The origin of this conventional method is unknown. Another designation isFit Showing Jump Bids. This basic principle is used as a feature in several bridge bidding systems. A Flower bid is only employed by apassed handto denote generally a good 5-card side plus suit containing a source of winners, at least a 4-card support for the suit of the partner, and a maximum of six Losing Tricks and 12 or fewer support points.
An example for the Flower bid is shown in the following illustration. West is the dealer and East/West are vulnerable.
North
98
10752
8
AKQ85
West
Q1075
Q9
A32
J1043
East
AJ42
J3
J10765
76
South
K63
AK864
KQ94
9
West
North
East
South
Meaning
Pass
Pass
Pass
1
Fourth Seat opening. May be light, but generally a genuine opening bid.
Pass
3
Pass
4
Partner shows a good 5-card plus Club suit and promises good support for the suit of partner, either 3 or 4 cards. The length is partnership agreement. The values are less than required for an opening bid. The partnership agreement is also that this response guarantees at most 6 Losing Tricks.
Based on the additional values and the number of Losing Tricks shown by partner, the opening bidder bids a game contract.
Additional Clarification Follows
A jump to show both length in the suit bid plus support for the suit of the partner and working values in both bid suits. This method is used by the partner, whose partner in Third or Fourth Seat has opened the auction. A jump shift response signifies 9-11 support points and less than a standard opening point count, at least nine cards in the two suits bid, and most of the values concentrated in those two suits. The following example may assist in clarifying this concept:
