Bergen Raises

Quick Summary

Updated March 2026 with the latest strategies and examples.

Bergen Raises use jump responses of 3♣ and 3♦ to show different strength levels of 4-card major support after partner opens 1♥ or 1♠.

See our complete list of bridge conventions for more on this and other popular conventions.

The Basics

After partner opens 1♥ or 1♠:

Response Meaning

3♣ 4+ card support, 7-9 points (weak raise)

3♦ 4+ card support, 10-12 points (limit raise)

3♥/3♠ 4+ card support, 0-6 points (preemptive)

1NT then raise 3-card support, 6-10 points

2♥/2♠ 3-card support, 6-10 points

Note: Some partnerships reverse the 3♣/3♦ meanings. Discuss with partner!

Why Use Bergen?

Traditional methods make it hard to show 4-card support with invitational values. Bergen Raises: – Distinguish 3-card from 4-card support, crucial for game decisions – Preempt effectively, the jump to 3-major with weak hands steals bidding space – Let opener evaluate accurately, knowing responder has 4+ trumps changes everything

Example Hands

Partner opens 1♠:

Hand 1: Bergen 3♣ (Weak with 4)

♠K975 ♥J62 ♦Q84 ♣753

Bid 3♣ — Four spades, 7 points. Shows weak raise with 4-card support.

Hand 2: Bergen 3♦ (Limit with 4)

♠QJ84 ♥K5 ♦A962 ♣843

Bid 3♦ — Four spades, 11 points. Invitational with 4-card support.

Hand 3: Preemptive 3♠

♠J10862 ♥4 ♦J753 ♣962

Bid 3♠ — Five spades, 4 points. Pure preempt to crowd the opponents.

Opener’s Rebids

After a Bergen response, opener knows responder has 4+ trumps:

After 3♣ (7-9) Opener’s Action

Minimum (12-14) Pass or sign off in 3M

Medium (15-17) Bid 3M or try for game

Maximum (18-19) Bid game

After 3♦ (10-12) Opener’s Action

Minimum (12-14) Sign off in 3M or bid game

Medium+ (15+) Bid game, possibly explore slam

The Full Bergen Structure

Complete Bergen includes additional bids:

Response Meaning

3♣ 4+ support, 7-9 points

3♦ 4+ support, 10-12 points

3M 4+ support, 0-6 points (preemptive)

3 other major Singleton/void in that suit, 4+ support, 10-12 (some play this)

Common Variations

Reverse Bergen

3♣ = 10-12 points (constructive)
3♦ = 7-9 points (weak)

Same structure, meanings swapped. Slightly more memory-friendly for some.

Bergen Over Interference

After opponent doubles 1M: – Many pairs turn off Bergen – Redouble shows 10+ points – 2NT = Jordan (4+ support, limit raise) – 3♣/3♦ revert to natural

After opponent overcalls: – Bergen typically off – Use standard raises and cue-bids

History

Bergen Raises were popularized by Marty Bergen, one of America’s most successful bridge teachers and authors. Bergen won two North American championships with Larry Cohen and has written numerous bestselling bridge books including Points Schmoints!

His raise structure became widely adopted because it solved a genuine problem: distinguishing 3-card from 4-card support while maintaining preemptive pressure.

Key Takeaways

3♣ = weak (7-9), 3♦ = limit (10-12) — always confirm with partner
Direct 3M = preemptive, weak hand, 4+ trumps
Requires 4+ card support, with only 3, use standard raises
Turn off over interference, use Jordan 2NT and cue-bids instead
Great for game decisions, opener knows exact trump length and strength

Get Your Major Raises Right with Brian

Bergen Raises give you precise tools, but using them correctly means knowing your exact point range and trump length every time. One level off and you send the wrong message.

Try Brian, your AI bridge coach, and practice major-suit raises with real-time feedback. Brian catches when you should have used Bergen vs. a direct raise, and explains the difference.

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Related reading:

Jacoby 2NT, Game-forcing raise with 4+ card support
Splinter Bids, Showing shortness with a strong raise
Bridge Conventions for Beginners, The conventions every player should learn first

Practice What You’ve Learned

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