GNAT

[hrothgar]

2014 Fall Nationals are being help in Provincetown RI and one of my old partner's and I are thinking about dusting off our boots and re-entering the fray.

I am tinkering with a system that I am terming "GNAT"

 

(GNAT = GCC? Not Any Trouble...)

 

3D = Disciplined preempt

3C = Disciplined preempt

2N = Weak with both minors

2S = Constructive weak 2 (6-10 or so, eliminating some minimal 6 card suits from the 1S opening)

2H = Constructive weak 2 ((6-10 or so, eliminating some minimal 6 card suits from the 1H opening)

2D = Constructive weak 2 ((6-10 or so, eliminating some minimal 6 card suits from the 1D opening)

2C = 6+ clubs (might have an unbiddable 4 card major)

1N = 11+ - 14 HCP (could be 5332 with a 5 card major)

1S = 4+ Spades, unbalanced could have a longer minor

1H = 4+ Hearts, unbalanced, could have a longer minor

1D = 4+ Diamonds, unbalanced, could have longer clubs (Might have an unbiddable 4 card major)

1C = Strongish

 

1M openings are unbalanced, so the 1N response is forcing

The 1D opening is also unbalanced, so the 1N response will also be forcing

 

Following a 1S opening

 

1N is forcing

2C is natural, forcing to 2N

2D is natural, forcing to 2N

2H is natural, constructive and non foricng

 

Responder can relay after some of opener's rebids

 

Following a 1D opening

 

3D = value raise

3C = pass or correct

2N is a limit raise+ in support of diamonds

2S = weak jump shift

2H = anti flannery (5 Spades, 4 Hearts, non forcing)

2D = value raise

2C = forcing to 2NT

1N = forcing

1S = natural and forcing

1H = natural and foricng

 

I think that it should be fun and playable. Not as good as MOSCITO, but whatcha gonna do...

 

I'm concerned about the low frequency of the 1D opening (and toyed with using this to show 13-15 balanced and spreading the unbalanced Diamond hands across 2C, 2D, and 3D). Ultimately, I think I prefer being able to have a real diamond opening.

[GreenMan]

Looks kind of similar to a Schenken Light system I played over the weekend that a friend back home has been refining, only we used 1♦ 3+ and 14-16 NT. It was reasonably effective and a lot of fun.

[Zelandakh]

I'm concerned about the low frequency of the 1D opening

You could extend the upper range and use the change to improve some of the 1♣ sequences. You lose little within an unbalanced diamond set-up by extending to 17 and it may be worth taking it all the way to just below a GF if you get something good out of 1♣ for it. Probably the simplest answer is to open hands with a 4 card major and 4+ diamonds with 1♦ though. That means the canape on the 1M openings does not need to include diamonds and you can certainly use this space profitably. If you want to keep the canape then allow major suit canape in the 1♦ opening too, so you open a weak 4♦5M hand 1♦. That again would give you more space to play with after a 1M opening.

[hrothgar]

Probably the simplest answer is to open hands with a 4 card major and 4+ diamonds with 1♦ though. That means the canape on the 1M openings does not need to include diamonds and you can certainly use this space profitably. If you want to keep the canape then allow major suit canape in the 1♦ opening too, so you open a weak 4♦5M hand 1♦. That again would give you more space to play with after a 1M opening.

 

I consider opening 4 card majors as a plus...

[yunling]

Interested in how will you show 5M4m hands...

Also, 1♦ opening seems to be too infrequent.

[hrothgar]

Interested in how will you show 5M4m hands...

Also, 1♦ opening seems to be too infrequent.

 

I agree that the 1D opening is less frequent that I would like.

 

Both 5M/4m and 5m/4M hands get opened 1M

 

Responder will raise to 2M with (almost) any hand with appropriate range and 3 card support for the major.

 

Therefore, and auction like

 

1M - 1N

2m - 2M

 

pretty much promises a doubleton in the major and, by inference, 3 pieces in the minor.

If opener holds a 4M/5m hand, he can correct to 3m and find an 8 card fit

[TylerE]

I like the general idea of this....it fits with my personal preferences...hit me up if you want to do some practice bidding to see how it works out.

