ª © ¨ § BRIDGE FOR BEGINNERS : LESSON 7 ª © ¨ §

When responder takes charge

Opener's rebid after a shift - now responder is master of the auction

Responder's simple shift to a new suit says, 'I have 6-15 points (10-15 at the 2-level). I’m searching for the right strain for us to play in, and I’m forcing you to bid again.'

Opener does not have enough information to take charge after a shift. After a raise, yes. But after a shift, no. Instead, opener must make a rebid that furthers the description of the shape and strength of the opening hand - a limit bid - so that responder can take charge next bid and be the master of the auction.

Opener's choices after a shift

In order to describe more about shape, opener:

(1) Raises responder's suit with a 4+card fit.

(2) Bids a third suit of 4+cards at the one-

level, or at the two-level if at least 5-4 or 4-4-4-1.

(3) Bids notrumps if the hand is balanced(ish).

(4) Repeats a long (ideally 6+) opened suit if single-suited.

At the same time opener must show strength, whether the hand is

mini (12-15TP),

midi (16-18TP)

or maxi (19+TP)

remembering to reassess the strength when there is a fit, adding distribution points where applicable.

***Any conflict between showing strength and shape is resolved in favour of showing the correct strength.

¨ Opener's choice of rebids - in order - with a mini opening after responder's shift

(1) Simple raise responder's suit with 4+ fit.

e.g. After 1¨:1©, bid 2© with

ªAJxx ©QJxx ¨Axx §Jx

(2) Bid a 4+ major at the one-level.

e.g. After 1§:1©, bid 1ª with

ªAKxx ©x ¨KJx §KJxxx

(3) Make a minimum notrump rebid with a

balanced(ish) hand of 12‑14 HCP.

e.g. After 1©:1ª bid 1NT, after 1©:2§ bid 2NT with

ªKxx ©AJxxx ¨KJx §JT

(4) Bid a 4-card suit lower-ranking than your opening suit at the two level only if you have at least 5/4 in your two suits.

e.g. After 1¨:1ª bid 2§ with

ªQJx ©x ¨KQxxx §AJxx

but rebid 2¨ with ªQJx ©AJxx ¨KQxxx §x

because hearts rank higher then diamonds.

(5) Rebid a 6-card suit, rarely 5.

e.g. After 1¨:1ª bid 2¨ with ªJx ©AJxx ¨AQJTx §xx

but choose 1NT, NOT 2© with ªJx ©AJxx ¨AJxxx §Qx

¨ Opener's priority of rebids with a midi

(1) Jump raise responder's suit with a fit.

e.g. After 1§-1ª bid 3ª with

ªAQxx ©x ¨Kxx §KQxxx

(2) Jump in your own good (at least KJTxxx) 6-card or longer opened suit (GF only after a 2-level shift).

e.g. After 1©-1ª, bid 3© with

ªAx ©AQTxxx ¨KJx §Qx

(3) Simple shift to a 4+ suit with 16‑17 (the same action, unfortunately, you would take with a mini if the shift is at the one-level or in a lower-ranking suit at the two-level).

But the shift to a higher-ranked suit at the 2-level or a new suit at the 3-level is a reverse - showing at least 5-4 and a midi hand or better.

e.g. After 1§-1ª reverse to 2© with ªx ©AQxx ¨Axx §AKJxx.

After 1ª-2¨ bid 3§ with ªAKxxx ©x ¨Kxx §AQTx

¨ Priority of rebids with a maxi opening

(1) Game raise responder's major with a 4+ fit

e.g. After 1¨-1ª, bid 4ª with

ªAQxx ©x ¨AKJxxx §Kx

(2) If you fit responder's minor prefer to jump shift or reverse in another suit or jump raise to 4m rather than bidding 5m.

e.g. After 1ª-2¨, bid 4¨ with

ªAQJxx ©KQx ¨AQxx §x(21TP),

& after 1¨-2§ make a reverse to 2© with

ªx ©AKxx ¨AQxx §KQxx (21TP)

& after 1§-1¨jump shift to 2ª with

ªAKxx ©- ¨AJxx § AKJxx (25TP)

