A Different Spin on "Kokish"

Or, call this "New Frontiers Light."  Suppose we decided to change the Kokish Transfer to handle problem patterns rather than a problem range for balanced hands.  Could this be effective?  I think so.

The basic idea is this.  When Opener starts 2C, hears 2D (waiting or GF waiting), and then bids 2H, this would instead show either the classic Kokish half (rebids above 2NT show unbalanced hands with hearts) or a new meaning for 2NT -- minor canapes.  Thus:

2C-2D
2H-2S
3-bid = unbalanced with 5+ hearts

2C-2D
2H-2S
2NT = 4-card major, plus a 5+ minor

There is more to this that I have worked out, which I will share later.  But, the basic idea is that Opener's 2NT shows a hand with four of either major and 5+ in either minor, problem hands that have caused difficulty for years. 

The most frequent unwind is for Responder to just bid 3C to find out what Opener has.  If Opener has diamonds (with either four-card major), Opener bids 3D.  Responder can then bid 3H to check on a 4-4 heart fit or 3S to check on a 4-4 spade fit.  If Opener, instead, has a hand with clubs and a 4-card major, he just bids the major.  So:

2C-2D
2H-2S
2NT-3C
???

3D = diamonds, plus a major
3H = clubs plus hearts
3S = clubs plus spades

So far, so good.  The second most common unwind for Responder is a 3D reply, showing 4-4 in the majors.  When that happens, Opener just sets trumps.

2C-2D
2H-2S
2NT-3D
???

3H = hearts agreed, I have a long minor
3S = spades agreed, I have a long minor

There is more to this, including what Responder does with a 5-card major, what Opener's direct 3C and 3D bids mean (no 4-card major), some special treatments, and another hand type that can be handled through this "Rexford-ed Kokish."  That will come next.