BERGEN RAISES

BY Ellen (Caitlin)

BERGEN RAISES are not formally part of SAYC or two over one notes; however, if you choose to incorporate Law of Total Tricks-based conventions to your repertoire, here is a summary of a very useful convention.

The three advantages of Bergen raises are:

a) you give partner specific information regarding your HCP;

b) in keeping with the Law of Total Tricks, you are letting partner know you have four-card trump support and with a 9-card fit, you are typically safe to bid to the level of your combined trump fit -- the three level;

c) there is pre-emptive value to such raises.

For those of you new to Bergen, what is this convention?

In essence over a major suit opening note the following:

1© -3§ * or 1ª -3§ * shows 7-9 HCP and FOUR+ trump support (3§ * is artificial)

1© -3¨ * or 1ª -3¨ * shows 10-12 HCP and FOUR+ trump support (3D* is artificial)

(Note that many choose to play 3§ * as showing 10-12 HCPs and 3¨ * as 7-9, both with 4+ trump. Remember to discuss this with partner.)

NOTE: Now when playing 1© /1ª -3© /3ª such a jump no longer shows a limit raise; rather, this is pre-emptive bid, typically showing 4-6 HCP (depending on vulnerability) and four+ card trump support.

How then does one show a limit raise? Go back to 1© or 1ª -3¨ *!

How does one show a limit raise with three trump? First bid another suit, then jump to 3© or 3ª .

W: 1© E: 1ª W: 2¨ E: 3©

Without 4 trumps 1NT is forcing, and bidding either 2§ or 2¨ (either 3 or more cards in the suit) and 2© (promises 5 card suit).

By partnership agreement, I recommend you do play Bergen Raises over an opponent's takeout double as the pre-emptive value is indeed that much more punctuated over such an intervening double.

One final thought, it is suggested that you use Reverse Drury rather than a Bergen raise, if you are a passed hand, and partner opens one of a major in 3rd or 4th seat.

 QUIZ: WHEN TO USE BERGEN?

Throughout you are vul, your opponents, non-vul and West, your partner is dealer.

  1. You hold: ª : K2 © : AKJ ¨ : 9843 § : 732

The bidding proceeds: W: 1© N: Dbl E:?

What is your bid?

  1. Partner opens 1ª and you hold:

ª : AKJT © : K4 ¨ : Q874 § : T32

What is your bid?

  1. The bidding proceeds:

W: 1ª N: Dbl E:? As East you hold ª : JTxx © : 98 ¨ : AT32 § : 954

What is your bid?

  1. Partner opens 1ª and you hold:

ª : 6543 © : KT974 ¨ : AJ3 § : T42

What is your bid?

  1. Partner opens 1ª and you hold:

ª : 6543 © : A75 ¨ : AKJ § : 72

  1. Partner opens 1© and you hold:

ª : J32 © : KJT8 ¨ : J § : AKJ32

ANSWERS TO QUIZ ON BERGEN OR NOT TO BERGEN

  1. You MUST have four-card support for partner, even with three good hearts. To redouble, typically shows a lack of fit, so 2¨ may be your best waiting bid at this point.
  2. Yes, now you have four-card spade support, but you are too strong for a Bergen Raise. Your bid is Jacoby 2NT, showing an opening hand + with four plus trump.
  1. With a known 9-card fit and 5 HCPs, this is an opportune time to bid 3ª * and let your opponents scramble as the Law will typically protect you with such a combined trump holding.
  2. Don’t even think of 2© ! You need 10+ HCPs with SAYC to make such a bid and with the two over one system, an opening hand. You have your FIT so show it with 3§ *, promising four plus spades and 7-9 HCPs.
  3. Your HCPs may not be in spades, but you have four of them and 11 HCPs. Bid 3¨ * to let partner know.
  4. Yes, again you have four-card support for partner's opening major suit bid. However, you are beyond the range of Bergen Raises and that singleton diamond Jack stares you in the face as you make a splinter bid, 4¨ *, showing an opening hand, four plus hearts and 14 HCPs.

HAPPY BRIDGINGJ