Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Transfers after opponents bid michaels

Playing on BBO with Warren Spector on the weekend, we had the auction 1H (2H) come up and this brought up a discussion. This system only applies when you open 1 of a Major and your opponent makes a direct cuebid showing Spades and a minor.

First piece of advice: When your opponent makes an artificial 2 suited overcall, there are no longer natural NT bids available to you, as you will always start with double with balanced hands. As well, whenever you have a fit you will show a fit, so double is defined as a hand that wants to penalize your opponents but denies a fit.

1H (2H)
2S = cue for hearts limit +
2NT = Clubs (designed for x xx xxx KQJTxxx) any strength
3C = Diamonds any strength
3D = constructive raise (i.e. 4 trumps 5-8, 3 trumps 8-10)
3H = weakest raise
3S = Splinter
3NT = 4 card support balanced game bid * remember with normal 3NT bid you start with X
4C = Fit showing Jump (5+C 4+H, concentrated values in C/H)
4D = Fit showing Jump (5+D 4+H, concentrated values in D/H)
4H = Weak game bid

its important to remember that when partner transfers you to a minor, you should accept the transfer with almost any hand, even with a void in their suit, unless you CLEARLY have a better bid available to you

1S (2S)
2NT = Clubs any strength
3C = Diamonds any strength
3D = limit + in spades
3H = constructive raise in spades
3S = weakest raise to 3S
3NT = balanced 4 card support game bid
4C = fit jump
4D = fit jump
4H = splinter
4S = weak game bid

2 comments:

nick fahrer said...

good first column gav, great practical advice.

nickf
sydney

Kiat said...

Excellent short article on a subject that isn't discussed much in expert posts. Very nice writing style with straight-forward explanations. Not surprised BridgeWinners got so good with an engine like Gavin's behind it:)