2S SIZE ASK RESPONSE
When we respond to partner's 1NT opening it is nice to have transfer bids available. Here we look at an upgrade to 4-suited Transfers, called Size Ask, and see how it improves our bidding.
NT Opening Auctions Hand Set 8 - 522
NT Opening Auctions Hand Set 7 - 521
Responder’s 2S Rebid After Stayman
We can use a Stayman response, followed by a 2S rebid to show an invitational hand with length in the majors. But this bidding sequence can be useful with other invitational hands as well. Let’s see how else it can be used.
NT Opening Auctions Hand Set 6 - 520
Opponents Double our Stayman or Transfer Bid
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.
NT Opening Auctions Hand Set 5 - 519
Trick Showing Bids: Gambling 3NT and More
Gambling 3NT is a powerful preemptive opening bid that can cause the opponents a lot of difficulty as well as describe our hand to partner in a highly precise way. It is also one way we can show a hand that can take a lot of tricks with a solid suit.
NT Opening Auctions Hand Set 4 - 518
Superaccepting Transfers
When we open the bidding with NT one of partners favorite bidding tools is the Jacoby Transfer. When partner transfers to a major suit and we have an excellent fit we have to decide about super-accepting. Here we look at our options for what to do and how to use our judgment about doing so.
NT Opening Auctions Hand Set 3 - 517
Responding to 2NT with the Minor
Bidding slam is extremely difficult after partner opens the bidding 2NT — much of our valuable bidding space had been taken away. This is especially true when it comes to finding minor suit slams. But we do have some gadgets that are designed to help us do this.
NT Opening Auctions Hand Set 2 - 516
Responding to 2NT with the Majors
When partner opens the bidding 2NT then we have far less space to investigate for a major suit fit. It is important that we make good use of our limited space below 3NT in order to determine if we have a Major suit fit.
NT Opening Auctions Hand Set 1 - 515
Modern 2NT Openings
When we open the bidding with 2NT then if we find a major suit fit ( 4-4, 5-3, or 6-2), we get to declarer this from the hand that opens 2NT — the strong side. That makes it opening 2NT something we should strive to do. The modern style is to stretch to open 2NT, even with many good 19 HCP hands.
Thinking & Responding Hand Set 9 - 514
1-minor - 2NT Auctions
When partner jumps to 2NT after our 1-minor opening we don’t have a lot of space to communicate below 3NT. It is important to have good agreements about the follow-up bidding.
Thinking & Responding Hand Set 8 - 513
1-minor - 1NT Auctions
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.
Thinking & Responding Hand Set 7 - 512
Jump Shifts after 1-Level Openings
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.
Thinking & Responding Hand Set 6 - 511
Walsh & 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.
Thinking & Responding Hand Set 5 - 510
Western Cuebids
We start out the auction seeing if we have a major suit fit. But after that, we try to get to 3NT. When the opponents bid in our auction we have a good idea of what they are going to lead. We can use the Western Cuebid to help find out if we can get to NT. Let’s see how it works!
Thinking & Responding Hand Set 4 - 509
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.
Thinking & Responding Hand Set 3 - 508
4th Seat Openings
If you auction goes 3 passes around to you then you have a choice to open the bidding or pass the hand out. If you choose to open the bidding, you have some different bidding tools in the 4th seat. Here we look at our options and how to help us make this decision.
Thinking & Responding Hand Set 2 - 507
3rd Seat Openings
When we open the bidding in the 3rd seat we have lots of options for how to attack the opponents. Here we look at how we can make the opponents life more difficult and make the best opening bid for our side.
Thinking & Responding Hand Set 1 - 506
Problem Opening Bids
There are certain strengths and shapes that are difficult to describe as opening bids. In order to have a chance of showing this problem hands we have to start the auction off best. Here we look at some of these problem opening bids.
Defense in Middle of the Hand Set 1 - 498
Which Honor to Cover or Capture
Here we look at defensive situations in the middle of the hand - we start with a look at covering the opponent's honors -- which one to cover?
Defense in Middle of the Hand Set 2 - 499
Getting Our Ruffs
When you can ruff one of Declarer’s tricks it is extremely satisfying. Here we work on techniques that will allow us to do so as often as possible!
Defense in Middle of the Hand Set 3 - 500
Middle of Hand Defense - Shift
Here we look at how we defend in the middle of the hand, with a focus on leading a new suit -- how and when to do so!