Rubensohl redux

[pclayton]

If you are playing Rubensohl, what is your defense over cappalletii (or any bid that shows two known suits)? Had a situation last night and fortunately we were on the same page:

 

1N by me (12-14) - 2♦ on left - 2N by pard

3♣ by me, 3N by pard.

 

2N, 3♣ and 3N were all alerted. 3N says: I have doubt about 3N (no certain stops in their suits). Pard had: Qx, QJ, Axx, KT9xxx. I had: AJ, A8xx, Q7xxx, KT and wrapped up 10 tricks or so.

 

We agreed that a transfer into their major SHOWED a stopper, but issues with the other suit. Double says cards or an ability to penalize; not just a string in their suit.

 

The burning question is what is a direct 2♥ / 2♠?

[luis]

Over CAPP playing Rubensohl-std doesn't make a lot of sense. I know that you can't prepare against every possible NT overcalling method but since Capp is quite popular I'd recommend playing something special over Capp and a meta-defense like Rub or Leb over other methods.

 

After 2c (one suiter)

X = clubs, allows opener to compete to 3c before the overcaller can show his suit at the 2 level.

pass = can have values or a hand that wants to penalize

2d/2h/2s = natural and non-forcing

2N = INV values in 3 or the 4 suits

3x = Forcing and transfer

 

After 2d (majors)

X = penalty dbl in one or both majors.

2h = clubs, good hand

2s = diamonds, good hand

2n = INV

3c/3d = Competitive

3h/3s = asking for stopper

 

etc.

[awm]

My preference is the following, after 1NT-2♦ (majors):

 

X = cards, interest in penalties

2♥ / 2♠ = stopper in the bid suit, invitaitonal or better

2NT = transfer to 3♣ (followup bid of 3-major shows stopper; 3NT implies doubt)

3♣ = transfer to 3♦ (followup bid of 3-major shows stopper; 3NT implies doubt)

3♦ = asking for heart stopper; here often looking for a HALF stopper (opener's 3♥ shows a half stopper, 3NT shows a real stopper, other bids natural and scrambling w/o a stop)

3♥ = asking for spade stopper; here often looking for a HALF stopper

 

-- Adam