Action over 2 level openings

[the hog]

I am not really interested here in a discussion of people's favourite methods. Like most, I have played X for takeout together with Lebensohl. I have analysed a number of pre emptive hands and decided that maybe this was not the best method to play and so have come up with the following. I would like some comments on the perceived efficacy of these methods:

Has anyone played a scrambling 2N in this sequence before?

 

They open 2H/2S weak

Double = takeout. Then 2NT = scramble

(2M) 4m=5+OM, 5+m. {“Leaping Michaels”}

(2M) 3M=minor(s): treat as stopper ask. Usually too good to bid 3m.

 

2NT “Scramble” over (2x) X

Over (2S = nat) X = TO. Then:

2NT= asks partner to pick a minor. Then

Pass / 3D / 3H = weak, no game interest

3S =FG, 4H, no STOP.

3NT = FG, 4H, STOP.

3C = to play (wide range, since can’t bid 2NT with just C suit)

3D / 3H = some game interest

3S =FG, not 4H, no STOP. 3NT = FG, not 4H, STOP.

Likewise over (2H = nat) X.

 

They open 2D multi

Every action bar 2NT assumes opener has Ss:

X = T/O of Ss

2H = natural

2S = Michaels

2NT = natural

3S = Stopper ask, assuming 2D = Ss

4m = leaping Michaels, m + Hs.

 

Ron

[inquiry]

Hi Ron,

 

I like multi-vs-multi.

 

When they open 2♦ they can have either major, a big balanced hand, and maybe a three suiter.

 

When I double, I can have exactly the same. That is, my double of their multi 2♦ is very much like their 2♦ opening bid. Partner uses normal multi-responses (but with ♦ he can choose to pass the double, but he has to have them. This frees up 2♥ as balanced hand, less than the double, think 15=17 or so. And allows 2♠ and 2NT to be minor suit transfers, with superaccepts. This also allows 3♣ and 3♦ immediately over their 2♦ as preemptive. See chris rydal's webpage for more on this.

 

I think over two level, and particularily 3 level misho's meta overcall works well... but eveyone needs the scrambling nt and leaping michaels, I like liberal leaping michaels, but misho and I play it is one round force, so it can't be so liberal.

 

Ben

[robl]

They open 2D multi

Every action bar 2NT assumes opener has Ss:

X = T/O of Ss

2H = natural

2S = Michaels

2NT = natural

3S = Stopper ask, assuming 2D = Ss

4m = leaping Michaels, m + Hs.

 

Ron

Hi Ron,

 

Interesting methods, be careful though looking up opps opening methods. Against 2♦ unambiguous weak major (like I play myself) you have to show your hand immediatly because they might pass 2♦.

 

/Robert

[BrianEDuran]

Hi all

 

I like to play scrambling after a balancing double.

(2M)-p-(p)-X;

(p)-2NT scrambling

I have no proof that this actually better, but it seems to hold its own. The obvious difference is when partner is likely to have less values and a flatter hand scrambling will work out better then Leb.

 

Since I like to play light openning with a mini or weak NT, 5 card and light preempts, a better agreement might be if responder has passed, scrambling is on, otherwise Leb/Rub.

 

Brian

[Fluffy]

Hi, can someoen explain waht scrambling means?

[Trpltrbl]

I play scrambling 2NT after balancing X.

 

Mike :angry:

[the hog]

Hi Fluffy,

Scrambling means that you have no clear cut suit to bid. You may be something like a 4432 or even a 4333 and are tryong to find the best spot to play.

 

Both scrambling and Lebensohl are predicated on the fact that 2n is rarely exactly the correct contract.

[mishovnbg]

They open 2D multi

Every action bar 2NT assumes opener has Ss:

X = T/O of Ss

2H = natural

2S = Michaels

2NT = natural

3S = Stopper ask, assuming 2D = Ss

4m = leaping Michaels, m + Hs.

 

Ron

Hi Ron,

 

Interesting methods, be careful though looking up opps opening methods. Against 2♦ unambiguous weak major (like I play myself) you have to show your hand immediatly because they might pass 2♦.

 

/Robert

Hi Robert!

In such case you don't play anymore Multi, but brown sticker convention, permitted rare in tournaments. To play Multi you need to have at least 1 strong variant included in it, so pass is unlikeabe. This is the reason why most of top pairs in the world play vs Multi similar to Ron's version - they assume opening with ♠ suit. By the way this is also method vs any alternative bids like Suction - assume one variant and play on it, in case of suction is one suit.

Misho

[robl]

Interesting methods, be careful though looking up opps opening methods. Against 2♦ unambiguous weak major (like I play myself) you have to show your hand immediatly because they might pass 2♦.

 

/Robert

Hi Robert!

In such case you don't play anymore Multi, but brown sticker convention, permitted rare in tournaments. To play Multi you need to have at least 1 strong variant included in it, so pass is unlikeabe. This is the reason why most of top pairs in the world play vs Multi similar to Ron's version - they assume opening with ♠ suit. By the way this is also method vs any alternative bids like Suction - assume one variant and play on it, in case of suction is one suit.

Misho

Hi Misho,

 

Right, I keep forgetting myself, the Swedish rules are very liberal compered to other nations when it comes to restricting systems and conventions.

 

What are the BBO regulations btw? Are we suppose to follow the WBF guidelines when playing a tournament?

 

/Robert

[mishovnbg]

Hi Robert!

 

Right, I keep forgetting myself, the Swedish rules are very liberal compered to other nations when it comes to restricting systems and conventions.

-> In Bulgaria rules are very liberal too. We even have new international tournament during the summer in seaside resort Golden Sands near Varna (where I live), where any systems, include strong pass are permited.

 

What are the BBO regulations btw? Are we suppose to follow the WBF guidelines when playing a tournament?

-> You need to read in BBO library BBO rules. Shortly you can play any system, except in tournaments with special rules about system. Forbidden are only psyches 1st, 2nd position and with strong artifical opening.

 

Misho