TomReynold Posted October 31, 2015 Report Share Posted October 31, 2015 This is a RFC (Request for Comment) on a system for combating interference over a big Club 16+HCP. Comments and suggestions for improvements are solicited. I understand that the formatting lost while posting her makes following the logic difficult. If you would like a copy in word or pdf format please email tomreynolds_ilan@yahoo.com or send me a message here. Mavarako System Competition over a Forcing Club Theory of OperationIn the mini Spingold 2015 most pairs played either nothing or Mathe. (Double for Majors, 1NT for the minors.) Via a simple overcall, the goal of the opponents is to disrupt the club system sequence and, if a fit is found preempt to the appropriate level. Further, if responder becomes declarer, the opening leader can lead through the club openers hand, hopefully finessing the club opener on the opening lead. The Mavarako system seeks to negate those goals. Most modern Club systems play transfer responses, at least in the majors. A few show controls. However, once the opponents intervene I submit transfer responses are indicated as opposed to controls. The danger of preemption is simply too great.Most systems employ a card showing double by responder (1C-1H-X) of an intermediate strength (5-9HCP) to show opener that responder has some values. After interference over 1C, Mavarako also uses a card showing double but only with a balanced hand. This modification tells the club opener that in addition to some values, opener can expect some support in responders hand.In addition, the last thing Mavarako wants the opponents to do is lead the overcalled suit THROUGH the club opener. Therefore, Mavarako plays four suit transfers by responder. The level of transfer indicates the length of the suit responder is transferring. 1C-1D (overcall)-1H shows responder has 4+ Spades, 1C-1D (overcall)-2H shows responder has 5+ spades. Opener need not accept the transfer if he is unbalanced. Although designed for Mavarako, the system for handling competition over a forcing club is also applicable for most systems employing a forcing club such as Precision, Neapolitan or Blue Team. However the HCP ranges may need to be adjusted. Mavarako SystemThe Mavarako System employs a forcing club that is 16+HCP for any hand that can rebid 1H, 1S or 1NT, 17+HCP for hands that rebid clubs and 18+HCP for a hand that will rebid 2D. Responses are:1D 0-6(7) or 11+HCP1H 7-11 showing 4 Spades1S 7-11 showing 4 Hearts1NT 8-10 Natural2C, 2D 7-10 Natural, no 4 card major2H-2S 8-11 Smolen type (5-4) major two suiters2NT 12+HCP Natural3C and above transfers showing a 0-1 loser suit and at least 1 AceBids marked no change are following this structure. Precision SystemsPrecision Systems using a 16+ HCP Club should adopt the Mavarako ranges. Precision Systems showing 17+HCP unbalanced or 18+HCP balanced should drop the response HCP range 1HCP Neapolitan SystemNeapolitan and Blue Team systems showing 17+HCP balanced should drop the response HCP range 1 HCP General RulesOne level Interference1. 1NT is natural2. All suits are transfers except 2C/1D3. 2S is an artificial game force4. 2NT and above no change5. Excluded Transfer is a club transfer or Stayman6. Double is card showing Two level Interference1. 2S is an artificial Game force except for the flip-flop over 2D2. Excluded Transfer is Staymana. If the excluded transfer is 3NT or 3C, it is puppet Stayman3. 2NT is a Club transfer4. X is a negative double Three Level Interference1. After 3D transfers stop2. 