Retropoet's Bridge Pages

General Considerations

Double.

Obviously, this method is available only when the opponents compete. A double by the overcaller shows extra strength, including some defense. Expected distribution is 5 - 5.

Rebid in Notrump.

The way to show a strong hand when the opponents do not compete is to repeat the Notrump call. Expected distribution is still 5 - 5. This call is not necessarily an offer to play NT. The overcaller still has an offensive hand that may play better in suit.

Rebid a suit.

A raise of advancer's call, or a call in a new suit that overcaller is known to have shows extreme distribution. Expect 6 - 5 or better.

Bidding the third suit.

Again, a strong playing hand, mainly based on high cards. Expect a void in opener's suit, or some 5 - 4 - 3 - 1 hand with 3 or 4 losers. Bidding the third suit is an offer to play in that suit. It is not forcing.

Cue Bid Follow-up

Absolutely forcing. Overcaller has a real monster, or a very good hand PLUS extra distribution. With a secure stopper in the enemy suit that can stand being led through, advancer should bid notrump.

When They Open a Minor Suit

Cue Bid

A Cue Bid of a minor suit in direct or in balancing seat shows Spades and the lower unbid minor. This is known as TOP & BOTTOM. Expected distribution is 5 - 5.

Jump to 2NT

A jump to 2 Notrump shows the two lowest unbid suits. For example, a jump to 2NT over a 1C opening shows hearts and diamonds, while a jump to 2NT over a 1D opening shows hearts and clubs. Expected distribution is 5 - 5.

Exclusion Bids

A jump to the other minor shows the

other

two suits. For example, a jump to 2D over a 1C opening shows spades and hearts, while a jump to 3C over a 1D opening shows spades and hearts. Expected distribution is 5 - 5.

When They Open a Major Suit

Cue Bid

A Cue Bid of a major suit in direct or balancing seat is

Michaels

, meaning the overcaller has the other major and an unspecified minor. Expected distribution is 5 - 5. If advancer wishes to play in overcaller's minor suit, the correct bid is 2NT, which asks the overcaller to name their minor suit. Often in the past advancer instead has bid a minor suit (clubs), expecting overcaller to correct when their suit is diamonds, but

this is incorrect

. In truth, if advancer bids a minor suit, they are bidding it to play, with great length (expected: 7, or a good 6, playable opposite a singleton).

Jump to 2NT

The jump to 2NT over a major suit opening shows both minors. Expected distribution is 5 - 5.

No exclusion bids over 1 of a major.

We do not play exclusion bids after they open 1 of a major.

When They Open 1NT

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