Yzerman

I have a friend on BBO in which we discuss bridge frequently, and although I drive him nuts, my usual comments are "that problem hand is solved if you play weak NT's". Here are some arguments for weak NT; a) There is naturally MORE to describe in a 15-17 hand than 11-14, so by opener 1c or 1d you have already described something in hand that 1NT can not describe. :) 1C and 1D openers are by inference one of 3 types of hands (a) weak hand with that minor, (B) strong hand with that minor or © strong NT (or 18/19). Given this criteria, is ALWAYS right in competitive auctions to compete heavily in that minor when fit. c) 1NT has distinct preemptive value (must have good runouts though). Have you ever heard the adage "Partial bidding is a race to 1NT", it WORKS. d) Slam bidding for 15-17 hands is MUCH more easy if you start with 1c or 1d as "better minor". e) There is DISTINCT advantage in major suit raise structures when playing 1m-1M-2M as 15-17 hands (15-17 dummy points). Here are some conditions of weak NT that should be considered when playing; a) Be VERY careful opening 1NT with 4/4 major hands and "good" 13 or 14 hcp (you are running big risk of playing 1NT with 8 card major fit when field is playing 2M). B) If playing 11-14, this does NOT mean that every 11 or even 12 hcp balanced is to be opened 1NT. Typically 11 point 1NT should be constructive (Akxxx suit or AK A, or 5 card suit with "good cards"). In general a REASON to open 1NT. c) Be VERY careful with 2 suited minor/heart hands (2425 or 2452). These are VERY awkward to bid. If good 4 card hearts and bad diamonds either open 1H or 1N. Just keep in mind the problems that can arise by opening 1D (or 1C) with bad hands and bad suits when partner responds 1S.

**** I like the last two advantages of criss-cross 1D-3C so much, I am willing to forgo the 1D-2C must be game force dogma to use it when playing weak notrump. In fact, when playing weak notrump and your partner open's 1D, odds are good he already has extra valued (hcp or distribution), that 2C on the hands I leap to 3C on as natural invite are probably good enough to land in game unless partner has no fit at all. Yzerman, how do you play 1D-2C? When can auction die it 3C or 3D? Can it die in 2NT? So all in all, yzerman's pattern of bidding with weak notrump looks very well thought out. With weak notrump giving up on Levy 2D isn't that big of a deal. The largest problem I see is the auction 1C-1D-1NT (if not playing Levy 2D), as Yzerman said, he can't play 2C (with diamonds and clubs rather than diamonds and major). Playing Levy 2D you can play 2C or 2D, and still use 3C/3D as invites (since on 2D initially). But the trade off is, your 1C-3C bid becomes much wider. Using Criss-cross 1C-3C is purely preemptive, since 1C-2D is Club invite. At IMPs with a premium on bidding games rather than part-scores, I think criss-cross approach looks better with two way check-back looks better. After all, how much imp damage can be done playing in 1NT or 3C instead of specifically 2C? Maximum of 5 imps (-100 vs +90) on a bad day, and 4 imps (-50 vs +90) on a "good" one. **** 1D->2C is NOT game force HOWEVER 2C promises a second bid AND is a hand that would bid game opposite a strong NT (hence only non-GF hand is when opener has weak hand with diamonds and no fit). You can NEVER play 2NT after 2C response. We have not decided to TOTALLY abandon the ability to play 2C for we are just now experimenting how two-way checkback works on 1C-1D-1N auctions. We need to identify the weaknesses and address them but right now we have bought into this. In the past used 1D response as a tool to get out in 2C (1C-1D-1N-2C = to play, clubs were too weak for 1C-3C). We had played 1C-3C as preemptive in club suit BUT a hand that would invite 3N due to trick taking potential in club suit (eg xx xxx xx KQJxxx). Hence hands with weak clubs not invitational to 3N on tricks would use the phony Walsh 1D (xx Kxx xx Q109xxx , this hand would bid 1C-1D-1N-2C). This approach was highly valid when playing weak NT for their was no purpose in preempting 3C when partner has a strong NT (we obviously need to rethink this logic in our new agreements).

