[Double !]

What follows are a lot of questions regarding how you play your initial responses to Partner's 1NT opening, and how you play various rebids by responder. I learned the hard way that I can't put these questions in a poll format unless each question constitutes a separate poll. Your responses to many of the questions might be wtp? That's OK. This is not a contest to see which bids or methods are "better" than others. Rather, I am curious about how consistent some answers might be, and where there are differences.

Please assume that you are playing some variation of Stayman and some variation of initial transfer responses. If you prefer some other structure such Keri, please answer as though you were playing stayman with transfers. If you play different structures with different partners, please give your preferred interpretation of the bids or bidding sequences. Please also preface your responses with an indication of the hcp range that you play for 1NT openers. For the purpose of this survey, please assume that the opps are passing throughout the bidding.

Also: for each question, please first give your answer if the format is imps or imp teams, and your second answer assuming that you are playing Match Points (MP) or Board-a-Match (BAM).

As always, i appreciate your taking the time to answer these "simple" questions. I apologize for the length of the survey.

DHL

FIRST SET OF QUESTIONS: Partner opens 1NT. The way you play, what do the following responses mean?
1) 2♣ - do you play Garbage Stayman?

2) 2♠

3) 2NT

4) 3♣

5) 3♦

6) 3♥

7) 3♠

8) 4♣

9) 4♠

10) 4NT

11) 5NT

For the time being, we'll omit sequences that start 1NT - 5 of any suit.

SECOND SET OF QUESTIONS: For this set of questions, assume that the bidding has started 1NT- 2♣. I will provide opener's rebid and then ask you for the meaning of Responder's rebid.
A) Opener rebids 2♦, what does responder's rebid of 2♥ mean?

B ) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?

C) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?
(so far I anticipate fairly consistent answers).

D) Opener rebids 2♦: what does a 3♣ rebid by responder mean?

E) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?

F) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♥ or 3♠ mean? (Anticipate a lot of Smolen answers here.)

G) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?

H) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?

I) Opener rebids 2 of a Major (2M): what does responder's rebid of 3♣ mean?

J) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?

K) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3 OM (other major) mean?

L) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♣ mean?

M) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♦ mean. (does it exist?)

N) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4 OM (other major) mean?
(does it exist?)

O) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4NT mean?

Thank You Very Much to any and all who responded to this survey, whether you answered all or just some of the questions.

DHL

[awm]

Elianna and I play basically Walsh responses. They are:

1NT - 2♣ = stayman, could be weak short in clubs or weak with both majors and ♥>=♠.

1NT - 2♦, 2♥ = transfers

1NT - 2♠ = minor suit stayman, but could also be a signoff in diamonds or a weak hand with both minors. Opener bids four-card minor or 2NT if none. After this, responder can pass with a weak hand or bid 3♦ (diam signoff) or 3♣ (5-5 minors weak). Responder's 3M bid shows shortness with a good hand agreeing the minor suggested by opener, raising a minor to the four-level asks for a cuebid, and various notrump calls are natural (3NT to play, 4NT quant).

1NT - 2NT = club signoff or any game-forcing 4441. Opener bids 3♣, after which responder bids the singleton with a strong 4441, or 3NT to show club singleton. I have sometimes abused this bid on 4351 type hands when it seemed appropriate.

1NT - 3m = natural game invite

1NT - 3M = natural game force

1NT - 3NT = to play

1NT - 4♣ = gerber

1NT - 4♦/4♥ = transfers

1NT - 4♠ = to play

1NT - 4NT = quantitative

1NT - 5NT = forcing; invite to grand slam

At some point we may switch to south african transfers at the four-level but it's not a high priority (even though I think Gerber is silly).

1NT - 2♣ - 2♦:

Pass = three-suited weak hand
2♥ = weak both majors, ♥>=♠
2♠ = invite with 5♠, usually 4♥ also
2NT = invite may/may not have 4cM
3m = natural forcing
3M = smolen
3NT = to play

1NT - 2♣ - 2♥:

Pass = weak hand
2♠ = invite with 4-5 spades (usually 4 though); not forcing
2NT = invite no 4cM
3m = natural forcing
3♥ = invite agree hearts
3♠ = slam try agree hearts, ask for cuebids
3NT = signoff, guarantee 4♠
4m = splinter for hearts
4♥ = to play
4NT = quantitative (should have four spades)

1NT - 2♣ - 2♠:

Pass = weak
2NT = inv may not have 4♥
3m = natural forcing
3♥ = artificial agrees spades slam try
3♠ = invite
3NT = to play, should have 4♥
4♣, 4♦, 4♥ = splinter for spades
4♠ = to play
4nt = quant

There probably exist some subtle optimizations that can be applied to this structure, but it's worked reasonably for us.

