Raises

Bergen Raises

Jump bids in the minor suits show precise 4-card major raises by strength.

What Are Bergen Raises?

Origin and Purpose

Bergen Raises were developed by Marty Bergen, one of the most prolific theorists in American bridge, to address a fundamental problem in standard bidding: when you hold 4-card support for partner's 1♥ or 1♠ opening, standard methods give you a very blunt set of tools. You could raise to 2♥/2♠ (6–9 HCP) or jump to 3♥/3♠ (10–12 HCP, a limit raise), but opener never knew from the response alone whether you held 3-card or 4-card support — a critical distinction for slam evaluation and competitive decisions. Bergen Raises solve this by re-assigning the jump bids 3♣ and 3♦ as conventional responses that promise exactly 4-card support while specifying a precise strength range.

The Core Structure

The Bergen system operates in non-passed-hand, uncontested auctions after a 1♥ or 1♠ opening. The simple raise to 2♥/2♠ is narrowed to show 3-card support and 6–9 HCP. A jump to 3♣ shows 4-card support and constructive values (7–9 HCP) — a hand that might want to play game if opener is maximum. A jump to 3♦ shows 4-card support and invitational/limit values (10–12 HCP) — a hand that invites game and allows opener to bid it. The direct raises 3♥/3♠ are repurposed as preemptive bids showing 4-card support but only 0–6 HCP, designed to crowd the opponents out of the auction before they can find their fit.

Advantages Over Standard Methods

The key advantage is that opener immediately receives two critical pieces of information: the exact number of trump cards held, and the strength range. Without Bergen, a raise to 2♥ could be 3-card or 4-card support; opener had to guess how aggressively to compete or whether to try for game. With Bergen, after 3♣ opener knows the partnership has a 9-card or better fit and that responder has constructive values — a very different picture than a minimal 3-card raise. This precision also helps in competitive auctions: when opener knows about a 9-card fit early, they can pre-empt or compete more aggressively with confidence.

Scope and Variations

Bergen Raises strictly apply in non-passed-hand, uncontested auctions only. After any opponent bid — whether a double or an overcall — Bergen is off and standard methods apply. Many pairs supplement Bergen with Jacoby 2NT (game-forcing raises with 13+ HCP) and splinters (game-forcing with a singleton or void), creating a complete raise structure. Some pairs extend Bergen to include 5-card support with slight modifications. The convention also interacts with "fit-showing jumps" and "mixed raises" in competitive auctions, concepts which share the same underlying philosophy of giving precise support information to partner as early as possible.

Core Rules

Bergen Raise Response Schedule

After 1♥ or 1♠ opening — uncontested, non-passed hand:

Response	Support	HCP Range	Type	Description
2♥ / 2♠	3-card	6–9 HCP	Simple raise	Standard single raise, 3-card support only
3♣	4-card	7–9 HCP	Constructive Bergen	4 trumps, constructive — game possible if opener is max
3♦	4-card	10–12 HCP	Limit raise Bergen	4 trumps, invitational — game likely if opener accepts
3♥ / 3♠	4-card	0–6 HCP	Preemptive Bergen	4 trumps, weak — pre-emptive, crowds opponents out
4♥ / 4♠	4+ card	5–9 HCP	Gambling/preemptive	Long fit, distributional, blocking opponents from game
2NT	4+ card	13+ HCP	Jacoby 2NT	Game-forcing raise — separate convention
Splinter	4+ card	13+ HCP	Splinter	GF raise with singleton/void in the splinter suit

Bergen Raises are OFF in competition: After any opponent bid (double or overcall), these conventional responses do not apply. Revert to standard methods. In competition over a double, 2NT by responder can be used as a "Jordan" (Jordan 2NT) limit raise or as agreed with partner.

Opener's Rebids After 3♣ (Constructive Raise, 7–9 HCP)

Opener's Rebid	Meaning	Opener's HCP
Pass	Minimum opening — no game interest	12–14 HCP
3♥ / 3♠ (own suit)	Near-minimum with game interest — gives responder a chance to bid game	14–15 HCP
4♥ / 4♠ (own suit)	Accepts game — comfortable majority opening	15–17 HCP
New suit / 4NT	Slam interest — exploring further	17+ HCP

Alerting 3♣ in competition: If opponents compete after 3♣, partner must alert that 3♣ was Bergen (constructive raise), not natural clubs. Both 3♣ and 3♦ Bergen responses require an alert.

