[MarkDean]

I have a question about how people play certain auctions.

With any partner I have discussed it with, if I overcall, partner cuebids, showing support, and that cuebid is doubled, my pass shows game interest while rebidding my suit shows rubbish.

For example:
(1♥) - 1♠ - (P) - 2♥
(X) :

2♠ = minimum, pass = some interest

Now, suppose there is a different situation, where the opponents bid, but not as high as I was forced if they did not bid. Can they play there undoubled? If not, does my retreating to my suit show a worse hand than pass?

For example:
(1♦) - 1♠ - (P) - 2♦
(2♥):

What does 2♠ show vs pass? Does it matter how high the level is?

[Phil]

Same idea on the 2nd auction. Pard is forcing to 2♠; we aren't letting them play 2♥ (undoubled). Ergo, a direct 2♠ is the weakest possible action.

As long as we are in a force through 'x' level, the force applies.

If RHO bids 3♦ or 3♥ on the 2nd, we aren't committed. Pass would indicate a minimum.

[JLOL]

I strongly prefer bidding to show an offensive minimum and passing to show a defensive minimum or 4 card overcall. There are a lot of ways to show extra values, helping partner know when to compete to the 3 level is much more important. There is quite a difference in a 5431 8 count and a 5332 10 count with defensive values.

[MFA]

Also for me is returning to our suit the weakest possible action.
Pass is encouraging, but when we have other options too, pass is the mildest possible encouragement.