[phil_20686]

I play 2N as a invitational+raise in hearts.

I see this as easily strong enough to raise to 4H, but I would start with 2N so that partner can double 4S appropriately. It is easier for him to dble after
1S 2H 2S 2N
4S

Than after
1S 2H 2S 4H
4S.

I think if you arent raising to game with this hand you are overcalling 2H too liberally.

I like to play dble as a raise only in those situations where there is chance to stay at the two level: Namely
1H 1S 2H X
1S 2H X
1m 1S 2H x

I.e. I like to be able to show a good raise to two major, especially opposite an overcall which can be fairly weak for me. Otoh, 2/1 overcalls tend to be chunky so I don't thinkt her eis as much need. The second auction is most important if 1S was opened in third seat.

[dboxley]

aguahombre, on 2012-September-10, 06:55, said:

Perhaps, I didn't say it clearly. With enough playing strength to invite game in the minor after a 2m overcall, I am willing to make a bid above 3m ---like 3 of their suit.

Ten-counts with 3-card support don't measure up to L+, IMO.

This would leave 2NT for another purpose, like extreme distribution in the other two suits.

I think it depends on the 10 count with 3 card support. There are a lot of hands where I would only make a single raise with ten. Maybe it's me who didn't make myself clear. Overcaller won't go on to game in a minor opposite a lr+ nearly as often as in a major since game in a minor requires 11 tricks. Why risk the 4 level opposite a minimum overcall? It may be that 3NT will make but 5 of the minor has no play. I don't see any reason not to differentiate between a 10 or 11 point raise and a 6 point raise if you have the tools. I guess the deciding factor would be frequency. How often would you be dealt a freakish 2 suiter in the unbids? And what type of hand does partner need to pass a responsive double?

[Zelandakh]

Silly question perhaps but what is the advantage of playing 2NT as the good raise rather than transfers? After (1♠) - 2♥ - (2♠), 2NT = clubs, 3♣ = diamonds, 3♦ = good raise seems to cover everything just as well and provides an extra bid in each auction rather than all 3 steps in one. The same for the (1♥) - 2♦ - 2♥ auction; 2♠ = natural, 2NT = clubs, 3♣ = good raise.

[gnasher]

Zelandakh, on 2012-September-26, 08:16, said:

Silly question perhaps but what is the advantage of playing 2NT as the good raise rather than transfers? After (1♠) - 2♥ - (2♠), 2NT = clubs, 3♣ = diamonds, 3♦ = good raise seems to cover everything just as well and provides an extra bid in each auction rather than all 3 steps in one. The same for the (1♥) - 2♦ - 2♥ auction; 2♠ = natural, 2NT = clubs, 3♣ = good raise.

The advantage of 2NT as a raise is that it gives you more room for game-tries. As you say, the advantage of transfers is that it gives you two bids when you're showing a new suit.

In most such situations, the advantages of transfers outweigh the benefits of having extra space in the support sequence, and I think that's true here. The only reason I don't play transfers in this sequence is the fear of someone forgetting them.

[PhilKing]

Zelandakh, on 2012-September-26, 08:16, said:

Silly question perhaps but what is the advantage of playing 2NT as the good raise rather than transfers? After (1♠) - 2♥ - (2♠), 2NT = clubs, 3♣ = diamonds, 3♦ = good raise seems to cover everything just as well and provides an extra bid in each auction rather than all 3 steps in one. The same for the (1♥) - 2♦ - 2♥ auction; 2♠ = natural, 2NT = clubs, 3♣ = good raise.

Because you have the good raise far more often and it is far more important.

Over 2NT you have room for a dialogue rather than just answering "yes" or "no" to partner's 3♦ game try as you would playing transfers.

Snap! See above, although different conclusion - I play transfers in most competitive auctions but not where we lose space for the good raise.

[gnasher]

PhilKing, on 2012-September-26, 08:28, said:

Over 2NT you have room for a dialogue rather than just answering "yes" or "no" to partner's 3♦ game try as you would playing transfers.

Playing transfers you get some of that back, because advancer can transfer to a minor and then bid 3♥, showing a 2-5 invitation.

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

a possible option is also to play transferss, i.e. 3D as showing an inv. raise.
Transfers allow you to show help values on the side, which may be useful / harmful,
if you get to defend a spade contract.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[PhilKing]

P_Marlowe, on 2012-September-26, 14:21, said:

Hi,

a possible option is also to play transferss, i.e. 3D as showing an inv. raise.
Transfers allow you to show help values on the side, which may be useful / harmful,
if you get to defend a spade contract.

With kind regards
Marlowe

You might be on to something.