Opener's Rebids After 3♦ (Limit Raise, 10–12 HCP)

Opener's Rebid	Meaning
3♥ / 3♠ (own suit)	Declining the invitation — minimum opening, no game interest
4♥ / 4♠ (own suit)	Accepting the game invitation
New suit / cue bid	Slam exploration after a strong opening

Memory tip — 3♣ vs 3♦: Think of the minor suits as a ladder. 3♣ is lower on the ladder = weaker (7–9 HCP constructive). 3♦ is one rung higher = stronger (10–12 HCP limit). Low minor = lower range; high minor = higher range.

Decision Tree

Use these two trees to find the correct Bergen response and opener's follow-up. Click each node to expand.

Tree 1: Responder's Bergen Raise After 1♠ Opening

After partner opens 1♠ — uncontested, non-passed hand. You have 4-card spade support.

Do I have 4-card spade support? ▶

No 4-card support → use standard responses (1NT, 2♠ for 3-card raise 6–9, new suit, etc.)

I have 4 spades — what is my HCP count? ▶

0–6 HCP — weak hand? ▶

Bid 3♠ — Preemptive Bergen. Weak (0–6 HCP), 4-card support. Takes away bidding room from opponents. Opener will usually pass.

7–9 HCP — constructive values? ▶

Bid 3♣ — Constructive Bergen. 7–9 HCP, 4-card support. Opener may pass with minimum or bid game with maximum.

10–12 HCP — limit/invitational? ▶

Bid 3♦ — Limit Raise Bergen. 10–12 HCP, 4-card support. Invites game. Opener accepts or declines.

13+ HCP — game-forcing values? ▶

Bid 2NT (Jacoby, if agreed) or an appropriate Splinter if holding a singleton/void. Bergen does not apply at game-forcing strength.

Tree 2: Opener's Rebid After 3♣ (Constructive Bergen)

After 1♠ – (P) – 3♣ – (P) — you are the opener:

What is my HCP as opener? ▶

12–14 HCP — minimum opening? ▶

Bid Pass or 3♠ — no game interest. Partner has at most 9 HCP; game is unlikely with 21–23 HCP combined.

14–15 HCP — near-maximum with mild interest? ▶

Bid 3♠ — giving responder the chance to bid 4♠ with 9 HCP and good shape. Not forcing; partner may pass.

15–17 HCP — strong opening, want game? ▶

Bid 4♠ — accepting game. Opposite 7–9 HCP and 4-card support, game is sound with a 15+ opening.

17+ HCP — interested in slam? ▶

Make a slam try — cue bid a control or use 4NT (RKCB). Combined 24–26 HCP with a 9-card fit makes slam worth exploring.

Summary mnemonic: After 3♣ (constructive), opener thinks: "With 14, maybe; with 15, game; with 17, slam."

Quiz

Ten questions in three levels. Click an option to reveal the answer and explanation.

Level 1 (Q1–Q4): Foundations · Level 2 (Q5–Q7): Intermediate · Level 3 (Q8–Q10): Advanced

Q1. Partner opens 1♥. You hold:

♠ 5 4 ♥ K J 7 6 ♦ Q 5 4 3 ♣ 8 7 6
8 HCP — 4-card heart support

What is your Bergen response?

Correct: 3♣ — Bergen constructive raise. You have 8 HCP and exactly 4-card heart support — the perfect description for a 3♣ Bergen raise (7–9 HCP, 4 trumps). A 2♥ raise would suggest 3-card support. 3♦ would show 10–12 HCP, which overstates your hand. 3♥ is the preemptive bid for 0–6 HCP. The 3♣ bid immediately tells opener: "I have four hearts and constructive values — bid game if you're near maximum."

Q2. Partner opens 1♠. You hold:

♠ K J 7 6 ♥ 5 4 ♦ A Q 6 5 ♣ J 4 3
11 HCP — 4-card spade support

What is your Bergen response?

Correct: 3♦ — Bergen limit raise. 11 HCP falls squarely in the 10–12 HCP limit raise range, and you have exactly 4-card spade support. Bid 3♦. This immediately tells opener: "I have four spades and limit raise values — bid game if you have any extras." 3♣ would understate your hand (7–9 HCP). Jacoby 2NT would promise game-forcing values (13+ HCP).