[Echognome]

My answers depend very much on who I am playing with, so I will answer based on my most regular partnerships. My answers here will be for my longtime partnership in England. I will let Jason answer (if he desires) for what he and I play.

FIRST SET OF QUESTIONS: Partner opens 1NT. The way you play, what do the following responses mean?

1) 2♣ - do you play Garbage Stayman?
Stayman, garbage included, as well as smolen. 2♣ then a response other than 2♥ (garbage), 2♠ (inv with 5♠), or 2NT (nat inv) is GF.

2) 2♠
Minor suit stayman. Can be weak with both minors, a sign-off in diamonds, or slammish with one or both minors.

3) 2NT
Puppet to 3♣. Signoff in clubs or 3-suited slammish.

4) 3♣
5) 3♦

Both of these are natural invitational and NF. They are defined as hands that would bid game if partner 'super-accepted' a transfer to a minor.

6) 3♥
7) 3♠

(13)(45) GF hands.

8) 4♣ (and 4♦)
Transfers to 4♥ (and 4♠) respectively. Responder can 'accept' or 'reject' transfer only based on positional values (tenaces).

9) 4♠ (and 4♥)
To Play.

10) 4NT
Quantitative. Invitational to slam. Opener may suggest a minor suited slam by bidding 5m. We do not include 5cM in our NT, so 5M is undefined.

11) 5NT
Invitation to grand slam, although it has never come up.

SECOND SET OF QUESTIONS: For this set of questions, assume that the bidding has started 1NT- 2♣. I will provide opener's rebid and then ask you for the meaning of Responder's rebid.

A) Opener rebids 2♦, what does responder's rebid of 2♥ mean?
Weak with both majors. Opener should pass or correct to 2♠. Rarely, opener may bid 2NT (solid minor and stop in the other minor, gambling on taking tricks and opened an offshape 1NT) or 3m (similar gambling type hand, but minor is not solid)

B ) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?
Invitational with 5♠ (rarely may have only 4♠ if, e.g. 4=1=4=4 and you decided to gamble). We adopted this from Justin's methods.

C) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?
(so far I anticipate fairly consistent answers).
Invitational, but does not promise a 4cM.

D) Opener rebids 2♦: what does a 3♣ rebid by responder mean?
4M (unknown), 5+♣, GF. Might be slammish or might just be concerned that 3NT is the right spot.

E) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?
Same as above, but with 5+♦.

F) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♥ or 3♠ mean? (Anticipate a lot of Smollen answers here.)
Yep. Smolen.

G) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?
Invitational with 5♠. See above.

H) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?
Invitational. Does not necessarily imply 4♠.

I) Opener rebids 2 of a Major (2M): what does responder's rebid of 3♣ mean?
4 of the other major and 5+♣, GF. See D) above.

J) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?
4 of the other major and 5+♦, GF. See E) above.

K) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3 OM (other major) mean?
Agrees major, slam try. Undisclosed shortness. (Next step asks.)

L) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♣ mean?
Keycard for that major.

M) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♦ mean. (does it exist?)
Balanced Slam Try.

K), L), M) based on the Aces Scientific methods. I hope I haven't misrepresented them. Someone else can probably clarify.

N) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4 OM (other major) mean?
(does it exist?)
I don't play that it exists.

O) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4NT mean?
Quantitative. Definitely has 4 of the other major though.

Also should note that 1NT - 2♣ - 2M - 3NT promises 4 of the other major the way I play it.

[kenrexford]

Double !, on Jul 2 2007, 06:41 PM, said:

FIRST SET OF QUESTIONS: Partner opens 1NT. The way you play, what do the following responses mean?

1) 2♣ - do you play Garbage Stayman?

Yes. Always.

2) 2♠

Minor Stayman.

3) 2NT

Relay to 3C. May be passed. Or, may be the start of a slam try.

4) 3♣

Puppet Stayman

5) 3♦

5-5 Majors, invitational+. If Opener has a "slammish max," he bids 4C=H or 4D=S; 4M is a "non-slammish max."

6) 3♥

3145/3154, GF

7) 3♠

1345/1354, GF

8) 4♣

Gerber in one partnership; quantitative in another. If Quant., bid 4-card suits up line to accept, repeat fives, bidding denied shows 5, stuff like that.

9) 4♠

3343 quantitative (4NT is 3334 quantitative); other quants handled through 2S or 2NT

10) 4NT

3334 Quant (see above)

11) 5NT

big quant. -- forcing

For the time being, we'll omit sequences that start 1NT - 5 of any suit.

