Responding to 1D/1H -- Choice of 2/1 GF or Bid Major

Partner opens 1♠ or 1♠. You have 14 HCP with 4 spades and 4 clubs. Do you bid 1♠ or 2♠?

Or, more generically, what do you do with a choice between responding on the 1-level in your major or the 2-level in a minor?

Here is the quick answer:

  • With 13+HCP and only 4 in the major, prefer to use a 2/1 GF response. You will need at least 4 cards in the minor you bid. For example, respond 2♠ to 1♠ with:

    ♠ A876  
    ♥ 32  
    ♦ A32  
    ♣ KQJ8.

  • With 13+ HCP and a 5+ card major, respond in the major. For example, respond 1♠ to 1♠ with:

    ♠ 76  
    ♥ KJ764  
    ♦ A3  
    ♣ AQ32.
     

  • With not enough to force to game, respond on the one level in the major. For example, respond 1♠ to 1♠ with:

    ♠ Q765  
    ♥ 54  
    ♦ Q6  
    ♣ K7654.

  • For more details see this article

  • You might also consider getting Larry's book on 2/1 Game Force HERE or try Michael's 2/1 Webinar series which you can find HERE
  • What is your response to 1♠ holding:

    ♠ KQ54  
    ♥ 3  
    ♦ A32  
    ♣ AQ765?
     

    Choose One:
    1. -

    1♠

    2. -

    1NT

    3. -

    2♠

    4. -

    Other

    Answer: 3

    2♠. With enough to force to game, start with 2♠ and introduce spades later.

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • What is your response to 1♠ with:

    ♠ AQ765  
    ♥ 32  
    ♦ A32  
    ♣ A43?
     

    Choose One:
    1. -

    1♠

    2. -

    1NT

    3. -

    2♠

    4. -

    Other

    Answer: 1

    1♠. A jump to 2♠ would be weak (or for some players, 18+/strong). It has nothing to do with 2/1 GF. You have no choice but to start with 1♠ and try to convey your strength later.

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • What is your response to partner's 1♠ opening bid with:

    ♠ K652  
    ♥ 2  
    ♦ Q65  
    ♣ A7654?
     

    Choose One:
    1. -

    1♠

    2. -

    1NT

    3. -

    2♠

    4. -

    Other

    Answer: 1

    1♠. You don't have enough strength tor respond 2♠. Responding 1NT would deny a 4-card major.

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • What is your response to 1♠ with:

    ♠ AJ765  
    ♥ A  
    ♦ 32  
    ♣ AJ976?
     

    Choose One:
    1. -

    1♠

    2. -

    1NT

    3. -

    2♠

    4. -

    2♠

    5. -

    Other

    Answer: 1

    1♠. Do not suppress a 5-card major--partner will never play you for 5 if you bid them later.

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • What is your response to 1♠ with:

    ♠ AK54  
    ♥ AK  
    ♦ 82  
    ♣ AQJ76?
     

    Choose One:
    1. -

    1♠

    2. -

    2♠

    3. -

    3♠

    4. -

    4NT

    5. -

    Other

    Answer: 2

    2♠. No hurry. Leisurely explore for clubs, then spades. Once you discover a fit (or that there is no fit and the hand will be played in notrump), you can try to decide if you belong in 6 or 7.

    Your result so far:
    Next
  • What is your response to 1♠ holding: 

    ♠ A3  
    ♥ AQ98  
    ♦ KQJ1093  
    ♣ 4
     ?

    Choose One:
    1. -

    1NT

    2. -

    2♠

    3. -

    2♠

    4. -

    2NT

    5. -

    4♠

    Answer: 4

    2NT. This is a Jacoby 2NT bid. You are too strong to splinter with this hand, using Jacoby is the best option. Bidding 2♠ denies a four-card major fit. 

    Your result so far:
    Next