(3) Jump in notrumps with a balanced 18-19

(4) Jump shift in a new 4+-card suit

e.g. After 1©:1ª, bid 3¨ with

ªx ©AQJxx ¨AKJx §AJx

(5) Bid directly to game over a 1-level shift in your opened major suit with an excellent 6+card suit and no second suit. Over a 2-level shift a jump to the 3-level is enough to force to game.

e.g. After 1©:1ª, bid 4© with

ªx ©AKQT9x ¨Axx §AQx

but after 1©:2¨ bid 3©

QUIZ

1. You open 1¨ and responder shifts to 1ª. What is your rebid as opener? What type of hand does this rebid suggest - mini, midi or maxi? Or possibly one of which two types?

a. ªAQxx ©AKxx ¨xxx §xx

b. ªKxx ©AJxx ¨KQxx §xx

c. ªAxx ©x ¨AQJxx §KJxx

d. ªx ©Axx ¨AKJxx §AKxx

e. ªKxx © AQJ ¨AJxx §KJx

f. ªAJxx ©Kxx ¨AJxxx §x

g. ªx ©Axxx ¨AKJxx §Jxx

2. What is your rebid as opener after 1© - 2§?

What type of hand does it show?

a. ªAx ©KJxxx ¨Qxx §Axx

b. ªQx ©AJTxx ¨xx §AJxx

c. ªAQxx ©AKJxx ¨x §Qxx

d. ªx ©AKxxx ¨Kxx §AQxx

e. ªQx ©AQJxxx ¨KJxx §x

How responder takes charge

Responder will now know most of the time whether opener has a mini, midi or maxi based on the rebid. When opener's rebid has been ambiguous, showing one of two possibilities, responder assumes the weaker option - opener may be able to bid further if necessary. Responder is master of the auction.

Responder's job as master of the auction is to work out the combined strength and decide the final level and strain.

¨ When the final contract is definite, responder makes a terminal bid which opener passes.

¨ When game might or might not be there, depending on opener's strength within the range shown by the rebid, responder makes an invitational bid.

¨ Sometimes there will be game going strength between the two hands but the best choice of final strain is unclear. In such cases the responder makes a forcing rebid below game.

How responder takes charge when a shift by opener shows a mini/midi

¨ With 6‑10 game is not responder's aim

(1) Responder passes if happy(ish) with opener's last bid

e.g. After 1©:1ª, 2¨pass with

ªAJxxx ©x ¨Qxx §Jxxx

(2) Responder bids 1NT with a cover (ideally) in the unbid suit

e.g. After 1§:1©, 1ª

bid 1NT with ªJxx ©KQxx ¨QJx §xxx

(3) Responder returns to opener's first suit with as many or more cards in it than in the second suit (i.e. responder 'gives preference'), settling for a reasonable seven-card fit

e.g. After 1©:1ª, 2¨bid 2© with

ªAJxxx ©Jx ¨Qxx §xxx

(4) Responder repeats a 6-card suit, or good 5 only if desperate

e.g. After 1©:1ª, 2¨bid 2ª with

ªKQTxx ©x ¨Qx §JTxxx

but pass with ªKQTxx ©x ¨Qxx §JTxx

¨ With 11‑12TP opposite a mini, responder has invitational values & makes one more try for game

(1) Responder raises one of opener's suits to the three-level with a fit

e.g. After 1¨:1©, 1ª bid 3¨ with

ªx ©Axxxx ¨AJxx §xxx

and bid 3ª with ªQJxx ©KQJx ¨Jxx §xx

(2) Responder rebids a 6-card suit at the three-level

e.g. After 1¨-1©-1ª or 1¨-1©-2§,

bid 3© with ªQx ©AQTxxx ¨xx §Kxx

(3) Responder bids 2NT with 11‑12HCP & stoppers in unbid suit/s

e.g. After 1©-1ª-2§, bid 2NT with ªKJxx ©Qx ¨KQxx §xxx,

or after 1¨-1©-1ª bid 2NT with ªJxx ©AJxx ¨xxx §AJxx (both 11 HCP)