Somebody got me going on this one recently, IF YOU REBID 2M ANYTIME YOU HOLD 6 SPADES THIS IS CLEARLY A TOTAL MISUNDERSTANDING OF 2/1 (ASSUMING YOUR ARE PLAYING 2/1). Obviously this is one of my pet peeves (he,he). Inquiry thoroughly documented responses to 1NT forcing in one of his posts (Rebids after 1NT forcing) and I had posted some of my preferences a while back. Why do you play 2/1 in combination with forcing NT (we will concentrate on 1nt forcing)? a) 1NT is used to allow responder to use 1NT as a layer to describe hands that fall into the invitational layer (becuase 2x is game force). B.) Since 1NT can be a greater range of hands (weak -> strong invites or even SOME game forcing hands) than the 1NT response will take a rebid MUCH MORE OFTEN. c) Forcing NT can be used as a tool to get out in 2C or 2D that you CANT otherwise do in standard treatments. d) Forcing NT can be used as a tool to find side suit fits when you have a 6 card major. e) * My style - the 1NT responder promises a rebid 99% of the time UNLESS he just cant stand it (single spade, <=6 or "bad/non-fitting" 7) - This style requires some discipline to be applied to opening bids for you must envision a bidding "plan" and account for this. Here is a few hand "types" that you may encounter with 6 spades and my recommended bidding "plan" after 1NT forcing; a) 6421 (min) - Rebid 2H 99% of time upon 1NT forcing unless there is total H/S holdings are extremely lopsided (AKQJxx 5432), you are still running a risk of missing H fit but 2S will be right more often than wrong. B.) 6xy4 or 6x4y (min hand/decents spades not so good minor) - Rebid 2S c) 6xy4 or 6x4y (min hand/bad spades and good minor) - Rebid 2C or 2D d) 6xy4 or 6x4y (good hand NOT intact suits) - Rebid 2C or 2D e) 6xy4 or 6x4y (good hand intact suits) - Rebid 3C or 3D (game force) f) 6232 or 6223 (weak hand) - Rebid 2S g) 6223 or 6232 (good hand bad not so good spades) - Rebid 2C or 2D h) 6224 or 6232 (good hand intact spades and good 3 carder in minor) - Phony jump shift into 3C or 3D i) 6232 or 6223 (good hand, good spades, and hcp balanced throughout other suits) - 3S j) 6232 or 6223 (good hand, intact spades, and hcp balance throughout other suits) - 3NT I learned the game primarily through one person (my partner/mentor) and would have frequent bridge theory discussions after local games. This is how I adopted my approach (I am not able to cite a book or reference). However having played a whole host of 2/1 approaches I will say this approach is (in my opinion) SUPERIOR if you exercise good judgement and have a partner that does the same. Why? This bidding allows flexibility in finding marginal game contract, best strain game contracts, marginal slam contracts, and avoiding bad games in general. Marginal game and slam contracts in hands with 6 spades opposite a weak NT ABSOLUTELY REQUIRE A SECONDARY MINOR FIT. If you NEVER introduce your 4 card minor you are NEVER gonna disclose that fit and guess what, if your goal is to play high-level (or even mid-level) competitive bridge, you are by at a HUGE disadvantage.

Here is my take on the subject. I play the 5 following structures and in combination with each other they are AWESOME; i) Weak NT ii) Walsh Style 1C Responses iii) Two way checkback iv) Jump shift into other minor as invitational v) Inverted Minors (single raise game force) Some of the nuances may not be obvious at first HOWEVER (trust me) these are lethal bidding tools. For the sake of staying on the topic of Walsh I will cite some examples and auctions that my partner and I utilize; This may get a bit extreme but is very intuitive in logic. Here are some "types" of hands to respond to 1C with (remember in weak NT, 1c is one of three hands (1) weak hand with clubs, (2) strong hand with clubs, and (3) strong NT (or 18/19 balanced)); a) Weak hand longer major + 4 diamonds :) Weak hand longer diamonds + 4 major c) Invitational hand longer major + 4 diamonds d) Invitational hand longer diamonds + major e) Forcing hand longer (bad) diamonds + 4 major f) Forcing hand longer (good) diamonds + 4 major g) Forcing hand longer major + 4 diamonds h) Forcing hand 5/5 (+) diamonds plus major For Walsh auctions, lets analyze the above hands (a-h) and see how NICELY they bid with strong NT version of 1C (Strong NT is most common 1C opener - WE WILL USE 2 WAY CHECKBACK FOR STRONG NT ** VERY IMPORTANT); after 1N then 2C is relay to 2D for ALL invitational hands; 3a - 1c-1M-1N-2M (to play - opener not have 4D for 1C) 3b - 1c-1M-1N-2C-2D (use relay for get out in diam.) 3c - 1c-1M-1N-2C-2D-2M (opener not have 4D) 3d - 1c-1M-1N-2C-2D-3D (invite to 3N) 3e - 1c-1M-1N-2D (game force checkback) 3f - 1c-1d-1N-2M (gf, 5+d and 4M, emphasis on Diam.) 3g - 1c-1M-1N-2D (game force checkback) 3h - 1c-1M-1N-3D (5/5 forcing, good hand) We put some restrictions on minor suit openings to facilitate problematic hand types. 4/4 minor hands are ALWAYS opened 1C (with obviousl exceptions xxxx AKQJ). xx45 hands will frequently be opened 1D to facilitate the how comfortable the rebid is for opener. Another frequent problem with Walsh is how to hands minor 2 suiters as responder (weak, invitational, forcing). We recently switched to 2 way checkback on this auction as well. For a number of years we play 1C-1D-1N-2C to play but have recently dismissed that auction (partly because we play weak NT , you cant play 2C with a strong NT opener anyway). So here is how we handle the minor hands; a) Weak hand longer diamonds than clubs B) Weak hand longer club than diamonds c) Invite hand longer clubs than diamonds d) Invite hand longer diamonds than clubs e) Forcing hand longer diamonds than clubs f) Forcing hand longer clubs than diamonds For strong NT 1C hands here are the auctions; 3a) 1C-1D-1N-2C(relay)-2D 3b) 1C-3C (if good clubs) 3b) 1C-1D-1N (if bad clubs - 3C is silly w/bad clubs) 3c) 1C-2D (Criss-Cross) 3d) 1C-1D-1N-2C-2D-3D 3e) 1C-1D-1N-3D 3f) 1C-2C (unconditional game force) Upon request, or any interest I can review the weak club (1C) opener and strong club (1C) opener (these may or may not have second suits) and follow up auctions with Walsh inferences. Regards, and I hope someone, somehow may find some value from this.

