[cloa513]

One question is if 3D is forcing, why did partner spurn 3C which surely must be forcing. I'd say 3D is not forcing but strongly invitational say ♣xx ♦AKJxxxxx ♥xx ♠Kx so you can't bid a natural major it must be cover asking or showing depending on your methods.

[mycroft]

True, Han, that might (in argument with 1D-X-2S (let's assume that for some reason I can't bid 1S)) be non-forcing (OTOH, the reason people play 2-bids nonforcing after 1x-X is that they're worried it's going to go AP. 1D-1NT there isn't the -500 worry, so less reason to have it NF). It would help to know the range of the Raptor...

If 2S isn't forcing, then 2C;2S certainly is. It can't put us in any more trouble than double, and can be used for "balance of power" hands that don't feel comfortable doubling two of the opponent's "three suits".

Roger - that's cute - I like it. Have you thought of how that changes when the opening is 1M (and now 1NT shows 4=oM and a longer (unknown) minor)? (not challenging, or asking you to do the work for me; just wondering).

[rogerclee]

mycroft, on Sep 8 2010, 09:28 AM, said:

Have you thought of how that changes when the opening is 1M (and now 1NT shows 4=oM and a longer (unknown) minor)? (not challenging, or asking you to do the work for me; just wondering).

It seems to me like this is a bit simpler because you don't have to worry as much about "other major" type hands, either 4 or 5+.

As in most areas of bridge, "natural" is mostly fine, with "transfers" being a slight improvement.

[mycroft]

In that way it is a bit simpler; in the way that you don't have a cuebid under 2 of your suit, it's harder. I think transfers would work well here, as well - given that you have transfer-to-M and bid M to show raises, do you need 2NT for that as well?

[aguahombre]

hanp, on Sep 7 2010, 09:29 AM, said:

I was hoping that some would comment on the methods.

I was hoping you would (as you did, later) ask for comments on the methods. Not because I have any, but because I wanted to see some.

The posters, before that, did well to stay on the given conditions.

[hanp]

Don't be so shy Aqua!

Anyway, I bid 3NT, partner had xxx AKx AKJxxx x so 6D is pretty much on a hook. If you bid 3S you probably will find that you are missing two keycards and stay out of slam.