Bidding Conventions >
Limit Raises
Limit Raises are used after partner opens the bidding with 1-of-a-suit. A jump raise (e.g.
1
:3 or
1
:3) shows 10-12 points and 4-card support. 5-card support is possible opposite a minor-suit opening.
There is
expert debate on whether 3-card limit raises are acceptable opposite a
1
/
opening bid. This practice may occur if 1) playing a 5-card major system, and 2) holding 3-card support with unbalanced shape.
Opener can pass a limit raise with minimum values, or bid on with more. If playing a system that uses 3-card
1 and
1
openings, limit raises in those suits should should show good 4- or 5-card support.
Examples
| | Opener | | | Responder |
| AQ987 | | KJ43 |
| T92 | | A4 |
|  Q5 | | 984 |
|  A98 | | Q632 |
|
Opener
1
Pass (2)
|
|
Responder
3 (1)
|
- Limit raise
- Passing with a minimum
| | Opener | | | Responder |
| 6 | | KJ5 |
| KQT84 | | A973 |
| AK98 | | 3 |
| Q43 | | J9762 |
|
Opener
1
4 (2)
|
|
Responder
3 (1)
|
- Limit raise
- Bidding game with sufficient values
In Competition
In competition, limit raises can either be on or off, depending on partnership agreement. If off, then jump raises become preemptive, showing 0-6 points and at least 4-card support (or 5 in response to a minor). Using this method, responder can then use the
Jordan 2NT over an enemy
takeout double to show a hand worth a limit raise or better, or a cue-bid over an enemy overcall.
