a single raise of a 1♣/1♦ opening bid is strong and a jump raise is pre-emptive and weak


Response to 1 of a minor


Single Raise (strong)

West North East Meaning
1♣ - 2♣ 10+ points1, no 4 card major, 4+♣s, forcing. Unbalanced2

1 no upper limit on point count
2 a no trump bid would normally be preferred when balanced

Jump Raise (very weak)

West North East Meaning
1♣ - 3♣ 0-6 points, 5+♣s, (does not deny 4 card major)1

1Bridgebase states no 4 card major. Drop this requirement

Be Aware

weak (7-9) points and 4 card support isn’t represented in this convention, so defaulting to an unbalanced 1NT may sometimes be necessary

Opener’s rebids


Opener’s rebid after 2♣ raise

Overcall Meaning
2♦ stopper showing, forcing1
2♥/2♠ stopper-showing, forcing
2NT Balanced 12-14 points
3♣ Natural (5+), not forcing
3♦ Natural, forcing [perhaps strong (maybe 6-4 in minors, but no major stoppers]
3NT Balanced 18-19 points

1 natural and unbalanced per bridgebums seems unhelpful.

Opener’s rebids after 2♦ raise

Overcall Meaning
2♥/2♠ stopper-showing, forcing
2NT Balanced 12-14 points
3♣ stopper showing, forcing1
3♦ Natural (5+), not forcing
3NT Balanced 18-19 points

1 natural and unbalanced per bridgebums seems unhelpful.

In Competition


Single Raise

weak (6-9 points) with 4+ card support. (cuebids are available for stronger hands)

Jump Raise

very weak (0-6 points) with 5+ card support

bridgebum source