Q3. Partner opens 1♥. You hold:

♠ 3 2 ♥ J 8 7 6 ♦ 5 4 ♣ 8 7 6 4 3
3 HCP — 4-card heart support, very weak

What is your Bergen response?

Correct: 3♥ — preemptive Bergen raise. With only 3 HCP and 4-card support, this is the textbook preemptive Bergen raise. You have nothing offensively except your trump fit, but that fit is enough to jump to 3♥ and crowd the opponents. If they hold a spade fit, this jump takes away critical bidding room and may prevent them from finding a making contract. Opener will almost always pass.

Q4. After 1♠ – (P) – 3♦ (Bergen limit raise) – (P), you are opener with:

♠ A Q 8 7 5 ♥ K J 4 ♦ 9 3 ♣ Q 6 5
12 HCP — minimum opening

What does opener bid?

Correct: 3♠ — declining the limit raise invitation. With only 12 HCP, opener has a minimum opening. Partner has invited game by showing 10–12 HCP and 4-card support. With 12 opposite a maximum 12, the combined count is 24 — borderline and usually not enough for a major-suit game. The correct rebid is 3♠, which says "no thanks" to the game invitation. Responder will pass. With 14+ HCP, opener would bid 4♠ to accept.

Level 2 — Intermediate

Q5. Partner opens 1♥. RHO doubles. You hold:

♠ 5 4 ♥ K J 7 6 ♦ Q 5 4 3 ♣ J 7 6
8 HCP — 4-card heart support

What do you bid?

Correct: 2♥ — Bergen is OFF after any form of intervention. Once an opponent doubles or overcalls, the Bergen 3♣ and 3♦ responses revert to their natural meanings (or the partnership switches to other competitive tools). Bidding 3♣ here would show a genuine club suit, not a Bergen raise. With 4-card heart support and 8 HCP, the natural response is a simple 2♥ raise. Some partnerships use Jordan 2NT (showing a limit raise or better in competition) as a substitute, but natural raises are the safe default when Bergen is turned off.

Q6. After 1♠ – (P) – 3♣ – (P), you are opener with:

♠ A K J 7 6 ♥ K Q 4 ♦ A 5 4 ♣ J 4
16 HCP — near maximum opening

What does opener bid?

Correct: 4♠ — a clear game acceptance. Partner's 3♣ shows 7–9 HCP and 4-card support. At the top of that range (combined 25 HCP) game is comfortably on, and with your 16 HCP the minimum combined count is 23 — still playable. With 15+ HCP, opener accepts without hesitation. 3♠ would be an underbid that leaves partner in an awkward position. 4NT (RKCB) is too aggressive: even at maximum (16 + 9 = 25 HCP) slam needs perfect cards, and partner could have a minimum 7-point hand.

Q7. Partner opens 1♥. You hold:

♠ A 4 ♥ K J 7 6 ♦ K Q 5 4 ♣ J 7 6
13 HCP — 4-card heart support, game-forcing values

What is the correct response?

Correct: 2NT — Jacoby 2NT. Bergen Raises cover 0–12 HCP. Once you reach game-forcing values (13+ HCP) with 4-card major support, the correct bid is Jacoby 2NT, not Bergen. Bidding 3♦ would cap your hand at 12 HCP and let opener pass with a good 14-count — a disaster when game is certain and slam is possible. Jacoby 2NT forces to game and asks opener to describe shortness or extra length, giving your side the tools to explore slam. Bergen and Jacoby are complementary: Bergen handles the sub-game range, Jacoby handles game-force and above.

Level 3 — Advanced

Q8. After 1♥ – (P) – 3♣ – (P), you are opener with:

♠ A K 4 ♥ A K J 7 6 ♦ A Q 4 ♣ 5 4
18 HCP — strong hand, known 9-card fit

What is opener's best action?

Correct: 4NT — RKCB. This is the one situation where Bergen raises lead directly into slam investigation. With 18 HCP opposite a constructive raise (7–9 HCP), combined values are 25–27. A 9-card heart fit makes each HCP worth more than its face value. The question is not whether to go to game — it is whether to go to six. Bid 4NT (RKCB with hearts as trumps) to count keycards. If partner responds showing 2 keycards (5♥), you can confidently sign off in 6♥. If partner has only 1 keycard (5♦ or 5♣), settle for 4♥. Just bidding 4♥ here is a significant underbid — you are essentially giving up a slam that is likely to make.

