Defence to weak 2's

[Wackojack]

If RHO opens a natural weak 2-major suit bid, e.g. Benji. I play at present:

 

x = Take-out usually with 4 in other major with Lebensohl 2NT responses where appropriate. This I am happy with

 

2NT= Balanced 16-18 not 4 in other major with natural responses. This I am not happy with.

 

Any suggestions for a good structure of responses?

 

After 2♦ multi, I can see that the responses to 2NT can be similar to partner opening 2NT because no suit is yet known. However, if you play transfers this can't apply after say 2♥- 2NT- p -3♦. What is the best way of tackling this?

[Chamaco]

2NT= Balanced 16-18 not 4 in other major with natural responses.  This I am not happy with.

 

Any suggestions for a good structure of responses? 

 

When pard overcalls 2NT over a weak 2, there ar a couple of structures orientated towards safety.

 

What i like is the following, perhaps too simple, but it has the advantag of scrambling in 3D diamonds without losing too much of the common Stayman + xfers structure:

 

(2X)-2NT-(pass)-?

 

1) 3C = weak/strong puppet to 3D;

can be a hand with D, weak (to play 3D) or slammish;

or it can be a hand that wishes to inquire for a 4 card major.

After overcaller bids 3D, the advancer:

- pass = weak D

- 3H = asks for spades

- 3S = asks for hearts

- 3NT = 44 S+H

 

2) 3D/H = Jacoby xfers

 

3) 3S = Minor suit stayman

 

4) 3NT = to play

 

You can use the sam structure vs 2D Multi.

[joker_gib]

2NT= Balanced 16-18 not 4 in other major

Keep the "balanced 4 cards other major " in the 2NT bid and reserves the dbl to hands with shape ! :)

[MickyB]

2NT= Balanced 16-18 not 4 in other major

Keep the "balanced 4 cards other major " in the 2NT bid and reserves the dbl to hands with shape ! :)

With 2(443) it is usually better to double 2♠, with most other balanced hand patterns I would prefer the overcall.

[han]

Chamaco's structure doesn't take into account that you probably don't want to transfer into their suit. You could use this fact to improve his/her structure.

 

Over 2S-2NT:

 

3C: 5+ diamonds. Then over 3D:

-> 3H: 4 hearts, 5+ diamonds, slam interest.

-> 3S: both minors, slam interest.

-> 3NT: slam interest with long diamonds.

 

3D: 5+ hearts. Then over 3H:

-> 3S: hearts and clubs, slam interest.

-> 3NT: choice of games.

 

3H: transfer into their suit: stayman.

 

3S: slam interest with clubs.

 

It is probably better to change the meanings of 3H and 3S so that a 4-4 fit in hearts is played from the right side. The above structure is easier to remember though, all bids are transfers, and 3S always shows clubs!

[Chamaco]

Chamaco's structure doesn't take into account that you probably don't want to transfer into their suit. You could use this fact to improve his/her structure.

 

Over 2S-2NT:

 

3C: 5+ diamonds. Then over 3D:

-> 3H: 4 hearts, 5+ diamonds, slam interest.

-> 3S: both minors, slam interest.

-> 3NT: slam interest with long diamonds.

 

3D: 5+ hearts. Then over 3H:

-> 3S: hearts and clubs, slam interest.

-> 3NT: choice of games.

 

3H: transfer into their suit: stayman.

 

3S: slam interest with clubs.

 

It is probably better to change the meanings of 3H and 3S so that a 4-4 fit in hearts is played from the right side. The above structure is easier to remember though, all bids are transfers, and 3S always shows clubs!

Ty Hannie,

your suggestion sounds a good one :-)

 

I'll just keep 3S = Minor Suit Stayman and a direct 4C as a slam try in clubs.

[joker_gib]

2NT= Balanced 16-18 not 4 in other major

Keep the "balanced 4 cards other major " in the 2NT bid and reserves the dbl to hands with shape ! :)

With 2(443) it is usually better to double 2♠, with most other balanced hand patterns I would prefer the overcall.

Sure except when you have a double ♠ stopper ! :o