Bidding, Competitive Bidding
Robert Todd
(532) Slam Bidding: Forcing Pass Auctions

When we are in a game forcing auction and the opponents interfere (usually to sacrifice) it is clear that we are not going to go quietly and just let them steal the contract. If the opponents bid over us, then we will either double them and defend or bid on to our game. Forcing Pass is an agreement used to help us work together with partner to make a good decision about which to do.

(532) Slam Bidding: Forcing Pass Auctions
Bidding, Constructive: Responder, Constructive: Opener
Robert Todd
(531) Fits and More: Systems for Describing Our ...

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.

(531) Fits and More: Systems for Describing Our 2-Level Preempts
Bidding, Constructive: Responder
Robert Todd
(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.

(530) Fits and More: Over-Splinters
Bidding, Constructive: Responder
Robert Todd
(529) Fits and More: 2NT Trump Suit Game Try - ...

Here we look at when to raise responder's suit on 3-card support.  And then what we do after that -- the trump asking bid, sometimes called Spiral. 

(529) Fits and More: 2NT Trump Suit Game Try - Spiral
Bidding, Constructive: Responder
Robert Todd
(528) Fits and More: More Mixed Raises in ...

A Mixed Raise shows 4-card support and 7-9 HCP in a competitive auction. Let's see how to implement this very useful bid in even more bidding situations.

(528) Fits and More: More Mixed Raises in Competition

Constructive: Opener

, ,

(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.

, ,

(520) NT Auctions: Opponents' Doubles of Our Stayman and Transfers

, ,
(520) NT Auctions: Opponents' Doubles of Our Stayman and Transfers

When we open a NT and partner uses an artificial conventional responses, like Stayman or Transfers, then the opponents might double as lead directing. We want to use this double against them. Here we discuss our options for bidding after this double.

, ,

(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.

, ,

(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.