Q9. Partner opens 1♠. You hold:

♠ J 9 7 6 5 ♥ 5 4 ♦ 7 ♣ J 9 8 7 6
4 HCP — 5-card spade support, extreme distribution

Which bid best uses your distributional hand?

Correct: 4♠ — the preemptive game raise. Bergen's preemptive 3♠ is designed for hands with exactly 4-card support and 0–6 HCP. When you have 5-card support and a highly distributional hand (5-5 shape with a singleton), you can afford to jump all the way to game as a preempt. Your playing strength in a spade contract is far greater than your 4 HCP suggest — partner's 5-card spade suit opposite your 5-card support gives a 10-card fit, and your singleton diamond reduces defensive values. This makes 4♠ an excellent tactical bid: if the opponents have a heart fit, they may now be shut out at the 5-level.

Q10. After 1♠ – (P) – 3♦ (Bergen limit raise) – (P) – 4♠ (opener accepts), you are responder with:

♠ K J 7 6 ♥ Q 5 4 ♦ A J 4 ♣ Q 6 5
12 HCP — maximum Bergen limit raise

Should you make a slam try over opener's 4♠?

Correct: pass 4♠. When opener jumps directly to 4♠ over a Bergen limit raise, the message is: "I accept game, but I have nothing special to show." If opener held shortness, a strong side suit, or slam interest, they would have cue-bid (e.g. 3♥, 4♣) or used 4NT before committing to 4♠. The direct acceptance is a sign-off in all but name. With combined values of 12 + opener's 14–16 = 26–28 HCP, slam might be possible on perfect cards — but opener has already told you there are no extras. Pursuing slam over a sign-off invitation is one of the most common expert-level errors in major-suit auctions.

Hand Examples

Example 1: 3♣ Constructive — Opener Passes with Minimum

The auction: 1♠ – (P) – 3♣ – (P) – Pass

NORTH (Opener)

♠ A K 8 6 5

♥ Q 4 3

♦ J 7 2

♣ 9 4

12 HCP — minimum opening, passes 3♣

SOUTH (Responder)

♠ Q J 9 4

♥ 8 7 5

♦ K Q 4

♣ 8 7 6

8 HCP — 4-card spade support, constructive Bergen

EAST

♠ 7 3

♥ A K J 9

♦ 8 6 3

♣ K J 5 2

13 HCP — passes throughout

WEST

♠ 10 2

♥ 10 6 2

♦ A 10 9 5

♣ A Q 10 3

10 HCP — passes throughout

Auction explained: South has 8 HCP and 4 spades — a 3♣ constructive Bergen raise. North holds a bare minimum (12 HCP), so game is out of reach with only 20 combined HCP. North correctly passes 3♣, which is the final contract. Note that without Bergen, South might have bid 2♠ (could show 3 or 4 cards), and North might have been tempted to try 3♠. The Bergen raise avoids a bad game try.

Example 2: 3♦ Limit Raise — Opener Accepts with 15 HCP

The auction: 1♥ – (P) – 3♦ – (P) – 4♥ – All Pass

NORTH (Opener)

♠ A J 4

♥ A Q 8 7 5

♦ K 6

♣ Q 9 4

15 HCP — strong opening, accepts game

SOUTH (Responder)

♠ K 6 3

♥ K J 9 4

♦ Q 7 3

♣ J 8 5

10 HCP — 4-card heart support, limit raise Bergen

EAST

♠ Q 9 8 7 5

♥ 3

♦ J 10 8 4

♣ 7 6 2

5 HCP — passes throughout

WEST

♠ 10 2

♥ 6 2

♦ A 9 5 2

♣ A K 10 3

10 HCP — passes throughout

Auction explained: South holds 10 HCP and 4 hearts — perfect for a 3♦ limit raise. North counts 15 + 10 = 25 HCP, easily enough for game with a 9-card trump fit. North bids 4♥ immediately. The game makes on good trump quality and side suit controls. The Bergen 3♦ bid was critical — without it, North might have been cautious about committing to game opposite an uncertain raise.

