Posted 2008-January-10, 07:07
Many people do not wish to play 1m - 1H - 1S as forcing. This is often the case for those who respond very light, particularly to a potentially short 1m opening. If they consider Jxx Kxxxx xxxx x a 1H response to 1C, they want to be able to pass a 1S rebid.
Once you decide that you want 1S to be non-forcing, you need 2S to show a very strong hand.
However, there are some pairs here in England that play 1m-1H-1S as forcing. In one partnership I do so. As you say, that frees up the 2S bid for other purposes, but we don't use it the way you suggest. It depends on the minor suit opened, but we play
1C - 1H - 2S as either
i) 3-6 in hearts and clubs, invitational (the typical bridge world 'death' hand e.g. x Axx Kxx AKJxxx)
ii) 4 hearts, spade singleton (1C - 1H - 3S shows a spade void)
iii) 18-19 balanced with 4 hearts
2NT asks, then
1C - 1H - 2S - 2NT -
3C = 3-6 hearts & clubs, NF
3D = 18-19 bal with 4 hearts, F3H
3H = spade singleton, NF
3S = spade singleton FG
3NT = 18-19 bal with 4 hearts, prepared to play in game
4C = 3-7 in hearts & clubs
Responder doesn't have to bid 2NT but usually will(!)
1D - 1H - 2S is different, as 1C - 1H - 3D is available as a mini-splinter, but 1D - 1H - 3C is strong, so
1D - 1H - 2S - 2NT
3C = 18-19 balanced
3D = 3-6 in the reds, invitational
3H = spade mini-splinter
3S = FG spade singleton
So 1D - 1H - 3H is either a club mini-splinter or 2452
1m - 1H - 4H is 5422