Hi. Hands like this depend on the type of event, the caliber of the competition and the state of your game. So no right or wrong answer in 2/1. In 3rd seat I bid something depending on partner's expectations.
In rubber bridge I would open 1 club vs Vulnerability- otherwise the state of my game rules.
At most Imp events it could be difficult if I open in 1st or 2nd.
This hand evaluates best if partner bids first.
Precision and perhaps K-S styles make for an easy decision to bid with
2C easy at the former.
That is probably why bridge is so popular- no one right answer as we must make decisions.
Opening Bid
#22
Posted 2018-July-16, 15:42
FelicityR, on 2018-July-15, 05:25, said:
Opening 1♣
1. Including distribution points easily an opening bid (but see 2 below)
2. Honours in longest suits
3. Two honour tricks
4. Easy rebid
5. You've already bid, whereas overcalling might not be possible
6. Possible entry to long suit (♥A) outside long suit.
7. Lead directional
8. Meets rule of 19
Not opening 1♣
1. You are likely to be outbid
2. Distributional points should not be counted before a fit is established
3. The hand 'looks' more an overcall hand than an opening bid
4. Partner might disapprove
5. You are playing the rule of 20
Opening 3♣
1. Too much outside strength
2. Partner may seriously disapprove
3. Why pre-empt your partner when you have a semi-respectable 1♣ opener
I think the problem here generally is arriving in a game contract - more likely 3NT - with 22-24 points between the hands and finding it doesn't play well. It all depends whether your partner can see you with a 10-11 point hand opposite and six clubs, and whether you are playing 2/1, SAYC or Acol.
With 2/1 there's probably no way you can put on the brakes without annoying partner (who may be unlimited) by leaving the contract below game level. With SAYC and Acol there's a chance that partner with a 11 to a bad 13 point hand can leave you in a part score.
1. Including distribution points easily an opening bid (but see 2 below)
2. Honours in longest suits
3. Two honour tricks
4. Easy rebid
5. You've already bid, whereas overcalling might not be possible
6. Possible entry to long suit (♥A) outside long suit.
7. Lead directional
8. Meets rule of 19
Not opening 1♣
1. You are likely to be outbid
2. Distributional points should not be counted before a fit is established
3. The hand 'looks' more an overcall hand than an opening bid
4. Partner might disapprove
5. You are playing the rule of 20
Opening 3♣
1. Too much outside strength
2. Partner may seriously disapprove
3. Why pre-empt your partner when you have a semi-respectable 1♣ opener
I think the problem here generally is arriving in a game contract - more likely 3NT - with 22-24 points between the hands and finding it doesn't play well. It all depends whether your partner can see you with a 10-11 point hand opposite and six clubs, and whether you are playing 2/1, SAYC or Acol.
With 2/1 there's probably no way you can put on the brakes without annoying partner (who may be unlimited) by leaving the contract below game level. With SAYC and Acol there's a chance that partner with a 11 to a bad 13 point hand can leave you in a part score.
I really enjoyed the above response. IMNTBHO, the question is totally about where you draw the line on what is an opening hand.
Admittedly I am old school, I have drawn the line as follows with more than my share of success.
The issue with this hand is that 2C cannot be bid as a weak 2.
1. The parameters I use for a weak 2 are 5-11 HCP points with 2 of the top 4 honors. (last part flexible in 3rd seat)
2. Parameters for a opening hand are 12 hcp and at least a 5 card suit OR 11 HCP, a 6 card suit and 2.5 Quick Tricks.
This hand does not qualify as an opener, but does as a weak 2. Hence, as regular partners and I discuss this is some detail, I would open 3C 1&2 seats, 1C 3rd seat and pass 4th seat.
Seems to me that reducing the gray areas in bidding and having a disciplined consistent approach works well across the board.
#23
Posted 2018-July-16, 23:10
If your only strong opening bid is 2C, it might be wise to consider how wide of range of expected opening hands you and your partner are comfortable playing. I have no strong preference for light or sound openings, so I always went along with what my partner was comfortable using. Just keep in mind, if partner can open a 1-bid with 10 or 22, the responder has to be careful not to get too carried away and at the same time not be timid about passing with less than a normal responding hand.
With the hand in the OP, I personally don't see much benefit from an opening 1C bid because it is unlikely we will get to the wrong spot if I pass, there is no real preemption to a 1C opening, and minor suit games take 11 tricks so there's no huge benefit from finding a fit.
This same hand with a long major is worth an opening, IMO, although I have played weak two bid this strong.
With the hand in the OP, I personally don't see much benefit from an opening 1C bid because it is unlikely we will get to the wrong spot if I pass, there is no real preemption to a 1C opening, and minor suit games take 11 tricks so there's no huge benefit from finding a fit.
This same hand with a long major is worth an opening, IMO, although I have played weak two bid this strong.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
#24
Posted 2018-July-19, 00:06
I would pass in first and definitely pass in second. I dont want to mislead partner if he has a reasonable hand.
If partner passes I will bid 2c on the second round.
In third seat I would bid 1c. I would pass in 4th.
If partner passes I will bid 2c on the second round.
In third seat I would bid 1c. I would pass in 4th.