[Chamaco]

Hannie, on Aug 10 2005, 04:13 PM, said:

Now that I see that even Chamaco bids 2S (while he often doesn't even if the rest does), I am convinced that 2S is the right call.

The reason why I am usually more prudent is that I like that a 2/1, even in competition, resembles a normal 2/1.

That means setting up the Forcing pass agreements at high level, if they bounce.

If one decides to play this way, that means that a 2/1 should have a defensive power close to an opener, in terms of quick tricks.
So I would not bid a 2/1 in competition with, say, a side ace and QJTxxxx(x) on the side.

Now, since there are sequences devoted to show one-suited hands with marginal values, I prefer to use those sequences when my defensive strength is low, and a direct 2/1 when I have defense.

In other words, pard , when he doubles a 4-level contract should count on 1.5 tricks at least.

Of course all is different playing NFB :-)

[Chamaco]

mike777, on Aug 11 2005, 12:24 AM, said:

Why? Because I expect partner to pass a nfb 90%+ of the time, hence the name negative free bid.  Heck I could have KJxxxx and out. Does that mean I play nfb with a wide range, yes. x and rebid a new suit=game force.

I think this hand has too much playing strength so my choice would be 3s, showing 7 spades or 4spades as a shutout bid.

If I understand your style, it seems the same as standard ala Lawrence, forcing but not promising a rebid? 8-11 hcp?

I think that the most common style I could see from strong players is to use a NFB as a constructive bid, up to invitational values, not as a wide-ranging nuisance bid.

But it's true that at my local club, many players using NFB seems to intend it more as a nuisance bid (but in my opinion, they lose when their hand is indeed constructive).

[FrancesHinden]

I play NFB with one regular partner, and forcing-but-not-promising-a-rebid with another. There is a very wide range of hands that bid 2S whether it's forcing or not - the bottom end of a NFB is a little lower (KQ109x would be enough NV) and of course the forcing hand includes all game forces. But it's surprising how often it doesn't matter whether it's forcing or not.

This hand is a good example - I would bid 2S whether it's forcing or not.

[mike777]

Hannie, on Aug 10 2005, 10:21 PM, said:

I think that Luke's style is not forcing but a pretty good hand.

Is it playable to bid 2S with 4 counts and 11 counts?

good posts,

I will change NFB to 7-12 in general, more leeway with highly dist. hands.
x with 13 in general.
pass with weaker hands and let pard reopen with x.

Otherwise in standard setting, Lawrence's approach seems workable.

In any event prefer 3s or 4s with this one.