Bergen-Like Raises

Often the success of a major suit game ( or ) depends on whether there is a ninth trump.

When partner opens a major and you have four card support:

  • bid 3 with an invitational raise (11-12 support points)
  • bid 3 with a good single raise (constructive: 8-10 support points)
  • bid 3 preemptively, with less than a poor single raise (0-5 support points)
    (Note: Old standard Bergen Raises invert the 3/3 meanings)

    Advantages:

  • extra game/slam tries of 3 (and even 3 if spades are trump) that standard limit double raises don't offer
  • opponents have less room to find a find a fit (if points are divided evenly)
  • their risk of being penalized is greater
  • they might not have prepared defences

    Suggested major raises (assume 1 opening):
     Support Points  Trumps Response
    0-54+3 (preemptive)
    0-55+4 (preemptive)
    6-73/4 1NT Forcing then 2 (weak raise)
    8-1032 (constructive w/3)
    8-1043 (constructive w/4)
    11-123 1NT Forcing then 3 (limit w/3)
    11-1243 (limit w/4)
    12+3 2over1 Game Force OR
    4th Suit Forcing
    12+4 Jacoby 2NT Game Force with other Poor Suit
    OR
    2over1 Game Force with other Good Suit

    I'm among the many who have not discussed defences against Bergen Raises.