4 Clubs is a major two suiter Single suit (Natural) on the one levelOne level bids of 1S or less typically do not, by themselves, disturb the Club auctions. The major suit transfers and responses remain. This is by design. Mavarakos goal is that a cheap overcall by opponents should not disturb Mavarakos carefully coded responses. In contrast, the overcall should help. If the overcall is a single suit transfer, responder should bid as if opponents real suit was bid. Responders bids marked (No Change) means opener should respond as if the interference didnt happen. The danger is that overcallers partner may have a fit and attempt to jam the auction. Thus there are additional transfers on the two level to allow the partnership to find their fit and play from the strong side. Over intervention and a raise Mavarakos coded sequences are disturbed. However, the tradeoff is the information gained. General rulesWith 0-6 HCP responder passes. 4 Suit transfers. Double is takeout and should not be passedIf opener refuses a transfer and bids diamonds (potentially artificial) he is showing a big hand Over 1C-1D-? X takeout. Invites opener to bid 1NT with a balanced hand.1H transfer with 4+ Spades, semi-positive minimum (No Change)1S transfer with 4+ Hearts, semi-positive minimum (No Change)1NT-no change2C Natural 5 card suit2D transfer to Hearts , 5 Card suit2H transfer to Spades, 5 card suit.2S artificial game force2NT 12+ (No Change)3C and above are transfers (No Change) Over 1C-1H-? (Or 1C-1D showing hearts.)X transfer to 1S. Essentially the same as bidding 1H (Transfer) (No Change)1S denies 4 Spades. Potentially a club transfer. 1NT Natural (No Change)2C Transfer to Diamonds (1C-1H-2C ♦-P-2H (Shows Spades)2D (excluded transfer = Stayman), 2H Transfer to Spades, 5 card suit2S artificial game force2NT and above no change Over 1C-1SX Negative Double (shows 4 Hearts)1NT Natural2C Diamond Transfer [1C-1S-2C(Diamond transfer)-P-2D-P-2S (shows 4 Hearts +5 Diamonds)]2D Heart Transfer2H Club Transfer [1C-1S-2H (Club transfer)-2NT/3C- 3S (Shows 4 Hearts +5 diamonds)2S is an artificial game force2NT and above no change Single suit (Natural) on the two levelWith 0-6 responder passes. X is takeout but may be passed3C is Puppet Stayman over 1C-2C and 1C-2D, Excluded Transfer (3D) is Stayman over 2H2 Spades is an artificial game force except for flip-flop over 2D2 Suit bids over 1C-2H and 1C-2SIf opener refuses a transfer and bids diamonds (potentially artificial) he is showing a strong hand Over 1C-2CPass is 0-6 or a penalty X. Responder assumes that opener will reopen with 16+ and short Clubs. Over a reopening double responder bids 2D with weakness. This allows opener to bid 2H or 2S.X is takeout at least semi positive. 2D is a transfer to Hearts2H is a transfer to Spades2S artificial game force2NT Puppet Stayman (excluded transfer)3C Diamond Transfer3D is a Heart Transfer (Longer Hearts)3H is a Spade Transfer (Longer Spades)3S shows club shortness3NT to play 1C-2Dx- semi-positive 2H is a Spade Transfer (5 Spades)2S Is a Heart Transfer (5 Hearts)2NT is Club Transfer. (If over the transfer responder bids anything but 3D he has a diamond stopper)3C is Puppet Stayman3D is a Heart Transfer (Longer Hearts)3H is a Spade Transfer (Longer Spades)3S shows Diamond shortness3NT to play 1C-2HX semi-positive2S artificial game force2NT is Club Transfer3C is a Diamond Transfer3D excluded transfer is Stayman. 3H is a Spade Transfer 3S asks for a Heart Stopper 1C-2SX-is a takeout double that can be passedOver X 3H shows 5 hearts by openerOver X 2NT does not deny 4 Hearts (responder Bids 3S over 2NT to show 4 Hearts)2NT transfer to clubs.Any other bid by responder other than 3D shows a stopper) 1C-2S-2NT (transfer to C)-P-3C accepts transfer-P-4D shows a diamond heart 2 suiter. 