in your weakest suit. In about
one hand out of every twenty or so you will find your combined high card
strength will be concentrated in three suits instead of four, and you will go
set. Forget the one hand out of every twenty or so and let the laws of average
take care of you.
Example: N E S Ww
1 NT Pass 24 (Stayman) South’s Hand
AOU ax x
OPE 1h ALO co
OX
hb xx
The difference between “forcing Stayman” and “non-forcing Stayman”
now becomes more easily discernible, and the advantage to a partnership using
“non-forcing Stayman” becomes clearer. “Forcing Stayman” could not be used
with this example because there is no way for the South hand to stop below
35
the two No Trump level after initially responding with two Clubs. To utilize
the distributional value of the hand, the responder using “forcing Stayman,”
would have to forego the use of the two Club bid and respond with two Spades
winding up as the declarer from the wrong side. Another drawback to use of
“forcing Stayman” is that your partner may have four Hearts, in which case if
your side plays the contract, you should be in two Hearts, and not two Spades.
With the use of ‘“non-forcing Stayman” the responder may bid two Clubs,
freely, without the worty of being embarrassed by the opener’s rebid. The
opening No Trump bidder is 100% barred from rebidding two No Trump
in response to your two Club bid. If the opener rebids two Spades or two Hearts,
you are in the right contract at the right level. A two Diamond rebid will cause
the partnership no consternation, because the responder may now bid two
Spades with the assured knowledge that the opener will proceed no further.
NOTE: A beforehand discussion by the partnership as to which type of
Stayman is going to be used is necessary; otherwise the partnership
may easily get into trouble.
Example: N E S W
1 NT Pass 2¢ (Stayman) South’s Hand
4 KOxx x
OP Sex
Onn axe
th xx
A rebid by the opener of two Spades, makes everything rosy. Just jump
to game in that suit. A rebid of two Diamonds or two Hearts necessitates a
little more exploring. Point-wise, game should be reached. The question of
where to play the game contract will be answered by your partner after you
jump to three Spades. Forget the idea of playing a Diamond contract. Follow-
ing your three Spade call, the No Trump bidder has only two possible alterna-
tives; raise to four Spades or rebid three No Trump. The No Trump bidder’s
automatic rebid with three Spades would be a raise to four. With only two
Spades, three No Trump is the answer.
Example: N E S W
1NT Pass 24 (Stayman) South’s Hand
29) Pass 3¢ ® Qxxx
ERS cps
OL ex
& Qjxxxx
Although it is unusual for you to rebid Clubs, rather than raising No
Trump, the Stayman convention does not rule out the possibility that you may
have a Club suit without many high cards. There is no way for the opener to
know when you bid two Clubs that your hand is this bad. But when you rebid
three Clubs you have told him this is the spot to spend the winter.
36
 RESPONDING TO TWO AND THREE NO TRUMP
OPENING BIDS
Here again your ability to count will answer your questions of what to
do and how to do it. Since the opening two No Trump shows 22 or 23 points
and the opening three No Trump shows 24 or 25 points, your memory of the
point count table will make it easy enough for you to know how many tricks
you can reasonably expect to take. The Stayman convention is used the same
in response to opening two and three No Trump bids, as one No Trump bids.
Example: N E S W
2 NT Pass 3 NT South’s Hand
@ Qx
PX
Or K) x xx
fw xx xx
With 28 or 29 points in the combined hands, settle for game.
Example: N E S W
3 NT Pass 4& South’s Hand
@® Kxxxx
OF 5S Xk
Ox
de xx
The opener with as many as four Hearts or four Spades will rebid at the
four level in one of those suits; you, of course, will then pass. If four Diamonds
is the rebid then sign off at four Spades.

37
 CHAPTER II (Part 2) — Review Questions
As the Responder: Evaluate and Respond with each of the following hands.
Example: Opening Bid: 1 No Trump — Responder’s Hand
@& Kxx
0 Xex x
OD PAN ax
& Kxx
Evaluation: 11 Pts. Response: 3 NT
Opening Bid: 3 Hearts (In evaluating response, count potential tricks)
&”" QF 10x OA ex 4 KQ
WD pes OP EX eI eS
OF RAOR Ex Oo PAKS Serax OD De ae
*&® Kjx & Ox & AKx
E. R E. ie |S5 Sain|S

Opening Bid: 2 Spades

@ xx @® xx Ox x
VE OU Iisiene se Se Ue Ss OI xx
On Nicex On OU x Ceases
& Qx & Axxxx & Kxxx
BosdatReet |
See Cee Ease ae

Opening Bid: 1 No Trump

@ xx & Kx @ x
VE Ouxex OF FOREX OKO
Ue xe x
OP xx Oe OW |psesiege Oe
& Kxxxx f& xxxx & AQxxx
Bvrces Maer oe |Seen (Cee |S Ian
6Oe

OO} <x xs Oo Kalix @ sxxx x

VY void VASO eax OO
OY AS Sees o x as
he xx & Qxxx &h& Qxx
E Sub Reaees |ENP SoeSen Ee
 CHAPTER III
SECOND ROUND REBIDS BY THE OPENING BIDDER
After the opening bidder has heard his partner’s response, his rebid will
fall into one of two categories. he opener
can determine immediately the possibilities of the hand. If the response has
been a one over one, or the bid of a new suit at the two level, the opener will
not, at this time, know the limits of the combined hands. Therefore, it will
be his function to make that bid which best describes his own holding. Note
that the Opener cannot pass when his partner has responded in a new suit,

Consider, when you open the bidding, your partner will respond in one of
four ways:
1. He will raise your suit.
2. Hewill bid one No Trump.
3. He will bid a new suit at the one level.
4. He will bid a new suit at the two level.
If his response falls into categoryyoneorstwox!your problem is simplified since
you know the limits!ofihisthand@If game is possible, invite it! I i
t i ihoptteed If your partner’s response is in
category three or four you have no way of knowing what your ultimate contract
will be. In this instance, then, learn to make the proper descriptive rebid, and
listen for the next thing your partner has to say.

SECOND ROUND REBIDS BY OPENER AFTER OPENING SUIT BID

Rebid After Limit Response of One No Trump (6-10 Points)
1. Any balanced hand, containing only 12 - 15 points inclusive,
should now be passed.
Example: N E S WW
19 Pass 1 NT Pass North’s Hand
Pass @ Qx
DP BIS |) Se
Osex XaX
& KJ x
 2. With 18-21 points and balanced distribution, rebid three
No Trump.
Example: N E S W
10 Pass 1-NT’ Pass North’s Hand
3 NT @ AQx
OT es
OA QO xx
& Kx
Partner does not have either four Hearts or four Spades, so must have Clubs.
REMEMBER: You will not be faced with a rebid with 16 - 17 point balanced
hands, because you should have opened with one No Trump.
we
ye
Example: N E s W
14 Pass 1 NT Pass North’s Hand
? @ A, O10 xx
AS te
CROs
North’s Rebid: Two Spades om xx

Example: N E S W
14 Pass 1 NT Pass North’s Hand
? & AK x xxx
xix
oO ALO x
North’s Rebid: Three Spades &® Kx
If the responder has 6=8"pointsy
for his one No Trump bid, he should
now passwIf he has ers ray gerne be reached.
5. Holding 12-17 points inclusive and an unbalanced hand with
second suit lower in rank than first suit, rebid second suit.
Example: N E Ss W
19 Pass 1 NT Pass North’s Hand
? a& xx
ASOT eax
© OF
North’s Rebid: Two Diamonds & xx
This is not a forward going bid, trying to get to game, but simply an ef-
fort on your part to find the best spot to play the hand. Except for a reverse
rebid the changing of suits by the opener at the one and two levels is not forc-
ing. The responder may pass.
40
 6. With an ontaining 18porgmorel/pointsya
f idyshould be made.
Example: N E S Ww
10 Pass 1 NT Pass North’s Hand
@ Qx
ee) x x
1 int
Three Diamonds
Oak
Soe J XX
(19 points)
North’s Rebid:
A me Three Diamond bid is not an absolute game force, but does demand
: : :

Rebid After Immediate Two No Trump Response (12-14 Points)

ile
Example: N E S WwW
19 Pass 2 NT Pass North’s Hand
? @ Qx
AO! Sek, X
OF Nes Pe oe
North’s Rebid: Three No Trump e Ox
Even though you may have a fit in Diamonds it is easier to take 9 tricks
than 11. Also, the responder denies as many as three Hearts when he bids Two
No Trump.
Example: N E S W
14 Pass 2 NT Pass North’s Hand mo.
? & KQJ xX-Xeke,
ANS rege
Oo Qx
hb AQx
North's Rebid: Six No Trump

eed > Te RE Te re, — a ce

bined hands you will have a total of at least 32 - 34 points.

2. Holding an unbalanced hand, follow the same guides as when
responding to one No Trump.
Example: N E S W
14 Pass 2 NT Pass North’s Hand
? @® Kjxxx
eh Ox
Oo xx
North’s Rebid: Three Hearts fe x

RE-EVALUATING YOUR HAND AFTER TRUMP SUPPORT

Even though there is no visible evidence of any new points appearing in
a hand after trump support has been shown, there is nonetheless an intangible
41
factor to be considered carefully and properly evaluated. The factor under
consideration is this: what is it worth to have a majority of cards in one suit
in the combined hands?
When your partner has made a limit raise of your bid suit, you should
re-evaluate your hand as follows:
If there is
If there is
dttherent ;
It would be silly for both opener and responder to be adding 2 to 4 points
to their hands because of the fit. Therefore it is apes that only thepartner-

Example: N E S W
1 Pass 7) Pass
>
South has made the limit bid of two Hearts (6-10 points, and trump
support), North should now re-evaluate his hand.
Example: N E S W
1fe — Pass 19 Pass
2° Pass ?
North has made the limit rebid of two Hearts (12-15 points, and trump
support), now South re-evaluates his hand.

REBID FOLLOWING IMMEDIATE SINGLE LIMIT

RAISE BY RESPONDER IN OPENING BID MAJOR
SUIT (6-10 a
Ae i
is definitely indicated.
Example: N E S W
19 Pass 29 Pass North’s Hand
Pass & xx
OO PASO Rexx
Oo Kex
& Kxxx = (15 points)
(Thirteen points in high cards and distribution, and two points for Heart fit.)
Example: N E S W
14 Pass 2@ Pass North’s Hand
Pass 4 KQxxx
AS xox x
OO
he x
(Fourteen points in high cards and distributon, and two points for fit in
Spades.)
42
 2. Including two points for a fit in an agreed upon suit, an 18 -
19 point hand should be given another chance to possibly
reach game. Make a forcing or invitational bid.
Example: N E S W North’s Hand
14 Pass 24 Pass @& AKxxx
? Oe 2x
On tk xe
North’s Rebid: Three Clubs (Forcing) #& Axxx (18 points)
(Sixteen points in High cards and distribution, two points for fit.)
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER: After finding a fit in an agreed upon suit,
any new suit is a one round forcing bid.
The responder in answer to the above three Club bid is asked to define
further the limits of his hand. With 6-8 points he would bid three Spades.
Holding 9 - 10 points he should bid another suit or bid game directly.
Example: N E S W North’s Hand
19 Pass 29 Pass @& Kxx
? Ne OMX Xax
OT Kx
Nozth’s Rebid: Three Hearts & QJ (19 points)
(Sixteen points in High cards and distribution, three points for the fit.) The
three Heart bid invites responder to go to four Hearts with a maximum two
Heart bid (9-10 points) and to pass with a minimum (6-8 points).
3. Hands containing twenty or more points should be bid at
least to game level.
Example: N E S W North’s Hand
19 Pass 29 Pass & x
? i Se Sie 3%

North’s Rebid: Four Hearts

REBID FOLLOWING IMMEDIATE DOUBLE RAISE

BY RESPONDER IN OPENING MAJOR SUIT
(11-13 points, Four trumps guaranteed, force to game)
1. Counting three points for the fit in the agreed upon suit, (you
have at least nine trumps in the combined hands), along with
your high card and distributional points, all 12-18 point
hands should be bid to game level in the agreed upon suit.
Example: N E S W North’s Hand
14 Pass 3 Pass @ AJjJxxx
4h

(16 points)
43
DO NOT BECOME CONFUSED: Obviously the above hand is nothing
more or less than a bare opening bid, having an opening count of only thirteen
points. Keep in mind, though, that the hand opposite the one which makes
the limit bid, will add points for the suit fit. Therefore you now include these
points in your overall total.
2. Including the three points for suit fit, all 19-21 point hands
should be explored more fully below game level, since there
is a possibility of being able to contract for and make a slam.
Make a rebid (Forcing) in some other suit when you have
either f This is called cue bidding
and should not be interpreted by your partner as meaning
that you have length in this new suit, but rather that you have
control of this suit.
Example: N E S WW
14 Pass 34 Pass North’s Hand
? @ Kx xe
OO Akex s
Oo x
North’s Rebid: Four Clubs & Axx (20 points)
After the four Club bid, the responder in the same manner can now show
first or second round control by cue bidding Diamonds if he possesses the Ace
or King.
Example: N E S WW
hy, Pass 39 Pass North’s Hand
? & Void
O° ASOX2 x
Oo Kxxx
North’s Rebid: Three Spades & Axxx (19 points)
A void is just as valuable as an Ace or King after you have found an agreed
upon suit in which to play the contract.
3. Hands containing twenty-two or more points should be bid
to slam level after double raise by responder.
Example: N E S W
19 Pass 39 Pass North’s Hand
? @® Ax
ORB OX Seka
O FAL |
North’s Rebid: Three Spades & x (22 points)
Do not neglect to cue bid along the way, because there is some possibility,
if the hands fit perfectly, that a grand slam might be made.
44
 REBID AFTER JUMP TO GAME BY RESPONDER
(PRE-EMPTIVE)
1. A pass is called for with all 12 - 20 point hands.
Example: N E S Ww North’s Hand
14 Pass 4@ Pass OO fex xx
? 9 Kx
On KeOTEx
North’s Rebid: Pass hb Ax (19 points)
Remember that the responder has actually made a weak bid showing a lot
of distribution which will prove of value if your side plays the hand, but of
practically no value if the opponents play the hand. A pre-emptive call even
in the responding position is primarily defensive.
2. A try for slam should be made with twenty-one or more points
when hand contains control cards. Cue bid.
Example: N E S W North’s Hand
iL, Pass 4QY Pass @& Ax
? OV ASO x xx
2 CAV ORTEX
North’s Rebid: Four Spades fe x (22 points)
If partner’s response is five Hearts, by all means pass.

REBID AFTER SINGLE RAISE IN A MINOR SUIT

(6-10 Points, FOUR TRUMP)
1. Pass with all 12-17 point hands. Disregard and do not count
points for fit in agreed upon suit.
Example: N E 5 W North’s Hand
10 Pass 20 Pass @ AjJxx
Pass YD. Kixmx
© Kx x x
&® Kx
There are three important assumptions that you can make from your part-
ner’s two Diamond response:
(a) No four card major.
(b) Probably the opponents have the best hand.
(c) What little high card strength your partner has is in Diamonds.
2. With eighteen or nineteen high card points and a balanced
hand, rebid two No Trump.
Example: N E S Ww North’s Hand
1fe Pass 2 Pass aA OFxx
2 NT 9 KQx
On TAX xX
& KJx (19 points)
Have confidence in your partner. If he has anything he will raise to game.
45
 3. With twenty or twenty-one high card points and a balanced
hand, rebid three No Trump.
Example: N E S W
1e& Pass 2¢ Pass North’s Hand
BRING & KQxx
9 AQJ O Ar lx
& KJx (21 points)
4, If your hand is unbalanced and contains eighteen or more
points in high cards and distribution, an effort should be
made to get to game. Make a forcing bid in a new suit. In
order to obtain a true picture of your hand’s net worth, add
points for fit in agreed upon suit.
Example: N E
10 Pass 20 Pass North’s Hand

OS
© A Koes xs
North’s Rebid: Three Clubs & AQxx (21 points)
(Eighteen points in high cards and distribution, plus three points for fit in
Diamonds.)

REBID AFTER IMMEDIATE DOUBLE RAISE BY RESPONDER

IN OPENING MINOR SUIT
(11-13 points, five trump, strong invitation to game)
1. If the opening hand contains twelve high card points or /ess,
a pass is advisable.
Example: N E S W
10 Pass 30 Pass North’s Hand
Pass @& AL) xx
OO IXEX
OAS OG sex
th xx (11 High card
points)
Since the three Diamond response denies a four card major and invites a
rebid by the opener of three No Trump, it would be ill advised to proceed
further with a maximum of only twenty-four points in the combined hands.
2. All 13-15 high card point balanced hands should rebid three
No Trump.
Example: N E S W
1d Pass ef Pass North’s Hand
BUN 4 KQx
WAL Ole
© K x xix
fm Axxx (14 points)
46
 Even though Hearts are not completely stopped, and you may go set, it
is worth taking the chance to make game.

ALL 16-17 POINT BALANCED HANDS SHOULD BE OPENED

WITH THE BID OF ONE NO TRUMP
3. With eighteen or more high card and distributional points,
make an effort to reach slam by making new suit forcing
bids. If the final contract is to be played in minor suit add
points for the fit.
Example: N E S W
10 Pass 30 Pass North’s Hand
? & Kx
Vena Orxax
OTK ORG xx
& Ax (21 points in
North’s Rebid: Three Hearts Diamonds)
4. If the hand is wxbalanced and No Trump is not feasible as
a final contract, pass with anything less than fourteen points.
Game in the minor should be reached with 15-17 points.
When suit fit points are added, the 15-17 point hands will
become 18 - 21 point hands.
Example: N E S W
1d Pass 3de Pass North’s Hand
? & Void
a KG aeX eX
© Kxx
& AQ)]xxx
North’s Rebid: Five Clubs (19 points)

REBID AFTER ONE OVER ONE RESPONSE IN A NEW SUIT

(No Limit Defined)
BALANCED HANDS (4-4-3-2, 4-3-3-3, 5-3-3-2)
1. Unless you have a second four card suit that can be bid at
the one level, a /#mit rebid should now be made with a// 12 -15
point hands.
Example: (A)
N S WW North’s Hand
19 Pass 19 Pass @& KQx
? On xX
OY USI Seo
&® Axxx
North’s Rebid: One No Trump (12-15 points)
47
Do not rebid two Clubs.
Example: (B)
N S W North’s Hand
1& Pass 19 Pass OOK xxx
? ly OS <>5
O FAX
& KJx
North’s Rebid: Two Hearts (12-15 points)

Whenever you have a choice between supporting your partnet’s suit and
rebidding another suit, definitely help your partner.
Example: (C)
N E S W North’s Hand
1c Pass 19 Pass & xx
? 50 0ey i ged [Pe
> “Kx
&® K10xxx
North’s Rebid: Two Hearts (12-15 points)
Even though the responder may have only four Hearts, it is better to rebid
two Hearts with three trump and two of the top honors, than to rebid one No
Trump or two Clubs.
Example: (D)
N E S W North’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass & Kxxx
? ORO
O KO xs
North’s Rebid: One Spade (No limit) &h Kxx
No limit is shown, except a maximum of seventeen points. A// 16 - 17
point Balanced Hands should be opened with one No Trump.
2. With all 18 - 19 high card point balanced hands, a jump rebid
to two No Trump should be made, except when responder
has bid a major suit that you fit with as many as four. In this
case make a forcing bid.
Example: (A)
N E S W North’s Hand
lf Pass 19 Pass 4 KQx
? Oe eee
o KJx
& AVO-x x
North’s Rebid: Two No Trump (18-19 points)
Two No Trump is not absolutely forcing, but if responder has as many as
48
seven points he should bid again. The final game or slam contract will de-
pend on the responder’s distribution.
Example: (B) North’s Hand
N E S W @ KQxx
10 Pass 14 Pass Ax
? VAs upex
North’s Rebid: Three Clubs (Forcing) & Kx x
Since your partner had enough points to respond originally, it is safe to
assume that game can be made in Spades, even though he may have only seven
points. If the responder has the equivalent of an opening bid, slam is in sight.
3. Holding 20-21 high card points and a balanced hand, with-
out four cards in partner’s response of a major suit, rebid three
No Trump.
Example: N E S W
1& Pass 19 Pass North’s Hand
? @ AQx
EE as
Oi ex
ke AQIxx
North’s Rebid: Three No Trump (20-21 points)
If the responder names a major suit and you hold four in that suit, make
a forcing bid and be sure to get to at least a game.
UNBALANCED HANDS (4-4-4-1, 5-4-2-2, 5-5-2-1,
6-5-1-1, etc.)
1. With all 12-17 point unbalanced hands, your rebid should
normally be made in the second suit, providing you do not
reverse the bidding.
Example: (A)
N S W North’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass & x
? Px
OA OEX xX x
Oe ex ex
North’s Rebid: Two Clubs (12-17 points)
Although two Clubs is ot a limit bid, your partner knows you have no
more than seventeen points, otherwise you would not have rebid just two Clubs.
Example: (B)
S W North’s Hand
1ée = Pass 10 ‘Pass & Ajxx
? Ee os
0 ex
&® KQxxx
North’s Rebid: One Spade (12-17 points)
49
 After a one over one response the rebid of a higher ranking suit at the
same level does not constitute a reverse.
Example: (C)
S W North’s Hand
lee Pass 14 Pass & x
? O K xx x
Oar Alex
North’s Rebid: One No Trump & AQxxx
Under no circumstances rebid two Hearts, for this would be a reverse and
show at least eighteen points. You actually have a choice of two rebids, either
two Clubs or one No Trump. Therefore, exercise some judgment. If you have
some high card strength in the other two suits, one No Trump is preferable, but
if one of the other suits is completely unstopped, two Clubs should be your
choice.
Example: (D)
S W North’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass @ KJx
? eax
©) GAsO rxexax
North’s Rebid: Two Spades & Qxxx
This hand is something of an exception to the rule. Obviously you could
rebid two Clubs and not reverse the bidding, but since you possess good sup-
port for your partner’s suit it would be better to show this help than to name
Clubs.
Example: (E)
N S Ww North’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass a& xx
¢ aces
OAL Oa x
North’s Rebid: Two Hearts &® Kx
A rebid in support of your partnet’s bid suit is never a reverse.
2. A jump rebid should be made with 16-17 point unbalanced
hands when your second suit is the same as that named by
the responder, or when you have at least a six card solid or
semi-solid suit of your own.

S W North’s Hand
ic) Pass 19) Pass
?

x x (17 points)
North’s Rebid: Three Hearts (Not forcing)
50
 Your three Heart rebid guarantees four trump and strongly invites re-
sponder to go to game. Remember: You do not add points to your hand for
the fit in the agreed upon suit. It is the hand which names the suit first that
will do this after support has been shown.
Example: (B)
N E S W North’s Hand
19 Pass 1@ Pass @® Qxx
OF Vee 10 xx
OX &
he x (16 points)
North’s Rebid: Three Hearts (Not forcing)
It is not necessarily true, but many times a jump rebid by the opener in his
own suit will suggest a mild fit ia the responder’s suit.
3. When your hand is unbalanced and contains 18 or 19 points,
a one round forcing rebid should always be made. NOTE: Be
sure not to include points for voids, singletons, or doubletons
in your partner’s responding suit.
Example: (A)
N E S W North’s Hand
19 Pass 14 Pass @ x
? Oe As Ke O2x x
Omen x
& KQxxx (18 points)
North’s Rebid: Three Clubs (Forcing 1 round)
After you have shown this excellent hand by your three Club rebid, it is
the responsibility of your partner now to show you what he has or take control.
Your rebid of three Clubs is not forcing to game.
Example: (B)
N E S Ww North’s Hand
10 Pass 1 Pass @® KQx
? As lakes
OPA OWE x
he x (19 points)
North’s Rebid: Two Hearts (Reverse, Forcing 1 round)

If responder now bids two Spades you should only raise to three Spades.
This bid may be passed.
N E S W
10 Pass 14 Pass
29 Pass 2@ Pass
3@ Pass (South can pass)
ot
 4. If you have twenty or more points, a one round forcing rebid
should be made and game reached.
Example: (A)
N E S Ww North’s Hand
1ef Pass 19 Pass @4 AQx
? ex
Oa ASeLOex
& AK Qx x (20 points)
North’s Rebid: Two Diamonds (Reverse, Forcing)
If the responder has a reasonably good hand with a fit in one of your
suits, a slam might easily be made.
Example: (B)
N E S W North’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass 4 KQJx
? DA
© FAME
& Kxx
North’s Rebid: Two Hearts (Reverse, Forcing)
The rebid of two hearts on your part may indeed appear confusing. Remem-
ber, though, that you are going to reach game and obviously in Spades. There-
fore any forcing bid that you make will be all right.

REBID AFTER TWO LEVEL RESPONSE IN A NEW SUIT

(11 Points Minimum)
Special Notice
It should be remembered by the reader that all of the foregoing rebids
by the opener have been made to either a limit rsponse or a response of a new
suit at the one level. Analyze carefully the preceding rebids that we have al-
ready discussed and refer back to some of the examples as we proceed. Since
your partner, by his bid of a new suit at the two level in response to your open-
ing bid, has at least 11 points and can easily have many more, you must fashion
your rebid to fit the shape and strength of your own hand.
Excepting when the responder jumps in a new suit the first round (very
strong, at least 18 points), or pre-empts (weak, very distributional), your re-
bid should be predicated on the fact that your partner is headed toward a game.
Therefore, with any 12 - 15 point minimum opening, think in terms of limiting
the size of your hand if possible, because game may not be there at all.

D2
 BALANCED DISTRIBUTION
1. Wth Only 12 or 13 points and a balanced hand, always limit
the size of your hand by the rebid of your opening suit or
faise your partner's suit. Do not rebid two No Trump.
Example: (A)
S W North’s Hand
19 Pass 2c Pass @& Kxx
? ORR Oe X
OOK LEX
North’s Rebid: Two Hearts oe xx
A simple tebid of your own suit after a two level response of a new suit
by your partner will show exactly 12 or 13 points. Due to the fact that your
partner bid at the two level, the two Heart rebid does not guarantee six Hearts.
Example: (B)
N E S W North’s Hand
19 Pass 2& Pass @ xx
?

North’s Rebid: Three Clubs

Your three Club rebid shows 12-15 points and an inability to bid No
Trump.
Example: (C)
N E S W North’s Hand
10 Pass 2 Pass @ Kxxx
? ee Ae Oe x
©. Kx x
North’s Rebid: Two Diamonds hb xx
Specialized Rebid (Do not open four card majors)
As you can see, the opener is stuck for a rebid, since two Hearts or two
Spades would be a reverse (18 or more points) and two No Trump would
show 14 or 15 points. Two Diamonds will show your bare minimum opener
(12 or 13 points), but can be bid only if you know responder will bid again.
Therefore, as the responder, never pass this sequence; a/ways bid again. This is
not true of a major suit rebid, which responder may pass.
2. Balanced hands containing 14 or 15 points should normally
be limited by the rebid of two No Trump or by raising respon-
der’s suit to the next available level. Do not simply rebid your
own suit.
Example: (A)
N S Ww North’s Hand
14 Pass -20 Pass & DAO xx
? aise Xx
Onn x
North’s Rebid: Two No Trump & KQx
53
 Your two No Trump call will show specifically 14 or 15 points.
Example: (B)
N S Ww North’s Hand
14 Pass? gz Pass @& Kjxxx
? PTA Tx
> KQx
North’s Rebid: Three Hearts & xx

NOTE: A two Heart response to an opening one Spade bid guarantees at

least five Hearts.
Example: (C)
Specialized Rebid
N E S W North’s Hand
19 Pass 2 Pass & xx
? O” ASK Ox x
OU RaAG
me xxx
North’s Rebid: Two Diamonds (No limit)
The rebid of two Diamonds is referred to as a temporizing bid, enabling
the partnership to determine, through additional bidding, the absence or pres-
ence of a legitimate Spade stopper. After his initial response of two Clubs, the
responder cannot pass the bid of a new suit by the opener.
3. 16-17 point balanced hands are of no concern, for they are
opening one No Trump bids.
4. A forcing bid of a new suit should be employed with all 18 -
21 point hands. Slam could easily be just around the corner.
Example: (A)
N E S W North’s Hand
19 Pass 20 Pass @ A
? 0 KK Qs} xx
o Q *O*
North’s Rebid: Three Clubs (No limit) & AQxx
Any new suit at the three level by either the opener or the responder is
always forcing for one round.
Example: (B)
N S W North’s Hand
1@ Pass 2% Pass @ AQJxx
\ OD IR xex
o> x
& Kx
North’s Rebid: Three Hearts (18 or more points)
54 |
 Even though two Hearts could not be passed, your jump rebid of three
Hearts will better describe your hand to your partner. Slam is practically guaran-
teed.
Example: (C)
N S W North’s Hand
10 Pass 2a Pass a x
? VY AK xx
O AO x sx
& Kxx (18 points)
North’s Rebid: Two Hearts (Reverse -18 or more points )
After your partner's Club response, full value may be given to the singleton
Spade.

UNBALANCED DISTRIBUTION
1.
Providing your partner has not named your second suit with
his initial response and you cannot bid your second suit with-
out reversing, simply rebid your opening suit with 12-13
points.
Example: N E S Ww
19 Pass 20 Pass
?

