I would open 4 and 6 without hesitation... the others would pass or open depending on vulnerability... 6 has fewest points, but Im happiest opening that with the texture. 2nd position vul, esp vul versus not, most conservative... 1st and 3rd green least.
Opening Bids - where do you draw the line?
#43
Posted 2018-March-08, 15:16
I open only the first hand (and, if playing a 12 to 14 NT, I would open 1NT). I am not thrilled about opening this hand, but it needs to be done. However, if the long suit were not a major, I would have no problem with any partner who wanted to call Pass.
#44
Posted 2018-March-08, 16:06
We use Zars points to decide when to open we open 26+ Zars hands. The Zars calculation is more complex than HCP but not that complex:
(HCP + 2 for Ace + 1 for K) + (two longest suits added together) + (longest suit - shortest suit)
These hands are all balanced so not that interesting in terms of playing potential. As others have said if you open a weak NT they probably meet the 1NT requirment otherwise you have to decide if you are willing to rebid 1NT.
I have given the Zars for those with a 5 card suit since the others dont really relate to the Zars approach.
1: (12+3)15+(5+3)8+(5-2)3 = 15+8+3 = 26 Zars
2:
3: (11+3)14+(5+3)8+(5-2)3 = 14+8+3 = 25 Zars
4: (11+3)14+(5+3)8+(5-2)3 = 14+8+3 = 25 Zars
5: (10+3)15+(5+3)8+(5-2)3 = 13+8+3 = 24 Zars
6: (10+3)15+(5+3)8+(5-2)3 = 13+8+3 = 24 Zars
Where Zars is really usefull is assisting the development of judgment for example hand 6 is rubbish but change it a little and its 26 Zars and an opener:
KJTxx
KT9
xx
KT9
24 Zars
KJTxx
KJTxx
void
JT9
11+10+5 = 26 Zars but only 9 HCP
KJTxx
KT9x
x
KT9
13+9+4 = 26 Zars same 10 HCP
Zars does not evaluate texture. However there is no question that 6 is much better than 5 but they get the same Zars. As an added tweek if you are opening below 12 HCP hands you could add a point for good texture and deduct a point fo bad texture. That makes 5 worth 23 and 6 worth 25 which is probably about right.
People that apply Zars also evaluate Zars for responder and raise to game on 26 opposite 26 if they have a 9 card fit. The calculation for responder involves deducting minor honours in unbid suits and adding 1 Zar for each hnour in openers suits.
(HCP + 2 for Ace + 1 for K) + (two longest suits added together) + (longest suit - shortest suit)
These hands are all balanced so not that interesting in terms of playing potential. As others have said if you open a weak NT they probably meet the 1NT requirment otherwise you have to decide if you are willing to rebid 1NT.
I have given the Zars for those with a 5 card suit since the others dont really relate to the Zars approach.
1: (12+3)15+(5+3)8+(5-2)3 = 15+8+3 = 26 Zars
2:
3: (11+3)14+(5+3)8+(5-2)3 = 14+8+3 = 25 Zars
4: (11+3)14+(5+3)8+(5-2)3 = 14+8+3 = 25 Zars
5: (10+3)15+(5+3)8+(5-2)3 = 13+8+3 = 24 Zars
6: (10+3)15+(5+3)8+(5-2)3 = 13+8+3 = 24 Zars
Where Zars is really usefull is assisting the development of judgment for example hand 6 is rubbish but change it a little and its 26 Zars and an opener:
KJTxx
KT9
xx
KT9
24 Zars
KJTxx
KJTxx
void
JT9
11+10+5 = 26 Zars but only 9 HCP
KJTxx
KT9x
x
KT9
13+9+4 = 26 Zars same 10 HCP
Zars does not evaluate texture. However there is no question that 6 is much better than 5 but they get the same Zars. As an added tweek if you are opening below 12 HCP hands you could add a point for good texture and deduct a point fo bad texture. That makes 5 worth 23 and 6 worth 25 which is probably about right.
People that apply Zars also evaluate Zars for responder and raise to game on 26 opposite 26 if they have a 9 card fit. The calculation for responder involves deducting minor honours in unbid suits and adding 1 Zar for each hnour in openers suits.
#45
Posted 2018-March-08, 16:23
zar points...the forums have come full circle
The artist formerly known as jlall
#46
Posted 2018-March-08, 16:51
For those of you who didn't post 14 years ago:
http://www.bridgebas...aste-of-energy/
http://www.bridgebas...r-opening-bids/
Time flies...
http://www.bridgebas...aste-of-energy/
http://www.bridgebas...r-opening-bids/
Time flies...
The artist formerly known as jlall
#47
Posted 2018-March-08, 17:35
PhantomSac, on 2018-March-08, 16:51, said:
For those of you who didn't post 14 years ago:
http://www.bridgebas...aste-of-energy/
http://www.bridgebas...r-opening-bids/
Time flies...
http://www.bridgebas...aste-of-energy/
http://www.bridgebas...r-opening-bids/
Time flies...
I am feeling so old right now...
Alderaan delenda est
#49
Posted 2018-March-11, 15:50
If these were heart hands I'd open all of them without thinking twice. The stats seem to suggest balancing back in with spades is better than preemptively opening with them.
However with my regular partner I play a 14-16 NT so I'd open all of these.
However with my regular partner I play a 14-16 NT so I'd open all of these.