I would like to invite comment and in particular disagreement with the following:
The cue bid as a limit raise
I have a friend who contends that on this auction:
1D -(P) - 1H - (1S)
2S
The 2S call should always be a limit raise. I contend that when a support double is available the cue bid is seldom a limit raise. Perhaps that is because quoting Steve Robinson:
“a support double or redouble … shows an unlimited hand with three card support.” So a big hand with three hearts begins with a support double and not a cue bid.
It follows that a direct raise shows 4 card support in the 11-14 range.
A jump in hearts is invitational
A jump to game is the same as 1D - 1H
4H
With splinter bids available for unbalanced hands.
1C - (P) - 1H - (1S)
4D = splinter in D
Therefore on the given auction:
1D - (P) - 1H - (1S)
2S
The 2S cue bid will, unless followed by a bid in hearts, almost never (I avoid saying never at bridge) show heart support and when it does it will be a game going hand with the spade Ace.
Benefits include:
Plus... it's free!