Bidding in depth
A new-suit bid one level higher than necessary, strong when made freely and weak after an opponent’s double.
A jump shift is a new suit bid one level higher than necessary: partner opens 1♦ and you bid 2♠ instead of 1♠. It shows about 19 or more points counting length and a good suit of five or more cards (two of the ace, king and queen). It forces to game and tells partner that slam is possible. With the points but a poor suit, respond normally and show the strength later.
| Partner | You |
|---|---|
| 1♦ | 2♠ |
One level higher than the 1♠ that would have done.
With 2/1 Game Force on, the jump shift is used only where the normal response would be at the one level: any suit over 1♣, hearts or spades over 1♦, spades over 1♥, and never over 1♠. A two-level response already forces to game, so a jump there would waste room. With 2/1 Game Force off, it applies over every opening.
With 2/1 Game Force on, a jump to three of a minor over 1♥ or 1♠ is natural and invitational instead: a good six-card suit and about 10–12 points. (With Bergen raises on, these jumps are Bergen raises.)
A passed hand cannot hold 19 points, so its jump shift shows a fit: a five-card suit, three or more cards in opener’s major and about 10–12 points counting the fit. The exception is 3♣ over a major, which is natural: six or more clubs and about 10–12 points.
After an opponent’s double, a jump shift is weak: a six-card suit with one of the top three honours and 0–5 high-card points, bid to take room from the opponents.
After a one-level response, opener’s jump in a new suit (1♦–1♠–3♥) forces to game. It shows about 19 or more points counting length, an unbalanced hand and four or more cards in the second suit. With 17–18 opener reverses instead, and with a balanced 18–19 opener rebids notrump.
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