This variant of the Bergen Over Weak No Trump opening bids by the opponents was not devised by Mr. Marty Bergen. The origin of this variation is unknown. The reasoning behind the development of such a variant is the fact that the original version was unable to show the Club suit and a second suit.

Note: A Weak No Trump opening bid by the opponent is defined as a range between 10-13 high card points.

The following schematic shows how a variation on this concept will allow the bridge player to show also the Club suit as a two-suiter:

Double:	Once it has been established that the No Trump is weak, then a double is for penalty. Partner must pass. This double shows a minimum of 13 plus high card points and any distributional pattern. (Note: This feature of the double as a penalty double remains unchanged in the variation.)
2 :	Unchanged. This overcall shows any single-suited holding. The advancer may pass if the partner of the No Trump bidder responds.
	1.	After a pass the advancer bids 2 as a relay. If the suit of the overcaller is Diamonds, then a pass by the overcaller is preferable if holding minimum values. When holding additional values, then the overcaller can make a forcing bid so that advancer has an opportunity to clarify his values.
	2.	If Diamonds is not the suit of the overcaller, then the overcaller corrects to the intended suit. Since the overcall is after a weak No Trump, then game may be a possibility. The partnership agrees upon any and all continuances. A possible game contract in either Major suit or even No Trump is feasible.
2 :	The variation changes with the 2 Diamonds overcall:
	1.	Shows either Diamonds and Hearts.
	2.	Shows either Diamonds and Spades.
	3.	Shows either Diamonds and Clubs.
2 :	An overcall of 2 Hearts shows one of the following:
	1.	Shows either Hearts and Spades.
	2.	Shows either Hearts and Clubs.
	3.	Shows either Hearts and Diamonds.
2 :	An overcall of 2 Spades shows one of the following:
	1.	Shows either Spades and Clubs.
	2.	Shows either Spades and Diamonds.
	3.	Shows either Spades and Hearts.

The bridge student can easily recognize that there are only nine possible holdings, whereby the holding can be a two-suited holding. In order to find the second suit of the intervenor the advancer, (partner of the overcaller), relays, and the overcaller then passes if the relayed suit is the second suit, or bids the second suit, or makes a game-forcing bid opposite a weak No Trump opening.

Note: No examples are given, since the method is self-explanatory. Remember that the distribution will become the primary feature of the holding to determine when and whether to competitively enter the auction. Practically all continuances are based on partnership agreement. The issue of vulnerability also plays an important part. The partnership must also determine any action by the advancer following any response from the partner of the weak No Trump bidder.

 

 

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.