[phoenix214]

What would be a good way to continue after you know partners full shape in relay bidding. I am asking the because i have almost 0 experience in full shape relays save for a full shape relay for balanced hands over a strong club. Are there any recommendations?

[hrothgar]

phoenix214, on 2014-April-07, 12:56, said:

What would be a good way to continue after you know partners full shape in relay bidding. I am asking the because i have almost 0 experience in full shape relays save for a full shape relay for balanced hands over a strong club. Are there any recommendations?

There have been a few discussions about this topic on this forum which reveal that there is non consensus in this group

I am partial to the following

Relay Asker's3N is always natural (RR breaks if he has 3+ extra slam points)
Relay Asker's 4♦ is a puppet to 4♥ (RR breaks if he 3+ extra points)

otherwise

Step = Slam point ask (Denial Cue Biddding FollowsI
Step +1 = RKCB in RR's longest suit (CAB's follow)
Step +2 = RKCB in RR's second longest suit
...

[phoenix214]

Well that sounds quite familiar, i was thinking almost along the same lines(save the slam point question). The alternative i have seen is the one in viking precision, but i suppose that it might be out-dated by a few years.

[kenrexford]

The "relay" part of this is not material to the theory, IMO. The theory as to how to proceed should probably be a function of (1) what level of force is in effect, (2) what current level are we at, and (3) what parameters of strength/strain are established.

For instance, a couple of auction types I have:

1. I open 2♣ as any 4-4-4-1 hand, intermediate. Partner asks, and I show a maximum (14-15 side) with a stiff club (I bid 2NT). At this point, partner can transfer to hearts, for example, by bidding 3♦. This sets trumps. My next calls, if not a pass, are slam moves. What to do next is a function of known a specific pattern and a specific range, with strain 100% assured (such that 3NT is not a possible final contract).

2. I open 2♦ showing intermediate with both minors. Partner bids 2♥ to ask for my shape. I bid 3♠ to show a maximum (14-15 type) with a spade fragment. My pattern is largely known, but I might have a void. Partner's 4♣ or 4♦ call designate a minor strain for slam purposes and force to game at least. My rebids now are kickback or exclusion, usually, but level dictates tighter method options.

The analysis of these two auction types suggests that no "What next" can really be assigned intelligently without known parameters of level, strain, strength limitations, and the like. In both sequences, Responder is entirely unknown, but strain, level, and the like still governs how you should probably play as next moves.