[Syl20]

Hi,
I would be interested to see how your system cope with these two hands:

---

With your comments of the bids of course

Thx

[hrothgar]

The MOSCITO auction would (probably) start with a strong club followed by a large number of Spades.

There is some chance that the auction would start with

1♣ - (P) - 1♦ - (large number of Spades)

where 1♣ is strong and 1♦ is game forcing

[jdonn]

I think the standard auction is

1♣ 1♥
2♦ 2♥
3♣ 4♣
4♠? 5♣?

The farther into it you go, the more variation between possible choices there is. This looks to me like I would rather be in slam than not, but only barely. Really the perfect bid for south over 4♠ would be an interest showing non-blackwood 4NT, which I only play with a few partners but really works well when a minor suit is trumps.

[awm]

Here's Sam and my auction:

1♣ (1) - 1♦ (2)
2♣ (3) - 2♦ (4)
2♠ (5) - 2nt (4)
3♣ (6) - 3♦ (4)
3♠ (7) - 4♣ (8)
4♠ (9) - 4nt (10)
5♥ (11) - 6♣(12)

(1) Strong, artificial, 16+
(2) Weak (0-4 hcp) or balanced GF, or strong GF
(3) 5+♣, maybe secondary 4-card red suit, unbal
(4) GF relay
(5) 5+♣ and 4♦
(6) 0-1♠
(7) 1-2-4-6 exactly
(8) ask AKQ points, x xx AKxx AKQxxx makes slam and we are playing 5♣ if no slam anyway.
(9) 12 AKQ points
(10) We are off 6 AKQ points, but 3+ of these must be in spade; at worst we are off ♠A and a club honor and slam will be on a club break (worst is something like K Qx AKxx AQxxxx). But opps may not lead opener's singleton anyway; note little is known about the responder hand. More relays.
(11) Odd number of top clubs, odd number of top diamonds, even number of top hearts.
(12) Opener's actual hand is the only possibility.

It's likely Elianna and I would reach slam also on a natural cuebidding auction starting with 1♣-1♥-2♦-3♣ (GF) but it's not very scientific (we don't play a lot of gadgets here).


... Perhaps Sam and my more realistic auction is something like:

1♣ (1) - 2♠ (2) - 3♥ (3) - 4♠ (4)
5♣ (5) - pass - 6♣ (6)

(1) 16+ artificial
(2) Interfering with strong club
(3) Natural and GF
(4) Bumping the preempt
(5) Natural, promising 1st or 2nd round ♠ control and a club suit
(6) We don't have two spade losers. We almost surely have a 9-card fit. We have at minimum 26 hcp, and I have nothing wasted opposite partner's singleton and prime heart values. I can't guarantee that I'd bump this IRL, but it's certainly a possible action.

[kenrexford]

1♣-P-1♥-P-
2♦-P-3♣(GF, club fit)-P-
3♠(A/K/stiff/void spades)-P-3NT(poor clubs)-P-
4♣(continuing slam interest, 2+ top clubs)-P-4(one top diamond)-P-
4NT(no heart card, minor suit Last Train)-P-6♣

Responder bids 6♣ because:

1. Opener bypassed 4♠ (1430 RKCB), so club honors probably not critical
2. Hearts are headed by AK -- this cannot be bad
3. Responder has the diamond Jack -- this cannot hurt either

So, it looks like Responder has the contextual extras necessary.

Note, also, that Opener is expected to not have mere shortness in spades because he did not jump to 4♠ after 3♣. With that hand, he might splinter. 3♠ now seems to be the Ace contextually.

[inquiry]

1♣ - 1♥ (ok, nothing special here)
2♦ -

Here, 2♦ is what Mishovnbg termed new minor forcing by opener. In my system this can not be a real strong two suiter (I use misiry), it is most often a great one suiter (first suit opened) or a balanced 17-19. It can also be strongish 4-5 hands (five clubs) with or without three card support for hearts. Jump to 3♣ instead is out as that shows three card heart support, and jump to 2NT (even off shape) is out, as I use that to show strong four card heart support).

