Baron Convention

Introduction

Baron is a set of Contract Bridge bidding conventions. There are three common variations of the Baron convention used in the game. These are described below.

Baron Three Clubs

This is an alternative to responder using Stayman over a 2NT opening bid. Responder will have 5+ points and an unbalanced hand. Responder bids 3 Clubs, which asks opener to bid his four card suits in ascending order. If clubs are the only 4 card suit then opener bids 3NT. If there are two 4 card suits, one being clubs, opener bids the higher first then 3NT for the clubs if no fit is found. Opener's 2NT is a limited bid and responder has not shown the strength of his hand, therefore responder will control how high the bidding goes, game or prospecting for a slam, and the suit to be played. The main advantage of this convention is that it becomes easier to reach minor-suit slams.

Baron Notrump Overcall

A 1NT overcall is used over an opponent's opening suit bid and shows a weak hand with support for the unbid suits i.e. it excludes support in the opponent's suit.

Baron Two Notrump Response

When the opening is a bid of one of a suit, a 2NT response is given showing 16-18 points and a generally flat hand. 3NT shows 13-15 points. This is also known as the Two NoTrump Forcing Response.

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