Invitational range when dealing with LOBs in SA

[pbleighton]

One partner and I are now playing Standard American using weak NT and LOBs (open almost all 11s, and 10s with a reasonable 6 card suit or other good reason to open).

 

We are struggling a bit with invitational ranges. From other threads I started, I got the input that invitational bids should still start at 11/a good 10 when using LOBs, the same as when using sound opening bids. This means an invitational bid can now be 3 hcp below GF, and not 2.

 

In the sequence 1S - P - 3S - P - ?, what is your recommendation for the minimum hand to accept the invitation?

 

In the sequence 1S - P - 2C - P - 2S - P - ?, what sort of hands should responder pass with that he wouldn't pass with if using sound opening bids (our criteria for rebids is that the suit can play at the 4 level opposite 3 small).

 

And yes - we do play that a 2/1 responder can pass a rebid of opener's suit, or a raise of responder's suit, so we don't call it SAYC ;D!

 

BTW, because we are using weak NT (11-14), a non-jump rebid of NT by the opener shows 15-17 hcp. Therefore with minimum 5332s with a 5 card major we open 1NT, unless we are comfortable rebidding the suit.

[luis]

I don't know if this is useful for you but playing LOBS I found this simple tool very convenient:

 

1m - 1M

1NT

 

2c = Any invitational hand. Forces a 2d bid by opener to describe the invitation. If followed by 2NT then SOLID Invitation and we accept with any 12+ hand. Generally 12+/13 HCP.

2d = Any GF hand, responses as if it was new minor.

2M = Signoff

2NT = Light invitation we only accept with good 13 or 14. (Generally 11-12- HCP)

2OM = Weak 5/4

3m = Signoff