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Making a jump-shift after partner has opened one of a suit
We are still dealing with responses to partner's opening bid of one of a suit, and are still looking at the Y in SYN, your own suit.
A jump-shift is when you shift to another suit ( Y--you are bidding your own suit ) but jump one level 1H-2S ; 1D-2H ; 1S-3C etc. This is reserved for hands of strength 16+ and passes the unequivocal message "Game is on, partner; take it easy, there's no hurry. Let's check out a possible slam." It does not show more than four cards in your chosen suit, but partners get excited and tend to forget this.
| S A432 | Reply 2S to 1C, 1D, or 1H. If partner insists on her suit you have fair support. Alternatively, NT must be a reasonable bet. |
| H K32 | |
| D A97 | |
| C AJ3 |
| S K32 | After 1H or 1S from partner, 3C is best. You can stand a heart or spade contract, if partner insists. After 1D from partner, I might prefer 2C and plan to finish in 3NT. |
| H K32 | |
| D 2 | |
| C AKQJ32 |
| S AKQ32 | We must be in the slam zone here and a direct ace-asking 4NT may be better than 2S after partner's 1H. We plan to finish in 6NT or 7NT. |
| H K32 | |
| D A2 | |
| C A32 | |
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Note that many responders prefer not to rush the auction in this way and would choose one spade in preference to two, two clubs in preference to three etc... This is fine but there will be many occasions when you will be unable to make your second bid forcing, and you may have to choose the final contract earlier than you would wish. |
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Image by courtesy of The Chelwood Gallery (Tel 01242-252-412) |