[120248]

If may partner pass, what values or card lengh do I need to bid again wihout help

[jillybean]

It depends, but to answer in general terms,
I will reopen with some 6-5, or something like 18hcp
1D (P) P (1x)
1nt = 18 hcp
X would show ~18hcp and the unbid suits

1S (1H) P (P)
2C
I have 6 spades, 5 clubs and a decent hand

[Cyberyeti]

More of a question is 1♥-P-P-1♠-2♥

How much do you need, or is it just a length question ? this is something I think for partnership agreement, not sure there is a standard.

[DavidKok]

I think Kathryn's requirements are a bit excessive, but it does show some general principles. In modern bridge people respond light and compete light, so partner's 'pass' is a huge red flag. We should not voluntarily stick our neck out unless there's a good chance of getting rewarded. This means we either need a lot of strength - enough for game to have a chance opposite 0-5, or at least enough to still claim the balance of strength opposite, say, a 4-count - or extra shape.

I would bid with most 5-5 hands, as well as most hands with 16+ hcp and 6+ cards in my opening suit. However, the exact minima are fuzzy, and depend on the precise auction and cards held.

I do fully agree that voluntarily rebidding NT shows 18-19 (or very specific semibalanced hands of equivalent strength and no good alternative).

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

Shape 5-5 is enough, a good 6 card suit is also sufficient, and an opening you are not ashamed of.
Looking at the vulnerability helps, if you are red, go slower.

If you have a major 2-suiter, remember 2Mx is already game. Due to this they usually dont double you
at the 2 level, if your 2nd suit is a minor, they only need 50% to beat you to be break even,
as a consequence your 2nd suit should be good ... if it is a minor.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[jillybean]

DavidKok, on 2025-December-12, 05:03, said:

I think Kathryn's requirements are a bit excessive, but it does show some general principles. In modern bridge people respond light and compete light, so partner's 'pass' is a huge red flag. We should not voluntarily stick our neck out unless there's a good chance of getting rewarded. This means we either need a lot of strength - enough for game to have a chance opposite 0-5, or at least enough to still claim the balance of strength opposite, say, a 4-count - or extra shape.

I would bid with most 5-5 hands, as well as most hands with 16+ hcp and 6+ cards in my opening suit. However, the exact minima are fuzzy, and depend on the precise auction and cards held.

I do fully agree that voluntarily rebidding NT shows 18-19 (or very specific semibalanced hands of equivalent strength and no good alternative).

Agree When I play strong nt, there are very few 5-5 or even 6 card 16 hcp hands left to reopen , I omitted those and other details.
120248, it would be good to post some hands.