Chilli: simple universal bridge bidding: neutral three of a minor

As we pass by 2NT in a neutral auction, we get our only chance to scan the minors cooperatively. Neutral 3 and 3 are natural, showing at least four cards. With both suits, show clubs first.

Often by inference these bids will show more than four cards e.g. if the bidder had the opportunity to bid a natural 2NT instead, or partner cannot possibly have four cards in the suit.

West	North	East	South
1	pass	1	pass
2	pass	2	pass
3

Natural, showing four or more diamonds and less than four clubs.

West	North	East	South
		1	pass
2	pass	2	pass
3

Five or more clubs – with only four West would have bid 2NT natural.

	West	North	East	South
	1	pass	2	pass
	2	pass	3	pass

Here responder has denied a three-card holding in either major, and has not bid clubs, so must have at least six diamonds.

	West	North	East	South
	1	pass	1	pass
	3

Because we have jumped straight into the window, this is a disturbing non-forcing bid showing six+ cards. Weak jumps to three of a minor are common in neutral auctions.

If we have no fit opposite a neutral 3 or 3, we can continue with a forcing suit-setter, 3NT to play or (opposite 3) a natural 3.

We can show a fit by either making a limit raise to four of the minor – which partner can pass – or by showing extras with any jump to a different suit denomination. The jump is a fit bid which then unusually has the meaning it would have had in an already fit auction.

West	North	East	South
		1	pass
1	pass	2	pass
2	pass	3	pass
4

Agrees clubs, and shows values for the five-level, which is the meaning it would have had in a club fit auction – as you will see when we get to fit auctions.

The combination of these expressive fit bids and the fact that 4NT is to play in a fit auction allows us to freely agree a minor without the fear usually associated with going past 3NT. In this way, we can explore for and play in more minor suit slams.

NEXT: neutral three of a major

Neutral three of a minor

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