Bergen Raises - Facts sheet

The Bergen Raises are used to distinguish between 5-3 and 5-4 trump fits in a major suit.

Responses with 3-card trump support are :

  1. 1♥ - 2♥ = 6-10 pts (9+losers), 3-card trump support

  2. 1♥ - bid new suit first, then 3♥ = 10-12 pts (8 losers), 3-card trump support

  3. 1♥ - 2NT = 13+ pts, 3+ card trump support, any shape (Simple Jacoby)

Responses with 4+card trump support are :

  1. 1♥ - 3♥ = 2-6 pts, 4+card trump support (Bergen raise)

  2. 1♥ - 3♣ = 7-9 pts, 4+card trump support (Bergen raise)

  3. 1♥ - 3♦ = 10-12 pts, 4+card trump support (Bergen raise)

  4. 1♥ - 4♥ = 6-10 HCP, 4+card trump support + singleton or void

  5. 1♥ - 4♣ = 11+ HCP, 4+card trump support + singleton or void in suit bid (Splinter)

All three Bergen raises confirm a major suit trump fit.
3NT can therefore be used as Roman Keycard Blackwood !

Enemy interference
After a Take-out Double all Bergen raises remain in force.

After and Enemy Overcall responses are :

  1. 1♥ - 2♥ = 6-10 pts, 3+card trump support

  2. 1♥ - 3♥ = 2-5 pts, 4+card trump support (Bergen raise)

  3. Cue bid Enemy suit = 10+ pts, 3+card trump support

  4. DBL = 10+ pts, for take-out or penalty