SAYC recommends 13+ HCPs for a game-forcing
Jacoby 2NT response to 1H or 1S. Previous versions
of Standard American require 16+ HCPs, and I prefer
the older 16 HCP requirement. Responder promises
3+card support (some pairs promise 4+card support)
for Opener's major. Opener is asked to show a
short suit, and rebids:
4-of-the-major - WEAK Opener
1H 2NT
4H - Minimum or sub-minimum opener
3-of-the-major - Sound Opener, no short suit
1S 2NT
3S - Good 1S opener, no shortness
3NT - No short suit BUT semi-solid trumps
1H 2NT
3NT - No shortness, GOOD Hearts
3-of-an-unbid-suit - Short in the bid suit
1S 2NT
3D - Shortness in Diamonds
4-of-a-new-suit - Natural, 5-5 2-suiter
1H 2NT
4C - 5+Hearts and 5+Clubs
Opener's rebids may be followed by Key Card
Blackwood, cuebids or sign-offs in the agreed trump
suit.
What do you do with a minimum hand AND a
short suit? Should you rebid 4-of-your-major to
show the minimum or should you bid your short suit?
This is a matter of debate. MY style is to show
the minimum with a jump in the opened major.
