Opening

Question 1

When must I open?

Answer 1

13 points

May open with 11 or 12 points if:

Good distribution or shape
Good long suit
Good quick tricks

Question 2

To open in a major

Answer 2

Five card suit
12-21 points
If 2-5-card suits, always open the higher suit

Question 3

To open in a minor

Answer 3

12-21 points
At least 3 cards in suit
Choose the longer minor
If 2 3-card suits, open 1 club
If 4 card suit in diamonds and 4 card suit in clubs, open the higher suit – diamonds
If 2 5-card suits, always open the higher suit
If I open 4 diamonds, I will have 4 diamonds except when the hand shape is 4-4-2–3

Question 4

No trump

Answer 4

15 – 17 to open at one level

20 – 21to open at two level

Question 5

Responses following opening bid

Answer 5

To open a new suit at one level:
At least 4 cards in the suit
At least 6 points

To re-bid opening suit:
Usually 6 – card suit

To raise partners suit:
4 cards in the suit
13-15 points

To go to 1 no trump:
Balanced hand; 13-14 points; without 4 cards in partners suit; and without a new 4-card suit you could bid at the one level

Question 6

Responses

Answer 6

Over 1 of a suit:

1 no trump if 6-10 points
Bid same suit at the two level if 6-10 points and a fit in that suit
A fit in clubs requires responder to have five clubs
A fit in diamonds requires 4 diamonds
A fit in a major requires 3 of the suit