[straube]

We use a strong club and 1D, 1N, 2C, etc as GF responses. 1H is semipositive and 1S is negative.

What's best for handling dbl? We've noticed that people use dbl as showing clubs, majors, or takeout of clubs and frequently their partner is on a different wavelength.
We want to preserve our usual structure and not try to pick up relay steps but do make use somehow of the extra space.

Partner has thought of using the two steps to show H and S semipositives and I can see that being useful. He wants Pass to be the new negative and that sounds right.

P-neg
rdbl-semipositive?
1D-positive, no change in meaning
1H-semipositive, H
1S-semipositive, S

or

P-neg
redbl-H
1H-semipositive
1S-semipositive, S

The former is better, but the latter would keep us on track because 1C-1H, 1S is how we usually relay for responder's shape.

Suggestions?

[akhare]

The "remaining on track" after the XX semipositive can be solved by the simple expedient of using 1♠ over 1C - (X) -- XX - (P) - 1♠, right?

In the absence of the X, opener couldn't possibly have bid 1♠ over 1♥ to play and the X has already given opener a chance to bid 1♦ / 1♥...

[straube]

That would work. Or...

1C X XX P 1D relays

.....1H-4H
.....1S-4S
.....1N-bal, no 5cd suit
.....2C-C/D
.....2D-C

basically our usual structure gaining 2 steps

leaving...
1M by opener as nf

[Flameous]

You gain one step if you switch pass and whatever pos/semipos you use for pass, cause after pass opener can relay with XX. Of course often opps will bid and the relays are gone anyways but in theory

We normally have just GF responses, after 1C (X) or 1C (1D) when we get extra step we go with pass for GF, XX/X for second negative and switch our normal relay structure to semipositives, shifting them down one after X. Instead of shifting one step down, it might be better to make 1D balanced GF and relay reversal. I have to think about this one

(After 1C (1H) pass is below GF and X is stolen bid. Relays go on as usual. I don't know what to do after 1C (1S)...)

[akhare]

Flameous, on Oct 10 2010, 04:06 AM, said:

You gain one step if you switch pass and whatever pos/semipos you use for pass, cause after pass opener can relay with XX. Of course often opps will bid and the relays are gone anyways but in theory

We normally have just GF responses, after 1C (X) or 1C (1D) when we get extra step we go with pass for GF, XX/X for second negative and switch our normal relay structure to semipositives, shifting them down one after X. Instead of shifting one step down, it might be better to make 1D balanced GF and relay reversal. I have to think about this one

(After 1C (1H) pass is below GF and X is stolen bid. Relays go on as usual. I don't know what to do after 1C (1S)...)

One can still use P over (1♠) to create the GF and continue relays at +2 or so.

What's more important though how to tackle the hands that don't want to relay (or at least shouldn't). The most obvious are GF hands with shortness in the overcalled suit and other semi-positive hands that may want to get the word out before it's too late ...

[straube]

I think akhare made an excellent point. After 1C X most play that this is majors and a few others play it as takeout of clubs (which kind of means majors, too). We're quite a bit vulnerable to preemption by the time RHO gets to bid. Have to think about that one.