In the article Intermediate 2-Bids, I mentioned that Michael Miller and I play a more complicated set of Responses, and that I would provide those details separately. Since we play a form of Precision, these responses are applicable there and may not be applicable with other systems.

The benefits are minor, and possibly illusory, but we like 'em. 

Spring Hill, FL

The intention of these responses is 3-fold: to emphasize majors over minors, to right-side some contracts, and to allow responder to show a some 5-card majors.  As a result, the holding of 4 Diamonds and 5 Clubs is ignored.  With such a holding, Opener will not open 2C, and Responder would not find it if he did.

Note that this is in contrast to the simple method outlined in the other article -- that method can bid and find fits for Opener's hand in all upside-down hands.  But 5-card suits in Responder's hand may go unnoticed.  We consider this defect to be serious, but have not proved it statisically.

Each of the three 2-bids has a separate, but similar, set of responses.  As described in the other article, Responder must have an invitational or better hand, and have a tolerance for the suit bid by Opener, before he can take any of these actions.  With a big hand, Responder can take further action after the initial exploration.

Responding to 2C 

Over 2C, 2D (Alert) is artificial and does not indicate a diamond suit.  Instead, it asks Opener whether he holds a 4-card major.  Usually, Responder will hold one or both majors to make this bid.  If Opener has one (or 2!!) he bids the lower one.  If he has none, he bids 2NT with a reasonably balanced hand, or 3C without.  If Opener bids a suit that Responder holds 4 in, Responder will generally raise.  If no major fit is found, either Partner may retreat to 3C.

Over 2C, an immediate 2H or 2S bid shows a 5-card suit.  If Opener has 3+, he raises. If he has 4 spades over 2H, he bids it, else if he holds 4 hearts over 2S, he bids 2NT.  If he has neither, he bids 3C.

Responding to 2D

Over 2D, 2H (Alert) is artificial and neither affirms nor denies 4 hearts.  Instead, it asks Opener whether he holds a 4-card major.  Usually, Responder will hold one or both majors to make this bid.  If Opener has Spades (or both majors), he bids spades.  If he holds hearts, he bids 2NT.  If he hold neither, he bids 3D.

Over 2D, an immediate 2S bids shows a 5-card suit.  If Opener has 3+, he raises.  If he has 4 hearts, he bids 2NT.  Otherwise, he bids 3D for an 8+ card fit.

Responding to 2H

Over 2H, 2S is natural, and shows 4+ spades and 2NT (Alert) is artificial showing not 4 spades, 3 of a minor showing 6+.  Opener decides what to do.

Responding with Interference

If Opps double the 2-bid, or any response, it is basically ignored, except that a redouble shows strength and a willingness to play that contract redoubled.  If a 1-round force is in effect, the force is off.

If Opps make a simple overcall, 2NT is artificial, meaning "he stole my bid." Double is for penalty.  A new suit usually shows 5.  If a 1-round force is in effect, the force is off.

If Opps make a 2-suited bid, such as Michaels, or Unusual NT, we have no specific counter-bid, but some inferences may be available.