I dont play impossible 2S in those as limited to good raises of the minor, to keep them more flexible than just "minor" raises. What 2S does promise is a known 8+ card fit which will be claried upon next bid. It could be a 3 card limit raise in the heart suit that grew up upon the minor suit rebid by opener.

This is a pretty neat topic. Here are the criteria that I abide by. These are all criteria for forcing auctions. a) Whenever our side bids game to MAKE :) Whenever our side has cue-bid opps suit (*) c) Whenever our side has made a forcing reX d) Special consideration for Jordan auctions e) Negative inference on Good/Bad 2NT (value showing) f) Special consideration in 2 level preempt games * Cue bidding sequences hence become VERY important. Sometimes people neglect to cue bid and jump directly to game. In a competitive auction, if you hold 1 1/2 defensive tricks and have support for partner you MUST cue bid to create forcing auctions. This is why its good to have high level conventional bids available (jump cues, double jump mixed raises, etc) Are these auctions forcing (your side open bidding); 1C-X-XX-4H ? (My answer = No) 1C-X-2NT-4H ? (My answer = Yes) 1H-1S-3H-3S-4H-4S ? (My answer = No) 2H-X-4H? (My answer = No) 2H-X-XX-2S-P-P-4H-4S? (My answer = Yes) 2H-X-2NT-3S-P-P-4H? (McCabe = Yes) 1C-1S-X-2S-P-P-3C? (My answer = Yes) 1C-1S-X-2S-P-P-2NT(good bad)? (My answer = No) Opps opening bidding; 4H-X-P-4S-P-P-5H? (No) 4H-X-P-5C-P-P-5H? (No) 4H-X-P-4N-P-5C-5H? (No) 1C-X-P-2C-5C? (Yes - THIS ONE IS NEAT) 1C-X-P-2H-5C? (No) I could go on forever, but you MUST have some mechanisms in certain types of auctions to create forces, others mechanisms for competitive, and others for cooperative.

This open up a whole new can of worms. I will tell you one common way of handling these and the way I handle them. Most common way of handling this is to use conventional 3 level bids after 1NT where 3H and 3S are used to show 5/5 (+) major hands. 3H would typically be 5/5 majors invitational and 3S would be 5/5 majors forcing. Upon bidding over 3S, opener would raise to 4H o 4S with a preference or cue bid on the way to show max (4C=Slam interest in hearts, and 4D=Slam interest in spades). My partner and I use 3H and 3S for other hands so we encompass both in a 3D bid. 1N-3D is 5/5 majors invitational however you can bid forcing hands through 3D , you just bid again (i can clarify if you want, there is alot to this but is fairly intuitive). Some play, as you bid, that a transfer to one major and a bid of the other major at the 3 level shows some hand that has slam interest in the major transferred to (1N-2D-2H-3S = slam interest in hearts). This is pretty common and very valuable, cause now you can use 1N-2D-2H-4N as strictly a quantitative raise and NOT RKC like i see on bbo TOO MUCH (makes me wanna vomit). Others like to use it as a splinter. Personally, I think using 3 level conventional 2 suited bids is superior to transfer and bidding other major. You may combine the 2 suiters into conventional bids than free up the transfer and OM (other major) for other meanings (splinter, slam interest,etc).

