Opening Bids Only

This bidding system was devised by Mr. Jerry Bernier and Mr. Mike Schmenk in the 1960s, and is also known as the Bernier Big Club. Although relatively unknown in Standard American, the system may have its benefits for certain partnership agreements.

Note: Any contribution of additional information, especially photographic material, as to these two bridge players would be greatly appreciated.

The system is based on the concept that an opening of 1 Club shows a large high card point range. Other openings tend to have a lower minimum range than Standard American. Following is a list of the openings and their meanings.

The bidding system is based on the Kaplan-Sheinwold and Schenken Club bidding systems.

1 :	16 plus high card points		Shape is irrelevant.
1 :	11-15 high card points		Promises a 4-card plus Diamond suit.
1 :	11-15 high card points		Promises a 4-card plus Heart suit.
1 :	11-15 high card points		Promises a 4-card plus Spade suit.
1 NT:	12-16 high card points		Balanced distribution.
2 :	11-15 high card points		Promises a card plus Club suit.
2 :	10-16 high card points		Shows a 4-4-4-1- or 5-4-4-0 distribution.
2 :	5-10 high card points		Promises a 6-card Heart suit.
2 :	5-10 high card points		Promises a 6-card Spade suit.
2 NT:	5-10 high card points		Promises 5-5 shape in both Minor suits.

First Responses

1 :	Shows 0-7 high card points, and an undefined shape.
1 :	Shows 8-11 high card points or 15 plus high card points and a 4-card plus Heart suit.
1 :	Shows 8-11 high card points or 15 plus high card points and a 4-card plus Spade suit.
1 NT:	Shows 12-14 high card points, and an undefined shape.

If the first response by the partner is 1 No Trump, then Mr. Jerry Bernier and Mr. Mike Schmenk have recommended using Stayman and Transfer Bids to discover further information about the shape of the hand. This modification is necessary in order that the shape of the holding be determined after the strength of the holding has been specified.

Mr. Jerry Bernier and Mr. Mike Schmenk have incorporated systematic psychic bids in their bidding system with a range between 0 and 5 high card points and 0 to 2 cards in the opened suit, but only when not vulnerable.

A response to the systematic psychic bid in a new suit on the lowest level is considered the only one-round forcing bid. If the response is not on the lowest level, then the opener, who has made a systematic psychic opening, passes.

 

 

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.