Negative
Free Bid - The Negative Freebid provides an
opportunity to make a non-forcing Call by opener's partner after an opponent
overcalls to show competitive values. Negative Free Bids are
conventional, thus alertable.
See
page 54 in:
Better Bidding With Bergen: Volume 2 - Competitive Bidding, Fit Bids,
and More
Negative Freebids are useful
in auctions like:
1S - (2D) - X
Using traditional methods,
Responder requires 11+ points to make a 2 level bid. With Negative Freebids,
a 2 level bid by opener's partner does not promise invitational values - such bids
are merely competitive. Responder's requirements are a good 5 card suit
with good working honors or a 6 card suit with at least 2 scattered, similar to
a weak 2 preemptive opening bid.
For the
responder to make an game forcing bid, responder first
Doubles and subsequently follows up with a new suit bid. Of course,
responder can continue to make a normal Negative Double, passing opener's rebid
with competitive values.
With
invitational values and a good 5+ card suit, Responder makes a 3 level jump in
the new suit.
Negative Freebids are "on" through 3D.
Summary:
Bidding |
Meaning |
1H - (1S) - 2C |
2C shows a good
5+ card suit with less than 10 points |
1S - (2C) - 2H |
2H shows a good
5+ card suit with less than 10 points |
1S - (2H) - 3D |
3D shows a good
5+ card suit with less than 10 points |
1H - (1S) - X |
Double shows either a
mediocre 6-10 point hand or 13+ points, to be disclosed through a
subsequent suit or Notrump rebid. |
1H - (1S) - X - (P);
2C - (P) - 2H |
Double followed by a
Pass or suit rebid indicates competitive values |
1H - (1S) - X - (P);
2C - (P) - 2D |
Double followed by a
new suit (or Notrump) rebid promises game forcing values |
1H - (1S) - 3D |
3D shows 10-12
points with invitational values |
1S - (3H) - X |
Double above
3D is not a Negative Freebid, reverting to Negative Double or
penalty, depending on partnership agreements |
|