SECOND SET OF QUESTIONS: For this set of questions, assume that the bidding has started 1NT- 2♣. I will provide opener's rebid and then ask you for the meaning of Responder's rebid.
A) Opener rebids 2♦, what does responder's rebid of 2♥ mean?

bust

B ) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?

Unbalanced GT with five spades; 2NT asks for minor

C) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?

Invitational, may have undisclosed 4-card spade suit -- Opener may ask if accepting.

(so far I anticipate fairly consistent answers).

Nope! Probably not. LOL

D) Opener rebids 2♦: what does a 3♣ rebid by responder mean?

GF, natural.

E) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?

Same as 3C (but diamonds).

F) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♥ or 3♠ mean? (Anticipate a lot of Smollen answers here.)

Not precisely Smollen. Smolen.

G) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?

Unbalanced GT with five spades (see above).

H) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?

GT, may have undisclosed 4-card spade suit (see above).

I) Opener rebids 2 of a Major (2M): what does responder's rebid of 3♣ mean?

GF, natural.

J) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?

GF, natural.

K) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3 OM (other major) mean?

General slam try, sets trumps. Does not promise a stiff or void in the OM, although tends to deny one if spades are agreed. Starts cuebidding.

L) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♣ mean?

Splinter.

M) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♦ mean. (does it exist?)

Splinter.

N) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4 OM (other major) mean?
(does it exist?)

Splinter (4H when 2S bid). If 2H-P-4S, is RKCB, agreeing hearts but Opener should treat the spade King and Queen as the "key cards" when answering. Responder typically has KQ in trumps but wants to know about spade secondaries.

O) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4NT mean?

1430.

Thank You Very Much to any and all who responded to this survey, whether you answered all or just some of the questions.

DHL

See above -- answers inserted into the quote.

[hrothgar]

Here's my preferred methods. They're well documented in "NT Bidding the Scanian Way"

I've only been able to convince a copy partners to adopt this full scheme.

Set 1:

2♣ = Stayman like (not garbage Stayman)
2♦ = 4+ Hearts
2♥ = 4+ Spades
2♠ = Asks for range and minors
2NT = Asks for a weak doubleton
3♣ = to play
3♦ = game force, three suited with a short minor
3♥ = game force, three suited with short hearts
3♠ = game force, three suited with short spades
4N = to play
4♣ = transfer to hearts
4♦ = transfer to spades

Set 2:

(A) After 1N - 2♣ - 2♦

2♥ = invitations, both majors
2♠ = 5 spades, invitational
2NT = puppet to 3♣
3♣ = puppet to 3♦
3♦ = minor suit Stayman
3♥ = Smolen
3♠ = Smolen
3N = to play
4M = to play
4N = Quantitative

(B) After 1N - 2♣ - 2♥

2♠ = invite with 5+ Spades
2NT = Puppet to 3♣

© after 1N - 2C - 2M

3♣ = puppet to 3♦
3♦ = minor suit stayman
3OM = 5-4 or 4-5 in the majors, slam interest
4m = cue bid, slam try, balanced hand, no shortage
4N = balanced slam try

[foo]

You are asking for a book. Or at least a large chapter. As hrothgar mentions, entire books have been written on this (older would be Ron Anderson's _Perfect Your NT Bidding_, newer would be Danny Kleinman's _The NT Zone_)

One thing new I'll add to the other comments is that xfers loose their utility as the range of the NT gets weaker.

There is vigorous debate as to whether xfers are worth it playing Weak NTs.
(if opening a weak 1N opposite a passed hand they are especially suspect)

For the Mini AKA Kamikaze NT, xfers are definitely not good.

"Double Barrelled" AKA "2Way" Stayman is preferred by many where xfers are not liked.

[Impact]

Double !, on Jul 2 2007, 06:41 PM, said:

FIRST SET OF QUESTIONS: Partner opens 1NT. The way you play, what do the following responses mean?
1) 2♣ - do you play Garbage Stayman?

Yes, Yes

2) 2♠

Puppet to NT to show Invitational touching 55s or solid D with shortage

3) 2NT

Puppet to 3C for T in minor OR hopping I 55s OR solid C with shortage

4) 3♣

Invit nat
5) 3♦

Invit nat
6) 3♥

Fragment GF to bare min slam-try (both minors shortage OM)
7) 3♠

See above
8) 4♣

transfer to H
9) 4♠

To play
10) 4NT

Quantitative but weird
11) 5NT

not played
For the time being, we'll omit sequences that start 1NT - 5 of any suit.

SECOND SET OF QUESTIONS: For this set of questions, assume that the bidding has started 1NT- 2♣. I will provide opener's rebid and then ask you for the meaning of Responder's rebid.
A) Opener rebids 2♦, what does responder's rebid of 2♥ mean?

