One spade (1♠) is a bid in bridge which specifies a contract for the partnership to take 7 tricks with ♠ as the trump suit. It's a partscore contract in duplicate bridge, but becomes a game contract when redoubled.
As an opening[]
- An opening of 1♠ promises 4 or 5 ♠s, depending whether a 4 or 5-card major is being used. However, even in a 4-card major system, a 1♠ opening normally shows 5 ♠s since lower openings are preferred with 4-card suits.
As a response[]
- A 1♠ response to a natural opening shows 4 ♠s and 6+ HCPs. It is forcing for one round.
- A 1♠ response in the sequence 1♣/1♦ - (1♥) - 1♠ shows 5 ♠s, as with only 4 ♠s a negative double is used.
As an overcall[]
- A 1♠ overcall normally specifies 5 good ♠s (occasionally 4 very good ♠s) and 8-16 HCPs.
In later bidding[]
- The sequence 1♣ - 1♦/1♥ - 1♠ normally specifies at least 4 ♠s, denying 4 ♥s and 13-17 points by the opener. It shows 5 ♠s only if ♣s are longer. It may or may not be forcing depending on partnership agreement.
- The sequence 1♣ - 1♦ - 1♥ - 1♠ is forcing and may (natural) or may not (4th suit artificial) show 4 ♠s, depending on the agreement.
| Bids |
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1♣-1♦-1♥-1♠-1NT |