¨ With 13+TP opposite a mini, responder must get to game, either immediately or by making forcing bid(s) till game is reached

(1) Responder raises opener's major to game with a fit

e.g. After 1§:1©, 1ª bid 4ª with

ªAxxx ©KQxx ¨Axx §xx

(2) Responder bids 3NT with 13+HCP & unbid suits stopped

e.g. After 1¨:1©, 2§ bid 3NT with

ªKJx ©AQxx ¨Jx §Qxxx

(3) Responder jump shifts after 1NT in a new 4+ suit(GF)

e.g. After 1§:1©, 1NT bid 3¨with

ªx ©AQJxx ¨AKxx §Jxx

(4) Responder bids a new suit after a mini suit rebid (1RF)

e.g. After 1¨:1©, 2¨bid 3§ with

ªJx ©AQxxx ¨Qx §AJxx

(5) Responder bids the fourth suit (the only unbid suit), regardless of its length or strength, when there are enough values for at least game but no ability to take one of the above actions. Bidding the fourth suit forces partner to keep bidding until game is reached.

e.g. After 1§:1©, 1ª bid 2¨with ªJx ©AKJxx ¨Qx §Qxxx

Maybe opener will bid 2NT if she has something in diamonds, or 3© if she has 3-card © support, or 3§ with 5§s. You will then raise to game in that strain.

Note that the bid of the fourth suit is artificial (a sophisticated convention to add to your growing collection). It should be used only when you have sufficient values for game but no other clear bid that guarantees you will get to game and/or to the game with the best chance of success.

How responder takes charge when opener clearly shows a midi by reversing or jumping in a bid suit

¨ With 6‑7TP opposite a midi

Responder passes a jump raise of her suit or a jump in opener's suit, both non-forcing. But a reverse or new suit at the 3-level is forcing, in which case responder chooses an option from the next category.

¨ With 8‑9TP responder must bid again

(1) Responder simple raises opener with newly-revealed fit.

e.g. After 1¨:1ª, 2© (a reverse)

bid 3¨ with ªKJxxx © Qx ¨xxx §Qx

now knowing opener has 5 ¨s

(2) Responder bids NT with a stopper in the unbid suit.

e.g. After 1§-1ª-2¨(reverse)

bid 2NT with ªAJxxx ©QJx ¨xxx §Tx

(3) Responder repeats own very good 5/+ card suit with neither of the above

¨ With 10+TP opposite a midi, responder must get to game

(1) Responder bids game in opener's major with a fit

e.g. After 1¨:1ª, 2© bid 4© with

ªAJxxx ©Kxxx ¨x §xxx

(2) Responder bids 3NT with cover in unbid suit(s)

e.g. After 1§:1©, 3§ bid 3NT with

ªKxx ©AJxx ¨QJxx §xx

(3) Responder bids game in own good 6+card major

e.g. After 1¨:1ª, 2© bid 4ª with

ªAKJTxx ©x ¨Qx §xxxx

(4) Responder bids the fourth suit if not clear about final contract to force partner to keep bidding

e.g. After 1©:2¨, 3§ bid 3ª with

ªJxx ©Qx ¨AKxxx §Txx

How responder takes charge when opener shows a maxi

When opener shows a maxi - game is certain and slam likely with better than minimum

¨ With 6‑12TP

(1) Responder passes opener's game bid if unable to envisage slam

e.g. After 1§:1©, 4© pass with

ªQx ©QJxx ¨Kxxx §Txx

(2) Responder bids game in opener's major with a fit if slam looks unlikely

e.g. After 1¨:1©, 2ª bid 4ª with

ªKxxx ©QJxx ¨xx §Qxx

(3) Responder bids 3NT with cover in the unbid suit

e.g. After 1©:1ª, 3§ bid 3NT with

ªKJxx ©xx ¨QJxx §xxx

(4) Responder repeats own 6+ card suit

e.g. After 1¨:1ª, 3§ bid 3ª with ªKQJxxx ©xx ¨xx §Qxx

(5) Responder bids the fourth suit (artificial) if it is available at the three level

