[Jinksy]

After an auction such as (1♦) X P, what meaning would you ascribe to the following (henceforth uncontested) sequences a) as what you'd consider standard pickup partnership stuff, and b) would you choose to play in a regular partnership (if different)?

2N
3♣
3♦
3M
2♦ 2M
2♦ 2N
2♦ 3♣
2♦ 3♦
2♦ 3M

In particular, which bids are forcing, which (if any) preemptive, and which constructive NF?

Assume their 1♦ opening is just a standard naturalish bid.

[zenbiddist]

2N/3♣ = natural invite
3M = ?. choice of games (not passing at IMPs)
2♦ 2M = invite+ 4M, presume F1 (?)
2♦ 2N = GF bal
2♦ 3♣/3♦ = GF natural
2♦ 3M = suit setting, slammish+

My presumptions, happy to be corrected. Good post

[ahydra]

2N = NAT INV (about 11-bad 13)
3♣ = NAT, 5+C, 8+ HCP
3♦ = ask for stop in diamonds
3M = PRE? (I believe that's standard)

2♦ 2M = NAT MIN, to play unless advancer has extra strength
2♦ 2N = NAT INV
2♦ 3♣ = probable 3325? or maybe a double-then-bid in clubs
2♦ 3♦ = ask for stop in diamonds, e.g. 18HCP BAL with no stop
2♦ 3M = NAT, should probably be GF but not sure

(I play 2♦ = "8+ HCP no clear direction", so that a jump-response can promise 5 cards.)

ahydra

[Stephen Tu]

I think it is standard for bids after the cue bid to be forcing until a suit is raised. So doubler's 2M is F1, if advancer raises to 3M this is NF.

[akwoo]

2N - invitational, almost forcing, 11-13.
3C - invitational, 5+♣, 9-12
3D - I wouldn't try this undiscussed - it could either be weak (especially red white vs white) or asking for a stopper. (Invitational is unlikely; you could pass for penalties.)
3M - pre-emptive, but not a bust. Something like KJxxxx xxx x xxx Partner should raise with a strong hand and some support.

Unlike ahydra, most people play 2D as something like 11+ and allow jump bids with 4 if necessary, so:

2D 2M - shows a suit, F1, unlimited
2D 2N - 18-bad20, balanced, probably no 4 card major
2D 3C - no 4 card major, F1, unlimited
2D 3D - stopper ask in diamonds
2D 3M - no idea - at the table I'd take it as a strong 1-suiter and forcing, but only after a good deal of thought.