Bridge

Inverted Minor Raises

/ Sunil Khanna

As per Standard American play:

  • 1 level minor is responded by a 2 level same minor to show 4+ card support and 6-9 HCP.
  • 1 level minor is responded by a 3 level minor when we have 4+ cards and invitational support i.e. 10-12 HCP
  • In both the above cases we deny any 4 card major support or else MAJOR bid gets preference.

However, it is well understood that a game in MINORs is least preferred as we need 11 tricks.

GIB (convention Robots follow in BBO) has adopted a gadget called The Inverted Minor Raises with the objective that a NO TRUMP game may be a superior option over a game in MINORS. Here, the problem being addressed is the issue of STOPPERS, a basic requirement in every suit in bidding NT.

Inverted Minor Raises convention is to be used in non competitive bids and only when 4 Card Major in responder’s hand is missing. (Note that 1 Major is top priority)

In a 10+ HCP hand with 4+ cards, Responder bids same minor (bid by opener at level 1), at level 2. It is invitational and also Forcing for 1 round. Opener has to rebid, at least, once.

With this responder action, opener has following line of action next:

Action 1-Opener relay of 2!D/3!C over 2!C/2!D i.e. Natural bid of other minor respectively. This Bid indicates, absence of stoppers in Major suits, hence AVOID BIDDING NT contract.

Action 2-2!H or 2!S show presence of Stoppers with 3+ cards in only the bid Major.

Inverted Minor relays. 2!s shows North has stoppers in !s. South 3!h shows stoppers in hearts.

Action 3-2N shows comfort with NT contract. Forcing responder for 3NT.

2NT rebid of opener shows comfort with No Trump game. Shows stoppers in both Majors.

Moving forward, next partnership can bid sign off in part score trump auction in Minor at level 3 or bid 3NT game.

  • Bid 3 of the Minor for negating game and signalling sign off.
East signed off in 3!d because partner signaled only !s stoppers. !h is weak in both hands.
  • Or bid 3NT confirming game.
    • Further rebid of the same minor suit at level 4, post 3NT game confirmation, is slam investigation. Cue bids now are forcing and show 1st or 2nd level control in each suit. 5 of the minor during this procedure by any partner, shows sign off in minor trump game.

Second part of Inverted Minor Raises deals with weak 0-9 HCP hand but with 5+ cards of the opener’s bid Minor.

  • Response at level 3 of opener’s minor shows pre-emptive weak hand. Here the most obvious decision for opener is to pass unless he has 18+ HCP and a good hand.
  • 6-9 HCP hands should respond with 1NT, preferably.
  • Game in Minor, at level 5, can be bid if the total partnership points exceed 27+.