Avoid Rebidding Weak Five-Card Suits

As opener, try to avoid rebidding weak five-card suits.  Look at all other options first.

You                 Partner
1♣                   1♦/1♥/1♠

♠ AK3 ♥ KJ10 ♦ 75 ♣ K7543

When partner responds one of a suit, rebid 1NT. Your hand is the “death shape”, but none the less a balanced hand. Rebidding 2♣ would promise a six-card suit or an independent five-card suit (4 of the top 6 cards).  Don’t worry about having a small doubleton – Goren has been gone for years!

If your partner is advanced, then you may raise 1♥ or 1♠ on only a three-card suit. There are asking bids which follow to uncover the three-card suit if partner has enough for game.

via Play Better Bridge.

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