What do you open this hand?

[hanp]

2C. I like the rule about the 22 HCP and the good 6-card suit best.

How original. :P

 

The hand is the classic example hand used to show the difficulties with "standard" systems and how strong 1C systems solve this problem. IMO there is no right or wrong or even "best" answer - there is just varying opinions.

You open 2C, then bid 2S. Where is the problem?

It is fine to hold strong opinions about the best approach, but to infer that there is no other way or no problems in that approach is something else indeed.

You've heard the bells ring but you don't know where the clapper hangs.

[inquiry]

I actually like this hand for my 2♣ opening bid.

 

I open 2♣ which I play as forcing as far as 2♥ only. Include in my 2♣ opener are strong major one suiters that have at least 5 controls and can be expected to make 8 tricks. This qualifies.

 

2♣= 2♦ waiting, semi+ or better, with at least one trick for major contract

2♣=2♥ negative, no tricks for a heart contract

2♣=2♠ negative, one trick for hearts (ruffing generally), none for spades

2♣=higher than 2♠ all get us somewhere nice

 

2♣=2♦; 2♠-2NT (warning, only one trick for spades) all others GF

 

I would look foward to bidding this one.

[the hog]

2C

[benlessard]

At imps it does pay to be pessimist and at MP you should play 2nd neg allowing you to stop at 3S.

 

As for special method im also fond of a a pass or correct setup like Inquiry.

[Gerben42]

In Std. American I'd open 1♠, in Acol 2♠ (or 2♣ Benji).

[Old York]

If you open 1♠, how can partner get you to game with:

 

♠Txx ♥xxx ♦xxx ♣Qxxx

♠xxx ♥xxx ♦Qxx ♣xxxx

♠Tx ♥xxx ♦xx ♣xxxxxx

 

certainly not 100% game, but worth +620 with 2-2 trumps or single ♠Q

If this is Imp scoring, red games are worth stretching for

 

Tony

 

p.s. If partner has ♠x ♥xxxx ♦xxxx ♣xxxx he can claim £10,000 from the Earl of Yarborough?

[Free]

I don't like opening 1♠ on such a heavy hand. I prefer 2♣.