Inverted Minor Raises - Facts sheet

The Minor suit raise options are :

1♣ - 3♣ or 1♦ - 3♦   =   weak jump raise, 6-9 pts, trump support, NO 4-card major

1♣ - 2♣ or 1♦ - 2♦   =   forcing, 10+ pts, trump support, NO 4-card major

After a weak jump raise by the Responder Opener's replies are :

  1. 1♦ - 3♦ - Pass = 11-15 points

  2. 1♦ - 3♦ - 3♥    = 16+ points, showing a stopper in the suit bid

  3. 1♦ - 3♦ - 3NT = 16+ points and stoppers in all 3 side suites

  4. 1♦ - 3♦ - 4♦    =   Roman key card ask

After a forcing single raise by Responder Opener's reply options are :

  1. 1♦ - 2♦ - 3♦    =   12-13 points

  2. 1♦ - 2♦ - 2NT =   14-15 points and stoppers in all 3 side suites

  3. 1♦ - 2♦ - 3NT =   16+ points and stoppers in all 3 side suites

  4. 1♦ - 2♦ - 2♥    =  bid new suit = 14+ points, showing a stopper in the suit bid

  5. 1♦ - 2♦ - 3♥    =   jump shift (splinter) = 14+ points, singleton or void in suit bid

  6. 1♦ - 2♦ - 4♦    =   Roman key card ask

After Enemy interferece strong raise responses are :

  • 1♦ - (DBL) - 2NT = 10+ pts, plus trump support and forcing

  • 1♦ - (1♠) - 2♠ (cue bid enemy suit) = 10+ pts, plus trump support and forcing

Jump raises show 2-5 pts (4-5 when Vul.), single raises 6-9 pts. RDBL and DBL are for penalties.

A bid of 4♣ or 4♦ by either player is a Roman Key Card ask.
Replies after a 4♣ key ask are (replies to 4♦ are 1 step higher) :

  1. 4♦ = "Tell me your key cards Partner."

  2. 4♥ = 0 or 3 key cards (by either Partner)

  3. 4♠ = 1 or 4 key cards

  4. 4NT = 2 key cards without the Queen

  5. 5♣ = 2 key cards with the Queen