It is your turn, pd

[inquiry]

If you are playing Raptor (which I prefer to standard 1NT overcalls), then the auction is going to start

 

(1H) - 1NT - (P) - 2S

(P) -

 

At this point in time, if the 1NT bidder choses to make a game try, he should do so by bidding 3C and showing his suit rather than 3S.

 

This is an interesting sequence for Raptor players.

First of all if the 1NT overcall is normal in strength then overcaller passes 2s so when he makes a game-try he's showing extra-values.

I think that the best approach here is:

2N = 5431 good hand, stopper in h and 5m. This allows a flexible continuation:

3c = Value in clubs, accept 4s inv if suit is clubs if suit is not clubs advancer can correct to 3NT.

3d = Value in diamonds, accept 4s inv if suit is diamonds if suit is not diamonds advancer can correct to 3NT

3h = General acceptation, now 3s=slam try, 3N=choice of games, 4m=suit and Slamish.

3s = Signoff, not interested in game.

3N = To play

3c = 5431, with 5c and SPL in diamonds, no stopper in h

3d = 5431 with 5d and SPL in clubs, no stopper in h

3s = INV with 5422 hand

Because overcaller cannot have a singleton in hearts and a good 5431 hand or he would have doubled 1h instead of bidding 1NT.

 

Interesting idea Luis. I saw where someone posted that this raptor auction was "blocking" (1H)-1NT-(P)-2S; (P)-3S

 

I disagree with that. you don't go raising with a four card suit to block your opponents. Heck, your partner may have as few as 3 spades on this auction. So 3S is clearly a game try.

 

I separate my game tries, not as accurately as you suggested. My 3S raise shows 5 loser hand (I pass with more), and my other bids show either more shape or fewer losers and are forcing, while 3S can be passed. I admit my game tries are either 2NT or 3S over a 2S bid by partner (let them figure out where my minor is). But sometimes I get dealt a six card minor or a seven card minor, which is when I make the game try in the minor. I do, however, like your response tree to 2NT. I will give that some thought and look at old hands to see how it does.

 

ben