When partner opens with a major suit, there are two promises made. His hand contains at least 13 points and at least five of the opening major suit. Having this information upfront can will make it easier to respond to your partner's major opening. Assuming partner has opened 1H, let's look at a few hands and think about some responding bids.
Partner has opened 1H and you hold
Jxx ~~~ KQx ~~~ Kxx ~~~ xxxx
This is an easy bid. You have 9 points and 3 hearts. You know partner has 5 hearts and you know you have 3 hearts. A bid of 2H right now will say, "Partner, I have 6 to 9 points, and I have at least 3 hearts for you. We have a fit!" Easy enough. Let's change the hand a bit.
Jxx ~~~ Kx ~~~ Kxxx ~~~ Qxxx
This hand has the same 9 points, but alas! No heart fit! How do you give partner an encouraging bid with this hand? Bid 1NT. "Partner, I have 6 to 9 points, and no-trump distribution. I don't have 3 of your hearts, or I would be bidding 2H instead of 1NT."
OK, what would you do with this next hand?
Jxx ~~~ Kx ~~~ KQxxx ~~~ xxx
......waiting to hear your answer first.....LOL Are you tempted to bid your five-card club suit? Resist the temptation. Your bid is 1NT. Remember what 1NT tells partner? That's right, 6 to 9 points, no-trump distribution, and no heart fit. That describes this hand. If you bid 2C, what will partner hear you saying? First of all, partner will hear 10 or more points in your hand. If that is not bad enough, he will hear a FORCING bid. Unless you have a hand where you want partner bidding more and more, it is better to limit the point count in your hand as soon as possible. Let's take a look at a hand where you force partner to bid again.
xxx ~~~ Kx ~~~ KQJxx ~~~ Qxx
Now, if you bid 2C, partner is going to hear at least 10 points in your hand and at least 5 clubs, and a FORCE to bid again. Why is partner forced to bid again? Because you introduced a new suit in the bidding, and did not limit your hand, partner will now have to bid again, and further describe his hand.
The Bidding Box
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A great page!!!