ABC bridge
Simple, effective bidding
When you and your partner are bidding you want to try to get into a situation when one of you knows whether or not you have enough points for game. For example, if I know you have 12 points then I can add my points to what you've shown and calculate the total. So you'll use some bids to search for the right suit to play in. Then one player will make a bid to show a specific strength and shape and that will allow that player's partner to decide how high to bid.
So it can be helpful to think of every bid as falling into one of three categories.
- New suit - a suit that hasn't been bid before
- Limit bid - a suit that has been bid before or a NT bid
- Decision - phew, someone has finally decided where to play!
New suit
When you're bidding a new suit keep the bidding as low as possible to give your side room to explore.
South bids 1♥, keeping the bidding low.
Limit Bids
When you're making a limit bid you bid as high as you can You don't need to save bidding space now because you're pretty sure you know if you're going to play in a suit contract or notrumps. Now's the time to describe your strength.
- With a weak hand that will need more help from partner to make game you can raise partner's suit to the 2 level or bid 1NT. About 6-9 points
- If you're close to game bid 2NT or raise partner's suit to the 3 level. About 10-12 points
- If you have enough to bid game or slam then bid it!
South has found a spade fit. 3♠ is a limit bid.
Decision Time!
After one player has made a limit bid to show their points and shape that persons partner will be in a good position to choose the final contract. The same logic applies whether you're wondering how to bid a slam.
North has something extra and bids game.