Bridge Tips with Marjorie

JORDAN 2NT This convention has become very popular. For today, we are going to discuss this bid only when partner opens 1 of a Major and RHO makes a takeout double. Our options can be to pass, redouble, raise, or take some other call. You are south and hold: ♠4 ♥AJ63 ♦K842 ♣Q532 Partner opens 1♥ and RHO say X. You can redouble; you have your 10+ points. However, if your LHO makes a preemptive 3♠ bid, partner passes, & RHO bids 4♠, what call do you make? Do you X, Bid 5♥? Jordan 2NT to the rescue! This bid is alertable and promises a limit raise or better with trump support. Most people play it promises at least 4 card trump support. This bid frees you up to use an opening bid of 1♥ by partner, X by RHO, 3♥ by you as a preemptive raise in keeping with the “Law of total tricks”. Now partner can distinguish between the good hands and the preemptive hands with support. Partner opens 1♥ RHO says X You?

Hand 1 ♠AJ9 ♥Q763 ♦K432 ♣Q3

Bid 2NT (alertable)

Hand 2 ♠8

♥KJ72 ♦J32

Bid 3♥ (preemptive)

Hand 3 ♠87

♥Q76

♣98743

♦J987 ♣A754

Bid 2♥

Opener now has a better understanding of what your raise looks like. He can place the contract. Of course if your partner signs off in 3 of his major and you had the BETTER hand than just a limit raise, you are responsible for putting it in game after partner shows a minimum.

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