10 BETA COMMANDMENTS!

   

Many are Exclusive to BETA

  1. If opener rebids the suit he opened in: it will always be 6+ Cards - never 5! and limited to about 15HCP without a jump.
  2. If responder rebids his initial response suit: it will be always 6+ cards but a STOP bid - that is weak  <8(9) HCP
    This may look like a contradiction in the sequence: 1S-2D-2H-3D as normally a 2D 2over1 response is theoretically (9)10+ BUT in BETA this is countermanded by the rebid. Note this is not in conflict with no8 below as it gives partner a chance to rebid
  3. In BETA and clearly indicated on our system card "bidding a new suit is always forcing in principle on responder to bid" - required as BETA does not adhere to 'reversing values' AND "a new suit at the 3-level" after partner has rebid is FORCING to game.
  4. In BETA if opener makes a jump rebid in a new short suit - this is conventional (not following a 1 opening): It informs partner:
                      a) My first bid suit is my only suit (that's a single suited hand)
                      b) I'm (15)16+ in HCP and this is FORCING. Shows interest in reaching game
                      c) My rebid shows usually two top honours and precisely 2-3 cards (occasionally can be bid on a singleton Ace ONLY with a 6331 distribution).
  5. To raise a 1 opening or a 1 response  requires 4+ cards ALWAYS. Also true in equivalent sequences like 1-2. This is only relevant to Hearts as only a 1 opening can be 4 cards. Also the rebids in these sequences: 1-1-1 or 1-(1)-*-1 or 1-(1)-*-2 also require 4 cards. As the response can be 4+ cards.
  6. Avoid, if possible, 1st round finesses in the trump suit when holding both A & K. Take the 1st trick with the hand under the opponent more likely to hold 3 cards unless a finesse position is only available the other way round. With 9 trumps also consider strongly playing A and K instead of finessing as 2-2 is slightly more frequent than 3-1.
  7. If partner passes twice in a competitive bidding sequence when partner reopens their suit twice with opponents rebidding their own suit, strongly consider NOT taking any further action (unless of course mandatory if required based on your own values alone)
  8. On most opening bids a break-out is available: e.g. 2-3, 2-3 or minors 1-3any or even 2-3any. Mostly 7 card suits are shown possibly 6 headed by an honour A|K|Q. It implies lack of 4 card support for partner's suit, it shows limited values, placed mainly in the breakout suit.
  9. If you make a strong lead such as A from AK or K from AKQx | KQJx | KQTx | AKJx and partner makes a clear signal to continue (a definite visually confirmed lowest card): continue with x a little card! Partner is signalling the missing TOP honour - this can prevent unfortunate 'honour clashes'. Responder therefore should not signal a small  doubleton opposite strong leads!
  10. After any suit agreement is made you may then use: Blackwood (RKCB) OR initiate cue-bidding with any new suit, and both partners may continue to cue bid, being economical with bidding space below and beyond 4NT. Bypassing 4N(TURBO) shows 3|5 Keycards, bidding 4N(TURBO) shows 2|4 Keycards. ow TURBO 4N replaces RKCB 4N and cue bidding continues.