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Kapln Inversion


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Been actually trying out Kaplan Inversion in ACBL Mid-chart events and it's been more of a problem than I anticipated. I've often encountered a simple and very effective defense:1-1-(X) showing spades--fourth hand doubles on crap with spades that would pass 1-1NT forcing. Have others run into similar experiences with KI? I now wonder if the tradeoffs are worth it and I'd like to hear from other more expert players.
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Been actually trying out Kaplan Inversion in ACBL Mid-chart events and it's been more of a problem than I anticipated. I've often encountered a simple and very effective defense:1-1-(X) showing spades--fourth hand doubles on crap with spades that would pass 1-1NT forcing. Have others run into similar experiences with KI? I now wonder if the tradeoffs are worth it and I'd like to hear from other more expert players.

 

Played it for a while. Hated it.

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Played it for quite a while now. Love it.

 

Getting across the length of the 5 card spade suit in one hit is worth far more than the rare times you get problems. If RHO is going to X 1 to show spades, the chances are he is also going to double a non-KI 1NT to show spades.

 

I have a regular other partner who does not like KI, and we sometimes find ourselves making the wrong guess when responder has 5.

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I remember a top player [Martel?] saying he didn't like KI for this reason. I am unconvinced, many bid 1H-P-1N-2S fairly aggressively, and as Wank says, doubling 1S isn't risk free.

 

Personally, I don't like KI because I think the extra space is more important when responder shows spades than when responder denies spades, although it is somewhat system dependent - KI makes sense if you play Flannery, for example.

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No, KI doesn't play sense when you play Flannery as you don't need it (1 already shows 5 cards).

 

I play it whilst not playing Flannery and I like it. I really dislike 1 - 1N with 4522 hands.

 

Times that opponents have used 1 p 1 X to their advantage so far: Zero. Besides if you respond light there is an advantage taking 1NT away from them in the auction 1 - 1N. Opener can bid 2 or even 3 MUCH more often after a 4th seat Dbl (which cannot show a strong NT and both minors at the same time)

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Most people seem to play over KI that X=takeout of hearts anyways, despite our recommended defense being X=spades, 1N=takeout of hearts (in fact, my partner recommends that, I think having a natural 1N overcall against us is more important). But the same thing applies anyways, it's nice to be able to screw them when they have a natural 1N overcall and you can steal with 1H p 1N in standard. I mean, yes it's a downside of KI, I don't remember losing any boards because of it but it's possible I forgot. I can't imagine it's a huge deal.
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I've never played that.

I am curious what is the standard way to bid after 1.

One system I saw is that 1NT is Hxx or four of them and otherwise you bid 2m (or 2D with 2-5-3-3 and 2C natural or strong or w/e). In such system I really don't like bypassing 1NT. I imagine it's not a problem at imps but what about MP's ? Or maybe there are other solutions to this problem ?

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I've never played that.

I am curious what is the standard way to bid after 1.

One system I saw is that 1NT is Hxx or four of them and otherwise you bid 2m (or 2D with 2-5-3-3 and 2C natural or strong or w/e). In such system I really don't like bypassing 1NT. I imagine it's not a problem at imps but what about MP's ? Or maybe there are other solutions to this problem ?

My way is probably not standard, but I like to ignore minor holdings (playing an artificial 2 anyway), and concentrate on the majors. Similar to yours above, but reverse the NT/ meanings.

1NT = any 12-14 without something to say in the majors

2 = most 15+ hands, those not qualifying for a specific bid > 2

2 = 4 spades

2 = 6 hearts

So I don't bypass 1NT, which is a useful natural bid. Of course it's all a matter of judgement. With a low side suit doubleton and a good Hxx there's nothing to stop you treating it as 4 spades.

 

Incidentally, you could say that another advantage of KI is that you can play in 1NT more often.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Just make it sure 1 is up to 11 HCP (bidding 2 with a balanced hand containing spades).

Are you saying responder initially replies 2 with a 12 count? I am happy to reply 1 with game hands (it is forcing), not just up to 11, and use a possibly artificial 2-bid for the 16+ hands, but the strength limits of your 1 has little bearing on the efficacy of using KI : a worthwhile swap.

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