Simple arithmetic for Standard pairs permits auctions like 1NT – 6NT, where responder has a flat 18-count.
Relay can sometimes do that via a long sequence, though the combined HCP total might be unclear, given we count Slap Points (3/2/1)
Of particular concern are auctions starting 1C – 2C/D, where responder is 8+ flat. It would be good if opener had the option of showing strength, to allow responder to do some sums.
We’ve made these auctions game-forcing, so what is 1C – 2C/D – 2NT?
A suggestion is for this to show extras. Responder uses Puppet Stayman.
| 1C – 2D | 2H | usual relay, often unbalanced |
| 2S | natural, doubts about strain and/or stoppers | |
| 2NT | extras, say 19-21 balanced (or 18-19?) | |
| 3x | splinters | |
| 3NT | minimum, say 16-18 (or 16-17?) |
Without that, there is a concern about auctions like
1C – 2D – 2H – 3H, where 3H = 3-3-3-4.
Often opener will settle for 3NT, from concern about 3S – 4C taking us overboard. Don’t want to play 4NT with 20 opposite 9.
However, responder will pass 3NT without resurrection strength, so could be playing there with 20 opposite 13. Give responder:
Kxx AKx Jxx Qxxx
This is 8 SPs, so resurrecting to 4C is possible but playing 4NT with 16+13 is not good. Axx Axx Axx xxxx is an extreme example.
It’s a bit different after 1C – 2C because opener will relay on a minimum with a 4-card major. With no 4-4 major fit and 16-17, opener will usually bid 3NT next time. So failure to do so suggests extras.
Still 2NT and Puppet is useful for right-siding and