 

I am tempted to say go even farther with the 1♦ bid and have it deny a 4M 100%. Then responders 1M rebids can show 5+ cards, and you'll have a much easier time getting to responders 5-3 when weak (e.g. less than NMF values). Then change 1N to NF and you have great (for MP) non-informative 1N auctions where the opps have no idea WTF to lead.

[akwoo]

What about throwing 18-19 balanced into 1♦? You have enough strength to survive partner's presumption that you have diamonds, you are weak enough to not be missing game if partner passes with garbage, it shouldn't be hard to untangle, and taking it out of 1♣ might make your sequences there easier.

[awm]

I don't see how we find our fit after say 1S-1NT-2D-2S. Say opener has 4x5x; responder could easily be 2425? Or do you pass that with below INV?

 

Anyway it is ACBL so clearly you should play 2D Flannery and put some diamond preempts back into 1D.

 

Or maybe 4D/5+S is more of an issue; would be strangely annoying to defend 2D showing that.

[TylerE]

When I played a Canape system we always assumed the 2nd suit was at least equal - it's not always, but that was our operating assumption, so we needed a reason to take preference back to the 1st suit. Not always right, but tended to avoid disaster - in part because you don't spend lots of bids floundering for a fit so it's a lot harder for the opponents to balance effectively.

[TylerE]

When I played a Canape system we always assumed the 2nd suit was at least equal - it's not always, but that was our operating assumption, so we needed a reason to take preference back to the 1st suit. Not always right, but tended to avoid disaster - in part because you don't spend lots of bids floundering for a fit so it's a lot harder for the opponents to balance effectively.

[Kungsgeten]

The major openings looks a lot like Magic Diamond or Moscito (but without transfers). These kind of openings work pretty well with transfer responses, but I guess that isn't legal in GCC? You could probably look at versions of Moscito where they don't use transfers for some inspiration.

 

Some people I know play this structure, which is similar to your major openings:

 

1C = 15+

1D = Any unbalanced hand without a 4 card major (so either 5-4 minors or a 6+ minor)

1M = 4+ major, unbalanced, may have longer minor

1N = 11+ - 14

2X = Preempts

 

They also play Magic Diamond style transfers over 1M however.

 

I had an idea about a canapé system, but I haven't played it. It used 2M openings to show 5(+) major and 4 clubs, which i didn't quite like, but otherwise I think the structure would be very playable:

 

1C = Strongish

1D = 4+ diamonds unbalanced. a) 4 diamonds and longer major b) 5 diamonds and 4+ clubs c) 6+ diamonds

1M = 4 card major and longer side suit, or 6+ major

1N = 11+ - 14

2C = 6+ clubs or 5 clubs and 4 diamonds

2D = Whatever (I would use multi, even though I'm not very fond of it, but it isn't GCC legal)

2M = 5 card major and 4+ clubs, constructive

2N = Whatever

 

We also have a successful pair in Sweden which play this structure (but may have updated it since this page was written): http://home.swipnet.se/~w-78650/kalrotsruter.htm

They use 1D to show 5+ major. Pretty crazy :)

[hrothgar]

I don't see how we find our fit after say 1S-1NT-2D-2S. Say opener has 4x5x; responder could easily be 2425? Or do you pass that with below INV?

 

Anyway it is ACBL so clearly you should play 2D Flannery and put some diamond preempts back into 1D.

 

Or maybe 4D/5+S is more of an issue; would be strangely annoying to defend 2D showing that.

 

Damn you Adam...

 

Playing MOSCITO, I was able to pigeonhole that shape into a natural non-forcing 2C response...

 

(On a more serious note, thanks for pointing this out)

[akhare]

 

Playing MOSCITO, I was able to pigeonhole that shape into a natural non-forcing 2C response...

 

(On a more serious note, thanks for pointing this out)

 

Zelandakh's suggestion to remove the ♦ canapé hands from 1M might be useful here. Since 1M - blah - 2D sequence would show a 5+ card major, the 1♥ - 1♠ - 1N sequence can presumably handle the 4♥-5♣ hands.

 

The 1♠ - 1N - 2♣ sequence will still be ambiguous in terms of relative length and the 1N response might contain problematic non-invitational hands like 2(54)2.

