[Kungsgeten]

I'll be facing a pair 12 boards this tuesday, playing the following opening bids:

2♥ = 4♥ and 5♣, 11-16
2♠ = 4♠ and 5♣, 11-16

Perhaps it can be 4-6 too, I'm not sure. What defensive methods would you use vs this opening bid? I'm mostly concerned about:

- Cue bid of 3M
- Cue bid of 3C
- Double
- 2NT
- Jump overcalls

If you have any links to suggested defenses vs a Roman 2M (5 card major, 4+ clubs, openings strength), I guess that would work too.

[spotlight7]

Most Flannery defences use 2D*-2S as natural. I suspect that you should play 2H*-3H as natural.



2M-3C* as a 'two way' meaning, asking for a club stopper or a very strong hand if the 3C bidder pulls a 3NT reply.



X of a two suited opening is often played as takeout for the other two suits.



2M-4D might be Leaping Michaels if you already that convention.



2NT overcall shows a strong NT overcall. I would have a club stopper, however, hearts are less dangerous.

[mycroft]

Also, most Flannery defences use (2♦)-2♥ as "takeout of hearts"; you could choose to play 3♣ as takeout of clubs. I like the other meaning, too.

[Kungsgeten]

Thanks for the suggestions. The major cue bid should probably be natural, I agree. I was thinking that "power doubles" could be an idea, perhaps switching the meaning of 2NT and Dbl:

2H---
Dbl = 15+ NT or unbalanced too strong to overcall
2S = Natural
2NT = Spades + diamonds
3C = Stopper ask
3D = Natural
3H = Natural
3S = Good suit, about 15-17
3NT = To play
4C = GF 5-5 unbid
4D = Preemptive?
4M = To play

I was also thinking that transfers, starting with 3C, could be useful in some sequences:

2S--(dbl/2NT)--pass--
2NT = Natural
3C = Diamonds
3D = Hearts, weak/GF
3H = Hearts, constructive but NF
3S = Transfer to 3NT

[wank]

i'd just treat is a transfer opening in clubs.

something like X = take-out of clubs
3C = 55 majors
the worst thing you can do against these 4 card major showing bids is leave yourself unable to show hands with that suit.