North’s Rebid: Two Hearts

Don’t forget that your rebid of two Hearts is limited to only 12 - 13 point
hands.
2. If your partner has not responded in your second suit and your
second suit caz be bid at the two level without reversing, make
your normal rebid in the second suit with all 12-17 point
hands inclusive. Do not jump.
Example: N E S Ww North’s Hand
14 Pass 2 Pass @& KQxxx
? UP Be oe
Op NAO)
he xx
North’s Rebid: Two Diamonds (No limit)
3. A jump raise should be made with 16-17 points and four
trump. Give full value for distributional points, but do not
add points for fit.
Example: N 1 S W North’s Hand
14 Pass 29 Pass @ KQxxx
? 9 AQxx
ox
North’s Rebid: Four Hearts & Kxx (16 points)
ep)
 4. Forcing rebids in new suits should be made with all hands
containing 18 or more points. Distributional points should be
counted if you fit responder’s suit.
Example: (A)
N S W North’s Hand
1 Pass 20 Pass @ AKQxx
? BIE O85
OAs
North’s Rebid: Three Clubs (No limit) #% KQxx (20 points)
Example: (B)
N E S W North’s Hand
19 Pass 2& Pass @ AQxx
? Uo Re axe xae
Pe x
North’s Rebid: Two Spades (Reverse) & x (18 points)
This is a true reverse showing 18 or more points and more Hearts than
Spades.
Example: (C)
N S W North’s Hand
19 Pass 24 Pass a@ x
? 9 AKJxx
O° “Aes
North’s Rebid: Four Clubs & KQxx (19 points)
There is little question about the combined hands being able to make a
slam since your partner has shown at least 11 points. Even though you do not
count the points for the fit in Clubs, you know they are there.

56
 CHAPTER III: Review Questions
As The Opener: Properly evaluate and rebid with each of the following
hands.
Example: Opening Bid: 1 Spade
Response: 1 No Trump
Opener’s Hand:
4 KQ10xxx
0 Kx
Onex x
hm Axx
Proper Evaluation: 13 Pts. — Rebid: 2 Spades
Opening Bid: 1 Heart Response: 1 No Trump
& KJxx a x @ Ax
VAL x xox Ve) Xoxex O10 xxx
© Kx OAS OF x o xx
fe xx & Axx & AQx
LE. RS: | sicalmaeg(4 oad | Sama 6 8 pet

Opening Bid: 1 Heart Response: 2 Hearts

@ xx @4 Kxx @ Ax
7K Ox x x Ver el xexn x OF O10 xc
ee ee) eX) x Oo 5x OSE AIS OX
& Qx & AQxx & x
|) 0nile ee | Pl kB PE Seas RB ae

Opening Bid: 1 Diamond Response: 1 Spade

& xx & Qxxx @ Void
Kk lx ax O Kx
OAK J x x PASS ONG ap Own OX ae
& jxx & Ajx & “A Osx x
2 aay A 5 sac ee Bee Pi eh ee

Opening Bid: 1 Spade Response: 2 Clubs

@ KJjJxxx 4 AQJxx @4 AKQxx
VAX x WF 9b aoa VIO. x
OC Koj x Or KO x O20 pox
de x x de x fe x
Pri SRB PE 15eh SPEnea Pre SREB Re
 CHAPTERFIV

REBIDS BY THE RESPONDER

The era in which we live today is commonly referred to as the scientific
age. Our scientific progress during the past several decades has been nothing
short of fantastic, and we can only gape in awe at many of the material con-
tributions this progress has brought to our society. One of these material marvels
is the computer or the mechanical brain. This mechanical brain, when pro-
vided with sufficient data, can digest and interpret said data and form a correct
conclusion in a matter of seconds. You and your partner, through exchange of
information while bidding, can arrive at the same logical conclusion as a com-
puter if you will remember to deal with facts, not fiction. The one fact that
is stressed time and time again is that one of you needs to make a limit bid
during the auction, defining the size of the hand in order for the partner prop-
etly to evaluate your combined holdings. Therefore, before going on, stop
and memorize this statement. If the opener has not defined the size of his hand
by making a limit bid, then the responder must do so at this time.

SECOND ROUND RE-RESPONSES AFTER OPENING

SUIT BID
RE-RESPONSE FOLLOWING LIMIT REBID BY OPENER WHEN
NO FURTHER INFORMATION IS REQUIRED

ANALYZE: It is exclusively the responsibility of the partner opposite the

hand that makes a limit bid, showing his maximum number of
points, to place the contract.
1. Re-response after one No Trump Rebid with Balanced Hands.

Example: (A)
N B S W South’s Hand
lf = Pass 19 Pass @ KjJx
it Ni ? VE OR Saas
(12-15 pts.) Or Roxx
ee xx (9 points)
South’s Re-response: Pass
No attempt should be made to play a game in No Trump with fewer
than 25 points in the combined hands. Therefore, if the maximum number of

58
points your partner could have would be 15, opposite your 9, your could count
only up to 24. Stop before it’s too late.
Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
lo Pass 19 Pass & Axx
Dei ? OP AOR EX
(12-15 pts.) On exes
& KJx (14 points)
South’s Re-response: Three No Trump

With reference to your scale of points needed to produce a certain number

of tricks, simple addition is all that is required to determine the /eve/ of contract.
Since your hand is balanced and your partner has not shown any Heart support,
game should be played in No Trump.
Example: (C)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass @& KQx
ONT ? OA Qs) 107 (x)i (i point)
(12-15 pts.) 7 NS 3s
& Axx (20 points)
South’s Re-response: Six No Trump
(19 High card points, plus 1 for each card over 4 in length of a runable suit.)
Even though your partner may have opened a twelve point “dog,” you still
should have a reasonable play for twelve tricks. With the above type of hand
after your partner’s one N.T. limit rebid, there is no reason for you not to
take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and, with one bid, place the final con-
tract.
la. Re-response after one No Trump Rebid with Balanced Hands,
when further information is required.
Example: (1a)
N E ) Ww South’s Hand
ee Pass 19 Pass @ KjJxx
1 NT ? 9 KQxx
(12-15 pts.) Oy UG Ss
&& xxx
South’s Re-response: Two No Trump (11 or 12 points)
Opposite a bad minimum opener (12 or 13 points), the above hand will
probably not produce a game, but if partner has fourteen or fifteen points, a
game contract should be reached. Since the point spread for your partner's one
No Trump rebid is 12-15 points, you, as responder, cannot accurately place
the contract. Therefore, limit your hand too, and let your partner decide how
far you should go. The opener with the knowledge that your two No Trump
re-response guarantees exactly eleven or twelve points can pass if he started
29
with twelve or thirteen points or bid three No Trump if he has fourteen or fif-
teen points.
Example: (1b)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass @4 KQJx (x) (1 pom
1 NT ? 9 AJx
(12-15 pts.) 9 Ox (19 points)
& Ajx
South’s Re-response: Four No Trump (Not asking for Aces)
After a rebid of one No Trump by the opener, four No Trump by the
responder does not ask for Aces, but is a bid showing eighteen or nineteen
points that invites the opener to bid a slam in No Trump with a good minimum
of fourteen or fifteen points, and to pass with a bad minimum of only twelve
or thirteen points.
2. Re-response after jump rebid of Two No Trump with Bal-
anced Hands.
Example: (A)
N E S W South’s Hand
le Pass 19 Pass @ Kxx
2Z2NFE ? Fr QQ x pace
(18- 19 pts.) > - QO x
mm Jxx,
South’s Re-response: Three No Trump
REMEMBER: A jump in a new higher ranking suit or in No Trump, after
a one over one response, will show a minimum of eighteen
points in the opener’s hand. Opposite the above bidding, your
choice of what to do with all 7-13 point balanced hands is
simple: raise to three No Trump.
Example: (B)
N S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 14 Pass @ AJ 10x (x) (1 point)
2 NT ? 9 Qx
(18 - 19 pts.) Oo KQx (16 points)
South’s Re-response: Six No Trump & Kxx
Your partner's jump rebid of two No Trump (18 or 19 points) has shown
you the way, so full speed ahead. You are well within the small slam zone
of 33 - 36 points.
Example: (C)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 0 Pass . 5 1@) oe Bras: 4 Qj xxx
2 NT ? O xx
(18-19 pts.) Oe Sete s
South’s Re-response: Pass & Qxx
60
 Unlike a reverse or jump in a new suit which is an absolute force for one
round, two No Trump may be passed, if you do not have as many as seven
points.
2a. Re-response after jump rebid of two No Trump with dal-
anced hands when further information is needed.
Example: N E S WW
1& Pass 19 Pass South’s Hand
2 NT ? (14 points)
(18-19 pts.)
10 x (x) (1 point)

South’s Re-response: Four No Trump (Not Blackwood)

An invitation to slam should be extended to partner after his two No
Trump rebid, with a good fourteen or a bad fifteen point responding hand.
With the contract established in No Trump, let him make the final decision
as to the level of contract that should be reached.
3. Re-response after jump rebid of Three No Trump with
balanced hands.
Example: (A)
N S W South’s Hand
1fe = Pass 19 Pass @ Qxx
SPINY ? ex eX x
(20- 21 pts.) O Qxx
&® Kx (10 points)
South’s Re-response: Pass
After game is reached, your only consideration with any balanced hand
is the possibility of slam. Obviously, your ten points, opposite your partner's
maximum of twenty-one, will not quite get there.
Example: (B)
N E S WW South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass OO?) x2x
3 NT ? LD A 2d
(20 - 21 pts.) Ox x
& Axx (14 points)
South’s Re-response: Six No Trump
Fourteen points opposite 20-21 points is plenty. With a good twelve
or a bad thirteen points raise to four No Trump.
4. Re-response after one No Trump rebid with unbalanced hands.
REMEMBER: An unbalanced hand opposite a balanced hand, a great ma-
jority of the time, will produce more tricks played in a suit
contract. Therefore, usually name your second suit, (there
61
 are some exceptions), but at the same time show the value
of your hand.
Example: (A)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass ® Kx
LN ? OF OV er 5x
(12=WSaptss) ax
& Kxxxx (9 points)
South’s Re-response: Two Clubs (7-10 points)
Your two Clubs re-response will tell your partner that your hand is un-
balanced and contains zo more than ten points.
NOTE: Depending on the opener’s distribution, there are only three pos-
sible bids that he may choose, having already informed you that
his hand is balanced and is of minimum strength.
1. If his preference for one of your two suits is Clubs, he may
pass.
2. When it’s a toss up or he prefers Hearts, he should bid two
Hearts. Two factors should influence this decision: Hearts
count more than Clubs; and the responder quite probably has
five Hearts.
3. With four Clubs and fourteen or fifteen points the opener
may raise to three Clubs. Under no circumstances should
the opener rebid his own suit or rebid two No Trump.
Exampie: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass Oh Ora
LNT ? OL KJ xx 20 3CiASpoints)
(12-15 pts.) Or Or
fe (x) (2 points)
South’s Re-response: Three Hearts (Forcing to game) eleven or more points.
Due to the fact that the openet’s rebid was one N.T. and not two Clubs
or two Diamonds, you know that he must have either three or four Hearts
or three Spades. It then follows logically that you may count two points for
the singleton Club since the final contract will be at the game level either in
Hearts or Spades. This hand will be worth an additional two or three points
when played in Hearts or Spades because of the fit in an agreed upon suit.
Example: (C) South’s Hand
N E S W @& KQxxx
10 Pass 1@ Pass Oe (12 pts. in N.T.)
LNG ? Ona O) ars
(122 Spica) # x x (Distribution plus pts.
plus fit — 17 pts. in
Diamonds)
South’s Re-response: Three Clubs (Forcing to game)
62 |
 Any new suit at the three level is always forcing for one round but not
at the two level. This hand is too strong simply to bid three Diamonds, since
that bid may be passed.

EXCEPTIONS: Not always with an unbalanced hand should your re-response

be made in the second suit.
Example: (4a)
N E 5 W South’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass ® Kxxx
MP Sie ? WK 10x x x
(12 -15 pts.) Oo xx
be Ox (8 points)
South’s Re-response: Pass
Two Spades is out of the question, for this would be a reverse and a force
to game showing at least eleven or more points. Furthermore, if your partner
had as many as four Spades he would have rebid one Spade, rather than one
No Trump. Two Hearts is impossible, for your partner categorically denied
good Heart support when he rebid one No Trump. After a one level rebid
by the opener, responder should never rebid a five card suit unless later sup-
ported.
Example: (4b)
N S Ww South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass @& KjJxx
LNT ? OS ep 4
(12-15 pts:) KX
&m® Kxxxx
South’s Re-response: Pass
It is true that your partner may have Club support, but the odds are three
to one that he does not and by bidding again you may get into difficulty, par-
ticularly if you receive a two Spade preference from your partner with a hand
containing five Diamonds, four Hearts, two Spades and two Clubs. The op-
ponents are not tongue-tied; so if they pass, it may easily be because they are
waiting with length in the suits that you and your partner are bidding.
Example: (4c)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
1e& Pass VES Pass @ Kx
dING Pass ? Od @JonWG'A% (15 points)
Coe AN Nealaxe (x) (4 point)
South’s Re-response: Three No Trump de xx

A nine trick game in No Trump is certainly more feasible than anything

else, so simply proceed there directly even though your hand is unbalanced.
There is no reason to bid two Hearts since your partner denied having as many
as four in that suit when he rebid one No Trump.
63
 5. Re-response after jump rebid of two No Trump with wn-
balanced hands.
Example: (A)
N S Ww South’s Hand
lf Pass 1@ ~~ Pass a°Q] x xs
2 NT ? Ue OS (5 points-NT)
18 - 19 pts. Ong xe,
ae & xx (5 pts. in Spades)
South’s Re-response: Pass
Unlike a jump rebid in a new suit or a reverse, which are both one round
forcing bids, two No Trump may be passed if responder has fewer than seven
high card points. Do not bid three Diamonds or three Spades, for both of these
bids will be interpreted by your partner as showing a good hand.
Example: (B)
N S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 1@ Pass @ KjJxx
2 NT ? Vigeh> 3 2
(18- 19 pts.) Oa (11 points)
bh AO)
South’s Re-response: Three No Trump
South’s hand is certainly ample for game in no trump but not enough to
consider reaching slam. After opener’s jump rebid of two No Trump, responder
should settle for game with all 7-13 point hands inclusive.
Example: (C)
N S W South’s Hand
10) > Pass “107 | iPass @ Kxx = (12 pts. in NT)
2 NT Pass ? OP A ORs
po 0Je frag
he xx (15 - 16 pts. in
South’s Re-response: Three Diamonds Diamonds)
There are three very important points to be discussed and noted:
a. Your three Diamond bid is not a sign of weakness, but a forward
going bid and cannot be passed. After a jump rebid by partner, any
bid that you now make is forcing for at least one round.
b. By initially responding one Heart and now showing your Diamond
support, you tell your partner that your hand is unbalanced, while at
the same time you are showing at least a game hand. If the opener
has Heart support he can now conveniently rebid three Hearts.
c. Whereas your hand counts only twelve points if played in No Trump,
leaving you short of enough points to play a small slam, you will
have ample points to justify reaching a slam contract providing you
can establish a good suit fit. Over your three Diamond bid, if opener
now calls three No Trump, give up and pass.
64
 6. Re-response after jump rebid of three No Trump, following
a one over one initial response, with unbalanced hand.
Example: (A)
N S W South’s Hand
lf Pass 19 © Pass @ Qx
3 NT ? Venwex <x -<
(20-21 pts.) OA) ae a
th xx
South’s Re-response: Pass
Having reached game, a pass is indicated on all hands containing no more
than eleven points and no greater distribution than 5-4-2-2 or 5-4-3-1.
Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass & xx
3 NT ? VES OSe x x
(20 - 21 pts.) vax
&® Axxxx
South’s Re-response: Four Clubs (Forcing)
Common sense dictates that after having once been in a game contract,
now arbitrarily to make another bid that is not enough for game would be
foolish unless said bid were for the purpose of finding the best spot to play
the hand in game. Having shown the size of his hand with the rebid of three
No Trump, the opener now can do only one of three things; bid four Hearts,
bid five Clubs (guarantees four) or bid four Diamonds.
Example: (C)
N S W South’s Hand
1 Pass 14 Pass @ Qxxxx
3 NT ? OS db pees ee3
(20 - 21 pts.) hi
hb xx
South’s Re-response: Four Hearts (not forcing beyond game)
Unlike a minor suit bid at this point, partner should pass if his preference is
for Hearts, or bid four Spades if that suit fits his hand better. Remember, it is
your esponsibility to reach a slam, if one is there, and not that of the hand
which makes the /imit bid.
Example: (D)
N S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass 4 KQJxx
eal I ? OWA Y 10 x x
(20-21 pts.) Ors
th xx
South’s Re-response: Six Hearts
65
 7. Re-response following two No Trump limit rebid by opener
after initial two level bid in a new suit by responder.
Example:
Opener: One Heart
Responder: Two clubs (new suit at the two level shows eleven
points minimum)
Openet’s Rebid: Two No Trump
REMEMBER: Following your new suit bid at the two level, two No Trump
shows exactly fourteen or fifteen points.

BALANCED HANDS
Example: (A)
N S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 24 Pass @ xx
2 NE ? OMI x x
(14-15 pts.) oO Ors
& AKxxx
South’s Re-response: Three No Trump
There is no problem about where to play the hand and South has enough
points to justify being in game.
Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 20 Pass @& Kxx
2aINT ? xx
(14-15 pts.) OAT OR eEX
& Kxx
South’s Re-response: Three Spades (Forcing)

It costs nothing for you to show your Spade support and give your partner
the option of continuing on to four Spades or going back to three No Trump.
If partner bids four Diamonds you simply put him back in four Spades.
Example: (C)
N S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 2a Pass @& Kx
2INE ? O AT (18 points)
(14-15 pts.) 0 ASQOx
& K J 10 x (x) (1 point)
South’s Re-response: Six No Trump
After your partner's two No Trump limit rebid there is no additional
information to be exchanged, so bid what you think you can make. The least
number of points that you should have before entertaining the idea of reaching
Slam, with this bidding, is eighteen. Settle for game in No Trump with all
11-17 point balanced hands.
66
 UNBALANCED HANDS

N E S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 2° Pass a& x
2-NY ? ere aLO SX aX
(14-15 pts.) Dea eeOns %
b&b Qx
South’s Re-response: Three Diamonds (Forcing)
If partner raises Diamonds (guarantees four) simply rebid five Diamonds.
Do not try for a slam. If openet’s call is three Hearts, reach game in Hearts.
NOTE: Opener probably does not have three Hearts, otherwise his choice
of rebids on the second round would have been immediate support
for your suit rather than a bid of two No Trump, but a three Heart
bid now would confirm the fact he possessed at least a doubleton
honor. A three Spade call in answer to your Diamond bid will de-
mand that you play game in three No Trump. If partner bids three
No Trump, by all means, pass.

Example: (B)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
10 Pass 2& Pass @ x
2 INI Pass ? OPKSO Dex
OK xs
ee Oux xox
South’s Re-response: Three Hearts (Reverse)

There is certainly a strong possibility of having enough points in the com-

bined hands to make a slam, providing you can find a fit in either Hearts,
Diamonds, or Clubs. Also, keep in mind that you make it impossible for your
partner to name either Hearts or Spades at the two level when you bid two
Clubs, since for him to have done so would have required at least eighteen
points, a reverse. Following your three Heart re-response, if opener’s rebid is
three Spades or three No Trump, then you should not proceed further than
game in No Trump. If he can raise Hearts (guarantees four), raise Clubs, or
rebid Diamonds, then a small slam should be reached in one of those suits.

8. Re-response following a three No Trump limit rebid by opener

after initial two /evel bid in a new suit by responder.

REMEMBER: ‘Three No Trump in this sequence shows sixteen or seventeen

points.
67
 BALANCED HANDS
Example: (A)
N S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 24 Pass 4 KQx
3 NT ? LV pues di)<
(16-17 pts.) 0 Xxx
& AQxxx
South’s Re-response: Pass
Pass is definitely indicated with all 11-15 point balanced hands.
Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 20 Pass @® Kxx
3 NT ? Uae >:
(16-17 pts.) O seek ak
hm Qxx
South’s Re-response: Four Spades
This is not a big bid, but merely tells your partner that you would rather
play game in Spades than No Trump. Having limited his hand when he rebid
three No Trump, opener has left the placing of the final contract up to you.
Example: (C)
N E S W South’s Hand
1@ Pass 2 Pass & xx
3 NT ? atx (18 points)
(16- 17 pts.) Oo eiex
&A OQ J x(x)
South’s Re-response: Six No Trump (2 points)
When your objective is dead ahead proceed on a straight line.
NOTE: Hands containing a good sixteen or a bad seventeen points should
be given another chance possibly to produce a slam. Invite your
partner to go on, with the bid of four No Trump, but give him the
option of passing below slam level.

UNBALANCED HANDS
Example: (A)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
14 Pass 20 Pass @ x
otal etle& ? Vics
(16-17 pts.) Cin Oe tx
&® KJxxx
South’s Re-response: Four Clubs (Forcing)
| 68
 Even though a slam is practically guaranteed in one of your two suits,
there is no rush, because your partner cannot pass and you need to know which
of your two suits your partner prefers.
Example: (B)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
19 Pass 2° Pass @ x
3 NT ? Vek cxex
(16- 17 pts.) OF ALORA x
& Axx
South’s Re-response: Four Clubs (Cue Bid)
It may seem peculiar to suppress your excellent Heart support, but the
purpose of the four Club bid is to garner further information from your partner
as to the whereabouts of specific cards. Quite obviously you are going to bid
at least a small slam, but there is a good chance that you can make all the
tricks in a grand slam in Hearts. Over four Clubs, if your partner has the King
of Diamonds, he will show this card by a four Diamond call.
RE-RESPONSE AFTER SINGLE RAISE IN
RESPONDER’S ONE LEVEL BID
Example:
Opening Bid: One Diamond
Response: One Spade
Opener’s Rebid: Two Spades (12-15 point limit)
BALANCED AND UNBALANCED HANDS
Example: (A)
N E Ss W South’s Hand
1 Pass 19 Pass @& Kxx
29 OOD |e axe
(12-15 pts.) ® Kx
& x xx (11 pts. after
South’s Re-response: Pass Heart support)
It doesn’t require a comptometer to give the answer that your nine points,
plus two for the fit in Hearts, opposite your partner's maximum point count
holding of fifteen, will not equal the minimum number of twenty-seven points
needed to give you a play for game in a major suit. Including your high card
points, your distributional points and your suit bid points, do not proceed further
unless you can count up to a minimum of thirteen points in your hand. If the
opponents compete in the auction you may be forced to the three level, but do
not go there voluntarily.
Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 14 Pass ADK] 10 xx
2 Pass Q ex
Oo AO
South’s Re-response: Four Spades & Ox
69
 When your contract is obvious and your point requirements are adequate
to justify your being in game, full speed ahead.
PXamples |@)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass KO x
2 ? H Ax _ (13 pts. including
(12-15 piss) CS go 2 for Spade fit.
& Qx xx Do not count
1 for doubleton
South’s Re-response: Three Clubs (Forcing) Diamond)
The naming of any new suit at the three level is absoutely forcing for one
round. Three Clubs in this instance is commonly referred to as a temporizing
bid and is used so that your partner may define the limits and the distribution
of his hand even more exactly. Consider the different rebid possibilities avail-
able to the opener and analyze their meaning. The opener’s rebid of his own
suit, Diamonds, will indicate 12-13 points and only three Spades. A three
Spade rebid will show 12-13 points and can be made with either three or
four Spades. These two possible rebids show a bare minimum opening of no
more than 12-13 points. The opener’s rebid of four Clubs, four Spades, three
Hearts, or three No Trump will describe a good minimum hand of 14-15
points.
Example: (D)
N 13) S W South’s Hand
1ef Pass 19 Pass @ KQx
29 ? VOL x
(12- 15 pts.) OP AAT
& xxx
South’s Re-response: Two No Trump (Not forcing 11-12 pts.)
After a suit has been bid by the responder and supported by the opener,
a two No Trump call will describe a balanced hand containing eleven or twelve
points with high card strength in the unbid suits. If opener’s holding is a bal-
anced twelve or thirteen point type of vegetable, his obvious action would be
to pass as quickly as possible. With an unbalanced twelve or thirteen point hand
Opener, in response to your two No Trump bid, would simply sign off by re-
bidding three Hearts. Depending on his distribution, the opener with 14 - 15
points should either jump to game in Hearts or raise No Trump.
Example: (E)
N S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 14 Pass @ AQxxx
2 ? O xx (18 pts. including
(12-15 pts.) o& KQ-x x fit and double
& Ax ton)
South’s Re-response: Three Clubs (Forcing)
70
NOTE: There is one card and only one that has double value in true re-evalua-
tion of a hand after a fit in an agreed upon suit has been established;
this is an Ace. A singleton Ace is actually worth six points and a
doubleton Ace is worth five, providing it is not in your partner's
bid suit.
There is a distinct possibility that slam can be reached and made, if the
opener has the upper limits of his two Spade bid, 14-15 points. It may seem
strange to the average bridge player to name Clubs, possessing only the double-
ton Ace, when you have a perfectly good four card Diamond suit that you
could bid. In reality, there is a very good reason for doing this. Plainly, the
ultimate contract will be played in Spades; therefore, there is little difference
between Clubs and Diamonds as the suit you bid in forcing your partner to bid
again. But temporarily put yourself in the position of an opponent on lead.
The hand on lead cannot tell that you have bid a suit headed by just the Ace
unless he is looking at the King, Queen, and Jack and he will naturally shy
away from leading into a suit bid by the declarer. By employing a little sub-
terfuge with your three Club bid you may easily dupe your opponents into
giving you a favorable opening lead.

RE-RESPONSE AFTER DOUBLE RAISE IN RESPONDER’S

ONE LEVEL SUIT BID
Opening Bid: One Diamond
Response: One Heart
Openet’s Rebid: Three Hearts (16-17 pts. limit and four Hearts)
This is a strong invitation to game, but is not forcing.

BALANCED AND UNBALANCED HANDS

Example: (A)
N E S W South’s Hand
i Pass 19 Pass & xx
30 ? OKs) axe (ieptsra tres
(16-17 pts. & 4 Hearts) © Kx Heart support)
& Qxxxx
South’s Re-response: Four Hearts

Including the points that you add to your hand for the fit in Hearts, pro-
ceed to game with all 10-15 point hands, but do not go beyond game level.
Example: (B)
N S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass @ Qxxx
ah 9 Qx x (9 pts. after Spade
(16-17 pts.) © xx support. Do Not
& K xxx count Double-
South’s Re-response: Pass ton Diamond)

qu!
 This is close, but the probability is strong that you will produce no more
than nine tricks and may even go set at the three level.
Example: (C)
N E S W South’s Hand
i Pass 1 Pass 4 KQxxx
3 ? 9 Kx (16 pts. after sup-
(16-17 pts. & 4 Spades) © xxx port of Spades)
& Aj x
South’s Re-response: Four Clubs (Cue bid shows first or second round control
of suit)
With sixteen or more points opposite a limit rebid by opener, a ¢ry for
slam should be made. This does not mean that you should automatically bid
slam, even though your combined hands may count up to 33 - 35 points. Points
do not take tricks. Following your four Club cue bid, the opener with first or
second round control in Diamonds will now show this by the call of four Dia-
monds. If the opener is unable to bid four Diamonds, and instead rebids four
Hearts or four Spades, you may rest assured that now to reach a twelve trick
slam contract would be suicide, since your partner must also have two losers
in Diamonds.
Example: (D)
N E S W South’s Hand
1ef Pass 19 Pass @ Void
39 ? 0 AP Oo ee x eee
(16-17 pts. & 4 Hearts) 0 Ox after Heart
&# KQxx support)
South’s Re-response: Three Spades
After an agreed upon suit has been established, a void or a singleton in an
unbid suit has just as much value as an Ace or a King, therefore do not hesitate
to cue bid these suits.

NOTE: If you skip the three Spade bid and instead bid four Clubs, your
partner will assume that you do not have either first or second round
control in Spades.

RE-RESPONSE AFTER TRIPLE RAISE IN RESPONDER’S

ONE LEVEL SUIT BID
Example:
Opening Bid: One Club
Response: One Heart
Opener’s Rebid: Four Hearts (16-17 pts., at least four Hearts)
72
 BALANCED AND UNBALANCED HANDS
Example: (A)
N E S W South’s Hand
1ef Pass 19 Pass @: KK xan
40 ? Oras.
(16-17 pts. & 4 Hearts) Ox (11 pts. after
#& Axx Heart support)
South’s Re-response: Pass
Counting all your points, a pass is in order on all hands containing no
more than fourteen points.

REMEMBER: Your partner’s four Heart rebid shows no more than a three
heart bid except it is more distributional.
Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 14 Pass Ba AG Or exex
4h ? QO xx (16 pts. after Spade
(16-17 pts. & 4 Spades) OE OUX TeX support)
& A (x) (1 point)
South’s Re-response: Five Clubs (Cue Bid)
An effort on your part should be made to reach slam, but, if partner does
not respond with five Diamonds, by all means stop in five Spades.

