Bidding Conventions >

Strong Jump Shifts


A strong jump shift is a response to an opening bid of 1C, 1D, 1H, or 1S. A jump to a new suit at the 2-level (e.g. 1D : 2H) or 3-level (e.g. 1S : 3C) shows 17-19 points and a single-suited hand. Responder should have a 5+ card suit that contains at least 5 HCP. This is forcing to game.

In traditional methods like Goren, a strong jump shift might show 19+ points. However, the 17-19 point range is designed to help opener gauge slam prospects. As an example:

OpenerResponder
92SAKJ765
HAKJ326
DJ94AK3
CK65Q32

Opener
1
2NT (2)
4 (4)
Responder
2 (1)
3 (3)
Pass

  1. Strong jump shift
  2. Natural, indicating a balanced 12-14 points
  3. Showing at least a 6+ card suit
  4. Signing off


Opener's Rebids

  • Raising partner's suit - Showing 3+ card support is opener's first priority. A raise below game invites slam exploration, namely through cuebidding. On the other hand, a jump raise to game is a signoff. This is in keeping with the principle of fast arrival, whereby 'fast' auctions to game indicate a lack of slam interest.

  • Rebidding his own suit - Shows at least a 6-card suit. May have minimum strength.

  • Any new suit - Natural, at least a 4+ card suit. May have minimum strength.

  • 2NT - Natural, showing a balanced 12-14 points.

  • 3NT - Opposite a 2-level response, this shows a balanced 15-17 points. Opposite a 3-level jump shift, this shows a balanced 12-14 points.


Examples

OpenerResponder
Q987ST5
HJ92AKQ43
DQ5AKJ
CAK53T84

Opener
1
4 (2)
Responder
2 (1)
Pass

  1. Strong jump shift
  2. Signoff


OpenerResponder
SAJ982S74
H8HAQ7
D5AKJ8632
CAJT865Q

Opener
1
2
3
Pass
Responder
2 (1)
3 (2)
3NT (3)

  1. Strong jump shift
  2. Showing a 6+ card suit
  3. The practical bid with a heart stopper and no trump fit


Other Considerations

  • Strong jump shifts should not be made with two-suiters, such as 5-5 shape. Such a hand should start with a simple response in the higher ranking suit, intending to rebid the lower one.

  • In competition, weak jump shifts are more practical. After an enemy takeout double, for instance, it's highly unlikely that responder will be looking at 17+ points.