[angelmaps]

If weak two opening is overcalled would it be a standard treatment to keep 2NT forcing asking about feature as if there was no intervention? What are other options?

As an example:

2H - 2S - ? a) Q8, K5, AJ985, AJ64
b) K952, J, AJ75, AQJ3

Thank you!

[gwnn]

a) pass
b) pass

[angelmaps]

gwnn, thank you for your quick reply.

Why pass, could you please explain?

What about first question?

[kenberg]

Recently, with one partner, I have started playing McCabe. I haven't played this long enough to have a strong opinion.

As I get it, after 2H-(2S) a bid of 2NT is a relay to clubs, after which bidding 3H is invitational. An immediate raise to 3H is of course based on a desire to play no more than 3H. If, instead of 2NT, responder bids a side suit this shows values but not length in the bid suit and a fit in the opened major.

With regard to your example hands:


With the first one I would just bid 4H if we are vulnerable. My view is that if partner doesn't want to be in game opposite my holding he needs to rethink his vulnerable 2H openings. If we are not vulnerable it is trickier. With no agreement, I would bid 3H. With the McCabe adjunct I would bid 2NT and then 3H. Seems to me I have a pretty good hand.

With the second hand it seems to me they have made a mistake but I pass. If this is followed by more passes I imagine we will beat it but I am not doubling.

[aguahombre]

Yes IMO, to your first question. But as Gwnn has pointed out, the example hands are not examples of hands where you would want to use your 2NT conventional response to a weak 2H.

You need a lot of tricks in your own hand with no fit for partner. The one with KX of hearts is closer, but still not enough to move, other than just raise to 3H.

[gwnn]

2NT could be a number of things. It is not bad to play it the same as 2♥-p-2NT.

[angelmaps]

kenberg, aguahombre, gwnn, thank you for your answers!

2NT relay looks interesting to me, will read more on this convention

Is it very unlikely to need 2NT as a natural bid showing stopper in opps' suit, no fit with pd's suit and invitational values for NT game (especially Vul against NonVul)? What would you do with that type of hand?

Bonus question What is more popular among strong players: Ogust or Feature Showing?

[aguahombre]

 angelmaps, on 2011-March-08, 21:20, said:

Is it very unlikely to need 2NT as a natural bid showing stopper in opps' suit, no fit with pd's suit and invitational values for NT game (especially Vul against NonVul)? What would you do with that type of hand?

Bonus question What is more popular among strong players: Ogust or Feature Showing?

Yes, very unlikely. With no fit for pard, you need a lot of tricks in your own hand to make game. Trying to stop on a dime in 2NT, when you don't know whether you can make game even if pard is max does not seem worthwhile.

As for the bonus question: IMO, the answer doesn't depend on the quality of the pair. It depends on what YOUR partnership thinks a weak 2M should look like. If you already have suit quality standards depending on vulnerability, perhaps Ogust is not helpful, and feature might be better.

I actually know of pairs who use Ogust NV, but Feature Vul.

[angelmaps]

aguahombre, thank you for very clear and satisfying answers! I feel encouraged to come back with more questions