RE-RESPONSE AFTER SINGLE RAISE IN RESPONDER’S

TWO LEVEL SUIT BID
Example:
Opening Bid: One Heart
Response: Two Clubs (11 points minimum)
Opener’s Rebid: Three Clubs (12-15 points)

BALANCED AND UNBALANCED HANDS

Example: (A)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 2d Pass @ xx
3c ? Dae Rexx (13 points)
(12-15 pts.) O QJx
& AQxx(x) (1pt.in
NT)
South’s Re-response: Three No Trump
73
 Where your course of action is well defined and no further information
is needed, place the final contract.
Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 20 Pass & xx
3© ? Oa
12 = 15\pts: OF Up Pose &
( ) & Kxx
South’s Re-response: Three Hearts (Forcing to game)
The final contract, at least nine out of ten times, will be four Hearts, but
once in a great while your partner may exercise his option of playing the hand
in No Trump. In this sequence your partner knows that you have no more than
three Hearts, otherwise you would have jumped to three Hearts immediately.
Example: (C) South’s Hand
N E S W @® xx
14 Pass 2d Pass OMax
3 ? o AQxx
(12215 3pts)) & KQxxx
South’s Re-response: Three Diamonds (Forcing-Reverse)
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the partnership needs a stop in
Hearts before playing game in No Trump. After your three Diamond call,
your partner, if he possesses a Heart stopper and a reasonable hand for play
in No Trump, should respond three No Trump. Any other bid by your part-
ner will preclude the possibility of playing No Trump, because the opponents
will gleefully rattle off the whole Heart suit.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
In our previous discussions, it has been pointed out that, after a major
suit has been agreed upon, the naming of a new suit is often a cue bid show-
ing first or second round control, and infers an interest in reaching slam. With
the exception of the bid of three Spades, after Hearts have been established
as the suit in which the contract will eventually be played, all cue bids occur
at the four level or higher. This is true of the minors too. New suits bid at the
three level are forcing bids, but not cue bids. Remember, many times you need
to show that you have none of the unbid suits stopped before you can intelli-
gently play the contract in three No Trump.
Example: (D)
N E S W
14 Pass 20 (5 Hearts) Pass
39 ? South’s Hand
(i215 pts.) @& Kx
DO ASO J x xe (19 pts sattes
© J 10 x x Heart support)
& A (x) (1 point)
South’s Re-response: Four Clubs (Cue Bid)
74
 If partner can now show a control in Diamonds, slam is a distinct possi-
bility.
Example: (E)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 2&% Pass @ AKxx
3G 36 Pass 9 x
(12 - 15 pts.) © Kx
3 NT &® AQxxxx
South’s Re-response: Four Diamonds (Cue Bid)
This may appear at first glance to be ring-around-the-rosie bidding with
no apparent reason behind it except to bid fourteen times. This is not true.
North now knows that the die is cast and South is headed for at least a small
slam. Definitely he is interested in a grand slam, if North has certain key cards
with the right distribution.

RE-RESPONSE AFTER DOUBLE RAISE IN RESPONDER’S

TWO LEVEL SUIT BID
Example:
Opening Bid: One Spade
Response: Two Hearts (5 Hearts guaranteed)
Openers’ Rebid: Four Hearts (16-17 point limit—4 Hearts)
NOTE: If the opponents do not overcall, an immediate response of two
Hearts opposite a one Spade or one No Trump opening will guaran-
tee a five card suit. This is not true of Clubs or Diamonds.

BALANCED AND UNBALANCED HANDS

Example: (A)
N E S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 20 Pass ® xx
49 Q Sea NEGD capdanie
(16-17 pts. & 4 Hearts) © Qx (14 pts. after Heart
& Kxxx support)
South’s Re-response: Pass

When your total count, after suit fit points have been added, is no more
than fourteen or fifteen, you should be content to score an easy game and
not try for a risky slam.
Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 24 Pass & (x x) (1 point)
4ae B Ese bs (15 pts. after
(16-17 pts. & 4 Clubs) Om Ke iax a) Club'support)
& AQJxx
South’s Re-response: Five Clubs
ip
 You have the same proposition as in Example A. It is possible that you may
make a slam, but the percentages favor your stopping at game.
Example: (C)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
14 Passi’ "20 Pass & xx
40 ? Y AK x “(17 ptseatter
(16-17 pts. & 4 Diamonds) © KQxxxx Diamond
fh xx support)
South’s Re-response: Four Hearts (Cue Bid)
Point-wise, you have enough in the combined hands to produce a slam,
but there is a slim possibility that you may have too Club losers. By your four
Heart cue bid, your partner knows that you are trying to reach slam and can
easily take the proper action according to his own hand. In the responding
position, make a positive effort to reach slam with all hands containing six-
teen or more points.

CHAPTER IV (Part 1) Review Questions

As the Responder: Properly evaluate and re-respond with each of the
following hands.
Example: Opening Bid: 1 Diamond
Response: 1 Heart
Rebid: 1 No Trump
Responder’s Hand:
@ Qx
VK x x
Ox
& QJxxx
Proper Evaluation: 8 Pts. Re-response: Pass
Opening Bid: 1 Club Response: 1 Heart Rebid: 1 No Trump
@ Kxxx @ AQx ® x
Ve Oa) Saxax Veulenjexx ODA eax
0 AY OPTS OQ heat:
h& xx & KJxx hb xx
ba ReR. Pie RéRee PE seReR eee
@® xx 4 KJjJx @ Ax
3K 70 10 x xx VETTES oS0: Ores
OF SIN Cas Os
be Qx &h KjJxxx & KQJxx
ey ReR. BE. ReR. P Estee Ren:
|
- Opening Bid: 1 Diamond Response: 1 Spade Rebid: 2 Spades
Wet) Xx @ Ox x x @ Q10xxxx
vx. x Vere x OTK x
Oma xx Oe EX ox CS 3
oe ahIRS ee & K 10x x & AJ x
PE, ReR. PE: Bek ess Pies ReRy >
Opening Bid: 1 Spade Response: 2 Clubs Rebid: 3 Clubs
& xx @ Qxx @ Ax
Ven x x CIS GF We Onx xex
ix ORs ah © AQ4
me A) x x x & Kxxxx &® KQxxx
PE. ReR. PE: Re eee Deere Rs

RE-RESPONSE AFTER OPENER’S SIMPLE REBID OF OWN SUIT

TO A ONE LEVEL RESPONSE
Example:
Opening Bid: One Club
Response: One Heart
Opener’s Rebid: Two Clubs (Limit 12-15 points)

BALANCED HANDS
Example: (A)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass @ Axx
20 ? eis | EXeX ok
(12-15 pts.) eexX
fm jJxx
South’s Re-response: Pass
“Surrender dear” with all 6 -10 point balanced hands. Although the opener
does not necessarily have six Diamonds, there is that strong probability.
Example: (B)
N E S Ww
1 Pass 1@ (5 Spades) Pass
2 ? South’s Hand
(12-15 pts.) AUK Ox xx
Oe (12 pts. in NT)
OF Se
m&® Kxx
South’s Re-response: Three Clubs (11-12 points)
We
 Whereas your three Club bid is not forcing and may be passed, it strongly
invites your partner to take further action.
Example: (C)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
19 Pass 1@ Pass @ QjJxx
29 ? OTe
(12-15 pts. & 6 Hearts) O° AiOnx
& Kxxx
South’s Re-response: Two No Trump (11-12 points)
Having the other two suits stopped, your hand obviously lends itself to
No Trump. If partner has opened a 12 - 13 point bad minimum hand, he should
pass. With a good minimum of 14-15 points, a game contract should be
reached, probably in No Trump.
Example: (D)
N le Ss W South’s Hand
lef Pass 10 Pass @ KQxx
2&0 ? OVE Ix
(12-15 pts.) O ONO xx
& Qx
South’s Re-response: Three No Trump

There is absolutely no reason to worry about missing a fit in Spades, be-

cause the opener denies both four Hearts and four Spades when he skips these
suits to rebid his own suit at a higher level. With 13 - 15 points and high cards
in the two unbid suits, jump to game in No Trump.
Example: (E)
N S Wy South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass @® AKxxx
20 ? WIE dic
(12-15 pts.) OK xx
& Kjx
South’s Re-response: Three Clubs (1 round temporizing force)
From the standpoint of high cards, everything is lovely; you belong in
game. The question of course is, where? If partner can handle the Heart suit,
then No Trump is the answer. Without a stop in Hearts, but with some Spade
support, game should be reached in Spades. If neither three No Trump nor
four Spades is feasible as a final contract, then settle on five Diamonds.
Example: (F)
N S Ww South’s Hand
1c Pass 19 Pass @ Ax
2¢f ? 9 KQJxx
(12-15 pts.) & hace
& QJx

78
 The final contract and ultimate result will naturally depend on the opener’s
distribution and placement of high cards. Each succeeding bid by the opener
that follows the two Spade force should be made with the idea in mind that a
slam contract is very much within the realm of probability. Responding hands
that contain 16 or 17 high card points should be given a chance to reach slam.
With 18 or more high card points in the responding hand a slam contract should
be bid providing suit controls can be established.

SPECIAL ATTENTION:
Do not confuse the examples and the accompanying explanations of the
foregoing balanced responding hands with the unbalanced responding
hands that follow.

UNBALANCED HANDS
Example: (A)
N S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass aS [axex x
20 ? OE ees
(322-15) pts.) MEER
& Qxxx
South’s Re-response: Pass
Seemingly the most difficult word in bridge parlance for the average player
to understand and use is pass. Common sense should tell you these four things:
1. Opener has an unbalanced hand and does not like No Trump.
2. Opener does not have good Spade support.
3. Opener does not have as many as four Clubs.
4, The partnership does not have enough points to play game.
Example: (B)
N S Ww South’s Hand
1c Pass 19 Pass @& Kxx
2 e he? OD AO Saxe x
(12-15 pts.) OF Kexaanx.
& x
South’s Re-response: Two Diamonds (No# Forcing)
This hand is no better than the one used in the previous example, but is
distinctly different in two ways; 1—You possess a second suit that your part-
ner may fit with as many as four, since the opener could not, with fewer than
eighteen points, reverse and bid two Diamonds. 2—It is worth the gamble, by
bidding again, to try to find a better spot in which to play the hand than in
a suit where you face your partner with a singleton or a void. The opener should
recognize this sequence of bidding as a denial of his suit, and showing a com-
paratively weak hand with no more than 10 points.
79
NOTE: With the exception of a reverse bid by the responder, a new suit at the
two level is not forcing and may be passed by the opener.
Example: "(C)
N S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass & Kxxx
20 ? UNE ls ao ae Gs 4
(12-15 pts.) Oo OCx
& Kx
South’s Re-response: Two No Trump (11-13 points—not forcing)
Do not bid two Spades; this would be a reverse and a game force. It is
apparent that some risk is involved in trying to play No Trump, but the com-
bined hands justify trying to get to game. Opener with 14-15 points should
bid three No Trump.
Example: (D)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 14 Pass @ AQxxx
ay ? YP OES 2
(12-15 pts. & 6 Hearts) OF xk
&® Kxxx
South’s Re-response: Three Hearts (11-13 points)
The knowledge that your partner has a six card major when he rebid,
following your one level response, proves of inestimable value in this situation.
If you had to worry about the opener’s having only five Hearts, you would
have considerable qualms about raising the level of contract in that suit with
only a doubleton.
Example: (E)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 14 Pass Oy Ax ox
20 ? 0 Kxx (14 pts. if played
(12-15 pts. & 6 Hearts) Ox in Hearts)
& Qxxx
South’s Re-response: Four Hearts (13 - 15 points)
Following your partner's two Heart limit bid, be sure to add three points
to your hand for the fit in Hearts, knowing you have nine trumps in the com-
bined hands.
NOTE: This is not a hand on which you would jump to three Hearts im-
mediately, because you do not have four Hearts.
Example: (F)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass & x
20 ? OWMKRSO ex
(12-15 pts.) On anx x
& Kxxx
South’s Re-response: Three Clubs (one round force)
80
 When you are faced with the problem of having enough points to play
game yet do not know exactly where to go, make a temporizing bid that is
forcing for one round. In this case there are five possible final contracts that
may be reached: Three No Trump; four Hearts; five Clubs; five Diamonds,
or six Clubs. The answer to your dilemma should be provided by your partner
when it next becomes his turn to bid.
Example: (G)
N S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass & KJxxx
29 ? VV aeionee x.
(12-15 pts.) uae
& AJxx
South’s Re-response: Three No Trump (13-15 points)
The opener’s two Diamond rebid rules out the possibility of having a
Club fit; therefore, there is no reason to make either a temporizing or forcing
response. The jump to three No Trump shows the value of your hand to your
partner while at the same time denying a fit in Diamonds.
Example: (H)
N S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass a& x
20 ? DKS OR ExaxeX
(12-15 pts.) Oo x
dm Axxxx
South’s Re-response: Three Clubs (one round force)
This is one of the most treacherous types of hands that can be held by
any bridge player. If the opener has two or three Hearts you’re in business and
out of trouble, but if the opener has something on the order of six Diamonds,
three Spades, three Clubs, and one Heart, you are in a mess. Exercise consider-
able caution in your choice of second round bids with two suited distributional
hands after the opener has simply rebid his own suit which you do not fit. It is
very close in your choice of re-responses between two Hearts and three Clubs.
Let it suffice to say that you need all of your point count values to make your
decision in favor of the three Club bid. |
REMEMBER: ‘Three Clubs is not a force to game. If the opener bids three
Diamonds head for the nearest exit by passing.

RE-RESPONSE AFTER OPENER’S SIMPLE REBID OF HIS

OWN SUIT TO A TWO LEVEL RESPONSE
Example:
Opening Bid: One Heart
Response: Two Clubs (11 or more points)
Opener’s Rebid: Two Hearts (12-13 points limit)
81
 BALANCED AND UNBALANCED HANDS

Example: (A)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
14 Pass 20 Pass @ Qx
2 ? ae Poe.
(12-13 pts.) O js ascexee
he xx
South’s Re-response: Pass

Give up all ideas of game with 11 - 12 point hands when the opener rebids
his own suit after your first round two level response of a new suit. One of the
great advantages to be enjoyed through the use of certain well defined narrow
limit bids, is that you avoid the majority of impossible game contracts that are
frequently reached by bridge players using other standard American systems
where the point spread may be anywhere from three to seven points. The sound-
est policy for any good partnership to follow in their approach to bidding is to
arrive at the maximum contract where the percentages favor making the con-
tract. All thing being equal, the winning player (over a period of time) in any
bridge game is neither the optimist nor the pessimist, but rather the opportunist
who makes the most out of the cards he holds by being in the top makeable
contract.
Example: (B)
N S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 20 Pass @ Qxx
24 ? O° 2A J x (12 pss
(12-13 pts.) OF Rai Gx (14 pts. in
he xx Spades)
South’s Re-response: Three Spades
This hand is exactly the same as the one used in Example A, except that
a small Diamond has been changed to a Spade. By increasing the numberof
trumps in the combined hands, you are correspondingly able to give additional
point value for the fit in Spades. Do not usurp the right of your partner to
make the final decision by over-bidding to game, when you should extend only
a strong invitation. Give “Ole Pard” credit for having sense enough to know
that there is a bonus for reaching game and that you are playing Contract Bridge
instead of Auction or Whist.
Example: (C)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 20 Pass ® Kxx
29 ? Ox
(12
-13 pts.) Oe Ae OO asx
&
QjJxx
South’s Re-response: Two No Trump (11-12 points)
82 |
 This is not a forward going bid. Your partner should construe this bid
as meaning that you do not have any kind of fit whatsoever in his suit and
you feel as many, if not more tricks, can be taken in No Trump.
Example: (D)
N E S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 2& Pass &
2@ ? 0 KQ x x (14 pts. inNT)
(12-13 pts.) OT AGIEx
& O10 x x x
South’s Re-response: Three No Trump (13 - 15 points)
Although your jump to three No Trump does not preclude the Openetr’s
going back to Spades, it is a definite warning that he can expect no support
for his suit.

NOTE: Don’t bother showing the Heart suit; if the opener had as many
as four Hearts he should have rebid two Hearts instead of two Spades
regardless of his point count.
Example: (E)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 20 Pass & Ax (1 point)
29 ? Y Qx x (17 pts. in Hearts)
(12-13 pts.) OO) xox X
& Qyx
South’s Re-response: Four Hearts (13-15 points, does not include suit fit
points.)
Clearly game should be bid, but that’s all. Every now and then you'll find
that the hands mesh together very pleasantly or the nice opponents misdefend
and you take twelve tricks. Just be thankful for small favors and don’t be greedy
by trying for an unmakeable slam with too few tricks.
Example: (F)
N S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 20 Pass & xx
2 ? Be oe (14 points)
-13 pts.)
(12 Ca Ke OM ax ix
& AKJx
South’s Re-response: Three Clubs (At least 13 pts.—forcing)
wn

It is by no means an iron clad proposition that this hand will produce

game opposite your partner’s bad minimum opener, but you should have a
pretty good chance for game somewhere. The problem, of course, is where?
If the opener has Hearts stopped, No Trump probably is the answer. Under no
circumstance should the opener bid three No Trump without the Heart suit
under control. If the opener can do no better than give a simple Diamond
83
preference, raise Clubs, or again call his own color, forget No Trump and
look to Lady Luck to take care of you in a suit game contract.
Example: (G)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
19 Pass 2h Pass & x
20 ? 9 A Q x (19 pts. in support
(12 - 13 pts.) OT KR Ot of Hearts)
hm Axxxx
South’s Re-response: Three Diamonds (Reverse-Force to game)
On the surface it would appear that a small slam in Hearts would be a
cinch and a grand slam might be in the offing. Without any further investi-
gation the chances are about 50-50 that you can make a small slam and about
one out of ten of making a grand slam. Do not automatically let yourself get
carried away into committing suicide with real good hands opposite bad mini-
mum opening bids, when, through the use of forcing bids, you can elicit more
detailed information about the exact whereabouts of your partner’s high card
strength as well as letting him know that you aspire to greater things than just
reaching game.

RE-RESPONSE AFTER OPENER’S JUMP REBID OF OWN

SUIT TO A ONE LEVEL RESPONSE
Example:
Opening Bid: One Diamond
Response: One Heart
Opener’s Rebid: Three Diamonds (16-17 points, 6 card suit
guaranteed with no other 4 card suit)

BALANCED AND UNBALANCED HANDS

Example: (A)
N E S W
1o Pass 1@ (Scard) Pass
3 2 (suit) South’s Hand
(16
- 17 pts.) @ Kxxxx
OC ars:
08 als asi aap
South’s Re-response: Pass dh xx
Hope springs eternal in the human breast and that’s as it should be, but
hope alone is not enough to justify further bidding with this little mitten. Hav-
84
ing made one courtesy response, don’t put on your rose-colored glasses and
consider bidding again—enough is enough.
Example: (B)
N jo S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass 4 KJjJxxx
30 ? axex
(16- 17 pts.) Oo Qx
& Kxxx
South’s Re-response: Three Spades
The strong invitation to bid again extended by the opener with his jump
rebid in his own suit should be accepted by the responder with any hand con-
taining eight or more points.

NOTE: Any bid by the responder in this position forces the opener to con-
tinue the auction until a game contract is reached.
Example: (C)
N E S W South’s Hand
1ée = Pass 19 Pass 4 Qjxx
3d ? Oeikes xX
(16-17 pts.) Ome mak
& xx
South’s Re-response: Three No Trump
Nothing can be accomplished by showing the Spade suit except to tell
the opponents to lead Diamonds. If the opener had Spades he would not have
rebid three Clubs.
Example: (D)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
1 Pass 14 Pass @ AKxx
39 ? wh sess
(16-17 pts.) Orn Oux x
de xxxx
South’s Re-response: Four Hearts

Were it not for the fact that you know your partner has at least a six card
suit when he jumps, you would be faced with a touch and go problem with this
hand since you could not count extra points for a suit fit. However, the know-
ledge that you have eight trumps in the combined hands will resolve your
problem when you add two points to your total count, giving you eleven. After
your partner has jumped in a major, forget No Trump with one unbid suit
unstopped, even though you may find, after the hand is played, that you could
85
have taken the same number of tricks at No Trump as you could at four Hearts.
The Heart contract is much safer and will frequently produce an extra trick.
Example: (E)
N E S W South’s Hand
lof Pass 19 Pass @® KjJxx
3 ? OO Oi x x
16-17 pts.) > xx
: & Kxx
South’s Re-response: Three Spades
The purpose of the three Spade bid is apparent. To play No Trump some-
body besides the nasty old opponents better have something in Diamonds. With
a Diamond stopper your partner has an automatic bid of three No Trump, but
without a control in Diamonds your partner merely makes some other bid.
NOTE: The re-response bid of three Spades is not a reverse, although it is
forcing, because it was made in answer to a jump rebid.
Example: (F)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass & Ax
30 ? OK Ovex x
(16-17 pts.) Oo xix
h&® AQxx
South’s Re-response: Three Hearts
All of us should be faced with this kind of a problem where unquestionably
a small slam can be made and very easily a grand slam may be produced.
The purpose of this example is to illustrate the need for conserving the three,
four, and five levels for cue bidding rather than barging into a slam directly
like a “Bull in a China Shop.” Since any bid below game level is forcing after
your partner’s jump, it is entirely unnecessary for you to leap around too.

RE-RESPONSE AFTER OPENER’S JUMP REBID OF OWN

SUIT TO A TWO LEVEL RESPONSE
Example:
Opening Bid: One Spade
Response: Two Clubs (11 or more points)
Opener’s Rebid: Three Spades (16-17 points—six Spades)
BALANCED AND UNBALANCED HANDS
Example: (A)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 2 Pass & Kxx
39 ? O ex
(16-17 pts.) 2 ei eacase
& AQIJxx
South’s Re-response: Three No Trump
86
 The openeris not prohibited from taking the hand back to four Hearts
or perhaps showing some belated Club support, but he should expect no more
than one Heart, and never try for a slam.
Example: (B)
N S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 2d Pass & xx
34 @ WI ee ore
(16-17 pts.) © Qx
&® KQxxx
South’s Re-response: Four Spades
A mutual trust in each other’s judgment needs to be established between
partners in this bidding, since each partner knows the combined hands merit
consideration for a possible slam. The bid of four Spades in this situation is
not forwatd going and your partner should assume that you have not gone
either deaf or blind when you terminate festivities at game level.
Example: (C)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
19 Pass 2© Pass & Ax
39 ? Os Oar; x
(16-11 pts.) Cee Ox xx
& Kxx
South’s Re-response: Three Spades
Any re-response of a new suit in this situation can be interpreted by your
partner as showing a strong desire to reach slam. In turn, he should reply in
kind by cue bidding and showing the features of his hand.

RE-RESPONSE FOLLOWING OPENERS NEW SUIT REBID

17 POINTS MAXIMUM (NO REVERSE -NO JUMP)
ANALYZE AND REMEMBER:
By the time the second round of bidding has been concluded, one of the
bidding partners must limit the size of his hand. Therefore, if the opener has
not as yet made a limit bid and you did not make a limit bid with your initial
response, vow is the time. Usually a limit bid will show the maximum strength
of a hand, but you can also, with very good hands, make forcing bids which tell
your partner that game is a certainty and you may have a slam. A forcing bid
made in this position will describe the minimum value of your holding—at
least 13 good points.
Re-response with 6-10 points after Opener’s ove level rebid following
your initial one level response.
Opening Bid: One Diamond
Response: One Heart .
Opener’s Rebid: One Spade (No more than 17 points)
87
 BALANCED AND UNBALANCED HANDS
Example: (A) South’s Hand
N E S W a xxx
10 Pass 19 Pass “hex xx
14 Pass ? Segu ah «
South’s Re-response: Pass wrk xx
Do not be overcome with an irresistible impulse to keep on bidding with
the same puny values when you are not obligated to do so. Unless your partner
is able to make a forcing bid showing eighteen or more points, your chances
of making game are infinitesimal. Your first response is perfectly proper since
you have enough in the way of high cards to keep the bidding open, but bear
in mind that your partner can only assume the more you bid, the more you have.
If your sweet opponents are polite and say “Pass,” then praise Allah and get
this hand over with.
Example: (B) South’s Hand
N E S W &@& xx
lfe ——-Pass 19 Pass OF EO) Tee x
14 Pass ? On 9Q ee
South’s Re-response: Pass hb x
Up to this point it would appear that you have gambled and lost, but don’t
become panic stricken because the chances are excellent that the opponent in
the pass-out position will take some action. If he bows out of the picture grace-
fully by passing, then smile pleasantly at your partner, spread the dummy
neatly, and take a short nap. If the opponent to your left overcalls, your partner,
having heard your pass, now knows that you are in bad shape and will stay
out of the bidding. If the opponent to your left doubles and it goes pass, pass,
you should now try to escape into two Diamonds and hope the roof doesn’t
fall in.
Example: (C) South’s Hand
N E S W & Kxx
10 Pass 19 Pass LW @ ko dipa
14 ? ? OO uQex
& QjJxx
South’s Re-response: One No Trump (8-10 points)
This hand poses no problem whatsoever except to point out that it guaran-
tees just a little bit more when you bid the second time than was needed for
your first response.
Example: (D) South’s Hand
N E S WwW & xx
id Pass 14 Pass OF Rey x x
14 Pass ? © KQxx
hh xx
South’s Re-response: One No Trump (8-10 points)
88
 Forget the 5 - 4 distribution and remember to exercise some judgment in
your choice of bids when bidding again. The bid of some number of No Trump
in this position does not necessarily imply a balanced hand as much as it tells
your partner you have the unbid suit stopped and you are willing to play a
No Trump contract.
Example: (E)
N S W South’s Hand
1d Pass 19 Pass @& xx
14 Pass ? OORK Q x x x
Me hg
& Kxxx
South’s Re-response: Two Clubs (8 - 10 points)
Usually a simple suit preference bid will strongly suggest an inability on
your part to stop the unbid suit. Under no circumstances should your partner
construe this bid as being forward going.
Example: (F)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass @ Kxxx
14 Pass ? OS OSX x
Ook Ss
& KJx
South’s Re-response: Two Spades (8 - 10 points)
REMEMBER: Immediate support for partner's second bid suit can be shown
only with at least four trumps.
Example: (G)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 19 Pass @ xx
14 Pass ? Veen OR ke x 1X
Ooex tx
&® Qxx
South’s Re-response: Two Hearts (8-10 points)
If the bidding is still at the one level and you rebid your own suit 100%,
you promise your partner a six card suit.
Example: (H)
N EB S Ww South’s Hand
jhe Pass 10 Pass @ Kxxx
19 Pass ? Uae ap <
ain Onxex
& jxx
South’s Re-response: One Spade (8- 10 points)
Particular attention should be paid the example above and the one that
follows because they graphically illustrate the manner in which you can avoid
89
getting too high with hands that are misfits, while at the same time you allow
yourself room to get into the right contract at the proper level. Operating on
the premise that you must make a limit bid now, the naming of a new suit in
normal order without jumping means that you have zo more than 10 points.
If the opener has a bad minimum he may pass one Spade, the only absolutely
forcing re-response bid would be a jump to two Spades.

NOTE: Even though there is a bare possibility that your partner may choose
to pass your re-response bid of one Spade, it is recommended that
you take this chance with some balanced 11 or 12 point hands that
contain four Spades. The reason is simple. If you bid two No Trump
and the opener has run out of gas, you may find that you have missed
a fit in Spades and are in the wrong part score contract.
Example: (1)
N S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass @ x
14 Pass ? OD Kets ex
Ox
& KK xx xx
South’s Re-response: Two Clubs (8-10 points)
How many times have you been in the predicament of holding this mon-
strosity opposite the same bidding? If you’ve played at all, this noxious situa-
tion has occurred all too frequently with attending results that have probably
given you nightmares. By limiting the normal order new suit re-response to
no more than 10 points, you effectively escape all traps where the hands are
distributional and no fit exists. Two Clubs is ot forcing and may be passed.
Avoid bidding No Trump. Fix this bidding principle firmly in your mind and
you will escape a lot of points in the minus column.

RE-RESPONSE WITH 6-10 POINTS AFTER OPENER’S TWO LEVEL

REBID FOLLOWING YOUR INITIAL ONE LEVEL RESPONSE
Example:
Opening Bid: One Heart
Response: One Spade
Openet’s Rebid: Two Diamonds (No more than 17 points)

BALANCED AND UNBALANCED HANDS

Example: (A)
N Ss W South’s Hand
10 Pass 1@ ~~ Pass & Qxx =x
24 Pass ? x
. OMS gon
South’s Re-response: Pass & Qxx
90
 As long as your partner's rebid is not a forcing reverse there is no difference
between the one and two levels. Therefore, if you have run out of bids, stop
bidding.
Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass ? APO xX x
2d Pass 14 Pass OK ex
OO esas
oe xx
South’s Re-response: Two Diamonds (6-10 points)
_A suit preference call on your part shows no additional value and is in
reality a negative bid.
Example: (C)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 14 Pass OOK Iaxexex
2% Pass ? Oh ee 3
OK laa x
fm xx
South’s Re-response: Two Hearts (6-10 points)
Don’t consider bidding Diamonds as long as you can safely play some
other suit. Give your partner credit for having brains enough to realize that
you can’t have any more than two Hearts with this bidding, or you would have
raised him immediately rather than first naming the Spade suit. Do not bid
two No Trump.
Example: (D)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 14 Pass & Axxxx
2& Pass ? Wy Be Sc
© Kx
& Qxxx
South’s Re-response: Three Clubs (8 - 10 points)

A mild invitation to proceed further should be extended with this type

of hand, since game is a possibility if the opener started with 16-17 points.
Example: (E)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 19 Pass @4 KJx
2% Pass ? OC) 1S plese ss
CaxLX
de xx
South’s Re-response: Two Hearts (8 - 10 points)
91
 Your refusal to give a preference following a two level new suit rebid
by the opener, and the naming of your same suit again must guarantee six,
without support for either one of your partner’s suits.
Example: (F)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 1@ Pass @& Qjxxx
24 = Pass ? eX
O SR aie
de x
South’s Re-response: Two Diamonds (Not forcing - Misfit)
Your partner should react to this bid as if he were about to fall over a
precipice and only by hanging on to you could he be saved. In other words, he
should make every effort to show you a preference for one of your suits. If he
prefers Diamonds, a pass is certainly permissible. A bid of two No Trump
by the opener should be avoided like the plague.

