This Week in Bridge
(604) 2/1 GF – 2NT Rebid Showing a 6+card Suit
©AiB Robert S. Todd
Level: 10 of 10 robert@advinbridge.com
General
When we play the version of 2/1 GF that uses “2-Major Waiting” (meaning that Opener can rebid their Major suit without promising a sixth card), then we gain the ability to “right side” a NT contract when we have a balanced hand without a stopper in one of the suits. However, by using 2-Major as a waiting bid, we make it harder for us to show our 6-card suit. Let’s see how we can add a gadget to help give us better rebid options to describe our hand.
Opener’s Rebids in Standard 2/1 Game-Forcing Response Agreements – “2-Major Waiting”
When we play the traditional approach to 2/1 GF, using the rule of 3-4-5 (2♣ showing 3+cards, 2♦ showing 4+cards, and 2♥ showing 5+cards) then we raise Responder’s suit when we know we have a fit.
Example 1
Opener Responder
1♠ __?
2♥ 5+card ♥
Raise with 3+card ♥ support.
2♦ 4+card ♦
Raise with 4+card ♦ support.
2♣ 3+card ♣ (only 3 cards when 3-4-3-3)
Raise with 4+card ♣ support (if partner has only 3-card ♣ they will have a ♠ fit and we will survive the auction).
We use the idea that rebidding our Major is a “Waiting Bid”, not promising a sixth card. By adding this waiting bid, we get the following additional good agreement:
New Suit at 3-Level This now shows extra values.
o If we have a 2-suited hand and minimum values, we can use the 2-Major waiting rebid.
Opener’s 2NT Rebid to Show a 6-card Suit
We can add a gadget to our bidding system, using a 2NT* rebid as an artificial bid showing a 6+card suit.
Example 2 – 6+card Suit
Opener Responder
1♠ 2♦
2NT*
Opener shows a 6+card suit. If Opener rebids 2♠, waiting, now they deny a 6+card suit.
Example 3 – Exactly 5-card Suit
Opener Responder
1♠ 2♦
2♠
This denies a 6+card suit.
Example 4 – 6/4 Hand
Opener Responder
1♠ 2♣
__?
With a 6-card ♠ suit and 4+card ♥ (or ♦ suit), then we make the most space efficient bid, so we rebid our 4-card suit at the 2-level.
Other Rebids to Show a 6-card Suit
We still have a way to show a fabulous 6+card suit by jumping to the 3-level in the suit we opened.
Example 5 – Great Suit
Opener Responder
1♠ 2♦
3♠
This shows a 6+card suit that is good enough to play for at most one loser opposite a void. Knowing that we have this rebid available means that we can infer that we do not have this great of a suit when we rebid 2NT – showing a “non-wonderful” 6-card suit.
Conclusion
When we play the style of 2/1 GF where 2-Major is a waiting bid, we gain some tools for investigating slam better and for playing a NT contract from the best side. In doing so, we introduce some ambiguity about when we have a 5-card suit or a 6-card suit. By adding a gadget that a 2NT rebid shows an additional card in our Major suit, then we help our side know when we have a potential 6-2 fit and when we do not. Consider giving this upgrade to your 2/1 GF structure a try.