------ 3♠

Here 3♠ is a "transfer to 3NT" and specifically denies a spade stopper. It also shows 9-12 hcp and five hearts. It is, of course, GAME FORCING. Note, responder rebids over 2♦ of 2♥ is weak and to play opposite the strong NT type hands, and responder bids of 2NT, 3♣, 3♦, 3♥ and 3♠ are all transfers. The only one of which can be passed is 3♣ which is always a "WEAK" hand with diamond support. Opener with the strong NT hand completes the transfer, with just a club one suiter, opener can pass and play 3♣. 2NT is a transfer to 3♣ and can be weak, or strong. Tranfers of 3♦ and higher are all game force and show great hearts (3♦), a real spade suit (3♥), or the hand like this one (3♠). A direct 3NT rebid by responder show similar type hand as 3♠ but it PROMISES a spade stopper.

4♣ -

Ok opener wiht noththing wasted in spades, and opposite a hand with at least 9 hcp and balanced, (and all the hcp are in the reds), is not going to stop here. 4♣ sets trumps. It can also be used as "minorwood" if you like. Here, I don't play that. It also promises a spade control, else would not be looking for slam. Opener is unlikely to have three hearts on this auction.

------ 4♥ normal cue-bid, denies ACE or King of diamonds.
4♠ -

4♠ Last train, denies AK or Q of hearts, but does show a diamond control since did not signoff. And by inference.

------- 4NT

Blackwood

5♦ -- one or 4 keycards

------ 5♥ trump queen?
6♣

Yes trump queen, no spade king, no diamond king (with diamond king, would bid 5NT)

----- Pass

Actually, since for me opener can not have A xx AKxx AKQJxx (that is a 2♦ opener for me), responder would have simply bid 6♣ over 5♦.

There have been some minor tweaks to NMFO since the blog was posted on it, but you can read about the treatment on the inquiry2over1 blog.

[Gerben42]

I play Fantunes of course. Assuming we're not being overcalled, it'd go:

1♣ (15+ bal. / 13+ unbal. with ♣)
- 1♠ (6+, 4+♥)
2♠ (GF unbal. no 3♥, 5+♣)
- 3♣ (we have a fit)
3♦ (control)
- 3♥ (control)
3♠ (control)

Now the problem is how to find the good duplication of values so that there is only a ♦ loser and nothing else. If opener has: Axx x Axx AKQJxx that's no good. On the other hand if opener asks responder may have: Qx AKxxx Jxx xxx and that's also not so good.

Tough hand!

[mike777]

Syl20, on Jun 12 2007, 10:20 AM, said:

Hi,
I would be interested to see how your system cope with these two hands:
<!-- NORTHSOUTH begin --><table border=1> <tr> <td> <table> <tr> <td>Dealer:</td> <td> North </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vul:</td> <td> ???? </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Scoring:</td> <td> Unknown </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td> <table border='1'> <tr> <th> <table> <tr> <th class='spades'>♠</th> <td> A </td> </tr> <tr> <th class='hearts'>♥</th> <td> 105 </td> </tr> <tr> <th class='diamonds'>♦</th> <td> A965 </td> </tr> <tr> <th class='clubs'>♣</th> <td> AKQJ93 </td> </tr> </table> </th> </tr> <tr> <th> <table> <tr> <th class='spades'>♠</th> <td> 94 </td> </tr> <tr> <th class='hearts'>♥</th> <td> AK874 </td> </tr> <tr> <th class='diamonds'>♦</th> <td> QJ8 </td> </tr> <tr> <th class='clubs'>♣</th> <td> 852 </td> </tr> </table> </th> </tr> </table> </td> <td>  </td> </tr> </table><!-- NORTHSOUTH end -->
With your comments of the bids of course 

Thx

Playing structured reverses then:

1c=1h
2d=3c(extra, game force, 10+ hcp typical)
3d=3h cuebids
4d(rkc for clubs)=4s(1-4)
5d(grand try in clubs)=5H=K of hearts.
5s=6c(sign off)

btw the opp have ten spades and never bid

[jdonn]

I can't believe all these auctions starting 1♣ 1♥ 2♦ 3♣. Isn't it standard to rebid a 5+ card heart suit, forcing one round? Maybe I could understand skipping that to show like KJxx of clubs, but what is the rush to deny 5 hearts all to show xxx of clubs?

This is why I rarely believe people when they see both hands then give their auction. The success rate is generally astronomical. If we somehow belonged in a 5-2 heart fit instead watch how 90% would be rebidding 2♥ as responder.