RE-RESPONSES WITH 11 - 13 POINTS

FOLLOW THIS RULE:
Select the appropriate bid which best fits your hand to extend a strong
invitation to the opener to continue the bidding until game level is reached,
but allow for a bad minimum opening bid by not making an absolutely forcing
bid.
NOTE: On the second round of bidding a jump bid in No Trump, a jump
bid in your own suit, or a jump bid in your partner’s suit are not
absolutely forcing bids.
Example: (A)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 1 Pass @& Kx
14 Pass ? OS Oy xex
O Ocrex
fd Axxx
South’s Re-response: Two No Trump (11 - 13 points, not forcing)
If the opener has the equivalent of a good minimum opening bid or better,
then most assuredly game should be reached, generally in No Trump. If the
opener has a bad minimum opening bid he can assume an atitude of superiority
to his fellow bridge players and demonstrate his great understanding of the
game by uttering the word “pass.”
Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 14 Pass 4 KQxxx
2& Pass ? 0 x
O Aa xs
& Jxx
South’s Re-response: Two No Trump (11-13 points, not forcing)
92 |
 Disregard the distribution of the hand and think in terms of the three
prime contracts that you try to reach whenever possible—No Trump, Hearts,
or Spades. A jump in No Trump would be incorrect on this hand because your
partner has already elevated the level of bidding when he bid two Clubs with
what might be a bad minimum opening bid. Only if the bidding is still at the
one level is it necessary to jump to two No Trump to show 11 - 13 points.
Example: (C)
N E S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 2 Pass & xx
20 Pass ? ORK, J x
Oe) ex
& KQJxx
South’s Re-response: Two No Trump (11 - 13 points), not forcing.

Since you have already responded in a new suit at the two level your part-
ner knows that you have at least eleven points. Therefore, two No Trump
simply means you can handle the Heart suit and have no more than thirteen
points.
Example: (D)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
19 Pass 2d Pass @ Axx
20 Pass ? OL ROEXS x
Or Ow
& KjJxxx
South’s Re-response: Three Hearts (11-13 points, not forcing)
The difference between an immediate jump raise in support of a major
and a delayed jump raise is the number of trumps. Were your hand to contain
four Hearts instead of three, your first response should have been three Hearts
(forcing to game) and not two Clubs. On the surface it may appear unim-
portant how many trumps you have in the combined hands as long as you are
in the majority with at least eight, but think in terms of the more trumps you
possess the fewer losers you'll have on the outside. In this example it is quite
possible that we may lose a trick which we would not normally lose if we had
four trumps. Therefore, we give ourselves a little leeway in the bidding by
leting our partner decide whether to go on to game in Hearts or settle for a
part score. The opener with a bad minimum may pass.
Example: (E)
N S Ww South’s Hand
1) Pass, 419 Pass OK, [ox
14 Pass ? OR AS ex
Oeeek
& Kxx
South’s Re-response: Three Spades (11-13 points, not forcing)
93
 The option of going on or stopping now rests with your partner. Don't
forget that you must have four trumps before you can raise a second bid suit
immediately.
Example: (F)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass & AQJxxx
2% Pass ? OR
OX
& KJx
South’s Re-response: Three Spades (11-13 points, not forcing)
It’s not too difficult to see that if the opener has a bad minimum with a
void or singleton Spade, you may be too high even at the three level. However,
some aggressive action is called for so do the best you can with the tools at your
command. Above all other considerations, be sure to have strength and length
in any suit that you bid twice without support from your partner!

RE-RESPONSE WITH 13-15 POINTS

NOTE: As has been previously mentioned, there is an overlap between the
11-13 point category and the 13-15 point category. As the re-
sponder holding exactly thirteen points, it is necessary for you to
decide into which category your hand fits best. A simple guide to
follow in arriving at the correct conclusion is to consider the trick-
taking ability of your high cards. Aces and Kings take tricks. Queens
and Jacks frequently take nothing but air.
FOLLOW THIS RULE:
Either bid game or make a bid forcing to game. Any reverse, new suit bid
at the three level, or a jump in a new suit, by the responder is a force to game.
Example: (A)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
10 Pass 14 Pass @4 AQxxx
2% Pass ? OTA Ox
OF x
& Qxx
South’s Re-response: Three No Trump (13-15 points)
With this type of hand there can certainly be no reason to do anything
other than the obvious, just bid game and start taking tricks.
Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 2d Pass @& Qx
29 Pass ? 9 Kxxx
OR
hb AQxxx
South’s Re-response: Four Hearts (13-15 points)
94
 This is not a close out bid. As the partner of the four Heart bidder, don’t
come up with some lame-brain comment after the hand is over and you’ve made
six, that you thought your partner just wanted to play game. The opener with
16-17 points opposite this bidding should try for a slam, but with 12-15
points he should fade away quietly into the night.
Example: (C)
N E S W South’s Hand
iV Pass 14 Pass @ KO J 10 xx x
20 Pass ? 9 Q
OM TN Sie 8'e
& xx
South’s Re-response: Four Spades (13-15 points)
No one knows what the outcome on a hand like this may be, but the pic-
ture you try to draw for your partner is one reflecting great joy in a Spade con-
tract and nausea at the prospect of anything else.
Example: (D)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 2c Pass & Ax
20 Pass ? DOs) xix
OFLO x
&® KQxxx
South’s Re-response: Four Hearts (13 - 15 points)

This hand is just a little too strong for an initial jump raise in Hearts.
By naming another suit first and then jumping to game in the major, you can
accurately show the true value of your hand.
Example: (E)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
19 Pass 1@ Pass @ AKxxx
2 Pass ? a
OK exe
& Kxxx
South’s Re-response: Three Diamonds (Game force, minimum 13 points)

In any given situation where you know the hand belongs in game or pos-
sibly slam, but need additional information before setting the final contract,
make full use of forcing bids. Your bid of three Diamonds instead of four
Clubs will enable your partner to do two things which he couldn’t do other-
wise. First, he can bid at either the three or four level, giving the partnership
more bidding room, and secondly, he can better describe his distribution and
point count values when he knows that you are in control.
95
 RE-RESPONSES WITH 16 or MORE POINTS

FOLLOW THIS RULE:

In this position a forcing bid below game level should now be made by
reversing, jumping in a new suit, or by naming a new suit at the three level.
Example: (A)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 2 Pass @ Ax
20 ‘Pass ? O (Ky xx
> Qx
& AQxxx
South’s Re-response: Two Spades (Reverse, force to game)

It is entirely unimportant whether you actually have the fourth suit or

not, because quite obviously the final contract will wind up in some number
of Hearts. The purpose of your two Spade call is to obtain more information
from your partner about the strength and distribution of his hand.
Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Pass 14 Pass @ KQxxx
2% Pass ? OMX
> AQ
&® KQxxx
South’s Re-response: Three Diamonds (Force to game)

It is hard to conceive of any holding your partner might have opposite

your hand that would not produce at least a small slam, but let it suffice to
say there are some. Furthermore, on the happy side of life, there are many
hands your partner might have with which you could make a grand slam.
Therefore, in serving your best interests, take time to explore thoroughly the
potential of all big hands.
Example: (C)
N E S W South’s Hand
14 Pass 2© Pass @® Kx
29 Pass ? 0" ALO s
© KQxxxx
bh x
South’s Re-response: Three Clubs (Force to game)
96 |
 CHAPTER IV (Part 2) Review Questions
As the Responder: Properly evaluate and Re-respond with each of the follow-
ing hands.
Example: Opening Bid: 1 Heart
Response: 1 Spade
Rebid: 2 Hearts
Responder’s Hand:
@ AJxxx
OK
OF Ke Or x
he x
Proper Evaluation: 15 Pts. Re-response: 4 Hearts
Opening Bid: 1 Diamond Response: 1 Spade Rebid: 2 Diamonds
@4 KQxxx OOK = xix @ AKxxx
Vera sx XX 0 Ox s al ES
© Void o .O-x Ome ke xex
& xxx & AKxx & Axx
DE. BORG s ce Pek ReR. RE. ReR.

Opening Bid: 1 Heart Response: 2 Clubs Rebid: 2 Hearts

@ xx @ Kx 4 AQx
OT Se is Orx VEX
OK exes OSes BaeVig Oi OOP lex x
& AQJxx ek xx & KQxxx
| EG CS | Selita PE: ReR. PE ReR.

Opening Bid: 1 Club Response: 1 Diamond Rebid: 1 Heart

@4 KJxx 4 KQxx @ AJx
eX XX. URNS eb Sb¢ OEE x
iy x xX Ce x Ook XeX
& xx hb x fe jJxx
PE, ReR. PE = ReR. Pie 2 Reh:

Opening Bid: 1 Diamond Response: 1 Spade Rebid: 2 Clubs

& AO x xx & Kxxxx @ Axxxx
xx PS 9 AQ
meek X ON NONie oe Onn Xa X aX
& Qxx &m Axx & Kx
Ee, ReR. PE, ReR. Pit eee ek
Di,
 THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN BIDDING LIMIT BIDS
Although it may appear to the reader that this brief summation of the
philosophy of aggressive bidding and the methods employed to apply this
philosophy, outlined in Chapters I through IV inclusive, is entirely superfluous,
it is the feeling on the part of this writer that one certain basic bidding princi-
ple cannot be mentioned either too often or emphasized too strongly.
Providing the participants at the bridge table are more or less equal in
card playing ability and Lady Luck is impartial in bestowing her favors, the
outcome of the game, plus or minus, for the players, wathhehi i
iddi he formulation and the development of a
logical method by which information can best be exchanged between an offen-
sive bidding partnership is in the content of the preceding four chapters. There
are two prime objectives:
1, Find the proper place to play the contract.
2. Determine the proper /evel for the contract.
It is certainly not the most difficult thing in the world for average players
to reach their first objective. By merely naming their best suits, most of the
time they would be able to stumble into a place to play the contract, but this
is only a part of the bidding job to be completed.
' eee a Lists . slealaiadabi
.jobFor a partnership to function smoothly and accurately in the bidding ssit.ts
e ids. These
limit bids are the backbone of any good bidding system and are your keys to
better results at the bridge table. Without bids to limit the size of a hand, Con-
tract Bridge bidding would be 50% guesswork. By referring frequently t
t Reébidssby the Opefiervand GhapterdVeon Rebidsyby the Responder,
you will soon remember all the point values attributed to any limit bid and be
able to respond almost automatically to any bidding situation.
It has been by design that competition from the defending side has been
deleted from the foregoing examples, because in many cases this would simply
confuse the issue. Without going into the matter at great length, let it suffice
to say that at this time the only important consideraion is for the meaning of
the bids by the opener and responder to be clearly understood.

98
 CHAPTER V
FINALIZING THE CONTRACT AND SLAM BIDDING
Acting on the assumption that, by now, at the conclusion of the second
round of bidding, either the opener or the responder has made a limit bid show-
ing a certain number of points, we are ready to place the final contract. Naturally
this does not mean that, once the bidding is opened, you always complete at
least two rounds of bidding before settling on a final contract. Many times
the auction is closed after 1, 2, 3 or 4 bids have been made.
The offensive bidding pair’s position can be likened to an army game
with just a captain and a private participating. The limit bidder is the private.
Having told his story he should sit back quietly and await orders from the
captain. It is immaterial who makes the limit bid, the opener or the responder.
The captain of the team is always the hand opposite the one which makes the
limit bid.
There is ove exception. If no maximum limit bids have been made by either
the opener or the responder and one or the other of the partners makes an
unlimited forcing bid, that player arbitrarily becomes the captain and takes
control of the bidding.
In the following illustration and explanations observe how easy it is for
the captain to decide where the contract should be played and how many points
he should legitimately aspire to gain from the information supplied to him from
his partner.

NO TRUMP BIDDING
AFTER OPENING ONE NO TRUMP (1514-17 points).
1. Reaching Game with two Suiters (No Stayman).
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ KJjJxx & x .
Ve O2x OK) ease
CUEASxex Os EIS SOR
&® AQxx fe x
N E S W
1 NT Pass 39 Pass
3NT_ Pass 4© Pass
4Y Pass Pass Pass
It is quite apparent from the distribution of the South hand that a suit
contract should be played instead of No Trump. Quite conceivably, if the hands
fit perfectly and the opening No Trump bidder has three Aces and one of the
oo
red Queens, the combined hands will produce a small slam. As the responder
to an opening No Trump, remember it is necessary to jump in a suit other than
Clubs to get your partner to bid again. A response of two Diamonds, two Hearts
or two Spades will demand that the opening No Trump bidder pass. Notice that
the opener’s rebid after your three Heart call in this example, is three No
Trump. This bid denies as many as three or four cards in the responder’s major
suit and does not in any way show the size of the opening No Trump. With
three or more cards in his partner's major suit, the opening No Trump bidder
should automatically raise his partner’s suit to game.

2. Reaching Slam with two Suiters (No Stayman).

Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
Ax & x
Ow KO 0: wAox
OTA OVE AY OPS Eka
& Ax b&b Ose
N E S WwW
1 NT Pass 3© Pass
4© Pass Se Pass
60 Pass Pass Pass

After a jump response in a minor, the opening No Trump bidder should

select from his choice of rebids carefully. Immediate support for the minor
will indicate a willingness to play slam and show very good support for the
responder’s suit, usually four in number. Without very good support for his
partner’s minor suit, the opening No Trump bidder should either bid a four
card suit at the three level, if possible, or rebid three No Trump. In this illustra-
tion the opener not only has good support, but has a maximum No Trump,
so full speed ahead.

3. Playing Part Scores with Non-Forcing Staymen.

Example: (A)
North’s Hand South’s Hand
@& KJ Oo x xe ex
Of Ags x OF Ors
Oe KO? ok ek
& Kxxx bh Ox

N E S W
iNT 2Pass 2 Pass
(Stayman)
29 Pass Pass Pass

100
 Lloyd's of London won't insure this contract for their minimum rate, but
they will consider you a far better tisk in two Hearts than in one No Trump.
Example: (B)
North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ Axx @ J1l0xxx
OK xx WES oe
OPO PExix Oa xex
& AQx &® Kxxx
N E S Ww
1NT Pass 2 Pass
(Stayman)
20 Pass 2 Pass
Pass Pass
Don’t forget that any suit bid at the two level by the responder, other
than Clubs after his partner’s opening No Trump, demands that the No Trump
bidder pass.
4. Reaching Game after using Non-Forcing Stayman.
Example: (A)
North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ Ax @& KJxx
0 4QO x Ore Ko xa x
OO xx Oo Xe x
& Axxx & KQx
N E S W
1NT Pass 2d Pass
(Stayman)
20 Pass 3NT Pass
Pass Pass Pass
Mote often than not an extra trick can be produced from the combined
hands where a suit contract can be played with at least four opposite four. It
costs nothing to explore hands by using non-forcing Stayman when you have
reason to do so and are prepared for your partnet’s response.
Example: (B)
North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ Kxxx OQ: eerx
URE AO xx AN Sp
oa x ONO xox x
& Kxx fm Axx
N E S W
1NT Pass 2 Pass
(Stayman)
29 Pass 3.NT Pass
4h Pass Pass Pass
101
 Most players, in responding to the two Club Stayman bid, would reply
two Spades with four each of both majors, but this writer's experience indicates
that an opposite position should be taken for this reason: if the responder has
a bad unbalanced hand with five Hearts and three Spades, he can never use
non-forcing Stayman in an effort to play two Hearts from the No Trump bid-
der’s side of the table.
Observe carefully the final bid of four Spades by North. This bid could
never be made unless the opening No Trump bidder knew that his partner
was prepared for at least one of the majors. REMEMBER THIS RULE: Never
use Stayman without at least four cards in one of the major suits.
Example: (C)
North’s Hand South’s Hand
& Qxx @& Kx
OO SKSOsx 0 FA eae
One Ag eax Oo, xekt
&® Axx & Kxxx

N E S Ww
1 NT Pass 2&0 Pass
(Stayman)
2© Pass 39Y Pass
4Q Pass Pass Pass
As the responder, be sure to jump the bidding when you have enough
points to justify reaching game. When using non-forcing Stayman this is neces-
sary; otherwise you will find yourself playing a part score when you should
be in game or slam.
5. Getting to Slam after Stayman.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ AjJxx @ KQxxx
OF Ox WE Hess
Oru welube Ss OOO es
& KQxx b& Ax
N E S W
1 NT Pass 2% (Stayman) Pass
2@ Pass 4 (Gerber) Pass
4@ Pass 5 (Gerber) Pass
59 Pass 66 Pass

THE GERBER FOUR CLUB SLAM CONVENTION

A common and widely used asking bid for determining the number of
Aces and Kings in a partner's hand after an opening one or two No Trum
bid is the Gerber Convention. It is put into effect any time the responder skips
102
from the one or two levels and bids four Clubs; this will ask the opening No
Trump bidder to show his Aces in the following manner:
PW itine NOPACES hes cc 4 Diamonds
NICE BOMACEI Cite ec a so an ee 4 Hearts
Opel OmACCS ee pO ce tk So oe eee 4 Spades
‘TCS OTE So 4 No Trump
GE OU MACES RE eo oe 4 Diamonds
After Aces have been shown, a bid of five Clubs will ask for Kings. The
responses are the same except the information is conveyed at the five level.
Providing enough points are present in the combined hands to justify
trying for a slam and you have found the right spot to play the contract, “grab
the bull by the horns” and place the final contract.

AFTER OPENING TWO NO TRUMP (22-23 points)

1. Reaching Game with two Suiters.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@& AKx @® xxxxxx
Oks Ox x YO void
OFLOWex Cee x
be AQJ hh xx
N E S W
2NT Pass 3a Pass
4h Pass Pass Pass
Any response at the three level will force the opening two No Trump
bidder to bid again. In the event the opener had rebid three No Trump, four
Diamonds would be the next call for the responder.
2. Reaching Slam with two Suiters.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@& Kx ATARS Ox Xa
9 AKJx ax
OPA Ox x OT KSxexex? x
& KQx bh x
N E S W
2NT Pass 3a Pass
3NT Pass 4 Pass
5O Pass 6O Pass
Pass Pass

As the responder, don’t worry about jumping in Diamonds over three

No Trump. The hand is committed to game after a response has been made to
an opening bid of two No Trump.
103
3. Getting to Game after Stayman.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& Ax 4°Q°e xx
Virsa) ex Ox Xx ex
CEA Orex Cae
& AKx hm Qxxx

N E S W
2) NNToi Pass 3g (Stayman) Pass
30 Pass, 40 Pass
Pass Pass

Bear in mind it is the hand opposite the opening two No Trump bidder
who is the captain of the team. Under no circumstance should the opener
take any action over four Hearts, except to pass.

4, Getting to Slam after Stayman.

Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@& Kxx @ AQxxx
9 AKQx 9 xx
o> KQx O “Aexaaex
& AQx fe xx

N E S We
2 NT Pass 3 (Stayman) Pass
39 Pass 34 Pass
4& Pass 4 NT (Blackwood) Pass
5Q (2 Aces) Pass 5 NT (Blackwood) Pass
6@ (3 Kings) Pass Pass Pass
Any new suit bid at the three level by the responder is always forcing
upon the opener to bid again, therefore it is perfectly safe for South to bid
just three Spades after North’s reply of three Hearts to Stayman.
No misunderstanding should develop from South’s four No Trump
(Blackwood) bid because it is obvious that, if South wanted to play No Trump
and wasn’t interested in the majors, he would not have bid three Clubs (Stay-
man) initially.

AFTER OPENING THREE NO TRUMP (24-26 points)

A long discussion on the responses to an opening three No Trump bid would
be a waste of time. If you can add you should be able to figure out what to do.
Try for slam with eight points, bid a small slam with nine to twelve points,
and go all the way with thirteen or more. Four Clubs (Stayman) can be used
if the responder has as many as nine cards in the majors. Otherwise it should
be avoided.
104
 AFTER OPENING TWO DEMAND BIDS
1. Reaching Game after Negative Response.
North’s Hand South’s Hand
S270 | x x x @ xx
Vk We Otxaxes x
Oe TAG Ke Ovxsx Cnelexe%
& x fe xxx
N E S WW
2@ (force to game) Pass 2 INT Pass
30 Pass (No Tricks)
aN Pass
4h Pass (No preference) Pass
Pass

Since an opening two bid in a suit represents a hand where game can be
made without any high card support, the partner of the two bidder has but
two simple functions to perform. The first of these functions is to show either
the presence or the absence of a taking trick. Two No Trump denies any tricks.
An immediate single raise in the two bidder’s suit will show a trick and a fit
in that suit. The naming of a new suit by the responder will also show a trick,
usually in the bid suit. The second function of the responder is to show by
inference his perference for suits bid by the opener. In the example, the re-
sponder has no marked preference and denies a fit in either Spades or Diamonds
with the re-response of three No Trump.

2. Stopping at Game after a Positive Response.

North’s Hand South’s Hand
4&4 KQ a@& xxx
PE oa |S) ip ca aa Om x
Y Void Ore AI Ke OIx? x
be AQIx hm xxx

N E S W
29 Pass 3© Pass
39 Pass 40 Pass
4Q Pass Pass Pass

By responding with three and four Diamonds, South confirms two taking
tricks in his hand, but quite properly should give up the ghost when the opener
is content to play four Hearts. The captain is the two demand bidder, since
his hand is undisclosed and unlimited.
105
3. Carrying on to Slam.
North’s Hand South’s Hand
& A @® xxx
Ven Aaa UO" KiOee x
Oo RUIRGO aia Xex o x
& KQ0 fm Axxxx
N E S W
2© Pass 3a Pass
30 Pass 39 Pass
4 NT (Blackwood) Pass 50 Pass
UNE Pass 6O Pass
7 NT Pass Pass Pass
The opener knows that this grand slam is ironclad because the responder
has made two positive bids denoting two taking tricks. Remember, only Aces,
Kings and King-Queen combinations are evaluated as tricks. Therefore, since
South did not have two Kings, he must have had the King-Queen of Hearts
to justify his second positive response.

AFTER OPENING PRE-EMPTS

1. Reaching Game after Below Game Pre-empt.
North’s Hand South’s Hand
& x @ AJxxx
Ose Ke Ox) caceex V pax
Ou es Oe Thos 58
& Qxxx bh Ax
N E S W
39 Pass 34 Pass
4QY Pass Pass Pass

With three sure tricks it certainly is worth getting to game. Nevertheless,

if the King of Clubs is behind the Queen, and the opponents lead trump, the
contract will probably be defeated. Any new suit bid below game level by the
responder is a one round force.
2. Jumping to Slam after Pre-empts.
North - South Vulnerable
North’s Hand South’s Hand
OK J10ex xexex @ Axx
Y void Ome ASXax
OR AKG OY a4 3% CA Tso
& xx & KQJxx
N E S W
3h Pass 6&@ Pass
Pass Pass
 Holding four plus tricks and control cards in each suit Opposite a vulner-
able pre-empt, the responder should consider a slam most feasible. Leave the
Opponents guessing on opening lead and try the direct approach.

FOLLOWING RESPONDER’S SINGLE RAISE IN A MAJOR

1, Stopping below Game after further Exploration.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
Oa Ov} xx @ 10xx
axes UO RON X
Oo Kx Oa nAex %
b& Ajxx he xx

N E S W
14 Pass 24 Pass
3é@ (asking bid) Pass 3@ Pass
Pass Pass

The outcome of this deal is secondary; the meaning of the bids is the
important thing. The opener has every right to make a further effort to reach
game by naming a new suit at the three level; three Clubs cannot be passed.
Since the responder, with his limit raise, may have anywhere between six to
ten points inclusive, the three Club bid asks him to define the point spread of
his hand more accurately. By returning again to his partner's suit at the lowest
available level he describes his point count as being in the six to eight point
minimum category. Depending on the distribution of his hand, the responder
with nine to ten points should either jump to game in his partner’s bid suit,
bid game in No Trump, or name a new suit. Any of the preceding forward-
going bids will describe a maximum limit response.

2. Reaching Game after further Exploration.

Example: (A)
North’s Hand South’s Hand
@& xx @ Axx
VAG OEX XS Oe) eX
OA K x xx OF XeKX
h x hm Axx

N E S Ww
19 Pass 20 Pass
3© (asking bid) Pass 49 Pass
Pass Pass
107
Example: ies)—
North’s
moa
oO Hand South’s Hand
@ AKxx a& xx
Or Vy {Sees
> x © Chae ex
& Ox & Axxx
N E S W
19 Pass 29 Pass
2@ (asking bid) Pass 2NT Pass
3 NT Pass Pass Pass
In this sequence any new suit bid by the opener is a one round force. Re-
sponder’s bid of two No Trump shows nine or ten points with something in the
other two unbid suits, while at the same time denying as many as four Hearts.
Example: (C)
North’s Hand South’s Hand
@& KQx & xxx
ee Sad Eo > OO es
ERS 1 FA Raxasos
& AQxx & xx
N E S W
19 Pass 22 Pass
3ée (asking bid) Pass 30 Pass
4Q Pass Pass Pass
Very seldom should a partnership try to play a No Trump contract when
it has found a fit in a major. Normally one hand or the other will contain some
roughing values, thereby making it easier to take ten tricks in a suit contract
than nine in No Trump.
FOLLOWING RESPONDER’S SINGLE RAISE IN A MINOR
1. Stopping below Game after further Exploration.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ xx @& xx
0 D@rses Oo xox
Oo AON ss © Boxes
& Kx & QjJxxx
N E S W
10 Pass 20 Pass
29 (asking bid) Pass 30 Pass
Pass Pass
Many times your asking bid serves a multiple purpose, after your partner
has given you a simple raise. Not only do you give yourself a chance to get to
game if your partner has a good raise for you, but you make it much more
108
difficult for the opponents to compete. If you are forced to defend against
either the opponents’ competitive bidding or final contract, your partner has
a much better idea of what to do both defensively and offensively.
2. Arriving at Game in No Trump.
Example: (A)
North’s Hand South’s Hand
& Kx @& Axx
Oa aXex Ox
© Ack Osan
& AKxxx & Qxxxx
N E S W
lee Pass 2d Pass
20 (asking bid) Pass 2NT Pass
3 NT Pass Pass Pass
As the responder, with stops in the other two suits and nine points, by
all means bid two No Trump. Do not respond initially with one No Trump
after your partner has opened with one Club unless the opponent to your
right overcalls.
Example: (B)
North’s Hand South’s Hand
& KQxx @ xx
Om AL O-x WE Ses ess
Oren OLX xx Ou lex sax
& J & AQxx
N E S W
10 Pass 20 Pass
2a Pass 3a Pass
3NT Pass Pass Pass
This is an opposite stand to that of the major suit theory with a minor
suit fit, because eleven tricks are required to make game in the minors. If
enough points are present in the combined hands to justify being in game with
a fit in a minor suit, every effort should be made to explore the possibility of
the hand being played at game in No Trump.
3. Getting to Game in the Minor Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ AJjJxx Ot
YQ void OF O°x
OME ALOT XAX IS -X Om xx
& Qxx & KJxxx
N E S W
10 Pass 20 Pass
2@ (asking bid) Pass 34 Pass
5° Pass Pass Pass
109
 When your partner bids three Clubs showing nine or ten points and
strength in Clubs, don’t dog the bidding by doing anything other than get-
ting to game right now. Columbus took a chance, so should you.

THE BLACKWOOD CONVENTION

As almost every bridge player knows, Blackwood is an Aces and Kings
asking convention. Its function in the bidding is pointed and clear, yet it is
one of the most abused and misused aids to the average player's trying for
slams ever inserted into Contract Bridge bidding. There is certainly nothing
wrong with the convention, but all too frequently it is used at the wrong times.
To quote from Mr. Blackwood’s own writings on his convention: “During the
preliminary rounds of bidding a player must make certain that Blackwood will
produce better results than either cue bidding or a direct try for slam.” Generally
speaking, the Blackwood convention should be employed only when the bid-
ding pair has exchanged enough information back and forth to let them know
where they are going to play the contract and that there are enough points
and tricks in the combined hands to give them a good run at making a slam.
The Blackwood convention comes into play when the bid of four No Trump
is made by either one of the bidding players and is answered as follows by
the responder:
5 ChaDS iis este att ota eer No Aces
5 Diamonds 2.4.3 ee Se One Ace
5 H@atts. ec: ate ree Two Aces
5 Spades’ x ccuyeec ee Three Aces
5 Club sicsnistantiet cuca ae hee tee Four Aces
Following the responder’s answer to four No Trump asking for Aces,
five No Trump will ask for Kings. The number of Kings is shown in the same
way as Aces, but at the six level.

