Major Suit Raises

One of the most important times in the bidding is when you and your partner have a fit in a major (♥hearts or ♠spades). It’s vital to describe how good that fit is, because partner will then make the decision about how far to go. Showing the number of trumps you hold as well as where your short suits are can make a big difference to your results. This course will thoroughly cover these situations and will also look at popular Bergen Raises.

Lesson 1 - Single Raises. (6-9/10 points)
Wednesday, 9 August: 10-11am AEST

This, the lowest type of raise, usually shows a flat hand with three trumps and 6 – 10 points, including shortage. Usually these hands will have a doubleton rather than a singleton. Partner needs a good hand to take the bidding further. Bergen raises may be used here with four trumps.

Lesson 2:Limit Raises. (10/11-12 points)
Wednesday, 16 August: 10-11am AEST

This medium hand should always have four trumps, and some shortage. You’re telling partner they will be able to take extra tricks through trumping. Bergen raises work well here too. Partner doesn’t need much to go to game after a limit raise.

Lesson 3 - Strong Raises. (13+ points) The Jacoby 2NT Convention
Wednesday, 23 August: 10-11am AEST

Showing a game forcing hand with four trumps is vital and this popular convention is universally used. Jacoby asks for a show of both shortages (singletons or voids) and controls (Aces, Kings) because slam is often a good bet with two great hands with a big fit.

Lesson 4 - Splinter Raises
Wednesday, 30 August: 10-11am AEST

Again shortages make or break big fittng hands. Splinters are jumps in a “weird” new suit to the four level generally. What they’re saying is that there’s a big fit in the major and a singleton or void in the suit they just bid. Splinters are invaluable in bidding slams.

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