3 card majors

[Kungsgeten]

I've been thinking about aggressive natural systems (where the trend is to be less aggressive, using 5 card majors, unbalanced diamonds and strong NT). In Sweden 4 card majors combined with strong NT is a very popular system (at least at club level). Do you think it would be possible to play 3 card majors (and still have constructive auctions), thus increasing the aggressiveness even more? I'm thinking something like this (probably only non-vul):

 

1C = Natural or 15--17 bal (may have a 5 card major). Some sort of transfer responses probably.

1D = (4)5+ diamonds, unbalanced

1M = 3+ major; 12--14 balanced or natural 5+

1N = 9--11

2C = 18--20 bal or any GF

2DHS = Probably weak, or perhaps multi and some constructive bids

2N = 21--23

 

Over 1M I'm thinking something like:

 

1H---

1S = Natural

1N = Non-forcing, but forcing if opener has a 5 card major

2C = GF relayish

2D = Limit raise+ with 3+ hearts

2H = Single raise, 4+ hearts

2S+ = ?

 

1S---

1N = As above

2C = As above

2D = Hearts

2H = Limit raise+ with 3+ spades

2S = Single raise, 4+ spades

2N+ = ?

[helene_t]

There were some Dutch juniors that played "trios" long time ago. You might be able to find some info about that.

We had a discussion about a similar system: http://www.bridgebase.com/forums/topic/20638-a-3-card-major-system/

But I have almost zero experience with it. Played a couple of session with csaba but it turned out that the follow ups to the major suit openings would require some work

[glen]

We had a discussion about a similar system: http://www.bridgebase.com/forums/topic/20638-a-3-card-major-system/

The G canape link I had in there is now:

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:aSxFn27lnlQJ:bridgefiles.net/pdf/g-canape2.pdf+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca

[dake50]

Untangle these 3xM in competition.

What besides ambiguity do you pin your hopes on?

[Kungsgeten]

It may be so that a canapé structure (with a forcing club) is wiser if one wants to try out an idea like this. Just like dake50 says the major openings will probably be a pain in competition (just like short minors when playing 5533 or 5542).

 

helene_t

 

Thank you for the link. The system idea proposed is pretty similar to Turnip Diamond (but their 1M opening promises exactly four):

 

1C = 15+ unbal or 17+ bal

1D = 5+ major, 8-14 (but see 2M)

1M = Exactly 4 card major, 11-14 if balanced or 8-14 with longer side suit

1N = 13-16

2m = Natural 11-15 without a 4 card major

2M = 13-16, 5+M and 4+m

2N = 13-16, 5+ diamonds and 4+ clubs

3C = Major two-suiter, 3 or 5(6) losers

3D = 6+ diamonds, 10-12

 

http://home.swipnet.se/~w-78650/kalrotsruter.htm

 

glen:

Thanks! I do not quite understand how the second pair deal with no trumps under 14-16 though.

 

dake50:

The reasoning would be to remove as much of the 1-level as possible, but to still have some safety. It employs a mini NT and sort of a weak NT (but opens this 1M). The main inspiration was the interview with Bocchi about his Big Bang system (becoming warriors when non-vulnerable).

[whereagles]

how about revolving around this philosophy:

 

1M opener = "I have a GF raise of your 5-card 1M opening, if you happen to have one."

 

or perhaps this one:

 

1m = 4+ in the linked major

1M = 3+ in the major bid

2m = 5+, at most 2 cards in a major

 

well, anyway.. just some loose ideas.