Extensile 2C and Non-Forcing 1NT responses
One of the weaknesses (flaws) of the 2/1 bidding system is the Forcing NT bid. This bid is a very wide range (5-11 HCP), may or may not deny support for the opener's suit, and often forces the opener into a vague rebid that doesn't contribute to describing their hand to their partner well. Much has been written to try improve Forcing NT auctions. Semi-Forcing? a term that makes litte sense.
In our Modern Approach, we split the 1NT bid described above. We take back the traditional meaning of 1NT over a major suit opening: 6-9 HCP and denies support the opening suit.
That leaves the hand strength that would like to 'force' the auction at least one round. 10-12 HCP with or without 3 cards in support. We use the bid of 2♣ as an artifical bid to show this.
The 2♣ bid (we called it Extensile because it is very strechable) is a request for the opener to bid 2♦ with the most typical opening hands.
The opener should rebid 2♦ unless that have one of these exceptional opening hands:
- Minimal (or subminimal from 3rd chair) opening hand with a 6 card suit. (Rebids opening suit)
- Two-suited in the Majors 5-4 or 5-5 shape hand. (Bids 2
instead of 2♦) - Strong (>17 HCP) balanced(semi-balanced) hand. Likely 5-2 in the majors since didn't choose to start with a NT showing bid
- 6-5 in the majors and >14 HCP (bid 3♠ or 4♥)
After the 2♦ relay
After the opener bids 2♦ to show a typical (not listed above) hand, the responder describes what type of invitational hand they hold. Supporting the opening major shows 3-card support, 10-12 HCP. Bidding a new suit denies support for the major and shows a biddable suit. Bidding 2NT after the 2♦ is an invitation to 3NT. *