[jillybean]

I think this confirms for me that until I develop a serious, long term partnership, I will be bouncing around various styles and don't have a hope in hell of knowing what is "right". I don't get to this level of discussion and agreements with casual partners. However, it is all very interesting and useful for developing a wish list.

[jillybean]

1♠:2♣
2♦:2♠
3♣

I have given this to some partners.

2♣ gf clubs or balanced, 2♠ is 3 card support and 3♣ is opener patterning out
2♣ gf natural 5 crds, 2♠ is 3 card support and 3♣ is a cue (A, K)
2♣ gf clubs or balanced, 2♠ is 3 card support and 3♣ is a cue (A, K)
2♣ is gf 5 cards, 3♣ you are looking a heart stopper ?


Perhaps the key is to be flexible.

[pescetom]

 jillybean, on 2025-January-21, 21:31, said:

1♠:2♣
2♦:2♠
3♣

I have given this to some partners.

2♣ gf clubs or balanced, 2♠ is 3 card support and 3♣ is opener patterning out
2♣ gf natural 5 crds, 2♠ is 3 card support and 3♣ is a cue (A, K)
2♣ gf clubs or balanced, 2♠ is 3 card support and 3♣ is a cue (A, K)
2♣ is gf 5 cards, 3♣ you are looking a heart stopper ?


Perhaps the key is to be flexible.

I think that on the contrary the key is to be rigid (and that control bidding so low is only going to propagate confusion among multiple partnerships). But as always, just one opinion. Good luck.

[jillybean]

I think you are correct. I can't manage to play fun, friendly bridge and while trying to improve my bidding sense.
I'll have to do a better job at separating the two.

[DavidKok]

Don't be so hard on yourself! Having fun and trying to score well can go hand in hand, and playing to win does not have to be unenjoyable.

2/1 styles are complicated, and many players either follow a regional variant or questionable wisdom, or even make it up on the spot. I think it's not the most vital part of bidding theory, seeing as a pair can expect an uninterrupted 2/1 auction on maybe 4-5% of deals, and even then most of the time it's just 3NT or 4M (though do make sure to locate those 6-2 major fits, they can be tricky). But if you want to look into this more, I wrote about five somewhat popular styles of 2/1 GF a few months back. That post did not cover the third or subsequent bidding rounds, but I think in general deciding on your goals of the auction can help figure out both a general style and the specific meaning of bids.

Most of all though, these auctions are confusing and most players do not have firm agreements. This is a complicated area of bidding theory.

[mike777]

 DavidKok, on 2025-January-22, 15:42, said:

Don't be so hard on yourself! Having fun and trying to score well can go hand in hand, and playing to win does not have to be unenjoyable.

2/1 styles are complicated, and many players either follow a regional variant or questionable wisdom, or even make it up on the spot. I think it's not the most vital part of bidding theory, seeing as a pair can expect an uninterrupted 2/1 auction on maybe 4-5% of deals, and even then most of the time it's just 3NT or 4M (though do make sure to locate those 6-2 major fits, they can be tricky). But if you want to look into this more, I wrote about five somewhat popular styles of 2/1 GF a few months back. That post did not cover the third or subsequent bidding rounds, but I think in general deciding on your goals of the auction can help figure out both a general style and the specific meaning of bids.

Most of all though, these auctions are confusing and most players do not have firm agreements. This is a complicated area of bidding theory.

Very well put.

Growing up in an EHAA, strong club, and Chip Martel dominated
Weak NT style school of bridge, learning 2/1 has been an adventure, a fun rollercoaster ride.

[jillybean]

DavidKok, on 2025-January-22, 15:42, said:

Don't be so hard on yourself! Having fun and trying to score well can go hand in hand, and playing to win does not have to be unenjoyable.

2/1 styles are complicated, and many players either follow a regional variant or questionable wisdom, or even make it up on the spot. I think it's not the most vital part of bidding theory, seeing as a pair can expect an uninterrupted 2/1 auction on maybe 4-5% of deals, and even then most of the time it's just 3NT or 4M (though do make sure to locate those 6-2 major fits, they can be tricky). But if you want to look into this more, I wrote about five somewhat popular styles of 2/1 GF a few months back. That post did not cover the third or subsequent bidding rounds, but I think in general deciding on your goals of the auction can help figure out both a general style and the specific meaning of bids.

Most of all though, these auctions are confusing and most players do not have firm agreements. This is a complicated area of bidding theory.

Welcome back

Perhaps I didn't explain that well. What I meant was that I have to stop expecting to make sense of everything when playing fun, friendly bridge with partners who are happy with 50% game Playing is for fun. Similarly, I have to be careful when playing with partners who have decades more experience and bucket loads of MP's more than I do. It doesn't necessarily translate into expertise or the style I want to play. I'm getting better at recognising this. There are so many approaches to this game it can be unclear to know what/who to follow.
Playing to win is exhilarating fun.

I will take another look at your previous post on 2/1 GF