[chasetb]

I've been reviewing and updating a basic Precision system that my main partnership has played for a few months in lieu for some upcoming tournaments, and realized that we have no definition for 1♣-1M; 2NT. I'm thinking to use it for some GF raise (or setting 2M+1 and making 1♣-1♥;2NT as setting Spades as trump). What are your uses for that sequence?

We've also tentatively agreed to throw away TAB and CAB, and instead using 1♣-1M; 2M as setting trump and asking for shortness. I'm also thinking that this might be better if responder can use 2M + 1 to ask opener instead of showing. Another alternative would be that 2M+1 is neutral (either non-min bal. or has shortness), all bids 2M+2 through 3M to show a second suit, and 3NT to show a min balanced hand. Again, what do other people use?

Thanks for all constructive responses.

[semeai]

chasetb, on 2011-August-01, 13:26, said:

We've also tentatively agreed to throw away TAB and CAB, and instead using 1♣-1M; 2M as setting trump and asking for shortness. I'm also thinking that this might be better if responder can use 2M + 1 to ask opener instead of showing. Another alternative would be that 2M+1 is neutral (either non-min bal. or has shortness), all bids 2M+2 through 3M to show a second suit, and 3NT to show a min balanced hand. Again, what do other people use?

I like the style of exchanging distributional information up through 3M and then, if you play serious/frivolous 3NT or 3M+1, at that point sorting out some strength info and starting cuebidding.

Either method you have is fine, though a cooperative one like 2M+1 asks (with no shortness usually) is probably better, as balanced & semi-balanced hands will want to hear where partner's shortness is to evaluate their honors. After that, you again have space to use the lowest bid, 2M+2, to show no shortness, and with two (semi-)balanced hands you can switch to showing side suits/values with the remaining space.

[Free]

You can also use 1♣-1M-2NT for a 4441 with singleton in partner's Major. Very descriptive (except strength) and lots of bidding space for responder.