DanHarting

Isn't the cornerstone of (any type of) Flannery responder's preference for one major over the other? (Here, spades over hearts?) If you define reverse Flannery shape as "4+ hearts, with longer spades," then: Opener corrects with 2♠s and 3♥s, and it is safe to include 6-4 and even 6-5 hands in the 2♠ and 2♥ responses. Now 1♦-1♠; 1NT-2♥ and 1♦-1♠; 1NT-2♣; 2♦ - 2♥ are 5-5, weak and invitational. Yes, responder is poorly placed with 5-5 (weak) after 1♦-1♠; 2♣. And the 5-5 is somewhat more common than the 6-4. But responder might be able to stretch and bid 3♥ if that is a natural invite for you.

If no, then would you rather (1) double 2D for spade takeout; (2) wait and double 2S for spade takeout; or (3) something else?

So you are willing to defend 2S favorable at matchpoints? (Serious question)

[hv=d=e&v=e&s=shqxxxdkxxcxxxxxx]133|100|Scoring: MP[/hv] Pass (Pass) 1S (Pass) 2D! 2D is alerted and explained as an artificial four card limit spade raise. Your call? ( Double is diamonds, 2S is michaels. ) If you pass it goes 2S (Pass) Pass back to you. What then? Would your initial call change if double is takeout of spades instead of showing diamonds?

At the table, I overcalled 3♦ on my second turn and got a bad result. Not -300 or -500, but -420 for 4♠ making NS. Should I have been suspicious of my singleton spade? Is it more likely partner has 5 spades, or that the opponents have a fit? Which is more likely to keep the opponents out of game, 3♦ or pass? 3♦ precludes opener rebidding 2♠, while pass might pass the hand out when opener is minimum with some hearts.

As east, you hold: [hv=d=n&v=n&s=s6haq2dq987652c43]133|100|Scoring: MP[/hv] Pass Pass 1S Pass 2H ??? 2H is non-forcing. (You think...) 1) Do you agree with east's initial pass? 2) What do you do now?

> ...the biggest insult he ever gave me was mentioning that he was considering mentioning me in his book.... > I don't know if I got mentioned or not. I regretfuly report that you were. Are you against forcing clubs in general, or just Miles'? Is it the structure that bothers you, or specific treatments? I don't see anything inherently wrong with his diamond opening, or in using two strong openings. (Depending on how you allocate hands.)

What do you do with: ♠ KQ762 ♥ AQ98 ♦ Q2 ♣ A5 Favorable at matchpoints after your RHO deals and opens 2C natural? (Say similar to precision, 11-15 and often six clubs.)