1♥-1♠-1NT
After this start, Opener's shape and strength are known to a great extent,
much more so than over a classic 1m-1M-1NT start; there are only 3 possible
shapes owner can have. Also, 1♥-1♠-2♥ is never used. So, instead of
1 or 2 way New Minor Forcing, we use 2♥ALERT as the checkback bid.
The basic idea is that Responder now bids 2♥ALERT to imply invitational with
5 spades, and Opener responds with something about his hand; using 2♠ as
any minimum (2M in a 5-2 fit scores better than 2NT). Responder's bid
over 2♠ now creates a force. With 2♣ and 2♦ now freed up, we use them
for bad Responder hands with 4 spades and a longer minor that would rather
play 2m than 1NT.
The full suggested menu is:
- 2♣ - to play, typically 4♠, 5♣
- 2♦ - to play, typically 4♠, 5♦
- 2♥ALERT - artifical, one round force. Probably but not guaranteed
to show 5 spades.
- 2♠ - to play
- 2NT - invitational, usually 4 spades
- 3♣ - GF natural, 5+ clubs, 5+ spades
- 3♦ - GF natural, 5+ diamonds, 5+ spades
- 3♥ - 3 card limit raise
- 3♠ - invitational, 6+ good spades
- 3NT - to play
- 4♥, 4♠ - to play
- 4NT - quantitative invite
Developments after 2♥
- 2♠ - any minimum. If Responder bids again we are in a game force
- 2NT - good hand, 2 spades
- 3♣ALERT - good hand, 3 spades, ruffing doubleton club (?)
- 3♦ALERT - good hand, 3 spades, ruffing doubleton diamond (?)
- 3♥ - good hand, 3 spades, 4 heart honors (?)
- 3♠ - good hand, 3 spades (?)