I was going to write a much longer post than this, but I’ll split it up. Here is the full set of first round responses
- 2C: STAY
- 2D: TRF to H
- 2H: TRF to S
- 2S: TRF to C (WK or STR, 1/S or 2/S with 5+D)
- 2NT: TRF to D (WK or STR, 1/S or 2/S with 5+C)
- 3C: 5+m/5+m, INV
- 3D: 5+m/4+m, FG
- 3H: 3/S short S, not 5H, FG
- 3S: 3/S short H, not 5S, FG
- 3NT: to play
- 4C/D: S.A. Texas, little slam interest
- 4H/S/5C/D: NAT, to play
- 4NT: Blackwood
At this point, I will note one quirk to the continuation structure (there will be more later, no doubt). In response to the 2S and 2NT minor suit transfers, opener should bid “step” and NOT accept the transfer when
- He has 4-5 cards in the other minor, and
- The other minor is longer than the “transfer” minor
This structure allows WK 5m/4m hands to be handled sensibly, guaranteeing a minimum 8 card and non-inferior fit. Also, handling the WK one and two suiters in one bid importantly frees up 3C to handle the INV 5+m/5+m types. Nothing else I could come up with works this elegantly.
The overall structure seems relatively simple and obvious – why did I agonise so much over it? Well, I think that will become apparent as the continuations are more fully described. Nevertheless, it probably serves well now to consider the design criteria, which, in no particular order are
- To ensure we can R(elay) to obtain exact shape before breaching a safety level. In most instances this safety level will be 3NT.
- In addition to (1) above, we would also like at least one range clarifying control (QP) ask at or below 3NT.
- To ensure we have an alternative to relaying with strong & shaped hands. Such hands will contain a singleton, void and/or 6+ card suit. In this case of the singleton or void, this will allow opener to accurately value his honour dispersion opposite the known shortage. In the case of the 6+ card suit, it will enable opener to consider his honour fit opposite a known long suit that is possibly in a marginal slam hand.
- In addition to (3) above, we want these strong & shaped hands to be described before breaching a safely level. Once again, this will often be 3NT, but might be 4H, 4S, 4NT, 5C or 5D also. In long minor hands when showing shape past 3NT, both 4NT and 5m are considered safety levels and sign-off attempts, if bid.
- To allow opener to anti-SPL (i.e. show concentrations of values, particularly lower honours) and responder to SPL in strong shape showing sequences wherever possible.
- To minimise 1st round ambiguity in responders shape(s), such that if the opponents compete, the degree of fit is fairly clear, if not the strength.
- In achieving (1) to (6) above, to minimise the number of our preferred invitational sequences, which we have previously identified, that need to be given up or bastardised.
We have already pretty much ensured (1) with the STAY structure and continuations. 3H will be reserved over the 2M responses as R (allowing 3NT to show B or B+1 controls, and 3S >= B+2 controls) satisfying design criteria (2) in the process. 2H is reserved as R over the 2D response to STAY, with the following RR responses
- 2S:: both m’s, then after 2NT R
- 3C: 2344
- 3D: 3244
- 3H: 2245
- 3S: 2254, >=B+2 QP’s
- 3NT: 2254, B or B+1 QP’s
- 2NT:: 5C332, then after 3C R, similar to 5D332 from 3D+ below
- 3C:: 4m333, then after 3D R
- 3H: 3334
- 3S: 3343, >= B+2 QP’s
- 3NT: 3343, B or B+1 QP’s
- 3D:: 2353
- 3H:: 3253
- 3S:: 3352, >= B+2 QP’s
- 3NT:: 3352, B or B+1 QP’s
As you can see, we haven’t quite satisfied design criteria (2): 4 of 12 shapes don’t get a range clarification below 3NT – this is the cost of including the 5m4m22’s and 4M333’s into the opening. On balance, however, I think it’s worth it – the 4M333’s feel like they belong (and it gives 1D and 1H more offensive sting). The argument is less clear for the 5m4m22’s – they certainly don’t look out of place in 1NT though that argument is not as compelling as for the 4M333’s. However, they do make the 1S and 2C openings work significantly better from both an offensive and R perpective, so I think the choice can be justified.
Until next time.
Regards, DipBridge.
