TWiB Lesson #587 (3 of 9)

When the auction begins 1X – 1Y – 1NT (where X and Y are different suit bids), the modern treatment is to play Two-Way New Minor Forcing. This approach uses both 2♣ and 2♦ as artificial and forcing bids by Responder. 2♦ is an artificial game forcing bid, while 2♣ is generally used to start invitational bidding sequences. XYZ is a convention that is an extension of this approach in other auctions that start with three bids at the 1-level. By learning these tools, players gain greater flexibility, clearer communication, improved accuracy, stronger control of the auction, and better partnership understanding. Let’s look at the details of how this can improve our bidding.

Lesson

Practice Hand

Video

Podcast

TWiB Lesson #588 (4 of 9)

When we find a Major suit fit and are interested in game (1M – 2M), we need a good way to explore or invite game. The traditional method is the Help Suit Game Try (HSGT), where Opener asks for help in a side suit. We also have 2NT as a general game try (some use it as a trump suit try) and a raise to 3-Major as 1-2-3 Stop or a quantitative try. This structure works but has two main problems: 1) both players must guess about wasted values opposite shortness, and 2) Declarer’s side-suit description helps the opponents defend. Kokish Game Tries upgrade HSGT, giving up very little while solving these issues. Let’s see how they work in real auctions and practical play.

Lesson

Practice Hand

Video

Podcast

TWiB Lesson #589 (5 of 9)

When partner opens the bidding in a suit at the 1-level and the next player overcalls 1NT, we want to have a system that allows us to deal with this interference effectively.  With a good hand (which is somewhat rare in this auction), we make a penalty double.  With a poor hand that is relatively balanced, we likely want to stay out of the auction and simply pass.  It is the distributional hands with some values, but less than 10 HCP, where we are likely to want to compete in the bidding.  One way to make bidding these distributional hands easier is to use a system like the one we use over a 1NT opening.

Lesson

Practice Hand

Video

Podcast

TWiB Lesson #590 (6 of 9)

Another approach for using 2♥ and 2♠ responses to 1-minor suit opening bids is to use these bids to show a variety of problematic hands that have length in both Major suits. This method, called Reverse Flannery, is particularly effective after a 1♦ opening bid. It originally comes from Precision, where 1♦ is the only “natural” 1-minor opening bid. By using Reverse Flannery, partnerships gain a clearer, more precise way to describe hands, reduce misunderstandings, and improve their chances of reaching the best contract. Let’s look at how this works and see what types of hands these agreements can help us bid better.

Lesson

Practice Hand

Video

Podcast

TWiB Lesson #591 (7 of 9)

When we use Inverted Minors to raise partner’s suit, the traditional approach is to show Major suit stoppers and determine whether we can play a notrump contract. A more sophisticated approach is to use an artificial structure that allows Opener to show their hand type and strength and allow Responder to determine where to play the final contract (and who should be the declarer in notrump). This framework provides flexibility and often uncovers better game or slam contracts that standard methods might overlook. A similar approach to this structure can be used in 1♦ – 2♣ auctions as well.

Lesson

Practice Hand

Video

Podcast

TWiB Lesson #593 (9 of 9)

When our side opens the bidding 2♣, we need an agreement about how we handle our responses.  There are a variety of ways to handle this -- 2♦ waiting, Steps, Controls, 2♥ Bust. People have strong opinions about 2♥ for showing a bust. The players who dislike it are worried about “wrong siding” a ♥ contract. The players who like it like knowing that 2♦ is game forcing, determining if we are going to game or not immediately. I personally like the idea of setting up the GF immediately, making the auctions after a 2♦ response less ambiguous. When I have a “positive response”, I basically always bid 2♦ and leave…

Lesson

Practice Hand

Video

Podcast