(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.

(524) Fits and More: Raising Partner in Competition

(524) Fits and More: Raising Partner in Competition

One of the most important parts of bridge is raising partner. We try to raise Opener whenever possible. We may choose not to support partner immediately if we feel we have something more pressing to communicate, in which case we can respond in our own Major, use a negative double, or bid some number of notrump, but in general we strive to “support with support.”

(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.

(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.