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.
Responding to Pre-Emptive Openings
These responses will supercede those shown above
| OPENERS BID | YOUR POINTS | YOUR CARDS | YOUR RESPONSE |
|---|---|---|---|
3C |
0-15 |
<3 C |
Pass |
|
0-15 | 3C= | 4C |
| 14 | 3C+ 1 Hon | 3NT |
|
16+ |
1C+ | 5C | |
17+ |
6 good card | New suit at 3 | |
3D |
0-15 |
<3 D |
Pass |
|
0-15 | 3D= | 4D |
| 14 | 3D+ 1 Hon | 3NT |
|
16+ |
1D+ | 5D | |
17+ |
6 good card | New suit at 3 (if C, then 4) | |
3H |
0-15 |
<3 H |
Pass |
|
0-15 | 3H= | 4H |
| 14 | 3H+ 1 Hon | 3NT |
|
16+ |
1H+ | 5H | |
17+ |
6 good card | New suit at 3 (if CD then 4) | |
3S |
0-15 |
<3 S |
Pass |
|
0-15 | 3S= | 4S |
| 14 | 3S+ 1 Hon | 3NT |
|
16+ |
1S+ | 5S | |
17+ |
6 good card | New suit at 4 | |
4C |
0-15 |
<3 C |
Pass |
|
0-15 | 3C= | 5C |
| 14 | 3C+ 1 Hon | 4NT |
|
16+ |
1C+ | 6C | |
17+ |
6 good card | New suit at 4 | |
4D |
0-15 |
<3 D |
Pass |
|
0-15 | 3D= | 5D |
| 14 | 3D+ 1 Hon | 4NT |
|
16+ |
1D+ | 6D | |
17+ |
6 good card | New suit at 4 (if C then 5) | |
4H |
0-15 |
<3 H |
Pass |
|
0-15 | 3H= | 5H |
| 14 | 3H+ 1 Hon | 4NT |
|
16+ |
1H+ | 6H | |
17+ |
6 good card | New suit at 4 (if C or D then 5) | |
4S |
0-15 |
<3 S |
Pass |
|
0-15 | 3S= | 5S |
| 14 | 3S+ 1 Hon | 4NT |
|
16+ |
1S+ | 6S | |
17+ |
6 good card | New suit at 5 |