Responders Limit Bids Acol : Bridge Online

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Responder is not always strong enough to bid game immediately. The opener’s bid shows 12-19 HCP, so responder should respond with 6 HCP to keep the possibility of game open.

If possible, responder should make a limit bid. Limit bids show the shape and strength of the hand with a good deal of accuracy. There are 2 kinds of limit bids.

Limit Bids
• same suit - one that has been bid before by either partner
• notrumps

Showing a fit - same suit response

A 'fit' is a suit in which you and your partner hold at least 8 cards and that's a good indication of a suitable trump suit. If you have 4-card support for the opener’s major suit, you have found the fit you were looking for. How high you bid depends on your points.

Responder raises opener's suit
2-level          6-9 points
3-level          10-12 points
4-level          13+ points - or - an unbalanced weak hand (6-9), with good trumps and a void or singleton.

Game-Going Hands
1♠ 4♠ = 13+ points

	♠ KQJ2
	♥ A2
	♦ J32
	♣ Q632

	North	East	South	West
	1♠	P	4♠

Your partner is showing at least 4 spades. You also have 4 spades, which means you have a fit. You also have the strength for game. Bid 4♠.

	♠ K8752
	♥ 2
	♦ J32
	♣ Q632

1♠ 4♠ = 6-9, 4+ trumps and a void or singleton
This is the other way to play a jump to 4♠.

Invitational Hands

	♠ QJ72
	♥ A2
	♦ J32
	♣ Q632

	North	East	South	West
	1♠	P	3♠

Your partner is showing at least 4 spades. You also have 4 spades, but not quite enough strength for game. Bid 3♠, showing 10-12 HCP.

Minimum Hands

	♠ QJ72
	♥ 82
	♦ J32
	♣ Q632

	North	East	South	West
	1♠	P	2♠

Now you are minimum, but its important to show the fit. Bid 2♠, showing 6-9 HCP.

Responding without a fit - bidding notrumps

If you don’t have a fit, you can respond in notrumps. This is also a limit bid. Again, it is important to show how many points you have.

Responders raises opener's suit
1NT          6-9
2NT          10-12
3NT          13+

Game-Going Hands
1♠ 3NT = 13+

Responding 3NT shows a balanced hand. If you don't have a balanced hand you should change the suit. See - responder changes suit

	♠ K2
	♥ AQJ
	♦ Q432
	♣ J853

	North	East	South	West
	1♠	P	3NT

Your partner has opened the bidding again. You have 13 HCP, so you're strong enough for game, but you don't have a fit. This time, the best contract is probably 3NT.

Invitational Hands

	♠ K2
	♥ A76
	♦ Q432
	♣ J853

	North	East	South	West
	1♠	P	2NT

Here you have 10 HCP, so you're almost strong enough for game, but you still don't have a fit. Bid 2NT. That is an accurate reflection of your hand.

Minimum Hands

	♠ K2
	♥ K76
	♦ Q432
	♣ J853

	North	East	South	West
	1♠	P	1NT

You are minimum without a fit. 1NT gives partner both of those messages.

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