FOLLOWING RESPONDER’S JUMP RAISE IN A MAJOR

1. Stopping at Game after Slam try.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ AO xx x aK if xex
VY) Rex 9 Qx
Se pe 3 OA lex
& AQJx h& xxx

N E S W
14 Pass 34 Pass
4de Pass 4. Pass
Pass Pass
 In response to the opener’s four Club rebid, South should not show the
Diamond control with only a minimum three Spade limit raise. With a good
twelve or thirteen points for his three Spade jump bid, South should accept
the opener’s invitation to go beyond game and re-respond with four Diamonds.
If the opener’s hand is strong enough he may still go on, but do not encourage
him to commit suicide.
2. Reaching Slam after Cue Bidding.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ Axx a& xx
DNC es ee ere Ay x x
ex OF A ex ex
& AQJx & Kxx
N E S Ww
Ev) Pass 39 Pass
3@ (cue bid) Pass 4 (cue bid) Pass
40 (cue bid) Pass 4NT Pass
5U Pass 5 NT Pass
60 Pass 69 Pass
Pass Pass
This is not an extreme example of cue bidding. Many bridge players are
under the impression that only first round controls can or should be shown, but
this is a fallacy. Once a cue bidding sequence has been started, if you skip a
suit you tell your partner that you do not have either first or second round con-
trol in the suit that you have omitted mentioning on your way up the bidding
scale. A great many times the showing of a second round control by one of the
partners is the answer to an otherwise impossible slam problem.
FOLLOWING RESPONDER’S JUMP RAISE IN A MINOR
1. Settling on Game in No Trump.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& xx @4 AQx
eA OrxX>x OX X
OK Ox x x OF Tel BESS ROD
& Ax & Qxx
N E S W
10 Pass 3© Pass
39 Pass 3NT Pass
Pass Pass
The opener, without any semblance of a stop in Spades should not barge
into three No Trump or bid beyond the three No Trump level. By showing
the Heart suit to be under control he transfers the bidding problem to his part-
ner who can better determine what to do. In this instance an obvious game
attempt in No Trump should be made from the South hand.
111
2. Reaching Game in the agreed upon Minor Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& Axx @4 KQx
UES S52 OES
OR Orx Oo” Aas
& AJxxx & Kxxxx

N E S W
1e Pass 3a Pass
30 Pass 3a Pass
Ade Pass Sc Pass
Pass __Pass
Many are the players who would either bite the dust in three No Trump
or give up the ship below game in Clubs. By naming the Diamond and Spade
suits after the very good Club fit has been established, the partnership knows
that these suits are under control. At the same time North knows that South
has nothing in Hearts, thereby eliminating a possible No Trump contract. The
opener’s four Club bid leaves the final decision up to his partner. The re-
sponder may pass or carry on to game in Clubs. With the majority of his values
in high cards, he should try for game at five Clubs.
3. Carrying on to Slam in the Minor Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& x @ Axx
OO AES OMKex
OKO xox tex OTE Wiecd #25.
& AQx he Jxx

N E S W
10 Pass 30 Pass
39 Pass 3 NT Pass
4d& Pass 49 (cue bid) Pass
4 NT (Blackwood) Pass 5° Pass
60 Pass Pass Pass
Anytime the opener takes out a game contract into a new suit below game
level, do not be afraid to cue bid and show where your control cards are located.
As you can see, it is of paramount importance to the opener to know that you
have a control in Hearts. Were the responder to skip the four Heart bid and
bid four Spades instead, the opener should not try for anything beyond five
Diamonds.
112
 Following Responder’s Pre-emptive jump in both Major’s and Minor’s—
Trying for Slam.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
&@ Axxx a x
Ve AKG Xe eX Vie Oe aXe x
on Bi sis a ake xa X ax
& AQx he x
N E S W
19 Pass 49 Pass
69 Pass Pass Pass
After a pre-emptive raise there is no scientific way of knowing what the
combined hands are really worth. As the opener, all you know is that your
partner’s hand contains a lot of distribution with comparatively few high cards.
Blasting into slam is as good an approach to the problem as any, but do not
consider going beyond game without first round controls in at least three of
the four suits. Predicating a slam on points under these bidding conditions
is a joke. Aces and voids take tricks; points count in Gin Rummy.
AFTER A ONE NO TRUMP RESPONSE
1. Stopping Below Game in a Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
ORI xx x & xx
UP OM Oa sxXexe xx
One) OATES Xx
&® Kjxx & Qx
N E Ss Ww
1@ Pass 1NT Pass
2% Pass 20 Pass
Pass _ Pass
No one cares for this type of hand, but they do come up more often than
most people realize. As the opener, with an unbalanced hand, if you possess
a second suit lower in rank than your first bid suit and your partner responds
with one No Trump, your rebid should be in the second suit at the next avail-
able level. After one No Trump, if the responder names a third suit, and
you have no fit, by all means pass quickly and never consider going back to
the No Trump.
2. Reaching Game in a Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ FAN) x x x & x
De ay xX Oa OTxe ake X
OE: Ome a kexex
& Axx & Kxx
N E S W
14 Pass TENT Pass
29 Pass 4Q Pass
Pass _ Pass
13
 Initially the respondet’s hand appeared none too good. But after the
opener had rebid Hearts, the responder’s hand increased in size almost two-
fold. The fit in Hearts makes the difference.
3. Reaching Game in No Trump.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@& KQxxx & xx
0 KOx O ies
OA xs O02 Oe xe
he x & AQxx
N E S W
14 Pass 1NT Pass
20 Pass 3© Pass
39 Pass 3NT_ Pass
Pass Pass
When South raises Diamonds, the opener knows that his partner has
nine or ten points, and between the two hands there are enough points to play .
a game contract. The bid of three Hearts invites the responder to try No Trump
out for size if he is well fixed in Clubs.
AFTER A TWO NO TRUMP RESPONSE
1. Game in No Trump.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
4 K Jx xx @ Ax
OK x YO jx
Ore Onlex © K 10x
te xx & QJxx=x
N E S W
14 Pass 2NT Pass
3NT Pass Pass Pass
Don’t bother with Diamonds or anything else—just raise No Trump.
In answer to a major suit opening, a response of two No Trump denies as
many as three cards in the opener’s major suit.
2. Game in a Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ void 4 KjJx
0" KiQecixex Wx
OAL ix xe 0 WE 10 nae
hb xx & AQxx
N E S W
19 Pass 2NT Pass
30 Pass 3 NT Pass
4© Pass 5° Pass
Pass __Pass |
114
 Five Diamonds is a far more attractive game contract than three No Trump
even though eleven tricks are needed to get home free.

3. On to Slam in a Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ x & A) x
chee xox VROR Or
OMNIS OR xx O AMS
& AJx & Qi0xx

N E 5 W
10 Pass 2NT Pass
30 (reverse) Pass 4© Pass
4NT (Blackwood) Pass 50 Pass
60 Pass Pass Pass
The responder knows after the three Heart call that the opener is loaded
for bear and a slam is in the offing. The responder should hasten to show the
fit in Diamonds and not rebid three No Trump.

4. On to Slam in No Trump.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ Ax @ K 10x
OEP AGO RG x OM Kex
CAO x x OM AELOEX
& Kx & QjJxxx

N 18 S W
19 Pass 2NT Pass
6NT Pass Pass Pass
With a horse in every stall and points by the bucketful, the opener need
do no more than just count up to 20 and fly into slam. Remember, an immediate
response of two No Trump is a force to game and shows a balanced hand con-
taining twelve to fourteen points.

15
 CHAPTER V (Part 1) Review Questions

As the Opener: Rebid with each of the following hands:

Example: Opening Bid: 1 No Trump
Response: 3 Hearts
Opener’s Hand:
@ KQx
> Kax
Oa aX eX
& Kx x
Rebid: 4 Hearts
Opening Bid: 1 No Trump Response: 3 Diamonds
@ Ax a Arlx @& Kxx
OE AO pos OG Aa exx Oe ohn On ex
ee Fe aes On ek oy eke
&® KJxx & AKxx & Axx
Rebid: Rebid: Rebid:

Opening Bid: 1 Heart Response: 2 Hearts

& Ax &® xx @® AQxx
Va A Ose vax OU RVOr] 22x OFA xe eex
OLE OA xe x OX
&’ KQxx & Kx & Kxx
Rebid: Rebid: Rebid:

Opening Bid: 1 Club Response: 3 Clubs

@ Kx x @ Ax & xx
O eA xns OD WARIS Xex 0 KO
Oe OU OrExTx On Ae Fax
& KJx & AQxxx &® Kxxxx
Rebid: Rebid: Rebid:

Opening Bid: 1 Spade Response: 2 No Trump

OA OR xs 4 KQxxx 4 QjJ10xxx
Ve Ors Y void O iAzOrx
O eis lexex OS ASX Ox
& Qx & AQxx & Kxx
Rebid: Rebid: Rebid:
116
 AFTER OPENER’S RAISE FOR THE RESPONDER’S SUIT
1. Stopping Below Game in Suit Contract.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& i LOR @ jJ10xxx
V) x x UO MALX
© atl Og tee Vex
of xx & KQxx

E S Ww
Pass 14 Pass
Pass 3&0 Pass
30 Pass 3 Pass
Pass Pass
Holding eleven to twelve points, the responder should make another bid,
which will in turn ask the opener more closely to define the limits of his hand
and state the number of trumps in support of the agreed upon suit. In the ex-
ample, three Diamonds confirms a bad twelve to thirteen point minimum open-
ing and only three Spades. The opener, with the same point count and four
Spades, should take the hand back to Spades at the three level instead of re-
bidding Diamonds.

2. Stopping below Game in No Trump.

Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
4 x x @& KQx
v/ AQx VRE ee ae oo
© nO xx x ema
hb xe Xex & AJx

E S W
10 Pass 19 Pass
20 Pass Z NT Pass
Pass Pass
The opener with four Hearts might choose to rebid three Hearts. This
does not show any more than twelve to thirteen points.
117
3. Artiving at Game in the agreed upon Suit.

Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand

@ AJxx @ KQxx
> OE Xa xa

Oo AR Kee ax
& xxx & AQxx

N E Ss W

10 Pass 14 Pass

2 Pass 3a Pass

44 Pass Pass Pass

With four Spades and fourteen points in support of Spades, a jump to

game would be the order of the day in this bidding sequence.

4. Pushing on to game in No Trump.

Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand

a& xx 4 AQx
OS ASORX ETN Re es

© Kexx O° _O=
& KQxxx & jxx

N E S W
lf = Pass 19 Pass
29 Pass 2NT Pass

3 NT Pass Pass _ Pass

Accept the invitation to play game with a fourteen to fifteen point good
minimum opener.

118
5. Reaching Slam after Exploration.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ xx @ Axx
ORK ES eX Oe xs x
OAS x Oax
PAK x x & QJx
N E S W
life — Pass 19 Pass
29 Pass ~=—s 3 (forcing) — Pass
490 Pass 4 (cue bid) Pass
5°
69 Pass Pass Pass
Barring an extreme trump split, where all four of the outstanding Hearts
are in one of the opponent’s hands, twelve tricks can be taken with no problem
whatever. Nevertheless, very few bridge players would get to slam with these
combined holdings. Let’s examine the hands and clarify the meaning of each
bid after the opener has raised to two Hearts. Three Clubs is a one round force.
As far as the opener is concerned, he has been asked further to define the
value of his hand. The four Heart bid says, ‘Partner, I have fourteen to fifteen
points and four Hearts.” Four Spades is a cue bid showing a control in Spades
and a desire on the part of the responder to try for slam. Five Clubs shows
Club control. Five Hearts is a sign off, but the opener should stop and analyze
the bidding up to this point. How could the responder be interested in slam
and now, after a positive bid of five Clubs, want to terminate the auction?
The answer is obvious. He must need a control in Diamonds. Without a crystal
ball your partner has no way of knowing that you have the Ace of Diamonds.
Therefore, North is the one to bid the slam.

AFTER OPENER’S JUMP RAISE IN THE RESPONDER’S SUIT

1. Stopping at Game in Both Majors and Minors.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@4 KQxx @ Jxxxx
Ox OesACX XX
Ome OX X On x x
& AjJxx & Kx
N E S W
10 Pass 14 Pass
34 Pass 44 Pass
Pass Pass
Since the bidding limits for jump raises in both the majors and minors are
well defined to show exactly sixteen or seventeen points and very good trump
support, the responder should be content to play game on all hands containing
£19
eight to twelve points inclusive. When suit fit points are added, some twelve
point responding hands may be investigated with slam ideas in mind.

2. Proceeding to Slam in the agreed upon Suit.

Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ Ax @ KQx
Oe Ta iekex 0 A Ore
aes Oeexes
& KJxxx & Qxx

N E S W
1 Pass 19 Pass
39 Pass 3@ (cue bid) Pass
4@ (control) Pass 5Q (asking bid) Pass
69 Pass Pass Pass
It is not always possible to pinpoint the location of all your values. Some-
times you run out of bidding room. In this example the Diamond control is
the key to the partnership reaching slam. Any time a major suit has been agreed
upon as the place to play the contract and two of the other three suits have been
cue bid, a jump to the five level in the major by either partner will ask his op-
posite number to bid a small slam with first or second round control in the
unbid suit.

AFTER OPENER’S SECOND ROUND FORCING BID

1. Stopping at Game in the Responder’s Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ AJx &® xx
0 VAS Oise x Y Kees
© IK Os) xs Sax.
de x & KJxxx

N E S Ww
10 Pass 19 Pass
2 (Force) Pass 2NT Pass
39 Pass 49 Pass
Pass Pass
It is possible for the responder to pass three Hearts, but he should not
do so if he has as many as six or seven legitimate points. A try for slam should
be made by the responder with eleven or more points opposite a known number
of eighteen or nineteen in the opener’s hand.
120
2. Contracting for Slam after Openetr’s Force.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ AjJxx @& KQxxx
ax AX XERX
Caren KeQrx x O "xx
& Axx & KJx
N E S W
10 Pass 14 Pass
20 (Reverse) Pass 2a Pass
36 (Force) Pass 3NT Pass
4h Pass 4NT (Blackwood) Pass
5a Pass 64a Pass
Pass Pass
Short of an opening two demand bid, North has announced a tre-
mendous hand with a minimum of twenty points. South needn’t worry about
his three little Hearts, because the opener would not have chosen the Heart
suit to force with unless he could control the losers in that suit. The responder
with as many as nine well located points should try for slam.
FOLLOWING OPENER’S REBID OF ONE NO TRUMP
1. Reaching Game in No Trump.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& QjJx @ Ax
OF SaX VRS Omex
OPEN | x xX ONO xx
& AQx & jxxx
N E S W
10 Pass 19 Pass
1 NT Pass 2NT Pass
SUNT Pass Pass Pass
No guarantee goes with this contract, but the points indicate that game
should be given a whirl. The opener with fourteen to fifteen points should
bid game when extended the invitation by South.
2. Reaching Game in a Suit after No Trump Rebid.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ xx @ Axxx
VE SNA OLAN ee Oa axe X
OS pew’ OLAX
& Kxx des) ixa5ex

N E S W
19 Pass 14 Pass
1NT Pass 39 (not forcing) Pass
49 Pass Pass Pass
val
 The difference between an immediate jump raise in a major and a delayed
jump raise, is the number of trumps. Both bids show eleven to thirteen points.
North has the option of passing or continuing on to game. A pass is advisable
with twelve or thirteen points; game should be bid with fourteen to fifteen
points.

3. Moving to Slam.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
4 KQx @ Ax
Ue xox TP KSO ex x
OVA > Kex
& KJxxx & AQxx

N E S W
1 Pass 19 Pass
1NT Pass 2@ (reverse) Pass
3d Pass 4NT (Blackwood) Pass
5O Pass Pass
Pass Pass
Don’t forget, the two Spade reverse by the responder is a force to game
and is an unlimited bid. Having already rebid one No Trump, the opener
should try to give his partner all the information at his disposal. Do not rebid
two No Trump with a five card suit that you have bid only once.

FOLLOWING OPENER’S REBID OF TWO NO TRUMP

1. Game with a Suit Preference Given.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ AKJ @& xx
OF Ors OF Kexexoax
Oe Ke xa x © Axx
& AQxx oh jx

N E S Ww
1 Pass 19 Pass
2NT Pass 30 (forcing) Pass
3NT Pass Pass Pass
South could have almost any kind of hand when he bids three Diamonds;
good, bad, or indifferent. The purpose of the bid is to allow the opener to
show support for Hearts if he has as many as three.
122
 2. On to Slam.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@& KJx & Ox x
Ve PAL Onx VETS A PSone:
Onis 10.x Oana Ons ex
& AQxx he x
N E S W
1d Pass 19 Pass
2NT Pass 30 Pass
4Q Pass 4 NT (Blackwood) Pass
5V Pass 6Y Pass
Pass Pass
The responder shows at least a five card Heart suit when he bids three
Diamonds; with only four Hearts and four Diamonds, his initial response would
have been one Diamond and not one Heart. The opener’s four Heart jump
preference denotes a very good Heart holding with three Trumps.
FOLLOWING OPENER’S REBID OF THREE NO TRUMP
1. Slam Bidding.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ AJxx &@ x
UP IN 3 OPAC S EXER
OeA.Qx) OP XEX
& KQxx & A10xxx
N E S W
1d Pass 19 Pass
3 NT Pass 4d (forcing) Pass
4 (cue bid) Pass 6h Pass
Pass Pass
The four Diamond cue bid by North wiil confirm a legitimate Club suit,
in case the responder had any doubts.
AFTER OPENER’S REBID OF HIS OWN SUIT
1. Stopping Below Game after Extending Invitation.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& xx @& Kjxx
im Ke Fxe xX 1X Xs
Omene yx Co NGe er een
fe xx & AJ
N E S W
19 Pass 14 Pass
29 Pass 39 Pass
Pass _ Pass
Don’t leap into game just because your partner rebids his suit. Let the
opener decide what to do after you express your interest in a game contract.
123
If the opener has twelve or thirteen points, a pass is indicated. He should push
on to game in Hearts with fourteen or fifteen points.
2. Reaching Game in No Trump after Minor Suit Rebid.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ xx & Or x
Ui PAK Ox
OU Ore x ae Od Arie
& jx & KQx
N E S W
10 Pass 14 Pass
20 (Pass) “5C > akass
39 Pass 3. NT Pass
Pass _ Pass
If the responder can freely raise the Diamond suit, then the opener should
try for a game. The three Heart bid will invite the responder to bid game in
No Trump with Clubs stopped.
3. Carrying On to Slam.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ A wx @ KQxx
0 OU Ons ax OO Rx
On Ae lex > KOs
de x & Ax
N E S W
19 Pass 14 Pass
29 Pass 30 Pass
34 Pass 4 (cue bid) Pass
4 (cue bid) Pass 4NT Pass
59 Pass 69 Pass
Pass Pass
With a preference given for Spades and a control in Diamonds shown,
South should have no qualms about his partner playing a six Heart contract.
AFTER OPENER’S JUMP REBID OF HIS OWN SUIT
1. Slam Bidding.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@® xx & Axx
Rex Ves x
O WALKS Oi ax OOL =
& Kx & Qjx
N E S W
LO Pass 19 Pass
30 Pass 39 Pass
49 Pass 4 (cue bid) Pass
Sé (cue bid) Pass 69 Pass
Pass Pass
124
 If the opener is unable to show a control in Clubs and bids five Diamonds
ee four Spades, the responder should terminate festivities with a call of five
earts.

FOLLOWING THE RESPONDER’S SECOND ROUND JUMP RAISE IN

THE OPENER’S FIRST SUIT
1. Reaching Game.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& xx & OX x x
iO ox x INE be
OF xX Oy noses
& AKIJx & Qx
N E S W
19 Pass 14 Pass
2% Pass 39 (not forcing) Pass
49 Pass Pass Pass
With a bare minimum opener North may pass three Hearts, but should
continue on to game with any reasonable holding. If the first suit bid by the
Opener is a minor and the responder jumps in that suit on the second round,
the same rules apply for the minors as they do for the majors except the opener
should think in terms of playing a No Trump game if at all feasible.
2. Investigating Slam Possibilities.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& AQxx & Kx
x Ox x x
OF OX Cun AG Wax
&® AKxxx & Qxxx
N E S W
1& Pass Ke) Pass
14 Pass 3a Pass
3 (forcing) Pass 3@ Pass
4NT Pass 50 Pass
Ode Pass Pass __—Pass
Many a player may turn a little pale over the idea of calling three Spades
with a doubleton King when he is not sure where the hand is headed. But what
he doesn’t take into consideration is that his partner shows a game -going
hand when he rebids three Diamonds. The opener cannot possibly read any-
thing into the bid of three Spades other than that the responder is showing
a feature of his hand—the King in that suit. Furthermore, North knows that
his partner has eleven to thirteen points with a fit in Clubs. The fact that South
does not bid No Trump means that his values are outside of Hearts. By logi-
cally analyzing the situation the opener can practically see for himself the
exact whereabouts of his partner’s high cards. Fit the hands together and you
will find all the ingredients present and accounted for to make a very tasty
slam.
125
 AFTER THE RESPONDER’S SINGLE RAISE FOR THE
OPENER’S SECOND SUIT
1. Reaching Game in a Major.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
KiOe x & y 10x =
x v K OFX x
INOS ¢ 9% ».4 © Sax
AoE oe Ok

E Ww
Pass 19 Pass
Pass 24 Pass
4 Pass Pass Pass
It is hard to envision a finer collection of junk to qualify for a two Spade
raise in the South position. With one less Heart and one more Diamond or Club,
a pass of one Spade would be the recommended course of action for the re-
sponder to follow. Before entertaining thoughts of game, the opener should
have a minimum number of sixteen points. Even with sixteen points, it is fre-
quently a good thought for the opener to explore the game proposition more
thoroughly by temporizing with the bid of three Spades. Had North bid only
three Spades in this illustration, South most assuredly should vacate the premises
with the word
“pass.”

2. Trying for Game after a Minor Suit Raise.

Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
4 x 4 Keeyiexex
V) AJ 10xx V) neOK
© AQx © x x
& KROtxex & AM
Os sax

E S W
19 Pass 14 Pass
2a Pass 3a Pass
3 NT Pass Pass Pass
The basic requirements for attempting game are the same for both minors
and majors, but the aim at the final contracts is a little different. As the opener,
if your point requirements are adequate for a game try, don’t bypass three No
Trump without giving the matter some thought.
126
 AFTER THE
RESPONDER’S JUMP RAISE FOR THE
OPENERS "SECOND: SUIT
1. Reaching Game in Both Majors and Minors.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& x & Axx
ViaeAe lex VEX EX
On Aaa x OS Ieee
& KQxxx hb xx
N E S W
1d Pass 10 Pass
19 Pass 39 (not forcing) Pass
4Q Pass Pass Pass
A jump to three Hearts by the responder shows eleven to thirteen points
with four Hearts and is not forcing to game. However, the opener should ac-
cept the invitation to play game with fourteen or more points. The opener
should never try for slam unless he has a minimum of seventeen points, and
then only when his seventeen points are in Aces, Kings, Voids, and Singletons.
FOLLOWING THE RESPONDER’S SIMPLE REBID OF HIS OWN SUIT
1. Stopping Below Game After a 1 Level Response.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@& KQxx @ Ax
9 Kx OT XEX
OK x O10) foen'e Se se
nO xx he xxx
N E S W
1fe = Pass 10 Pass
14 Pass 20 Pass
2NT Pass 36 Pass
30 Pass Pass __—‘Pass
The opener with anything /ess than sixteen to seventeen points should not
take another bid over two Diamonds, but under these circumstances he is en-
titled to make one more try toward reaching a possible game. Change the Ace
of Spades to the Ace of Diamonds in the responder’s hand and he should bid
three No Trump, predicating his bid on the assumption that the Diamond suit
will run and give the declarer seven tricks.
2. Stopping Below Game After a 2 Level Response.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& KQxxx & x
OPIN |S en ae 28
OF OS Oe VALOR ex X 20x
&® Kjxx & QOxx
N E S WwW
14 Pass 20 Pass
2NT Pass 30 Pass
Pass Pass
 In some infrequently occuring cases the responder is forced to fudge
a little on the point requirements for certain bids. In this instance an initial
response of two Diamonds is a slight overbid but is preferable to one No Trump
due to the distribution of the hand and the concentration of power in one suit.
After the two No Trump rebid by the opener, a three Diamond call will de-
scribe a holding in the South position comparable to this example.

3, Reaching Game After a 1 Level Response.

Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ AQxx & xx
7s POSS Sex
OAR ex Ors
hb xx he xxx

N E S Ww
10 Pass 19 Pass
14 Pass 29 Pass
39 Pass 4Q Pass
Pass Pass
As in the first illustration, no try for game should be made by the opener
with fewer than sixteen to seventeen points, but, armed with the knowledge
that the responder has a six card suit, North should invite game. Depending
on the size of his hand, South will exercise his option of either passing or bid-
ding game.

AFTER THE RESPONDER’S REBID OF HIS OWN SUIT

1. Proceeding to Game in a Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@® xx @® xx
VQ°x Os ALR exexax
OK Ome xox OnE
be AQxx & Kxx

N E S W
sKe: Pass 19 Pass
2 Pass 30 (not forcing) Pass
49 Pass Pass Pass
The opener is at liberty to pass the responder’s jump in Hearts if he has
a bad twelve to thirteen point hand. However, if the opener has fourteen or
more points, game should be bid. If the respondet’s jump rebid has been made
in a major, normally game will be played in that suit; if in a minor, a possible
No Trump contract should be considered carefully.
128
2. Exploring Game Possibilities at No Trump.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
a ALi x <x
V= ix Qxx
ONO-x DAR xxx
& AQ10xx jex

N E S <2e&osoe
1ef Pass 1 Pass
14 Pass 3 (not forcing) Pass
30 Pass 3 NT Pass
Pass Pass
The three Heart forcing call made by North might be a cue bid, but at this
stage in the proceedings South should interpret the bid as a request for a Heart
stopper. Without something in Hearts, South should under no circumstances
bid three No Trump. Through the medium of an asking bid, North can de-
termine for sure whether or not the partnership has the unbid suit under con-
trol. Analyze this bidding sequence carefully.

3. Continuing on to a Slam.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ Axxx & x
OTK xox ITN O28 ee ao
OneA Oi x5X Oo Kx
dh x dm xxx

N E W
10 Pass Pass
14 Pass Pass

4 (cue bid) Pass Pass

4NT Pass 5° Pass
60 Pass Pass Pass
Knowing that South has six Hearts and a good hand, the opener should
investigate the slam possibilities of the partnership's combined holdings. Quite
obviously, from North’s standpoint, the key to reaching a possible slam is the
location of the King of Diamonds. By making the forcing bid of four Clubs
he elicits the information that his partner probably has the card, when the
responder’s bid is four Diamonds.
Oy)
 FOLLOWING A ONE NO TRUMP REBID BY THE RESPONDER
1. Stopping Below Game.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
4 KQxx & xx
xx a CA xex
Cte Oa OF One
& AKxxx & jxx
N E S W
1fe — Pass 19 Pass
14 Pass 1NT Pass
2NT Pass Pass Pass
No attempt to reach game should be made by the opener unless he has
sixteen or seventeen points. By raising his partner in No Trump to the two level,
the opener asks the responder to bid three No Trump with nine or ten points
and to pass with anything less.

2. Reaching Game.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& Kx 4 QjJx
Ve Owes 0 xexex
Oe exex O Ouheex
& KQjJxx & Axx
N E S WwW
le Pass 10 Pass
19 Pass 1NT_ Pass
2NT Pass 3NT Pass

AFTER OPENER’S TWO LEVEL REBID AND RESPONDER’S BID OF

TWO NO TRUMP
1. Stopping Short of Game in a Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ x & KjJxx
ax OF Ox xex
OU ALO cxtxax Oar iex
& KJxxxx & Qxx
N E S W
10 assy ty Pass
2% Pass 2NT Pass
3Gfe Pass Pass Pass
As the responder, having given your all with the bid of two No Trump,
respect the fact that your partner isn’t hard of hearing and knows that you re-
130
ceive a bonus for making game. If the opener can do no more than rebid one
of his minor suits at the three level then, by all means, be content with a part
score.
2. Reaching Game in a Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ AO] xx @® xx
VE KIOW <x IW a's
o x Onis Jex
de xx & Axxxx

N E S Ww
14 Pass 2 Pass
oy, Pass 2NT Pass
49 Pass Pass Pass
Remember, it is up to the captain to carry the ball after a limit bid has
been made. However, if the opener had bid three Hearts instead of four on
this particular deal, the responder should go on to a Heart game anyway. This
suggestion may appear to be a direct contradiction of previous statements, but
in reality this is not true. South should upgrade his hand when he knows the
partnership has at least eight Hearts, and, being of the Aces and Kings trick-
taking variety, his points have more value.

