Forum Question 13 – Opener’s rebid after partner passes
Forum Question 13 - Opener’s rebid after partner passes
This question was asked to: Julian Pottage
Question
I am getting clearer on opener’s rebids when partner has responded, but I am not clear on options when partner has passed. For example: If I have 19 points and, after partner responds at the 1 level would normally jump in a new suit to show that, what happens if partner passes, and one opp bids a one level overcall? Jumping to a new suit to show 19 points does not sound logical as the point is for partner to go to game having shown 6. So perhaps a new suit at the 2 level? I am assuming that, if opponents have not shown high points, I should not just pass any overcalls.
Answer
If you open the bidding and partner passes, partner might have nothing but you cannot be sure of that - a free bid of 1NT would show 7-10 points and a stopper in the overcaller’s suit so partner might have a hand that would have responded but for the overcall. Usually with a good hand after an opponent has overcalled your opening you would double when the bidding comes back to you. Jumps tend to show shapely hands. For example 1H (1S) P (P) 3C would guarantee 5 clubs.
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