 

Perhaps, you can extend Adam's suggestion and play the 2D opening as 5+♠ and 4 minor (assuming it's GCC legal)...

[hrothgar]

Zelandakh's suggestion to remove the ♦ canapé hands from 1M might be useful here. Since 1M - blah - 2D sequence would show a 5+ card major, the 1♥ - 1♠ - 1N sequence can presumably handle the 4♥-5♣ hands.

 

The 1♠ - 1N - 2♣ sequence will still be ambiguous in terms of relative length and the 1N response might contain problematic non-invitational hands like 2(54)2.

 

Perhaps, you can extend Adam's suggestion and play the 2D opening as 5+♠ and 4 minor (assuming it's GCC legal)...

 

Thanks for the suggestion.

Makes sense...

 

Increases the frequency of the 1D opening and removes some troublesome hands from the rebid...

[Free]

Looks a lot based on MOSCITO, but without any of the plusses (transfer openings, relays, the preemptive value of 1♠ openings,...) and with most of the minuses (no way to distinguish between 5M-4m and 4M-5m, very light 1♣ opening,...).

[akwoo]

@Free - Keep in mind that one of the important points for this system is that it should be GCC-legal. MOSCITO most definitely is NOT GCC-legal. In particular, relay systems which begin before a game force is established are not GCC-legal (though various one round (semi)-relays, such as Lebensohl, are GCC-legal).

 

@Kungsgeten - Multi is not GCC-legal.

[TylerE]

MOSCITO isn't even Super chart legal, not that Super chart events exist anyway, and isn't close to mid-chart legal.

[Free]

I know, but it's like modifying a Ferrari down to an icecream truck and hoping that it still delivers like a Ferrari.

[nige1]

2014 Fall Nationals are being help in Provincetown RI and one of my old partner's and I are thinking about dusting off our boots and re-entering the fray. I am tinkering with a system that I am terming "GNAT" (GNAT = GCC? Not Any Trouble...)

3D = Disciplined preempt

3C = Disciplined preempt

2N = Weak with both minors

2S = Constructive weak 2 (6-10 or so, eliminating some minimal 6 card suits from the 1S opening)

2H = Constructive weak 2 ((6-10 or so, eliminating some minimal 6 card suits from the 1H opening)

2D = Constructive weak 2 ((6-10 or so, eliminating some minimal 6 card suits from the 1D opening)

2C = 6+ clubs (might have an unbiddable 4 card major)

1N = 11+ - 14 HCP (could be 5332 with a 5 card major)

1S = 4+ Spades, unbalanced could have a longer minor

1H = 4+ Hearts, unbalanced, could have a longer minor

1D = 4+ Diamonds, unbalanced, could have longer clubs (Might have an unbiddable 4 card major)

1C = Strongish

1M openings are unbalanced, so the 1N response is forcing

The 1D opening is also unbalanced, so the 1N response will also be forcing

Following a 1S opening

1N is forcing

2C is natural, forcing to 2N

2D is natural, forcing to 2N

2H is natural, constructive and non forcing

What do you reply to 1♠ with ♠ xxx ♥ AKJxxx ♦ Ax ♣ Qx?

Responder can relay after some of opener's rebids

Following a 1D opening

 

3D = value raise

3C = pass or correct

2N is a limit raise+ in support of diamonds

2S = weak jump shift

2H = anti flannery (5 Spades, 4 Hearts, non forcing)

2D = value raise

2C = forcing to 2NT

1N = forcing

1S = natural and forcing

1H = natural and forcing

I think that it should be fun and playable. Not as good as MOSCITO, but whatcha gonna do...

I'm concerned about the low frequency of the 1D opening (and toyed with using this to show 13-15 balanced and spreading the unbalanced Diamond hands across 2C, 2D, and 3D). Ultimately, I think I prefer being able to have a real diamond opening.

You can play Moscito in Scotland but I think it's illegal in England (e.g. 1♣ with a good balanced 15 HCP). Many local regulators have chauvinist system regulations that spoil the game for foreigners and frustrate the development of the game.

[mycroft]

I know, but it's like modifying a Ferrari down to an icecream truck and hoping that it still delivers like a Ferrari.

