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What should I Bid? - Best enquiry for March 2003

The best submission in March came from Ann Paton.

Comments:
2S was a normal weak 2 opening. The double can be strong or just equivalent to a take out of 1S.
We play Lebensohl in this situation so that 2NT then a suit is weak and any direct bid at the 3 level is forcing.

And Peter's Response:

Hi Ann,
Given your method, I'm going to take a stab at 4H. At least if I'm right we make game. However, you have put a lot of lead in my saddlebags with the method.
You might like to consider playing the following after this auction:
(a) A bid at the two level is natural & not forcing (i.e.weakish)
(b) A suit below their suit at the 3 level is natural & not forcing but invites game opposite a good double (i.e. droppable opposite a minimum T/O double).
(c) A suit at the three level above their suit is natural & forcing (effectively GF).
(d) 2NT is puppet to 3C, then Pass or a new suit is weak.
(e) 2NT, a cue at the 3 level & 3NT are the starting points for GF hands as follows:
(1) 2NT then 3NT = values for game, a stopper in the preempted suit, no 4 cards in the other major.
(2) 3 of the opponent's suit = the other major with no stopper.
(3) 2NT then 3 their suit = A stopper and the other major.
(4) 3NT = Values for game but no stopper in the opponent's suit & without 4 cards in the other major. If partner has no suitable bid available then 4 of a minor is droppable or 4 of the opponent's suit asks the 3NT bidder to pick a minor.

It is possible to switch (1) thru (4) around at your leisure if you don't like this scheme but this is easy to remember in that "slow shows" and a cue always shows the other major.
Whenever you start with 2NT partner bids assuming you have a weak hand.
Your subsequent bid then reveals the strong hand and its nature.
(f) 2NT followed by 3 of a suit above their suit is natural & invitational. This allows partner with a strong hand to get their suit in to play (instead of accepting the puppet).
What I have set out is much closer to Lebensohl than what you are using & allows for all weak, invitational and forcing auctions.
Cheers
Peter Fordham

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