Opening Conventions

In ACOL Bridge, the number of points and shape of your hand will determine whether you are able to open the bidding.

Below is the bidding convention used by bridgetrainer.

This convention is designed as a BASIC approach for beginners. Experienced players will use a more complex and fluid bidding system.

Note: S = Number of Spades in hand, SP = Number of Spade Points, SH = Number of Spade Honour Cards – the same pattern for the other suits applies.

Basic Openings

SHAPE POINTS CARDS BID

Balanced

< 12

 

Pass

Balanced

>=12 and <=14

 

1NT

Balanced

>=15 and <=19

 

Longest @1

Balanced

>=20 and <=22

 

2NT

Balanced

>=23

 

2C – Strong

UnBalanced

<12

 

Pass

UnBalanced

>=12 and <=19

 

Longest @1

UnBalanced

>=20

 

2C - Strong

Weak 2's

SHAPE POINTS CARDS BID

Any

6-10

6D + 2 good D Honours - No 4CM

2D

Any

6-10

6H + 2 good H Honours - No 4CM

2H

Any

6-10

6S + 2 good S Honours - No 4CM

2S

Pre-Emptive Openings

SHAPE POINTS CARDS BID

Any

>=5 and <=10

C=7 and no 4CM

3C

Any

>=5 and <=10

D=7 and no 4CM

3D

Any

>=5 and <=10

H=7 and no 4CM

3H

Any

>=5 and <=10

S=7 and no 4CM

3S

Any

>=5 and <=10

C=8 and no 4CM

4C

Any

>=5 and <=10

D=8 and no 4CM

4D

Any

>=5 and <=10

H=8 and no 4CM

4H

Any

>=5 and <=10

S=8 and no 4CM

4S