• Simple Raise  (Example 1)
• 5-10 support points (hcp+shortness)
• 3+ card support (usually 3 or 4)
  Note that we can raise more aggressively over the double than in an uncontested auction. The raise is valuable because it both tells partner that we have support (which can be critical in a competitive auction) and also takes a level of bidding away from our left hand opponent.

• Weak, preemptive raise  (Example 2)
• No more than 7 hcp
• 4+ card support
• Shortness in a side suit (ideally a singleton but could be a small doubleton)
• The preemptive jump raise in competition is not alertable, but when playing online I consider it courteous to type "preemptive" in the explanation box so the opponents know how I intend the bid. 

• Weak, distributional raise  (Example 3)
• No more than about 7 hcp
• 5+ card support
• A singleton or void in a side suit
• This is preemptive in intent: it is a distribution bid, not a values bid.  Sometimes game will make because the hands fit together well; other times you will be set but suffer a smaller loss than if you had let the opponents declare a contract.  You might also keep the opponents from finding a making game contract

** INVITATIONAL OR BETTER HANDS WITH SUPPORT MAKE A JORDAN 2NT RAISE **

• Redouble initially shows 10+ hcp, and opener will assume you do not have support
• Your second round non-jump raise will show an invitational hand with 3 card major suit support.

• Invitational or better raise (Example Hands 4, 5 and 6)
• 11+ points (counting hcp + shortness): no upper limit
• 4+ card support for opener's major (5+ for a minor)
• This bid is artificial and says nothing about responder's distribution other than his support for opener's suit

After responder bids Jordan 2NT, showing an invitational or stronger hand with support for opener's major, opener's next bid depends on the strength of his hand. In essence, opener should respond to 2NT with the assumption that partner has only invitational strength. If responder in fact has game values, his next bid will indicate that.

• Sign-off in 3 of your suit
  • See Example 4 and Example 5
• Bid a new suit below 3 of the agreed major as a (natural) game try bid. 
   
• Continuations by responder after a 3M sign-off:
  • Pass = invitational strength only (Example 4)
  • Raise to game = game values but no slam interest opposite a minimum opener (Example 5)
  • New suit = control showing cuebid (typically an ace).  Responder is trying for slam.
     

• Jump to game in your suit without slam interest.
  • See Example 6

• Do NOT bid 3 of the agreed major as that shows a minimum opening hand and responder might pass.
   

• Bid 3 of a new suit. Responder will assume that you are making a game try bid, but you will follow-up with a control showing cuebid to show your slam interest.
• Bid 4NT (Blackwood) only if you have a control in every suit.  A control is an ace, king, singleton or void.  Unless you are only concerned about trump quality, starting a cuebidding sequence is almost always a better alternative to Blackwood.
• Bid 4 of a new suit (or 3 if hearts are trump). Be sure to have a discussion with partner about this one! Two possible treatments (I'm sure there are others) are for the new suit to show:
  • a good 5+ card side suit (a potential source of tricks in a slam contract), or
  • a Splinter bid (singleton or void in the bid suit), again with slam interest.