A MODIFIED MONTREAL RELAY
A Jump Bid by Opener


Jump Shifts, Jump Raises, and Jump Rebids by Opener

    Let me quote two respected and recognized experts on the subject of Jump Shifts by Opener.  The first, Mr. Larry Cohen, has the traditional viewpoint that has been part of our game for more than 80 years.  Larry has written a great many bridge books and is the author of The Law of Total Tricks.  The second expert is Mike Savage, a prolific writer on conventions.
    A Jump-shift by opener is GAME FORCING.  It shows a very big hand.  It does not show a 16 or 17 count.
    - Larry Cohen   Larry's Website

    A Jump-shift by opener is a Mini-Splinter with good support of responder's bid.
    - Mike Savage   Mike's Website
The Montreal Relay system can use any definition or agreement you prefer, but I will offer you a different agreement, although you and your partner have to make the final decision.

A partnership should assign a meaning to jump rebids made by the opener... Perforce they will be different than either Standard or 2/1 system bids because of the 0-17 point range of most opening hands.

Jump Shift by Opener
Most all opening bids are limited to 17 points maximum, but some hands that are near the high end have such good distribution that they should be bid as stronger than 17 points.  After an opening in 1 or either major, any jump shift is natural and shows a second 5-card suit.  The jump raise is not forcing, but it is highly invitational.

Double Jump Shift by Opener
There's a phrase that was coined by the late Grant Baze that is now popular in the bridge world... Five Five Come Alive   The axiom is used in several diferent auctions, but one popular treatment is to open a minor and then use a double jump into a major to show both suits with 11-17 point-count.  Some players prefer to have a 6-card minor with a 5-card major.  Your choice.

Jump Raise by Opener
Opener's jump raise of his partner's response shows very good support and a point-count in the 15-17 range.  If you use Losing Trick Count, you have fewer than seven losers.  The jump raise is both descriptive and invitational.

Jump Rebid by Opener
Opener bids a suit and then jumps in his suit...  It's at least a 6-card suit with 15-17 points.



Opener Bids 1
The Montreal Relay's opening bid of 1 may be as short as a singleton.  Unlike the Precision system, the bid is only semi-forcing.  Responder is allowed to pass with a weak hand if she has at least a 4-card club suit.  If responder bids a major, then opener's jump raise shows good support and 15-17 points.  The jump raise is highly invitational.

If opener either jumps, or uses a double jump in a new suit after a response, he has both clubs and the new suit.

4441 Pattern
If opener jumps to 2NT after a response, he has a hand with 4441 distribution, and his singleton is in partner's bid suit.  he also has 18+ points.  It's a hand that cannot be described with either a 2 or a 2 opening bid.