[mike777]

jdonn, on Jun 12 2007, 11:42 AM, said:

I can't believe all these auctions starting 1♣ 1♥ 2♦ 3♣. Isn't it standard to rebid a 5+ card heart suit, forcing one round? Maybe I could understand skipping that to show like KJxx of clubs, but what is the rush to deny 5 hearts all to show xxx of clubs?

This is why I rarely believe people when they see both hands then give their auction. The success rate is generally astronomical. If we somehow belonged in a 5-2 heart fit instead watch how 90% would be rebidding 2♥ as responder.

Playing structured reverses, 2h over 2d is weakish 5+. If this hand had 5Hearts but only 2clubs, then you would bid 2s...4sf game forcing.

If you prefer that here then:

1c=1h
2d=2s
3c=4c
4d(rkc) etc

[Free]

1♣ - 1♦ (14+ with ♣ or 15+ bal ; 0+ with 4+♥)
2♦ - 2♠ (18+ natural or GF singlesuited ♣ ; GF)
3♥ - 4♣ (18+ with 6♣-4♦ ; sets ♣)
4♦ - 5♣ (even number of keycards ; *)
5♦ - 5NT (4 keycards and ♣Q ; general grand slam try)
6♣ - pass (nothing extra to say ; ok you don't have ♦K, no grand)

(*) usually partner has 4 keycards, but you never know. With 4 he'll definitely continue the auction.

[goobers]

mike777, on Jun 12 2007, 11:44 AM, said:

jdonn, on Jun 12 2007, 11:42 AM, said:

I can't believe all these auctions starting 1♣ 1♥ 2♦ 3♣. Isn't it standard to rebid a 5+ card heart suit, forcing one round? Maybe I could understand skipping that to show like KJxx of clubs, but what is the rush to deny 5 hearts all to show xxx of clubs?

This is why I rarely believe people when they see both hands then give their auction. The success rate is generally astronomical. If we somehow belonged in a 5-2 heart fit instead watch how 90% would be rebidding 2♥ as responder.

Playing structured reverses, 2h over 2d is weakish 5+. If this hand had 5Hearts but only 2clubs, then you would bid 2s...4sf game forcing.

If you prefer that here then:

1c=1h
2d=2s
3c=4c
4d(rkc) etc

I believe another option playing structured reverses (I don't really remember anymore) is to jump to 3H, showing 10+, 5♥.

[kenrexford]

jdonn, on Jun 12 2007, 11:42 AM, said:

I can't believe all these auctions starting 1♣ 1♥ 2♦ 3♣. Isn't it standard to rebid a 5+ card heart suit, forcing one round? Maybe I could understand skipping that to show like KJxx of clubs, but what is the rush to deny 5 hearts all to show xxx of clubs?

This is why I rarely believe people when they see both hands then give their auction. The success rate is generally astronomical. If we somehow belonged in a 5-2 heart fit instead watch how 90% would be rebidding 2♥ as responder.

There is no rush here.

For me, 2♥ would also be passable, not just the 2♠ Ingberman.

With five only hearts, bidding 3♣ allows Opener to make a delayed raise of hearts (3♥). If he lacks three hearts, and is concerned about 3NT, he can bid 3♦, allowing you to bid 3♥ to agree with that concern and show quality hearts. 3♥ by Responder would show six of them.

So, beyond the rush concern, there is no good way to immediately show a fifth heart and GF, at least for me, nor would I want one.

[scoob]

assuming this somehow goes uncontested (but I think hrothgar's giant spade overcall is an more realistic expectation):

1♦ any 16+ without a monster in a major
2♥ natural GF
4♣ solid suit with limited hcp
4NT blackwood in whatever variety we're goofing around with this week (which I'll no doubt screw up lol)
ending in 6♣ most often, but a 6NT from either of us would not truly surprise me (honesty sucks)

more realistically:

1♦ (?♠) X (P)
4♣ etc

or

1♦ (P) 2♥ (?♠)
?♣

the latter might actually keep us from bidding slam, but who knows - we're very seat-pantsy

[whereagles]

I would probably end up in 3NT or 5♣.