¨ With 13+ TP

(1) Responder bids 6 of one of opener's suits with a fit, maybe using Blackwood first

e.g. After 1©:1ª, 3¨ bid 4NT with

ªKQxx ©x ¨KQxx §xxxx

(2) Responder bids 6NT with good cover in unbid suits, possibly via Blackwood

e.g. After 1¨:1©. 3§ bid 4NT with

ªAQxx ©KJxx ¨Qx §xxx,

planning to pass over an unlikely 5¨ and to bid 6NT over 5©/ª

(3) Responder bids a new suit below game. Opener will have to bid again and responder can then go to the appropriate slam.

e.g. After 1©:1ª, 3§ bid 3¨with ªAQxxx©K¨QJxx§Kxx,

planning to bid Blackwood next & slam in NT/ª/§ depending on opener's bid over 3¨

Forcing, invitational & terminal responses

In the search for a fit and for the right level (partscore, game, slam) opener needs to know

¨ which bids by responder demand another bid (forcing)

¨ which bids are limited but allow opener to continue to game or slam if better than minimum in shape/strength (invitational)

¨ which bids tell opener to stop (terminal)

After a 1NT opening

Terminal responses:

¨ Pass (0‑7 balanced)

¨ 2¨/©/ª (0‑7 unbal. with a 5+ suit)

¨ game bids (10‑14)

¨ slam bids (15+)

Invitational descriptions:

¨ 2NT (8‑9)

¨ 4NT (15‑17). Opener passes with a minimum or bids small slam with better.

Forcing responses:

¨ 2§ - Stayman inquiry

¨ 3 of a suit (10+ in a major, 14+ in a minor) Opener raises with 3+ support or bids 3NT with a doubleton.

¨ 5NT forces opener to choose 6NT with a minimum, 7 with a maximum.

The same principles apply after 2NT: Game and slam bids are terminal

¨ 4NT is invitational to small slam

¨ 5NT forces to small slam at least

¨ 3§ is Stayman

¨ 3¨/©/§ asks for 3+ support or 3NT

After one of a suit opening

The only absolutely terminal response: Pass!

Invitational descriptions:

¨ Simple raise (6-9 TP)

Opener passes with a minimum, invites

game with a further raise to three, or

2NT perhaps after a minor suit raise,

or bids game or slam.

¨ Jump raise (10-12 TP)

Opener passes or bids game or slam.

¨ Game raise in a major (13-15 TP) Opener passes or tries for slam.

¨ 1 NT (6-9 HCP) If balanced or semi-balanced, opener passes or bids higher in notrumps if game is possible or certain. Unbalanced, opener rebids 6+ first suit or bids new 4+ suit.

¨ 3NT (16-17) balanced

Forcing responses:

¨ Simple shift (only forcing for one round - 1RF)

¨ Jump shift (forcing to game - GF)

¨ 2NT (12-15 balanced - GF)

QUIZ

3. Partner opens 1©. You respond 2§. Opener rebids 2¨ (mini or midi). What is your rebid? What will partner understand by it?

a. ªKQx ©xx ¨Jx §KQxxxx

b. ªxxx ©xx ¨Kx §AQJTxx

c. ªxx ©xx ¨Kxxx §AKxxx

d. ªKJxx ©Qx ¨x §AKxxxx

4. Partner opens 1§. You respond 1©. Opener rebids 2§ (mini). What is your rebid? What will partner expect it to show?

a. ªxx ©AKxxx ¨AQxx §xx

b. ªAxx ©KJxx ¨QTx §KJx

5. Partner opens 1¨. You respond 1ª. Opener then ‘reverses’ into 2©, showing 16+ and at least 5-4. What is your rebid? What will it tell partner?

a. ªKTxx ©xxx ¨xx §QJxx

b. ªKQxx ©xxx ¨Jxx §xxx

c. ªKJxx ©xxx ¨Kx §KJxx

Board 1 Dlr: N Nil Vul

WEST EAST
ª A32 ª 54

Responder takes charge after the 1NT rebid. With two 5-card suits South knows there must be a fit opposite a balanced hand, and game is the target. It would be a bad error to bid only 2©, showing a mini. North would be entitled to pass with a doubleton spade and 3 or 4 hearts. A 3© bid is okay – at least it is game-forcing. But responder would do the same with a 5-4 shape. Thus a jump to the four level is even better, promising at least 5-5 in the majors (since it goes beyond 3NT). North ‘gives preference’ back to spades, the longer major.

