Responding to a 3 level opening bid

Responding to Partners 3  Suit Opening

Vulnerability is important when you are responding as if you are vulnerable you can give the opposition more points by taking you light, than if they made a non-vulnerable game score.

Your partner made a preemptive opening to prevent the opponents finding their best contract. Raising your partner's suit is defensive and your partner must pass when its their turn. If partner opens at the 3-level they promise a strong 7 card hand with less than 10 points it is then up to you decide the final contract.

If you have a weak hand and no fit - pass. You may jump to game in your partner' suit with aces and kings in side suits (count the winning tricks again). However with a stronger hand -  points are less helpful evaluating your hand than certain winners.

Remember that your partner may win all 7 trump tricks but his bid is weak and his side suits are likely to be very poor and he may not be able to win any side tricks. You need to have aces and kings in the side suits. You may raise your partner suit if you have side suit winners and a fit.

Don’t respond unless you have good trump support OR 16+ HCP

• A bid of game in partner's suit or notrump shows partner you have a very strong playing hand with a fit and at least 5 winning tricks
• Changing the suit at the 3 level shows a strong hand and a good 6+-card suit knowing that opener may have maybe even a singleton or void in your suit. If partner (opener) does not support your suit, he will bid his suit again
• A simple raise of partner's suit below game shows a trump fit (1+ cards) but no interest in game.
• If you have a strong suit, if you also have stoppers in other suits, you may respond 3 NT
• If you have a stronger hand, with a strong long major suit, you may bid your suit. A new suit is always forcing: partner must keep bidding
• A simple raise of partner's suit below game shows a trump fit (1+ cards) but no interest in game.

Responding to a Weak Gambling 3NT Opening

A 'Gambling 3NT' as opposed to just opening 3NT shows a good minor card suit with 7-8 cards, 17-21 HCP, 5-9 playing tricks and should include an ace, king or queen in every suit. It usually denies holding a void or 4+ card side suit. The side suit strength depends on partnership agreements.

Respond with 4S or 4H

• If you have a 7+ card major suit
• 4♠, 4♥ =  Opener must pass as responder wants to play in a suit game