Natural Loose Diamonds
I have decided to write an document on some of the ideas on bidding
theory I have, and have learnt. A great deal of the attitude herein I
learnt from Tom Townsend and Ed Sheldon. I'd be interested to hear
anyones views or comments on the below, and if there'd be any
interest in further installments.
The structure of opening bids in any system must have two aims. The first
is to enable you to find making game or partscore contracts efficiently
and effectively, preferably without giving unnecessary information to
opponents on the way, and the second is to prevent your opponents from
finding their best contract.
Actually the clincher comes if 4th hand has enough spades to raise.
Reciprocal fit theory says we have a fit too. In the example above we
have probably found it by now in the natural case. The same problem
afflicts a 2C sytem, but as opener is so much stronger preemption
carries more risk as forcing pases etc can always be used.
That does seem a little unfair in a two person constructive auction
Absolutely. I'd much rather preempt an Acol or SAYC 1 heart opening
than precision. Opener is so much better defined. It's the 1C that's
the sitting duck.
Interesting strategy, Given my own partner's propensity for opening
on fluff, I never feel the need to 'protect' her in 3rd or 4th.
All of these are a robust platform for constructive bidding (you just
adjust responder's range). I use common system throughout. However
the strong NT tends to discourage enemy action and the mini to
encourage it. I don't mind this as our opener is wall defined and we
have more control of the auction than opponents.
Don't follow. Are you suggesting a 12-14 1NT *overcall* Yikes!
My own approach is to keep a balancing overcall limited (say to 13)
and then one only has to bid NT on the 13-14s. If 4th doubles on
all stronger hands it makes that penalty pass rather easier too :)
Seems to work.