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About Andrew Gumperz
Expertise
Bridge Bidding using the Standard American or 2/1 Game Forcing bidding systems. Declarer play and defense problems, defensive signals. I am not an expert on questions concerning bridge law, but I do my best to answer them.

Experience
I have been playing bridge competitively at a high level for 25 years and professionally off and on. I have won several regional events and have played as the partner of two world champion players.

Organizations
American Contract Bridge League (ACBL)

Publications
Scottish Bridge News

Education/Credentials
Undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley

You are here: Experts > Games > Card Games > Bridge & other card games > Opener's Rebid

Bridge & other card games - Opener's Rebid

Expert: Andrew Gumperz - 11/3/2009

Question
I have a question about opener's rebid in this scenario:

Opener has 17 point hand with
   3 spades
   5 hearts
   4 diamonds
   1 clubs
Opener bids 1 heart, responder bids 2 hearts meaning 6-9 points. How would opener relay a medium strength hand? He can't rebid hearts since he does not have 6, and can't bid spades. Wouldn't bidding a new diamond suit be forcing one round? Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hello Rosanne,

Yes a 3D call would be natural and forcing for one round. After an auction begins: 1M-(P)-2M-(P) any bid lower than 3H is natural and forcing for one round and shows a medium hand (often called a game invitational hand). These bids are called "game tries." They are intended to help partner judge whether the partnership should play 3H or 4H. For example:

1H-(P)-2H-(P)
3D-(P)-?

You hold: xx, Kxx, KJx, xxxxx
When partner also has values in diamonds, your hand is easily worth a call of 4H.

You hold: xx, Kxx, xxx, KJxxx
With the values in clubs probably wasted, your hand should signoff in 3H.

I hope that helps. Good luck and enjoy your bridge!

Andrew

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