Example 3: Preemptive 3♠ Shuts Out Opponents' Heart Game

The auction: 1♠ – (P) – 3♠ – (3NT overcall) – 4♠ – All Pass

NORTH (Opener)

♠ A K J 7 5

♥ 4

♦ K Q 6

♣ 10 9 4

14 HCP — competes to 4♠ knowing about the fit

SOUTH (Responder)

♠ Q 9 6 4

♥ 8 7 3

♦ 5 4

♣ 8 7 3 2

2 HCP — preemptive Bergen raise, 4-card support

EAST

♠ 3

♥ A K Q 6 5

♦ J 9 3

♣ A K Q 5

21 HCP — strong hand, overcalls 3NT

WEST

♠ 10 8 2

♥ J 10 9 2

♦ A 10 8 7

♣ J 6

8 HCP — wanted to show hearts

Auction explained: South's preemptive 3♠ (0–6 HCP, 4-card support) immediately launches the bidding to the 3-level. East-West hold a 10-card heart fit and a cold 4♥ — but the 3♠ preempt makes it difficult to enter the auction accurately. East overcalls 3NT with their massive hand, but North, knowing about the 9-card spade fit from the Bergen raise, confidently competes to 4♠. 4♠ makes on combined power; 4♥ by East-West would have been a laydown.

Common Partnership Misunderstandings

1. "3♣ and 3♦ Are Natural — Partner Is Bidding a Suit"

A new partner who doesn't know you play Bergen Raises hears your 3♣ response to their 1♠ opening and assumes you're showing a long club suit. They rebid 3♠ thinking you have clubs, not knowing 3♣ was a conventional raise showing 4 spades and 7–9 HCP. The auction becomes confused and the partnership ends up in the wrong contract.

Fix: Bergen Raises are a partnership agreement — both players must know and agree beforehand. Always confirm at the start of a session or before filling out your convention card. Mark 3♣ and 3♦ as conventional on your card. Alert the bids at the table.

2. "Bergen Applies Even After a Double or Overcall"

A player uses a Bergen 3♣ response after the opponents make a takeout double. In competition, the meaning of 3♣ shifts — it can no longer be reliably a Bergen raise because partner may be confused about the conventional meaning, and the tactical situation has changed. Using Bergen in contested auctions can lead to disastrous misunderstandings.

Fix: Bergen Raises are OFF after any opponent action — double or overcall. After a double, many pairs use Jordan 2NT (limit raise or better with support). After an overcall, return to standard competitive methods. Discuss this explicitly with partner before play.

3. Confusing Which Minor Shows Which Range

It's surprisingly easy to invert 3♣ and 3♦ under pressure, particularly for players learning the convention. A player holds 11 HCP and 4-card support, intending the limit raise, but bids 3♣ (which shows constructive 7–9 HCP) instead of 3♦. Opener passes with a minimum, missing a cold game.

Fix: Repeat the memory trick until it's automatic: 3♣ is the lower bid = lower range (7–9 HCP constructive). 3♦ is the higher bid = higher range (10–12 HCP limit). "C before D — Constructive before Drive." Some players also use: "Clubs are cheap (weak), Diamonds are dear (strong)."

Practice Sequences

Study these 6 complete sequences covering all Bergen raise types plus opener's continuations.

Sequence 1 — 3♣ Constructive Bergen → Opener Passes (Minimum)

West	North	East	South
	1♠	P	3♣*
P	P
*Bergen constructive (7–9 HCP, 4 spades). North has 12 HCP and passes — no game in 20–21 combined HCP.

Sequence 2 — 3♣ Constructive Bergen → Opener Accepts Game (15+ HCP)

West	North	East	South
	1♠	P	3♣*
P	4♠	P	P
*Bergen constructive (7–9 HCP, 4 spades). North has 16 HCP and bids game directly — 24–25 HCP combined is enough.

Sequence 3 — 3♦ Limit Raise Bergen → Opener Declines

West	North	East	South
	1♥	P	3♦*
P	3♥	P	P
*Bergen limit raise (10–12 HCP, 4 hearts). North has 12 HCP and rebids 3♥ — declining the invitation. South passes.

Sequence 4 — 3♦ Limit Raise Bergen → Opener Accepts Game

West	North	East	South
	1♥	P	3♦*
P	4♥	P	P
*Bergen limit raise (10–12 HCP, 4 hearts). North has 15 HCP and bids 4♥ — accepting the game invitation.

Sequence 5 — Preemptive 3♠ Bergen → Opponent Overcalls, Opener Competes

West	North	East	South
	1♠	P	3♠*
4♥	4♠	P	P
P
*Preemptive Bergen (0–6 HCP, 4 spades). East-West find their heart fit but North competes to 4♠ with confidence, knowing about the 9-card spade fit.

