[dosxtres]

1♣.....1♥
2♣....?

Matchpoints.

Is partner allowed to bid 2H (sign off) with 2 clubs?

If it is, how good hand and suit should be?

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

Sure.

The simple case being responder holds a 6
card suit.

In case you hold only a 5 card suit, the suit
should be reasonable, because you may play
in a 5-1 fit.

The risk of the 5-1 fit increaes, if opener raises
regular to 2H with 3 card heart suit, ... in which
case it is probably better to play in clubs.
Even playing MP it is better to make a minor partial
compared to going down in a major partial.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[helene_t]

I read an advice in the intermediate section of the Dutch BF magazine that 2♥ should be constructive at IMPs and a contract improvement at matchpoints.

This sounds scary. The consequence may be that 3♥ would be forcing at IMPs while at matchpoints, strong one-suiters go through FSF. And then the follow-ups on FSF become different at IMPs and at MP.

Without discussion I would assume 2♥ to be mildly forward-going (8-10) and 3♥ to be strongly invitational (11-12). I might be wrong. Something to discuss with p. The optimal solution will depend on a number of issues, such as the kind of jump shifts you play, opener's rebid styles, and, indeed, what kind of scoring you usually play.

Maybe the meaning of 2♥ should be different if responder is a passed hand. Or maybe not. The most natural meaning of 2♥ by a passed hand is a hand too flawed for a preempt, say with a 4-card spades. No unlikely anyway since opener denied four spades and opps did not bid spades either.

[Gerben42]

I learned a very simple rule that has saved me from a lot of terrible contracts.

Responder's nonforcing rebid of his own suit after opener's unbalanced rebid shows SIX cards. So I would just pass 2♣ with just 5 cards.

Also remember this nice rule: Majors only outscore minors if the contract MAKES.