Last article we examined these general concepts:
1) Opener's Jumpshift
2) Opener's Reverse
3) Fourth-Suit Forcing.
This article we wrap-up some more difficult 1-level-opening follow-ups by examining these loose odd-and ends:
4) New-Minor Checkback
5) Inverted Minors
And, next article, we will finish (for now) the 1-level with:
6) 2/1 GF
Warning: Some of this material is a little beyond my normal KISS approach.
4) New-Minor Checkback
This would barely make my top-10 list (maybe at number 9 or 10) for worthwhile conventions. It comes up frequently and serves a useful purpose. Click here to see my lesson sheets on "new minor." (By the way, I use these lesson sheets when I teach live on land and at sea. The material is projected on a large screen and then lesson deals are played. For more cruise/seminar information, click here).
5) Inverted Minors
This convention reverses (or "inverts") the strength of minor-suit raises. In "Standard," a raise from 1 to 2 (or 1 to 2) shows 6-9 and a raise to 3-of-the-minor shows 10-12 (limit). If playing "Inverted," then the raise from 1 to 2 is 10 and the raise from 1 to 3 is weak (typically less than 7). There is a gap for hands of about 8-9 points (too strong for 3, but not strong enough for 2). When playing this convention, here are the discussion points:
6) 2/1 Game Force (and 1NT-forcing)
Next article, we will delve into this voluminous topic.