Bidding practice

Coaching on

The most widely-played natural bidding system in North America. 5-card majors, strong 1NT (15-17), strong 2C, weak twos, Stayman, and Jacoby transfers.

South is the dealer. No one has bid yet. What is South’s opening call?

Planning

Jacoby Transfer: With 5+ card major, we bid 2D asking opener to bid 2H, or 2H asking for a transfer to spades. Then there are options. Let us say the suit is hearts. Then:- You bid 2 diamonds, and partner responds 2 hearts.
1. with 5 cards in hearts and 0-7 hcp pass, 8-10 bid 2NT, 11+, bid 3NT
Partner will know that you have 5 cards in hearts. Partner can see if there is a fit, and if there is, he can transfer back to hearts.
2. with 6 cards in hearts and 0-7 hcp pass, 8-10 bid 3H, and with 11+, bid 4H.
We know there must be a fit, because with a 1NT opening, there must be at least 2 of that suit.

South

♠ A 10 6

♥ A K 6

♦ Q 10 7 3

♣ Q 10 2

HCP: 15

Shape: 3-3-4-3

Balanced: yes

Coaching mode

Note: your shape, your points, partner's call, and whether the opponents have entered the auction.

15-17 HCP, balanced shape: open 1NT.

Suggested bid for South: 1NT

Select South’s opening call: