[Stephen Tu]

Need a sanity check. Only agreement is that Lebensohl applies. What should the last bid in each of the following sequences mean, and why? (2d) = diamond suit, 5-10.

1. (2d)-x-(p)-3d-(p)-3nt

2. (2d)-x-(p)-3d-(p)-3nt-(p)-4d

3. (2d)-x-(p)-4d


For advanced partnerships, what do these mean?
4. (2d)-x-(p)-2nt!-(p)-3c!-(p)-3d

5. (2d)-x-(p)-2nt!-(p)-3c!-(p)-4d

[awm]

1. Suggests playing 3NT. Probably 3325 shape (3♦ asked to pick a major).

2. Insist on picking a major. This sequence might imply mild slam interest (see 3).

3. Pick a major, probably 5-5 in the majors.

4. Shows a diamond stopper and asks for 4cM. Probably a hand with one 4cM. Direct 3♦ conceivably gives partner a problem if he has 3325 (for example) and no diamond stop.

5. Mild slam try with 5-5 majors.

[whereagles]

> 1. (2d)-x-(p)-3d-(p)-3nt

No 4 majors, diamond stop. Typical hand: bal 18-20 hcp.


> 2. (2d)-x-(p)-3d-(p)-3nt-(p)-4d

Hum... well, probably some 4414 or thereabouts. Slammish.


> 3. (2d)-x-(p)-4d

55 majors, could be as little as 2 hcp!!


> 4. (2d)-x-(p)-2nt!-(p)-3c!-(p)-3d

Stayman with stop.


> 5. (2d)-x-(p)-2nt!-(p)-3c!-(p)-4d

Undiscussed. Probably a 55 with extras because advancer waited to see whether doubler had extras (in which case he'd bypass the 3♣ reply).

[rbforster]

I think one of the principles here is that when you're going to make a "constructive" bid after lebensohl (cue/3N vs signing off) you should be showing a stopper. Why would you want to wrong-side NT when you could make the direct cue bid instead.

I'm not clear on exactly what distinction 3N direct vs 2N...3C!...3N is suppose to show by responder.

[Ant590]

Of course this all depends on whether you've agreed to play Leb then "constructive" as showing or denying a stop. What to expect depends on which country you're in (in the UK it is more common to have 2NT as denying I believe)

[han]

Ant590, on Mar 30 2008, 05:32 AM, said:

Of course this all depends on whether you've agreed to play Leb then "constructive" as showing or denying a stop. What to expect depends on which country you're in (in the UK it is more common to have 2NT as denying I believe)

Remember that the first person to bid notrumps will declare 3NT if that is the final contract. Playing 2NT denies doesn't seem right here for that reason and is absolutely unplayable after a balancing double.

[gnasher]

It's probably not standard anywhere, but I think that the best way to play these is:

3NT = diamond stop, no major
3♦ = no diamond stop, no major
2NT then 3NT = no diamond stop, both majors
2NT then 3♦ = diamond stop, at least one major
3♥/♠ = forcing, 4 cards, no stop
2NT then 3♥/♠ = natural, invitational

This right-sides 3NT almost all the time. The only time it doesn't is when advancer has both majors and the doubler has neither, and the doubler is the one with a diamond stop.

If you're clever and have a good memory, after a second-seat double you should invert the meanings of 3♥ and 3♠, so as to right-side four of a major. Similarly, after a fourth-seat double you should (a) invert the meanings of doubler's 3M when responder shows a stop and one major, and (b) play transfers after responder shows no diamond stop and both majors. I don't play this bit with anyone.


It's simpler after 2♥/♠: slow shows the other major, and a cue bid asks for a stop. That is:

3NT = stop, no major
cue = no stop, no major
2NT then 3NT = stop + other major
2NT then cue = no stop, other major

Again, when a 4-4 fit is found after a fourth-seat double, the doubler should transfer into the major.