Bergen Raises of a Major After a Double - BROMAD

BROMAD is an acronym for "Bergen Raises of a Major After a Double". It is a set of conventional raises by responder after hearing a 1/ opening bid and an opposing takeout double:

Bid	Meaning
Redouble	A redouble is not part of BROMAD per se, but is worth mentioning. It shows 10+ points and denies 3+ card support.
2	A 3-card "Constructive" raise, showing 7-10 points and exactly 3-card trump support.
2	A 3-card "Limit" raise or better, showing 10+ points and exactly 3-card trump support.
2/	A 3-card "Preemptive" raise, showing 0-6 points and exactly 3-card trump support.
2NT	A preempt in clubs or diamonds (i.e. a hand that would normally make a 3 or 3 weak jump shift).
3	A 4-card "Constructive" raise, showing 7-10 points and exactly 4-card trump support.
3	A 4-card "Limit" raise, showing 10-12 points and exactly 4-card trump support.
3/	A 4-card "Preemptive" raise, showing 0-6 points and exactly 4-card trump support.

BROMAD assumes that the partnership plays 5-card majors. The theory is to reach the correct level of bidding in accordance with the Law of Total Tricks.

Note that the preemptive direct raises (i.e. 1 : 2/3) are based on the principle of fast arrival. They are designed to rob the opponents of bidding space as quickly as possible.

The BROMAD 3-level responses are identical to Bergen raises, which are systemic raises used in uncontested auctions.

West AK543 T43 A Q984 West 1 2 2		North Dbl     Pass		East T98 J9 KQJ52 JT2 East 2 1 Pass		South Pass     Pass
1 A constructive 3-card raise. 2 A sign-off bid showing a minimum.

West AK543 KT3 Q984 A West 1 Pass		North Dbl Pass		East T98 8752 — JT7632 East 2 1		South Pass
1 A preemptive 3-card raise.

West K4 KQJ532 QJ A53 West 1 3 2 Pass		North Dbl Pass Pass		East T98 6 AT98765 J9 East 2NT 1 3		South Pass     Pass
1 A weak minor-suiter. 0-6 points and 7-card suit. 2 A relay to pass or correct.

BROMAD was created by American expert Marty Bergen in the 1980s.