3C Transfer to Diamonds3D Transfer to Hearts3H Stayman or minor 2 suiter3S asks for a Spade stopper3N to play4C 2 suiter Clubs and Hearts4D 2 Suiter Diamonds and Hearts Single suit on the 3 level With 0-7 responder passesA pass says either responder has a penalty double or a weak hand. A double is semi-positive or better. A new suit is semi-positive or better 1C-3CX-Takeout double that can be passed A bid of 3D by opener is game forcing, potentially artificial, and does not deny a 4 card major. Responder bids the major he does not have. A bid of a major by opener shows 53D Transfer to Hearts3H Transfer to Spades3S Transfer to 4D (or 3NT)3NT natural4C major 2 Suiter4D Transfer to Hearts4H Transfer to Hearts 1C-3DX Takeout Double that can be passed3H Transfer To Spades3S Transfer To Hearts3N Natural4C Natural Clubs4D Transfer to Hearts4H Transfer to Spades 1C-3HX Takeout double that can be passed3S natural3NT natural4C natural4D natural4H Transfer to Spades 1C-3SX takeout double that can be passed3NT to play4C Natural4D Natural4H Natural Two-Suit CompetitionA new suit is semi-positive or better. Over competition, it is important for the responder, with a semi-positive response, to get his suit in early. Partner may well have a 15-16NT. Therefore, responder bids a natural suit whenever possible to show 7+ HCP. Except for the natural NT response new suits are forcing. In the 2015 Chicago Nationals Mini-Spingold, either Mathe or Suction was played by the opponents Versus Suction Suction either is a transfer to the next suit or it shows the succeeding two suits:1C-X shows Diamonds OR Hearts and Spades1C-1D shows Hearts or Spades and Clubs1C-1H shows Spades or Clubs and Diamonds1C-1S shows Clubs or Diamonds and Hearts1C-1N shows Clubs and Hearts1C-2C shows Diamonds and Spades There are variations on this theme. However this scheme is easy to remember because the Suction bidder never has the suit he initially bids. Not understood, Suction is confusing. Once understood, however, Suction has the weakness that overcallers partner (advancer) does not know partners suit any more than opener or responder. This gives responder the opportunity to pass with a penalty double of overcallers transfer suit.[1C-X (showing diamonds)-P!-1D-P-P (showing diamonds)-X (penalty double Diamonds). It also means that, after passing, if responder transfers into the overcallers suit he shows a penalty double of the transfer suit [1C-X-P!-1D-P-1H (I have Hearts and Spades)-2C (transfer to Diamonds. I had a penalty double of Diamonds)] One Level1C-X Showing Diamonds or Hearts and SpadesXX semi positive showing clubs1D takeout double of Diamonds (essentially the equivalent of 1C-1D(natural)-X (take out double)all other bids are the same as if overcaller overcalled 1D natural 1C-1D Showing Hearts or Spades and ClubsX semi positive showing Diamonds1H Shows 4+ Spades1S Shows 4+ Hearts (Overcaller may not have Hearts)all other bids are the same as if overcaller overcalled 1H 1C-1H Showing Spades or Clubs and DiamondsX Shows 4+ Spades1S Shows 4+ Hearts all other bids are the same as if overcalled 1S Two LevelBidding over Suction becomes more difficult on the two level. The point to remember is that, in Suction, the first bid is always the suit the Suction bidder does not have. 1C-1S showing Clubs or Hearts and Diamonds. Pass Does not necessarily deny a good hand. Responder may want to punish overcaller. However opener should treat a pass as negative until shown otherwise. Pass, then double by responder is penalty.X balanced card showing double1NT Natural w/Clubs2C Transfer to diamonds2D Transfer to Hearts2H transfer to Spades, 5 card suit2S artificial game force 1NT showing rounder suites Suits (Clubs and Hearts)X balanced card showing double2C transfer to Diamonds2D Stayman (Puppet) Opener bids 2H with 4 Spades, 2 Spades with 5 Spades, 2NT natural2H Transfer to Spades2S artificial game force2NT natural 2C showing pointed Suits (Diamonds and Spades)X balanced card showing double 2D transfer to Hearts2H Stayman (Puppet). Opener bids 3 H with 5, 2S with 4, 2NT natural2S Artificial game force2NT natural3C natural Versus Mathe Over 1C-x showing the majors1 Pass is negative2 XX is a semi-positive Club response3 1D is a semi-positive Diamond response4 All other bids are unchanged Over 1NT showing minors1 Pass is negative2 X shows a desire to punish3 2C is a Heart Transfer4 2D is a Spade Transfer5 2H/2S are unchanged (4-5 in the majors)6 3C is puppet Stayman Versus Brozel: X and xx show semi positive response in the other suitsTransfers at lowest possible levelOpeners bid of a major shows 5. Responder may re-ask with 4.Higher cue bid shows positive response 1. X Clubs and heartsa. XX semi-positive negative double diamonds and spadesb. 