[Gerben42]

Does anyone have notes of the system played by the Hackett brothers?

[han]

Do they have system notes?

[dburn]

han, on Aug 8 2008, 02:16 PM, said:

Do they have system notes?

They do, and I have a copy of them. Is there anything in particular you would like to know?

[Gerben42]

Yes, I'd like to know how they handle 2-over-1 auctions. What's forcing and what isn't.

[dburn]

Gerben42, on Aug 8 2008, 04:29 PM, said:

Yes, I'd like to know how they handle 2-over-1 auctions. What's forcing and what isn't.

2/1 auctions are forcing to game, with the exception of auctions beginning 1M-2♣. This shows either a limit raise of the major (usually with three-card support) or a game force with clubs. Opener rebids his major with four cards and a minimum (thus either a canapé opening or a weak no trump), bids 2♦ with five of his major and a hand unsuitable for any other call, or makes a call above two of his major to show various above-minimum openings with five cards in the major or with 17-19 balanced.

This two-way 2♣ response is not a new idea, but it took me and the Hacketts some time to work out a way of playing it in their four-card major structure. So far, it has earned its keep.