WEAK JUMP SHIFT RESPONSE
During the evolution of the Strong Jump Shift response, signifying a minimum of 15-16 high card points plus and a 6-card suit, it became evident that even a normal response had the same effect, since any response by the responder continues to be forcing for one round. Therefore, another interpretation of the Jump Shift response became the norm.
Instead of being strong, the Jump Shift became weak. It informed the partner, generally also the defenders, that the holding was weak in values. The holding could indeed have fewer than the generally required 5/6 points for a normal response for even a normal response. With one response, the responder can adequately describe the holding and the minimum range of held values. This jump shift by the responder also denies any support for the suit of partner.
The concept behind the Weak Jump Shift is to inform the partner immediately of the fact that there is no support for the suit bid or intended to bid, except the suit preempted by the responder, and that the values are not present for a normal response. The values for a Weak Jump Shift are normally less than the values required for a Weak Two opening, generally a King-Jack or less.Example 1:
Example 2:
AQ954 KJ A87 762
6 Q109765 Q964 54
North
East
South
West
1
Pass
3
In the above example, South has very few values, insufficient to make even a 1 No Trump response. In the fortunate situation that East passes, South has the opportunity to employ a Weak Jump Shift of 3 Hearts. Although East and West may have the majority of the high card points, it will prove difficult for East and West to compete at the four level and perhaps find their fit in Clubs.
Example 3:
AQ9 K109 A87 8762
83 QJ8754 J6 1095
North
East
South
West
1
Pass
2
In the second example, South again has very few values, insufficient to make even a 1 No Trump response. In the fortunate situation that East passes, South has the opportunity to employ a Weak Jump Shift of 2 Hearts. East and West, if they wish to enter the auction, are forced to enter the bidding process on the two level or higher.
AQ9 KJ9 A87 8762
KJ8763 754 64 103
North
East
South
West
1
Pass
2
In the third example, the situation is the same. South again has very few values, insufficient to make even a 1 No Trump response. In the fortunate situation that East passes, South has the opportunity to employ a Weak Jump Shift of 2 Spades. East and West, if they wish to enter the auction, are forced to enter the bidding process on the three level.
The auction does not necessarily cease once the responder has made a Weak Jump Shift in his suit. The opener may have more values and will continue to bid, requesting further and additional descriptive information from the responder. Any rebid by the opener is forcing for one round. The general approach is explained below:
Rebids by the opener:
1. 2 No Trump is forcing and shows a 2-card support for the suit of the responder. The responder must bid three of his suit with minimum values.
2. A rebid on the three level by the opener of the suit preempted by his partner is also considered preemptive, which serves to continue to hinder the opponents from finding a fit.
3. Any new suit or rebid of the suit of the first bid suit by the opener is considered natural and non-forcing.
4. Any jump bid by the opener is considered to be natural and invitational, and in certain bidding sequences asking suit preference.
5. Any rebid on the four level by the opener of the suit preempt by his partner is invitational and considered competitive, mainly in tournaments, especially after an immediate overcall.
6. Any game bid is to play and is a sign-off.
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