Pam, try this as an exercise. Imagine that you are playing with your clone. So you both think the same. How would the auction go, and why?
Playing with Goren, I am less than certain he would open your partner's hand. Goren played pretty strong openings. If it began 1D-2C he definitely would not rebid 2NT at least as I remember it. 1D-2C-2NT showed something extra.
Goren opened 4 card majors but not Jxxx. Moreover, with two four card suits and 3-2 in the others he opened the four card suit that lay below the doubleton so he would open 1D (if he opened at all) even if the spades were better and the diamonds weaker.
But it has been a long tine since I played Goren. So really I think the profitable question is: How would you and your clone bid the hand?
In particular, why not 1
- 2
?
Discussion of inverted minors is much needed. At least for diamonds, here is how I see it: 1
- 2
is forcing for one round. The 2
bidder might have less than game forcing values. If so he will have 5+ diamonds and plans to bid 3
on the next round. The 3
can be and often will be passed. If the 2
bidder has only 4 diamonds then he has game forcing values, as is the case here. So, after 1
- 2
the final contract will be game or slam, and will be in diamonds or NT. Here it will be in NT, and this might or might not make. With more shapely hands, you might end in 5
. But, after 1
- 2
there is no possibility that you will end in clubs. And with these hands, a 12 count opposite 15, you will end in game not slam. Ending in game not slam, and ending in diamonds or NT, seems like what we want.
When the minor is clubs rather than diamonds there is more to be said for insisting that 1
- 2
promise five cards since with only four clubs and invitational values you surely have a hand that can either bid a suit at the one level or else a hand where you can bid 2NT.
Here is what the GIB noes say about 1
and afterward:
"Usually 4 unless 4432. Opens 1♦ with 4-4 in the minors. 2♦ response is forcing, inverted. 2♣ response is forcing for one round, but not game force."
This of course is not enough guidance. Some comments on it:
I am pretty sure the Gibs now play 1
- 2
as game forcing. I'm not positive, but pretty sure.
But "2♦ response is forcing, inverted" further clarification.
As I recall, the Gibs play 1
- 2
- 2NT as passable. BWS plays it as a one round force.
As noted, I gave the hand to the Gibs, and indeed it began 1
- 2
so they do raise on 4.
Goren of course did not do inverted minors so that option was out. I assume that you do use inverted minors. So, why not? Partner opens 1
, you look at your hand. Ending in game or slam, and ending in diamonds or NT, seems like what we want.