Forcing nt sequence

[MarkDean]

With the opps silent, what hand type do y'all think this shows?

 

1S 1NT

2H 2NT

3C

 

?

[matmat]

patterning out, accepting the invitation

 

5413 or 5404

[pclayton]

I play that it also includes some 5512's, since 3♥ isn't forcing. I think you can also throw some 542-strong doubleton's into the mix.

[hatchett]

You can also play 3♣ asking partner to bid 3♦. Then 3♥ is 5/5 , 3♠ 6/4 and 3NT 5413/5404 all GF.

and 3♥ and 3♠ directly over 2NT are 5/5 and 6/4 NF

 

Of course, without discussion it is GF pattern out.

[mikeh]

I agree with the forcing interpretation, altho that leaves us completely screwed when we have opened a light 5=4=0=4 hand.

 

BTW, some players use transfers in this sequence, on the 3rd round. They work fine, unless opener's second suit was clubs.

 

When playing transfers, over 2N:

 

3♣ shows diamonds, ostensibly 5440 but a strong 5431 is permissible. Responder accepts unless his hand has grown enormously (2=2=5=4 with not much in clubs, as an example... such that 5♦ will have some play opposite normal openings and slam some play opposite significant extras

 

3♦ shows a 5th heart. Responder accepts or prefers to spades, but cannot bid 3N or higher... opener may be about to pass 3Major, having opened light with 5-5 in the majors... opener can of course bid on with extras.. this solves Phil's concern.

 

3♥ shows a 6th spade, and responder should accept the transfer since opener may be about to pass. BTW, in old school bidding, opening 1♠ and then bidding hearts and spades showed extras, but many players ditch that after a 1N response to 1♠, since they are not assured of getting a second chance to find hearts, and in a 2/1 auction, responder could easily have a decent hand with long hearts. Playing transfers over 2N allows one to have one's cake and eat it too, in this aspect.

 

3♠ shows interest in clubs... usually 5404 but may be a strong 5413. Responder bids 3N with diamonds well stopped, otherwise makes the most intelligent call.

 

This last transfer is the least effective, since it forces to 4minor or 3N, so opener will always have good playing strength in context.

 

As noted above, transfers are off after 1Major 1N 2♣ 2N, since it is (in our methods) considered more useful to allow opener to bid 3♣ on weak 5-5 hands.