Responders Limit Bids Std : Bridge Online

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A bid which shows a narrow range of points is called a limit bid. All notrump bids are limit bids. Bidding a suit that has previously been bid is also a limit bid. We call that bidding the same suit.

Limit bids make it easy for opener to calculate the combined total to see if the total comes to 25, which is enough for game.

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. Partner's 1♠ and 1♥ openings promise at least 5 cards. Responder therefore only needs 3 cards to have a fit and make a limit bid.

Responder raises opener's suit
2-level          6-9 TP and 3+ trumps
3-level          10-11 TP and 3+ trumps
4-level          6-9 HCP with long trumps & a singleton or void

	♠ Q52
	♥ J9762
	♦ 7
	♣ A876

	North	East	South	West
	1♥	P	?

This is the sort of hand to bid game immediately. Bid 4♥ to show 6-9 HCP, a shortage in a side suit and 5+ heart support.

	♠ Q52
	♥ J97
	♦ 732
	♣ A876

	North	East	South	West
	1♥	P	2♥

This is the wrong sort of hand to bid game immediately. Same HCP as above but a different shape. Bid 2♥ to show 6-9 TP and a fit.

	♠ AQ5
	♥ J976
	♦ 76
	♣ A876

	North	East	South	West
	1♥	P	?

You should bid 3♥ with this hand. You’re nearly strong enough to go to game but not quite. You show 10-11 TP and 3+ heart support.

	♠ AQ
	♥ J976
	♦ A32
	♣ A876

North	East	South	West
1♥	P	2♣	P
2♦	P	4♥	P
P	P

If you have 12+ TP you must change suit first, then show the fit. You’re too strong to go to game immediately, as that is a weak bid. Bid 2♣ first and 4♥ at your second turn to bid. This promises a good opening hand.

Responding without a fit - bidding notrumps

If you don't have a fit and no good suit of your own to bid, bid notrumps.

Responder bids notrumps
1NT          6-9 hcp
2NT          13-15 hcp
3NT          16-18 hcp

Please note that you may have been taught a different point count for a 2NT or 3NT response. Many players these days use a 2NT response to show (10)11-12 points and a 3NT to show 13-15 points. In fact, when you are playing against the computer on this site that's the method it uses, so please keep that in mind while playing.

	♠ K2
	♥ J9
	♦ Q642
	♣ J9752

	North	East	South	West
	1♥	P	1NT

A 1NT response shows 6-9 hcp and no fit. It might not be balanced but it denies the strength to bid at the 2-level. You need 10+ hcp for that.

You don't need good cards in every suit to respond 1NT. It keeps the bidding open in case opener is very strong.

	♠ KJ2
	♥ Q5
	♦ KT93
	♣ A862

	North	East	South	West
	1♥	NB	2NT

A response of 2NT shows 13-15 hcp but no fit. It is important to realize that this denies a 4-card major. You should bid 1♥ or 1♠ if you are able to.

	♠ KQ2
	♥ A9
	♦ A642
	♣ A752

	North	East	South	West
	1♥	P	3NT

If you have a very strong balanced hand, bid 3NT. This promises 16-18 hcp.
Don't bid 3NT if you have a 4-card major. Partner might well have four spades. You can always bid 3NT at your next turn.

	♠ KQT2
	♥ A9
	♦ A642
	♣ A75

North	East	South	West
1♥	P	1♠	P
?

Remember that 1♠ is forcing so you won't be left there.

	♠ AJ54
	♥ KJ765
	♦ T7
	♣ K8
♠ 76		♠ 983
♥ T82		♥ Q43
♦ KQJ98		♦ 43
♣ T96		♣ QJ432
	♠ KQT2
	♥ A9
	♦ A652
	♣ A75

North	East	South	West
1♥	P	1♠	P
2♠	P	4♠

You might well find a spade fit along the way, which would be a better contract than 3NT.

	♠ KQT2
	♥ T9
	♦ A642
	♣ Q75

North	East	South	West
1♥	P	1♠	P
2♥	P	?

So what do I do with 10-11 HCP and a balanced hand?

North	East	South	West
1♥	P	1♠	P
2♥	P	2NT

You need to change suit first, and then bid 2NT. You show a weaker hand if you don't bid 2NT immediately. An immediate bid of 2NT shows 13-15 HCP.

Responder’s limit bids with a fit
1♠/♥ P 2♠/♥ = 6-9 TP and 3+ trumps
1♠/♥ P 3♠/♥ = 10-11 TP and 3+ trumps
1♠/♥ P 4♠/♥ = 6-9 with 4+ trumps & a shortage

Responder’s limit bids without a fit
1♠/♥/♣/♦ P 1NT = 6-9
1♠/♥/♣/♦ P 2NT = 13-15
1♠/♥/♣/♦ P 3NT = 16-18

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