Does a 1S response to 1H opening deny game-forcing strength?

[Antrax]

Generally, does 1 over 1 deny game forcing strength in 2/1 bidding, if a 2-level response would've been forcing to game or 4m?

How are you supposed to bid something like

♠AKQxxx ♥xx ♦Kxx ♣Ax

In 2/1 if partner opens 1♥? Do you have to play strong jump shifts?

[helene_t]

1♠ certainly doesn't deny gf strength. 2♠ would show a very specific hand so most strong hands with spades start with 1♠.

 

The hand you show may qualify for a strong jump shift, though. And many forum posters like to respond 2♣ with 4-4 in the black suits and gf strength.

 

But with five spades and a balanced hand, or five spades plus a minor, or a mediocre 6-card spades, you must start with 1♠ even with 20 points.

 

BTW you don't have to play strong jump shifts. They are quite popular in North America, I think most European experts play weak or intermediate jump shifts.

[jmcw]

A 1♠ response to 1♥ is F1 and shows 4 or more ♠ with unlimited strength. Subsequent bidding will more accurately describe strength and distribution in similar ways to SAYC depending on your methods.

 

Depending on opener's response your second bid should be either a 4 suit force or a checkback type bid setting a GF. From there you can then rebid your ♠, which many play as a slam try with very good ♠.

[Antrax]

Okay thanks. I thought I saw GIB alert 1 over 1 as a limit bid the one time I played with it, so I was wondering.

As for WJS, that's what I play currently, I'm still not sure what comes with the "2/1 package deal" and what doesn't.

[aguahombre]

I'm still not sure what comes with the "2/1 package deal" and what doesn't.

You are not alone on this, when playing with pickup partners or new pards with inadequate time to discuss.

 

Many people believe 2/1 means you must create a G.F. with the first response or you imply you don't have one, and distort their shape to that end.

 

Most partnerships with experience together have excellent ways of following up after initial 1/1 responses so they do not have to try to catch up after nebulous beginnings.

[helene_t]

Basically, a 1-of-a-suit response means the same and the follow ups are the same, regardless of whether you play 2/1 (whatever that means), SA (whatever that means), SAYC or even Acol.

 

But 2/1 is a more modern style than non-2/1 SA styles such as SAYC so 2/1 players are more likely to play modern stuff like Walsh (or T-Walsh), inverted minors, XYZ, Gazilli.