199’er Bridge 5-23-07

199’er Bridge, 5-23-07

Responses to partner’s 1 No Trump opener (continued)

You and your partner should agree. I offer some possibilities.

3 clubs

a. 6 card club suit, at least two top honors, forcing to game or b. both minors (5-5 or better), weak hand

3 diamonds

a. 6 card diamond suit, at least two top honors, forcing to game or b. both minors (5-5 or better), strong hand, forcing to game

3 No Trump – previously discussed – balanced hand, 10-15 high card points

4 clubs = Gerber Convention (asking for aces) Partner has a great hand!

You may not know why partner is asking, but your responses are:

4 diamonds = 0 or 4 aces
4 hearts = 1 ace
4 spades = 2 aces
4 no trump = 3 aces

If partnership is missing one ace, partner will bid a small slam.
If partnership is missing two aces, partner will stop at 4 no trump.

If partner follows up with a bid of 5 clubs, partner is asking for kings.
* * * Partner is promising that the partnership possesses all the aces. * * *

5 diamonds = 0 or 4 kings
5 hearts = 1 king
5 spades = 2 kings
5 no trump = 3 kings

N.B. You gave your answers. Partner sets the final contract.

6 No Trump
Partner, I have 18-19 high card points and I expect us to make a small slam.