3. Reaching Game in No Trump.

Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ Kx @ AJx
PN 1 Or ee Veen Se
CRS OROX & Ones
& J &® AQxxx

N E S WwW
Ey Pass 2d Pass
IE: Pass 2NT Pass
3NT Pass Pass Pass
More often than not a conclusion is reached as to the proper bid through
a process of elimination. If you know what not to do, usually there is only one
alternative and that is the correct bid. In the example the opener knows that
his partner has eleven to thirteen points, no more than two Hearts, and the
Spade suit stopped. With enough points to play game in No Trump and no
reason to look anywhere else, North has a well-defined path to follow.
131
AFTER OPENER’S TWO LEVEL REBID AND RESPONDER’S JUMP
BID OF THREE NO TRUMP
1. Changing from three No Trump to Game in a suit.
Example: North's Hand South’s Hand
@ KQJxxx @ Ax
OD hers ex 9 Jx
Ox Oo Ko exex
de xx & AjJxxx
N E S Ww
19 Pass 2 Pass
29 Pass 3NT Pass
4 Pass Pass Pass
If, in your opinion as the opener, a suit game contract is preferable to No Trump,
then by all means go ahead and bid again. Have no fear that your partner will misinterpret
the meaning of your bid and try for a slam. Once he has made a limit bid and game has
been reached, the responder is out of business.
2. Onward to Slam.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& Void & KQx
EOS kX ORs
OF ho ee O50 Xx
hk xx dm Axxxx
N E S WwW
19 Pass 2& Pass
20 Pass 3 NT Pass
4 Pass 49 Pass
4@ (cue bid) Pass 5° Pass
6O Pass Pass Pass
The opener is safe in rebidding only four Diamonds, because the responder cannot
pass a below game contract when game has previously been reached. Following the four
Spade cue bid, South should show his true preference for Diamonds and not bother with
cue bidding the Club Ace. If North was interested in Aces he would probably have used
Blackwood instead of cue bidding.
AFTER RESPONDER’S JUMP REBID TO TWO AND THREE
NO TRUMP, FROM THE ONE LEVEL
1. Stopping Below Game.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
4 QjJxx @ Kx
ERS op Urey] axa
©. FAGK ax O xx x
&® Kxx he Ajxx
N E S W
10 Pass 19 Pass
14 Pass 2NT .Pass
Pass Pass

132
 This bidding sequence has already been covered in Chapter IV, but is
worth going over again. Remember, if no limit bid has been made by either
member of the bidding pair up to this point, a two No Trump jump rebid by
the responder shows eleven to thirteen points and may be passed by the Opener.

2. Raising to Game in No Trump.

Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
4 QjJxx @ xx
VFOx OF KJ xx
Orx Coe Osler x
& AKQxxx & jx

N E S W
1of Pass 10 Pass
14 Pass 2NT Pass
3. NT Pass Pass Pass
Do not bid three Clubs, since that is a sign off. Even though the opener’s
hand is unbalanced he should be willing to gamble out a nine trick game in
No Trump on the premise that his Club suit will bring home six tricks.

3. Raising to Game in a Suit.

Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ KQxx @ jJ10xx
VA Oss aKa x
Os OPA Ox x
&® Kxx b&b Qx

N E S W
1& Pass 10 Pass
19 Pass 2NT Pass
34 Pass 46 Pass
Pass Pass
Following two No Trump, the three Spade bid by the opener is vo# a re-
verse. It is plain to see that the Spade suit has been shut out by the responder
when he showed the size of his hand. Therefore, to avoid the embarrassment
of missing the fit in the major, North should cover this possibile contingency
by naming the Spade suit at the three level. If the responder does not have
four Spades, then nothing has been lost and the partnership will simply settle
on three No Trump.
133
 FOLLOWING RESPONDER’S FORCING REBID (NO LIMIT)
1. Reaching Game in a Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@& KjJxx 4 AQxx
ATX Oe x
OTE > KyOtx ex
&® KJxxx & A

N E S W
1ef Pass 1 Pass
14 Pass 2U (reverse) Pass
2NT Pass 34 Pass
4h Pass Pass Pass
Surely there can be no question about getting to game with these combined
hands. The only problem of interest to the bidding pair is how far should
they go? By reversing, the responder makes a game forcing bid and asks the
opener to provide additional information about the size and shape of his hand.
Two No Trump by North describes a minimum holding with no fit in either
Diamonds or Hearts and strongly infers that, as far as he is concerned, a game
score on his side of the ledger will be a most pleasant result.
2. Settling for Game in No Trump.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
4 AQxx @& xx
VY xx UK OF sx
OF Re ae OUEAGS
& Qx &® AKxx

N E S W
10 Pass 19 Pass
14 Pass 3@ (game force) Pass
30 Pass 30 Pass
3NT Pass Pass Pass
Don’t forget, two Clubs is not a force and would strongly suggest a bad
misfit. Opposite a three Club call the opener has two possible bids from which
to choose—three Diamonds or three No Trump. Since there is no rush to see
who plays the hand, three Diamonds is the preferred bid for several reasons.
It may be important for South to know you have five Diamonds if he is think-
ing of a possible slam in that suit. Also, by skipping over the suits to bid three
No Trump, you have accomplished absolutely nothing except to eliminate the
three level for exchange of information. Don’t usurp your partner’s right to
make the final decision; the unlimited forcing hand is the captain of the team.
134
3. Arriving at a Small Slam in a Suit.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& Q a AX
Ve OD Kexex
Oat Wil eae eo CHGS:
& K QO x xx & Ajxx
N E S Ww
10 Pass LY Pass
2 Pass 2@ (Reverse) Pass
Soe Pass 4NT (Blackwood) Pass
5° Pass Ode Pass
Pass Pass
On the surface it may seem that the two Spade-forcing bid by South is
unnecessary and that he might just as well “take the bit in his mouth” so to
speak, and blast into a slam on his own. That approach on this hand would
work out well enough, but give the opener one less Club and one more small
Spade and the partnership upon reaching a slam would go down the drain. By
taking his time the responder is able to determine that the opener’s distribution
is at least 5-5 in the minors, leaving only three cards in the majors which
he can take care of nicely. He further learns that his partner’s high card strength
is none too robust when the opener rebids only three Clubs, instead of four
Clubs for example. Through the use of the forcing bid, South has a clear pic-
ture of his partner’s hand and should now proceed to a small slam in Clubs.

4. Slam in No Trump.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
@ Kx & 40) fix
Vieehe Orx x Owe
OnE X ON ees
& AQJxx & Kx
N E S WwW
lf Pass 10 Pass
19 Pass 2@ (Force) Pass
3NT Pass 6NT Pass
Pass Pass
Over the two Spade force by South, the jump rebid of three No Trump
by the opener describes a hand containing sixteen or seventeen points. The
responder can also figure out the opener’s distribution with no trouble by
merely applying some logic to his thinking. Since North did not open with 1
No Trump, his hand is unbalanced, therefore he must have five Clubs. A grand
slam is out of the question with only thirty-three to thirty-four points in the
combined hands and no fit in any one suit.
135
5. All Aboard and All the Way to a Grand Slam.
Example: North’s Hand South’s Hand
& oe @ Ax
V) | il ©8 Be ape OO FAGX 2x
.o7 ASOSh- x x OF Ks
te x hb AQxxx

N E S W
19 Pass 2d Pass
2 Pass 24 Pass
4© Pass 4NT Pass
5° Pass 5 NT Pass
60 Pass 79 Pass
Pass Pass
To auction this hand to the level of six would be a cut and dried proposi-
tion for almost any pair, but intelligently to arrive at a grand slam and know
you are a five to one shot to take all the tricks is a horse of another color. With-
out the jump to four Diamonds by North, the responder, after using Blackwood
and finding out the opener has only one King, could not very well bid seven
unless he just takes the chance that his partner’s one King is in Hearts. However,
South knows that when the opener jumps to four Diamonds over two Spades
he shows a very good hand. With the information supplied by his partner, South
can logically conclude that the opener must be solid in Hearts and Diamonds,
outside of the Ace and King respectively in those two suits, and can count thir-
teen tricks.

136
 CHAPTER V (Part IL) Review Questions
As the Opener: Rebid with each of the following hands:
Example: Opening Bid: 1 Club Opener’s Hand:
Response: 1 Heart @ xx
Rebid: 2 Hearts EI
Re-response: 2 Spades Oe
& KQxxx
Rebid: 2 No Trump
Opening Bid: 1 Diamond Response: 1 Spade
Rebid: 2 Spades Re-response: 3 Clubs
@& KQx @& Kxxx @ AQxx
Coe xX ee ees Vike xax
Onn Kx xX x OV A'Q ] x OKxx =
fe xx & Qxx fe x
Rebid: Rebid: Rebid:
Opening Bid: 1 Diamond Response: 1 Heart
Rebid: 1 No Trump Re-response: 2 Spades
@ Qxx @ Kx @4 AQx
ea x.x YQ xx eX 3X
Ome) xix x Cerne exax Ore nar ss x
& AQx & xxx ob xxx
Bebe 2 Ses te Rept ee e Rebid:

Opening Bid: 1 Spade Response: 2 Clubs

Rebid: 2 Diamonds Re-response: 2 NT
@ AQxxx @ Kjxxx 4 AKJxx
ox x x Ox
OT OMS (iB Oe he Oa x xx Cpe Ox es
hb xx bh x & x
Reid es Rebig Rebid 22

Opening Bid: 1 Club Response: 1 Diamond

Rebid: 1 Heart Re-response: 2 Spades
& KQxx & x & Ax
ASK XX 9 KQxx O Qxxx
OX Xx Ones © 2A-O x
& Kxx & AKQxxx & jJ10xx
Rebid eee so Rebid ss iene! 2. Rebidiit Aes.
 CHAPTER VI
DEFENSIVE BIDDING
Before proceeding further, it is of the utmost importance to establish
clearly the difference in definition between an offensive and a defensive bid.
An opening bid is an offensive bid. An overcall or a takeout double is a de-
fensive bid. Always remember, regardless of who has what in the way of high
cards and distribution, the first person to take positive action on his hand by
doing something other than passing has made an Offensive bid. Any bid now
made by an opponent after an opening bid, by its very nature of coming after
positive action has already been taken by the other side, is a Defensive measure.
One of the greatest advantages an aggresive bidding pair can enjoy from
the use of light opening bids is that they frequently are able to put the oppos-
ing pair on the defensive right away by getting the bidding opened first.
Even the most hard-headed of this country’s many self-styled bridge ex-
perts will agree that it is usually much easier for a bidding pair with the best
combined hands to reach a final contract when left to their own devices with-
out interference from the opposing side.
Assume that you are forced into a position of defense by the opposition’s
having already opened the bidding, but you and your partner have the best
combined hands. Providing the opener and his partner are not a couple of
bidding nuts, your side is at a tactical disadvantage because they are already
in a position to exchange bidding information. Depending on your high card
strength and the pattern of your hand, whatever bid you may now make will
have been made more difficult due to the opening bid and many times will be
different from the one you would have made had you started the ball rolling
yourself. If, when your side has the best combined hands and should play the
final contract, an opening bid gets in your way thereby making your bidding
harder, common sense should tell you that the same problems arise for the
opponents when ¢ey have the best hands and you interfere with their bidding.
Through your ability to reason and by following and applying a few basic
bidding principles, the information set forth in the ensuing chapter on de-
fensive bidding should provide you, the reader, with all the bidding tools neces-
sary to combact effectively any opponents of equal skill.
As an opponent there are three alternative courses of action that you can
choose from after the bidding has been opened by the player to your right, or
after the player to your left has opened and your partner has passed. Your
choice of actions (pass, overcall, or double for takeout) will naturally depend
on the pattern and strength of your hand.
138
 It is quite possible that an entire chapter could be devoted to an intelligent
discussion of the reasons for passing after an opponent has opened the bid-
ding, but this would probably be quite confusing and negative in approach.
Through illustrations and explanations, the proper situations for passing,
rather than overcalling or doubling for takeout are covered in this chapter.
Skipping over the act of passing as a defensive weapon, the first positive
bid to be understood is an overcall.

OVERCALLS
Simple Suit Overcalls
Bearing in mind that a simple suit overcall is primarily a defensive measure,
it is of paramount importance to discuss the objectives of the defending side
and the requirements for the making of an overcall. First, the three basic ob-
jectives:
1. To inform your partner of the suit you would like for him to lead
in the event the opponents play the hand.
Example: N E S W East’s Hand
10 19 (overcall) a@& xx
Oa Ae Oa exex
Oy SeS%
& Kxxx
You needn't be blessed with great vision to see that your preference for
a suit to be led by your partner is Hearts.
2. To create a bidding problem for the opponents and disrupt their lines
of communication.
Example: N E S W South’s Hand
10 14 ? & Qx
Oe Ae Xxx
On xa
&QOxx
It is obvious that South has ample with which to respond at the one level
in Hearts, but the one Spade overcall has made this impossible.

3. To compete in the bidding and perhaps force your opponents to a

level of contract higher than that which they can make, at the same time pre-
paring for the eventuality of your side playing the contract.
Example: N E S Ww South’s Hand
10 19 14 29 a) .Orxx x
24 39 ? Vex
CA
& Kxxx
199.
 Regardless of what action South chooses to take with this hand, his destiny
tides on the wings of luck.
The basic requirements for an overcall can be summed up in one state-
ment: Strength and Length in the Suit to be Bid.
1. High Card strength in the bid suit.
Example: (A)
N E S W East’s Hand
1é& 14 4 KQ109x
LE aeae
O shee
& xx
An overcall can be made with less than an opening bid, but above all other
considerations, the overcall suit should contain at least one or two of the top
three honors (Ace, King, or Queen) and Body (J 10, J 9, or 10 9).
Example: (B)
N E S W East's Hand
10 ? @® 10xxxx
OS Ars
OQ se
&h Axx
Follow this Rule:
Do Not make an immediate overcall in any suit which you do not want
led by your partner.
2. Have at least a five card biddable suit for your overcall.
Example: N E S W
19 14 East’s Hand
@ KJ10xx
OO x =
© K.O10:=
oh xx
Do not overcall with four card suits. If you have plenty of money, practice
your philanthropy away from the bridge table.

EVALUATING THE OVERCALL

Having briefly described the defensive objectives of an overcall and the
basic requirements for the making of an overcall, it remains for us to get to-
gether on two remaining points: At what risk should you overcall, considering
the number of points you might lose if you are doubled for penalty, and how
do you determine the reasonable risk involved?
Since there is a certain element of risk involved in making any bid at any
time, we'll start our analysis of the above questions by discounting the im-
probables. As every bridge player of any experience well knows, a suit can
break badly, sometimes horribly, and you will suffer a loss of points due to
140
the bad distribution of the cards even though you are in a makeable contract
under normal circumstances. If you ate afraid to bid, because of your fear that
all the suits will break abnormally when you become the declarer, try some
other game. Bridge is not your “Cup of Tea.” Base your decision on when to
overcall, providing you have the proper requirements, on distributionally favor-
able percentages that follow the law of averages.
Now, on the assumption that you ate willing to become a percentage
player and bid when you should, make your overcalls conform to the following
Calculated Risk and Vulnerability Scale and you will be geared for the right
defensive action at all times.

Calculated Risk and Vulnerability Scale

INGIEIE HaSIC V THEMESNE S2a-ccecturmgasvoriecvseooseccetncendlatsicnsdele2 tricks
Their side Vulnerable, You are mot oc ccccccccsscccsecccee 3, tricks
Your side Vulnerable, They are 110 cccccmccseccscincinncorn 1 trick
SOLA eS EUI Fae pe) Cole a ee ee tn 2 tricks
The vulnerability will sometimes be a determining factor in your decision
to overcall or not, or in how far you should go in competition against the op-
ponents.
About half of the answers to our questions on risk have now been covered.
The rest of the answers come under the heading of Trick Taking Potential.
To coordinate an overcall with the preceding Risk and Vulnerability Scale, it
is necessary to count probable tricks, ot points. Points do not take tricks, Aces,
Kings, and trumps do take tricks.
The trick-taking potential of hands can be best illustrated through ex-
amples, therefore, pay particular attention to the manner in which each of the
following suit holdings is counted.

Trick Count Scale (Overcall Suit)

6 Card Suits 5 Card Suits
TOY UR EOI aieeto 6 tricks Ze thn OAK 5 tricks
an Ao 10 x xx 51/ tricks As Oe x 4l/, tricks
Serer OL) Xx x 51/4 tricks Gm On) xe 4l/, tricks
Fees) 1009 x x 51/4, tricks So Ae OeLOnOax 4Y/, tricks
One) 8 x x SE LLIGKS LO eA O08 .x 4 tricks
Pee’ | XX 5 tricks 12k Ouse x 4 tricks
ermine) 10 XX 41/, tricks 14 Re Oe l0 7xs x 3Y) tricks
Pes | 10 xe sx 4 tricks OE VS Se 3 tricks
Pig), ) Ook XX 31/, tricks |i:Hom C24 [an > 4 21% tricks

The trick-taking potential of each of these suit holdings presupposes that the
balance of the cards in these same suits will be evenly distributed among the
other three hands.
141
Remember: The sole function of the trick count is to give you a means of
determining quickly whether or not your overcall will be in line with the risk
involved. If you cannot count enough tricks to justify the risk, do not overcall.
Example: (A) (Neither side vulnerable)
East’s Hand
N E S W & Ax
19 ? OLS tas
OP ep be
East’s Bid: Two Clubs & AQJxxx
Trick Count: 514 in Clubs, 1 in Spades
Example: (B) (Both sides vulnerable)
N E S W West's Hand
1 Pass 1D ? & Kx
O MOR aX
OPAL Opa x
West's Bid: Pass &® KjJx
Trick Count: 314 in Diamonds, 14 + in Clubs, 14 in Spades
At this time, any action other than pass would be suicide.

Example: (C) (They are vulnerable, you are not)

N E S W West’s Hand
10 Pass 19 p 4 KQJxx
OD) xex
Oe x
&® Kxx
West’s Bid: One Spade
Trick Count: 4 in Spades, 14 in Clubs
This hand almost assuredly belongs to the opponents, but the overcall will help
your partner to defend.

Example: (D) (You are vulnerable, they are not)

N E S Ww East’s Hand
19 ? & Qx
OP Eex
OAS eax
*&® AK 10xx
East’s Bid: Pass
Trick Count: 414 in Clubs, 114 in Diamonds
Most players cannot restrain themselves from the almost irresistible impulse
to leap into the fray with this hand, but it is unsound for them to do so. Keep
142
a tight rein on your emotions, and your checkbook, too, by naming the golden
word “‘pass.”
Example: Ce) (Both sides vulnerable)
N E S WW West's Hand
IO Pass 14 ? @ Kx
Ve OLKG Xa
OF KX
oh xxx
West’s Bid: Two Hearts
Trick Count: 6 in Hearts, 14 to 1 in Spades
No matter what you have in Spades, you should probably overcall anyway, but
the example is to show how a King placed behind the player who names the suit
is more valuable than the King of a suit named by the player on the other side.
In evaluating honor cards in the off suits, be guided to some extent by their
placement.
Example: (F) (Neither side vulnerable)
N E S East’s Hand
14 ? @ AQx
OO” Asx
Os I Se Ses Bese
&® Kx
East’s Bid: Pass
Trick Count: 214 to 3 in Diamonds, 11/4 to 2 in Spades, 1 in Hearts, 14 in
Clubs
This is not the time to overcall at all. Trickwise, you have ample count, but
don’t forget a simple overcall is primarily a defensive bid and is designed to
show your partner high card strength as well as length in the bid suit.

SINGLE JUMP OVERCALLS

Into this little category could be written a plot for “The Perils of Pauline”
at the bridge table. Everyone has a different idea of the meaning of a single
jump overcall. Some play it weak, some play it strong, but the partner of the
jump overcaller never seems to know what anybody has. Therefore, for the
sake of your bridge partner’s sanity, discuss and decide what a single jump
overcall means before you sit down to play.
It is this writer's opinion that a single jump overcall in the Majors should
represent a strong hand capable of taking 7, 8, or 9 tricks, depending on the
level at which the jump overcaller has to enter the picture. A single, double,
or what have you, jump overcall in the Minors should be pre-emptive and weak
defensively. To the average bridge player, mixing up the meaning of the jump
overcall bids may be confusing and hard to understand, but there is a very
sound reason for doing so and it stems directly from the order of rank of the
suits and tricks needed to make a game.
143
 Majors outrank minors, therefore, in any competitive bidding situation,
the side that possesses a good fit in the majors, along with some high cards and
distribution, can always outbid its opponents at the same level. Since you are
not worried about being outbid when you have the majors, why should you
penalize yourself and your partner by having no bid available in your bridge
bidding repertoire to describe a long and strong Major suit holding with enough
outside strength to allow you to count up to 7 or 8 tricks in your own hand?
Such is the case if you play all jump overcalls weak.
Conversely, to play a single jump overcall in a minor suit as a strength-
showing bid is pretty hopeless. Few and far between are the number of times
that you and your partner will be able to take enough tricks to produce a game
against an opening bid, without your partner being able to bid freely opposite
a simple overcall.
Example: (A) (Strong in the Majors)
N E S W East’s Hand
10 ? & AO Jex sx
OF AS
OF tax
& Kxx
East’s Bid: Two Spades
Trick Count: 514 in Spades, 1 in Hearts, 14 in Clubs
A jump overcall in a suit will guarantee at least a six-card suit, majors or minors
make no difference. A double for takeout would be ill advised because you do
not have adequate support for the other major—in this instance, Hearts.
Example: (B) (Strong in the Majors)
N E S W West’s Hand
1e Pass 14 ? & Kxx
OT AAS OR ere
Oo x
& Kx
West’s Bid: Three Hearts
Trick Count: 7 in Hearts, 14 to 1 in Spades, 14 in Clubs
Although this is an excellent playing hand, if you are the declarer, it is not
so hot defensively unless your partner can come up with a trick or two. Don’t
worry about not reaching game, if your partner has anything, he will continue
on.
Example: (C) (Weak in the Minors)
N E S W East’s Hand
19 ? & xx
O Ges
Osis
East’s Bid: Three Clubs 7 & KQJxxxx
The vulnerability plays such an important part in determining the extent of
144 |
the pre-emptive liberties to be taken against the opponents opening that you
will have to be your own judge of what to do and when to do it. In general,
a single jump in a minor should tell your partners that this is the only con-
ceivable suit in which your side can play the contract and what little strength
you possess is in your bid suit.
Example: (D) (Weak in the Minors) East’s Hand
N E S W & x
1 ? eB.
Ca © SP xaxex
East’s Bid: Two Diamonds WcAcl ex xx
This is certainly a magnificent duke, but don’t get carried away with its great
beauty and go blasting into five Diamonds or make some other comparably
silly bid. The chances of this hand getting passed out in two Diamonds are
remote to say the least. If this does happen, smile pleasantly and get along to
the next hand.

PRE-EMPTIVE JUMP OVERCALLS

A pre-emptive jump overcall is made for the same reason that a pre-emptive
opening bid is made: to eliminate levels of bidding for the opponents in which
they can exchange information about their respective hands, while indicating
to your partner the suit in which you may be able to take a cheap save. In reach-
ing your decision of whether or not to make an overcall pre-empt or at what
level you should bid, be governed by the same scale that applies to opening
pre-emptive bids. In other words, weigh the cost of going set in a doubled
contract against your opponents’ being able to make a game or a slam if you
find your partner busted.
Remember, in order to make a major suit pre-emptive jump overcall, you
must skip at least two of the available bidding levels before naming your suit.
In a minor, a single jump is sufficient to show a pre-emptive hand, but you may
jump 2, 3, or even 4 levels depending on your distribution and the vulnerability.
Example: (A) (Neither side vulnerable)
N E S W East’s Hand
10 ? @ QjJi0xxxx
Wh os
Oanx
East’s Bid: Three Spades & KQxx
Trick Count: 5 in Spades, 114 to 2 in Clubs
Example: (B) (Their side vulnerable, you are not)
N E S W West’s Hand
1% Pass 14 ? & Kx
i Whi SseS 4
Oe Ie 10 xx ox
West’s Bid: Four Diamonds de x
Trick Count: 61/4 in Diamonds, 14 to 1 in Spades
145
Example: (C) (Both sides vulnerable)
S W East’s Hand
14 ? @ x
O AGIRSis xe
O Koj xx
dex
East’s Bid: Four Hearts
Trick Count: 7 in Hearts, 114 in Diamonds
NOTE: When you are the proud possessor ofatailor-made trump suit,stend
a ~a RU a ——l
mex ee e 9
OVERCALLING IN NO TRUMP
Generally speaking, the popular concept of a One No Trump overcall is
that this bid shows a balanced 16-18 point hand with at least one or two
stoppers in the opponents’ bid suit. In this writer's opinion, the meaning of a
one No Trump overcall, as described above, should be altered considerably
and the bid itself used only when it is applicable to the situation under given
circumstances.
To begin with, the object of the game is to score the maximum number
of points for your side whenever possible. If this is your objective, why should
you, of your own volition, place yourself in a position to go set three or four
doubled if your poor partner has no face cards, when the best the opponents
could probably do if left to their own devices is make a part score? Furthermore,
consider the fact that points can be garnered in two ways: By your side play-
ing and making a contract, and by setting the opponents. How in the world
can you set anybody if you are in the habit of sticking your nose into the bid-
ding at the wrong time and taking the opener off the hook in the event your
partner has the balance of high cards and the opener’s partner is without port-
folio?
Example: N E S Ww
IK) ? East’s Hand
& Kxx
DAO xx
> Kx
& AjJxx
East’s Bid: Pass
If you have ever played poker and are reasonably proficient at the game,
this simple statement alone will answer your question: .Why should I pass
when I have all of these nice high cards? Answer: Yowarevoutvof position. For
purposes of illustration, let’s assume that you are playing in a six or seven-
handed poker game and the player in the first position opens festivities with a
small wager. If it is your turn to act in the second seat and you have a very
146
good hand, you can do one of two things, either just call the first bet (put in
the same amount) or raise the pot. If you merely call the first bet, the chances
are excellent that you may seine in some of the fish behind you who may base
their hopes of winning on the draw of additional cards to help their hands.
Also, you may learn something about the size of some of these hands by play-
ing the waiting game. If you raise immediately, you are completely in the blind
as to the strength of any hand and are in a very vulnerable position if, in turn,
somebody raises you. All that you accomplish by raising in this position is to
warn everyone that you have a very good hand and that they should not enter
the contest for this pot without considerable merchandise of their own.
Now let’s assume that you aresinsthelseventhyordastypositionsi
n this same
poker game. Strategically speaking, i iti because
everyone has already had to act on his respective hand and you are as yet un-
committed. with an in between type
that holds some promise, you might choose to play if the price is right; holding
a really good hand, a raise would certainly be in order.
To this extent, bridge is like poker. The player whose turn it is to act
first knows nothing about any of the other three hands behind him. The second
man learns something from the first man’s action. The third player has more
information to go on than the second man, and the participant in the fourth
slot has more to go on than anyone else.
For whatever it is worth, all of the foregoing on No Trump overcalls
has been written for the express purpose of giving the reader food for thought
and as an argument against making a bid, as it is presently defined, that is
basically unsound.
WHAT AN OVERCALL IN NO TRUMP SHOULD MEAN
Immediate No Trump Overcalls
To dismiss summarily a bid as completely useless is stupid, but to change
the meaning of a bid to serve a more useful purpose and gain a tatical ad-
vantage over the opposition, is sensible. In conforming to the basic theory that
is primari consider carefully the reasoning
behind the advocated changes.
HAND VALUE AND PATTERN

idwsuiteIhe No Trump overcaller

tells his partner, in effect, that once he gets in the lead, enough tricks will be
produced out of his hand alone to make the contract.
Example: N ‘ip S WwW East’s Hand
10 ? ® xx
Us ap
Oe x
One No Trump
East’sBid™” & AKQJx
x
No doubt a question will pop into your mind right away. Why bid one No
147
 Trump when you have a perfectly sound two Club overcall? The answers that
follow are the reasons for changing the meaning and the hand pattern of No
Trump overcalls.
Ihe From a defensive point
{ of view,
4 t
A two Club
overcall would do the same thing, but there is a marked difference in the num-
ber of problems you pose for the opponents by your choice of bids. Put your-
self in the South position as the opener’s partner. If you have 0 - 6 points, you
would pass over either one No Trump or two Clubs. With 7-9 or 10 points
and Diamond support, you would probably bid two Diamonds over both bids.
Over two Clubs with 11 or more points, you would be able to bid a new
suit at the two level and not be bothered too much by the overcall@However,

eo)

y. Therefore, the
only course that you can follow with a good hand in this position is either to
double or jump to the three level. As far as sound bidding technique is con-
cerned, both bids leave something to be desired, but there is not much you can
do about it when No Trump is bid in front of you.
2
“ovedysince you are in no more jeopardy at one No Trump than you would be
at two Clubs.Ifthe nastyoldopponents double,youcanalways escapetoyour
long suit.
3... On top a No Trump overcall has on the
opener and his partner, can be ad ded the much improved offensive character-
istics of the bid MENT ERERE IER, you ate never faced
with any problems of what to do.

A distributional hand should pose no problem for the responder because

he knows exactly what to expect from his partner’s overcall bid in No Trump
and can bid accordingly.

Example: N E S W
19 1NT Double 2 (Help)
Double 20 West’s Hand
@® xxxxx
0 tex
Ox TS
de Pp eos
148
 JUMP OVERCALLS IN NO TRUMP
Example: N E S W
14 ? East’s Hand

East’s Bid: Two No Trump |

Example: N E S W
19 ? East’s Hand
a xx
YAO
Oe AIO x ee
& Ox
East's Bid: Three No Trump
Don’t be afraid to bid. It’s very true that if you get a Club or Spade lead you
may go set, but if this is the case, the opponents can probably make some num-
ber of Spades, Hearts, or Clubs.

