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. Opener can pass a limit raise with minimum values, or bid on with more.

Back in the old, old days, this sequence showed a strong game-forcing hand. Over time, players gradually realized that this approach was too uncommon and impractical. Hence the birth of the limit raise.

There is expert debate about 3-card limit raises opposite a 1/ opening bid. When playing 5-card majors, some partnerships make limit raises with 3-card support and unbalanced shape.

		Opener			Responder
		AQ987			KJ43
		T92			A4
		Q5			984
		A98			Q632
		Opener 1 Pass (2)			Responder 3 (1)

1. Limit raise
2. Passing with a minimum

		Opener			Responder
		6			KJ5
		KQT84			A973
		AK98			3
		Q43			J9762
		Opener 1 4 (2)			Responder 3 (1)

1. Limit raise
2. Bidding game with sufficient values

		Opener			Responder
		65			AJ9
		A873			KT52
		AJ6			QT853
		AJ42			3
		Opener 1 2 4			Responder 1 (1) 3

1. Showing a 4-card major has priority over a minor-suit limit raise

Limit raises are typically off in competition. Jump raises become preemptive, showing 0-6 points and 4-card support (possibly 5-card support in response to a minor). With this approach, responder can then show a limit raise or better by either:

• using the Jordan 2NT convention over an enemy takeout double, or
• making a a cue-bid after an enemy overcall

Preemptive jump raises have become a common alternative in uncontested auctions. Inverted minors constitute a method of showing weak 4+ card support for partner's minor suit openings, while Bergen raises are the equivalent for the majors.