<p>In the game of Spade, the Big 5 conventions (invent by Herm Carney and Roger Denino, as stated in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7Ax2XeugmE&amp;ab_channel=ExpertVillageLeafGroup" rel="nofollow noreferrer">video by Joe Andrews</a>)  means that if the first partner <code>bids 5</code> it signals to the second partner that she can cover a Nil bid.  That is to say, if partners play by this convention, the first bidder only bids <code>5</code> when she have certain hand that can cover a partner Nil.</p>
<p>I found the exact rules of when to bid 5 are <strong>vague</strong>.  Of course every couple can decide upon a slightly different convention, however I am interested in the original\popular convention.</p>
<p>I play that the first bidder only bids 5 if have:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Ace or King of spade</p>
</li>
<li><p>4 to 6 takes</p>
</li>
<li><p>in each of the side-suits, has one of the following options:</p>
<p>a. Void</p>
<p>b. Singelton higher than {5}</p>
<p>c. Doubleton higher than {5,8}</p>
<p>d. A honor card</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>My question is, <strong>what exactly a <code>5 bid</code> by the first partner represent in the big 5 convention</strong>?</p>
<p><strong>The vagueness</strong> is mostly in section 3 (cover in side suits).
Another issue I suspect needs to be defined better: if you only have a single spade (Ace or king) is it still acceptable for a bid of 5?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-08-08T13:22:20.400Z
Is the convention "if someone is able to bid 5, then they can probably cover a nil", or is it "only bid 5 if you can cover a nil"? I suspect it might be the former. Your list sounds more like you can maybe bid 7.
AndyT
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-08-09T09:17:43.420Z
you right, the former: only bid 5 if you can cover a nil.
I am looking to find exact rules of what it meant to be able to cover Nil.  Since only sections 1+2 is not enough but section 3 can be different than what I suggested.
Cohensius
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-08-09T09:19:16.530Z
"The former" means "the first thing listed" i.e. "If someone is able to bid 5, then they can probably cover a nil". The opposite would be "the latter". Given this, your comment makes no sense.
AndyT
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-08-09T09:24:04.000Z
That said, having now read your first link it definitely says "only bid 5 if you can cover a nil" and goes through all the guidelines. I don't see the vagueness.
AndyT
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-08-09T09:33:05.153Z
you are right again, I meant the latter.  The vagueness is in section 3.  In the links they don't specify section 3, just say that you need a cover in sides suits.
Cohensius
<bidding><spades>
The "Big Five" Bidding Convention in Spades
Cohensius
# The "Big Five" Bidding Convention in Spades

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-08-07)

In the game of Spade, the Big 5 conventions (invent by Herm Carney and Roger Denino, as stated in a [video by Joe Andrews](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7Ax2XeugmE&ab_channel=ExpertVillageLeafGroup)) means that if the first partner `bids 5` it signals to the second partner that she can cover a Nil bid. That is to say, if partners play by this convention, the first bidder only bids `5` when she have certain hand that can cover a partner Nil.

I found the exact rules of when to bid 5 are **vague**. Of course every couple can decide upon a slightly different convention, however I am interested in the original\popular convention.

I play that the first bidder only bids 5 if have:

1. Ace or King of spade
2. 4 to 6 takes
3. in each of the side-suits, has one of the following options:

   a. Void

   b. Singelton higher than {5}

   c. Doubleton higher than {5,8}

   d. A honor card

My question is, **what exactly a `5 bid` by the first partner represent in the big 5 convention**?

**The vagueness** is mostly in section 3 (cover in side suits).
Another issue I suspect needs to be defined better: if you only have a single spade (Ace or king) is it still acceptable for a bid of 5?

**Tags:** bidding, spades

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Is the convention "if someone is able to bid 5, then they can probably cover a nil", or is it "only bid 5 if you can cover a nil"? I suspect it might be the former. Your list sounds more like you can maybe bid 7.  
> **username_0**: you right, the former: only bid 5 if you can cover a nil. I am looking to find exact rules of what it meant to be able to cover Nil.  Since only sections 1+2 is not enough but section 3 can be different than what I suggested.  
> **username_1**: "The former" means "the first thing listed" i.e. "If someone is able to bid 5, then they can probably cover a nil". The opposite would be "the latter". Given this, your comment makes no sense.  
> **username_1**: That said, having now read your first link it definitely says "only bid 5 if you can cover a nil" and goes through all the guidelines. I don't see the vagueness.  
> **username_0**: you are right again, I meant the latter.  The vagueness is in section 3.  In the links they don't specify section 3, just say that you need a cover in sides suits.  

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## 0 answers

