mw64ahw

I play something similar in the Majors which you have disparaged before. Perhaps you don't understand the value of being able to show a hand that has strong playing stength, but is more likely pass/correct given the light hcp versus one that has a higher probability of playing in 3NT.

I play something totally different now, but originally learnt, as here, to consider fast vs slow arrival so opening ♣ and rebidding 2♦ keeps the bidding lower so shows the stronger hand.

The above hand is too HCP light for me to reverse so I open 1♦ with a view to bidding 3♣ (showing 55) as a follow-up given the hand's playing strength.

Takeout X or NT for me

I prefer the older books where 2♣/♦ shows 10/11+ as this maintains the 2/1 GI structure if that is what you play.

For the first one I'd look for an hcp count of 8-10 so you can play in 1NT/2H opposite a balanced Min/54♥♠, so more encouragement than a specific shape. I would also X with a minimum 3 card limit raise using 2♠ to show stronger support. For the 2nd I think you need 2♠4+minors/xx55 with 8-10hcp using a direct 2NT as a Weak/strong preempt in the minors with short♥ Alternatively just a strong hand with your own suit.

Playing a balanced only 1NT[hv=pc=n&s=s6hkqj9dt2cakt932&w=sajtha6dak54cj754&n=s9542h43dqj876c86&e=skq873ht8752d93cq&d=w&v=n&b=12&a=1np2d(trf)p2hp2s(4+GI)3c3NT(max w. 2H3S)p4s(Op must have 3S)ppp]399|300[/hv]

Thanks I've not come across this before, but I guess you struggle with a Queen ask where the response to 4Trumps+1 is 4Trumps+3?

If you use Michael's and Unusual NT then 3♣ can be used as highest and lowest of unbid suits. (Weak or Strong+) While this may not prevent opponents from reaching 5♣ it describes your hand well and partner can then make a more informed decision. In this case, however, I would bid as South did which would show this specific playing strength. Partner then has a decision to make as to 5♦/X or Pass over 5♣

I'm in the MAFIA camp so 1♥ which I guess makes it easy for me.

MPs playing standardish 2/1 One novice pair reached 4♥ (against us) when they opened 1♥! Do you bid differently from below? [hv=pc=n&w=sqj973hakqj7d3c82&e=sht96dakj542cj973&d=w&v=0&b=8&a=1SP1NTP2HPPP]266|200[/hv]

Not sure what the X is trying to say, but 4♥ now, with a good chance of making opposite a non-min.

Assuming you're not playing a (semi)forcing NT and 1NT is typically 6-9/10 Pass unless you feel a 5 card minor in hand will provide a better contract when the response is 1NT; unless you are playing something like New Minor Forcing. A 2-level response can be weak, strong or artificial. With the latter two you will need to bid again, with the first option Pass unless a pre-emptive raise is appropriate. As pointed out above; what are your system agreements

I would open this hand in first seat, where others would not. Given I don't have a Weak 2 in ♣ I use 2♦/♥ as a Drury variation so can bid 2♣ opposite a third seat opening. This is not a 2/1 GF so 1NT opposite a 1st/2nd seat opener. I play GI the majority of the time so in this case I'm OK to bid 2♣

https://bridgewinners.com/article/view/advancing-a-nebulous-2c-response/

I faced a similar sort of choice and stuck with Standard American plus gadgets. I find that 1M-P-2X marginally decreases the chance of 4th seat interference and you can still GF at a later stage 1M--P-1NT-2X-2NT also now has different meanings depending on X e.g. 1♠-1NT-2♥-2NT (a 4 card ♥ limit raise, but also a game try)

Yep 2NT is a better bid over 1!S

For me the hand is a touch on the weak side for 3♦ with all those Qs & Jacks, but I understand the bid with a self-sustaining suit. The issue arises because the North Robot is impatient and expects a slightly stronger hand for 6♦. I guess that bidding 2♦ results in 3NT for the better score

What's 3♠?

Its not come up for me, but logically a good suit bad hand could be AK or AQ so your keycard responses would be the same. With a 3NT AKQ reply there would be no need to ask for keycards with only Js and lower being of possible interest. With 2♣-2♦ (negative <8hcp rather than double negative) there is still the opportunity to have keycards so I doubt I would adjust.

3♥ at equal vulnerability expecting partner to have 6+ playing tricks 5♣ at unfavourable vulnerability expecting partner to have 7+ playing tricks

Looking at the Ambra system the GF hands with 3 card support go through either 2♣ or 2♦ thus 3m is always guaranteed.

There are a few style questions that may be pertinent: to 2/1 continuations Is 1♥-2♦ 5+. If so then is 1♥-2♣ GF 2+♣ when 4342?As others have identified there are a number of ways to play subsequent to 2♣. I'm in the camp that shows a minimum hand first (a catchall) and shape 2nd or an Intermediate+ hand together with shape. It may be worth considering some of the other approachesThe 3♥ bid is good with the point range OK for a semi-balanced hand, but you may need to reconsider for unbalanced/balanced hands if the 3♥ bid is still used as SI.With Italian cue-bidding after 3♥ you can use 3♠ to show the 1st/2nd round control.What does 3NT mean after 3♥? Some use as serious/frivolous. I use the bid to show a weak trump suit. Some pairs also switch the meaning of 3♠/3NTIs the 4♦ bid necessary to show a control? Either bid 4♥ to deny or move above to continue the slam investigation. Some use the bid as Last Train, but I'm not a fan and use it to show a ♦ void.There are other alternatives to 4NT RKCB. If d) is used then 4♠ as Kickback (keycard asking) or 4♠+ as Kickbo (keycard/control showing) are alternatives. I use the latter as it provides additional space to establish the presence of Kings/Queens etc. when looking for the grand.As others have identified; where is the Queen ask? Maybe the 2♥ bid promises 2+ of the top 3 honours?Also more considered control bidding after the keycard ask/show may land you in 7NT rather than 7♥

As West I have to bid rather than pass expecting to make 4x

Yep. 4th seat calls are marginally different and I've been caught out occasionally by a newish partner forgetting😀