How to Respond to 1 Club in Bridge

1. Determine Your Hand Strength

• 0-5 points → Pass (unless you have a strong suit or distributional hand)
• 6-9 points → Make a minimum bid (1♦, 1♥, 1♠, or 1NT)
• 10-12 points → Make an invitational bid (e.g., 2NT, jump in a suit)
• 13+ points → Make a forcing bid (bid a new suit at the 2-level or higher)

2. Choose Your Response

• 1♦, 1♥, or 1♠: Shows 4+ cards in that suit and at least 6 points.
• 1NT: Shows a balanced hand (6-10 points) and no 4-card major.
• 2♣: Typically shows a stronger hand (10+ points) and club support.
• Jump to 2 of a new suit: Shows at least 10 points and a 5+ card suit.
• 2NT: Invitational, showing about 11-12 points and a balanced hand.
• Jump to 3NT: Shows 13+ points with a balanced hand.
• Raise to 3♣: Invitational with good club support.
• Raise to 4♣: Preemptive (weak) with long clubs.

3. Special Cases

• If playing Strong Club (Precision or similar systems), a 1♣ opening is artificial, and responses follow a different structure.
• If your partner’s 1♣ opening is part of a short club system (where it could be as short as 2 or 3 clubs), respond naturally, prioritizing majors.