Pick a Major : weak

B ) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?

GF RELAY for distribution

C) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?
(so far I anticipate fairly consistent answers).

natural Invit

D) Opener rebids 2♦: what does a 3♣ rebid by responder mean?

GF min slam-try with 6+minor and some shortage - slam likely if no wastage opposite shortage


E) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?

GF slam try 55+ both minors but again only a minimum slam-try, canot afford to relay so SHOWS

F) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♥ or 3♠ mean? (Anticipate a lot of Smollen answers here.)

GF, 4M shortage in OM with both minors : up to minimum slam-try, a hand which cannot afford to relay as too much to find out so SHOWS

G) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?

GF RELAY

H) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?

nat I - no guarantee of S

I) Opener rebids 2 of a Major (2M): what does responder's rebid of 3♣ mean?

Over 2H= single-suited (6+) minor slam-try with undisclosed shortage,
Over 2S= GF Relay

J) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?

Over 2H= 55+minors slam try SHOWING
over 2S= single-suited minor slam try with undisclosed shortage

K) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3 OM (other major) mean?

Minimum slam-try in M with shortage in next suit up

L) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♣ mean?

over 2H= slamtry in H with short D
over 2S = slamtry in S with short D

M) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♦ mean. (does it exist?)

over 2H= slam-try in H with short S
over 2S= slam-try in H with short H

N) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4 OM (other major) mean?
(does it exist?)

over 2H= Kickback for H
over 2S= slam-try in S with short C

O) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4NT mean?

over 2H non-existent
over 2S= Kickback for S


DHL

Answers inserted into quote below

The object is to :_

a) sign off in any suit
show all forms of distributional Invitational hands
c) describe minimum slam-try hands (single and 2 suiters) with outside shortage that will have a good play for slam opposite no wastage
d) relay with remainder GF

that is accomplished (with some artificiality)

[Double !]

Please keep the answers coming. So far, there appear to be many sequences where the respondents somewhat agree, and many others where there appear to be significant differences. So far, none of the respondents appear to be playing 4-suit transfers with pre-acceptance, nor has anyone reported playing 1NT-2C-2Y-3m as a weak 4-6, a treatment that was quite common not that long ago when I actually played live bridge. I am starting to believe that some of my approaches are either obsolete, or have been scratched in favor of different ones.

Tx
DHL

[Codo]

Double !, on Jul 3 2007, 08:41 AM, said:

FIRST SET OF QUESTIONS: Partner opens 1NT. The way you play, what do the following responses mean?
1) 2♣ - do you play Garbage Stayman?

yes if I don´t play FES

2) 2♠
inv. or sign of in a minor

3) 2NT

both minors weak or strong
4) 3♣

inviting in Clubs

5) 3♦

Inv. in D

6) 3♥

4333
7) 3♠

3433

8) 4♣

RCKB for Club

9) 4♠

to play vers. a weak NT, impossible with a strong NT

10) 4NT

quantitative, Responder may pass or bid his 5 card suit

11) 5NT

asking for 6 or 7 NT

For the time being, we'll omit sequences that start 1NT - 5 of any suit.

SECOND SET OF QUESTIONS: For this set of questions, assume that the bidding has started 1NT- 2♣. I will provide opener's rebid and then ask you for the meaning of Responder's rebid.
A) Opener rebids 2♦, what does responder's rebid of 2♥ mean?

inv. 5/4 opps. weak NT


B ) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?

inv. 5/4

C) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?
(so far I anticipate fairly consistent answers).

inv. strength with at least one 4 card major

D) Opener rebids 2♦: what does a 3♣ rebid by responder mean?

sign off opp. weak NT, GF opps. strong NT

E) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?

both majors 5/5 opps my regular pd in a weak NT context
GF with D opps a strong NT

F) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♥ or 3♠ mean? (Anticipate a lot of Smolen answers here.)

Indeed, 5/4 GF smolen with strong NT, nat or smolen with weak NT

G) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean? GF with Heart fit (I know this is far from standard, but I prefer it..)

H) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?
inv. with 4 Spades

I) Opener rebids 2 of a Major (2M): what does responder's rebid of 3♣ mean?

weak NT: Sign off with 4 in the other major
Strong NT second suit, GF or advanced Cuebid if we later confirm fit.

J) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?

weak NT: Sign off with 4 in the other major
Strong NT second suit, GF or advanced Cuebid if we later confirm fit.

K) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3 OM (other major) mean?

GF with Fit 3 Spade is a splinter

L) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♣ mean?
RCKB for this suit opps. weak NT
Splinter opp. strong NT

M) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♦ mean. (does it exist?)

RCKB for this suit opps. weak NT
Splinter opp. strong NT

N) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4 OM (other major) mean?
(does it exist?)

