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Beginners Lessons
(Lessons by Allan & Claire Whiteford) |
Sometimes you are dealt hands with long suits and less than opening points. In these situations it is probable that your opponents have points and the potential to make a game. If you are the first to bid you can in these situations bid your long suit at the appropriate level and prevent your opponents from entering the bidding. This pre-emptive bid is in effect a sacrifice bid and if your partner does not have support you would not expect to make your contract.
There is a balance between the penalties of not making your contract and the Opposition making a game. For example if no-one was vulnerable and you were 2 tricks light trying to make your contract the penalties if doubled would be 300 pts. Whereas if the opposition have been prevented from reaching a game they have been prevented from gaining 400 pts.
A general rule of thumb is that a pre-emptive bid should not go more than 2 off and you should be more reluctant to make a pre-emptive bid if you are vulnerable.
There are many different systems for handling weak hands with unusual distributions if your opponents make these types of bids it is best to ask them to explain the meaning of their bid.
Weak 2s in the Majors
Bid 2H or 2S - with 7-10 pts and at least a 6-card suit containing 2 of the top three honours.
Pre-emptive Openings at the 3-Level
Bid 3C, 3D, 3H or 3S with 7-10 pts and at least a 7-card suit containing 2 of the top three honours.
Pre-emptive Openings at the 4-Level
Bid 4C, 4D, 4H or 4S with 7-10 pts and at least a 8-card suit containing 2 of the top three honours.