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 Negative Free Bid - The Negative Freebid provides an opportunity to make a non-forcing Call by opener's partner after an opponent overcalls to show competitive values.  Negative Free Bids are conventional, thus alertable.

See page 54 in: Better Bidding With Bergen: Volume 2 - Competitive Bidding, Fit Bids, and More

Negative Freebids are useful in auctions like:

1S - (2D) - X  

Using traditional methods, Responder requires 11+ points to make a 2 level bid.  With Negative Freebids, a 2 level bid by opener's partner does not promise invitational values - such bids are merely competitive.  Responder's requirements are a good 5 card suit with good working honors or a 6 card suit with at least 2 scattered, similar to a weak 2 preemptive opening bid.

 For the responder to make an game forcing bid, responder first Doubles and subsequently follows up with a new suit bid.  Of course, responder can continue to make a normal Negative Double, passing opener's rebid with competitive values.

With invitational values and a good 5+ card suit, Responder makes a 3 level jump in the new suit.

Negative Freebids are "on" through 3D.

Summary:

Bidding

Meaning

1H - (1S) - 2C

2C shows a good 5+ card suit with less than 10 points

1S - (2C) - 2H

2H shows a good 5+ card suit with less than 10 points

1S - (2H) - 3D

3D shows a good 5+ card suit with less than 10 points

1H - (1S) - X

Double shows either a mediocre 6-10 point hand or 13+ points, to be disclosed through a subsequent suit or Notrump rebid.

1H - (1S) - X - (P);
2C - (P)   - 2H

Double followed by a Pass or suit rebid indicates competitive values

1H - (1S) - X - (P);
2C - (P)   - 2D

Double followed by a new suit (or Notrump) rebid promises game forcing values

1H - (1S) - 3D

3D shows 10-12 points with invitational values

1S - (3H) - X

Double above 3D is not a Negative Freebid, reverting to Negative Double or penalty, depending on partnership agreements

 

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