Douglas43

My personal rule of thumb is to open 1♥ with KQ10xx or better (3 of top 5, including 2 of top 3). I also upgrade to 1♥ and rebid 1NT with a good 14 (playing a 15-17 rebid). Not claiming any great authority in the matter but it's probably a fairly simple MOR Acol style.

Maybe but it's not a good grand without the Jack of hearts is it?

I play fairly simple methods when rebidding two no trumps after a two level response (playing opening 12-14) 2NT is GF. Covers all 15-17s and 18-19 with 5 hearts and doubt about destination. If responder bids 3♥ now opener bids 4♥ with 15-17 and cue-bids with 18-19. 3NT is 18-19 and describes the hand, usually 4 hearts, can be 5 but poor suit and a "no trump-y" hand Not perfect but gives reasonable definition.

When establishing a suit there is sometimes a case for holding back top cards to avoid them being ruffed, and to make it less likely that you will suffer an over-ruff. But if trying for a cross-ruff, grab them first.

I'm with David. Worth a raise after balancing but not after a second seat double.

It's not usual in acol either. I thought it must be a 2/1 thing.

That is right if you want the bidding system. The btbb is a collection of hands

Have not raised a 2C response on three cards myself. Is it standard to do so in the US?

Should East raise to 4D?

AFAIK it is out of print but I have an old paperback that I could post when I get back from my holiday in a week of so. I think that some of the hands were improved by the authors, according to research by a guy called Avon Wilsmore who has written a book about the blue team. Message me if you want the book. Paul

If the OP now posts bidding on which my line fails I have a good excuse. 😎

Will try for a cross ruff. SA, S ruff, HA, H ruff, S ruff, H ruff, DA, S ruff, DK, S ruff and AC would be 11 tricks. Then exhale.

With no opposition bidding I would ruff low, DA, D ruff, Spade ruff, D ruff with the 10, HKQ and hope that trumps break or D king drops. As we are told that the bidding does not help, that's my line for now.

Have played weak NT and leb for years. Works ok

Tiger bridge by Jeremy Flint combines stories, tips, description of Flint/ Pender system and recollections of BA 1965.