Fragment bid
Developed by Monroe Ingberman,[1] a fragment bid is a bidding convention used in the card game contract bridge. It is an unusual jump rebid, usually a double jump, by either the opener or the responder which shows a fit with partner's suit and shortage, either a singleton or void, in the fourth suit.[2]
Although analogous to splinter bids, fragment bids differ in that they require the naming of a suit held rather than the short suit itself. Partnership agreement is required on the details of either splinter or fragment bids and their continuations.
Examples
Fragment bid by opener
| North | South |
|---|---|
| 1♠ | 2♦ |
| 4♥ |
The 4♥ rebid by opener is a fragment bid; it is double jump showing two or three cards in the fragment suit (hearts), a singleton or void in clubs and support for partner's diamond suit.
Fragment bids by responder
| North | South |
|---|---|
| 1♣ | 1♥ |
| 1♠ | 4♣ |
The 4♣ bid is a fragment bid showing support for spades and shortness in the unbid suit, diamonds.
| North | South |
|---|---|
| 1♣ | 1♥ |
| 1♠ | 4♦ |
When three suits have been bid naturally, a double jump in the fourth suit is a fragment bid. The 4♦ bid shows support for partner's last bid suit (spades) and a singleton in his first suit (clubs).
| North | South |
|---|---|
| 1♣ | 1♥ |
| 1♠ | 4♦ |
| 4♠ | 5♣ |
If the fragment bidder rebids the suit in which he has promised shortness, he shows a void; in this case in clubs.
See also
References
- Manley, Brent; Horton, Mark; Greenberg-Yarbro, Tracey; Rigal, Barry, eds. (2011). The Official Encyclopedia of Bridge (7th ed.). Horn Lake, MS: American Contract Bridge League. p. 286. ISBN 978-0-939460-99-1.
- Kearse, Amalya (1990). Bridge Conventions Complete (Revised and Expanded ed.). Louisville, KY: Devyn Press Inc. p. 106. ISBN 0-910791-76-7.