Which System is Better?

[P_Marlowe]

I played it (Prec. Club) with him as a joke. As far as I know. 1C means 16+, and 1D after 1C is weak.

 

If we play SAYC, I think we need to install a few edges in to beat our friends. But I can't really get him to play 2/1 even though I like it.

Yes, a 1C opening is forcing, and a 1D response is a neg.

 

But of course the question is now, what do you open with hands, which would

have opened 1C before.

 

Say a hand with 5 clubs, 4 hearts and 11-15HCP.

=> This basically leads to the so called "precision" 2C opening, which showes

roughly either 11-15 and 6 clubs or 5 clubs + a 4 card major.

Another hand type to think about is a hand with 5 clubs and 4 diamonds with

11-15, those hands will usually be opened with 1D.

=> And to be able to find out, what partner has for his 1D / 2C implies certain follow up agreements.

 

All in all, even if you would want to continue playing "Precision" you would need

to install a few edges to beat your friends. "Precision" works, but ..., well you

already know, that to play "2/1" you need to add something.

 

But never forget the most important thing - have fun.

 

With kind regards

Marlowe

[gwnn]

Sounds like your p is really stubborn and you have to play what he wants B) and as it usually is the case the system of his choice REALLY sucks :) this is life ...:)

[helene_t]

If we play SAYC, I think we need to install a few edges in to beat our friends.

No, SAYC is not that bad. For the system perfectionists at this forum (including me) it is frustrating to have to play a suboptimal system, but it's not like it will differ a lot of MPs or IMPs whether you play SAYC or 2/1.

 

SAYC has the big advantage that just by mentioning a 4-letter word you tell partner how you interpret most common calls. Can't achieve the same by saying "Acol" or "Prec".

 

There are some ambiguities in SAYC. Most annoyingly, it is not clear how to avoid game when opener has a balanced 12-count and responder a balanced 11-count, as

1banana-2oranges

2NT

is forcing. One solution is not to open with balanced 12-counts. Maybe your partner will approve that solution :(

[Codo]

It does not matter much. Bidding systems are totally overrated by their supporters.

 

You can win with ACOL, Prec., 2/1, polish club, fantunes, mosquito, Standard American or any other given system.

 

But it seems to be that you are more flexible then your partner, so you should ask him what fits him best and play it.

 

IF you want something easy and short, try "SAYC" the way it is played at BBO- named BBO standard.