NO TRUMP OVERCALLS IN THE PASS OUT POSITION

The bid of one No Trump on the part of the player in the last position to
act before the auction is to be closed, falls into the category of very specialized
bidding. Itsemeaninguiswentitelyedifferent, from any of the other No Trump
bids and isused toprotect his partner's pass.
Example: N E S W
19 Pass Pass ? West’s Hand
4 Qxx
Oe eX
Om An jiexex
h& Qxxx
West’s Bid: One No Trump

he excuse for bidding at all is based on

the assumption that, since there are 40 points in the deck and the opener did
not start with a game demand bid of some sort, your partner, East, must have
a very good hand with strength and length in the opener’s suit. Nosbidyother
 The reason for the bid itself and its limits of 7 - 9 points is easily explained
when you remember that you are predicating whatever positive action you take
on the supposition tha If you double and
your partner has a really good hand with strength and length in the opener's
suit, he will probably “lick his chops” at the prospect of the opponents going
set some large number and pass for penalty.
the trap will spring nicely and your opponents’ goose is
literally cooked»sbutewithsonlye7=9epoints=there is a strong possibility that,
even though your partner has a very good hand, you cannot do the opposition
much damage at the one level via the doubled for penalty route.

Example: (A)
N E S W East’s Hand
19 Pass Pass 1NT & Ax
Pass ? OD “KO =x
O Sale
& Kxx
East’s Bid: Three No Trump
Gamble it out. Knowing where almost all the high cards are sure to be, your
partner should have an excellent shot at making game.

RESPONDING TO OVERCALLS
Before developing a full head of steam and running at top speed into a
discussion on overcall responses, it will be well for all concerned to stop for a
minute or two and digest the full meaning of the following statements. By
patterning your overcall responses to conform to the dictates of these two rules,
practically every bidding problem that you may encounter can be answered
correctly with a little thought.
Rule #1

rece A jump overcall in a major is a strong bid but is

not a game demand bid. Therefore, with very little or nothing,
a pass is indicated.
Rule #2 It is of paramount importance, whenever possible, for you to show
the full value of your hand by the bid that you make at this time.
True positive value can be shown by the responder in any one of three
different ways:
1. “Supporting
the overcall suit
2, ‘Bidding
No Trump
5. Cue bidding the opponent'ssuit
A fourth value—showing bid, of course, exists: the naming of a new suit.
However, this bid differs a This may
150
sound somewhat like double talk, but it is not intended as such. The use of
the word negative in this case does not mean that the responder has minus
values or something equally as absurd, but suggests that the responder’s hand
may possibly be worth more defensively than offensively to the partnership
providing the overcaller does not fit the new suit.

The original overcaller, without a very sound hand or a fit for this new
suit, should be wary of doing much more competitive bidding and, instead,
think in terms of playing defense against the opponent's ultimate contract.
If not before, perhaps by now it will occur to one and all that the third
method of showing true positive value of a hand is a violation of the precepts
set down in Rule #1 and is not possible unless you have made a ttap pass.
Excluding the trap pass possibility, this is true only up to a point. That point
is reached ands that contain
12 of more points are opening bids. Therefore, they do not fall into the passed
hand category.
Since a new suit bid or a limit raise by the responder to an overcall is not
forcing, th®retistonlysonemwaylto describe a holdi
point limits of a passed hand

Special Notice: calleisna

b
“suit,
a

HOW
RESPOND~
TO
NOTE: Before each example and its attendant explanation, there are certain
stated conditions under which the responder must operate. Be sure
to read these conditions before analyzing the examples and the
answers. Otherwise, the end result may be incorrect formation of
ideas concerning the reasons for doing one thing on one hand and
doing something entirely different on another hand that looks iden-
tical but is not, due to a change in the bidding sequence.
1. With 7-10 points and.a three card fit in.a major suit, or.7 -9points.
with afour card fit.
Example: (A)
N S W West's Hand
KC 19 14 ? @® Kxx
Ot OExs x
OQ Ax x
West’s Bid: Two Hearts de xxx x
On rare occasions the responder may choose to bid some number of No Trump
with as many as three cards in his partner’s major suit, but these occasions should
‘ley
be few and far between. They occur only when the responder has no high cards
in his partner’s major, but plenty of stuff on the a ——_—

Example: (B)
N E S W West’s Hand
19 14 2c ? @ Kjxx
aX
On Kae &
& xxx
West’s Bid: Two Spades
When it’s your turn to fire and you have some ammunition, shoot while you
have the chance. it i
ele
porti ades in this example, you not only will help your partner on defense,
but you may keep the other side from reaching its best contract.
2. With 7-11 points and a three or four card fit in your partner’s minor
suit. The opponents’ suit unstopped and no other biddable suit.
Example: (A)
N E S W West's Hand
19 20 29 ? & Axx
). ese
© Kxx
&® Qxxxx
West’s Bid: Three Diamonds
Don’t worry about bidding at the three level. In the first place, you know your
partner has a good hand or he would not be able to overcall at the two level.
In the second place, even if you are a trick too high, the opponents can’t look
at everybody’s hands and see that you are going set.

Example: (B)
N E S Ww West’s Hand
1of 10 19 ? ® Axx
Vax
OOK x xx
&’ QJxxx
West’s Bid: Three Diamonds
Rarely will this situation come up where your partner overcalls in Diamonds
at the one level and you have the type of hand that justifies a jump to three
Diamonds. With a reasonably strong hand opposite a minor suit overcall, there
is usually a better bid available to the responder than a minor suit jump.
152
 3. With 7-11 points, bidding at the one level, opponents’ suit stopped,
reasonably balanced hand with no good fit for the major suit overcall.

Example: N E S W
10 14 Pass. ? West’s Hand
@® xx
ae LOSKE ox
On kee
& QOxx
West’s Bid: One No Trump
Thete is no problem here. Just make your bid and let nature take its course.
The only difference between a No Trump response to an overcall and a No
Trump response to an opening bid is that you guarantee a stopper in the op-
ponent’s suit when you respond with some number of No Trump after your
partner has made a simple overcall (providing the opponents do not overcall
themselves) while you do not guarantee anything except enough points to keep
the bidding open if you respond with one No Trump to your partner’s opening
bid.
4, With 8-11 points and a three or four card fit in your partner’s minor
suit, bidding at the two level, opponents’ suit stopped.

Example: (A)
N S Ww West’s Hand
19 2¢e Pass. ? @ Qxx
i ROS
OT O=10ex
de xxxx
West’s Bid: Two No Trump
The two No Trump bid by West will serve a double purpose. If East has a
really good hand, the news that the Heart suit is bottled up and that you have
another tasty tidbit or two lying around will enable him to pop into game at
three No Trump. If North has an exceptionally good hand and contests your
bid of two No Trump by doubling, you can always run to three Clubs. How-
ever, your two No Trump bid will tend to make it impossible for the opening
bidder to do anything other than pass.

Example: (B)
N E S W West's Hand
1a 20 26 ? @ Q10xx
Uaajex
© &KS Ore x
&® Qxx
West’s Bid: Three Diamonds
By inference, the bidding might suggest that someone has slipped in a Pinochle
deck and there are eighty high card points scattered around the table rather
155
than the usual forty. Assuming that no joke is being played and the deal has
been completed from a regular bridge deck, the answer to the question: How
can everybody have enough high cards with which to justify a bid when you
have 10 high card points, must come from the distribution of the cards. Taking
everything into consideration, it is almost a cinch that all of your Diamond
values will go down the drain if you defend the hand because one of the op-
ponents is sure to have either a singleton or a void in that suit. Against weak
opponents, you might get away with a bid of two No Trump and steal the
pot, but against a pair who have any experience in competitive bidding, you
will accomplish nothing except to tip off the whereabouts of your key cards
and expose your Spade holding. Since you cannot outbid majors with minors
at the same level, and you possess no gwick tricks, set up the defense for the
hand by raising Diamonds. On defense, even though you know the opponents
are short in Diamonds, you may easily defeat the contract by making the de-
clarer use up his trump in roughing your suit.
5. With 8-11 points, no fit in your partner's overcall suit, bidding at
the one level, a biddable suit of your own.

Example: (A)
N E S WW West’s Hand
10 19 Pass? @ AQJxx
Ox ax
OX =
& Jxxx
West's Bid: One Spade
The minimum requirements for the new suit, bid in response to a simple over-
call, are essentially the same as the requirements for making an initial overcall.
; emember, the bid
of a new suit opposite a simple overcall is not forcing.

Example: (B)
N E S Ww West’s Hand
10 19 Pass ? @ Kxxx
Os "Xx
Oo xxxx
& AQJ
West’s Bid: Pass
If your partner can do no better than make a simple overcall in Hearts, your
chances of being able to make very much of anything, other than a part score
are remote to say the least. If the opener bids again, you should compete, but
do not, on the first round, get into the bidding. By playing the waiting game
you may trap your opponents.
6. With 8-11 points, no fit in your partner's overcall suit, bidding at the
two level, a biddable suit lower in rank than your partner's suit.
154
 Example: N E S W
1efe 14 2 ? West’s Hand
& xx
OY SCO PS es
OPA X
& Q10xx
West’s Bid: Two Hearts
You are reasonably safe in joining the party, even though you are at the two
level. If the opener pops you with a snappy penalty double, you are probably
in trouble, but you can then run to Spades and hope for the best. In competitive
situations, you can never be sure what’s going to happen, but Columbus took
a chance, so should you. \hi
7. With 7-11 points, no fit in your partnet’s overcall suit, bidding at the
two level, your biddable suit higher in rank than your partner’s suit.
Example: N E S W
10 ay 2 ? West's Hand
PAGO?) Exe
O MAX
EX vk
& Q10xx
West's Bid: Pass
Great care should be taken in evaluating this situation. It’s frequently all right
to flit around betwixt and between at the one level, but it’s not so hotsy totsy
to take too many liberties with the bidding when you get much higher, par-
ticularly, if you have no place to go in the event you are doubled for penalty.
If you bid two Spades and your partner does not have support for your suit,
the roof may fall in on your house of cards.
8. With 8-11 points, no fit or high cards in your partner’s overcall suit,
bidding at the two level, no other biddable suit, the opponents’ suit stopped,
both opponents bidding.

Example: N E S W
19 20 29 ? West's Hand
@ Axx
We LE IPS
Ox x
& Qxxxx
West’s Bid: Pass
Even though you have ample count, a bid at this juncture in the face of two bid-
ding opponents would be unwise. In any competitive situation, it 1s always best
to “Look before you leap” and try to anticipate what might happen before it
happens. The only sensible alternative to a pass would be the bid of two No
Trump, but by looking ahead, you can see that there is a strong possibility you
may get into a great deal of difficulty by making this call without any fit in
155
your partner's overcall suit. If the South hand were to pass, instead of raising
the opener, West should take the gamble that his partner has a very good over-
call and bid two No Trump.
9. With 10-11 points and a four card fit in your partner's major suit.
Example: (A)
N S W West's Hand
1& 19 Pass ? @ Axx
LOHla @ ge oe 2
0 Sil ees
fe x x
West’s Bid: Three Hearts
In trying briefly to cover and illustrate the many, many different bidding prob-
lems that need to be dealt with, it is well nigh impossible to provide in printed
form the perfect answer to every question. Fortunately a cut and dried answer
exists for the responder when his partner makes a simple major suit overcall
and he has 10 or 11 points with a four card fit: A jump in the overcaller’s suit
is always the right bid. A jump response to a simple overcall is not forcing and
is strictly a limit bid.
Example: (B)
N S W West’s Hand
19 14 29 ? @& Kxxx
Lv ee 2
9 ed esaE
&® Jxx
West’s Bid: Three Spades
It is immaterial whether both opponents bid or not if you have a fit in your
partner’s suit. Make the bid that describes the value of your hand and don’t
worty about the ultimate result. Let your partner decide what to do if the op-
ponents keep on bidding. In totaling up your points, remember to include your
distributional count also.
10. With 11 or a bad 12 points and a three card fit in your partner's
Major suit.

Example: N E S W
10 19 Pass ? West's Hand
@ Axxx
VAP Sm Pe
Oe
&® Qxxxx
West’s Bid: Three Hearts
It is permissible to jump-raise your partner's major with only three trump if
you have a good solid hand with some high cards in the agreed upon suit.
156
NOTE: Not to be overlooked in the general scheme of things is the tremen-
dous advantage you gain from being able to pre-empt the enemy by
using jump limit raises,
11. With 12 or 13 points and the opponents’ suit well stopped.
Example: N E S Ww
19 1% Pass? West’s Hand
@® xx
ALO
Ori | rx xox

West’s Bid: Two No Trump

& QJx
It would be senseless to cue bid the opponents’ suit with this holding when
you can easily draw a complete and accurate picture of your hand with one bid.
As a matter of record, the jump to two No Trump or occasionally the bid of
three No Trump in response to simple overcalls are the only bids that reflect
the size of hands equal in strength to opening bids, other than cue bids. A leap
to three No Trump will show a 14 or 15 point holding.
12. With 12 or more points and almost any type of distribution, cue bid.
Example: (A)
N E S Ww West’s Hand
10 14 Pass ~? @4 KQx
ere 8) le xox
> te 2
& Oxx
West’s Bid: Two Diamonds
In response to an overcall, a cue bid is a ove round force, but not a force to
game. A cue bid in this position does not show first or second round control in
the opponents’ bid suit. If the overcaller should simply rebid two Spades, the
responder has the option of either passing or raising the auction to three Spades.
After an initial cue bid by the responder, it is up to the overcaller to further
define the limits of his hand.
Example: (B)
N E S W West’s Hand
14 2h Pass ? & x
OK On lexx
OVALkx
& Qxxx
West’s Bid: Two Spades
Following the overcaller’s rebid in answer to the responders cue bid, the re-
sponder might bid a new suit below game level. In this sequence, the bid of a
new suit by the responder is absolutely forcing and commits the partnership to a
game contract.

157
Example: (C)
N

West’s Bid: Two Spades

Occasionally you may be faced with this proposition where you are the proud
possessor of an opening bid, but everybody has gotten into the act before it is
your turn to speak. What to do and how to do it? A cue bid of the suit named
by the antagonist sitting on your immediate right is the proper solution to this
puzzle.
When two suits have been bid by the opponents, it is zor a cue bid if you
blossom out with a call in the opener’s suit. Using the above order of bids for
illustration, two Clubs on your part would merely show a long Club suit.
Example: @ x
axa
Y Ore xX
BK OP xa x
Example: (D)
N E S W West’s Hand
10 14 Pass 20 4 KQxxx
Pass 36 Pass 39 VY Ax ss
Pass 4& Pass ? © Void
& Qxxx
West’s Bid: Four Diamonds
It is certainly not beyond the realm of probability that you can sometimes pro-
duce a slam against an opening bid. Anytime you want either to give or to re-
ceive added information you can cue bid the opponents’ suit again. Never can
this bid be misinterpreted by your partner as meaning you have length in that
suit.

RESPONDING TO STRONG JUMP MAJOR SUIT OVERCALLS

Example: (A)
N S W West’s Hand
19-24 Passosr @4 Qx
OD. xxx x
Ot AN Exe Saex
& xx
West's Bid: Three Spades
There is no mystery about what to do here. When your good buddy on the
other side of the table tells you he can takesevemoneightitti@ksyall by his lone-
some, show some speed and boost him up a notch. A trick, plus a couple of
trump, and an outside face card or a doubleton is worth a single raise.
158
Example: (B)
N S W West’s Hand
10 29 Pass ? & xx
UO MKGx
OA ex xx
& QOxx
West’s Bid: Four Hearts
Get the show on the road. You might go set, but you should have a reasonable
play for game with the equivalent of two tricks and a few trump.

RESPONDING TO WEAK PRE-EMPTIVE JUMP OVERCALLS

Example: (A) (Neither side vulnerable)
N E S W West’s Hand
10 3a Pass ? & Kx
ORR O ER EX
OPP ARX
O05 x
West’s Bid: Four Spades
Treat a pre-emptive jump overcall the same as an opener and respond accord-
iy. SERS a GPE PORE ehaca 9 GREE alec
[ee ee skip bid should be4aised with'twoy

Example: (B) (Both sides vulnerable)

E S W West's Hand
19 3é (weak) Pass ? BOK Onxexx
i IN BES ONE
Of Onjex
fe x
West’s Bid: Pass
Don’t get carried away with your points or they may carry you out on a stretcher
if you bid with this hand. Even if your partner has a solid seven card Club suit,
you will be able to take only eight top tricks in No Trump. Obviously an at-
tempt to make five Clubs is ridiculous. Use common sense.

REBID BY THE OVERCALLER AND THE RESPONDER

(Competitive Bidding)
Stop! Look! and Listen!
If the lyrics to the song “Three Little Words” were to be rewritten to
include stop, look, and listen, it might easily become the universal anthem for
all avid bridge players. It is most likely that about 907% of the major catastro-
phies that frequently occur during a regular bridge get together could be averted
if the guilty party responsible for the bidding disaster had stopped to reappraise
the true worth of his hand after carefully analyzing each bid made by the other
players in their respective turns.
159.
Everything else = equal, = one intangible that will separate - men from
the boys in any es game is the abuses of development of each player's

In the foregoing sections of this chapter, overcalls and responses have

been discussed at considerable length. Competitive and defensive bids have
been given meaning, minimum bid requirements have been established, point
values for limit bids have been generally mapped out. Your house is in order.
Now, go to playing. Through reference, usage, and memory of the mean-
ing of the bids, you have at your command all the tools you need to build a
stout bidding defense against anyone.
Stop, look at your hand again, review the bidding in your own mind and
add up the facts. Follow this procedure and you are well on your way to be-
coming a much improved bridge player. This is rational thinking.
Phase one you can handle—addition. Phase two of competitive bidding—
table judgment—is off in outer space. To the best of this writer's knowledge,
phase two has never even been brought up, except in passing, in any book.
To do justice in print on the subject of competitive bidding and its ephem-
etal sister, table judgment, volumes could be written. If some bridge nut with
the patience of Job and a life expectancy of 500 years would care to take on
this little task, please go ahead.

All of this is leading up to one thing, a statement of simple fact. No one

can learn to play bridge by just reading a book. A bridge book of instruction is
a guide with the avowed purpose of aiding the individual performer in his
endeavor to learn the game and play progressively better.

Good table judgment can only be acquired in one way and that is through
actual play. The correct answers to all overcall and response rebid questions
will be drawn from two sources, your bridge guide and personal experience.

Beyond describing in detail what an overcall is and when it should be

made, and enumerating the responses, your bridge guide has gone about as far
as it can go. The rest is up to you.

A word of warning: Don’t be impatient with your progress! Rome

wasn't built in a day and no one can expect to become a polished bridge player
overnight. To the “Three Little Words,”—stop, look, and listen, should be
added one more—think. Think of what you are doing as you are doing it and
the pieces to the puzzle of the game of bridge will more easily fall into proper
place.
160
 CHAPTER VI
(PART 1) REVIEW QUESTIONS
As the Overcaller: Bid each of the following hands.
Example: Opening Bid: One Hea — Overcaller’
rt s Hand.
AKO. x
Lo ases
i
> A.J xx
& xx
Overcall: One Spade
Opening Bid: One Spade
@® xx & x @& Kx
OK x x Vee es
On O~)-s"x O- On] x OAK Ox ex
& KQxxx me KO ) x xxx & Qxx
Overcall: Overcall: Overcall:

Opening Bid: One Diamond

® AQ)]xx«x @ Ax & QO J10 xxx
eA x 0 KJ Xx & aX
C7 xx Cs o x
& KJx & AJxxx & AQxx
Overcall: Overcall: Overcall:

As the Responder to an Overcall:

Opening Bid: One Club Overcall: One Heart
Partner's Response: Pass
@ KQxxx @ Ajxx @ Ax
et XOX OI Dis atek ox
Ox xX xX Om Or x Oenicee Xuxex
oe xx & KQxx & Ax
Response Response Response
to Overcall: to Overcall: to Overcall:

Opening Bid: One Heart Overcall: One Spade

Partner’s Response: One No Trump
@ xx @ QJjJx @ Qxxx
VP aS J°x x Os es Oe DEX
Crit xX OM OES Xt OFX
b&b QOxx hm xxx b&b Qx
Response Response Response
to Overcall: to Overcall: to Overcall:
161
 DOUBLING FOR TAKEOUT

Some, so-called bridge players, seem to take a perverse delight in doubling

for takeout with a mish-mush collection of cards and then sitting back in their
chairs with a smirk on their dumb faces while their poor partners writhe in
agony over having to play a completely impossible contract. A takeout double
is not intended as an instrument with which to bedevil your partner. Instead,
its function is to give the defending partnership one more device to be used
in safely competing against opening bids.
The words, takeout double, mean exactly that. If you double an opponent’s
opening one level suit bid immediately or double the response to the opening
bid at your first opportunity after your partner has taken the action of passing,
you are always asking your partner to bid.
Example: (A)
N E S W East’s Hand
10 ? 4 KQxx
AO
ODES
& Qxx
East’s Bid: Double

Example: (B)
N E S W West's Hand
1 Pass 19 ? @ AQxxx
© Kex
OKO x
hb xx
West’s Bid: Double
Two principal differences exist between the hands where you should overcall
and the ones where you double for takeout. T he shape or istri
distribution of a hand _
that=qualifiessforjaytakeout
doubletis usually no
foundsinean"overcallyIn common, both bids sh ow trick-taking potential, sm
the action of overcalling states more or less specifically where tricks may be
taken, whereas a takeout double suggests more scattered strength.

SHAPE
Do not double for takeout without favorable distributional shape to your
hand. Agtakeout"double.
will outepa Si widtatmbe baa e

and that you

a
———

162
Example: (A)
N S W East’s Hand
10 ? ( PIMOS pap
OAK x
Oo xx
East’s Bid: Double & Axxx
It's nice to have at least four cards in each of the majors when doubling a minor
for takeout, but you can’t always have everything. However, following a minor
suit Opening, you should not contemplate a takeout double with fewer than
three cards in each major except under unusual circumstances with very strong
hands.
Example: (B)
N E S W East’s Hand
1ef ? 4 AQ
OFTALK.
OR Oe axcax
East’s Bid: Pass de xxxxx
Do Not Double, Do Not Bid No Trump
If necessary, to avoid doing anything other than passing, put a gag in your
mouth.
Example: (C)
N S Ww East's Hand
14 ? & x
OPK Oe x
Ce IN ABS OS ies
East’s Bid: Double & KJx
An immediate double of one Spade should almost guarantee four Hearts.
Example: (D)
N E S W West’s Hand
19 Pass 2& ? @ AKxxx
Os
OMI O axe
West's Bid: Double & xx
If you have in mind forcing your partner to bid at the two level, be well equip-
ped in the other unbid suits.
Example: (E)
N S W East’s Hand
10 ? @ Qx
ENA GA oe
Orme x
East’s Bid: One Heart C Seen eres
Even though you are amply endowed with sufficient high cards to justify a
takeout double, you do not have adequate support for the Spade suit. With
one more Spade and one less Heart a double for takeout would be in order.
163
 SIZE
ts range can
be anywhere from a minimum o istributional
points should be counted for voids, singletons, or doubletons in the opponents’
bid suit or suits.
When there is some question in your mind as to the feasibility of making
a takeout double, dttestinliattebeeer stn eaankals a
abilityeand weigh the possible consequences of your intended positive action
carefully. No one can bat a thousand in any guessing game, but some of the
risks involved may be lessened, for each player placed in a similar position,
by following this simple vulnerability yardstick.

TAKEOUT DOUBLE MINIMUMS

They are vulnerable, you are not — 11 points

When thevulnerability isfavorable toyour side, more liberties maybe

Example: (A)
N E S W East’s Hand
1d ? @ KJxx
UB ete (13 pts.)
Oi Oo rex
fe x
East’s Bid: Double
It is not absolutely necessary to have two defensive tricks when doubling for
takeout. The singleton in the opponents’ suit is worth two points.

Example: (B) (Both sides vulnerable)

N E S W East’s Hand
19 ? @ QjJxx
Vos (13 bad pts.)
Oo Ki Om
® Kxxx
East’s Bid: Pass
This is a terrible bunch of trash.Ifgood ole pard has to bid at the two level
with a nothing hand, you'll soon suffer the same fate as the ‘‘Titanic.”

164
Example: (C) (Both sides vulnerable)
N E S Ww - East’s Hand
10 2 @ Qxxx
UW ACO x (14 pts.)
OF x
& Axxx
East’s Bid: Double
This holding is about 10 times better than the one above. You not only have
some tricks, but you can fit any suit.
Example: (D) (You are vulnerable, they are not)
N E S W East’s Hand
10 d @® AJx
°K)" Cla badepts)
Oy Ge ve
& KJxx
East’s Bid: Pass
The heck with the whole thing. Your side may have the best hand, but there
is too much chance you'll end up in the glue if you bid.
Example: (E) (You are vulnerable, they are not)
N E S WW East’s Hand
ry ? @ Axxx
Vx (15 pts.)
Oi OX
&® Kxxxx
East’s Bid: Double
There is certainly no assurance that you won't get your nose cut off for having
inserted it into the bidding now, but at least, you have a reasonable excuse for
contesting the issue.
Example: (F) (They are vulnerable, you are not) |
N E S Ww East’s Hand
1c ? @ Kxxx
OO AEX (11 pts.)
OW Ors x
hb x
East’s Bid: Double
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Regardless of who has what, your partner
has 13 cards, some of which must fit one of these suits. The opponents won't
get rich doubling for penalty under these favorable vulnerability conditions.
165
NOTE: In all of the foregoing examples under the heading of Size, emphasis
has been placed on the minimum requirements for making a takeout
double. Naturally, better hands exist.

THE DOUBLE OF ONE NO TRUMP

Against an opening suit bid an immediate double always asks your partner
to respond with something other than a pass, but this is not the case if you
double an opening No Trump. is primari

REQUIREMENTS AND POSITION

Example: (A)
N S W East’s Hand
HiNgée a KJx
OD. a0 ex
Ona
dm Axxx
East’s Bid: Double
With anything less in the way of high cards, stay out of the bidding.
Example: (B)
N S W East's Hand
LN 2 &® xx
OD sae
O AIO
& AK
East’s Bid: Two Clubs or Pass
Do not double, if you double and your partner takes it out into Hearts or Spades,
you are in danger of drowning.
Example: (C)
N E S W East’s Hand
TaN ee @ AKQxx
OE Ome
Oe
& xx
East’s Bid: Double
By reversing the suits of the previous example, the whole situation is changed.
Now you ate prepared for anything your partner does. If he passes, everything
is lovely. If he responds in a minor, you can rebid two Spades and not increase
the level of bidding.
166
Example: (D)
N E S Ww West's Hand
1NT Pass Pass. 4/2 &® Axxx
OPK ORKEX
© Kx x
& Qx
West's Bid: Pass or Double
This is always a touch and go proposition. When the Opponent to your left
opens with a strong No Trump and everybody passes up to you, it’s anybody's
guess as to what to do. If your side is vulnerable, the best idea is to take the
easy way out and pass. If you are not vulnerable, a double can be tried out for
size. It is not unreasonable for you to expect your partner to come up with some
high cards when you double, but don’t be surprised if sometimes you find your-
self going set a few when the No Trumpet’s partner has passed with 6 or 7
points.

DOUBLING A PRE-EMPT
Unless you have discussed this little matter with your partner before begin-
ning to play, it is generally understood that amed
CAOAner4 ra

S double
is 1 but he may exercise
the option of passing for penalty if this appears to be the best thing for him
to do.
However, the
doublet’s partner with an extremely unbalanced holding may find it is in the
partnership’s best interest to bid rather than pass.
For the bridge purist interested in the technical aspects of bidding, it can
be pointed out that isfactori
2. Unfortunately, for the pair defending against an
opening pre-empt, there is frequently a lot of good guesswork involved in
getting the most out of the cards.
Example: (A) .
N 8 S W East’s Hand
30? @ AQxx
0x
Oo KOiexx
& AJx
East’s Bid: Double (Cooperative)

uthermore, it is of prime importance that you

be distributionally well prepared for any suit your partner may bid with special
emphasis placed on the unbid majors.
167
Example: (B)
S W West's Hand
30 Pass _ Pass ? @4 KQxx
OD” A 10 eee
o x
&® Kxx
West’s Bid: Double (Cooperative)

less
due.tosthese.twosfactorseFirst, y is li
Leo er panera some other suit than Diamonds is stacked in
one hand. Secondly, when you pop out with a double directly over a pre-empt
you have no assurance you will catch your partner with a biscuit, eect
ou are quite certain the pre-empter’s partner does not have
a of the high cards, since he has passed the opening pre-empt.

THE
TO-COOPERATIVE
DRAWBACK DOUBLES.
It is a virtual impossibility to ever double the opening pre-empter for
penalty. If you double holding the opponents’ suit, your partner always bids.
As far as he is concerned, with two, one, or none of the opponents’ suit, his
holding is much better suited distributionally for offense than defense.

THE FISHBEIN CONVENTION

To Harry Fishbein of New York City, one of the nicest guys and best
players in the country, belongs the credit for originating this convention for
the defenders use against under game pre-emptive bids. It overcomes the draw-
back of doubling cooperatively. If you and your partner agree to use Fishbein
over and under game pre-empt, a double is automatically for penalty.

