1M-2C = GF, 2+ clubs

[Flem72]

Every call in bridge is in some sense "tell me more." Simple "relay" bids don't seem objectionable; it would seem that we usually call them "conventions" (Glen's Kokish example). Surely what distinguishes a "relay system" is that one call triggers another call that demands a response selected from a list of predetermined, artificial meanings, after which another relay demands more of the same. I'm not sure that gwnn's example -- asking bid? -- is a true relay; I'm not sure that Mr. Weber's "inquisitive" 2D necessarily creates a "relay system."

 

But I'm dang happy that I can print out Weber's response and show it around if anyone challenges whether 2C in this structure may be made on 2 cards or whether this "catchall" 2D is a relay.

[straube]

Can you point out where you found this, as the GCC just says "Disallowed ... 5) Relay (tell me more) systems"

 

It's under "Definitions"

 

"5. A sequence of relay bids is defined as a system if, after an opening of

one of a suit, it is started prior to opener’s rebid."

[glen]

It's under "Definitions"

 

"5. A sequence of relay bids is defined as a system if, after an opening of

one of a suit, it is started prior to opener’s rebid."

thanks

[straube]

You're welcome. Here's the ACBL definition for "relay bid"

 

"a bid which does not guarantee any specific suit, partner is requested to make the next-step bid (usually) or make another descriptive bid if appropriate (e.g. a diamond bid which usually shows hearts but may not have hearts in some cases"

 

I think most folks here understand this, but I haven't seen it in this thread after a brief perusing.

 

So putting it together, for something to be a relay system it has to start with 1 of a suit bid and then responder has to make a relay bid....(e.g. a diamond bid which usually shows hearts but may not have hearts in some cases)

 

1M-2C GF relay

.....2D-various

..........2H-tell me more

 

is legal and the 2D bid is the first relay bid

 

1M-2C various

.....2D-tell me more

 

is not legal.

 

In the first case, the relay bid is 2D and in the second case the relay bid is 2C.

 

The ACBL prohibition is against a methodology that makes little sense. I suppose it would stop...

 

1M-2C (weak hand with diamonds or GF hand with clubs or GI hand with long hearts)

.....2D-tell me more

..........P-weak hand with diamonds

..........2H-GI hand with long hearts

..........2S-4S/5C

..........etc-GF clubs

 

Btw that's just something stupid I put up for illustration.

 

Edit: the other consideration is that for it to be a relay system it has to have a sequence of relay bids. So more than one. So playing Midchart, you might be able to play 1M-2C as a "multi" bid (because artificial constructive responses are legal) and then have opener ask with 2D and then have responder make natural non-relay bids. Or alternately, playing Midchart, you could play 1M-2C as a "multi" bid and then have opener ask with 2D and then responder's rebid could be another artificial (relay) bid as long as you were in a game force.