Kokish Rebids

(Courtesy of Bob Crosby)

Sometimes a bidding treatment comes along that is so good that it should immediately be incorporated into an established partnerships bidding system. In my opinion, the Kokish rebids to a 1 - 2 is one of those. In standard bidding, auctions that start of 1 - 2 are very clumsy. You play 5 card majors so you know partner has at least 5 cards in that major. With diamonds you have no such luxury. The diamond bidder can have 3, 4, 5 or more diamonds. Even if the diamond opener now bids 2/2 you are no better off as this could be a flat hand with short diamonds or a 5-4 with minimum points or maximum points. With club raises you do not have a clue either regarding HCP or distribution. These are very bad auctions for slam purposes or even getting to the right game. Kokish came up with an idea that really clarifies and adds structure to these auctions. One basic rule. Only the 2 bidder can initiate the search for the 4-4 major suit fit! This one concept simplifies everything as the diamond bidder is no longer allowed to bid a 4 card major. Why mention a major if the 2 bidder does not have one anyway.

These rebids apply only when the bidding sequence has been 1 - 2:

• 2: shows 5+ Diamonds and possibly a 4 card major, or 6-5 in diamonds and a major
• 2: shows 4-4-4-1 distribution
• 2: shows a good Club raise.
• 2NT: shows 12-14 HCPs, balanced distribution regardless of major suit holdings.
• 3: shows a bad Club raise.
• 3: shows 16+ points and a 6-card Diamond suit
• 3: shows a Splinter bid in support of Clubs
• 3: shows a Splinter bid in support of Clubs
• 3NT: shows 18-19 HCPs, balanced

First responsibility of opener is to show a club fit by bidding 2/3/3/3 therefore any other bid shows 0-2 clubs (except 2 of course 4,4,4,1) .

Some play that 2NT can show either NT range leaving more space to find a major fit. Partners who play that can define 3NT as Gambling with something outside.

Examples:

1	Pass	2	Pass
2NT	Pass	3	Pass
4*

*showing 4-4 fit with 12-14

1	Pass	2	Pass
2	Pass	2	Pass
3*

* 2 by responder might have been a probe for NT so we just raise to 3 with 4

1	Pass	2	Pass
2	Pass	2	Pass
3*

* Opener is showing 5 hearts and at least 6 diamonds

One thing to keep in mind and this is very important!

When opener rebids 2 to show 5+ diamonds, do not jump to 3NT with a balanced hand, but bid 2NT. Opener might be 6-5 diamonds and a major and needs room to show that.