[straube]

I think I still like 2C as natural and forcing and 2H as GF diamonds.

Basically in such a tight space, it feels like 2C ought to let opener branch more (show something) than (usually) accepting the transfer. 2C can handle such things as the GI 3-4-1-5 as well as 3-1-4-5.

If 2H is GI+ clubs, then it likely should be either 6 clubs GI or 5 clubs GF (or we often will be too high or miss finding a superior diamond fit).

If 2H is GF diamonds, opener can easily rebid the other minor without committing to game. Responder can rebid 3D in a forcing way.

Thanks loads for your help. I'm relieved to know you find some merit in the idea of passing many patterns with four spades.

[wclass___]

I would build my structure around the most important hand types. And we should definitely concentrate on finding our ♥ fit and appropriate level.

2♦=5♥+INV+
2♥=competitive

Hands with exactly 4♥ should go through double, because they will be quite frequent as responder is more willing to bid with 4♥ even if he is balanced, so flexibility is needed here and no other bid gives such flexibility as double here.

I can't find better meaning for 1N as natural, surely i would prefer if i could put over-caller on lead, but then i would have to sacrifice something more important. I would also play 1N as stronger than just competitive. Something like 9-11 would be my preferred range.

Then you want to show 5m INV+ and you have 2♣ and 2♠ left. I haven't thought much about optimal choice as to 5♥/♦/♣ INV+ hands and 2♣,2♦,2♠ bids.

[cwiggins]

Here are a couple of other approaches.

First, from Ron Beall "Enhanced Presions" 2nd edition.

After 1D-1M:

• Pass = weak or trap
  
• Dbl = negative. Denying 4S after 1D-(1H) and implying 4H after 1D-(1S)
  
• 1S is 4+ spades with usual continuations (including support doubles)
  
• With normal 1NT response: pass and hope to bid 1NT later
  
• Transfers start at 1NT
  
  • Show at least the values for a NF freebid
    
  • Lower steps may be the first step in creating a GF
    
  • Higher steps = long suit, more preemptive than constructive
    
  • 1NT, 2NT, 4NT, 5NT = transfers to clubs
    
  • 2S and higher ask opener to bid longer (or best of equal) minor
    
  • Transferring and bidding 2NT/3NT is INV/GF with a stopper
    
  • Transfer to 2 of overcalled M = ask for stopper for NT
    -- Shows 1/2 stopper when followed by cuebid
    -- Shows full stopper when followed by 2NT or 3NT
    
  • 3S shows unspecified solid suit
    -- Opener bids 3N with stoppers in other three suits
    -- Otherwise: bid 4 of lowest possible suit
    
  • 3N is natural, NF
    
  • Low level transfers tend to show
    -- Weak one-suited hand (normal NF free bid)
    -- 2-suiters (5+ in transfer suit) with 11+ HCP
    -- Longest suit in GF hand
    
  • Raise of the transfer suit by responder is natural and INV
    
  • New suits after making the transfer are natural and F1

In one of the ACBL anomalies, transfers over a takeout double are legal under the GCC but are not legal after an overcall.


Second from R. J. Danielson "Relay Precision Book 5 The Catch-All Opening One Diamond"

• Pass = 0-8/9 HCP. May be a trap pass with lots of their suit.
  
• 1S = 4+ spades
  
• 1N = 8-10 HCP with hearts stopped.
  
• 2C = 9-11 HCP with 5+ clubs. NF
  
• 2D = 9-11 HCP with 5+ diamonds. NF.
  
• Cuebid = GF with multi-suited hand (e.g. 5431)
  
• 2N = natural, INV with heart stoppers
  
• Jump shifts = weak jump shift
  
• Jump cue = asks for stopper for 3NT (responder has a long minor).
  
• 3N = Long minor with stopper for 3NT.
  
• Double = hi power or lo power

Over the jump cue and jump to 3N, responder passes (bids 3N), bids 4C or 5C to signoff or bids 4D to try for slam.

