[nikos59]

Hi all

I have a lady partner with whom I play mixed events
(in f2f bridge) and although our rudimentary system
has led to success so far she insists she wants more
"theory". Specifically, she has asked for a complete
structure after we open 1NT unopposed (15-17, no
5card major).

So far we play 4-suit transfers the French way, i.e.
2S for clubs and 3C for diamonds. (Whatever the perceived
merits of playing 2NT for the diamonds, I don't want
to have majorless staymans and lose the inv. 2NT).
Also, 4C is Gerber and 4D is 5-5 majors, choose a game
(no slam aspirations). 4 of a major is to play, after
all this is mixed pairs

So, all this leaves idle the 3-level (except 3C).
We have a way to show major 5-4s and 5-5s,
so the question is, what is in your opinion the
better way, if any, to use the 3D, 3H and 3S
replies to 1NT?

TIA

Nikos

[pclayton]

Seems to me you need a method to show minor 2 suiters. Transferring then bidding the other can be bulky. Maybe use 3♥ / 3♠ as shortness, game forcing and at least 5-4 in the minors.

My 2nd choice, that hardly anyone plays, is Truscott's "Anti-Lemming" bids. It lets you avoid unmakeable 3N when one hand has a weak doubleton opposite 2 or 3 small. I used to play a modified version about ten years ago. If you can't find a copy, I'll look for my old notes. They can be a little complicated, but they are fun to play and when the board does come up, you can reap a windfall.

As far as 3♦? Maybe play this an invitational 5-5 in the majors, if 4♦ is game force. This partner doesn't like Texas Transfers? 3♦ can take the place of 4♦ quite easily.

[Fluffy]

natural 6 card looking for slam.

I play the same basic strtucture, but then play some relays to show any 4441 or 5431 after stayman and transfer

[Free]

Play it as low level RKC in a certain suit. With a long suit 'just' looking for slam, you'll just transfer and bid game. When you're certain of slam, you can use Gerber or RKC this way.

Suggestion 1: use 3♦, 3♥, 3♠ and 3NT as RKC

Suggestion 2: if you don't want to use 3NT for RKC, use 3♦ as 6 keycard RKC (both minors)

Suggestion 3: similar as above, but use 3♦ as RKC in one of the minors. Opener bids 3♥ relay and responder specifies the minor with 3♠ or 3NT.

[luke warm]

i've found it to be a lot easier showing hand types if the nt opening can have a 5M *and* if 2c is used as puppet stayman... opener usually bids 2d unless there's a 5M or 6m in her hand

since it's unlikely you or your partner want to look at this, i won't post the whole thing... you can pm me if interested

[Flame]

Im asking myself this question every second day, we insert a new feture into our system and after sometime i am thinking why should i have to remember this when it never come up in practice, but still we add other gadgets into the system , the thing is you must enjoy this , if you dont have the little exitment when you load a something new into the system, i think you will be better off without it.