Constructive: Responder

(531) Fits and More: Systems for Describing Our 2-Level Preempts

(531) Fits and More: Systems for Describing Our 2-Level Preempts

When partner preempts the bidding at the 2-Level, and we have a good hand we expect the auction to be difficult. We need to have good agreements with partner and exercise some good judgment to get to the right final contract. When we have a fit for partner’s suit (especially a Major suit) then we know what strain we are likely to play in. We need to exchange useful information with partner. There are a variety of systems for accomplishing this, including Optional Feature, Ogust, Steps, and Modified Ogust.

(530) Fits and More: Over-Splinters

(530) Fits and More: Over-Splinters

When partner opens the bidding with 1-Major and Responder makes a Splinter bid then this shows our fit, values, and shortness all in one call. This gives an excellent description of our hand and allows partner to re-evaluate their hand based on their working values. In a sophisticated partnership we may choose to have multiple types of splinters, allowing us to communicate even more information to partner. Here we look at the use of Over-Splinters and see how we can use them to give partner additional information about our hand, allowing them to better judge if slam is likely to be a good contract.

(525) Fits and More: 2-Way Reverse Drury

(525) Fits and More: 2-Way Reverse Drury

When partner opens in 3rd or 4th seat and we have a good hand, we do not want to go jumping around to show it – partner may have no game interest for their opening bid. We want to have an effective way of describing our good hands cheaply when partner opens in 3rd or 4th seat. When partner opens 1-Major and we have a maximum passed hand with a fit, then we want to be able to show this to partner without getting too high. This is what the Drury convention accomplishes.

(513) Thinking and Responding: 1-minor - 1NT Auctions and Follow-Ups

(513) Thinking and Responding:  1-minor - 1NT Auctions and Follow-Ups

When we open the bidding partner often responds with 1NT. It is important for us to have good agreements about common auctions. Here we look at auctions that start with a minor and hear partner respond 1NT. We look at what to expect and how the auction might continue.

(512) Thinking and Responding: Jump Shifts After 1-Level Openings - Weak and Invitational

(512) Thinking and Responding: Jump Shifts After 1-Level Openings - Weak and Invitational

Jump Shifts by Responder have a variety of different meanings in different situations. Their means can change based on the level they are made at and if they are in competition. Make sure you have good agreements with your partner about the meaning of these jump shifts.

(511) Thinking and Responding: Walsh and Extended Walsh

(511) Thinking and Responding: Walsh and Extended Walsh

When we respond to opener’s bid we have a priority of finding major suit fits. Opener also have a priority of showing their hand type if they do not find a major suit fit. The Walsh style of bidding and rebids are an important improvement in modern bidding.

(509) Thinking and Responding: Vulnerability Tactics

(509) Thinking and Responding: Vulnerability Tactics

When we are at favorable vulnerability we have a lot of different options for how to get into the auction. When we are in the 3rd seat, this is even more true. Here we look at how we can use this situation to give us a license to attack.

(470) Unusual vs. Unusual and Unusual vs. Michaels

(470)  Unusual vs. Unusual and Unusual vs. Michaels

Here we look at times when we have to deal with the opponents 2-suited attacking bids -- Michaels Cuebids and Unusual NT.  Here we look at some special agreements, Unusual vs Unusual and Unusual vs Michaels, to help us compete in the bidding.