[hrothgar]

I'm working on my MOSCITO notes once more.
Thought that folks might find the following interesting

In contrast, the response structure over the 1♦ opening diverges substantially from that over 1♥. Responder has two additional bids (1♠ and 2NT) to show different hand types. The effects of this extra bidding space ripple throughout the rest of the bidding system. Before delving into the specifics of the response structure, its worthwhile to consider the preface to Paul Martson's systems notes which provides an excellent summary of the guiding principles behind MOSCITO's raise/response structure:

In the most perfect of worlds...
Fast for part score
Natural for games
Relay for slams

1♠ by responder
The auction 1♦ – 1♠ is used as a natural and forcing bid. Responder could have sufficient strength that he wants to explore for game, however, he should not have a slam invitational hand. Equally significant, the 1♠ response denies a number of weaker hand types with 4 spades.

Minimum strength balanced hands with 4 Spades and 3 card Heart support should prefer a direct raise to 2♥ rather than showing the 4 card Spade suit.

Example: ♠ Q752 ♥ K64 ♦ K752 ♣ 86

Minimum strength balanced hands with 4 Spades and 2 card Heart support should prefer to bid 1NT rather than showing the 4 card Spade suit.

Example: ♠ Q752 ♥ K6 ♦ K752 ♣ 863

Minimum strength unbalanced hands with 4 Spades and 3 card Heart support should prefer to bid 2♥ rather than showing the 4 card Spade suit.
Example: ♠ Q752 ♥ K64 ♦ K8752 ♣ 6

Our guiding philosophy is that responder should limit his hand as quickly as possible. According, responder should prefer to make descriptive bids that clarify trump support, shape, and strength at the expense of suppressing a 4 card major. Consider the following auction:

1♦ – 1♠
1N – 2♥

If the initial 1♠ response denies a hand suitable for an immediate raise to 2♥, then there are a series of useful negative inferences available. Most notably, the 2♥ advance is now a constructive bid suggesting extra values.

This auction needs to be contrasted with

1♦ – 1♠
2♦ – 2♥

where responder is merely expressing a simple preference between Diamonds and Hearts and does not promise extra strength. Responder suggests a hand like

♠ Q752 ♥ K6 ♦ 7 ♣ K8743

[the hog]

Richard, I used to play that 1S showed 5 or a "chunky" 4 that I wanted led in case we did not win the contract.

Now that I am back to playing a multi way C transfer opening system, (Polish Moscito??), I think this is an elegant solution -

1D 1H = Game try/contract search relay
1D 1S = categorical game force relay

This has the major advantage of immediately saying that bidding cannot stop below game or until we X the opps.

Responses to GT relay?
1D 1H
P = H min
1S = 2 or 3 suited with S
1N = 2/3 suited with C
2C = 2/3 suited with Ds min
2D = 2/3 suited with Ds max
2H = max with 6H

[inquiry]

The_Hog, on Dec 17 2004, 06:06 PM, said:

1D 1H = Game try/contract search relay
1S 1S = categorical game force relay

I like the 1♠-1♠ auction as game force relay, talk about keeping the bidding low. Of course. 1♠-1♣ would be even lower, maybe you should change to that....

While we are at it, what is 1♣-1♣ and 1♦-1♦? (I think I have figured out 1♥-1♥ based on the 1♠-1♠, so I didn't bother to ask).

Ben

[the hog]

Yeah yeah!! I corrected it. You must admit it did keep the bidding low though!