BASIC BRIDGE COURSE

SIMPLE RESPONSES TO AN OPENING SUIT BID

You

Open Partner Responds Meaning

1♣ 1♦ = 4+ Diamonds 6-28 HCP

1♥ = 4+ Hearts 6-28 HCP

1♠ = 4+ Spades 6-28 HCP more Spades than Hearts (or5-5)

1NT 4/5 Clubs 8-10 HCP Limit Bid

2♣ = 4-6 Clubs 6-7 HCP Limit Bid

3♣ = 5+ Clubs 11-12 HCP Limit Bid

1♦ 1♥ = 4+ Hearts 6-28 HCP

1♠ = 4+ Spades 6-28 HCP more Spades than Hearts (or5-5)

1NT No 4 Card ♦/♥/♠ 6-9 HCP Limit Bid

possible long Club suit

2♣ = 4+ Clubs 10-28 HCP

2♦ = 4+ Diamonds 6-9 HCP Limit Bid

3♦ = 4+ Diamonds 10-12 HCP Limit Bid

1♥ 1♠ = 4+ Spades 6-28 HCP denies Heart support 6-12

1NT No 4 card major 6-9 HCP Limit Bid

says nothing about shape

2♣ = 3+ Clubs 10-28 HCP assume nothing, respond

2♦ = 3+ Diamonds 10-28 HCP assume nothing, respond

2♥ = 4+ Hearts 6-9 HCP Limit Bid

3♥ = 4+ Hearts 10-12 HCP Limit Bid

1♠ 1NT Not 4 Spades 6-9 HCP Limit Bid

May not be balanced

2♣ = 3+ Clubs 10-28 HCP assume nothing, respond

2♦ = 3+ Diamonds 10-28 HCP assume nothing, respond

2♥ = 5+ Hearts 10-28 HCP guarantees 5+ Hearts

2♠ = 4+ Spades 6-9 HCP Limit Bid

3♠ = 4+ Spades 10-12 HCP Limit Bid

You may have noticed that we have not put down a 2 No Trump response to any of these bids. It shows 10-12 HCP and denies the ability to bid anything else. It should be used sparingly. Normally there is a better bid available.