[harikannan]

RHO opens 1D, I overcall 1H. LHO makes a negative double and partner bids 2D, cue raise. Now, RHO doubles showing good diamonds. The auction so far:

(1D) 1H (X) 2D (X).

Now, what do the following bids by me mean:

2H
XX
Pass

Thanks in advance.

[DavidKok]

My general rule is that 2♦ here created a force through 2♥. Partner showed a good raise, and we are safe to bid to at least 2♥.

As a consequence, we invert the logic compared to other bidding situations. Fast arrival applies. If we have no interest in a contract other than 2♥, i.e. we have a minimum, we bid it now. This applies the maximum amount of pressure to the opponents.

Other calls, including pass, are forcing and stronger than 2♥. You can allocate these in a way to help you describe your hand better and assist partner with the upcoming decisions, such as bid-3-over-3, game-versus-partscore, or other topics you might prefer to priorise (e.g.lead-directing, though on this auction that's likely not relevant).

I play:

• Pass: positive hand, unsuitable for any other bid, catch-all.
  
• XX: positive hand, short diamonds (0 or 1).
  
• 2♥: signoff, any minimum
  
• 2♠: positive, 4(+)♠, forcing to 3♥.
  
• 2NT: positive, balanced or long diamonds, suggests 3NT over 4♥, forcing to 3♥.
  
• 3♣: positive, 4(+)♣, forcing to 3♥.
  
• 3♦: positive, short diamonds (0 or 1), stronger than XX. Note that hands looking for a stopper for 3NT can begin with pass.
  
• 3♥: barrage, weak with extra shape

The set from 3♠ through 4♥ is similar - spades and clubs bids show length, not shortage!

This structure emphasises ability to find a double fit and showing shortage in opps' suit, anticipating further competition. My goal is to help partner decide as swiftly as possible what to do if the opponents raise the diamonds further, while at the same time using mostly natural bids to keep things somewhat simple. Other (better) schemes exist, but this one is already quite useful.

[harikannan]

Thanks a lot, David.