BECKER CONVENTION

This method has been attributed to Mr. R. Jay Becker. Becker is a conventional method employed after one opponent opens 1 No Trump. It shows a certain two-suited hand with varying strength which is generally in the two suits indicated below.

1. A 2 Clubs overcall promises length and strength of distribution in the two Minor suits.

2. A 2 Diamonds overcall promises length and strength of distribution in the two Major suits.

The distribution is generally 5-5, but can be 5-4 with a solid suit. The amount of high card points is a matter of partnership agreement, but it is based on the strength used with the Landy Convention.

This conventional method is usually played at matchpoint duplicate and allows the overcaller and his partner to play on the two level. The strength and the distribution of the holding of the overcaller plus the corresponding responses of the advancer take precedent in any and all continuances. The intervenor sits normally in the direct seat after the No Trump opener, and the range of the No Trump opening should be determined before any continuances. Whether or not the Becker convention applies in the balancing seat after two passes is a matter of partnership agreement.

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.

Claus and Raymond

Conventions

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