** This getting good now Just brief comment on the 2NT bid as game force balanced. In tandem with this 2C 2/1 structure, perhaps some people could comment on the "new" or "old" jacoby 2nt structure. I have found that the new is very effective with the 2C 2/1 (with the 3C response and subsequent relay). * Since 2C may be balanced, 2NT has no value hence the 4 card Major raise becomes of much more value. Perhaps someone could comment on this and/or other way combinations of conventions that may be effective.

I dont like this auction, I actually defended against this hand and the opps got to 7 (he,he). I disagree with the 2/1 in the diamond suit, for many reasons (can get into that at another time). Depending on who my partner is, I perhaps would try 2D, but in all my established partnerships I would bid 1NT. First, I personally would NOT choose 2D 2/1 with the responders hand, I would opt for either 3D (fit jump) if available or 1N followed by an impossible 2S rebid. Here is an auction I can envision; 1H-1N 2C*-2S** 3H***-4D (heart raise with D cue) 4N-5C (1430) 5D-6D 6H * 1N by reponsder promise rebid 99% of time hence 2C is safe (will carry later inference) ** Impossible 2S *** 6th heart, since 2C rebid then 3H imply GOOD hand (bad hands should rebid 2H)

1H-2C 2H-4H Is this a picture bid? PFA? ** We play this as classic picture (no outside control) 1H-2C 2H-3C 4C-4H ** This is x2+y6 hand without a diamond cue (or min with diamond cue but non cooperation) We have a unique way of differentiating hand both as responder and opener. In the second auction above, 2H may only be a decent 5+ card heart suit. We NEVER now freely raise hearts with honor-x or xxx. We use a 2NT asking bid by responder for further description of hand from opener. Here are some examples; 1H-2C 2H-2N* 3C**-3H*** * Asking bid ** Delayed 3/4 card club raise *** Delayed H raise (xxx or honor-x) 1H-2C 2H-3H* 3N** * Responders hand still ambiguous (mild slam try+ but not known if balanced 2/1 or clubs/heart although you have the negative picture inference (if clubs/hearts there is outside control) - I am HUGE into negative inference) ** This is delayed club raise 1H-2C 2H-3H 3N-4C* *RKC Clubs (4N is RKC hearts , 4D and 4S cuebids with H as trumps) 1H-2C 2H-3H 4C* * This is cue bid (A or K) in club suit hearts trump (this recent modification has paid HUGE dividends recently when reponder has KQxxx, AQxxx, Axxxxx, Kxxxxx or the like now NO club losers had been identified in the source of tricks) 1H-2C 2H-2N* 3D** * Asking bid ** 3D is GOOD fragment (3532 or 2632 or 3631) These auctions have removed the ambiguity AND helped each partner solve the problem of "is this natural bidding or artificial bidding". There are 2 key bids in these sequences (a) the 2N asking bid and (;) the 3N delayed club raise after M suit raise. We have played 2N since the beginning of time, but had a rare occasion that the auction 1H-2C-2H-3H was a problem (believe it or not, Stevie Robinson did NOT method off hand to solve). So we created the 3N artificial delayed club raise and reserve 4C as a cue bid (this is GREAT). We had never played serious 3NT we did not compromise anything. Another VERY important tool available the opening bid is 1H and you have the balanced 12-14 hand but no biddable suit (or bad 5cd suit w or w/out H support) is the impossible 2S bid after a forcing NT. Many players forget about this option, hence you can expand its traditoinal meaning for all kinds of "stuff". I utilize this bid 1000% more than the average user for I have found it invaluable. This obviously does not solve the 1S openers.

How about creating an "archive" heading. This way you can move old stuff there, retain the thread, but yet not clutter the sections.

At this moment, most of my regular partnerships and I play 1M-3C and 3D and 3H as invitational fit showing jumps. I am starting to draw to the conclusion that the frequency of these are so rare that I would like to find a new meaning for these bids. What to use? a) Bergen (I DETEST BERGEN - SEE NOTES) :) Purely invitational in that minor c) Mini-Splinter d) Invitational Fit Jumps e) Weak Fit Jumps f) Others Personally, I dont like bergen and weak fit jump can be bid through a forcing NT and at the moment my affinity toward invitational fit jumps is waning hence that leaves me to evaluate the benefits/risks of Mini-Splinter and Pure Invitation in that minor. If I had a gun to my head and had to choose one right now, I would probably choose Pure Invitation but I would appreciate any feedback on this subject. * NOTE - NOW MY BERGEN DISSERTATION (LOL). I really dont like to play this, however in a few partnerships I play it where I can trust my partners judgement. This may be the most abused bid ever in bridge. Much like those that abuse multi 2D, this bid is a license to bid like a jerk. I have missed quite a few games/slams when my partner has something like (on 1H-3C, weak, x xxxx Axxx Axxx - THIS IS NOT A WEAK H RAISE!). Some argue that the preempt 3M bid has some value, while I agree I also tend to think that it gives alot of informatin to the opps (they know of 9 card H fit and a weak response hence they have safety in balancing or pre-balancing), and furthermore if you are playing the likes of Meckwell or the like this is hardly going to stop them from bidding if that was their intention!!!