4 Heart is a splinter, 4 Spade does not exist in my universe

O) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4NT mean?

That he forgot the system or that he is simply interessted in my keycards.

answers inserted
With a pick up pd, my answers had been obviously different and easier.

[lowerline]

1) yes
2) transfer to ♣
3) transfer to ♦
4) Puppet Stayman
5) GF 55+ minors
6) splinter 3-1-(54)
7) splinter 1-3-(54)
8) Gerber (never used it)
9) 65+ minors (not SI)
10) quanti
11) 6NT or 7NT? (still waiting for this to happen)

A) Garbage
inv with exactly 5crd ♠ (other suit possible)
C) inv (with a 4crd M otherwise no Stayman)
D) GF natural (4M5+♣)
E) GF natural (4M5+♦)
F) Smolen
G) inv with exactly 5crd ♠ (other suit possible but not 4♥)
H) inv (with 4♠)
I) GF natural (4oM5+♣)
J) GF natural (4oM5+♦)
K) balanced SI with a fit
L) splinter
M) splinter
N) splinter
O) quanti (with 4oM)

B+G may seem strange. They are a consequence of the fact I like to play second round transfers after Jacoby (1nt-2♥-2♠-2NT = transfer ♣).

Steven

[skjaeran]

1) 2♣ - do you play Garbage Stayman? Yes
2) 2♠ = Transfer to ♣'s
3) 2NT = Transfer to ♦'s
4) 3♣ = (43)51 GF
5) 3♦ = (43)15 GF
6) 3♥ = 31(45) GF
7) 3♠ = 13(45) GF
8) 4♣ = Gerber
9) 4♠ = 66m, slamish
10) 4NT = Quantitative
11) 5NT = Quantitative to grand

A) Weak with both majors (Garbage Stayman).
B ) GF Relay
C) Natural Invite, doesn't promise a 4cM
D) Natural GF with major sidesuit
E) Same as above.
F) Smolen
G) GF Relay
H) Natural inv., doesn't promise 4c♠
I) Natural GF over 2♥, showing 4c♠, GF Relay over 2♠
J) Natural GF with 4cOM
K) 3♥ over 2♠ is undefined I believe, should be balanced slamtry in ♠, 3♠ over 2♥ = splinter
L) Splinter
M) Splinter
N) 4♥=splinter, 4♠=Exclusion BW
O) Quantitative (with other M)

[Gerben42]

In my most experienced 2/1 partnership (with Smirny) I play variable 1NT (11-13 1st 2nd NV, 14 - 16 otherwise). We use the same responses to 1NT in both situations. We play the same system at any scoring, although our evaluation may be different.

1) 2♣ - do you play Garbage Stayman?

Yes.

2) 2♠

Invite to 3NT, weak minor or strong 5440.

3) 2NT

Both minors

4) 3♣

Sort of invite: asks partner to bid 3NT with fit

5) 3♦

Sort of invite: asks partner to bid 3NT with fit

6) 3♥

short ♥, 3♠ (5431-conv.)

7) 3♠

short ♠, 3♥ (5431-conv.)

8) 4♣

Both majors 5-5

9) 4♠

Both minors

10) 4NT

Quantitative

11) 5NT

Invite to 7NT

For the time being, we'll omit sequences that start 1NT - 5 of any suit.

SECOND SET OF QUESTIONS: For this set of questions, assume that the bidding has started 1NT- 2♣. I will provide opener's rebid and then ask you for the meaning of Responder's rebid.
A) Opener rebids 2♦, what does responder's rebid of 2♥ mean?

Weak, both majors

B ) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?

Relay asking for further distribution

C) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?
(so far I anticipate fairly consistent answers).

Invite to 3NT (promises 4M for us)

D) Opener rebids 2♦: what does a 3♣ rebid by responder mean?

Natural forcing

E) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?

Natural forcing

F) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♥ or 3♠ mean? (Anticipate a lot of Smolen answers here.)

Smolen as anticipated

G) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?

GF Relay, asking further distribution

H) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?

Invite with 4♠

I) Opener rebids 2 of a Major (2M): what does responder's rebid of 3♣ mean?

After 2♠: GF relay
After 2♥: Natural GF

J) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?

Natural GF

K) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3 OM (other major) mean?

After 2♠, 3♥ is forcing with ♣
After 2♥, 3♠ is a splinter

L) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♣ mean?

Fit and splinter

M) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♦ mean. (does it exist?)

Fit and splinter

N) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4 OM (other major) mean?
(does it exist?)

After 2♠, 4♥ is a splinter
After 2♥, 4♠ is Voidwood

O) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4NT mean?

