Bridge Corner: March 7, 2024

Hello and welcome to The Bridge Corner.  In this session, we will continue to list and explain the responses to the 1 No Trump opening bid.  The 1 No Trump (N/T) opening bid, like EVERY one-level opening bid, is saying four things: 1) Giving point count (1 N/T = 15 to 17 points); 2) Indicating whether or not there is at least a 5-card major suit in the hand (1 N/T = no 5-card Spade or Heart suit in the hand); 3) If 1 Spade or 1 Heart is opened, then asking for at least 3 cards in the suit opened; if 1 N/T, 1 Diamond, or 1 Club opened, then asking for at least a four card major suit.  So, when 1 N/T is opened, the opener is asking his partner for at least a four card Spade or Heart suit (Majors) and at least 8 points in order to respond.

In our previous session, we described the Stayman Convention:  with a 4-card Major suit(s) and 8+ HCP, bid  2 Clubs = STAYMAN.  This bid says “opener, do you have a four-card Spade or Heart suit?  If so, name it.  When the No-Trump opener answers this 2 Club bid, responder bids his point count.

With an 8-card Major suit fit discovered

• 8   –   9  HCP bid at the 3 level in the discovered 8-card Major suit fit                    

• 10 – 14  HCP bid at the 4 level (game) in the discovered 8-card Major suit fit

With no 8-card Major suit fit discovered

• 8  –   9  HCP bid  2 No Trump

• 10 – 14 HCP bid  3 No Trump

Now, let’s take a look at the Jacoby Transfer Convention:  With 0+ HCP, bid the suit below your long Spade or Heart suit (must have 5+ cards in the Major suit).

2 Diamond or 2 Heart bid = 0+ High Card Points

This says “I have at least a 5-card Major suit in the suit directly above the one I named.  * If I (the responder) bid  2D, I want you (the 1 No Trump opener) to re-bid 2 H.   * If I (the responder) bid 2H. I want you (the 1 No Trump opener) to re-bid 2 Spades.  After the No Trump opener accepts the transfer, responder tells opener his point count:

In our next session, we will work with some suit-opening bid practice hands.

TIDEWATER BRIDGE CLUB

The Banks at Berkley
701 South Main Street, Norfolk, VA  23523
WEDNESDAYS
10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This is a locked building.  An assigned person will be at the door to let you in until 11 a.m.  Take the elevator up to the second floor Community Room.  The game fee is $4 for 2 ½ or more tables.  Bring your lunch.  Light packaged snacks/water will be provided.

Winning Pairs from the February 28, 2024, Bridge Game

Shirley Nottingham – Sandra Starkey (1)

Gloria Brown – Barbara Whitfield (3)

Lillye Holley – Leon Ragland (2)

Elva Taylor – Jennifer Douglas

Rose Ward – Lawrence Owes

Any question, concerns, or comments, please feel free to contact Lawrence Owes, President, Tidewater Bridge Club at l.a.owes1@gmail.com.