1D natural semi-positivec. 1H Spades Transfer (4+ Spades)d. 1S Diamonds Transfere. 1NT natural and semi-positivef. 2C positive response 11+ (puppet Stayman)g. 2H Spades Transfer 5+ 2. 1D diamonds and heartsa. X semi-positive clubs and spadesb. 1H Spade Transfer (4+)c. 1S Club Transferd. 1NT natural and semi-positivee. 2C, 3C natural semi-positivef. 2D positive response 11+ (puppet Stayman) (2H shows 4 Spades)g. 2H Spades Transfer (5+) 3. 1H hearts and spadesa. X minors semi-positive b. 1S Diamond Transferc. 1NT semi-positive naturald. 2C natural semi-positivee. 2D, 3C natural and semi-positivef. 2H positive response 11+ 4. 1S Spades and a minora. X takeout hearts at least semi-positiveb. 1NT natural and semi-positivec. 2C natural and semi-positived. 2D Heart Transfer (5+)e. 2H Diamond Transferf. 2s positive 11+ Versus Cappelletti 1. X One suited hand (equivalent to 2 Clubs over NT)a. XX semi positive Clubsb. 1D semi-positive Diamondsc. 1H, 1S, 1NT, 2H, 2S unchanged d. 2C, 2D positive Diamonds 2. 1 Diamond (Majors)a. X minors semi-positiveb. 1S Diamond Transferc. 1NT natural and semi-positived. 2C Semi-positive Clubs e. 2D Positive Clubs 11+f. 3C natural and semi-positiveg. 2H positive Diamonds 11+ 3. 1H Hearts and a minora. X card showing doubleb. 1S Diamond Transfer semi-positivec. 1NT natural and semi-positived. 2C semi-positive Clubse. 2D Positive 11+ Clubsf. 2H Spade Transferg. 2S Positive 11+ Diamondsh. 3C natural semi-positive 4. 1S Spades and a minora. X card showing doubleb. 1NT natural and semi-positivec. 2C Semi-positive Clubsd. 2D Heart Transfere. 2H Diamond Transferf. 2s positive Club Opener rebids after interference General rule is that the first available pass by a Club opener denies 17+HCP.In a live auction: A double by club opener confirms 16+HCP and is for takeout A voluntary Club bid by the club opener confirms Clubs and 17+ in clubs A Major suit bid by club opener is 16+ unbalanced 2D is 18+ If responder has passed he responds as if the auction went 1C-1D-2D In a non-live auction: 1NT , a raise of a semi-positive response show the 16-17HCP range Major suit shows 16+, Clubs 17+, Diamonds 18+ A simple response to a cue-bid may be 16-17HCP or better As one can easily see, interference at a low level essentially helps the club opener partnership if the club opener is unbalanced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straube Posted October 31, 2015 Report Share Posted October 31, 2015 Your 1C-1D is weak or strong? How about....1C (1D) P=weak and dbl=strong? You can show these and one more thing after 1C dbl. I like 1C (2L) 2N to be GF with a stopper. 1C (2L) 2S then shows the "missing" suit. 1C (1L) 1N also GF with a stopper because nf with a stopper seems pretty rare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomReynold Posted October 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2015 Over 1C-1D (natural) I chose to keep the Mavarako structure which is transfer 1H and 1S bids. Pass is weak. Double is takeout inviting opener to bid 1NT. Our experience is that when responder makes a semi-positive response, a possible slam is in the cards if the club opener is large. Mavarako opens 1C with hands other systems may open with 2NT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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