Posted 2015-April-21, 00:13
I don't feel comfortable with this. I would prefer that X shows at most doubleton in opponent's suit and at least 3 in each of the other three suits. At this stage I withhold my opinion as to strength. While I have a preference about strength I can live with a variety of possibilities, which is not the case regarding the current shape definitions.
While the X as currently played is described as take-out, it does not currently require the shape appropriate for a takeout X, as the initial hand in this thread demonstrates.
Having X show 4 in the unbid major but otherwise unrestricted leaves you safely placed if opener happens to have 4 cards in the unbid major but poorly placed if he does not.
It might help to know what 2N by opener over partner's X would show. Possibilities are:
1) Natural, contract suggestion (but then converting the X to penalties may be a reasonable gamble, especially at MP).
2) Weak, lebensohl style (a reasonable method where the X is unlimited but may just be competitive or invitational. Probably not reasonable in the current system where X is limited to 8-9 points)
3) Pick a suit (lower ranking than overcall) - offering a choice of places to play.
4) Other - something that I have not thought of.
If you adopt my proposal (ensure that X has full take-out shape, but not promising 4 in other major) then opener can still be expected to bid the other major with 4 of them himself, especially if available at the 2 level. Also at the 3 level if not adopting option 3 from the above list of 2N meanings.
As the system currently stands, I suppose that opener can (at the 2 level) bid a 3 card major of which partner has promised 4. But it is by no means certain to be the right spot. Of course there are no guarantees, whatever system you choose - it is a numbers game. But that is my feeling anyway. I could be on my own.
Psych (pron. saik): A gross and deliberate misstatement of honour strength and/or suit length. Expressly permitted under Law 73E but forbidden contrary to that law by Acol club tourneys.
Psyche (pron. sahy-kee): The human soul, spirit or mind (derived, personification thereof, beloved of Eros, Greek myth).
Masterminding (pron. m
s
t
r-m
nd
ing) tr. v. - Any bid made by bridge player with which partner disagrees.
"Gentlemen, when the barrage lifts." 9th battalion, King's own Yorkshire light infantry,
2000 years earlier: "morituri te salutant"
"I will be with you, whatever". Blair to Bush, precursor to invasion of Iraq