[TylerE]

I finally have a reason to use this:

 

http://www.stickboydaily.com/images/2009/07/Ferrari-Powered-Citroen-2CV-Van-2-465x348.jpg

 

Yes, that's a Citroen 2CV Van body dropped on Ferrari F355 running gear.

[straube]

C=6C

D=6D

H=6H

S=6S

 

It's hard to organize openings without the use of 2D, 2H, and 2S. Blue Team Club used canape openings but sacrificed weak twos and consequently had weak and strong canapes. For example 1S-1N, 2H showed the same pattern as 1H-1N, 2S but was weaker. If we want to keep weak twos, however, would this work? I think it's GCC legal because 1M-1N is forcing but doesn't promise invitational values.

 

 

1D-C/D, C, D

1H-H, H/C, H/D, 5S/6H

.....1S-5S

.....1N-inv+ or constructive short hearts

..........2C-H/C

...............2D-GF relay

..........2D-H/D

...............2H-GF relay

..........2H-H

...............2S-GF relay

..........2S-5S/6H

...............3C-GF relay

.....2C-constructive, 2+H and 3+C

.....2D-constructive, 6D

.....2H-raise

1S-S,S/C, S/D, 5S/5H

.....1N-inv+ or constructive short spades

..........2C-S/C

...............2D-GF relay

..........2D-S/D

...............2H-GF relay

..........2H-5S/5H

...............2S-GF relay

..........2S-6S

...............2N-GF relay

.....2C-constructive, 2S, 3+C

.....2D-constructve, 6D

.....2H-constructive, 6H

.....2S-raise

1N-12-14, all 5332s

2C-S/H but not 5+/5+

.....2D-asks preference

..........2H-reverser

...............2S-GF relay

..........2S-unreversed

...............2N-GF relay

2D-weak

2H-weak

2S-weak

2N-natural? 4D/6C might be nice so that 1D had more of an anchor suit

 

After 1D opening you would probably want a 1H response to promise only 4 hearts...or even fewer hearts if permitted. A 1S response would promise 5.

[straube]

I looked at some hands and thought it worked pretty well. You have some very frequent +0 and +1 relay auctions and it seems to find playable spots. I have to correct some oversights as we have to have a home for the 4441s and responder needs to know what to bid with 2452 and 2542 after a 1S opening. Same for 4252 and 4225 after an 1H opening. The 1M-2C bid finds us a 5-2 major suit fit whenever it occurs(sometimes missing a better minor suit fit) or opener may pass with 5C or rebid a 5-cd diamond suit. When it goes 1S-1N, 2H the fifth heart really makes us for it when responder has the constructive hand with 0-1 spade and mostly minors.

 

 

1D-C/D, C, D, 4441s

.....1M-4+

1H-H, H/C, H/D, 5S/6H

.....1S-5S

.....1N-inv+ or constructive short hearts

..........2C-H/C

...............2D-GF relay

..........2D-H/D

...............2H-GF relay

..........2H-H

...............2S-GF relay

..........2S-5S/6H

...............3C-GF relay

.....2C-constructive, 2+H and 2+C

.....2D-constructive, 6D

.....2H-raise

1S-S,S/C, S/D, 5S/5H

.....1N-inv+ or constructive short spades

..........2C-S/C

...............2D-GF relay

..........2D-S/D

...............2H-GF relay

..........2H-5S/5H

...............2S-GF relay

..........2S-6S

...............2N-GF relay

.....2C-constructive, 2S, 2+C

.....2D-constructve, 6D

.....2H-constructive, 6H

.....2S-raise

1N-12-14, all 5332s

2C-S/H but not 5+/5+

.....2D-asks preference

..........2H-reverser

...............2S-GF relay

..........2S-unreversed

...............2N-GF relay

2D-weak

2H-weak

2S-weak

2N-natural? 4D/6C might be nice so that 1D had more of an anchor suit

[hrothgar]

I looked at some hands and thought it worked pretty well. You have some very frequent +0 and +1 relay auctions and it seems to find playable spots. I have to correct some oversights as we have to have a home for the 4441s and responder needs to know what to bid with 2452 and 2542 after a 1S opening.

 

As sick as it might sound, I think that shoving the 4441s and 5440s into a mini Roman 2D is the way to go