louisg Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 The thread on 2NT overcalls reminded me that I've been looking for some time for a scientific structure over 3NT overcalls. Ideally it would allow for various ranges of balanced hands as well as overcalls based on a long suit. Of course space is very limited here, but I think I've seen suggestions based on a 4C reply as an artificial hand-type ask. I don't remember any details though. Does anyone play anything that they are happy with here? What are the pros and cons that you've found? TIA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helene_t Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 I saw in a bidding contest that the Chinese top pair Zhao("brgpro" on BBO)/Fu play two-under-transfers, i.e. 4♣ for hearts and 4♦ for spades. This allows opener to show a slamish hand without bypassing 4M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ant590 Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 My regular partner and I play a version that we modified from one the Gnome gave us. We call it SLAP to help us remember the responses. 4♣ = asking (see below)4♦/♥/♠ = transfers, starting with cheapest (unbid) major, then going up (3x) - 3NT - (pass) - 4♣SLAP4♦ = Long running suit and stopper4♥ = Lousy hand (i.e. min balanced)4♠ = Monster hand ("all")4NT = Big balanced ("points") Quite how you differentiate between 4♠ and 4NT is a matter for discussion. We had quite different ideas about what continues a 3NT overcall so it involved some discussion for us ;) It's come up three times in the last two years. Once forgotten (after 3♥ preempt, the diamond is a transfer to spades), and twice successful in that we ended in one good slam and stopped in 4NT when there was no slam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnasher Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 If their suit is a major, how about: 4C->4D (see below)4D=Slam try with 5+ of the other majorCuebid=Strong balanced slam try4 of other major=Both minors4NT=Weaker balanced slam try After 4C->4D: Pass=signoff4 of other major=signoffCuebid=slam try with long diamonds4NT=slam try with long clubs (not forcing)5C=slam try with long clubs (forcing) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whereagles Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 There is no standard gadget for the situation. If you want to make your own, keep in mind transfers are your friend ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdonn Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 I played something similar to gnomes, except the responses to 4♣ of 4♠+ were all balanced hands and just break up the ranges however you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free Posted May 22, 2009 Report Share Posted May 22, 2009 I like everything in transfer, including 4♣. Transfer in opps suit is Stayman. Since it doesn't come up quite often I think it's important to have something simple. Make sure that 3♠-3NT-p-4♥ is forcing :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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