What is the "expert" treatment?

[Gerben42]

Assuming a standard strong NT system, here's why I like 14 - 16 all the way.

 

First and second seat I think there is agreement so far. Far better frequency than 15 - 17, getting to use your well-oiled 1NT opening machine more often is a winner. Also since opening bids may be light this puts more control on 1NT rebids. This outweighs the pressure on the 17 HCP hands IMHO.

 

Third / Fourth seat: The advantage of 15 - 17 over 14 - 16 is clear: you can use 1N 3N more often. This is why I don't like the weaker NTs that much opposite a passed partner.

 

However if you open light and you play 15 - 17 NT opposite a passed hand, with 14 HCP you will open 1m and partner may just have 11 balanced to make your game worthwile.

Opening a 14 - 16 NT, if you lack the values for that you have no game hopes and you can just open 1m and see what happens. Just makes things easier.

[kenrexford]

I like this analysis most. Why? It suits my actual action. LOL

 

Here's why. There are occasionally maximum pass hands opposite 1NT openings. Should one field protect? Sure. If partner lacks interest in game opposite a maximum pass, why not simply open a minor and protect the partscore at 1NT? Interference might be a basis, I suppose. But, if the goal is constructive, then avoid the 2NT sequence immediately.

[joshs]

Assuming a standard strong NT system, here's why I like 14 - 16 all the way.

 

First and second seat I think there is agreement so far. Far better frequency than 15 - 17, getting to use your well-oiled 1NT opening machine more often is a winner. Also since opening bids may be light this puts more control on 1NT rebids. This outweighs the pressure on the 17 HCP hands IMHO.

 

Third / Fourth seat: The advantage of 15 - 17 over 14 - 16 is clear: you can use 1N 3N more often. This is why I don't like the weaker NTs that much opposite a passed partner.

 

However if you open light and you play 15 - 17 NT opposite a passed hand, with 14 HCP you will open 1m and partner may just have 11 balanced to make your game worthwile.

Opening a 14 - 16 NT, if you lack the values for that you have no game hopes and you can just open 1m and see what happens. Just makes things easier.

You play 14-16 NT in 1/2 but don't open balanced 11's?

[jdulmage]

I will only open 14 point NT hands in 3rd seat and generally with no major support, say 3-3 or 3-2 in the majors. My reasoning behind this is that most of the field will open 1 of a minor and if their partner has a 4 card major to accompany your 4 card major, the field will play 2 of a major for 110 or 140 while I play 1NT passed out for 90 or 120, RARELY the great 150.

 

I will also want to play in 1NT - say a hand with suits of KJx or AQx. If I have a couple of aces and garbage outside. Say Axx AJ Qxxx QJxx, I will open 1 of a minor.