Bidding practice
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.
North is the dealer. No one has bid yet. What is North’s opening call?
North
♠
5 2
♥
A Q 2
♦
A K 8 7 4 2
♣
A 10
HCP: 17
Shape: 2-3-6-2
Balanced: no
Planning
These are the opening bids. They follow close to the sayc standard.
13 - 19 … 1 club No 5c major, less than 4 diamonds.If 4 clubs and 4 diamonds, then bid 1 diamond.
13 - 19 … 1 diamond No 5c major, 4 or more diamonds
13 - 19 … 1 heart 5 or more hearts. If 16 - 19 points, could also have 5 spades.
13 - 19 … 1 spade 5 or more spades. could also have 5 hearts
15 - 17 … 1 NT Balanced distribition
22 - 24 … 2 clubs point count only, forcing to game
20 – 21 … 2 NT point count only
6 - 11 … 2 diamonds At least 6 cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
6 - 11 … 2 hearts At least 6 cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
6 - 11 … 2 spades At least 6 cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
5 - 9 … 3 clubs At least 7cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
5 - 9 … 3 diamonds At least 7cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
5 - 9 … 3 hearts At least 7cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
5 - 9 … 3 spades At least 7cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5