[Cthulhu D]

Until recently it had not occurred to me that 3X could be anything other than natural and pre-emptive, but I've seen some players playing 3C is a pre-empt in either minor. I can see that this is reasonable (it's the same as the 2H multi conceptually), but what do players do with the now free 3D bid?

The obvious option is something like:

• 3D is a very good pre-empt in either major, hoping to catch a raise to 4 or 3NT.
  
• Direct 3H and 3S are random pre-empts with a 'I'm not sure 3NT or 4M is going to play very well partner' warning disclaimer attached.

But that is hardly the only option. The four level has the same possibilities, so I'm curious as to what is out lurking under a brown sticker.

If anyone can remind me of the name of the Norwegian (I think?) pair that plays this, I'd appreciate the reminder.

[mgoetze]

Random thought just before going to bed: preempt with 6♦4M.

[steve2005]

mgoetze, on 2012-March-14, 19:04, said:

Random thought just before going to bed: preempt with 6♦4M.

Semi-sold 6+ Diamonds plus one outside entry invitational to 3NT with right hand.
If you use 2♠ or 2NT as your minor preempt you can have 3♣ have similar meaning for clubs

[the hog]

Can you mention which pairs play this. I know of a number who play:
a) 2NT = a pre empt in either minor or
b) 2NT = 5/5 minors or
c) 3C = 5/5 minors.
I have never hear of nor seen one that plays 3C = C or Ds

Some top pairs used to play 2H = a weak 2 in H or in S till this was legislated out of existence.

[Cthulhu D]

the hog, on 2012-March-14, 19:41, said:

I have never hear of nor seen one that plays 3C = C or Ds

Some top pairs used to play 2H = a weak 2 in H or in S till this was legislated out of existence.

I was just googling to find the CC I remember seeing and cannot find it. The last reference is an R.G.B debate about the 2003 BB and people playing BS conventions, where one pair is playing

3C: Cs or Ds
3D: Good H or S
3H: Bad H or S
3S: Solid minor.

mgoetze said:

Random thought just before going to bed: preempt with 6♦4M.

I like this and steve2005's idea. With Paradox responses and 4C as asking for a 'one under' transfer give you decent options. Only concern is low frequency, it's a 0.6% of hands pre-empt if you require exactly 6 and 4, rising to 0.7% if you allow 6+ diamonds.

[mgoetze]

Yup 6♦4M is obviously very rare. If you feel very brave you can do it on 5♦4M non-vulnerable.

Anyway I'm much more interested in 3♣ = both minors than 3♣ = either minor. Just need to squish in the club preempt somewhere at the 2-level.

[Vampyr]

the hog, on 2012-March-14, 19:41, said:

Some top pairs used to play 2H = a weak 2 in H or in S till this was legislated out of existence.

We play this as an overcall over a club opening which could be two. Probably more likely to hurt us than them, but very festive.

[Cthulhu D]

mgoetze, on 2012-March-15, 09:12, said:

Yup 6♦4M is obviously very rare. If you feel very brave you can do it on 5♦4M non-vulnerable.

Anyway I'm much more interested in 3♣ = both minors than 3♣ = either minor. Just need to squish in the club preempt somewhere at the 2-level.

I play 2H as spades or both minors so I've already got that one. Despite the low frequency the 6D4M idea is a good one and both partner and I love having more pre-emptive options. Creative juices are flowing now.

Quote

We play this as an overcall over a club opening which could be two. Probably more likely to hurt us than them, but very festive.

What do you do with the now free 2S? I've considered 2D: Mini-Multi, 2H: Both majors, 2S: A good pre-empt in any suit, but I'm not sure the win of differentiating good and bad pre-empts in competition is worth the loss of being able to bounce partners pre-emptive bid.

[gwnn]

Vampyr, on 2012-March-15, 17:59, said:

We play this as an overcall over a club opening which could be two. Probably more likely to hurt us than them, but very festive.

It works brilliantly as long as you only do it NV. Remember to pass it often.