[Shugart23]

When opponents open 1NT, we are using the Hello convention. When opponents open 1of a suit, we use Ghestem. Hello convention can show a two suited hand. I seek comments on , not our approach, but how strict are people being 5-5 distributions. Since I am teaching a ‘newbie’ I have been telling him to be strict. Second, for each defense, what point count range do you generally expect when partner shows a 2 suited hand. I have started with telling him to have 9 HCP. Of course the answer to HCP may depend on the colors and whether I am a passed hand or not. At any rate, I’d like to hear comments so that I’m not leading him to far astray. Thank you

[P_Marlowe]

#1 If you agreed, that a suited overcall showes 55, stick with it.
Telling opponent, that a bid showes 5/5 and you reg. use it with 5/4 is the start of a
long slibery road.

#2 I dont mind playing 2-suited overcalls as showing 4+/4+, Landy is a common convention,
and it works with 4+/4+, also DONT is usually played as 4+/4+

Now if you are red. vs. white and go in with 5432 / 5432 and get hit by a penalty, it is
not the convention that produced the score, it is not the car, that kills.

#3 I would recommend, that suits, that have to be played on the 3 level contain 5+ cards.

#4 Regarding strength: The values should be in the suit, if only one suits is know, partner
is on lead, he should not have issues / qualms, leading this suit.
The strength is more relevant, if you defend against a strong / weak NT.

[mw64ahw]

I play an extended Hello and use 8+hcp & 8.5 modified losers as a base for the 2-suited hands which can be 44 for the Majors, 55 for the minors and 5M4+m or 4M5+m otherwise.