3.3 Responding with strong hands

A.      What is a strong hand

1.      10 HCP or up

2.      Hands with exactly 10 HCP are borderline

3.      With 10 HCP and a 4-3-3-3 pattern. The 1NT response would be acceptable

4.      Other patterns with exactly 10 HCP would be too strong for 1NT

B.      Actions to an opening of 1C, 1D, 1H or 1S

1.      Change suit and await further information

-          Bid your longest suit first

-          With 5-5 or 6-6 patterns. Bid the higher ranking suit first

-          4-card suits are bid up the line ( the cheapest one )

2.      13 – 15 points, balanced shape, stoppers in unbid suit, response 2NT

3.      16 – 18 points, balanced shape, stoppers in unbid suit, response 3NT

4.      Jamp raise if 13 points & up and strong support

5.      The minimum holdings which qualify as stoppers are:

A-x,  K-x,  Q-x-x  or  J-x-x-x

C.      General strategy

1.        10 – 12 points : response with a change of suit

2.        13 – 15 points :

-          2NT

-          Jump raise

-          Change suit and bid game

3.          16 – 18 points :

-          3NT

-          Jump raise

-          Change suit and jump rebid

4.          19 points & up

-          Jump shift

D.     Responding to 1NT opening

1.        Stayman convention

2.        Jump to 3-in-a-suit

3.        Jump directly to game

4.        When you have 8 or 9 points only and your long suit is a minor or you have both minor suits, the best bid is stick with NT

5.        15 points or more, try slam