[Robert]

Hi everyone

1C-1S*-2C-3C-3D-3H-3S*-4C-4D*-4H*-4NT*-5H*-6C

1C=16+
1S*=5+ hearts GF
2C=natural
3C=raise
3D=stopper/suit
3H=decent hearts(if partner happens to hold Qx or J10
3S*=4th suit forcing(I will pass if partner bids 3NT)
4C=no spade stop here
4D*=Kickback RKC
4H*=one(4130)
4NT*=Last train style
5H*=cue the heart King in case seven is on
6C=six is my limit

The comments that you should rebid the 5 card heart suit with a 2H bid are not my style. If partner has three card heart support he will bid 1C-1H-2D-2any-3H and if he does not hold three hearts, he will not support hearts.

I like to play a toy in standard auctions that rebidding your suit(hearts here) ask partner to pass with three card support 'unless' he holds GF values. Why play at the three level when you can play 2Hs?

The cheaper bid of 4th suit or 2NT is used to 'attempt to sign off' after a reverse.
Partner rebids his main suit with a minimum reverse and bids higher holding GF values. Direct bids at the 3 level show additional values.

Regards,
Robert

[bhall]

Here is the Minotaur (Hall-Munday) auction with explanations:

1♣ either 11 up with both minors, 18 up NT, or 14+ to 20 with any 6+ card suit
1♥ 7+ total pts, natural (4♥ only if it holds no 4-card minor; otherwise 5+)
2♣ 14+ to 20 with 6+ ♣, forcing one round (3♣ shows a single-suited GF)
2♦ game forcing relay with at least 2 ♣ (2♣-3♣ may be passed)
3♦ showing solid ♣, nothing about ♦; a 2N rebid would show 4♦ but deny solid ♣. Raising the relay always shows a solid suit.
3♥ showing a 5th ♥; it is not a relay.
3♠ ♠ stop or advance cue
3N ♦ stop, minimum GF values
4♦ cue, revealing 3♠ to be a ♠ cue and setting ♣ as trump
4♥ cue (first- or second-round control)
4♠ first- and second-round ♠ control
5♥ showing ♥A and K, denying ♦K but accepting the slam invitation
6♣

Opener can infer the protected ♦Q or K from responder's 3N bid, and responder can accept because the 4♠ cue strongly suggests the ♦ fit.

[P_Marlowe]

jdonn, on Jun 12 2007, 10:41 AM, said:

I think the standard auction is

1♣ 1♥
2♦ 2♥
3♣ 4♣
4♠? 5♣?

The farther into it you go, the more variation between possible choices there is. This looks to me like I would rather be in slam than not, but only barely. Really the perfect bid for south over 4♠ would be an interest showing non-blackwood 4NT, which I only play with a few partners but really works well when a minor suit is trumps.

I copy your auction, but after 4C (natural and forward going),
I say that 4D stands out, followed by 4H, followed by 4NT
and 6C.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[Antoine Fourrière]

In the absence of enemy intervention, my system might start:

1♣ 1♥
1♠ 1N
2♦ 3♣
3♥...

1♣: weak NT or 18+ NT or 15+ with clubs
1♥: 5+ hearts, 6+ HCP
1♠: 15+ with clubs, less than 3 hearts
(1N/2♣ weak NT, 2♦ 20+ NT, 2♥/2♠ 18-19 NT, other bids show clubs with 3+ hearts)
1N: mandatory without 6 hearts, a second five-card suit or spade/diamond shortness
2♦: 4 diamonds
3♣: natural, positive
3♥: cannot be three cards, so should be 1246 (would have opened 1N or rebid something else with 2245)

Afterwards, I find myself in uncharted waters (is 4♣ by responder forcing?, is 4♦ by either player kickback for clubs?), so I think it might go

... 3♠ (cannot bid 3N)
4N? 5♦
6♣

or

... 4♣
4♦? 4♠
5♦? 5♥ (♥K, no ♦K)
6♣

[keylime]

Ultra:

1C* (strong) - 2H* (NAT, balanced, 5332)
2NT* (weak doubleton?) - 3H* (spade doubleton, not anchored by Kx or Ax)
4C* (beta) - 4H* (3 controls)
4S* (need help in diamonds) - 4NT* (Ax/Kx/QJx or better)
6C* (ty pard)