balancing against dead NT

[straube]

Looking for ideas for balancing against 1L-1L, 1N. I'd like dbl to show RHO's suit. What should the other bids mean? It seems like we want to be able to compete in every suit except RHO's suit (where they have a presumed 6-cd fit) and it seems like emphasis should be on showing 2 or 3-suited hands.

[whereagles]

can you elaborate on the auction? I can't figure out what "1L-1L, 1NT" means

[straube]

can you elaborate on the auction? I can't figure out what "1L-1L, 1NT" means

 

for example 1C P 1H P 1N P P ?

[chasetb]

can you elaborate on the auction? I can't figure out what "1L-1L, 1NT" means

The "L" stands for level, as in 1 Level bid - 1 Level bid; 1NT. 1x-1y; 1NT is the same thing.

 

I use something called DONT-escapes over opening 1NT, where if they double you for penalty you can run. I suppose that something similar could work for your situation:

DBL = at least 4-4 in two suits, responder bids the cheapest 3-card suit

2♣, 2♦, 2♥, 2♠ shows 5+. In the case where it goes 1x-1S; 1NT, 2♠ should probably be 6+ , though I imagine a good 5 could also work.

[awm]

I'd suggest something like:

 

(1) Double shows a decent hand with RHO's suit, and can be left in. It's nominally takeout of opener's original suit.

 

(2) Two of a new suit is natural, since a two-level overcall in sandwich position has to be pretty sound.

 

(3) Two of opener's suit shows 5+ in that suit and 4+ in one of the two unbid suits (this is assuming an immediate two of opener's suit would've been natural).

 

Note that hands including both unbid suits would've acted at the first turn.

[straube]

I'd suggest something like:

 

(1) Double shows a decent hand with RHO's suit, and can be left in. It's nominally takeout of opener's original suit.

 

(2) Two of a new suit is natural, since a two-level overcall in sandwich position has to be pretty sound.

 

(3) Two of opener's suit shows 5+ in that suit and 4+ in one of the two unbid suits (this is assuming an immediate two of opener's suit would've been natural).

 

Note that hands including both unbid suits would've acted at the first turn.

 

I like it.

[1eyedjack]

I have always placed a premium on getting into the action early. So I am rarely in a position where I want to take any action on the stated conditions as I would have acted on the previous round:

 

....(1x) - P - (1y)

Dbl = 3-suited t/o of x

1N = 3-suited t/o of y

2x = 2-suited t/o of x/y

 

And yes, I give up on the strong balanced 1N bid in this seat. I hear the arguments. Maybe one day I will be convinced.

[awm]

I'll just comment that I think it's not unusual to hold opener's suit, especially if he opened 1♣. Personally I'd prefer to be able to show this hand type early rather than late.