BERGEN RAISES

 

This convention was first invented by my good friend, Marty Bergen, when we were bridge partners in the 1980's.

As first written and played, here were the responses to a 1-of-a-Major opening:

 

3=6-10 in support and 4-card support

3=11-12 in support (limit raise) and 4-card support
3-of-the-major (raise)=0-5 and 4-card support

 

There are many add-ons and revisions, some as follows:

 

Inversion revision (make sure you and your partner know if you are playing the original way or this way):

The 3 and 3 responses are reversed in meaning

 

Major Add-ons

A jump to 3-of-the other major has a special meaning (there are many ways out there--I suggest not bidding it)
3NT=13-15 balanced with 4-3-3-3 (I recommend this)

4-level=Many possibilities (In "Standard" it would just be a Splinter Bid). 

 

PH and Competition

It is crucial to have agreements regarding if this convention is used by a Passed Hand (I recommend not) or after a double or overcall (I recommend not). Some variations use the convention in all of these situations. 

 

 

Because of all the potential confusion (all 3 of the sections above), I don't recommend this convention (sorry, Marty). I actually like a jump to 3-of-a-lower suit to be natural and invitation.  So,  1-3 shows something like: 2
32
AQJ10876
K32
.   You must decide with your partner if you are playing Bergen Raises, how you are playing them, or a possible alternative.