Protective Bidding



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