Advancing after an overcall of multi

[Bende]

Assuming you play a defence against 2♦-multi where overcalls of 2♥ and 2♠ are natural, what would then be the meaning of this sequence?

 

(2♦) - 2♥ - (pass) - 2♠

 

a) Natural

b) Artificial (probably with support?)

 

If it is artifical, how common is it to get stuck when partner has managed to overcall in their suit? This could be more common if the 2♦ preempt is undiciplined. On the other hand, if it is natural, how do you set hearts as trump and begin exploring for slam?

 

In Preempts from A to Z (Andersen and Zenkel) there is a defence against multi attributed to Meckwell where 2♠ in this situation is natural and 3♣ is used as an artificial forcing bid. If followed by 4♣ it is natural and non-forcing but advancer "must be prepared for partner to jump to 4♥". Does anyone play this way?

[gnasher]

I usually play that:

- Once we've shown five of a major, bidding the other major is a cue bid, unless it's a jump.

- If we've only promised four of a major, bidding the other major is a natural.

 

I've never heard of the defence you describe.

[Finch]

Yeah, I play a simple bid in the other major to agree partner's major, and a jump as natural.

[MFA]

I play along the same lines as gnasher and Frances. The other major is a cuebid opposite a 5card suit. But there are downsides sometimes.

 

Had this one tuesday (MP):

 

Ax, AKJ9xx, Qxx, Ax

 

I doubled 2♦ (too strong for 2♥) and it went P*-3♠-P...

(* undiscussed if to play. Is that btw problematic?)

 

I was forced to try 3NT which happened to be a success since partner had a flattish hand. She was nervous about being left in 2♦X.