1NT rebid after opponent's balancing double

[tobycurtis]

Hi all,

 

Here's the situation:

 

1x - (P) - P - (Double)

1NT - (P) - ?

 

In other words, partner has opened 1 of a suit. You are very weak and can't come up with a response. LHO doubles in the balancing seat. Then partner chimes in again with 1NT, promising 18-19 HCP and a balanced hand. Now it's back to you.

 

The question is, what's on, if anything? Does anyone play Jacoby transfers or Stayman in this situation? What's "standard"?

 

(May not be relevant, but in my specific hand, you have 5 spades to the 10, balanced hand with 1 HCP.)

 

Thanks!

 

Toby

[1eyedjack]

I would play all bids as natural and to play, and regard that as standard.

[P_Marlowe]

Natural is certainly standard, but to play xfer is certainly not wrong.

 

The only relevant difference, you need a way to play openers suit, i.e. I am not sure, you can

play xfers and stayman, but I dont think that stayman is that important in the given context.

 

Having said that, I would only make agreements abou this specific sitiuation, if I play in a fixed

partnership and a lot more, than I currently do.

If it fits in some generic meta rule stuff you already agreed to play, than go for it.

 

With kind regards

Marlowe

[barmar]

I don't think there's much need for systems here.

 

The main purpose of transfers, IMHO, is to allow responder to show different ranges of values after partner opens 1NT: drop, invitation, game forcing, slam try. There's a secondary value in making the NT bidder declarer, but that's not the most important thing.

 

But when responder has passed, his lack of strength is known. And opener's rebid also shows his strength very narrowly. So responder can just set the contract.

[helene_t]

Obviously everything has to be natural.

 

First of all, there is no particular reason to think any conventions should apply here. So if undiscussed, everything is natural.

 

Second, the point of playing stayman and transfer is to make constructtive auctions, especially slam auctions, more accurate. But here we have already signed off.

 

Third, responder could easily have a hand suitable for a sign off in 2♣ or 2♦.

 

Fourth, it is ok to have the weak hand declare here. Doubler will be on lead which is an advantage.

[tobycurtis]

Thanks all! Very quick, clear, logical replies!