“Does it for ‘em!”
-Eric Vieth
Bidding Convention
1. To speed up play, we don't play 1 level contracts UNLESS they are doubled or make a difference to the score (that is, if successful play with points on allows team to get a game)
2. We play with a one club opener convention that is sort-of unique to Christie (started in Electrohome days)
3. Dummy deals the next hand (1000 point penalty if you forget! - we'll probably make this only 500 points at the tourney)
C, D, H, S, NT = clubs, diamonds, hearts, spades, no trump
X= double any suit or NT bid
Convention
| Opening Bid | Requires | Response | Indicates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1C | 13-16 points (STD OPENING) Requires a response from your partner | 1D | 6 or less points (a BUST) OR 7-12 points and at least 5D in hand (LEGITIMATE D RESPONSE)-(if a bust, then must pass next time unless in convention)(if not a bust, then can bid 2nd best suit next time but must be min 4 solid cards) |
| 1H, 1S | 7-12 points and at least 5H or 5S in hand (LEGITIMATE H or S RESPONSE) | ||
| 1NT | 7-12 points and no 5 card suit (FLAT HAND)-doesn't mean all suits are stopped | ||
| Pass | Can only pass if opposition has just doubled in which case passing is a BUST | ||
| 2C | 7-12 points and at least 5C in hand (LEGITIMATE C RESPONSE) | ||
| 2D, 2H, 2S | 16-18 points and at least 5D, 5H or 5S in hand (JUMP SHIFT)-opener shouldn't stop shy of game | ||
| 2NT | 13-15 points (ALSO OPENING POINTS)-flat, but doesn't mean all suits are stopped-opener shouldn't stop shy of game (often 3NT) unless bad fit | ||
| 3C, 3D, 3H, 3S | 7-12 points and at least seven of suit bid (7 CARD SUIT)-assumes opposition passed or doubled only | ||
| Double | 13-16 points (STD OPENING)-requires a response from your partner opposition has just bid 1C (TAKE OUT DOUBLE) | See above | Same as 8 possible responses above |
| 1D, 1H, 1S | >10-12 points (WEAK OPENING)at least 5-6 of suit bid in hand | 1 NT | Not a bust, flat and no support, but desire to keep going |
| 2C | >10-12 points and clubs (should have min 5 of them) | ||
| 2D, 2H, 2S | 8-12 points (CUT-OFF)-should make 2 level contract in this suit but no more likely so don't go higher | ||
| 2NT | Just shy of opening points and all suits stopped except the openers suit | ||
| 3D, 3H, 3S | 8-15 points and a good fit likely (ENCOURAGEMENT TO GAME BID) | ||
| 3NT | GAME BID-at minimum opening points and all suits stopped except the openers suit | ||
| 4C | Convention by definition | ||
| 4D | Avoid-bid 3D instead | ||
| 4H, 4S | GAME BID-at min opening points and three of the openers suit | ||
| 4NT | Convention by definition | ||
| 5D | GAME BID-at min opening points and three of the openers suit | ||
| 1NT | 17-19 points and a flat hand (STRONG BUT FLAT)-doesn't require a response from your partner-avoid this bid and bid 1C instead to get a response | Tricky, bid back your 5 card suit if you have one and you're not bust but less then open can also respond with 2NT 3NTor go to convention if responder has every suit stopped but should be on the high side of points. | |
| 2X | >20 points (REALLY STRONG)-doesn't require a response from your partner-avoid this bid and bid 1C instead to get a response-be prepared to have to play this with no partner support | Tricky, bid back your 5 card suit if you have one and you're not bust can bid back 2NT if you have 3-4 points and and are flatcan bid back 3NT if you have 5-6 points and and are flat | |
| 3C,D,H, S | Seven of a suit and 8-12 points (PRE-EMPT by definition)-must have an outside ace-opposition has not yet had chance to respond-be prepared to have to play this with no partner support | Tricky, response should be based on your points and distribution |