jfnrl

This concerns only 2 auctions (forcing in SEF; NF in SAYC if I understand well) : 1D 2C 2NT 3C 1D 2C 2NT 3D The + of playing the first NF is that 2NT may show any 12-14 balanced (2D promising 5 cards) I don't the merit of playing the second NF

Right. i thought that it was the same thing in SAYC "NOTE: Responder promises to bid again if he responded with a new suit at the two level unless opener’s rebid is at the game level. This applies when responder is an unpassed hand. 1 — 2 2 = forcing one round. Responder can limit his hand by bidding 2, 2NT, 3, or 3 at this point. He should not pass, since opener could have 18 points (just short of a jump shift rebid)." (SAYC booklet)

This http://ghbridge.free.fr/affiecta.php?choix=EA12W could be useful if you read french (the problem is the same in SEF). In few words, 2M in the auction 1D 2C 2D 2M is ambiguous showing a real suit or a stopper (looking for a stopper in the oM) Now, 1D 2C 2D 2M 3M shows 4 cards M without stopper in oM 1D 2C 2D 2M 3NT shows both

As far as I understand the WBF's philosophy, real bids show what real agreements are. If you bid 2D with the hand of the OP, your real agreement is "I promise 6cM, but from time to time, I may have only 5 cards". If you bid 2D with 5cM and 9HCP, you are guilty of using a prohibited agreement (in France).

Italia and France have a regulation adapted from the WBF systems policy. Compare the item concerning the multi 2D : WBF "EXCEPTION: a two level opening bid in a minor showing a weak two in either major, whether with or without the option of strong hand types containing 16 high card points or more, or with equivalent values. Defensive measures are permitted for opponents as in 6 below." Italia "ECCEZIONE: Un’apertura a livello di due in un minore che mostri una sotto apertura di due in un maggiore, sia che includa o meno l’opzione di uno dei tipi di mano forte quali descritti nel WBF Convention Booklet. In questo caso potranno comunque essere utilizzate le difese previste per le convenzioni e i trattamenti “Brown Sticker” previsti al successivo punto 6." France "Les ouvertures de 2♣ ou 2♦ « multi » montrant un deux faible en majeure (main montrant une couleur 6ème d’une force inférieure à la valeur de l’ouverture) avec ou sans options montrant une main forte." So,the overcall of the OP is allowed under WBF regulation, forbidden in France, not prohibited in Italia

"stayman à ressort" in France very old-fashioned see "Le bridge d'aujourd'hui" by Delmouly et Parienté (1972)

Forcing pass auction (as opening + 2D = 23+HCP) South's pass is correct : values for 5D or X North must X : soft values.

SEF 2S is a two-weak 6cS 8-11HCP 2S (X) 3D If undiscussed, what is the standard meaning of 3D ? : natural forcing natural non forcing raise (forcing to 3S at least) + good suit (at least KQxxx) raise + lead directing (AKx, etc...) Thank you for your answer

EBL and WBF have the same Systems Policy. In the seminar notes of the 4th tournament directors course is given an english-english translation of the HUM definition : I suppose that this text was sent to WBF which didn't deny it.

Here after, you have the transposition of WBF Systems Policy 2.2 in the French regulation : b) to e) are very close to the WBF items {c) is written in very poor French}. But my understanding of a) (that i understand as "an opening pass that may show a hand that would be opened in all usual systems") is that you are not allowed to pass a 14 HCP one-suited by system.

I upen 2NT

It is a matter of regulation. In France (google translation): "85.7 - Initiates After the opening card has been returned and the hand of the death spread, the registrant should take a break for 10 to 15 seconds before playing the dead. Not following this rule can lose the right to claim against a few seconds hesitation opponent placed after the death." (Règlement national des compétitions)

Playing SEF (and so stayman 4 responses), I think that its main minus are : No garbage stayman and auction 1NT 2C 2K 2H is underloaded To much information to opponents if the final contract is 3 or 4H In my opinion, the main minus of stayman 3 responses is that slam auctions are more complicated. Playing stayman 4 responses, if the auction begins : 1NT 2C 2H 3D The responder may look for a stopper in C (plausible contracts are 3NT, 4M -fit 4-3, 5D); he may also show a strong hand with or without fit (plausible contracts 4H, 5D, slam in D/H). It seems me very complicated if he must keep in mind that the opener may have 4S.

Psyching policy is not only a matter of law but also of regulation (see L40B2d). In France, it is prohibited to do a "protected psyche". for example : It is not allowed to psyche 2NT in the auction (where the standard bid is 3S) 2S (pass) 2NT where 2NT ask rank and spade quality As far as I know, this psyche is also prohibited by WBF. In Spain AEP' regulation should avoid repeated psyches : " a) La pareja ha efectuado voces falsas similares en el pasado, pero no ha transcurrido el tiempo suficiente para que el recuerdo haya desaparecido de la mente del jugador." In other words (as far as I undersand spanish): You are not allowed to make a psyche if your partner has not forgotten the previous similar one.

3m with a decent m-suit pass, 2H, 2S are also options with : Kxxxx A AQ xxxxx Axxxx AK x Jxxxx Axxxx - AKx xxxxx