Sequence 6 — 3♣ Bergen → Opener Explores Slam with Cue Bid

West	North	East	South
	1♠	P	3♣*
P	4♣**	P	4♦
P	4NT	P	5♥
P	6♠	P	P
Bergen constructive. *North has 18 HCP and cue-bids ♣A. South cue-bids ♦A. 4NT is RKCB — 5♥ shows 2 keycards. Slam is confirmed.

Expert Mistakes

Even experienced players using Bergen Raises make these errors. Awareness prevents them.

Mistake 1: Playing Bergen With a Partner Who Plays Natural Minor-Suit Raises

At a club game, you sit down with an unfamiliar partner and assume Bergen Raises are standard. You bid 3♣ as a constructive raise and partner takes it as a natural club suit and rebids accordingly. The partnership ends up in a bizarre contract with no shared understanding of what happened.

Fix: Always discuss conventions before play, especially with a new or unfamiliar partner. Bergen Raises are a specific agreement — they are not standard in the ACBL or anywhere else. Never assume. Ask: "Do you play Bergen Raises?" and confirm 3♣ and 3♦ are conventional. Mark them on the convention card and alert at the table.

Mistake 2: Forgetting to Turn Bergen OFF After an Opponent's Takeout Double

An expert knows Bergen is off in competition. But in the heat of the moment, after partner's 1♠ is doubled, they bid 3♣ thinking it's the conventional constructive raise. Partner has no idea — 3♣ after a double could mean clubs. The next thing both players know, they're playing a misfit 3♣ from the wrong seat.

Fix: Drill this rule until it's automatic: Bergen is OFF after any opponent intervention — double or overcall. After a double, most pairs use "Jordan 2NT" as the limit raise. After an overcall, use standard competitive methods. Some pairs play Bergen is ON after doubles only — confirm with partner, but the simpler rule (Bergen off in all competition) avoids accidents.

Mistake 3: Using Bergen Raises With Only a 3-Card Fit

A player holds ♥K74 (3-card support) and 8 HCP. They bid 3♣ Bergen, incorrectly. Partner places the contract expecting a 9-card fit and commits to a level that doesn't play as well with only 8 trumps. The difference between 8 and 9 trumps matters in competitive bidding and slam decisions.

Fix: Bergen Raises require exactly 4-card support. This is the whole point of the convention — it distinguishes 3-card and 4-card raises. With 3-card support and 6–9 HCP, make the simple raise to 2♥ or 2♠. With 3-card support and 10–12 HCP, bid 1NT followed by 3 of opener's suit (forcing sequence for limit raise without 4-card support), or use 2NT if available. Never stretch a 3-card fit into a Bergen raise.

Convention Card

How to document Bergen Raises on your ACBL convention card, in the "Major Suit Raises" section.

MAJOR SUIT RAISES — BERGEN RAISES

Convention: Bergen Raises ✓ (3♣ and 3♦ over 1♥/1♠ are conventional, not natural)

Applies to: Non-passed hand, uncontested auctions only. OFF in competition.

2♥ / 2♠ = Simple raise — 3-card support, 6–9 HCP

3♣ = Bergen constructive raise — 4-card support, 7–9 HCP. Alert required.

3♦ = Bergen limit raise — 4-card support, 10–12 HCP. Alert required.

3♥ / 3♠ = Preemptive Bergen raise — 4-card support, 0–6 HCP

4♥ / 4♠ = Gambling / distributional raise — 4+ card support, 5–9 HCP, good shape

2NT = Jacoby 2NT — 4+ card support, game-forcing (13+ HCP)

QUICK REFERENCE — BERGEN RAISE RESPONSE CHART

3♣ 4-card support · 7–9 HCP · Constructive

3♦ 4-card support · 10–12 HCP · Limit Raise

3♥ / 3♠ 4-card support · 0–6 HCP · Preemptive

2NT 4+ card support · 13+ HCP · Game Force (Jacoby)

Alert reminder: Both 3♣ and 3♦ Bergen responses require an alert at the table. Announce: "Bergen raise — [constructive / limit raise]" and be prepared to explain the HCP range and support requirement to opponents.

Competition note: Bergen Raises are OFF after any opponent bid (double or overcall). In competition after a double, many pairs use Jordan 2NT as the conventional limit raise (or better) with 3+ card support.