Traps to Avoid as Opening Bidder Answers

1.

(a) 1NT Rebid 1NT with 4-3-3-3 distribution even with an unstopped suit.

(b) 2♠ Better than 1NT or 2♦.

(c) 2♠ Not strong enough to bid 2♣ and then raise spades.

(d) 2♣ Too strong to raise spades directly. With 17-18 points, show your second suit and then raise partner.

(e) 2♦ Not strong enough to reverse into 2♥ and a 1NT rebid is a no -no with a small singleton in partner’s suit.

(f) 2♥ Strong enough to reverse.

2.

(a) 1♥ The higher ranking suit, not the stronger, of two five-card suits.

(b) 1♥ Same as (a)

(c) 1♣ Intending to rebid 2♣ if partner responds 1♠.

(d) 1♦ Intending to rebid 2♣ if partner responds 1♠. Notice the difference in the strength of the diamonds between (c) and (d), the determining factor when deciding whether to open 1♣ or 1♦ with this distribution.

(e) 1♣ With five clubs and five spade AND 19+ points, open 1♣ and jump shift to 2♠ after a red suit response.

(f) 1♣ With five STRONG clubs and five WEAKISH spades AND a minimum (12-16 points) hand, open 1♣ intending to bid and rebid spades.

(g) 1♠ Most hands with 5-5 open 1♠ unless they are very strong (e) or have very weak spades (f).

(h) 2NT Better than 1♠.

3.

(a) 2♠ Do not withhold major suit trump support with minimum hands that have side-suit shortness.

(b) Pass No point in rebidding a five-card major after partner responds 1NT – warning you of heart shortness.

(c) 2NT Shows a balanced hand and minimum opening values.

(d) 3♦ Once apprised of the diamond fit, partner may be able to bid 3NT.