1S-1NT; 2C

[laughter]

I learnt that some expert partnerships play:

 

1S-1NT;

2C = Usually 3+, but maybe 5=3=3=2.

2D = Promise at least 4.

 

Usually they also play some sort of Bart where 2D rebid over 2C is artificial.

 

While this style allows responder to use Bart more frequently, but what if he has BOTH minors, like 1=3=5=4?

He can't pass 2C confidently (opener can have only 2), and 2D is not a choice as it is artificial.

 

My question is whether 2C rebid promises only 2+ a really playable style?

And what do you think of the plus and minus of an artificial rebid of Bart?

[helene_t]

This example is a case against playing BART, but with 6-7 HCP's you can pass since partner usually has 3 clubs. IMO he should open 1NT with 5332 and the appropriate HCP's to reduce this problem.

[han]

I play this and like it. When not playing flannery you may also have to bid 2C on some 4-5-2-2 hands.

 

 

Helene is right that you can reduce the frequency of 2C being a 2-card suit by opening 1NT with all balanced hands in the 15-17 range, and by passing a semi-forcing 1NT response with minimal balanced hands. Playing in this style, 2C almost guarantees 3, and you usually have 4.

[the hog]

I also play this, and agree with both the above posts. We have found it perfectly playable and it actually offers numerous advantages in that a D rebid almost always guarantees 4, (except when 4531 precisely).

[luke warm]

This example is a case against playing BART, but with 6-7 HCP's you can pass since partner usually has 3 clubs. IMO he should open 1NT with 5332 and the appropriate HCP's to reduce this problem.

ditto, tho ben & misho play (or did play) a form of bart... not exactly sure when tho

[MesSer]

I favour 1S-2D = transfer to hearts 5+suit and 6+hcp and 1S-2H = 5+D. Over 1S-2D -->

 

2H = 2+H and a hand that doesn't see a chance for game against 8-11hcp,

2S = no heart fit,

2NT = Relay with 2+H

3H = 3+fit and invitational.

 

Works great playing together with 2/1 or any natural system where 1M can contain 11-22 and you won't usually miss a game in hearts or a good partscore. Plus, it gives you the chance to pass out 1S-1NT more often. And, you are able to bid on those 6-card heart-suits with 5-8hcp. So far, I have only recieved good results by using this. You need to work a bit on the structure over 1S-2H though, but that's about it...

[laughter]

I guess opener's 1S bid present difficult problem for a responder holding hearts.

Transfer response enables responder to show his suit more easily and stop at two level.

But the light requirement of 2D may backfire:

AKJxx-x-xx-AKxxx

1S-2D;

?

If responder shows hearts (quite wide ranging) with 2D bid, you may not be able to show your club (3C should be FG). A forcing NT enables opener to bid his hand more easily here.

Also, you lose out the advantage of 2/1FG as

1S-2D;

2H/2S-?

Responder may have to rebid 2NT to show 11-12 inv, and have to cramp the bidding with a jump to 3NT holding 13-15 balanced 5H.

While 2D transfer definitely has advantages, I don't think using it on all sort of hand containing hearts is good idea; after all, if opener can't fit hearts, the partnership can easily get overboard.