petka

1H-1N 2C is the "catch-all", containing short spades or 2-5-3-3, forcing 2D promises extra length in one or both majors (3+spades or 6+hearts), forcing 2H shows 2-5 majors and 4+clubs, non-forcing 2S shows 2-5 majors and 4+diamonds, non-forcing 2N and up takes care of special hands and hands with 2-5 majors and extra strength. Also possible is to insert splinters with 4card support. This works really well in a limited 1M structure, where 2C can be made non-forcing. As usual, it is slightly more difficult in a 10-20 context (or similar). 1H-1N-2C and responder assumes short 1-5 or 0-5 majors. 2D asks (and shows 5card spades in a limited hand) and 2H confirms that this is the case (one can build some fancy structure to find the best minor contract here), while 2S shows the 2-5-3-3 non-forcing. If opener bids higher bids after 1H-1N-2C-2D, this shows extras (significant) and 3m is forcing while 2N is invitational and semi-natural. 1H-1N-2C-2H from responder can be used for better hands, since responder will not hold 5-3 majors in a limited hand (see discussion later in post). Opener describes his hand naturally and the auction can only stop in 2N or if someone gives preference or rebids his suit (1H-1N-2C-2H-2N is non-forcing and semi-natural). 1H-1N-2C- 2S is natural and a non-forcing 2N is natural and invitational 3m is natural and invitational, typically 5card suit 3H is natural and invitational, typically 5-3-(32) 3S is natural and invitational 1H-1N-2D and 2H P/C, Opener can obey without extras, bid 2N with 3+spades and extras, 3m with 6+H and extras and 3M with 3-6 majors and extras. 2S non-forcing, long spades and short hearts 2N query 3m natural and forcing 3H P/C 3S P/C 1H-1N-2M is rather simple Concerning the 1H-1S response (0-4 spades, 0-3 hearts, force one round): It is a good strategy to bid this way with 5-3 majors, and then insist on hearts unless opener shows 4card spades. It is also good, IMO, to raise the hearts immiediately with weak spades and a limited hand. On a side note: 1H-1S-1N is 3-way, spades or 5332 or extras Responder then asks with 2m, and responder shows hand type. The 2m bids can distinguish between spades/not spades or INV+/weak so that opener can bid more economically.