"The Wonderbra Rule" by Marti Ronemus

Today we learn (yet another) a new rule called "The Wonderbra Rule." Here goes:

Pard opens the bidding and oh boy we get to respond. BUT! We have a minimum hand, 6-9 pts. What are our choices?

1) We can raise our Pard if we have a fit.
2) We can name a new suit AT THE ONE-LEVEL.
3) We can make the bid of desperate responders everywhere: 1 No-trump. Incidentally, a one-level No-trump response is the only No-trump bid that doesn't promise a balanced hand.

What should be your first choice? That's when "The Wonderbra Rule" comes in. "With a minimum hand, support with support!" If you can raise your Pard's suit, do so. With a minimum hand, that is your number one priority.

Let's try a few and see what happens.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ Q J 10
♥ 8
♦ Q 5 4 3 2
♣ J 10 7 2

Q: 1 - As South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♠	pass
?

A: 2♠: Typical Wonderbra response. In support of Hearts, this is actually a nice little hand. Don't even THINK of bidding a minor. You need 10-plus points to "buy" the two-level, and you ain't got it. By the way, when you add your dummy points, this is actually a nice little 9 pt hand. And one more thought... the rebid of an old suit is NOT forcing, so Pard can pass (and with a minimum hand, should do so).

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ Q J 10
♥ 8
♦ Q 5 4 3 2
♣ J 10 7 2

Q: 2 - Same hand, but Pard opens differently. What now?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♥	pass
?

A: 1 No-trump: Let's go down our list of responses in order. Can you raise Pard? Nope. Can you name a new suit AT THE ONE-LEVEL? No again. That leaves us with door number three. 1 No-trumps. The beauty of this is that Pard will know we've only got 6-9 pts., and we do NOT have four Spades. Since you have limited your hand (shown both a floor and ceiling... 6 and 9) Pard is not obligated to bid again.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ J 10 3 2
♥ K 3 2
♦ Q 7 3 2
♣ 5 4

Q: 3 - Pard opens and we say?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♥	pass
?

A: 2♥: Did we get you on this one? Did you try to bid 1♠? You forgot "The Wonderbra Rule." With a minimum hand, support with support." You've got support for your partner's suit. No reason to bid anything else. With this ratty collection, you're much better off limiting your hand quickly, telling Pard you've got a fit, and getting out of dodge.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ J 10 3 2
♥ 3 2
♦ K Q 7 3 2
♣ 5 4

Q: 4 - Same hand, different opener:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♥	pass
?

A: 1 Spade: Always go through your little check list. Can you support Pard? No. New suit at ONE-LEVEL? YES! Now, this is an unlimited bid, showing a floor of 6 pts., but no ceiling. You will be hearing from Pard again.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ K 3 2
♥ 9 6 5 4
♦ 9 4 2
♣ K 7 6

Q: 5 - Pard opens:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♥	pass
?

A: 2♥: Perfect "Wonderbra" response. You've got a fit with Pard and no other place to go. This is a mildly depressing hand, but you simply must bid. That ninth trump may turn out to be a fabulous asset.

And now you get to see what happens. You will, however, be switching sides, and will become the opening bidder. You'll get to play this.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

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Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
More informations on our website: www.VuBridge.com

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