This is the precise hand that this system is tailored to. If I held that hand and I was playing "our" system here would be my bidding "plan" (first some system features). * Logic is this hand requires a 9 cd+ fit to make slam on marginal values * System still allow for finding 8 cd diamond fit * When 8 cd diamond fit, system allow for finding his doubleton, such to know which suit you may be tapped in dummy with the GOOD TRUMPS (VERY IMPORTANT) 1) I will make 2C 2/1 2) IF partner raise 2C->3C; .........a) I know he has good hand w/4 trumps .........;) Initiate cue-bidding to isolate diamond problem 3) IF partner bid 2D over 2C .........*a) I have a lovely fitting hand and will raise 3D .........:) Partner will cue bid with forward going hand .........c) Partner will bid 3N with min or slam problem .........d) Since I have heart cards, 3H by him is try for 3N or a stiff heart (which drills my hand, hence i bid 3N) .........e) Rebid 3S with 6+x4y, cue bid, or nebulous .........f) Rebid 4C as delayed club raise, descriptive .........g) Rebid 4D RKC (I would expect this if partner looking for slam since he likely to have good trumps). 4) IF partner bid 2H over 2C .........a) I will emply our 2N asking feature .........B) Partner will bid 3N with 5422 min/intermediate .........c) Partner will bid 3C with 5413 (inference = min) .........d) Partner will bid 3D with 5431 (good diamonds) .........e) Partner will bid 3H or 3S with appropriate hand 5) IF partner bid 2S over 2C (2S is nebulous) .........a) I will emply our 2N asking feature .........B) 3C is delayed raise (inference = min) .........c) 3D, 3H is good 3 cd fragment .........d) 3S is good 6 + carder spades 6) If partner bid 2N over 2C (descriptive 12+-16-) .........a) I will forego slam .........B) Although slam possible, I dont like my hand opposite 12-16 balanced with no 8 cd C fit or 9 cd D fit 7) If partner bid 3N over 2C (descriptive 15+-18-, xx or xxx clubs) .........a) I will make slam try in diamonds (4D) I am quite comfortable with these bids and have grown very trusting in this style over the last few years. The system is structured that I when I captain an auction much like these, I will inherently have a good visualization of partners hand from both what he HAS bid and from he HAS NOT bid. My partner and I are amazed sometimes that the other will describe the dummy to the exact pattern and hcp holdings before it his the table (AND we dont officially use relays or any of that nonsense). * Note of 3a - Some players advocate that 3D is a raise with at least good diamond otherwise you bid through fourth suit (2H) then raise diamonds to show this hand (good control structure with poor diamonds). I WOULD LOVE TO PLEASE HEAR SOME COMMENTS ON THIS!!!!

I agree with Draco on this subject. I have NEVER added or subracted points based on distributional value. The following are my guidelines; a) LTC (Counting winners for NT and loser for suits) :) Hand Evaluation/Judgement c) Trust in partners bidding d) Overbid good trump/Underbid bad trumps e) Overbid good suits/Underbid bad suits f) Discount hands with shortness in partners primary All in all, of the above (:) is by far the most important, however © is very important as well the rest can be learned by from experience BUT you MUST exercise good judgement and have faith in your partners judgement.

Like I said, there is NO system in the world that will compensate for poor judgment. The hand in question was a problem in that the opps located the double S/D fit and used RKC in the spade suit to get to diamonds. The opener subsquently captained the auction after the 2D 2/1 and opted for RKC in spaded assuming partner had at least one honor for the 2/1 in diamonds and trying to discover any spade problem there may be on hand (assuming that diamonds cant possibly be a problem when he held AJx).

If you utilize MSS this should not be a problem as long as you use good hand evaluation. With a quantitative raise you may ask MSS if you have a marginal hand but lots of controls or "good cards" (eg 15 or 16 hcp with 5332 and 5 card minor with Qx in your doubleton is generally a wasted value and perhaps only 4NT ask). Although I like this question, I have not accounted for this hand in my system with my regular partner (unless I forget - LOL). We utilize many relays after 1NT to ask/illicit/describe information but this hand we have omitted!!!!

