Handling 2H DONT

[steve2005]

Haven't been able to find on internet method to handle a DONT 2♥ overcall of 1N showing at least 5-4 in majors.

need choices.

 

if this was Cap would play double to show at least one 4-card major and some interest in penalties and Lebensohl otherwise.

 

or Larry Cohen method

 

2♥ = GF in ♣

2♠ = GF in ♦

2NT = Lebensohl -- where rebidding 3M shows a stopper

3m = Invitational

3M = GF, Shortness (0 or 1)

3NT = game, Neither MAJOR stopped

 

 

 

However, in DONT doubling 2♥ for penalty would have to show 4♥. What to do with 4♠ especially if balanced

[PhilKing]

Just treat it as natural:

 

x = to

2♠ = nat

2NT = lebensohl (or transfer if that's what you normally do)

 

Trying to come up with a "perfect" defence to every defensive variant is an exercise in futility.

[Free]

I prefer to play penalty Dbl here, and 2♠ as takeout for the minors (2NT and higher your normal intervention scheme like they overcalled natural). I think the lowest priority in this situation is to find a fit in a Major, fighting the part score battle and bidding NT games are far more frequent.

[nigel_k]

I would also treat it as natural, expect that partner shouldn't expect anything in spades if I double. If he does bid spades over the double I can pass, but the double could on 2245 or similar shape as well.

[mycroft]

I don't know, although I will take the judgement of the pros over me. When *I* bid DONT, I'm primarily "getting in the way" (as a result, I don't promise 5 cards in any suit, but will usually have it). The 4=4=4=1 major will play a trick better, probably, knowing the trump break over the ones who didn't get any competition (because their opponents are playing something sounder); giving that away seems uncomfortable.

 

I, too, don't go for "10-page defences to each different possible NT defence"; so I play "Lebensohl around hearts".

[Zelandakh]

Just treating 2♥ as natural as a simple solution that works. If you wanted some way of using the spade calls that is equivalent to the posted defence then you could adjust as

 

X = takeout

2♠ = range ask, invitational hand or GF with a major open (partner makes a Paradox response, after which Responder can show a minor or ask for a stopper

2NT = clubs

3♣ = diamonds

3♦ = Stayman

3M = splinter

3NT = to play

 

Whether such fine-tuning is worth it would presumably depend on how often you meet DONT along with whether you think the additional information given to the defence is worth the increased accuracy and how often you feel playing in spades makes sense.