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Top)
BR 25.2 - Responder holding a genuine 4th suit
The 4th suit forcing applies in all cases except in
natural progressions like :
1♣ - 1♦ -
1♥ - 1♠
Here the 1♠ bid is natural, showing a 4+ card spades suit
and 6+ points.
If you do wish to make a fourth suit
forcing bid in such case, bid 2S instead :
1♣ - 1♦ -
1♥ - 2♠
In rare cases you may actually hold a 4-card or 5-card 4th suit.
With 4 cards in the 4th suit (or with 2 or 3 cards including a stopper), don't bid that suit but bid 2NT (with 11-12 points) or 3NT (with 13+ points).
For example :
♠ A 8 ♥ K 9 8 5 3 ♦ A 10 7 4
♣ J 4
Partner opens the bidding : 1♣ - 1♥ - 1♠ - you 2NT
Note that Opener will bid 3♥ over your 2NT, if he has delayed 3-card support for your Hearts suit.
With a 5-5 or 6-5 suit holding, jump bid your second suit (so in fact jumping 1 level over the 4th suit forcing bid). For example :
♠ A 8 ♥ K 9 8 5 3 ♦ A J 7 4
3 ♣ 4
Partner opens the bidding : 1♣ - 1♥ - 1♠ - you 3♦
Note that with 3-card support for either your Hearts or Diamonds Opener with raise that suit. If Opener does not do that he must have a good holding in Clubs and bid 3NT.
(Down - Up -
Top)
BR 25.3 - Replies by the
Opener to 4th suit forcing
After Responder's 4th bid forcing bid Opener has the
following reply options. In order of their priority :
- Show delayed 3-card support for Responder's (likely)
5-card major suit.
- Bid NT with at least one stopper in the 4th suit
- Show delayed 3-card support for Responder's (likely)
5-card minor suit.
- Raise the 4th suit.
a - If Opener could genuinely hold the 4th suit, his raise shows a 4 card holding in the 4th suit.
b - If Opener earlier denied holding the 4th suit, he is showing a strong hand (16+ points) but with no stopper in the 4th suit.
- Failing any of the above, he rebids his own 5-card suit
Note that Opener's reply of NT (Option 2) takes priority over showing delayed support for Pesponder's minor
suit (Option 3).
Here follow some typical examples.
