[Lplaytzzzz]

If partner opens ie: 1H and I have support for hearts and v decent points - is it illegal to 'make up' a change of suit bid, to hopefully find strength of partners(openers) hand. With the view of investigating slamming in the H suit.......

[Bbradley62]

No bid is illegal, as long as it is made in turn and is sufficient (meaning, not lower than the previous bid). The strategy you ask about is fairly common.

[barmar]

There's no such thing as "illegal" bids -- bids have whatever meaning you agree with your partner. Bridge organizations such as ACBL and EBU regulate which agreements are allowed in the tournaments that they administer, and there are different restrictions depending on the level of the tournament. AFAIK, no organization prohibits the agreement you describe.

If you're just asking whether this is part of standard bidding, it is, but you have to be careful. If you bid 1♠, you're going to have a really hard time convincing partner that you don't have at least 4 spades. If he also has 4 spades, he'll raise you, and you'll have a really hard time convincing him that you really want to play in hearts. Every time you bid hearts, he might bid spades over it (4-4 fits are often better than 5-3 fits). You'll have less trouble if you start with a 2/1 bid in a minor, since no one wants to play in a minor when there's a major fit.

[barmar]

I've moved this thread to General Bridge Discussion. There's nothing specific to BBO about the question.

[Lplaytzzzz]

thnx for your help - just moved to new area and playing first time with chairman at EBU club...suddenly have the jitters