Over the direct cue bid:

• A subsquent cuebid = confirms trump suit is the suit opener bid in response to the cuebid trumps and tells about a control in their suit.
  Cuebidding, Serious 3NT, etc. are available.
  
• A new suit = 5+/5+ in the suits other than the suit opener bid in response to your cuebid

After opener's rebid after negative double:

• Bid of new suit = GF with 5+
  
• NT bids = natural showing stoppers
  
• Cue bid = GF strength. If balanced, then no stopper in their suit.

Using the cuebid as something other than a raise of partner's 1D seems a good idea.

[straube]

Quote

In one of the ACBL anomalies, transfers over a takeout double are legal under the GCC but are not legal after an overcall.

I hope this isn't right. Besides which, people use Reuben's advances all the time and I never hear director calls. For example 1C (1S) P (2D) showing hearts...and lots of folks play 1D (2C) 2D as a tranfer....and then there's Marty Bergen's idea of Switch (switch the meaning of the remaining 2 suits)

[blackshoe]

Item 5 under "Competitive" on the GCC allows "TRANSFER ADVANCES (responses to overcalls) where the call shows length or values in the suit of the transfer".

[akhare]

I am going to propose what Adam had suggested with some small tweaks:

Given that we have a 80% chance of locating at least a 8 card minor fit at the 2 level after the overcall, the 1N as minors probably carries more weight, especially since opener can only have a 11-13 balanced hand and 2m might have a better play.

Pass = <All else>
X = At least competitive with 4♥
1NT = Minors, competitive OR natural
2♣ = 5+ diamonds at least competitive
2♦ = 5+ hearts at least competitive
2♥ = 4♥ + 5+ m, competive
2♠ = 5+ clubs and at least invite
2NT = invite wanting to declare notrump
3♣ = 4♥, 5+ clubs [GF]
3♦ = 4♥, 5+ diamonds [GF]
3♥ = natural 6-card suit less than invite
3♠ = transfer to 3NT

[straube]

akhare, on 2011-February-21, 02:56, said:

I am going to propose what Adam had suggested with some small tweaks:

Given that we have a 80% chance of locating at least a 8 card minor fit at the 2 level after the overcall, the 1N as minors probably carries more weight, especially since opener can only have a 11-13 balanced hand and 2m might have a better play.

Pass = <All else>
X = At least competitive with 4♥
1NT = Minors, competitive OR natural
2♣ = 5+ diamonds at least competitive
2♦ = 5+ hearts at least competitive
2♥ = 4♥ + 5+ m, competive
2♠ = 5+ clubs and at least invite
2NT = invite wanting to declare notrump
3♣ = 4♥, 5+ clubs [GF]
3♦ = 4♥, 5+ diamonds [GF]
3♥ = natural 6-card suit less than invite
3♠ = transfer to 3NT

I think this will hurt our constructive auctions. The structure I proposed has two low bids (dbl and 2C) which empower opener to show his hand. Sequence creation is not an end goal, but if it is not present then a system is not functioning optimally.

I'm quite a bit skittish about my own 1D (1S) 2D transfer showing hearts. It doesn't let opener do much but accept the transfer. Opener isn't alway the 11-13 balanced.

This structure lets opener branch after the double, but responder has then to cue to create a force. The 1N doesn't appear to be forcing and seems like it has to handle something like Axx Kxx xx Qxxxx as well as Ax xx xxxx KQxxx. What is opener to do? Both 2C and 2D don't allow opener to branch. 2H is unnecessary for 4H/5D hands (which can correct to 2D after opener's rebid)and may get us too high for 4H/5C hands. The 2S bid is too high for GI only hands. It doesn't let opener do anything when minimum except to rebid 2N or 3C (or rarely 3D). The 3m bids help two of the GF club hands, but they cost the 3m preempts. They also force opener to choose between supporting clubs and bidding 3N when he might have been able to show fit and stopper after a natural 2C bid.