1. Introduction
This is based on Max Hardy’s books Advanced Bridge Bidding for the 21st Century [ 1 ], and The Problems with Major Suit Raises and How to Fix Them [ 2 ] with extensions from Ron Beall’s Toucan Club Complete [ 3 pp. 63-80 ] where 1M 2 ♣ in 1st or 2nd seat is either a balanced 3-card Limit Raise or a game forcing 2/1 call with ♣ .
A major goal here is to allow Responder to describe the number of supporting trump, hand shape, and strength at as low a level as possible on strong hands.
Responder will respond with a minimum 5HCP or an Ace.
2. 3-card support
-
Minimum balanced < 8HCP, 1NT followed by 2M after opener’s 2-level response.
-
2M 8-10- Constructive raise.
-
Balanced Limit Raise, 2 ♣ .
-
Limit raise with Shortness, 3 ♣ Hardy Raise.
-
With more than a limit raise, bid 1NT and later raise to four, or make a 2/1 bid if your hand qualifies.
-
1 ♠ -2 ♣ -2 ♦ -3 ♥ 3=4=x-x looking for major suit game
-
1 ♥ or 1 ♠ -2 ♣ -2 ♦ -3 ♣ or 3 ♦ control bid in bid suit.
-
Standard 2/1 sequences with 3=5-3-2 or better distribution that don’t fit any of the above conditions.
3. 4+-card support
These are essentially the same as in Hardy Major Raises, and very much like those in the Toucan Club book.
-
Weak Responses
-
3M Weak without shortness
-
4M 5+M with shortness. With an Ace or King, bid 1NT then jump to 4M.
-
-
Limit Raise Responses
-
2M 4-card support with constructive values, planning on competing to the 3 level.
-
3 ♣ Hardy Major Raise which would also be done with 3-card support and shortness.
-
1 ♥ -3 ♦ or 1 ♠ 3 ♥ Under Jump Shift showing 4-card support with shortness.
-
-
Game Forcing 12+-16- HCP
-
1 ♥ -3 ♠ or 1 ♥ 3NT Over Jump Shift showing 4+ card support with shorness.
-
4 ♣ 4+ Trump, HHxx or [AK]xxxx support and no shortness.
-
4 ♦ 4+ Trump, less quality than 4 ♣ and no shortness
-
-
2NT Jacoby Transfers Game Forcing 16+ Balanced