This convention derives its name from the fact
that it invites game in the Heart suit only, and only in
this particular Standard American auction: 1S:1NT:2H.
1NT is, of course, NOT forcing, showing 6-9
points while denying support for Opener's SPADES. Let
us say that Responder has 8-9 points and 4+ Hearts. A
4H game will often depend upon WHERE Responder has hir
points. Major suit HCPs in Responder's hand will always
be welcome. Playing Heart'nSohl, Responder will show
a Responding hand with MAJOR suit strength "the old
fashioned way", via a direct raise:
1S:1NT:2H:3H = Mostly MAJOR suit values.
But MINOR suit honours in Responder's hand may
or may not be so well received by Opener, depending upon
whether they are in Opener's fragment (e.g. 3-card minor)
or short minor.
Responder A: S- x H- Qxxx D- KQJxx C- xxx
Game will be MUCH easier if Opener's 3-card
minor is Diamonds than Clubs!
Responder B: S- Jx H- QJxxx D- xxx C- KJx
Here one might hope that Opener's residual
minor is CLUBS, with a shortness in Diamonds.
Therefore, it becomes important for RESPONDER
to show where hir values are en route to 3H. But we
must retain the natural and non-forcing meaning of a
3C or 3D (e.g. 1S:1NT:2H:3D) bid here. What we do NOT
need, though, is a 2NT rebid; lacking even secondary
support for either major Responder should be bidding a
long MINOR here.
With 2NT available for a "Lebensohlish" purpose,
we use 2NT to force 3C from Opener. Responder then
rebids 3D with strength in Diamonds, 3H with strength in
Clubs. Like 2NT itself, 3D and 3H by Responder both
promise primary Heart support. Opener is then in a good
position to judge the value of Reponder's minor suit
cards before committing to 4H.
1.
Opener A: S- AQxxx H- AKxx D- x C- Qxx
Responder A: S- x H- Qxxx D- KQJxx C- xxx
1S 1NT
2H 2NT - Heart support.
3C 3H - CLUB values.
Pass
2.
Opener A: S- AQxxx H- AKxx D- x C- Qxx
Responder B: S- Jx H- QJxxx D- xxx C- KJx
1S 1NT
2H 2NT - Heart support.
3C 3H - CLUB values.
4H
3.
Opener B: S- Axxxx H- AKxx D- Axx C- x
Responder A: S- x H- Qxxx D- KQJxx C- xxx
1S 1NT
2H 2NT - Heart support.
3C 3D - Diamond values.
4H
4.
Opener B: S- Axxxx H- AKxx D- Axx C- x
Responder B: S- Jx H- QJxxx D- xxx C- KJx
1S 1NT
2H 2NT - Heart support.
3C 3D - Diamond values.
3H
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