[mgoetze]

I have been rereading Robson/Segal, and there are two sequences where I'm not quite convinced by their use for 2NT:

1♣-(1♥)-p-(2♥)-2NT according to R/S is Lebensohl (a.k.a. Good/Bad), but what about strong balanced hands with a heart stopper? (As a matter of fact, since I like opening all 17-19 balanced hands 1♣, I might play it as natural here but Lebensohl after 1♦ opening.)

(2♠)-p-(p)-X-(p)-2NT according to R/S is scrambling because, supposedly, with any good hand you could have bid, so now you are by definition weak and just probing for the right strain. However, I figure that in this auction I will have to pass some pretty decent hands in direct seat, and balancer will have some very tough decisions when he doesn't know whether I have 0 or 11.

Discuss.

[Rossoneri]

Firstly, I'm not sure if you've read their disclaimer that some of their treatments are rather controversial. That being said, your questions raise a few good points.

For the first sequence, how do you play your 1♣ openers, and what would X mean in that situation? It's difficult if we have no idea what your 1♣ opening shows.

[manudude03]

1. I play this as G/B with one partner. I play that double may contain the big balanced hands if control rich while I pass with the poor control hands. A minimum-ish unbalanced hand can often pass anyway (partner can double for penalties or bid 2N as t/o for the minors)

2. This may be a problem. I don't claim to know everything about scrambling, but your hand is pretty well defined in shape unless partner has 15+ or so. You are sacrificing a little accuracy in strength to make sure you play in the right strain when you have 3244 and partner has 2443 or something.

[kgr]

1. What is G/B? (Is 2NT weak and 3♣ stronger or Vice versa?)
2. What is scrambling? (Is it different then Lebensohl?)
Thanks,
Koen

[mgoetze]

Rossoneri, on May 24 2010, 01:47 PM, said:

Firstly, I'm not sure if you've read their disclaimer that some of their treatments are rather controversial. That being said, your questions raise a few good points.

Sure, my question is not what to expect with a pickup partner, but what the best agreements are with a regular partner.

Let's assume that 1♣ will include at least some strong (17-19, 18-19 or 18-20) balanced hands, whether or not those hands can also be opened 1♦, and that it generally shows 3+ clubs.

[gwnn]

wasn't the second one

p-p-2s-p
p-x-p-2N?

I am not sure what it was but I agree with you that with dealer opening 2S it is quite inefficient to use 2N as scramble

[karlson]

1. I've played this as good/bad for a while now and haven't missed a natural 2n. Game prospects are significantly reduced when partner passes 1♥, and it could actually be quite dangerous to come in. In fact, I bet if you polled people about this auction with no agreements, plenty of people would say it's 4♦-6♣.

2. I agree with you and would play lebensohl here. But scrambling if doubler is a passed hand.