MSO World: Bridge Articles

Jump Shift

Harriet asks:
After opener makes a jump shift (eg. 1-1-3), are there various approaches to responder's rebid? One partner suggests using the same scheme here as we use in responding to opener's reverse (in our case, cheaper of fourth suit or Notrump is neutral).

OK, opener's jump shift, as opposed to the example sequence, eg, 1 - 1 - 3, is game-forcing by definition and as such the Lebensohl type stuff played over a simple reverse is not required.

Normally, jumps to game in either of opener's suits are either fast arrival (weaker than a simple preference) or picture bids; repeat own suit is unlimited; fourth suit at three level means you don't want to commit yourself - in other words, any bid of a suit previously bid by either partner shows a genuine holding in the suit.

All this applies over a high-level reverse, eg 1 - 2 -3, also, but not this jump reverse example. As a simple reverse is forcing, a jump reverse agrees partner's last bid suit.

If you have a question for Brian, please contact anna@msoworld.com