West's 'natural' lead is ¨Q, top of the sequence. As declarer you realize something must be done about the losing hearts. With only a doubleton in dummy, the scene is set for ruffing with the trumps in the short trump hand - the dummy. Therefore you cannot afford to draw trumps yet.

Win ¨A and immediately play ©K and ©A and ruff a heart. West cannot profitably ruff high. Return to hand with a club and ruff a fourth round, drawing East's last heart. Now make sure you draw all the enemy trumps as soon as possible. 12 tricks if you are careful for a score of 6x30 + 300 = 480.

What lead could hold declarer to eleven tricks?

Board 2 Dlr: E NS Vul

NORTH
ª QJT93
  © 7
  ¨ 965
  § AJ98
WEST                                EAST
ª A5             ª K7
© Q98642    © AKJ
¨ 42 ¨ AJ83
§ T73 § K652

SOUTH
ª 8642

Responder takes charge when opener reveals a balanced 18-19. With a 6-card suit, there must be a fit and just enough for game.

ªQ is led and as declarer you can count one loser in diamonds and maybe three in clubs.

The best chance to reduce your club losers is to hope that North holds §A (more than likely if he has overcalled). By leading a club from the West hand towards §K (called taking a finesse) you will always make a trick with the king whenever North holds §A (a 50% chance), either at once if North ducks the first round (= plays low) or later after North has taken the ace.

So you win ªK and draw trumps immediately- it takes three rounds - ending in hand. There is no reason to delay as you are not planning to trump in dummy. Now lead a club towards the king and win 10 tricks, scoring 420.

Board 3 Dlr: S EW Vul

  NORTH
  ª K84
  © AJT5
  ¨ 653
  § AQ3
WEST               EAST
ª 95                         ª QT72
© 84                         © 962
¨ 984 ¨KQJT
§ KT9742 § J6

SOUTH
ª AJ63

Over opener's simple raise, showing a mini 12-15 TP, responder takes charge and bids game with her 14 TP.

¨K is led and as declarer you can see the unpleasant possibility of two losers in diamonds and one each in clubs and spades. The third club can be turned into a winner by ruffing it in dummy.

However, there are chances of no losers at all in the black suits with the aid of a successful finesse in each.

Win ¨A and draw trumps in three rounds ending in hand. Play ªK and a low spade towards the ªAJ6. A sensible East will play low and you must finesse the jack. 50% of the time it will work.

When it does you can then lead a low club towards your AQ. When West plays low - nothing else is better - you can finesse the queen. It's your lucky day – the finesse works.

Play §A next and ruff your last club in dummy for 11 tricks & 450.

Note that if East is silly enough to discard a spade on the third club (a useful defensive principle: keep equal length with dummy's - or declarer's - long suit) declarer can ‘drop’ ªQ by playing the ace and then discard a losing diamond on dummy's fourth spade, making two overtricks. It's a tough game.

Board 4 Dlr: W All Vul

¨ A94 ¨ K52
§ KQ732 § J6

SOUTH
ª KJ76

Opener reassesses the hand as a midi, 16 TP with the heart fit, & thus jumps to 3©. Responder might boldly jump to slam but checks first to see they are not missing two aces via the 4NT Blackwood convention. (Remember the answers:
5§ = 0 or 4 aces, 5¨ = 1, 5© = 2, 5ª = 3.)

¨Q is led and you survey the possible ways of justifying your slam bid. You plan to make five trumps, ªA and two spade ruffs in dummy, two top diamonds and two clubs. Your diamond loser will be discarded on a high club.

Win with ¨K in hand (useful principle: preserve high cards for later entry to the hand with the long suit - here you want to preserve ¨A as a means of access to dummy's clubs).

