INFORMATION

ALERTING PROCEDURE FROM 1 JANUARY 2006

Changes have been made by the New Zealand Contract Bridge Association regarding the need to alert certain bids.

The following bids need not be alerted:

1D - Where the Diamond suit shows at least three cards

1NT - As long as the NT bid represents a preparedness to play in No Trumps.  When an opponent opens 1NT you should ask for the point range the bid represents - "weak" or "strong" are insufficient replies.

Cue bids - If your opponent makes a bid that is in the same suit as you or your partner it is your responsibility to enquire as to its meaning (ie whether it promises or denies a hold in that suit);

Doubles and Redoubles - It is your responsibility to enquire as to the meaning of your opponent's double or redouble.

These bids should be alerted:

Weak jump overcalls of either your partner's or your opponent's bid (unless other side have bid a take-out double);

Forcing one-level raises (eg ID raises to 2D where 2D is then forcing);

1H opening bid that denies a hold of four or more spades;

2C opening bid that is not a "Game Force" bid;

1NT overcall where the partnership agreement allows for this bid to be made without a stopper in the previously bid suit;

2C response to 1NT which is NOT stayman;

3C stayman response to 2NT opening bid.

For further clarification and information see the New Zealand Contract Bridge Association Manual 2006.

 

Standard Huntly Bridge Bidding                                   

Minors:     Clubs Diamonds            Majors:  Hearts Spades       No-trump

 

A good trump suit -- A "fit" of 8 or more cards in one suit, combined in your two hands in any way (4-4, 5-3, 6-2, etc.). Your first choice for a trump suit is a major (hearts or spades). If you have no major-suit trump fit, choose no-trump if you have balanced strength; choose a minor (clubs or diamonds) if you have unbalanced hands and an 8-card fit.

Contract requirements -- what you and your partner need in your two hands to make these contracts:

These guidelines apply when you have relatively balanced hands. If you have a strong trump fit, long side suits and/or unusual distribution, you'll need fewer points to make these contracts.

Rules for Opener (the first player to make a bid other than Pass)

Your second bid: (after partner responds to your opening bid)

Rules for Responder (after your partner opens the bidding)

Your first response:

As Opener OR Responder, you show your point-count any time you:

1- Open or rebid notrump -- 1C-1NT;       1C-1H-1NT;       1S-2H-2NT

2- Raise partner's suit (to confirm that you have an 8-card fit) 1H-2H; 1C 1H-2H.

3 - Rebid your own long suit -- 1H-1S-2H;       1H-1S-1NT-3S.

The level you choose for these bids shows whether you have a minimum, invitational or forcing point-count range.

 

Rules for Overcaller (after an opponent opens the bidding)

 

Your bid: (after partner overcall)

Make sure you have a good understanding with your partner and count your points.