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Intermediate Bridge LESSON 14 Weak 5-5+ suited Opening bids bridge4u version Simple Weak 5-5+ suited Openings The Strong Enquiry Bidding after Opponent's Interference Deals 121 to 132 Quiz - Quiz Answers Bidding Guide : 10 Memory card

Since the Multi-2♦ effectively free up the traditional Opening bids of 2♥, 2♠ and 2NT, these three bids can be used for other purposes, most commonly for weak 2-suiter hands.

Strong 5-5+ suited hands of 11+ HCP (with 6 losers or less) are best opened at the 1-level with the higher ranked (or longer) suit, followed by a jump shift in the second suit.

For example :     ♠ A J 10 5 3     ♥ 2     ♦ K Q J 9 8     ♣ 6 4

Weak 5-5+ suited hands of 6-10 HCP (with 7 losers or less and most of the HCP in the long suits !) can be opened at the 2-level.

The JAZCLASS recommended weak 2-Opening bids are :

1. 2♥ = hearts and a minor suit   >   weak Response :   Pass   or 2♠ = "Pass or correct"

   For example :     ♠ A 9 7 6 3     ♥ 4     ♦ 8 6     ♣ Q 10 8 5 2

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2. 2♠ = spades and a minor suit   >   weak Response :   Pass  or 3♣ = "Pass or correct"

   For example :     ♠ A 9 7 6 3     ♥ J 3 2     ♦ Q 10 8 5 4     ♣ -

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3. 2NT = both minor suits   or   both major suits  
   Weak Response :   3♦, 3♥ or 3♠ = "Pass or Correct"

   For example :     ♠ 6 3     ♥ 2     ♦ K J 9 8 6     ♣ Q J 10 7 4

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With 0 - 11 HCP Responder will usually either Pass or make a "Pass or correct" bid.

With 12+ HCP Responder invites Game in the major suit (2♥ - 3♥ or 2♠ - 3♠) or makes a Strong Enquiry.

After Responder's invitation bid Opener Passes with a minimum (6-7 HCP, 7 losers) : 2♥ - 3♥ - Pass

With a maximum (8-10 HCP, 6 losers or less) Opener

either raises to Game directly : 2♠ - 3♠ - 4♠

or bids his 2nd suit : 2♠ - 3♠ - 4♦

IBR 14.2 - The Strong Enquiry

Without support for Opener's major suit or after his 2NT Opening the Responder has two options :

1. 0-11 HCP → make a "Pass or Correct" bid.
   Opener will pass if Responder's bid is one of Opener's long suits, or he will correct if it is not.

2. 12+ HCP → make a Strong Enquiry, asking Opener to describe his hand in more detail.