Usefulness of Invitational Jump Shifts

[Acesfull]

I was recently reading Fred's Improving 2/1 Game Force articles, and I like the idea of using a natural 2NT response to a major suit opening. Fred suggests using the cheapest jumpshift (1♥-2♠ and 1♠-3♣) to show a forcing raise. This sounds reasonable enough; my only concern is giving up the invitational 3♣ response to 1♠. I don't think I've actually used the bid ever and was wondering if anyone had any experience or suggestions regarding Fred's structure. Thanks.

 

http://www.bridgebase.com/articles/fg/2over1.html

http://www.bridgebase.com/articles/fg/2over12.html

http://www.bridgebase.com/articles/fg/2over13.html

[helene_t]

You could use 1♠-3♥ as a forcing raise. (Maybe this is a bad idea, didn't think that much about it).

[luke warm]

i think in fred's system you can still use bergen raises... so if 1S/3C is limit with 4 trumps for you, change it to 1S/3D... the constructive with 4 would be 1S/3H...

[whereagles]

Opposite an unlimited opener you need space to bid with enough precision. You either

 

1. Limit the forcing raise to, say, 12-15 points or so (opener becomes capitain), and then you can use space-consuming jumps, OR

 

2. Leave forcing raises unlimited, but then you need space for opener to describe his hand. In this case you're probably better not going beyond 2NT, or at most 3C, to show the good support.

 

Using a space-consuming bid to show unlimited support is going to make it too hard for your side to evaluate slam possibilities.

[Trpltrbl]

I think it is a good idea.

But I use my bids for minisplinters 6-9 HCP with 4+ trump and singleton in bid suit.

I like that idea better :D

 

Mike :)

[pclayton]

I play Fred's system and we don't give up Bergen Raises. You just have to make 3♥ a Bergen Raise over a 1♠ Opening. No loss as far as I can see.

 

Combined with Serious 3N, Fred's raises are exceptionally effective.

 

1♥-3♠ and 1♠-3N are void splinters.

 

We are trying to devise are some coherent rules for responding to the natural 2N call. Opener can show a 2nd suit, but it seems problematic to show fit and/or strength.

 

Any ideas?