Conventions in depth

Gerber

A jump to 4♣ over a 1NT opening that asks partner how many aces partner holds.

Ace-asking over notrump

Gerber is used with slam-going values (about 18 or more) when the one doubt is the number of aces. It is needed because, with notrump agreed, 4NT is a natural, quantitative slam invitation and cannot also be Blackwood. (The same applies over a 2NT opening: 4♣ asks for aces there too, and 4NT stays quantitative. BidMaestro also answers a 4♣ ask over the 2NT rebid after a 2♣ opening.)

The responses

4♦
Shows zero or four aces.
4♥
Shows one ace.
4♠
Shows two aces.
4NT
Shows three aces.

Asking for kings

If more is needed, a follow-up of 5♣ asks for kings on the same stepped scale: 5♦ = zero or four, 5♥ = one, 5♠ = two, 5NT = three.

When BidMaestro chooses it

Over 1NT, with 33 or more points between the two hands the app bids 6NT directly, and with less it invites with the natural, quantitative 4NT. So 4♣ is mostly used over a 2NT opening, when the number of aces is the one thing left to find out.

When it is not Gerber

Once a suit has been agreed, the ace-and-keycard tool is Roman Keycard Blackwood instead, and BidMaestro keeps the two apart automatically.

← Back to all conventions