After partner makes a direct overcall: [2H by LHO] - 2S by partner – [Pass by RHO] - ?
Pass = 0-7 points (Use the Rule of Seven).
Single raise of partner’s suit= 8-10 support points + 3+-card support
Raise to game in partner’s suit = 11+ support points + 3+-card support
Cuebid of their suit: [2H] - 2S - [Pass] - 3H = Strong raise of partner’s suit (13+ points)
A jump in another suit: [2H] - 2S - [Pass] - 4C, 4D, 4H = Splinter (singleton + support)
New suit: [3C] - 3H - [Pass] - 3S = Forcing, good 5+-card suit.
If your right-hand opponent raises his partner’s preempt: [2H] -
2S - [3H] - ?
Double = Responsive (9-10+ points, length in unbid suits, no support for
partner’s suit)
After partner makes a jump overcall in a major: [2H] - 3S - [Pass] - ?
The jump overcall shows a good hand with a long, strong suit. This jump sets trumps. You cannot introduce a new trump suit.
Raise partner's suit with a few tricks or fillers.
After partner makes a takeout double: [2H] – DBL - [Pass] - ?
Make a “normal” value bid of your longest
unbid suit:
Minimum bid of your longest suit = 0-8
points
Jump in your suit (invitational) =
8-11 points
Cuebid their suit or jump to
game in your suit or notrump = 11+ points
Jump to 3NT if you have a stopper in their suit, 11-12+ points and no major-suit length.
Don’t bid notrump with very weak hands.
If the preempt was a minor, your 4-level cuebid shows
both majors: [3C] - DBL - [Pass] - 4C
If the preempt was a
major, your 4-level cuebid shows both minors: [2H] - DBL - [Pass] -
4H
Consider adding the Lebensohl 2NT convention to your system to help you describe your strength.
If you’re considering passing for penalties, use the Rule of
Nine:
Add: Level of their bid (2 or 3) + # of trumps you hold +
#
of trump honors (10 or higher).
If the total is 9 or more, you can consider passing for penalty.
After partner overcalls 3 of their suit (cuebid): [2H] - 3H - [Pass] - ?
Bid notrump if you have a stopper in their suit, even if you have another long suit.
After partner makes a notrump overcall: [2H] - 2NT – [Pass] - ?
Play “system on” over 2NT: 3C = Stayman, 3D & 3H = Transfers, 4C = Gerber, 4NT = Quantitative.
Notes:
If partner bids or doubles in balancing seat, he may be stretching a bit. It’s wise to have a little extra for your raises of suit bids and responses to takeout doubles.
When evaluating your hand, don’t count points for a queen or jack in the opponent’s suit.
If partner doubles a 4-level preempt, you should usually pass with a balanced hand. Bid at the 5-level only if you have extreme shape (very long suit) or slam-try values (a strong 14+ points).
After the opponents preempt, it’s important to get a plus score. When in doubt, settle for a reasonable contract instead of taking a risk to find a perfect one.
Copyright © Karen Walker