Opener's Suit Rebid

If you open the bidding and responder changes suit , this is a "forcing bid" on opener, meaning that you must keep the auction going by bidding at least one more time, there are exceptions but we will learn about this in later lessons. Opener must make a second bid.

Overview

As the opening bidder you have choices but it is always a good idea to plan what your second bid (rebid) will be before you make your first bid.

Decisions are Determined by Openers Point Count and Card Distribution

Opener Has A Minimum Hand - 11-14 Points

1. Rebid your opening suit if it has 5 or more (written '5+') cards in the suit
2. If you only have 4 cards and with bid another 4 card suit of a lower rank than the first suit. This is called bidding down the line
3. With 4 cards or more in partner's suit show support by raising their suit to the 2 level.
4. Rebid your second suit at the minimum level.

NOTE: If you have only two four card suits BID THE LOWER RANKED ONE FIRST, this is how you show that the first bid suit is NOT longer. This is called bidding up the line.

Opener has a Medium Hand - 15-17 points

1. With 4 or more cards in partners bid suit rebid their suit but jump a level and bid at the the 3 level limit bid
2. Rebid your 5+ card suit but jump the bidding a level

Opener Has a Strong Hand - 18+ points

1. With two 5-card suits, you have already bid the higher ranked suit for your first bid, your rebid you should bid the lower ranked of your two 5 card suits
2. With two 4-card suits you have already bid the lower ranked suit first, so for the rebid rebid your higher ranked suit. This is a reverse bid.
3. With a five card suit and a 4 card suit opener can make a jump shift bid. Bid the 5 card suit first and jump to the 3 level to rebid the 4 card suit.

Instant Progress Quiz - Check all correct answers

Question: You open the bidding 1D and partner responds 1S, what is your rebid? Pass 1NT 2D 2H 3H

North opens the bidding 1♥

Partner responds with 1♠, what is openers rebid? Remember responder has changed suit which is a forcing bid, so you must bid again

♠ 8 5
♥ K J 10 7 6
♦ A 6
♣ A Q 4 3

Answer: Open 1♥ and rebid 2♣. You could rebid your hearts 2♥after partner's 1♠ but then partner only knows about your 5 heart cards.
Bidding 2♣ shows your hearts suit is longer than your club suit.

With two 4 card suits you would bid the lower ranked club suit first and then your heart suit (ascending order)

Practice This Lesson

Bid your longer suit first and the stop to show minimum points

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Extra for Experts

A different game on the same subject as this lesson, with questions for community discussion in the comments area below.

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