Weak NT denying 4-card major

[Siegmund]

I've been about to get my feet wet with this convention for awhile, but suffering a bit of paralysis choosing a response structure for it.

 

I have the ancient Match-Point Precision book, and I found Mark Abraham's SCREAM system notes, where he uses 2♣ and 2♦ as 2-under transfers and 2♥ as the strong relay. And of course there's the more natural approach, 2♥ and 2♠ to play with one of 2♣ or 2♦ as a relay and the other as... I don't know.

 

Does anyone have opinions about what works best?

[shevek]

Marston used 2-under transfers, which have real merit. They cater for unbalanced invitational hands, those that want to play 2M in the 5-2 fit but have game interest in the 5-3. 2♥ as GF relay is adequate, a bit cramped. As for the rest, normal is 2♠ range probe and 2NT minors (could be 4-4 since opener has one) 3♣ & 3♦ to play.

 

We use a more orthodox version with normal transfers and 2♣ GFR opposite our 12-15.

This is our relay structure:

1N   2♣

2♦  5♦s

2♥  5♣s

2♠  2-3-4-4

2N  3-2-4-4

3♣  3-3-4-3

3♦  3-3-3-4

 

"diamonds, clubs, both-high, both-low, square diamonds, square clubs"

 

2♦  2♥

2♠  2-3-5-3

2N  3-2-5-3

3♣  3-3-5-2

3♦  2-2-5-4

 

Double for penalties

[efe_]

Hello

 

Is your system 4 card-major?

Here is a system responds to weak NT which does not include 4/5 major..

 

over 1NT

2C = gf relay

2D/H = trfer

2S = constructive hand for minors

2NT = invite

3C/D = to play, preemptive

3H/S = 6+ suit with 2 honours

3NT = to play

4C = gerber

4D/H = trfer

 

over 1NT - 2C

2D = 4-4 minors

2H = any five card minor

2S = 5-4 minors

2N = 4333

3C = 6card-C

3D = 6card-D

 

I hope I could help

[cwiggins]

Assuming by "weak" you mean 13-15 HCP or 12-15 HCP.

 

You might want to consider using Klinger's Keri responses and modify them based on opener not having a 4CM.

 

The basic scheme is:

 

2C = Puppet to 2D to

.... Pass = signoff

.... 2M = invite game with a 5CM

.... 2N

.... 3m = invite game with a 6cm

.... 3M =

 

2D = Transfer to hearts (with special continuations to show 5/4m and 5/5 GF)

2H = Transfer to spades

2S = Range inquiry (either looking for 3NT or 1-suited slam try)

2N = Transfer to clubs

3x = SPL in next suit up. Either 4441 (or maybe 5m440) or 1-suited in minor with only game ambitions)

 

Since the 1NT bidder does not have a 4CM, sequences used to show that can be put to other purposes. For example, I like having Minor Suit Staymen available. If you make 2S into that, maybe:

...1N-2C; 2D-2N = INV and natural

...1N-2D; 2H-2S = 1-suited slam

 

 

 

 

 

On

[Siegmund]

Isn't as-such a 4CM system I'm working with, but a Polish Club variant where the 1♣ opening includes weak hands promising 4CM. Right now I'm thinking of 1NT 11-14, no 4CM, debating whether to allow long diamonds or not.

 

I appreciate all ideas. I find the two-under transfers very intriguing but I think that may be partly just novelty value.

 

Does anybody use anything more scientific than "range inquiry" for the invitational hands? In my strong-NT system, I have a way to find out whether an HHxxxx minor suit will run or not, to get to some good 23-point 3NTs. I am thinking it'd be very handy to be able to do the same here. Lots of ideas to kick around in my head.

 

Part of the frustration for me is that living in the ACBL world, a full-on relay system isn't an option (though 1NT-2C relays are allowed), so I don't quite have the "just dump all the strong hands into the relay sequence" mentality that the Aussie/Kiwi system designers do.

[dake50]

Three thoughts.

Pre-scramble would like 2C and 2D escapes on the theory of get-into-a-minor-ambiguously to leave 2M option for opponents rather than penalty double that may/not win.

Preempt 3C,3D often to leave their M-fit to explore game/not beginning at 3-level.

Transfers less value on middling hands as transferrer is more likely to have as many/more points than weak 1NT:12-14 esp. 1NT:10-12.

 

In sum, take advantage of both no 4xM and limited weak aspects.