dake50

Disciplined weak-2 promises 2-tops, so I expect 3 major suit tricks. X. Undisciplined weak-2, expect 2xS tricks and .. .. ?? P.

I too have pondered another partition of hands than Precision by 16+hcp. Try 1C force with 4+S; 1D not 4cS unless in the NT ladder for 1D. Essentially 1C has 18+bal or S-force. 1D has 15-17 bal or H-/D-/C-/H+D/H+C/D+C force. My intent is to have a minimum to unscramble after 1m (3-suit) ?? Thus little to gain by opponent's barrage. Surely, SOME other partitions of hand categories need to be considered. Have you considered paradox responses(C. Ryall) ??

How about parity signal: hi-lo = 1suit of even length; lo-hi =1 suit of odd length. I played this gem from Vinje and liked it. Only conflicted with Smith echo v NT. Any one else play, or like this? ? I too wonder why proven superior methods are so-o-o slow to catch on. xfer advances, 'known shortage' jumps. Esp. the Swiss raises had 24 routes after 1S to reveal control structure if desired, yet 24 yrs later too few raises complaints. And whole artificial schemes to get what Swiss (J Besse) had. Is it because of the false idiom 'it doesn't matter what system is played, just how well each play that system' ? ? Partnership is about 4+% of winning to system proved 1+%.

Two tricks at most! Even hoping they fill just the right holes, this can't be 50%. 3H.

Wha- a-at? ? With CA, . . CJ, Cxxx, this hand jumps 3H.

3S preempted our partial is my best guess. We make 3H, 3C or partner's 3D. Let them win preempt partial hands. I want to win back the our game hands. Pass, not close.

Why not 4-suit xfers starting with 2C -> D ?? Then responder SHOWS(not asks) which 4M he has. I too hate Stayman as TOO blabby. Why ask just to inform oppts hidden hand has/not 4M?

Bass ackwards! This hand is near totally up/down based on what partner has and pollers are blocking partner's 1-level bid with 1NT ??? Open 1C! Decide next.

Flip your mind. From 'how do I bid THIS hand?' TO 'when do we want to be in 3NT, 4M: then 6M, 6NT, 6m; then even partials not NT. When you actually look at those answers the bidding to get there almost answers itself. For example I want to be in 3NT with no blab when I have a source of tricks, but am I likely to miss 6m on my long suit? How many controls are needed? Max for 1NT? Can I find no-stuff opposite my short? CONTRACT before HAND.

Their D-barrage improves my hand to a force. Don't I surrender partscore tries that force this high level guess? Esp. teams? I don't think fitting either H or C, partner will pass, but get him to pick which game??

What's left to try for? 3-fit for S? 2-fit for C? 4-fit for H? stop in D? =do it! Defend 2D. I don't see much else that has a clear message.

With 15 and J,J,Q over opener, am I compensated for only 3cH? YES T/OX 1st Now what's the hope for plus given partner passed? His S under whatever opener has, but rest says try for partial. reopen X.

Plainly a 1S opener. If raised, promote to 4H. Not 2H is enough.

X =10; P =5; 5D =2 I want to give no impression of extras after 2S. Esp no A which pass suggests =going higher looks ok from me. 5D is too high if 2 aces are missing.

2C as I want to get to 2M-X and add 3 C-ruffs killing CAKQ of doubler. That's my slim hope.

Am I to be outsmarted or out-dumbed? Only H7-2 or C5-0 with RHO DHx loses a ruff. I can be dumb and lose to DKQx RHO, trying to score 'smart' vs LHO clever.

I'm in a contrasting camp. Partner says S don't run immediately, so let's get our tricks going. Lead club.

What part of Bal opener with Bal GF doesn't jibe? Blast 3NT. Steal some when no info doesn't direct the weakness, lose some when 4-4S covers that weakness. But the systemic bal w bal is maintained.

Give me something more. LHO an aggressive bidder who would seldom pass KJxxx. Did he have a cheap chance to bid but didn't? I really want to 3-6% reduce KJxxx, so the choice becomes a pure 'table feel' guess.

I guess partner made a reasonable try for a H-fit to game. Failed. Now do I want unprepared trouble?? Partner knew his risk, didn't he? So he's prepared for my 1-trick (hopefully) helping hand.

On this auction partner plays me for a useful 5hcp. I have better than that plus C-single. Bw/key then 6S over 3 or 4.

Cue 3S first to show 6+controls -relieve partner of slam fear with no controls. 4D -> 4H, 4C -> 6H try.

Couldn't everyone even online sense the noxious green cloud of stupid billowing forth??

6-suit in 'boss' spades !! Always!

4 pieces or 3 pieces need only be sorted out on gamish hands. 4-3S is fine in 2S - just pile up 6,7,8,9 tricks. But often need to keep trump control for 9,10+ tricks, so avoid S4-3 (allow only 3cS takes needed ruff). Use 2/1 F1 bids with 4SF for 3cS invites+; raises, jump raises with 4cS. Essentially 4SF asks 'partner do you want to try S4-3 game?' Raises tell him the 2/1 'stuff' is right and spades is right.