petem

When I sit down to play with a new partner, I usually play 4SF to game. We check the box, and move on. However, this approach handles a class of hands poorly: when responder has an invitational hand, and no stopper in the fourth suit (typically with a 5-card major). The "who needs a stopper?" folks have no problem. Eddie Kantar advises playing 4SF one round, invitational or better. His rule is that, if responder bids at the 3-level, it becomes forcing to game. I have been playing this way in established partnerships for years, and it really works. (Incidentally, I play the same rule after new minor forcing.) Some details: -- Opener cannot afford to make a simple rebid when holding a game-going hand. Jump raise responder's major or bid 3NT when appropriate. -- Opener may not have any suitable bid other than two of responder's major on a doubleton. -- Responder may be slamming in opener's minor, and not have a 5-card major.