[barsikb]

Could you please recommend best source about SOS XX?

1NT-X-?

My hand: xxxx, xxx, xxxx, xx.

I like to do XX here and let my pd decide on the suit. If that's OK, what shall I do if pd bids Clubs?

I have read a lot already. Most sources say that partner should automatically bid 2C and I have to switch to Diamonds if necessary (but they have to be at least 5-cards long)...

[barsikb]

Just to make sure. The hand is Yarborough (actually one Ten was there).

Sorry, not from home. Don't see Edit button on this phone.

[eagles123]

I play in this situation:

- xx shows a 5 card suit, asks partner to bid 2 clubs which you then pass or correct
- bidding a suit shows 2 touching 4 card suits.
- pass forces partner to redouble and then you either leave for pens or bid the lower of 2 NON touching 4 card suits.

I know it's not the most complicated method but it's pretty easy to remember and covers most situations

so on this hand you would pass and then bid 2D over partners forced xx which would specifically show 4/4 in diamonds and spades.

Eagles

[barsikb]

Thank you, eagles123! Interesting method, new to me. Do many players use it?

Following is from Larry Cohen site:
"If the opponents make a penalty double of 1NT : Pass= to play. Redouble=S.O.S./takeout. Two-of-any-suit = natural, non-forcing (NF). There are more spectacular and better scientific options here, but for the few times it ever comes up, this is easiest to remember. In effect, this is all natural, with an S.O.S. redouble for rescue.
Example: 1NT (pen. X) 2=to play"

Do most players go System-Off as written above?

[barsikb]

What about this one? Any possible troubles?

"SoS Redouble: After 1NT doubled a redouble indicates escaping to a suit. Partners
bid 4 card suits up the line until they find a 7 card fit. Suit bids are natural and
to play." from http://www.matthew.a...rd.cgi?id=Sarah

[eagles123]

Hi it's what most play at the club but it's not a great standard lol

Eagles

[WesleyC]

Although getting doubled for penalties is pretty rare after a strong 1NT opening, it comes up a lot more if you play a weak 1NT opening (and also after a 1NT overcall).

A simple method that I like is:

After 1NT - (X) - ???

All bids are natural and show a 5c suit.
Pass is scrambling and asks partner to either bid his own 5c suit or redouble without one.
Redouble shows values and is to play. (Although future doubles are takeout).

An alternative method is:

All bids are natural and show a 5c suit.
Pass is to play.
Redouble is scrambling and shows a hand without a 5c suit. (Opener bids their lowest playable spot)

WesC

[barsikb]

Thank you, eagles123 and WesleyC!

What is "scrambling"?

Like this: "Redouble is scrambling and shows a hand without a 5c suit. (Opener bids their lowest playable spot)"

Dealer: South Vul: Both

---

What should South do after
a) XX by East
b) Pass by East
??

[WesleyC]

In this context, "scrambling" means a hand that doesn't want to play 1NTx and wants partner to be involved in choosing the contract.

A scrambling hand would typically have 4432 or 4441 shape (with any suits), but you might also sometimes do it with a 5/4 shape if your 5c suit was very weak or even on a 4333 if you were desperate!

In response to your question: "What should south do".

With a balanced hand and good values, south is very happy to defend 1NTx or 1NTxx so they should definitely start by passing.
Then if east/west escape to 2D, I would re-open the with a takeout double (which is my agreement).
Some people play double is for penalty in this kind of auction. If that is your agreement I guess you might try a 3D cuebid.

Hope this was helpful,

Mike

[Free]

After an SOS RDbl you both bid your suits up the line, hoping to find a playable spot (= 7+ card fit). Opener should bid 2♣ on any 4M333 imo, because you might end up in a poor contract otherwise (extreme example: 4=3=3=3 opposite 1=4=4=4), so I actually like a doubleton ♣ whenever I RDbl (and hate a 3 card ♣ because you have to pass hoping opener has 4+♣).

Here, after opener's 2♣ rebid, you bid 2♦ denying 3+♣ and showing 4♦.

[barsikb]

Thank you, Mike and Free.

How would it go after South doubles or cue bids in case E/W escape to 2D?

[mr1303]

On the subject of escapes from 1NT X, I really must advocate that pass should be to play. With a not very exciting 5 or 6 count, being forced to run is a poor idea, but having to decide between that or raising the blue flag, is not a decision I want to take.

I play that XX = a 5 card suit somewhere
2C = clubs and a higher suit
2D = diamonds and a higher suit
2H = majors
2S = spades

and this has worked well for me.

[mycroft]

Opposite a weak NT, I have had several good results playing 1NTx. Sometimes they're +180s, but frequently they're -100s into their partscore, or -200/-300 into their game. I will admit that opposite a strong NT I just bull it out. Hopefully my cards are an entry.

[Vampyr]

Strongly agree with those who don't want to lose a 1NTx contract.

[WesleyC]

 mr1303, on 2013-August-11, 13:47, said:

On the subject of escapes from 1NT X, I really must advocate that pass should be to play. With a not very exciting 5 or 6 count, being forced to run is a poor idea, but having to decide between that or raising the blue flag, is not a decision I want to take.

Why not? If the auction starts 1NT (X) ??? you as responder are the only one with complete information about the relative HCP distribution between the two sides. If you don't enjoy redoubling on a 5-6 count when you know that your side has 20(21)+ HCP, imagine how little the two opponents are going to enjoy being forced to guess whether to pass or pull on their hands with either less information!

One other thing to consider is that 1NT redoubled is game so at IMPs scoring you don't even need to make it half of the time for it to be profitable. e.g.
NV you risk -100 (-1) vs +380 (=)
Vul you risking -200 (-1) to vs +580 (=)

However, I do agree that not being able to play 1NTx is a lot to give up at Matchpoints.