When partner opens the bidding 1 of a major we would like to show support if we can. Partner promises 5 cards in a major suit when they open. Therefore to support partner we only need 3. That gives us that 8 card major suit fit we are looking for. We should also have at least 6 HCP in order to respond. Otherwise you might get too high in the bidding.
If we have about 6-9 points and support for partner's major we should raise partner to 2 of that major.
If we have about 11-12 points and 4 card support for partner's major we should raise partner to 3 of that major.
Hang on -- why do we need 4 cards to show support for partner's major at the 3 level? I only need 3 trump to support partner since they show 5 when they open!
This is true. But in order to show limit raise values for partner's major it is best to show 4 card support plus 11-12 points (almost an opening hand). That way you shouldn't get too high in the bidding. It's like a safety net in a way.
So when partner opens 1 of a major and we respond:
Points
Number of Trump
2 of that major this shows
6-10 points and
at least 3 trump
3 of that major this shows
11-12 points and
4 trump
With that in mind what will you respond on each of the following hands if partner opened the bidding 1♠?
Hand 1
Thanks, Heidi! This is great practice.
ReplyDeleteAngela and Steve