Puppet with 6 Hearts and 4 Spades

[olien]

I just like a relatively simple structure over 2NT:

 

3♣ = stayman or natural slam try

3♦/♥ = transfers

3♠ = both minors

3NT = to play

4♣ = ♦ slam interest

4♦/♥ = transfers

 

 

After 2NT-3♣:

3♦ = no 4M

3M = 4/5 M but not 4oM

3NT = 4/4 Majors, poor hand for slam

4♣ = 4/4 Majors, good hand for slam

 

This structure is possible as 3♣ either promises 4M or is slam going single-suiter with ♣.

 

After 2NT-3♣// 3♦:

3M = smolen

3NT = to play

4♣ = quantitative minorwood (4♦=bad hand, 4♥+=good hand, responding keycard)

4♦ = natural with 4M

 

 

After 2NT-3♣// 3♥:

3♠ = slam going ♥ raise

3NT = to play

4♣ = quantitative minorwood (as above)

4♦ = natural with 4♠ (but now 4♠ = cue since opener has denied having 4♠)

 

 

After 2NT-3♣// 3♠:

3NT = to play

4♣ = quantitative minorwood

4♦ = natural with 4♥

4♥ = slam going ♠ raise

 

 

After 2NT-3♣// 3NT:

4♣ = quantitative minorwood

4♦/♥ = transfers

 

After 2NT-3♣// 4♣:

4♦/♥ = transfers

4♠ = RKC for ♣

 

 

2NT-3♦// 3♥-3♠ = 5/5 majors mild+ slam interest (now 4m=major suit flag, 4M=neg)

 

2NT-4♣:

Respond as though quantitative minorwood.

 

I like this structure for its simplicity and its ability to cover hands. My experience has rarely been that missing the 5-3M fit and playing 3NT evens out over time. Maybe this structure can be improved, but its not mine. It was suggested to me by JDonn and he said he got it from a very good player, so I'll take his word for it.