Bergen Splinters

When playing Bergen Raises and using the 4 level also as Bergen Raise bids (or something similar) you need a way to show a splinter. After a major opener when responder has at least 4 card support and a splinter with at least invitational values he jump shifts in the other major.

• 1 - 3 is unspecified splinter, 3 is a signoff opposite a limit and 3NT asks where.
• 1 - 2 is unspecified splinter, 3 is a signoff opposite a limit and 2NT asks where. 3 response to 2NT shows a spade splinter.

Opener with enough to be in game opposite a limit bids it and signs off in 3 with minimum values and then responder can correct with full opening values. Opener asks only where the shortage is only when the response could lead to slam investigation. No need otherwise to give any unnecessary information to the opponents.

These splinter bids free up the 4 level as more Bergen Raises (or something similar)

• 4 shows 4 or 5 trump with 16+ HCP... this means you use Jacoby 2NT with 12-15 HCP
• 4 shows 6-9 HCP with at least 5 trump.
• 4 when spades agreed is partnership agreement.
• 4/4 shows 0-5 HCP with at least 5 trump

Another version jumps to the 3 level in the other major to show game forcing splinters only.

• 1 - 3 is an unspecified splinter..3 asks where. 4/4/4 shows a splinter in the suit bid
• 1 - 3 is unspecified splinter..3NT asks where. 4/4 shows a splinter in the suit bid and 4 shows a spade splinter