Inviting Game

Game is usually not a primary concern in a competitive auction: since the opponents are competing, they probably hold enough points to set a game contract.
However, you would occasionally like to invite game during a competitive auction. Since jump-bids are preemptive, this becomes quite a complicated proposition. Here is a general rule:

In a competitive auction, the following bids show strength:

1. A non-jump, new-suit bid at the 2-level or higher.

2. A bid of 2NT (requires a stopper).

3. A cuebid of an opponent's suit.

4. A redouble of an opponent's takeout double.

New-Suit Bids. A non-jump, new-suit bid athe the 2-level or higher shows at least invitational strength:

— (2

) — 2

: Shows 5 hearts and at least 10 points.

In some situations, you may bid a suit you do not have to show strength:

If you have already found a fit, a new suit bid does not promise the suit!

For example:

1 — (2) — 2 — (3) —	3:	Shows 16+ points, and invites game in hearts.
		(does not promise any diamonds)

After the 3 bid above, responder should bid either 3 or 4, depending on his strength.

Notrump Bids. A bid of 2NT during a competitive auction shows enough HCP to invite 3NT. However, remember the following rule:

Any notrump bid promises a stopper in the opponents' suit.

For example:

— (1

) — 2

— (2

) — 2NT: Shows 16-18 HCP and a spade stopper (inviting 3NT).

Cuebids. A cuebid of the opponents' suit is a game invitation:

— (2

) — 2

— (Pass) — 3

: Shows 16+ points, and invites game in spades.

If your partner bid a major, a cuebid promises support:

— (2

) — 3

: Shows 10+ points and spade support (inviting 4

If your partner bid a minor, a cuebid only promises strength:

— (1

) — 2

: Shows 10+ HCP (forcing).

Redoubles. A redouble of the opponents' takeout double shows at least 10 points.

EXAMPLE: Suppose your partner opens 1 and your opponents make a takeout double. If you hold:

Q54

K73

KQ854

then you should redouble, and then bid hearts. Remember: an immediate jump to 3 is preemptive.