sayc 18-19 balanced opened 1c - all pass

[coyot]

I see no benefit in having 1x-1y-2NT rebid exactly 17HCP. It goes against the rules of using bidding space for NT ranges reasonably. If I were to narrow any NT range to one point, it certainly would NOT be as low as 17, it would be some straight NT opener...

 

I'm quite happy with 15-17NT, 12-14 NT with rebid (because this gives most room to explore game possibilities). I can still open light if the hands are good (=shapely, not balanced :)).

 

But we're getting far from the original topic, which was 18-19 balanced opened 1c and passed out - and I will again say that this is perfectly OK with me - and I will not sacrifice messing natural 1NT and 1♦ bids to prevent an occasional disaster :-).

[awm]

I'm not sure mexican 2♦ really helps here. The tradeoffs involved are:

 

- You lose 2♦ as a preempt, or multi, or however you would otherwise use it.

- You will be forced to play 2NT on some hands with 18-19 balanced opposite nothing.

- You won't have to play 1m on 18-19 balanced opposite nothing.

- You gain the use of opener's 2NT rebid after 1m-blah, perhaps to show a strong major raise.

- You won't have to deal with the 18-19 hand in competitive auctions after 1m.

 

I don't think the people playing mexican 2♦ are playing it to avoid 1m-all pass. There's no particular reason to think that 2NT will be a great contract on 18 opposite 2; in fact it often goes down on 21 opposite 2. It's more likely that you will happen across a 4-3 or 4-4 fit in 1m and make it, than make 2NT. Obviously 1NT might be the best spot, but mexican won't get you there either.

 

Probably the main reasons people play mexican are the last two. You can use opener's 2NT in constructive auctions to show an awkward hand, perhaps dealing strong major raises, or the "bridge world problem" hands where opener has a strong minor and three-card support for partner. It's also a pain when you hear something like 1m-2♠-pass-pass and have to figure out how to balance with 18-19 balanced and length in spades. Passing could easily be wrong if partner has a six-seven point hand without four hearts (you could make 3NT) but bidding exposes you to massive penalties when partner has a bust (now you're not only playing 2NT, as you would be after mexican 2♦, but opponents are more likely to be able to double it).

 

The main reason I don't play mexican 2♦ (well besides that I like playing strong club systems) is the first reason -- I like having my preempts available.

[Chamaco]

- You lose 2♦ as a preempt, or multi, or however you would otherwise use it.

 

I can understand this reason.

 

- You will be forced to play 2NT on some hands with 18-19 balanced opposite nothing.

 

This statement is not entirely true.

In some cases you find a decent 44 or 43 fit at the 2 level, and score better than 1m.

 

However, even when we do end up in 2NT, it does not seem such a disaster: think of it, most people do not mind bidding 2NT with less than 18, when opps open a weak 2 and LHO is sitting on the left with an unpassed hand.

If one is ready to bid 2NT when they open a weak 2, it is as well possible to reconcile with the Mexican 2D.

 

You can use the same runout mechanism (e.g. Wolff signoff etc etc) if pard is broke, if you have any.

 

- You gain the use of opener's 2NT rebid after 1m-blah, perhaps to show a strong major raise.

- You won't have to deal with the 18-19 hand in competitive auctions after 1m.

 

Right, I agree, these two are the great advantages.

[Guest Jlall]

For those of us in the respond-super-light school, mexican 2D makes it safer to respond as well.

[mike777]

At the top levels it seems the concern to play in 18-19 2nt across from nothing is not an issue, even with 4333 shape.

 

Board 110 Istanbul Open Finals

 

AT7

K85

AKJ5

K96

 

Versace opened 2D, Laurie relayed 2s and they played 2nt.

For Netherlands, Schollaardt opened 1C, polish, Duboin overcalled 2h, Drijver, passed and Schollaardt rebid a free 2nt :).