Canapé (bridge)

Canapé is a bridge treatment which refers to a system of bidding where the second suit bid is always longer (or at least as long) as the first. The name Canapé refers to a small bite presented before a big meal.

Playing Canapé, the hand SpadesKQ73 Hearts5 DiamsAQJ94 ClubsJ54 is opened 1Spades. If partner does not raise the spades, the diamond suit is introduced in the next bidding round. With the spade and diamond suits reversed (SpadesAQJ94 Hearts5 DiamsKQ73 ClubsJ54) the prescribed opening is 1Diams followed by a spade bid in the next round. The consequence of this approach is that on more balanced hands such as hands with a 4-4-3-2 distribution, only one four card suit can be introduced. With the hand SpadesKQ73 Hearts95 DiamsAQJ4 ClubsJ54 a Canapé bidder will open 1Spades and following a 2Clubs response rebid notrump. Hands with a 5-3-3-2 distribution are either opened in the five card suit followed by a notrump rebid (or a rebid in the same suit if the suit is solid), or in certain cases opened Canapé on a strong three card suit.

Canapé forms the basis of various European systems such as the Roman club and Blue club systems. The advantage of the Canapé treatment is that with a four card major first a major suit fit is investigated, and if such a fit is not present the partnership can play in the longest suit of the opener. Also, Canapé bidders often get to bid a short major which has a marked preemptive value, also because takeout doubles are less effective in cases where the opponents have not opened their longest suit.

Invention of the concept is attributed to early French master Pierre Albarran.

See also

* Comfy Canapé