[david_c]

I've been playing Keri "by the book" for a while, and the game-forcing 1NT:2♣,2♦:2NT sequence is upsetting me. It's too slow, giving away lots of information about opener's shape which responder often doesn't need to know. And it often takes seven or eight bids to reach 3NT or 4M, when it would only take four bids playing Stayman. After a while you get fed up with explaning all these bids to the opponents.

So I've tried rearranging the responses to make these common sequences faster and less revealing. I'm giving up the ability to raise to 2NT invitationally (which many people seem to think is worthless anyway). Here is how it might work:

2♣ =
  (i) wanting to play in 2♦
  (ii) invitational with 4 or 5 cards in a major (rebid 2M)
  (iii) forcing to game with 5+ diamonds (rebid 2NT)
  (iv) any "splinter" (rebid suit below the singleton, or 2NT with 5 diamonds and short clubs)
  (v) balanced slam try with no major (rebid 4m)
2♦/2♥ = transfers
2♠ = transfer to clubs (includes the invitational type)
2NT = 4+ hearts, GF
3♣ = 4+ spades, GF (not 4-4 in the majors)
3♦ = invitational with 6+ diamonds
3♥/♠ = slam try with long clubs/diamonds

The 2NT and 3♣ responses are the interesting part. Over 2NT, opener will rebid:

3♣ = not 4 hearts, not 5 spades.
3♦ = 5 spades
3♥ = 4 (or 5) hearts

So if all responder is interested in is heart support, he can bid 3NT over 3♣ or 4♥ over 3♥, and all the opponents know is whether or not opener has four hearts. Alternatively, after 1NT:2NT,3♥ responder can bid 3NT to offer a choice of games with a 4-3-3-3 or 5-3-3-2 hand. Transfers over 1NT:2NT,3♣ are used to deal with the hands which need further exploration (e.g. 1NT:2NT,3♣:3♥ would show 4-4 in the majors).

Any good?

[MickyB]

Agree with you completely about these sequences being nasty in book Keri. I need to think about this more, but I'll post what has come to mind so far...

I'd be inclined to include an invitational NT bid in there if possible. Firstly, some are comforted by its presence (much better to get a decision wrong as a partnership than on your own!), secondly I think it is needed for a 3.5 or 4 point NT range, and is useful for a 3 point NT range at MPs.

Revised Keri transfers and bids 3N on hands with a 4 card major that just want to hear if partner has support. I don't see any significant losses to this method. It also uses 1N:2S, 2N:3D+ as GF Stayman. You could use the same (or a similar) system after 1N:2N (puppet to 3C). This should free up some space for something or other, should you need it

[Free]

Just play Heeman, opener only shows his HCP-range, responder shows his strength and shape using a 2♣ puppet and transfers from 4 card suits. And it's VERY easy to remember!

Btw, I still don't know what "submarine splinters" mean. Can anyone explain this plz?

[Sigi_BC84]

Free, on Dec 23 2005, 11:08 AM, said:

Just play Heeman, opener only shows his HCP-range, responder shows his strength and shape using a 2♣ puppet and transfers from 4 card suits. And it's VERY easy to remember!

Btw, I still don't know what "submarine splinters" mean. Can anyone explain this plz?

Splintering by bidding below shortness (so opps don't get an easy double for the lead). --Sigi

[luis]

Ron (The_hog) posted a revision of Keri called "revisted Keri" or something like that in 2005, the improved version solves the problem you mention and others. I've been playing that with some pds and I'm very happy with both the system and the results of playing it.

[luke warm]

i've been pleased with gf 2♦... the only times opener's hand is described in detail are those when responder is envisioning slam... often it will go something like

1nt : 2d
2h : 4h

or
1nt : 2d
3c : 3nt

responder just gathers the info needed... another point, i play a weak nt and i'm not too leery of the opps knowing opener's shape (rather than responder's, who is apt to have the stronger hand)