They steal a step - what bid do you give up?

[Gerben42]

Opponents are playing reversed majors:

 

1♣ (2+♣) Pass 1♠ = 4+♥

1♣ (2+♣) Pass 1♥ = 4+♠

 

In the first case you lose one step, in the second case you gain one step. What defense would you suggest? Just for reference, normally I play that:

 

* Their suits are natural

* Dbl is a constructive takeout

* 1NT is a distributional takeout

[han]

I'd play that double shows the suit they bid and bidding the suit they bid is natural. You gain an overcall over 1C-1H, but you lose the takeout double.

[kfgauss]

I'd play:

 

over 1H:

double = hearts

1S = good takeout

higher = as over 1S

(i.e. 1N = distrib takeout, 2S = nat, etc. if you normally play 1N = nat, then still play that)

 

over 1S:

double = spades

1N = takeout (even if you play 1N = nat normally)

higher = as over 1H (2N might be bid more frequently because there's no good/distrib takeout distinction at a lower level)

 

I think over 1H, you should definitely "make them pay" by being able to make a heart overcall at the 1-level (by doubling), and keep the rest of your bids the same (1S replacing the takeout double).

 

Over 1S, the distinction between two forms of takeout isn't worth losing showing spades at the 1-level.

 

For competitive purposes, I'm happy my opponents are playing this. I get to "overcall" either major (by doubling) and the only thing I lose is a good/distrib takeout distinction over 1S (or 1N natural, if that's what I play). I think gaining the heart overcall of spades is worth more than losing whatever it is I've lost.

 

Andy

[HeartA]

I'd play that double shows the suit they bid and bidding the suit they bid is natural. You gain an overcall over 1C-1H, but you lose the takeout double.

agree.