[Kungsgeten]

If playing a 5542 system where the 18+ balanced hands are bid at the 2-level or higher (like Bocchi-Madala does), which continuations would you use over the 1C opening? I'm thinking transfers, and since there's only one range (12--14 or 15--17, depending on the meaning of 1NT) we should have more options than usual. Most of the notes online has two NT ranges in the 1C opening.

Do you think it is best to have the weak or the strong NT in 1C? If including the strong alternative I guess 1C could include 5M332 (so 1M can be 12--14 balanced, 1NT can not be 5M332). This make the system more aggressive and the 1C opening promises real clubs more often, but if the opponents interfere it may be more awkward (since a weak NT could just pass, but a strong NT may not want to do that).

Here's some thoughts where 1C is natural or 15--17 balanced (can include 5 card major):

1C---
1D = 4+ hearts
1H = 4+ spades
1S = a) Negative NT b) Balanced invite+ c) Weak in a minor
1N = 5+ diamonds, 8+ hcp (so at least invitational against the strong NT)
2C = 4+ clubs, 10+ hcp (2D now shows 15--17 balanced with 2--3 clubs)
2D+ = Do not know. 3C should probably be invitational vs the strong NT.

1C--1D;
1H = 4+ diamonds, unbalanced and forcing
1S = Natural, unbalanced and forcing
1NT = Balanced with 2--3 hearts
2C = Natural, 6+ clubs
2D = 3(+) hearts, unbalanced. If 4 then too bad for 2H. If 3 then not 15+ 6+ clubs.
2H = 4 hearts, usually balanced but may have the same playing strength and unbalanced
2S = 6+ clubs, 16+ (18+ if 3 card support)
2NT = 4+ support, strong unbalanced hand
3C = 6+ clubs, 15--17 with 3 card support
3D = Splinter with support
3H = Spade splinter with support

1C--1H;
1S = 4+ hearts, unbalanced and forcing
1NT = Balanced with 2--3 spades
2C = Natural, may have 5 clubs and 4 diamonds
2D = Reverse
2H = 3(+) spades, unbalanced
2S = 4 spades, usually balanced
2NT = 6+ clubs, 16+ (18+ if 3 card support)
3C = As above
3D = 4+ support, strong unbalanced hand
3H = Splinter with support
3S = Diamond splinter with support

1C--1S;
1NT = Balanced
2C = Unbalanced 11--15
2DHS = Reverse
2NT = 18+ with 6+ clubs
3C = 15--17 with 6+ clubs
3DHS = GF auto splinter

[jallerton]

Kungsgeten, on 2014-March-13, 03:16, said:

Do you think it is best to have the weak or the strong NT in 1C?

Let me rephrase your question. Do you prefer to play weak or strong NT openings?

By the way, I think your suggested rebid structure after 1♣-1red works better in the context of weak NT openings.

[Kungsgeten]

Yes the structure above is meant tailored towards 1C being natural or 15--17 balanced, while 1NT is 12--14 balanced.

I do not really prefer weak or strong 1NT. I like the idea of a weak 1NT, but I'm more used to playing strong 1NT. So no, I do not think the question needs to be rephrased, even though there may not be a correct answer.

[glen]

Kungsgeten, on 2014-March-13, 03:16, said:

If playing a 5542 system where the 18+ balanced hands are bid at the 2-level or higher (like Bocchi-Madala does) ...

Do you think it is best to have the weak or the strong NT in 1C?

Even though my system designs have used both approaches (ETM Gold, ETM Victory), I feel the optimal approach is the variable NT of Bocchi-Madala, and to answer your question it depends on the vulnerability

[jallerton]

glen, on 2014-March-13, 19:07, said:

Even though my system designs have used both approaches (ETM Gold, ETM Victory), I feel the optimal approach is the variable NT of Bocchi-Madala, and to answer your question it depends on the vulnerability

I feel that the optimal approach is to declare and defend like Bocchi-Madala.

Whilst there is theoretical merit to varying your NT range by position and vulnerability,in order to gain over the long term, both partners need to be aware of the knock-on effects to the rest of your system.