[mw64ahw]

P_Marlowe, on 2025-June-20, 01:38, said:

..
After 1S - 2H, there is no room between 2H and 2S. And you you really want to have a different forcing meaning for
..

Thought I'd have a go at a GI approach over 1♠-2♥ using an Ambra like approach. So 2♥ is
a) pre-emptive raise in ♠s. Opener breaks the transfer with a stonking hand.
b) 5♦ GI+
c) 6+♦ GF
d) good 3-card limit+ raise
Now
2N 5♦ GI now over to opener
3♣ GF
.. 3♥ <Describe?>
.... 3♠ x45x
.... 3N s363 or s354
3♦ ♣ guard no ♥ guard
.. 3♥ <Describe?>
.... 3♠ 6♦
.... 3N xx54
3♥ 3♠ GT or xx64 GF
.. 3♠ BD min
.. 3N ♥ guard
.. 4♣ 2+♦ GF
.. 4♦ upwards 4+♣ GF
3♠ 3♠ GI
3N x46x
4♣ choice of slams
4♠ 3♠ to play

[WasWinM]

Ask 3 bridge players a question, you get 4 answers.

[straube]

P_Marlowe, on 2025-June-20, 01:38, said:

It does not really matter.
Those variations are basically trying to have weak 1-level openings, weak 2/1 responses and also being able to
have sensible game / slam auctions, ..., and it does not work. The space is not there.

Take your pick / makeup your decision, with regards to min. 1-opener level strength, 2/1 min opener strength, and
from this followes, that you can play a 2/1 as either Acol style (only round force), promising a rebid (SAYC style,
French style, ...) or 2/1 gf.
If you dont make the above mentioned decision, it wont work.

And as a side note: The 2/1 response in clubs is easiest one of the three, what about a 2/1 response in hearts?
After 1S - 2H, there is no room between 2H and 2S. And you you really want to have a different forcing meaning for

1S - 2C
2S

and

1S - 2D
2S

and

1S - 2H
2S


If you want, ... good luck.

I think SAYC (as explained by awm) works. Opener's retreat to 2S is forcing and doesn't promise extra length or deny strength. It's just a catchall.

So, for example, 1S-2H, 3H would be GF while 1S-2H, 2S-2N, 3H would be less than GF with 3 hearts. Yes, there are ways of losing here, but you can with 2/1 GF as well. 2/1 GF would miss hearts completely in the weaker of these two examples. In the style of 2/1 GF I like, opener would never raise clubs (1S-2C, 3C) without at least a 4-fit and extras or some minimum with 5 clubs. It's just too directional (uses too much space) for it to be otherwise....but I know folks who will raise clubs with some minimum 5323. Yikes