BAM (Bergen and mini-splinter) raises

• 1 - 2 or 1 - 2N = Jacoby 2NT or club mini-splinter.
• 1 - 2N or 1 - 3 = No shortness limit raise or diamond mini-splinter.
• 1 - 3 or 1 - 3 = Mini-splinter in the other major.
• 1 - 3 or 1 - 3 = Single raise with 4 trumps.
• 1 - 3 or 1 - 3 = Preemptive raise.

After Jacoby 2NT or club mini-splinter:

• Opener shows shortness. (1 - 2 - 2NT shows spade shortness).
• Without shortness opener bids 3M = minimum, would not accept game try, 3NT = 15+ HCP, 4M = minimum, would accept club mini-splinter game try.
• Responder bids 3M at next turn with club mini-splinter.

After No shortness limit raise or diamond mini-splinter:

• If opener needs to know if responder has a diamond mini-splinter, the next higher step asks. If responder returns to the major, it denies a diamond mini-splinter.

Last revised: 1999-07-10