Bid Weak Over Strong and Strong Over Weak by David Gold

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David Gold
David Gold

Source: Mr Bridge

Nobody is vulnerable and RHO deals and opens 3. What do you do with this?

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You have a hand on which you would happily open 3 non-vulnerable but you should not overcall 3 because they opened with a weak bid. Say you bid 3 and LHO raises to 4, which partner doubles (cards, not strict penalties) —what now? Have a look at the full deal:

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If you bid 4 at this point, you will be doubled and lose six tricks (two diamonds and a ruff, two spades and one club) costing 500. If you pass, you will concede 4+1 for minus 690. Yet partner surely was entitled to double because you overcalled at the three level and he had 10 points with a singleton in your suit. The point is that, when the opponents make a weak bid, then your side should bid constructively hoping to reach game (or sometimes a slam).

Do not make the mistake of bidding on a weak hand over their weak bid. (I remember learning: ‘don’t pre-empt over a pre-empt’ ?) Another example:

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RHO opens 2 (weak) at game all. Do not make the mistake of overcalling 3. If you do, this could be the layout.

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Partner will try 3NT and with some confidence! West will double and you will go for 500 on a soft defence and possibly 800 or 1100, yet partner could hardly pass 3. Remember it is important when bidding over a weak bid that partner can trust that you will not be weak too. The opposite is true when bidding over a strong bid. You do not want to bid on a good hand and tell them where the cards are or concede a penalty when you had enough to beat them. Now your aim is not to get to game but to obstruct the opponents’ bidding or, occasionally, to find a good sacrifice.

For example: aaxx

RHO opens 2 (game force or 23-24 balanced). Your side is at favourable vulnerability. Do not be afraid to get in their way. Try overcalling 3 ( ‘weak over strong’). Maybe the full deal is something like:

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Opponents are cold for 7 or 7, or 7NT. Good luck to them in finding it; they will struggle even to reach the small slam after your 3 bid. If you pass, West can respond 2 and over East’s 2NT rebid can bid 3 showing a slam try with both minors (a 3 transfer would show spades); now they are well on their way.

Summary
The point is to bid destructively when they make a strong bid and to bid constructively when they make a weak bid. In other words: Bid Weak Over Strong and Strong Over Weak!