[kenrexford]

I have been doing some thinking on cuebidding sequences with a minor as the agreed focus. I have run into a question and am seeking thoughts.

Take a classic auction. 1S-P-2C-P-3C. (2/1 GF.)

If Responder next bids 3S, agreed trumps changes to clubs. If Responder bids 3D, this seems like a probe for 3NT, unless Responder continues bidding beyond 3NT. Responder needs help in hearts for 3NT.

Suppose Opener, however, is serious about slam. Opener could opt to cuebid 3H as a slam try, expressing serious interest. If this is the case, should the partnership be forced to the four-level? Should 3NT then have a slam-going meaning? Is there an understanding here among expert circles? I, personally, like the idea of 3NT as denying good trumps (akin to a Petroncini-Belladonna 2NT after an agreed major), with higher cues promising good trumps. Any thoughts?

Suppose further that the partnership uses out-of-focus major as RKCB, in the example 4H. One step below this is 4D. If Opener, who showed serious slam interest, bids 4D, does anyone play this as Last Train?

Consider the full auction the way I am thinking. 1S-P-2C-P-3C-P-3D-P-3H(serous cue)-P-4C(good trumps)-P-4D(Last Train). As Responder could bypass 4C to bid 4D, 4C could deny a first-round diamond control and be a waiting bid, with good trumps by virtue of the bypass of 3NT. What would the "average" person expect from this auction, assuming sophisticated European-style cuebidding???

[pclayton]

I personally dislike agreements like 'out of focus major' as the key card ask.

I think Jeff Rubens has suggested that a 4♥ call in an auction like this can function as Last Train for the minors. If Kickback is used, then the last train call can also be 4N.

In spite of all of the major suit cue bidding and LTTC, I've yet to see the minor suit slam auctions sufficently defined, so I will watch this thread with interest.