HOW IT WORKS
Double for penalty. The bid of the next available suit in order of rank to
the suit in which the under game pre-empt has already been made is for takeout.
In responding to a Fishbein bid it should not be assumed that the suit
named for takeout is necessarily your partner’s best suit unless said suit is bid
at a game level.
Example: (A)
N S W East’s Hand
30 ? 4 AQJxx
Or REO ixas
OF x
& Kxx
East’s Bid: Three Hearts
To take direct action over a pre-empt, the minimum 16 or 17 point and distri-
butional requirements are the same for the use of Fishbein as they are for a
cooperative double.
168
 N S W East’s Hand
30 f @ Ax
9 KJxxx
Vo Ox x
& Qx
East’s Bid: Double
This is 100% for penalty. If North can make three H
more power to him.
Example: (C)
N
4© ? & Ax

East’s Bid: Four Hearts

Even though Hearts is the next ranking suit,“itlisiinotyayFishbein bidw/Gametisim
game inany language.
Example: (D)
N E S Ww West’s Hand
4é Pass Pass ? BAN xx
OF Oe <x
Oo kx x
hb x
West’s Bid: Four Diamonds
Regardless of the below game level, the bid of the next ranking suit always
asks your partner to respond. Without Hearts or Spades, but length in Diamonds
East may either pass or continue on in Diamonds depending on the size of his
hand.

THE DRAWBACK TO FISHBEIN

One problem solved, another created. Players using the Fishbein conven-
tion are no longer concerned with the meaning of the word double when it
is employed over the enemy's pre-empt. When his friend across the table cries
“double” the partner of the doubler can relax in his rocking chair and take life
easy, secure in the knowledge that soon a neat profit will be turned by setting
the opponents.
The fly in the ointment is the inability of the side opposing the pre-empt
to make a natural overcall with a limited or distributional hand in the suit
immediately above that which has been opened. Much of the time this handicap
doesn’t hurt anything, but occasionally this flaw results in the pre-empter steal-
ing the contract or a bidding fiasco for the defending pair.
169
 THE SMITH CONVENTION

For want of a name to describe a convention which, in my opinion, com-

bines the most attractive features of the cooperative double with the funda-
mentally sound idea behind the Fishbein convention, I have ascribed my own.
not new in any one
particular, but in its combined form it is new. It encompasses the problems en-
countered more fully and presents an improved technique for obtaining the
best results.

HOW IT WORKS

nagndne
fara TR
inthe
strengthns
In the position of the playe
takeoutw The doubler’s partner may pass, but should do so only if he has trump
tricks. it, i

First Position

Example: (A)
N E S W East’s Hand
39 ? @4 AKJx
> ix
O Kelexcxex
& Axx
East’s Bid: Four Clubs

he reason for this.désethe;safety:factor.

When you go sailing around at the four level it is a good idea to be well pro-
tected from the unknown. If the opponent to your left has the balance of high
cards and you are at sea in a rowboat, the attending storm is sure to capsize
your craft, and down i will go into the murky depths. “Y8"pointswandligood

Example: (B)

34 ?

East’s Bid: Pass .

Don’t get into the middle of who knows what with this conglomeration.
170
Example: (C)
N S Ww East’s Hand
30 ? AK jeex x x
OP Aex
Oo xx
& AQx
East’s Bid: Three Spades
é ! on’t worry about
your partner, if he has something he will let you know about it in short order.
Example: (D)
N S W East’s Hand
30 ? @ Kx
ake © Baxe x
© Void
& AJxxxx
East’s Bid: Three Hearts

otheraUsually
the higherirankingifirstaln this example, if your partner responds
with three Spades, rebid four Clubs, ST eaaamleenaeimelniaiatin le”
i lailemend
i

Example: (E)
N S W East’s Hand
30 ? @ Ax
Ver x
Om Dax
& AJjJ10xx
East’s Bid: Déublesr
Don’t think that this doesn’t come up. Isn’t it nice to know that your sweet
partner is not going to let your rabbit get away after you have him neatly trapped
by making some inane bid over your double.
Second Position
Example: (F) 7
N E S W West's Hand
30 Pass Pass ? @& KjJxx
Wb
Oe Ghee
aod
&® Axxx
West’s Bid: Double
This is an example of a minimum non-vulnerable takeout.double..So far, there
hasn’t been much reference made to the conditions of vulnerability, but suffice
it to say that the vulnerability does make a difference. Common sense tells you
that if you are vulnerable, fewer chances should be taken, not vulnerable you
can afford to stir things up with less risk.
7A
Example: (G)
N S W West's Hand
30 Pass Pass ? Kez
V7 OR ae
Oo Kai
&® Ax
West's Bid: Pass
If your partner has been unable to do anything other than pass, by all means
give up the ghost and hope to set the opponents. It’s possible that your side
may be able to make something, but there is an even stronger probability that
if you make a call other than pass, you will wind up in the soup.
Example: (H)
N S Ww West’s Hand
3a Pass Pass ? @ xx
0 AsO oe x
Or AeQ ex
oh xx
West’s Bid: Three Hearts
This hand is worth a bid, so give it a whirl, but remember not to double for
takeout unless you are prepared for your partner's response.
Example: (1)
N S Ww West's Hand
30 Pass 39 ? @® -A‘Ormx =x
ORs
o x
& Kojpax=
West’s Bid: Double
It is not often that you will be faced with this problem, but ittisuimportant'for™

saaieeestaheoueett is treated the same way as if the pre-empter’s partner had

not bid at all. Any immediate double of a below game contract by the defender
to the right of the pre-empter is always a request for a bid.
Example: (J)
N S W East's Hand
3 Pass Pass Double 4 K.j9 =
OU Ons
O Alii
th xxx
East’s Bid: Pass
What a pleasure. You now have the pre-empter neatly sandwiched. “Down will
go McGinty to the bottom of the well,” with high cards to the right of him and
trump tricks to the left.
172
 Over four Hearts or four Spades

N E S W West’s Hand
4@ Pass Pass ? @ Void
O ALO: xex
OF Ke lex sxx
West’s Bid: Four No Trump & Ajxx
No one cares to have this revolting situation come up, but when it does arise,
it's nice to know what to do.

minor unless he has substantial length and strength in Spades.

PROTECTION DOUBLES
(Refer Pages 149-150 on Overcalls)
In conjunction with the previously discussed passages on No Trump over-
calls in the passout position, this section will complete the prescription for effec-
tively controlling the plague of the opponents’ bidding.

goes quietly leaving itup'to you; your bidding options are many and varied.
oe mppaleisbeummblaiatae, Witlindolitile i
OLMeconin oe OQ i
poin An OVE

cra -No Trump .is inorder, Going from rags

to riches, and to the purpose of this sec n

Any hand fairly well balanced in th

t is not advisable to double
with highly distributional hands, even though they contain 10 or more points,
for the simple reason that you do ot want your partner to pass for penalty.
Above all else, keep in mind that in the passout position your first con-
sideration is to your partner. Don’t trap him with some goofball maneuver. At
the same time, don’t always wave the yellow flag and dive for cover just because
the opponents have opened the bidding.
Follow this Rule: “Whenever your hand has merit) |protectiyour partner's»
pass by taking positive action.
Example: (A)
N S Ww West’s Hand
19 Pass Pass ? & AT
Ves
On Ka Xx
West’s Bid: Double &® QOxxx
This is not the world’s best hand, but it is certainly not the worst. If your partner
passes for penalty, you should have enough to set the opponents. If your partner
bids, you can fit any suit. What more can you ask from this holding?
175
Example: (B)
S W West’s Hand
14 Pass Pass ? & xx
O ORs
O- Kies
&m AKxxx
West’s Bid: Two Clubs
It DOSITIOTY Witt

ma! \t
Clee ies ers fe an RoRGr or two aree necessary
to qualify for a sion in any position after the Spade suit has been bid.
Example: (C)
N S W West’s Hand
1f Pass Pass ? & A J xx
xox
© GABOR axax
he xx
West’s Bid: Double
It is not necessary to have support for both majors when you double a minor
in this position because you are predicating the double on the supposition your
partner can pass for penalty. If your partner bids, don’t worry about his jump-
ing to some high level in Hearts. It is physically impossible for him to have
a big distributional hand and be unable to make a simple overcall over one Club.
Example: (D) (Exception)
N E S West’s Hand
19 Pass ass meee? @ Qx
WAT | Sos
OW Kaxx ex
& Qx
West's Bid: Pass
About the only time you should make like an ostrich with his head in the sand
is when your partner passes and you hold length in the bid suit with a smatter-
ing of high cards. Forget the whole thing and avoid trouble before it starts. Do
not bid one No Trump.

RESPONDING TO A TAKEOUT DOUBLE

Thoughts of up, up, and away, or “How High the Moon,” run through ”

the minds of some players while others think of ‘Escape from Devil’s Island,”
or the Pied Piper leading the mice to their doom, when responding to takeout
doubles.
When your partner doubles for takeout this should not be the signal for
the start of a rocket flight to Mars, or the reverse, for you to take a bottle of
sleeping pills and go to the land of ' “‘Winkin, Blinkin, and Nod.” Straighten
up and fly right.
174
 One of the easiest things to learn to do properly is to respond to a takeout
double. Your response is governed by the number of points you hold and by
your distribution. In most instances, a responding hand can be limited and
described accurately with one bid.
For ease of reference and understanding, the point spreads for the respond-
ing hands are separated and divided into four categories. The heading of each
of these categories describes the amount of interest you should exhibit to your
partner toward the idea of reaching game opposite his takeout double.
IEW eae Olio wenn rere tae ec chee No interest
2. 8-10 points (No Majors) _. oo Mild interest
3. 8-10 points (With Majors) ............... Strong interest
Bom PITOL Tooter points. 20 .ont.A er. Very strong interest -

NO INTEREST (0 to 7 Points)
Providing the opponent to your right does not take you off the hook by
making some bid, other than pass over your partner’s double, it is your humble
duty to obey your partner’s command and bid. Never pass just because you have
a weak hand unless you are well fixed with length and strength in the opponents’
bid suit.
In considering your hand for choice of suits in which to respond, look
first to the majors and then to the minors. Remember, your partner guarantees
good support for the unbid majors when he doubles.
Example: (A)
N S W West’s Hand
10 Double Pass ? Os exc x
OEREX
Oe OTe
& xxx
West’s Bid: One Spade
It’s your turn, fire away.
Example: (B)
N E S W West’s Hand
1 Double Redouble ? @& xx
ae exc s
On Ons xex
hm xxx
West’s Bid: One Heart
This example is essentially the same as the preceding one except South has re-
doubled instead of passing. In

ince you have an obvious preference for Hearts, let your

partner in on the secret before your side gets any higher in the auction.
175
Example: (C)
N S W West’s Hand
1 Double Pass ? Oo xxxx
inex
Cases
&@ Kxxxx
West's Bid: One Spade
Where you have a choice between a major and a minor, name the major. Be
especially sure to do so when the major can be shown at a lower level than
the minor, regardless of length or strength in the respective suits.
Example: (D)
N S W West’s Hand
10 Double 19 ? @ KJxx
OSes
OF x
fe xxxxx
West’s Bid: One Spade
Since you are relieved of the obligation to bid by the one Heart call of the
player to your right, a one Spade response to your partner’s doubl
ints»,Under these same conditions with fewer than 6 points, you would
simply pass.
Example: (E)
N S W W
1e Double Pass ? @ xx
0 Qix x
On xs
& Qji09xx
West’s Bid: Pass
A pass is not only permissible, but advisable. When you are loaded in the op:
ponents’ suit, it doesn’t really make much difference how many points you
have, just check out and try to set somebody.

MILD INTEREST (8-10 Points, No Majors)

To some, it may seem a shame that the poor little Clubs and Diamonds
are not held in the same high esteem as Hearts and Spades, but to those senti-
mentalists it can only be said that, that is the way the ball bounces in the game
of bridge and it’s too late to change things now. C’est la vie.
When you are dealt a slightly subpar hand with the majority of your cards
being in the minors, or some in the minors and some in the opponents’ suit,
don’t look for big things to come your way just because your partner makes
a takeout double. Unless your friend across the table can show some speed after
your comparatively weak response’to his initial request forta bid, don’t get too
excited over having a few face cards.
176
Example: (A)
N E S W West’s Hand
19 Double Pass ? @ xx
OE Baten
OOS eas
&® AQIJxx
West’s Bid: Two Clubs
Content yourself with a first round underbid. Your side certainly isn’t going
anyplace if your partner cannot follow up his initial double with another bid
on the second go around. In a competitive situation, you may easily trap your
opponents when you come back into the bidding a second time.

Example: (B)
N E 5 W West’s Hand
10 Double Pass ? & xx
datos x
© Ka xix
&® AQxxx
West’s Bid: One No Trump
In response to a double, the bid of one No Trump shows a hand that contains
8 : it. The bid of one No Trump _
x ; :

Example: (C)
N E S W West’s Hand
14 Double Pass ? @® xx

West’s Bid: Three Clubs

You are not barred from making a jump bid in a minor, but you should have a
good reason for doing so. Quite obviously you have six solid reasons for leap-
ing around on this hand. If your partner can stop Spades and has a smattering
of good cards on the outside, three No Trump should get home free.

STRONG INTEREST (8-10 Points, with Majors)

Now to the brighter side of life. Armed with the knowledge that you
have what your partner would like you to have in the way of right cards in the
right suits, you can begin to think like a kangaroo at the start of a race. Get
ready to jump.
Example: (A)
N S W West’s Hand
10 Double Pass ? @& xx
OF ==
> Avex
&® Qxxx
West’s Bid: Two Hearts
Having done your bit for the good of the cause, sit back and await develop-
ments. Your partner can decide what to do from here on out.

Example: (B)
N S W West’s Bid
19 Double 20 ? @. OeG xs
Oe
OB exe
he Qxx
West’s Bid: Three Spades
Don’t be afraid to jump to the three level. Also, remember to add points to
your hand for voids, singletons, and doubletons, when you know that you have
a fit in an agreed upon suit.
Example: (C)
N E S Ww West’s Hand
1f@ Double Pass ? 4° OSS x
OD) x
© ALO xe xe
hh xx
West’s Bid: Two Spades
Don’t bother with Diamonds when you know your partner is mainly interested
in the majors.
Example: (D)
N S W East’s Hand
1 Pass 14 Double & xx
Passs © ic Aa axe x
o> xx
& Kxxxx
East’s Bid: Three Hearts
The fact that you are a passed hand has no bearing on your response. If any-
thing, you should be even more encouraged over the prospect of getting to
game because your partner has enough with which to double in the face of two
bidding opponents.

VERY STRONG INTEREST (11 or more Points)

Surprising as it may seem, the weaker hands do not seem to be as trouble-
some for the average player to handle as are the stronger holdings. This ptob-
178
lem, of not knowing what to do after your partner has doubled for takeout
le look down to find eleven or more points in your hand, can be solved
easi

Undeniably, the odds slightly favor your being able to make a game some-
place anytime you hold eleven or more points opposite a takeout double, but
the trick is finding the right someplace and avoiding the unmakeable games.
By familiarizing yourself with the..artyof,cuesbiddingeand making thesproper»
descriptive limitwebidsyyou can perform this trick with ever-increasing regularity.
Example: (A)
N E S W West's Hand
1f Double Pass ? @ KJ xx
UP Bt cb a5.
OmeKo ax
he xx
West’s Bid: Two Clubs
If the doubler answers your cue bid with either two Hearts or two Spades, a
raise to three is plenty with this hand. Your raise shows 11 or 12 points. If
the doubler has a bad minimum he may pass, but with a good double he will
continue on to game.
Example: (B)
N S W West’s Hand
19 Double Pass ? @& Qx .
ae x
Oe NG OTKXES
fm Axxxx
West’s Bid: Two Hearts
After a cue bid, any new suit bid by the responder is a one round force. There-
fore, if the doubler rebids two Spades, you can show your Diamonds at the
three level and Clubs at the four level without fear of being passed out below
game.
Example: (C)
N E S W West's Hand
10 Double Pass 20 & Axx
Pass 2@ Passive 2 ie) Xx
Ox x
West’s Bid: Three Diamonds fm Axxx
It is sound practice to make a second cue bid when more information is de-
sired about your partner’s hand. Without your having named a suit in between
cue bids, this bid has no other meaning than to be another one round force.
179
 Example: (D)
N E S W West’s Hand
14 Double Pass 2@ & Void
Pass 39 Pass 4e& 0) EOurrxas
Pass 49 Pass ? Oui es
West’s Bid: Four Spades & AK xxx
After naming a new suit, a bid of the opponents’ suit will guarantee a control
in that suit.
Example: (E)
N S W West’s Hand
19 Double Pass ? @ Qx
9 KQ10
tOF xe x
West’s Bid: Two No Trump bE Orxes
With a scattering of high cards and the opponents’ suit well stopped, a jump
to two No Trump will be a better way for you to show your 11 or 12 points
than a cue bid. A jump to three No Trump shows 13 or more points and a com-
plete lack of interest in the unbid majors.

AN IMMEDIATE CUE BID FOR TAKEOUT

The strongest bidding action a defender can take against an opener is to
immediately cue bid his suit. The defender, by overcalling at the next available
level in the suit named by the player directly in front of him, arbitrarily com-
mits the partnership to game. This is an absolute game force.
The responder to a cue bid must keep the bidding open until game level is
reached regardless of the size or distribution of his hand.
Example: (A)
N S W East’s Hand
19 ? @ “AUK Jox’x x x
Y Void
Oo ALO: lone
East’s Bid: Two Hearts bh x
A cue bid is the equal of an opening game demand bid.
Example: (B)
N S W West’s Hand
le Pass 14 ? @ x ie
0 AQ Ux
>) ACK x x
West's Bid: Two Spades & Void

“opponents. A bid of two Clubs in this position will show a Club suit and is not
a cue bid at all.
180
Example: (C)
N S W East’s Hand
10 ?

East’s Bid: Three Diamonds

REBIDS BY THE DOUBLER AND THE RESPONDER

To enumerate in detail and answer one by one all the thousands of different
bidding problems that might come up for the doubler and the responder after
the first round of auctioning has been completed is a flat waste of time.
By reading through, referring to, and applying the information set forth
on the preceding pages that cover takeout doubles you can answer your own
rebid questions. It will take time and considerable experience before anyone
can expect to perform this chore to his complete satisfaction, but stay with it
and you'll get the job done.
About the only helpful suggestion that can be made to assist the reader
in his endeavor to skilfully maneuver into the correct contract, after either
doubling for takeout or responding to a double, is for him to remember to
form a mental picture of the meaning of the bids. If you establish a set pattern,
for thinking before you bid, most of the previously encountered rebid difficulties
will evaporate into thin air.

WHAT TO DO OVER TAKEOUT DOUBLES

This last to be discussed phase of bidding is one that is frequently referred
to in the briefest of language by most bridge writers. Seemingly, they feel that
it is comparatively unimportant what you do over an intervening double after
your partner has opened the bidding. To yours ray, tSREE RSREGRAR aR.
.

To begin with, you have a multiple number of bids from which to choose
after an opponent intervenes with a takeout double. Your selection of a pat-
ticular bid should be predicated on the appearance of your hand and not on
some nitwitted idea that occurs to you on the spur of the moment.
By setting up a point line of demarcation, the good hands can be separated
from the not so good, or bad hands..Ez i
Having established this line, the good hands can be described in one word,
redoub
in the opener’s$ sui By redoubling, the
suit. f responde re
nesnd guarantees to bid again when itenext becomes his ‘turn unless the

181
 Example: (A)
N E S Ww South’s Hand
10 Double ? @ Qxxx
OUR x xx
Oem
South’s Bid: Pass & jJxx
A pass can be anything from 0 to 7 points. Do not bid without a sound reason.

Example: (B)
N E S W South’s Hand
19 Double ? @ Qx
OF BARS
OF eres
South’s Bid: Two Hearts & xxx
Defensively you want a Heart lead, offensively you have good support.

Example: (C)
N E S W South’s Hand
1c Double ? a@ xxx
WWBani ao Be
© AQJxx
South’s Bid: One Diamond mh xx
Without placing yourself in great jeopardy, try to help your partner get off to
the right lead if you defend.

Example: (D)
N E S W South’s Hand
10 Double ? & xxx
DLO 0 sxe ee
© Void
South’s Bid: One Heart de xxxx
No one cares to hold this type of hand, but unfortunately, they do come up.
It is not a wise idea to rush around trying to rescue your partner all the time,
but this hand is hopeless in Diamonds. TieahtnianeeTe Ten ouie
_ over a double denies afitinthe opener’s suit.
Example: (E)
N E S WwW South’s Hand
14 Double ? Os [Ax sex
Y Void
> Oks
South’s Bid: Four Spades & Kxxxx
On defense you're out to lunch, but in Spades you may be a tiger. Always try
to make it as tough on the opponents as humanly possible.
182
Example: (F) South’s Hand
N E S W @& KJxxx
19 Double ? OF ox
OF VAR Xe
South’s Bid: Redouble & jJxx
One phobia that most players cannot seem to get over is the fear of everybody
passing after they have redoubled with a singleton or void in their partner’s
bid suit. Forget it, once every ten years this happens, but by then you are so
far ahead of the game that it makes no difference.
Example: (G) South’s Hand
N E S W 4 QjJx
10 Double ? OC Ke x x x
Oo xiX
South’s Bid: Redouble & Kxxx
Do not bid one No Trump. Psychologically, a redouble has a tremedous deter-
ing effect on the opponents. Many times you can buy the contract at a low level
when the hand really doesn’t belong to you at all.
Example: (H) South’s Hand
N E S Ww @ Aj10x
1& Double Redouble 19 x
Pass Pass ? Cah Oaxex.
South’s Bid: One Spade & QjJxx
After redoubling, the exchange of information between you and your partner
is carried on in the same manner as if there had not been an intervening double.
The bid of a new suit is absolutely forcing.
Example: (1) South’s Hand
N E S W &s A,10:x x
19 Double Redouble 20 FOr x
Pass Pass ? Oe ex &
South’s Bid: Two Hearts & QJxx
A limit raise has the same meaning after a redouble as it has when the bidding
proceeds without the double in between. The only difference is that your partner
knows you have 8 to 10 points.
a (J) a (East-West vulnerable)
5 W South’s Hand
19 Double Redouble ? @ KQ10x
TEs
age | en
West’s Bid: Help! & AjJxx
On the assumption that you occupy either the North or South chair and are
about to collect a large bounty for having successfully ensnared your opponents
in a well laid trap, I take my leave. I sincerely hope you have enjoyed the book
and that my ideas meet with your approval.
Curtis Smith

183
 CHAPTER VI (Part 2) Review Questions

In the next Position: Bid each of the following hands.

Example: Opening Bid: 1 Diamond Your Hand
4 KQxx
OP TRG s
Oo x
&® Kxxx
Your Bid: Double

Opening Bid: One Heart

@ Kx 4 Qxxx & Ax
WE ORS oe vs VieeexX
so esta haoQi dio OR AUK x OVA OF ex
& Kx & Kxxxx & Kxx
Yours bid. aa Your Bid?
2 2 Your Bid:

Opening Bid: Three Clubs

4 KQxx @ Qx 4 AQxx
OE MOE « VTA x Oe RRO Joxt
OWATKO 10ex TOL OF Og sew sens
he xx & Kjxxx & x
NOUtrBic::: eee YoOurt Bid: see Your Bid:

AS THE RESPONDER TO A TAKEOUT DOUBLE

Opening Bid: One Diamond, Your Partner: Double, Partner’s Response: Pass
® xxxx @ QJxx @® xx
Ors OE aAEO rx > -QOOxes
Ongxex Ox OF OM exex
& AjJxxx & KJxxx bo Alixx
Response Response Response
to) Doubles! 22 to Double:_ to Double:

@® xx @ xx & xxx
9 Sas O SK xax eax
Ca On oe Keo e Oi QJ A0txe
xx
& Axxxx & AQJxx &® Kxx
Response Response Response
to: Double
= = aaa tosDouble=) sas to Double
184
 ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS
CHAPTER I

(Page 16)
Beok2 Beto Be i5 B. 14 Een? B. Pass
E. 13 B. Pass E13 B. 10 E. 14 BRS
E. 13 B. 14 E. 14 B. 19 E. 16 B. 14
E. 16 B. 1& E. 16 BUNT B77 [ticks B.40
E 10% Tricks B. 29 E. 19 Bao Beto Berio

CHAPTER II
Part 1 (Page 28)
E 5 R. Pass E. 9 R. 2@ E. 12 R. 3@
E. 10 RR. UNT Be 16 Re 20 E. 9 R. 49
E. 13 R. 10 Belt R. 14 E. 9 R. 24
E. 9 Rind NG SBagle Re2NT 96 13 R. 39

Part 2 (Page 38)

E. 1% + R. Pass E3+ Rk. 49 Bs) R. 40
BE. R.2NT E1-+ RR. 3h bet R. 34
E. 6 R. Pass E. 9 R. 2NT Eo15 R. 39
E. 10 Ro40{s Bw i2 R. 26 E. 6 R. 2

CHAPTER III
(Page 57)
P.E. 13 R.B. Pass P.E. 16 R.B..29 PE. 17 R.B. 39
P.E. 16 R.B. Pass P.E. 18 R.B. 3 8=©P.E. 21 R.B. 49
P.E. 13 ReBeel NI OPE. 15 R.B. 24 P.E. 15 R.B. 2&
P.E. 12 R.B. 24 P.E. 13 Reps, 1dad aslyr R.B. 20

CHAPTER IV
Partely (Paces 76 & 77) |
Pee li ReR. 2NT PE. 18 ReR. 2@ PE. 9 ReR. 20
PE: 12 ReR. 39 ~=—~P-E. 13 ReR. 34 £P.E. 19 ReR. 2@
P.E. 10 ReR. Pass P.E. 13 ReR. 3% #£P.E. 13 ReR. 34
P.E. 11 ReR. Pass P.E. 12 ReR. 3@ ~+#P.E. 19 ReR. 30

Part 2 (Page 97)

P.E. 10 ReR. 29 PE. 14 ReR. 3 NT P.E. 20 ReR. 3
BE. 12 ReR. Pass P.E. 13 ReR. 30 P.E. 14 ReR. 3 NT
P.E. 9 ReR. 14 P.E. 8 ate ReR. 29 PE, 12 ReR. 2NT
| eeee ReR. 2NT P.E. 16 ReR. 39 P.E. 18 ReR. 39

185
 CHAPTER V
Part 1 (Page 116)
Rebid: 40 Rebid: 3 NT Rebid: 39
Rebid: 49 Rebid: Pass Rebid: 2
Rebid: 3 NT Rebid: 39 Rebid: Pass
Rebid: 3 NT Rebid: 3 Rebid: 34

Patt 20 (Paeesi37)
Rebid: 30 Rebid: 34 Rebid: 44
Rebid: 2 NT Rebid: 39 Rebid: 30
Rebid: Pass Rebid: 30 Rebid: 3 NT
Rebid: 3@ Rebid: 34 Rebid: 2 NT

CHAPTER VI
Part 1 (Page 161)
Overcall: Pass Overcall: 3 Overcall: 1 NT
Overcall: 2@ Overcall: 19 Overcall: 4@
Overcall Re. 29 Overcall Re. 2 NT Overcall Re. 2%
Overcall Re. Pass Overcall Re. Double Overcall Re. 2@

Part 2 (Page 184)

Your Bid: Pass Your Bid: Double Your Bid: 20
Your Bid: 30 Your Bid: Double Your Bid: 44
Response to Dbl. 1@ ~— Response to Dbl. 20 — Response to Dbl. 1 NT
Response to Dbl. 29 Response to Dbl. 2 Response to Dbl. Pass

186
We os \
N E S WwW South’s hand
] (e. Pass ] ia Passa oo.
] S Pass e) ike
DEKE @Qmxx
Caxx
S's re-response: One No Trump (8-10 pts.)

“Forget the 5-4 distribution,” he cavu-

tions, “and remember to exercise judg-
ment in your choice of bids when bidding
again. The bid of some number of No
Trump in this position does not necessarily
imply a balanced hand as much as it
tells your partner you have the unbid suit
stopped and you are willing to play a No
Trump contract.”

N E S WwW South’s hand

1C Pass 1D Pass: os Koco.
1H Pass ? Flexx
DIK @Q xx
Cex X
S‘s re-response: One spade (8-10 pts.)

This will come as a surprise to those

who play fourth suit forcing. Says Smith:
“Operating on the premise that we must
make a limit bid now, the naming of a
new suit in normal order without jump-
ing means that we have no more than 10
points. If the opener has a bad minimum,
he may pass one spade; the only abso-
lutely forcing re-response would be a
jump to two spades.”
How dare anybody make good bridge
so easy?
From an article by Richard Frey in the
September Bulletin of The American Con-
tract Bridge League.
about
the author
CURTIS SMITH
Of all the ranking bridge
players throughout the
country, Curtis Smith, the
author of this book, stands
out atthe top of his profes-
sion.
He was born December 8,
1924 in Oakland, Califor-
nia. Demonstrating a natu-
ral aptitude for solving
mathematical problems he
soon discovered that games
of cards were especially
fascinating. As a Major in
Math at the University of
California, Mr. Smith became deeply interested in bridge.
As many other great bridge players who have subsequently
become professionals, he has dedicated most of his life to this
game.
Although only 38 years old he has starred in major events over
the last 20 years, competing in Naiional Tournaments against
much older, though, not more experienced players.
Mr. Smith has had as one of his partners, Oswald Jacoby, one
of the immortals of bridge. In December of 1960 Mr. Simmith won
the National Open Pairs with Ossie, and they also qualified for
the International team playoffs held in Houston in 1961.
In my opinion Curtis Smith is one of the greatest bridge players
alive. He is an excellent partner, a terrific competitor and the most
formidable opponent | have ever faced.
His book is as good as his play.

G.R. (Bobby) Nail