[Hanoi5]

So, your partner opens 1NT and the next player pre-empts naturally at the 3 level. What are you to do?

There's another topic covering the question of whether to use a bid a transfer or texas, but what is the best use for the double? Would 3NT show or deny the stopper? can we 'just' compete at the three (or four?) level?

I use the same structure of the 4-level for this situations, so in theory I won't have a problem if they 'psych' but is this reason enough for that treatment?

[Bende]

I play double as takeout and transfers. I think I got this structure from Justin Lall.

1NT - (3♣) -
dbl = takeout
3♦ = GI+ with hearts
3♥ = GI+ with spades
3♠ = GF with diamonds
3NT = to play
4♣ = 5-5 majors

1NT - (3♦) -
dbl = takeout
3♥ = GI+ with spades
3♠ = GF with hearts
3NT = to play
4♣ = NAT forcing
4♦ = 5-5 majors

1NT - (3♥) -
dbl = 4+ spades
...3♠ = three spades
...3NT = two spades
...4m/4♥ = cue with four spades and good cards for slam
...4♠ = four spades without good cards for slam
3♠ = GF without four spades and without stopper
3NT = to play
4m = NAT forcing

1NT - (3♠) -
dbl = GF takeout
3NT = to play
4m = NAT forcing
4♥ = to play

[fromageGB]

I agree with the transfers and most of the rest, but when partner (opener) has a hand that has a minimum of 2 of their suit, is fairly balanced, and has considerable limited strength, I think there is a lot of merit in X for penalty. This is a completely different situation from a jump over partner's one of a suit open.

It is also different in that while with a low doubleton opener may reopen with a X after a 2 level overcall, he will not be doing that with a 3 level overcall.

[fromageGB]

Hanoi5, on 2012-May-14, 21:02, said:

Would 3NT show or deny the stopper? can we 'just' compete at the three (or four?) level?

I don't think denying a stopper is much use. Is partner supposed to take out to 4 of a minor on no fit when he does not have solid stops? So for me 3NT and X are bid with similar hands, but depending on vulnerability.

When playing transfers, you can "just compete" by passing the response. For me, 1NT (3♦) 3♥ is ♠ weak or GF, not invitational.

[Statto]

fromageGB, on 2012-May-15, 09:36, said:

I don't think denying a stopper is much use. Is partner supposed to take out to 4 of a minor on no fit when he does not have solid stops? So for me 3NT and X are bid with similar hands, but depending on vulnerability.

3NT probably has a stopper or something in reserve. X is for penalty and may not have a stopper, or may not have quite the values for 3NT. And yes, vulnerability is a factor.

If you agree X for take-out at the 3 level you will want partner to reopen with X for take-out on any suitable hand, otherwise you give opps a free ride, but that has its own inherent risks, particularly when our side is vul.

[steve2005]

fromageGB, on 2012-May-15, 09:30, said:

I agree with the transfers and most of the rest, but when partner (opener) has a hand that has a minimum of 2 of their suit, is fairly balanced, and has considerable limited strength, I think there is a lot of merit in X for penalty. This is a completely different situation from a jump over partner's one of a suit open.

It is also different in that while with a low doubleton opener may reopen with a X after a 2 level overcall, he will not be doing that with a 3 level overcall.

Have to agree. while the transfer sytem is good if its hard to penalize 3 level overcall its just a license to steal.

[the hog]

Hanoi5, on 2012-May-14, 21:02, said:

So, your partner opens 1NT and the next player pre-empts naturally at the 3 level. What are you to do?

There's another topic covering the question of whether to use a bid a transfer or texas, but what is the best use for the double? Would 3NT show or deny the stopper? can we 'just' compete at the three (or four?) level?

I use the same structure of the 4-level for this situations, so in theory I won't have a problem if they 'psych' but is this reason enough for that treatment?

What am I going to do? Look for my hand. Did I drop my cards under the table?

[Statto]

the hog, on 2012-May-21, 17:59, said:

What am I going to do? Look for my hand. Did I drop my cards under the table?

hehe