Quantitative

[han]

I'm also not sure what the point of this is, but here is what I play with Arend:

1. Yes we play garbage stayman.

2. 2S is a transfer to clubs.

3. 2NT is a transfer to diamonds or weak with both majors.

4. 3C shows both minors, invitational.

5. 3D shows both minors, GF.

6 + 7. 3H and 3S are wizard splinters.

8. 4C is 1430 blackwood.

9. 4S is quantitative with both minors.

10. 4NT is quantitative.

11. 5NT is a quantitative try for 7.

Over 1NT-2C-2D:

A. 2H is weak, both majors.

B. invitational with 5 spades (says nothing about hearts).

C. invitational, may or may not have a 4-card major.

D+ E. Forcing, natural.

F. Smolen.

G. invitational with 5 spades, fewer than 4 hearts.

H. invitational, may or may not have 4 spades.

I+J. forcing, natural.

K. slam try in opener's major with undisclosed shortness.

L. 1430 RKC.

M. quantitave slam try with fit.

N. 4S over 2H is exclusion RKC, 4H over 2S should probably be the same but undiscussed.

O. Quantitative, 4 cards in the other major.

We play the second round transfers as described in Justin's blog, hence our choice to bid stayman with invitational hands containing 5 spades. For the rest we pretty much play what we consider "standard".

[Gerben42]

Quote

There is vigorous debate as to whether xfers are worth it playing Weak NTs.
(if opening a weak 1N opposite a passed hand they are especially suspect)

For the Mini AKA Kamikaze NT, xfers are definitely not good.

"Double Barrelled" AKA "2Way" Stayman is preferred by many where xfers are not liked.

[ADVERTISEMENT]
Condensed Transfers after a weak NT: http://www.geocities...dge/weaknt.html

Coming to a Bridge World magazine near you (accepted mid-2006, published end-2007?)
[/ADVERTISEMENT]

[Antoine Fourrière]

In my system, a 1N opening has only a two-point range (perhaps two and a few tenths) The idea is that responder usually shows his pattern and opener mostly relays.

.FIRST SET OF QUESTIONS: Partner opens 1NT. The way you play, what do the following responses mean?
1) 2♣ - do you play Garbage Stayman?
Puppet, denies a five-card major
No, opener always rebids 2♦, even with a five-card major.

2) 2♠
Balanced game force, with either five spades (so that a rebid after 1N 2♥ 2♠ shows an unbalanced hand, as would a rebid other than 2♠ after 1N 2♦ 2♥) or values for slam. Opener rebids 2N without a spade fit and something else with a spade fit, then completes his pattern if responder reasks. With mere game values over 2N, responder bids 3♦/3♥/3♠/3N with 5(332)/5224/5242/5422.

3) 2NT
Club transfer, either 6+ clubs (not 6322 or 7222 if GF) or 10+ club-diamond GF two-suiter, including 4 clubs and 6 diamonds. All 10+club-diamond two-suiters rebid 3♦.

4) 3♣
Diamond transfer, 6+ diamonds, 6331 or 7321 (7330, 8221...) if GF (no super-acceptance).

5) 3♦
6 diamonds and 4 of a major

6) 3♥
6 clubs and 4 hearts

7) 3♠
6 clubs and 4 spades

8) 4♣
nothing

9) 4♠
natural, as would be 4♥.

10) 4NT
nothing, the 2♠ relay will provide some information.

11) 5NT
nothing

SECOND SET OF QUESTIONS: For this set of questions, assume that the bidding has started 1NT- 2♣. I will provide opener's rebid and then ask you for the meaning of Responder's rebid.
A) Opener rebids 2♦, what does responder's rebid of 2♥ mean?
4432 or 5m332, no slam. Opener keeps relaying and responder has enough room to show his number of hearts and spades in case of a CTC hand or a 5-3 major fit. (1N 2♣ 2♦ 2♥ 2♠ 2N shows 4 hearts, because responder will have to play a 4-4 heart fit, and there is no need to disclose his remaining pattern; 1N 2♣ 2♦ 2♥ 2♠ 3♣ shows 4 spades without 4 hearts, higher third-round bids by responder show respectively a heart doubleton, a spade doubleton, 3352, 3325.)

B ) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?
5m422 or 6m322, no slam. Opener also keeps relaying.

C) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?
(so far I anticipate fairly consistent answers).
4-1(0) in the majors

D) Opener rebids 2♦: what does a 3♣ rebid by responder mean?
club shortness

E) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?
diamond shortness

F) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♥ or 3♠ mean? (Anticipate a lot of Smolen answers here.)
3♥ 31(54), 3♠ 1345, 3N(or more) 1354, barring possible voids.

