[straube]

ok. For the record awm plays something different for 1D-1S, 2C (the aim of which is to help responder choose the best minor contract).

We disagree on what 1C should mean, but I appreciate your reply, especially what you like about the unbalanced 1D. Good luck building your new system and if I have any
ideas for you I'll certainly try to help.

[Kungsgeten]

So I've iterated some more, and here's another rebid structure after 1D--1M:

1D--1H; (Natural or GF relay)
1S = 4 spades, may be three-suited with short hearts
1N = 4 hearts
2C = 5-4 minors, 0-2 hearts
2D = 5-5 minors, 0-2 hearts
2H = Both minors, 3 hearts
2S = 5-5 minors, max, 0-2 hearts
2NT = 0-3-5-5, extras

After 1S responder can relay with 1NT, do a pass/correct with 2C or make a (mild) invite in spades with 2D.

1D--1S; (Natural)
1N = 4 hearts, 0-2 spades, may be three-suited with short spades
2C = Both minors, 0-2 spades
2D = 4 spades
2H = 4 hearts and 3 spades
2S = Both minors and 3 spades
2NT = 3-0-5-5, extras
3C = 5-5 minors, 0-2 spades, max

After both 1D-1S; 1NT and 1D-1S; 2D we can make a transfer to the major in order to show at least a mild invite.

[straube]

Looks good to me. I take it that 2m now can have any 4-cd side suit. Seems there's an acceptable risk in 1D-1H, 1N showing hearts in that it gives the defense several opportunities to balance against hearts (responder most likely has hearts). In exchange, your relays and invites will be easier.

[Kungsgeten]

Nope, 2m still denies a four card major.

[gwnn]

I don't like that you're hiding opener's minor. 5m+4M is by far the most common hand type and knowing opener's minor suit helps a LOT. Cascade called 1D a natural opening because you show two suits in two bids (as opposed to one suit in one bid as in normal natural bidding). How can I invite or jump to game when I don't know if you're 5-1 or 1-5 in the minors?

[Kungsgeten]

You may very well be right gwnn. We will have some space to look for games still, but perhaps it is better to show the minor right away. Here's what I've thought of:

1D--1H; 1NT (4 hearts)---
2C = GF relay, says nothing about hearts
2D = At least a mild INV in hearts. May be slam interest.
2H = To play, but opener may bid again with a monster
2S+ = Romex style game tries, prefer to show instead of ask. May be slam interest.

1D--1H; 1NT--2D;
2H = Minimum (11-13), now 2NT asks minor
2S = 4 spades, three-suiter, max (14-16)
2NT = Both minors, three-suiter, max
3CD = 5+ suit, max

After responder knows opener's minor, 3H is still a suggestion to play (was hoping for the other minor). With this method I like that opener can show a minimum without passing 2M, but it may be better to show the minor right away (double fits etc where responder can not afford a game try if opener is minimum).

1D--1S; 2D (4 spades)---
2H = At least a mild INV in spades.
2S = To play
2N+ = Romex style game tries

So here we can play the same principle. This principle is used in other sequences as well.

1D--1H; 1S (4 spades)---
1N = GF relay
2C = Pass/correct
2D = Usually spade support and at least mild INV, but might be GF with a nice heart suit
...2H = Min with clubs
...2S = Min with diamonds
...2N = Max, three-suiter with short hearts
...3CD = Max
2H = Natural INV
2S = Normal raise

1D--1S; 1N (4 hearts)---
2C = Pass/correct
2D = Relay, at least mild INV and often heart support
...2H = Minimum
...2S = Max, Hx in spades
...2N = Max, three-suiter short hearts
...3CD = Max, 5+ suit
2H = To play
2S = Natural INV