There are many different types of Bergen raises that people play. We shall start with the classic Bergen raise convention…

Classic Bergen raises

After an opening bid of 1 Major (5 card suit) the responses are:

  • 3M – 2-6 points 4 card support
  • 3♦ – 10-12 points and 4 card support
  • 3♣ – 7-9 points and a 4 card raise

And that is it…in its simplest form!

To show 10-12 points and a 3 card raise you would have to bid something like 2 of a minor and then support by jumping to 3 or 4 of the Major. Alternatively if you are playing 2/1 you can bid a forcing 1NT and again jump to 3 of the Major to show that hand.

More complex Bergen Raises

So again after opening a five card major this time the responses can be:-

  • 4X = Void in that suit. Cannot show void in spades if hearts opened
  • 3NT = balanced 3334 shape with 3 card support for the major (13-15pts)
  • (3M) = 4 card suit 0-6 points
  • 1♥ – 2♠ = Undisclosed splinter, 4 card support 10-12 points
  • 1♠ – 3♥ = Undisclosed splinter, 4 card support 10-12 points
  • 1♠ – 3♦ = 4 card support 7-9 points
  • 1♥ – 3♦ = 4 card support 7-9 points
  • 1♠ – 3♣ = 4 card support 10-12 point
  • 1♥ – 3♣ = 4 card support 10-12 point
  • 1M – 2M = 3 card support 6-9 points

Competitive Auctions

Opener has been Doubled

A common sequence is 1M followed by the opposition doubling for take out.

If you wish you can keep Bergen raises on after a double…make sure you agree this with your partner.

There has been an overcall

Suppose the bidding goes 1♥ – 2♣ (overcall) – ?

Double – The other 2 suits
2♦ – Natural and forcing
2♥ – 3 card support weak
2♠ – Natural and forcing
2NT – Good 4 Card Raise
3♣ – A cue bid shows a 3 card raise
3♦ – A fit show – showing a good 5 card suit and 4 card support
3♥ – 3 card support weak
3♠ – A fit show – showing a good 5 card suit and 4 card support

What to do with 3 card support?

With 10-12 points and 3 card support – bid a forcing 1NT assuming you are playing 2/1 and rebid 3 of the major.

Alternatively bid 2♣ or 2♦ and then bid 3♥ / ♠.

After Undisclosed Splinter

After the undisclosed splinter you bid 2NT / 3NT to ask where the singleton is. Responder just bids the suit it is in or bids hearts to show a splinter in the major or the other major if you’ve agreed hearts.

Other Versions of Bergen

There are other versions of Bergen raises where you can show good 3 card raises straight away….useful if you aren’t playing 2/1 but then you cannot show undisclosed splinter bids as well if you play that particular system.

Also the downside of Bergen raises is you can give the opponents a chance to double your artificial bids to pinpoint a lead.