SUIT QUALITY
Definition
Add together the number of cards in the suit and the number of honours in the suit, provided:
- The suit has at least 5 cards
- Holds the queen or higher
To maintain good trump control, having at least two honours is a significant benefit and is recommended as a starting point.
Examples
AK753
SQ 7
5 cards + 2 honours
A108643
SQ 8
6 cards + 2 honours
KQ108763
SQ10
7 cards + 3 honours
J108643
SQ 6
6 cards + 2 honours but no queen or better
When to use
The following examples show only the suit quality requirements. In every case, there are a variety of other conditions that must also be met, particulary HCPs, shape and vulnerability.
Situation
Example bidding
Tricks
bid for
Suit quality required
Simple overcall
(1) 1
(1) 2
7
8
7
8
Jump overcall
(1) 2
(1) 3
8
9
8
9
Responder's jump shift
(Slam potential)
1 (P) 2
10
10
Weak two openings
2
8
8
Strong two openings
2
9
9
2 opening with dominant suit
2
10
10
Pre-emptive opening
3
4
9
10
9
10
Pre-emptive overcall
(1) 3
(1) 4
9
10
9
10
Summary
The suit quality required has to be at least that of the number of tricks being bid for.
The purpose of this is to facilitate adequate control of the trump suit should the bidder later become declarer.
Bridge tutorials