G) to O)
Doesn't happen.

[foo]

Gerben42, on Jul 3 2007, 06:24 AM, said:

Quote

There is vigorous debate as to whether xfers are worth it playing Weak NTs.
(if opening a weak 1N opposite a passed hand they are especially suspect)

For the Mini AKA Kamikaze NT, xfers are definitely not good.

"Double Barrelled" AKA "2Way" Stayman is preferred by many where xfers are not liked.

[ADVERTISEMENT]
Condensed Transfers after a weak NT: http://www.geocities...dge/weaknt.html

Coming to a Bridge World magazine near you (accepted mid-2006, published end-2007?)
[/ADVERTISEMENT]

Interesting. I'm not sure I buy the basic premise that we want the weak NT hand to come down as Dummy? What's the logic behind that idea?

One thing I've noticed about Weak NTs vs Strong NTs is that it _appears_ (I've done no formal study on this) the chances of positional guards (Kx., Qxx., QJx., Jxxx., etc) is higher in a weak NT hand than in a strong NT hand.
If so, that would seem to argue for making the weak NT hand Declarer as much as possible.

[keylime]

Here's what I've played over the years:

1) 2♣ - do you play Garbage Stayman?
In a 2/1 setup depends. With Keri, it's a forced relay to 2♦.

2) 2♠
Can be a xfer to clubs (likely) or in compressed xfers that I like both minors any strength or clubs. With Keri, a range ask.

3) 2NT
Transfer to diamonds (likely) or in compressed xfers a natural invite lacking a major. With Keri, a xfer to clubs.
4) 3♣
Many applications: Puppet Stayman, both minors weak, diamond xfer.
5) 3♦
Have played it as both minors G/F and as a xfer G/F showing 1-3-(54) shape.
6) 3♥
Majors invite or 1-3-(54) or 3-1-(54).
7) 3♠
Majors G/F 5-5 or 3-1-(54) or minor balanced slam try (x-x-4-4).
8) 4♣
Either the baby food convention or South African Texas xfer to hearts or Yellow Rose of Texas (never ever came up).
9) 4♠
Natural to play or minor balanced slam try (x-x-4-4).

SECOND SET OF QUESTIONS: For this set of questions, assume that the bidding has started 1NT- 2♣. I will provide opener's rebid and then ask you for the meaning of Responder's rebid.
A) Opener rebids 2♦, what does responder's rebid of 2♥ mean?
Weak variant to play, both majors. In Keri, an invite in hearts, 4+ cards.

B ) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?
Natural invite with five spades or invite with both majors. Keri: like above in 2a, with spades.
C) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?
(so far I anticipate fairly consistent answers).
Invite, may or may not show major depending. Keri: G/F, asking.

D) Opener rebids 2♦: what does a 3♣ rebid by responder mean?
G/F, showing 5+ clubs with side major.

E) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?
Like above in 2D.

F) Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♥ or 3♠ mean? (Anticipate a lot of Smolen answers here.)
Yep, Smolen with me.

G) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?
Natural invite with five spades.

H) Opener rebids 2♥: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?
Natural invite.

I) Opener rebids 2 of a Major (2M): what does responder's rebid of 3♣ mean?
Clubs and the other major, g/f

J) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?
Like 2I.

K) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 3 OM (other major) mean?
Splinter or artificial slam try.

L) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♣ mean?
Splinter or fit jump or start of any slam try or the baby food convention.

M) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4♦ mean. (does it exist?)
Splinter or fit jump.
N) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4 OM (other major) mean?
(does it exist?)
If a spade xfer, either a splinter or fit jump. For hearts, RKC.

O) Opener rebids 2M: what does responder's rebid of 4NT mean?
Quantitative. Have never played it as keycard.

[Double !]

Hannie, on Jul 3 2007, 06:22 AM, said:

I'm also not sure what the point of this is, but here is what I play with Arend:

Han:
Thank you for responding. There were four purposes of this survey along with my own curiosity and seeking ideas:

1) to demonstrate the obvious, that there are a lot of creative players out there who have developed their own response structures (as opposed to whatever standard is);

2) to see how many of you play 4-suit transfers (with or without pre-acceptance a la BBO-advanced - not many),

3) to see how many of you play Stayman followed by 3m as the weak 4-6 (4M-6m - admittedly more of an issue at MatchPoints, but the bid used to be virtually standard when and where I used to play live), and

4) to find out how various people make slam invitations in a major after Stayman and a 2M response (i.e. when responder has that in-betweener type of hand where you're not sure whether or not it is safe to go beyond 4M and want to know if opener is min or max or fitting well).

There were a few other relatively common sequences or bids that I was interested in.

