U3A Improvers/Refreshers Bridge
Summary of Lesson 4 Minor Suits
- Minor Suits have their place in the bidding but, if at all possible, you should strive to bid game in NT or a major suit.
- Why? – because to bid a game in a minor suit you need to make 11 tricks (5C or 5D) – this is a long way to go and needs about 28 points. It is almost a slam!
- A slam is a slam whether it is a minor suit or not and we will leave slam bidding for the moment.
Here are some general principles then to deal with minor suits.
- If partner opens a minor, show a major (however weak!) rather than supporting his minor. He might have 5 in the minor and 4 in the major.
- If partner has supported your minor, look for the possibility of playing in NT. This is particularly important after the sequence 1C – 3C. You would need to be strong to reply to 1C- 2C.
- The sequence 1NT – 3C/D shows a strong suit and 12 or more points but (usually) a possible problem suit. It invites partner to bid 3NT if sure or support C/D with a long suit. It is useful if you have 12 points because otherwise you would bid 2NT and your partner would pass with 13 points. The long minor suit makes up for the lack of the extra point.
- With fewer than 12 points it is better to pass 1NT UNLESS :
- If you have a weak hand and you cannot use a weak takeout because your suit is clubs, you need to consider carefully. Most of the time it is better to pass 1NT but if your suit is strong (at least 6 cards with good honours) bid 2C. Your partner will think this is Stayman and bid accordingly. Now bid 3C and he will (hopefully!) get the message and pass. Note that you have to play at the 3 level so take care.
If you are playing rubber bridge and only need a part score you may be happy to play in a minor suit!