Switch (or Switch Plus)

[Hilver]

I am interested in a convention called Switch (or Switch Plus). As far

as I know this convention has been invented by Marty Bergen.

 

Switch t is used in this way:

When your opponent overcalls your minor-suit opening with 1S, you

switch the responses of the other two suits at the two-level.

Opener Overcaller Responder

1 D 1 S ?

 

2H by responder shows clubs

2C by responder shows hearts

The advantage of switching is that you keep the guy who overcalled on

lead when you find a fit. (He may have made a lead-directing bid with

say A-Q of his suit behind opener's king.)

 

Another example:

Opener Overcaller Responder

1 S 2 D 3 C = hearts

 

1 D 2 H 3 C = spades

 

1 C 1 H 2 D = a one-spade response

 

The concept behind Switch is: Keep the hand with the strength on

opening lead.

 

If You are acquainted with this convention, would You be so kind as to

share Your experiences?

 

Thanks,

 

 

Hilver

[benlessard]

What i suggest instead is to play transfer response after an overcall. Before the cue-bids its natural and after the cue its transfers.

 

(1D)----1S----(P)----???

 

1Nt= nat

2C= nat (i prefer non-forcing with 3C GF)

2D= H

2H= weak of GF raise

2S= limit

 

(1C)---1H-----(P)----???

 

1S= nat

1Nt=nat

2C= Diamonds

2D= weak or Gf raise

2H limit raise

 

the problem i have with switch is that you play 1 lever higher when holding the lower suit. After a 1 level overcall that is 8-17 i prefer to play non-forcing response because stopping at 2 is important.

 

Other then that switch isnt complicated

[paulg]

What i suggest instead is to play transfer response after an overcall. Before the cue-bids its natural and after the cue its transfers.

Of course this is for a different problem and would be complementary rather than the alternative.

 

I do not play Switch per se, but I do use similar methods (may be a subset) when there is a spade or club overcall of our club/spade opener respectively.

 

For example,

 

1♣ (1♠) 2♦=hearts, constructive or better

1♣ (1♠) 2♥=diamonds, invitational or better

 

We do not play this method to get the strong hand on lead, but rather to give us greater flexibility to introduce hearts with slightly weaker hands than normal.

 

Although it sounds simple, you do need to discuss the impact of these methods on your negative double - the most switched bid means that a greater number of medium-strength hands must be included in it.

 

Overall we find that switching these bids is a positive change to the system.

 

In another thread Fred did mention the benefit following a 3-level minor suit overcall of your 1NT, namely 1NT - (3♦) then 3♥=spades, inv+, 3♠=hearts, gf.

 

Edit: a full list of situations can be found in this blog entry.

 

Paul

Edited March 3, 2008 by cardsharp

[skjaeran]

What i suggest instead is to play transfer response after an overcall. Before the cue-bids its natural and after the cue its transfers.

Of course this is for a different problem and would be complementary rather than the alternative.

 

I do not play Switch per se, but I do use similar methods (may be a subset) when there is a spade or club overcall of our club/spade opener respectively.

 

For example,

 

1♣ (1♠) 2♦=hearts, constructive or better

1♣ (1♠) 2♥=diamonds, invitational or better

 

We do not play this method to get the strong hand on lead, but rather to give us greater flexibility to introduce hearts with slightly weaker hands than normal.

 

Although it sounds simple, you do need to discuss the impact of these methods on your negative double - the most switched bid means that a greater number of medium-strength hands must be included in it.

 

Overall we find that switching these bids is a positive change to the system.

 

In another thread Fred did mention the benefit following a 3-level minor suit overcall of your 1NT, namely 1NT - (3♦) then 3♥=spades, inv+, 3♠=hearts, gf.

 

Paul

I do the same in a couple of occasional partnerships, and for the same reason. Having the overcaller on lead has never been an issue, only flexibility in our own bidding.