get in there, red vs white?

[SoTired]

I think Bridge is like Chess in that first move has an advantage. So I open all balanced 12s and a few balanced 11s. This one qualifies because of the 3 connected 10s. The hand just looks "meaty" to me. Although some expert players that I am fortunate enough to partner occassionally have complained about the quality of my preempts, none have ever mentioned my opening bids.

[655321]

For me, vulnerability is also a factor when deciding to open with balanced 11. I will open most balanced 11s w/r, but very few when r/w.

[MarkDean]

I would pass. I figured it would be a minority view, but did not think this big of a minority!

 

I think the odds of a game are relatively slim. Partner would need the perfect hand to have not acted, and to not act in balance, to make game opposite this. I would guess that the odds of -500 are at least as good as the odds of a game. I have played weak nt for years, and have gotten many juicy penalties on auctions like this.

 

My real fear in passing is that partner has spades, and that we are losing a partscore battle, to me, it is just not worth the risk.

[the hog]

Certainly x now. Would originally have passed this playing 2/1.

[joker_gib]

Yes, X now and pass before

[benlessard]

wtp X

[skjaeran]

Agree with double but.. why exactly did I not open this hand?

I have no idea, but one of the players who held this hand at the USBF trials passed this hand in the opening seat, and passed again over 2♥. I found both decisions quite surprising.

You guys really find passing a balanced 11 surprising?

11???

This isn't an 11-count to me...but I do open 11-counts. B)