Play ªA and ruff a spade with a low heart. Return to hand with a low trump to the king. Ruff your last spade with ©A. Return to hand with dummy's last trump to your queen. Another round of trumps will be necessary to draw North's last trump. You hadn't lost count, had you?

Ruffing with ©A looked rather showy but note that it was a sensible way to leave a low heart in dummy to enable you to return to your hand and draw the last trump. If you try to return with a diamond, North will trump and you will go down.

Now turn your attention to clubs, playing the jack first (honour from the short hand). Even if North holds off with the ace the first time (usually best) and wins the second you will still be able to reach your winning §Q via the carefully preserved ¨A.

Are these hands too hard for beginners? Rather hard for them to manage all on their own, but hopefully intriguing enough for them to glimpse the endless fascination of bridge.

ANSWERS TO QUIZ

1. a. 2ª - simple raise with a fit & a mini

b. 1NT - balanced mini

c. 2§ - at least 5-4 in s & §s & mini or midi

d. 3§ - jump shift to show maxi &

at least 5-4 in ¨s & §s

e. 2NT - balanced 18-19

f. 3ª - jump with 16TP to show a midi

2. a. 2NT - balanced mini

b. 3§ (14TP) - simple raise with a fit & a mini

d. 4§ (19TP) - jump to 4m (GF) to show a fit & a midi or maxi

e. 2¨ (13TP) - shift to a lower-ranking suit at the two-level to show a mini or possibly midi

3. a. 2NT - invitational 10-12 with ª stopper

b. 3§ - 6-card suit, invitational 10-12

c. 3¨ - 4-card fit & invitational 10-12

d. 3NT - 13-15 & ª stopper

4. a. 2¨ - new suit forcing by responder (11+) & hoping opener can bid notrumps with a ª stopper or show delayed (3-card) © support

b. 3NT - 13-15 with ¨ and ª stoppers

5. a. 2NT - 6-9 & § stopper

b. 3¨ - 6-9 & ¨ fit

c. 3NT - 10-14ish & § stopper

d. 3§ - fourth suit, promising enough for game and no clear choice. 5¨ is okay on values & fit, but notrumps or spades may be better, depending on opener's black suit cards. A difficult sort of hand to be worried about at some later date!

HOW’S MY PROGRESS AFTER LESSON SEVEN?

1. Why is it inappropriate for opener to be master of the auction after responder's shift?

2. Which five of the following actions by opener guarantee precisely a mini?

Which two are consistent with either a mini or a midi?

Which one is definitely at least a midi & is therefore forcing?

a. 1§-1©-1ª

b. 1©-2§-2©

c. 1¨ -1©-1NT

d. 1ª-2¨ -2NT

e. 1©-1ª-2ª

f. 1©-1ª-2§

g. 1ª-2¨-3¨

h. 1§-1ª-2¨

3. Which two of the following actions by opener guarantee precisely a midi?

Which four could be midi or maxi?

Which three guarantee a maxi?

Which are not forcing (NF)?

Which are forcing for one round (1RF)?

Which are game forcing (GF)?

a. 1¨-1©-3¨

b. 1ª-2§-3ª

c. 1©-1ª-3ª

d. 1ª-2¨ -4¨

e. 1¨ -1ª-2©

f. 1ª-2¨ -3§

g. 1¨ -1ª-2NT

h. 1©-1ª-3¨

i. 1§-1©-4©

5. You are declarer holding ¨ xxx & dummy has ¨Kxx. What is you best chance to make one trick?

6. And with §Axx opposite §KJxx, what is your best chance of three tricks? And 4 tricks?

Free Bridge Lessons for Beginners

Pages

Lesson 7

When responder takes charge

Opener's rebid after a shift - now responder is master of the auction

Opener's choices after a shift

QUIZ

How responder takes charge when a shift by opener shows a mini/midi

How responder takes charge when opener shows a maxi

Forcing, invitational & terminal responses

After a 1NT opening

After one of a suit opening

QUIZ

ANSWERS TO QUIZ

HOW’S MY PROGRESS AFTER LESSON SEVEN?

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