Ben or anyone else feel like having another RKC partnership bidding practice session? Let me know, please give me date and time. For the time being I would like to perhaps do something on Thursday evening (EST).

Evolution of balanced slam invites include a few corrolaries to the 4NT quantitative invite. 1N-4S becomes 44 in minors balanced asking quantitative and 1NT-4NT is either 4333 or 5332 with 5 card minor. If opener is to accept they can accept 6NT, bid a suit @ 5 level (this is 4 lowest biddable 4 card suit), bid suit @ 6 level (5 carder) bid 5NT (3334 with 4 clubs) or bid 5C which is acceptance of quantitative bid but ASKING responder what 4 card suit is OR what 5 card suit is. Responses are; 1N-4N-5C (asking) 5D=4 diamonds 5H=4 hearts 5S=4 spades 5N=4 clubs 6C=5 clubs 6D=5 diamonds This is how I handle these hands. Obviously there is a small flaw (perhaps the exact question you would like answered) is how to identify the doubleton in the 5332 hand and judge whether 6m or 6N is in play.

I play a 2/1 variation that is popular in DC and is maintained by Steve Robinson. My partner and I adopted this variation after witnessing a horrible slam bid by opponents in an NYC regional a few years back. We decided the hand the opps bid was a problem hand for aggresive bidders and decided to play this system and have consulted with Steve for some problem scenarios. We call the system DC standard for many of the DC players refer to it as this although I am not sure if it has an official name. The 2/1 variant is that 2C could be ANY balanced 2/1 game forcing hand that is too strong for 1NT forcing and not contains a biddable suit. Obviously, this type of bidding requires ALOT of discussion beforehand to iron out rebids and constructive auctions. *** I wanted to start a thread to discuss this treatment, get some feedback, listen to any advice or alterations, and find some "experts" on the treatment. The hand in question from the NYC regional was a double fit hand (S + D) and subsequently started a 2/1 auction with 1S - 2D (incidently, the pair is a well known, established, recognized, and GOOD partnership). The opener had "extras" with AJx diamonds and (imho) went bananas with his hand. They subsequently agreed on diamonds as trump overbid to 6D when it turned out the 2/1 response was made on 5 small diamonds. Even 109xxx (or even 10xxxx) would have given this contract a play but was doomed when he had 5 baby. Here are some questions perhaps some people can answer (obviously judgement is numero uno with these, but are there any systemic ways to account for these); How do other partnerships handle 2/1 with bad suits? How to control auctions that start with 2/1 response with bad suits? We use 2C 2/1 response as COULD be a balanced game forcing hand without a BIDDABLE 5 card suit. We have agreed that biddable is a suit that CAN be playable opposite 3 small for 2 losers assuming 3/2 break in suit (Hence Qxxxx is not biddable, Q10xxx is biddable). Some restrictions must be placed in openers rebids to account for this (raises of 2C-3C MUST have extras AND 4 clubs). We utilize a 2NT asking bid by responder (obviously must have an appropriate hand to play 3NT from that side OR 'direction' in the hand). We also utilize fragment bidding after the 2NT asking bid such as to NOT lose a red suit fit WHEN responder has replied 2C with a 'bad' 5 card red suit. We also utilize artificial delayed club raises to describe minimum hands with 3 or 4 clubs that were not good enough for direct 3C rebids. These are some of the conditional restrictions we have systemically created to allow for some of the obviousl problem hands that may occur however we have generally refined the system such that many local players in our area are now playing variants of what we described (although most people have not put time in to come to some of the more in depth agreements we have).

Just a brief discussion of a variant that I like to play. 1M-2N then 3C rebid by opener is ANY minimum with or without a singleton. This is starting to become very prevalant in the professional ranks and has one main advantage, YOU DO NOT ROADMAP THE DEFENSE. If responder is not interested in slam after a minimum 3C rebid than they simply bid game. Here are some follow ups; 1M-2N-3C-3D (secondary shortness ask - still slamming) 1M-2N-3C-3M (still slam interest, pattern asking) 1M-2N-3C-Others (source of tricks) There are ALL sorts of neat things you can do with this new convention. You can incorporate invitational hands (with 3 trumps or 4), you can incoroporate asking bids to locate a secondary 4/4 fit. The treatments you can devise are limitless just by adding a 3C relay. I do not have any documented references (except for mine) on the subject however I am sure somebody can offer.

