Picture jumps are used in the 2/1 bidding system.

If we start with an auction, with no intervening bidding such as:-

  • 1♠-2♣
  • 2 -?

So here we can bid 2♠ / 3♠ / 4♠ to show different kinds of holdings.

Firstly 2♠

A hand such as:

  • ♠ K107
  • K5
  • K76
  • ♣ KJ973

The two spade bid shows 3 card spade support but also denies holding a good 5 card club suit and good spades now making slam less likely.

Secondly 3♠

A hand such as:

  • ♠ KQ7
  • A5
  • 876
  • ♣ AKJxx

This raise shows good trump support, a good club suit and an outside control in one of the red suits.

And Finally 4♠

A hand such as:

  • ♠ KQ7
  • 65
  • J76
  • ♣ AKJxx

This shows excellent trump support and a great club support but no controls in the other suits.

By having all these different bids set in stone opener is more likely to know whether to go for a slam or not.