Although this sample is relatively limited, I am impressed by the great variety of interpretations of bids and sequences that one might anticipate to be relatively basic. Look at the variety of interpretations of some of the initial responses to 1NT.

So, I wish to thank all of you who took the time and effort to respond to this "little" survey. I have been reconsidering the response structures that I play and looking for viable alternatives. You all have provided a lot of valuable ideas: my sincerest thanks!

DHL

[Trinidad]

Double !, on Jul 2 2007, 06:41 PM, said:

What follows are a lot of questions regarding how you play your initial responses to Partner's 1NT opening, and how you play various rebids by responder.  I learned the hard way that I can't put these questions in a poll format unless each question constitutes a separate poll.  Your responses to many of the questions might be wtp?  That's OK.  This is not a contest to see which bids or methods are "better" than others.  Rather, I am curious about how consistent some answers might be, and where there are differences.

Please assume that you are playing some variation of Stayman and some variation of initial transfer responses.  If you prefer some other structure such Keri, please answer as though you were playing stayman with transfers.  If you play different structures with different partners, please give your preferred interpretation of the bids or bidding sequences.  Please also preface your responses with an indication of the hcp range that you play for 1NT openers.  For the purpose of this survey, please assume that the opps are passing throughout the bidding.

Also: for each question, please first give your answer if the format is imps  or imp teams, and your second answer assuming that you are playing Match Points (MP) or Board-a-Match (BAM).

As always, i appreciate your taking the time to answer these "simple" questions.  I apologize for the length of the survey.

DHL

FIRST SET OF QUESTIONS:  Partner opens 1NT.    The way you play, what do the following responses mean?
1)        2♣ - do you play Garbage Stayman?

Yes

2)        2♠

Transfer to ♣ or slam with both minors

3)        2NT

Transfer to ♦ or sign off with both minors

4)        3♣

55+ ♣+♥, GF

5)        3♦               

55+ ♦+♠, GF

6)        3♥           

55+ ♦+♥, GF

7)        3♠

55+ ♣+♠, GF

8)        4♣

55+ ♥+♠, to play 4♥ or 4♠

9)        4♠             

55+ ♣+♦, to play 5♣ or 5♦

10)      4NT   

Quant

11)      5NT

Invite for a grand.


For the time being, we'll omit sequences that start 1NT - 5 of any suit.

SECOND SET OF QUESTIONS:  For this set of questions, assume that the bidding has started 1NT- 2♣.  I will provide opener's rebid and then ask you for the meaning of Responder's rebid.
A)      Opener rebids 2♦, what does responder's rebid of 2♥ mean?

weak with both majors

B )      Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?

Invitational, 5(+) ♠  + 4♥

C)      Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?

INV to 3NT
(so far I anticipate fairly consistent answers).

D)      Opener rebids 2♦:  what does a 3♣ rebid by responder mean?

Asking for distribution

E)      Opener rebids 2♦: what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?

This bid is idle!

F)      Opener rebids 2♦:  what does responder's rebid of 3♥ or 3♠ mean?  (Anticipate a lot of Smolen answers here.)

No Smolen. Just natural GF 5 card suits. I think GF Smolen is a bad convention. Just my humble opinion. Invitational Smolen has its merits, but doesn't fit in the system.

G)    Opener rebids 2♥:  what does responder's rebid of 2♠ mean?

INV w 4♠

H)    Opener rebids 2♥:  what does responder's rebid of 2NT mean?

INV, not 4♠

I)    Opener rebids 2 of a Major (2M):  what does responder's rebid of 3♣ mean?

Distribution ask

J)    Opener rebids 2M:  what does responder's rebid of 3♦ mean?

Confirming a fit, either asking if 3NT might be better anyway or the start of a slam investigation.

K)    Opener rebids 2M:  what does responder's rebid of 3 OM (other major) mean?

Splinter. (I know that 3♥ over 2♠ isn't a jump.)

L)    Opener rebids 2M:  what does responder's rebid of 4♣ mean?

Splinter

M)  Opener rebids 2M:  what does responder's rebid of 4♦ mean. (does it exist?)

Splinter

N)  Opener rebids 2M:  what does responder's rebid of 4 OM (other major) mean?
(does it exist?)
Doesn't exist, but it could be exclusion

O)  Opener rebids 2M:  what does responder's rebid of 4NT mean?

Quantitatitve with 4 in other major.

Thank You Very Much to any and all who responded to this survey, whether you answered all or just some of the questions.

DHL

The answers are in the quote,

Rik

[foo]

If you want some more food for thought, I recommend Danny Kleinman's _The NT Zone_

I have some notes on a really "out there" 1N response structure somewhere that doesn't even use Stayman. I'll see if I can find them for amusement value if nothing else.