I am a propenent of two way checkback (especially in tandem with weak NT), but I will touch upon that in a minute. To answer your question, I have a question; a) If use 2N as relay, then how are you going to handle the following invitational hands; 1) 54xx 2) 5xxx As with all treatments/conventions anytime you propose a new way of doing things you have to consider the consequence on other types of hands that you are affecting. If you wish to propose 2NT as a relay, you must account for the hand types I described which may mean altering a whole cascade of bids (which may not be practical - I have a wealth of experience in this from a wealth of system engineering). Given my explanation I do not think the reward of playing 2NT in this auction as a relay compensates for the risk of losing other conventional meaning. Back to 2 way checkback, my regular partner and I play two way checkback but have tediously arranged some agreements that I can offer. On this very auction 2D becomes unconditional game force and 2N is an asking relay. I will try and keep this is as short as possible, but their might be something in here of value. The auction you described, we play 2D as game force checkback and 2NT as an asking relay for one of two types of auctions (a) probe for best contract or (:) slam try. Please keep in mind we also play weak NT (11-14). In my regular partnership, we play 1C and rebid of 1NT tends to deny 4 diamonds unless 2245 with much better clubs than diamonds. So upon bidding 2D (gf checkback) and opener bids 2S (3 spades) the 4522 hand is hence no longer a hand pattern. Hence 2N ask 2 questions, what is your pattern and what is your strength. Here are the rebids by opener; 3C = 3xx5 3D = 3334 max 3H = 3433 or 3424 minimum 3S = 3433 max 3N = 3334 min (Note - with 3424 max we agree to bid hearts first then raise spades) This works very nice for us for both option (a) probing for best contract and (B) slam bidding. This is especially effective for strong NT's (imho) where the strong NT will get to describe the bulk of their 15-17 along with pattern (you can argue merits of more/less effective with weak NT elsewhere, but I have found that you naturally have more to describe in a strong NT hand type than the typicall 11-14 hence this tool is invaluable). I will not go into anymore of this for now unless somebody requests to continue conversation or discuss what the follow ups are for 1D openers however perhaps you could use some of this in your quest for finding a suitable relay for regular nmf auctions.

Although, as inquiry says, I lead the "two suiter camp" I will quote the great hrothgar; YOU MUST REMAIN FLEXIBLE Sometimes you have to break your own beliefs and make a call that seems the most practical. On this very hand, depending on version of cappelletti, I would probably bid this as a one suiter in diamonds (hence go against my strong beliefs) because of the weakness of standard cappelletti. In addition to my strong beliefs of two suiters, I am also an advocate of practicality and making descriptive bids and "false economy" (false economy is the least number of bids to make the most descriptive bid). Given the problem at hand, in most of my real life partnerships I play a modified version of Capp in which the traditional Capp double is replaced with the following; 5+ card minor AND 4 card major The bid I just described is the most economical bid I have (also the most practical) if this tool is available to me. My relatively limited number of years of experience has made me come to the conclusion that a traditional capp X is a crap shoot against a strong NT (you are wagering that your partner has the balance of the +/- 10 hcp remaining in the deck OR a fitting hand with a suit to play in). This double has a frequency advantage over the traditional double as well.

I just started using this forum about a month ago and I personally think this is, or could be, the worlds number one bridge resource in terms of material. This is the single most valuable resource in which I have learned bridge from, whether its inquiry or eyhung incredible double dummy play ability or hrothgar and dwaynehoffmans unique bidding discussions or 2over1's ability to simplify a complex problem, I learn from all of this. Why is that? a) Centralized Information (all @ one site) :) Amount of information c) Organization of information d) Interactivity (Q&A, discussion, etc) You get to discuss and argue your views with other and then compare you views against documented references. THIS IS GREAT, I have seen average+ players take a pro's method or convention and actually improve upon it, and no where else in the world can you learn this in a centralized forum. I have learned brand new conventions/methods/treatments from ordinary bridge players. I have constructively argued certain issues with people and come to the conclusion i was wrong in a peaceful manner. I have also been privy to references of professional bridge player material not otherwise knowledgable of. Given what I have said, I have a few suggestions on improving this absolute wealth of bridge knowledge located here. a) Ability to add attachments (perhaps attachment archive). :) Promote more BBO members and other to participate c) Have weekly "hot topics", perhaps a panel of players that vote on the weeks best material. d) Improve the ability to more easily input auctions and hand layouts (right now is pain in the ass) e) Have a professional interactive category (we discuss argue amongst ourselves, but sometimes would be nice to have the opinion from a recognized pro - perhaps have a moderator or panel of moderators that decide which topics can "hit" this category). Kind of like an "ask the pro" category. f) This is an aside topic - A centralized member page where members can discuss/input there bridge preferences, tendencies, strength, weaknesses, etc. Perhaps include this in member profile here on the forum (including attachments) or a separate portal to an index of members. Personally, I have the time (at least for the present), knowledge, and resources to help you out if you would like to pursue this. GIVEN ALL THE PARTNERS I PLAY WITH, SOME ESTABLISHED PARTNERSHIPS, SOME NOT, I FIND IT TAXING TO HAVE TO DISCUSS 10 MINUTES OF SYSTEM 'STUFF' WHENEVER I PLAY WITH A NEW OR CASUAL PARTNER. g) Perhaps on the above member page as quoted above, allow for calendaring such that you know when you have a game as well as view which of your partners may be available for a given time slot.

