Bidding Guide 2Z33 Main

Bidding After a Raise

by Richard Pavlicek

How to continue when partner raises your suit

After a Major Raise

Partner
1

(opp)
Pass
Pass

You
1

(opp)
Pass

Determine the partnership point range

Add Declarer Points (see Point Count) if applicable then add your revalued point count to the minimum and maximum shown by partner.

If total is sure to be

19-25 points	pass
26-32 points	bid 4 of your major	S

If total might be

26+ points	bid 3 of your major	I
33+ points	see Slam Bidding

If partner’s range includes 5 or more possible values it is practical to estimate his minimum as one greater than the absolute worst. For example, if partner raises your 1 opening to 2 he shows 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 points; figure his minimum as 7 points unless you are a real pessimist.

If the bidding is already at or beyond 3 of your major, then take a chance and bid 4 (or pass if already in 4).

After a Minor Raise

Partner
1

(opp)
Pass
Pass

You
2

(opp)
Pass

If a major fit is possible

Minor suits are a low priority, so consider the possibility of finding a major-suit contract. If you next bid a major suit that was previously bid, it is natural; and if this raises partner’s suit, he should continue as above after a major raise, almost as if your minor suit were not raised.

If you are satisfied to play in your raised minor suit or notrump, follow the next table.

That was a whale of a bid!

Don’t I know it!

After a Minor Raise (no major fit possible)

Partner
1

(opp)
Pass
Pass

You
1

(opp)
Pass

Determine the partnership point range

Add Declarer Points if your hand is unbalanced then add your revalued point count to the minimum and maximum shown by partner.

If balanced and total is sure to be

19-25 points	pass
26-32 points	bid 3 NT	N

If balanced and total might be

26+ points	bid 2 NT	I
33+ points	see Slam Bidding

If unbalanced and total is sure to be

19-28 points	pass
29-32 points	bid 5 of your minor	S

If unbalanced and total might be

29+ points	bid 3 of your minor	I
33+ points	see Slam Bidding

With two low cards in an unbid suit, prefer to bid another unbid suit below 3 NT. This shows a stopper in the suit bid, then partner may be able to bid 3 NT with a stopper in the unbid suit.

If the bidding is beyond 2 NT, then take a chance and bid 3 NT or follow Note above.

If your shortest suit was bid by partner, you may bid 3 NT with the unbid suits stopped; or you may bid a suit below 3 NT to show a stopper in case partner can bid 3 NT.

If the bidding is already at 3 of your minor, then bid 4; if the bidding is at 4 then bid 5. In other words, if there is a chance for game, do not pass below game.

Bidding Guide 2Z33 Main Top Bidding After a Raise