Walsh responses to 1 opener

When partner opens 1 and we have one or both 4 card majors and no interest in game we bypass our diamond suit even if it is a 6 card suit.

Only exceptions are:

• Game forcing hands with 5 or more diamonds and one or both 4 card majors.
• Hands with very long diamonds. (6+)
• A hand with no major usually with 4 or more diamonds

When partner responds 1 to our 1 opener they either have no 4 card major or they are prepared to reverse at their next opportunity therefore the 1 opener does not show their major after the 1 response unless their hand is unbalanced but instead bids 1NT.

We will never miss a major suit fit because responder will bid one over the 1NT response with a game forcing hand.

Unbalanced hands are:

• hands with a singleton or void
• hands with a 4 card major and a worthless doubleton in the other major
• hands that are balanced with extreme concentration of values in 2 suits

Alerting

• 1 - 1 alert: denies a major unless preparing to reverse
• 1 - 1 - 1NT alert: could have 1 or both 4 card majors
• Rebid of 1 of a major by opener after 1 - 1 should be alerted as showing an unbalanced hand

1 - 1 - 1 - 1 guarantees a good hand using Walsh because responder would have bid 1 with 4 spades and no interest in game at their first opportunity

In fact the 1 bid at that point can be used both to show a game forcing hand with 4 or more spades or used as 4th suit forcing to game. Opener must realize both these scenarios and raise the 1 bid to 2 with 4 spades just in case responder does in fact have spades.