Inverted Minor

Rev: January 26, 1999

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A. Regular Inverted Minor

After opener bids 1C or 1D

Simple raise is a one-round force

Promises at least 10 HCP (or a good 9)

Promises at least 5 clubs (or an excellent 4) if clubs are trump

Promises at least 4 diamonds if diamonds are trump

Denies a four-card major suit.

A jump raise to the three level is preemptive

Shows 5-8 HCP

Promises at least 5 clubs if clubs are trump

Promises at least 5 diamonds if diamonds are trump (although excellent 4 diamonds is permissible).

Denies a four-card major suit.

Openr's Rebids After [ 1C Pass 2C Pass ] : [ ??

	2D = 14+ points with a four-card diamond suit, forcing
	2H = 14+ points with a four-card heart suit, forcing
	2S = 14+ points with a four-card spade suit, forcing
	2NT = Shows 12-14 points with a balanced hand
	3C = A catchall bid denying the ability to make any other bid.
	3NT = 18-19 points with a balanced hand

Responder's Rebids After [ 1C Pass 2C Pass ] : [ 2D, 2H or 2S Pass ??

	2NT = 10-12 with a balanced hand
	3C = A minimum unbalanced hand
	3NT = 13-15 with a balanced hand
	Raise opener's second suit = 3+ trumps, invitational
	Bid a new suit = Showing (or asking for) a stopper, depending on agreement

In competition

	Inverted Minor convention is off
	Preferred: Immediate cue bid of opponent’s overcall, or 2NT (Jordan 2NT convention) over opponent’s takeout double shows limit raise or better. Any level raise is then weak and competitive according to the Law.
	Alternate: A double raise by responder in competition is a limit raise.

B. "Criss-Cross" Inverted Minor (Preferred)

Based on Bobby Goldman's treatment of the Inverted Minor convention

After opener bids 1C or 1D

Simple raise is a game force

Promises at least 13 HCP (or a good 12)

Promises at least 5 clubs (or an excellent 4) if clubs are trump

Promises at least 4 diamonds if diamonds are trump

Denies a four-card major suit.

A jump raise to the three level is preemptive

Shows less than 7 HCP (usually 3 - 5)

Promises at least 5 trumps

Denies a four-card major suit.

A jump shift in the other minor ("Criss-Cross")

Shows limit raise values and is non-forcing

Denies a four-card major suit.

Examples:

[ 1C or 1D Pass 2C or 2D.....game force

[ 1C or 1D Pass 3C or 3D.....weak trash less than 7 HCP, usually 3 – 5 HCP

[ 1C Pass 2D.....limit raise values in clubs (non-forcing)

[ 1D Pass 3C.....limit raise values in diamonds (non-forcing)

In competition

	Inverted Minor convention is off
	Preferred: Immediate cue bid of opponent’s overcall, or 2NT (Jordan 2NT convention) over opponent’s takeout double shows limit raise or better. Any level raise is then weak and competitive according to the Law.
	Alternate: A double raise by responder in competition is a limit raise.