[louisg]

The thread on 2NT overcalls reminded me that I've been looking for some time for a scientific structure over 3NT overcalls. Ideally it would allow for various ranges of balanced hands as well as overcalls based on a long suit. Of course space is very limited here, but I think I've seen suggestions based on a 4C reply as an artificial hand-type ask. I don't remember any details though. Does anyone play anything that they are happy with here? What are the pros and cons that you've found?

TIA.

[helene_t]

I saw in a bidding contest that the Chinese top pair Zhao("brgpro" on BBO)/Fu play two-under-transfers, i.e. 4♣ for hearts and 4♦ for spades. This allows opener to show a slamish hand without bypassing 4M.

[Ant590]

My regular partner and I play a version that we modified from one the Gnome gave us. We call it SLAP to help us remember the responses.

4♣ = asking (see below)
4♦/♥/♠ = transfers, starting with cheapest (unbid) major, then going up


(3x) - 3NT - (pass) - 4♣
SLAP
4♦ = Long running suit and stopper
4♥ = Lousy hand (i.e. min balanced)
4♠ = Monster hand ("all")
4NT = Big balanced ("points")

Quite how you differentiate between 4♠ and 4NT is a matter for discussion. We had quite different ideas about what continues a 3NT overcall so it involved some discussion for us

It's come up three times in the last two years. Once forgotten (after 3♥ preempt, the diamond is a transfer to spades), and twice successful in that we ended in one good slam and stopped in 4NT when there was no slam

[gnasher]

If their suit is a major, how about:

4C->4D (see below)
4D=Slam try with 5+ of the other major
Cuebid=Strong balanced slam try
4 of other major=Both minors
4NT=Weaker balanced slam try

After 4C->4D:

Pass=signoff
4 of other major=signoff
Cuebid=slam try with long diamonds
4NT=slam try with long clubs (not forcing)
5C=slam try with long clubs (forcing)

[whereagles]

There is no standard gadget for the situation. If you want to make your own, keep in mind transfers are your friend

[jdonn]

I played something similar to gnomes, except the responses to 4♣ of 4♠+ were all balanced hands and just break up the ranges however you like.

[Free]

I like everything in transfer, including 4♣. Transfer in opps suit is Stayman.

Since it doesn't come up quite often I think it's important to have something simple. Make sure that 3♠-3NT-p-4♥ is forcing