A 2/1 lost wheel

[Antoine Fourrière]

Maybe opening 1NT is right, but it is the whole procedure which is flawed. When do both players state that they have a balanced hand? 3♦ is ambiguous and 3♥ is nebulous. These bids do not convey useful information, they are just showing off. I am not sure I would always avoid the slam after a Polish 1♣, a 1♦ relay and a 1NT rebid, but at least I would start on the right track, that is, points and not controls.

 

Playing standard, opening 1♦ and rebidding 2NT would probably work.

So would opening 1♠ and rebidding 2NT if it guarantees a 5332.

 

But getting the decent 5332s out of the 1♠ opening allows something like

1♠ 2♦

2♥ hearts, as usual

2♠ weakish, maybe non-forcing when not playing 2/1

2N clubs, not 5-1-3-4, allows responder to bid 3♣ with a balanced hand

3♣ 6+ spades, forces only to 3♦ or 3♠ when not playing 2/1

3♦ weakish, maybe non-forcing when not playing 2/1

3♥ heart (other major) shortness, maybe 5-1-3-4

3♠ club (other minor) shortness

3N 5-2-4-2

[CharlieS]

18 HCP with two wasted Jacks and a horrible spade suit looks like time to bid 1NT. If we miss slam It ain't MY fault.