3.1 General rule for responding (1)

** General rule:

1.       Pass:   0 – 5  HCP

2.       Weak response: 6 – 10 HCP

3.       Two-over-one response: 11 points or more (including distributional points), no upper limit.

4.       Strong response:  > 13 HCP

** Weak response

     You must keep the bidding open with  6 HCP or more.

     You must keep the bidding low.

1.       Bid your longest suit at the one-level.

2.       Bid 1 NT.

3.       Raise the opener’s suit to the two-level.

# Suit responses at the one-level

1.       Shows 6 points or more--- no upper limit.

2.       Any four-card or longer suit is biddable.

3.       The opening bidder must bid again, and keep the bidding low

Ex.  You   S: 10 6 5 2                       Partner            You

                 H: K 9                                 1D                    1S

                 D: A 9 8 7                           Bid your four-card or longer major first.

                 C: 8 7 3

Ex.  You   S: K Q 10 8                      Partner             You

                H: 7 6                                   1H                   1S 

                D: A K 4                              15 HCP, but keep the bidding low. 

                C: K 9 3 2

# raise the opener’s suit to the two-level

  A minor-suit raise to the two-level

1.       Shows 6 – 10 points.

2.       At least four-card trump support

3.       Denies possession of a four-card or longer major suit.

Ex.  S: A Q 3                           Partner                    You

       H: 7                                   1D                            2D

       D: 8 7 5 4 2                    (If partner bid 1C, you respond 1D---keep the bidding low.)

       C: 10 6 4 2

# A major-suit raise shows at least three-card trump support.

# Bid 1 NT

1.       6 – 10 points

2.       Denies possession of a four-card or longer major suit.

3.       No trump support

Ex.  S: K 10 2                              Partner                      You

       H: Q J 7                                 1D                            1 NT

       D: J 10 9                                No four cards trump support.  

       C: 8 6 5 3                              You should also respond 1 NT to 1C opening.

Ex:  S: 7                                       Partner                     You

       H: A Q J 10 9                        1S                             1 NT 

       D: 9 7 5 4 2

       C: 8 2