[mikestar13]

Been actually trying out Kaplan Inversion in ACBL Mid-chart events and it's been more of a problem than I anticipated. I've often encountered a simple and very effective defense:1♥-1♠-(X) showing spades--fourth hand doubles on crap with spades that would pass 1♥-1NT forcing. Have others run into similar experiences with KI? I now wonder if the tradeoffs are worth it and I'd like to hear from other more expert players.

[wank]

play 1♠ blued on a 3-3 fit a few times and the opps will start to behave

[phil_20686]

mikestar13, on 2012-February-01, 22:53, said:

Been actually trying out Kaplan Inversion in ACBL Mid-chart events and it's been more of a problem than I anticipated. I've often encountered a simple and very effective defense:1♥-1♠-(X) showing spades--fourth hand doubles on crap with spades that would pass 1♥-1NT forcing. Have others run into similar experiences with KI? I now wonder if the tradeoffs are worth it and I'd like to hear from other more expert players.

Played it for a while. Hated it.

[fromageGB]

Played it for quite a while now. Love it.

Getting across the length of the 5 card spade suit in one hit is worth far more than the rare times you get problems. If RHO is going to X 1♠ to show spades, the chances are he is also going to double a non-KI 1NT to show spades.

I have a regular other partner who does not like KI, and we sometimes find ourselves making the wrong guess when responder has 5.

[fromageGB]

wank, on 2012-February-01, 23:13, said:

play 1♠ blued on a 3-3 fit a few times and the opps will start to behave

It will be a 4-3 fit on a good day.

[MickyB]

I remember a top player [Martel?] saying he didn't like KI for this reason. I am unconvinced, many bid 1H-P-1N-2S fairly aggressively, and as Wank says, doubling 1S isn't risk free.

Personally, I don't like KI because I think the extra space is more important when responder shows spades than when responder denies spades, although it is somewhat system dependent - KI makes sense if you play Flannery, for example.

[Gerben42]

No, KI doesn't play sense when you play Flannery as you don't need it (1♠ already shows 5 cards).

I play it whilst not playing Flannery and I like it. I really dislike 1♥ - 1N with 4522 hands.

Times that opponents have used 1♥ p 1♠ X to their advantage so far: Zero. Besides if you respond light there is an advantage taking 1NT away from them in the auction 1♥ - 1N. Opener can bid 2♠ or even 3♠ MUCH more often after a 4th seat Dbl (which cannot show a strong NT and both minors at the same time)

[Free]

I've played it, didn't have that much trouble with it.

[MickyB]

Gerben42, on 2012-February-02, 12:38, said:

No, KI doesn't play sense when you play Flannery as you don't need it (1♠ already shows 5 cards).

Fair enough, I see you have put more thought into the matter than I have

[JLOGIC]

Most people seem to play over KI that X=takeout of hearts anyways, despite our recommended defense being X=spades, 1N=takeout of hearts (in fact, my partner recommends that, I think having a natural 1N overcall against us is more important). But the same thing applies anyways, it's nice to be able to screw them when they have a natural 1N overcall and you can steal with 1H p 1N in standard. I mean, yes it's a downside of KI, I don't remember losing any boards because of it but it's possible I forgot. I can't imagine it's a huge deal.

[mikestar13]

Thanks everyone. Perhaps I've run into some opps who are over-conservative with their 2♠ overcalls in 1♥-1NTF sequences and it has skewed my results.

[benlessard]

The upside of KI are just so huge that even if you did hit a bad run and lose a couple of board you will all win them back in a fairly short time IMO. esp at MP.

[bluecalm]

I've never played that.
I am curious what is the standard way to bid after 1♠.
One system I saw is that 1NT is Hxx or four of them and otherwise you bid 2m (or 2D with 2-5-3-3 and 2C natural or strong or w/e). In such system I really don't like bypassing 1NT. I imagine it's not a problem at imps but what about MP's ? Or maybe there are other solutions to this problem ?

[fromageGB]

bluecalm, on 2012-February-02, 18:59, said:

I've never played that.
I am curious what is the standard way to bid after 1♠.
One system I saw is that 1NT is Hxx or four of them and otherwise you bid 2m (or 2D with 2-5-3-3 and 2C natural or strong or w/e). In such system I really don't like bypassing 1NT. I imagine it's not a problem at imps but what about MP's ? Or maybe there are other solutions to this problem ?

My way is probably not standard, but I like to ignore minor holdings (playing an artificial 2♣ anyway), and concentrate on the majors. Similar to yours above, but reverse the NT/♦ meanings.
1NT = any 12-14 without something to say in the majors
2♣ = most 15+ hands, those not qualifying for a specific bid > 2♥
2♦ = 4 spades
2♥ = 6 hearts
So I don't bypass 1NT, which is a useful natural bid. Of course it's all a matter of judgement. With a low side suit doubleton and a good Hxx there's nothing to stop you treating it as 4 spades.

Incidentally, you could say that another advantage of KI is that you can play in 1NT more often.

[Poky]

Excellent convention!

Never met a problem after 1♥-pass-1♠.

Just make it sure 1♠ is up to 11 HCP (bidding 2♣ with a balanced hand containing spades).

[fromageGB]

Poky, on 2012-February-19, 14:05, said:

Just make it sure 1♠ is up to 11 HCP (bidding 2♣ with a balanced hand containing spades).

Are you saying responder initially replies 2♣ with a 12 count? I am happy to reply 1♠ with game hands (it is forcing), not just up to 11, and use a possibly artificial 2-bid for the 16+ hands, but the strength limits of your 1♠ has little bearing on the efficacy of using KI : a worthwhile swap.