Switching to weak NT

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

 

as mentioned in an earlier post, we did switch to a weak NT (12-14).

After a couple of weeks I am still open for the experiement, but I have

some doubt that our current agreements are still working well.

 

Playing strong NT, we used to play NMF after openers 1NT rebid, which

was not perfect, but did handle most hands ok.

Now if partner rebids 1NT (showing 15-17) (15-18?), I dont feel that NMF

is still sufficient.

 

Any suggestions?

 

I know a structure suggested by Ron Klinger, in case the 1NT rebid showes

15-18

 

a) all invites go through 2C

Asking opener to show his strength

=> 2D dead min, other suits on the 2 level show values or secondary support

 

B) jump to the 3 level is gf

c) a jump in a new suit is at least 5-5

d) 2NT is a puppet to 3C, sign of in clubs or specific hand patterns

 

Does anyone have experience with this structure?

 

With kind regards

Marlowe

[WesleyC]

My check-back method of choice is:

 

2C=Puppet to 2D then

-Pass weak with diamonds

-Other bids INV

 

2D/2H/2S/2NT= Transfers, either WEAK or GF (and not 5/5)

3C/3D/3H/3S= Natural GF, 5/5 shape

 

The big advantages to this method are:

 

1. Using the puppet, responder can invite with a 5c Major and still play in 2M (in the 5-3 or 5-2 fit).

 

2. Playing transfers rather than sign off bids at the 2 level gives you more flexibility to explore with your strong hands (and makes the big balanced hand declarer).

[nigel_k]

I always use 2♣ as artificial in that situation, instead of NMF, because it gives you an extra step and they seldom let you play 2♣ anyway. Anything at the two level other than 2♣ is less than invitational values.

 

There are different response stuctures but I prefer a very simple Stayman-like approach: show an unbid four card major or three card support for partner's major, otherwise bid 2♦, or possibly 2NT with a good maximum.

 

Having said that, I'm not sure that the range of the NT rebid makes much difference to the continuations except that 15-17 will be more playable in 1NT and so giving up the ability to play 2 of a minor is a smaller loss.

 

Please do post more on this and let us know how you get on. Probably the biggest change system-wise will be what you do when they double, or what responder does with a bad hand when expecting a double.

[Fluffy]

The french had a good tool for the 12-15 NT called roudinesco (roudi), you probably know it already.

 

1x-1y

1NT-2c = roudi

 

2d = min 2 cards in y

2h= min 3 cards in y

2s= max 3 cards in y (GF)

2NT= max 2 cards in y (GF)

 

 

1x-1y

1NT-2d = weak stop in diamonds

 

I supose it is also playable for a 15-18 NT.

 

 

Also worth looking at it is the XYZ (2 way checkback)