Definition of a Protection bid:
Your LHO Opponent made the last bid which has been passed around to you - then if you should PASS:- bidding closes.
Case (i) LHO opens 1NT
PASS: This option is of course available. The following bids are competitive.
2C: Promises Club suit & a higher ranking suit: 5-4
2D: Promises Diamond suit & a higher ranking suit: 5-4
2Ma: 5+ Card suit
Note: This treatment following a 1NT opening by opponents is a modified version of CDH as used in 2nd position.
Double: is a 'Balancing double' based on the sum of BOTH your own held values AND your partner's
presumed values - expectation is 20-20. If vulnerable more
strength and/or length is prudent to avoid the 'killer'
-200!
Rubinsohl: is used to show a quality 6+ card suit or even 5-5 or
better 2-suiter. Partner must complete the transfer unless opener
rebids.
To show a single suited hand bid the suit BELOW (e.g. to show Clubs bid
2N) - a transfer to partner who must complete the transfer unless
RHO opponent intervenes.
Case (ii) LHO opens 1any. Note: continuations are quite different to those shown above for a 1NT opening.
PASS: Available
of course, however be aware a 5 imp swing either way can ensue:
can I compete? It is safer if holding 2 suits more chance
for partner's support in one of them - both if lucky!
To take advantage bid the lower of the two suits cyclically. For example
If LHO opens 1S and you have C-D Bid 2C
- the lower of the 2 cyclically, if D-H then bid 2D
and if H-C bid 2H. Note in the latter case
partner may be obliged to bid at the 3-level its preferable that you
hold 5 clubs in this particular case.
Similar choices occur if LHO opened 1C, 1D or 1H however partner is not taken to the 3-level in these cases.
1H: Is not recommended based on just 5 Hearts - 2:1 probability that
opponents will rebid 1S! However if holding 4-4 in the majors and
12+HCP this opening can well be considered.
5-5+ Hands: <=6LTC These should be introduced with a Rubinsohl
transfer to the lower ranking suit and eventually rebid in the higher
ranking suit if required.
*: Consider a Protective Double if short in the opponents suit.
It may well be the case that partner can convert it to a
penalty *! Note too that your RHO has not supported his
partner.... In the protective position this is never a
penalty double nor is it asking partner to bid.
1NT: This is based on a solid opening values and 13-15 HCP
& at least a half guard in the opponents suit. He who plays in 1N
has the advantage in the play and for this reason should be seriously
considered with a solid flattish hand.
Case (iii) Nobody has opened!
If you have 5+ Spades and 10+ HCP bid 1S - this is the best deal!
If you have 4-4 in the majors and 10+ HCP bid 1H - also a great deal
With a balanced hand 12-14HCP bid 1N. Important that the 1N requirements are met fully.
BETA's usual openings with 5-5+ hands
[(2D and rebid 3mi), 3mi, or open either 1S | 1D and rebid 3C whether
o'call or a Jump o'call it will indicate a 5-5+ distribution)]
Also
BETA's strong openings 2C both balanced & unbalanced, 2Ma openings
with 5+-4 hands & <=5LTC, also 2D with 19-20& 5-5+ hands C-H & D-S
PASS otherwise. its 50-50!
Case (iv) Defending single-suited Weak 2's & a 3C preempt
Use T-O * to show good values and 3+ cards in unbid suits
Use Rubinsohl transfer with a quality 6+ card suit and <=5LTC or 5-5+ hands
