[helene_t]

In a 15-17 1NT standard system, I think 2/1 GF is easier than anything else because you avoid the discussions about what bids are forcing after a 2/1. I've played this with a beginner for some time and it's basically ok. A few notes:
- Without the forcing 1NT response there is a problem related to reaching game with 14+11 HCPs. You can chose to live with this, you can play a 14-16 1NT, you can play ultrasound (13+ openings). We solve part of the problem by playing a fony 1♣ which makes the 1♦-2♣ sequence less problematic (diamonds is basically treated as a major suit) but that creates other problems as well, not sure if I would recommend it unless you're aiming at WJ in the long run.
- The real benefit of 2/1 is in slam bidding, but with a beginner it doesn't really have technical advantages.
- We play semiforcing notrump response. I don't think a forcing 1NT makes much sense for beginners but I don't have strong feelings about this.
- The choice between forcing and negative freebids is nasty in 2/1. We choose forcing freebids because it's what most authors recommend.
- The 1♣ opening causes headache. In the beginning we played 5542 so 1♣ was in principle natural. Nevertheless, my partner kept insisting that she couldn't pass a 1♣ opening because it could be short, and also it was unclear to her if clubs was considered a "new suit" in subsequent bidding. We then agreed to play fony club, then at least the problems are restricted to the 1♣ opening.
- I'm still wondering what the best development after a 1♣ opening is. We play Walsh (again, it is the most standard treatment). Somehow it's not so clear to my partner that first bidding clubs and then bidding another suit (whether reverse or not) carries the inference that clubs are 5+. But at least this inference is not necessary with other openings since they are already defined as 5+.

I think I would prefer Precision, with Gerben's Big NT or Acol as second choice. But everybody plays some kind of Standard American so we have to compromise. Acol is an option, though, since there are good beginner's books based on that system.