* Not mentioned earlier, this is IMPS Sorry if others dont find this as fascinating as myself. Here are a few questions, facts about play of hand thus far; a) Declarer has 10 minor cards (assuming 7 diamonds) :) Declarer is known to have one black suit ace c) Are you certain declarer does NOT have the DQ? d) Partner was asked to play H, which shold he play? Declarer is known to have AK of diamonds, presumably (a) QJ10, (:( Q10x, © AJ10, (d) A10x, or (e) AQx clubs (this is known from the 2 of clubs lead from partner). Given the auction (1D-2D) it is NOT reasonable for assume declarer has both black suit aces for then he would have AK, A, A and a seven card suit. Now you have a host of defensive options available, here they are; a) Hope DQ in partner and another trick and cash AK and exit black suit (this works when partner have stiff heart and above is true) B) Cash one high heart and exit c) NOTICE - i never said to duck d) Just for sake argument, how/why is safe to assume 7 diamonds in declarer? e) Why is it safe to assume declarer have 1 black suit ace (other than the bidding)? To focus on (a), this only works when partner have stiff heart and has lead a heart. Remember, you are playing with a VERY GOOD COMPETANT partner. You have to assume your partner is operating under same motive as you, TO SET THE CONTRACT. Your partner should, from his side of the table, know the layout of the minor suits AND he should defend accordingly (he also knows of 10 minor cards - or should know of). If he has stiff heart, he should cash his winners and exit a heart and let you take over defense. Cashing winners and getting out is NEVER wrong when he has a stiff heart (I will not prove this unless asked). Take a look at option (B), this option is the option (from my analysis) that should be exercised. Winning the high heart and then assume partner has one more heart (the 9 of hearts I assumed was highest from 2). Why, well here is an argument for playing 2/4 leads at opening and throughout but systemically this is our partnership agreement here. Hence partner has led high from 2 and declarer is known to now have 2 hearts. You know the whole shape of declarer hand, 1273. Here is the kicker; APPLYING ALL LOGIC I HAVE PRESENTED TO DATE, (A) DECLARER IS KNOWN TO HAVE ONE BLACK SUIT ACE, (B) 1273 PATTERN, IT IS ALWAYS SAFE TO EXIT A SPADE. WHY? BECAUSE IF DECLARER HAS THE ACE OF SPADES THEN HE HAS THE STIFF ACE AND HAS AT MOST 8 TRICKS (6 DIAMONDS, 1 CLUB, 1 SPADE). I find this deal FASCINATING and it just so happened to come up immediately after my conversation on count. This illustrated the importance of BOTH sides of partnership counting out the hand, envisioning honor holdings from the bidding, the dummy, partners carding, and play inference. ABOVE ALL this illustrates (a) the importance in partnership defensive agreements and NOT to disregard them and (B) having trust in your partner that he is giving you accurate information defensively.

I recent had a conversation with an expert that i played with. He claims that defensively he give random count except in hold up situations, the rest of his carding is random. He says that this has worked for him for a number of years and he has learned that count will help declarer more than it helps the defense. He also says that its more important to locate the remainder of hcp so his carding defaults to suit preferential type carding. I will not argue the merits of what he is saying, for he is the one with 15,000+ MP however I for one MUST have count on a hand. My argument is that a good bridge mind can work out the balance of the hcp from (a) the bidding, (:) the dummy, © play inference, (d) inate bridge ability, and (e) attitude carding from partner. I cite an example where everything I mention. You are sitting behind the dummy and defending with a competant and Auction- N....E....S.....W ......P....1D...P 1H..P....2D...P 2S..P....3N all pass KJxx QJ8x 10 K9xx ...............109xxx ...............AK10xx ...............x ...............xx Parnter leads the 2 of clubs and declarer win cheaply with the the C10. Next declarer bangs down the AK of diamonds partner following and giving count to even number (assume 4 - but we can discuss 6 if you wish although this makes little sense). Partner wins the third round of diamonds with the J and continues with the H9, plan the defense!