[mw64ahw]

mike777, on 2025-April-30, 09:51, said:

A mixed raise is a fancy term for a pretty straightforward simple bid.

However is pretty controversial as Bergen followers, such as myself, think it is a darn good secret weapon. Others
Find it close to worthless. Certainly many players think Bergen raises are a joke,used by hapless bridge players.

Club players for the most part don't even know it.

Others debate it's definition

I think even many who claim to play Bergen raises, don't fully understand how Marty recommends you use it.


If nothing else, I believe non expert players would greatly benefit from a discussion on the power of five- four fits
Regardless of outside strength.

Interestingly if you look at thee bridgbum examples, calculate the modified losers and revalue, then each falls into a distinct category rather than potentially having overlapping hcp counts.

[mike777]

 DavidKok, on 2025-April-30, 09:36, said:

In my experience many club players will always bid 3-over-3 with a fit. The losing scenario is when both contracts fail, but often one or both sides will sacrifice enough tricks on defence for this to be uncommon.

Wow, so spot on, well spoken.

[smerriman]

P_Marlowe, on 2025-April-30, 08:09, said:

5422, 13HCP, honor location ... is this min or more than min? Who knows.

I found the hand. 3♠ seems somewhat understandable.

---

[mw64ahw]

3♠ is understandable as focus will be on that solid ♠ suit and weak defensive strength. Again worth about 2.5. Now partner decided they have a touch extra and takes to 4.

Playing the weak mixed raise as 1♠-2♥-3♥ the opponents are now shut out and partner now sees his hand as worth about 3.5, but there is no revaluation upside so convert to 3♠ or bid on and hope the defence is poor.

[harikannan]

[quote name='acer55' timestamp='1746004268' post='1077467']

Pard had 13 points with 5 spades.I think he had to pass 3h , 3sp is a free bid .
[quote]


For me, 3S shows either a 6th spade or heart singleton - without promising extras. A double would be extras. So, i too would have bid 4S in the given auction.

[AL78]

mw64ahw, on 2025-May-01, 00:28, said:

Playing the weak mixed raise as 1♠-1♥-3♥ the opponents are now shut out and partner now sees his hand as worth about 3.5, but there is no revaluation upside so convert to 3♠ or bid on and hope the defence is poor.

Director: Insufficient bid.

[mw64ahw]

AL78, on 2025-May-01, 03:01, said:

Director: Insufficient bid.

Doh! I'll correct

[Cyberyeti]

3♠ to me is non invitational, X is the invite so pass with the N hand. If you want to accept the invite, bid 3♠ first time.

[apollo1201]

 acer55, on 2025-April-30, 07:55, said:

he explains that he passes 3h with 11 points..with 13 he can bid 3sp..i don t think so.for me 13 points is a min hand.

Partner s reasoning is not good, AFAIK, 13 points and 5 spades can be Jxxxx Kxx Qxx AK or AQT9x x AKxxx xx.

54 with concentrated values in the suits, or sg H, or 6 cards should almost always compete. Even if 11 or 12.

With the given hand, I understand the bid, though.