[the hog]

Partner and I have recently started playing a method similar to Rubens advances when we double 1M. The following is the structure:

(1H) X 1S = t/f to C, any strength
1N = 6-9 (10)
2C = t/f to D, any strength
2D = 4+S 7-9 or 12+
2H = 4+S 10-11
2S = 4+S 0-6

(1S) X 1NT = t/f to C
2C = t/f to D any strength
2D = 4+H 7+ (excluding hands shown in 2S below)
2H = 4+H 0-6
2S = 5+H 9-11

The hands with advances into the minors can bid again to show mildly invit hands/ invit or GF with 5m and 4 other M, or NT oriented hands.
Bids at the three level show less than GF vaules but a very good 6+ suit, allowing opener to try for the 9 trick game if suitable.

I am wondering if anyone has ever played anything similar. Can anyone see any obvious disadvantages in the scheme? (Apart from not being able to bid a natural 1NT ocer (1S) X, and we can live with that.

[mishovnbg]

Transfers after 1 major dbl are standart in my club in Varna. Disadvantage of any transfer is clear - you give opp 1 free bid. For example opp can dbl transfer to show suit and bid in transfer for take out. This is also main reason why transfer preempts are not so good.
Misho

[Codo]

Hi Ron,

maybe you are in trouble with your 1 NT response too. When they compete quick, you may have to guess a lot about fit length and/or HCPs.

And I sometimes like to bid 1 NT in this sequence, because it is exactly the right spot to play.

Besides, to put it the other way round: What are the major defects for a natural approach?
Something like all suits are natural and without a jump 0-7. NT is natural. Jumps show 8-10.
Double jumps in a major shows 8-10 and 5 cards.
Opps suit shows all strong hands. Etc...

Kind Regards

Roland

[the hog]

Losing a natural 1Nt does not worry me. 1NT is rarely the right spot to play in these auctions. The advantage of the posted methood over traditional methods is the "principle of useful space". You have a lot more room for your invit hands. Take this auction:
(1H) X (P) 2C
(P) 2D (P) 2S

Responder has shown an invit hand with 5D and 4S. (3S would have been a gf with 5D and 4S. There are many other permutations and inferences in these auctions if you care to add them.

[keylime]

I like the Meckwell method over 1M/X -- a free bid is either a transfer to the next suit OR lead directional with a raise for partner (1NT = 2C, 2C=2D, and so on). A one under 2 MAJ raise is a good raise, and a direct raise to two is competitive.

Another thing to consider too folks is transfer overcalls; they are gaining popularity as well.

Dr. Dwayne Hoffman