[bob100147]

We play Precision. Several times we have run into trouble when we open 1♣, the opponents compete, and responder has a weak hand and two long suits. For example, recently I opened 1♣ and my LHO bid 1 ♥ (hearts and a minor). Partner was 5-0-1-7 with four points and doubled (in principle 5-7 points, any shape). My RHO opponent bid 2 ♥, I passed, LHO passed, and partner bid 3♣. We almost played it there which would have been awful since 6♠ makes. My LHO opponent bailed us out by bidding 3♥ and partner was able to show spades. Any suggestions on how to avoid these problems down the road? What about 2♥ by partner to show a weak Michaels hand?

[PhilKing]

Personally, I think it is insane that one has to start with double to show all 5-7 hands, but whatever. On the next round partner should definitely reopen with 3♥ to show a shapely hand.

[akhare]

As I recall, there have been several threads in this forum regarding coping with interference over 1♣. IMO, the X as 5-7 any isn't a very good treatment and the X is best reserved for takeout shapes.

In this case, given the sensational shape and void in their suit, the best option might be bite the bullet and GF with 2♣ (in anticipation of a 4♥ bid).

Depending on how sophisticated you want to get, you can try playing a scheme that uses transfers at the 2-level. For example, over 1♥ / 1♠:

X: Takeout, 5+ points
1♠: Natural
1N: Natural GF
2♣ - 2♠: Transfers, constructive
2N+: Transfers, weaker

You will have to come up with some rules about how to deal with 2-level interference, but this is a start...

[dake50]

Personally, I think it is insane that one has to start with double to show all 5-7 hands, -- PhilKing

*** Absolutly agree. 5-7 with no suggestion double is ok.
But responder's first duty is to suggest where to play.
Of course, that requires later bids to say not slammy.
(More accurately, not slammy unless).

[phoenix214]

My 2 cents. 5-7 does not help to know what responder has, he may have lots of hands. Better is to have X as a +/- balanced GF hand. Bids w/o a jump are natural and around the same 5-7 level. Jump bids are GF with a suit. Do this if you want to insist on this suit. That helps a lot. Id suggest reading up Revision Club. It has some good points about opps biding after your 1C. The best bid there as well is the cue-bid, which is used as a GF three-suiter.

[lute57]

I disagree. IMO after Opener bids a strong 1♣, if the opponents intervene, using Pass to show 0-4 HCP and X to show 5-7 HCP has merit. Of course at some level of interference, you probably have to have both a takeout bid of sorts and one to bring down the hatchet; but for the common lower levels of interference, Pass to show 0-4 HCP and X to show 5-7 work just fine.

My assumption here is the Precision players are using Asking bid sequences on any positive response to the 1♣ Opening.

So Pass to show 0-4 HCP and X to show 5-7 HCP and any other bid is Positive and initiates an Asking bid sequence. If the opponents continue to badger you, then apply backward bidding. When they finally realize they are helping you, they usually stop throwing garbage at you.

It was not elaborated on; but is the suggestion to X for takeout apply to hands holding 0-7 HCP - or is it limited to 5-7 HCP - or can it include stronger Responder hands? For me, I am not losing my Asking bid abilities by allowing hands > 7 HCP.

Using X as 5-7 HCP (not takeout) gives Opener valuable information. It allows Opener to gauge whether to pass - invite - or force on. In the example used to initiate this thread, nothing was really said about Opener's hand except he passed to start the second round of the auction.

The other thing to remember with Responder's X is he will normally get a chance to bid again so if he has a takeout hand shape, he will still start to show it afterwards with the comfort of knowing he has already told partner of his limited 5-7 HCP. In that case, that is what he did, but I would have bid 2S first and then bid clubs and clubs, and clubs

Lute