Unorthodox NT openings

[ochinko]

I routinely upgrade 5332 hands with 14 hcp to a 15-17 1NT opening, no matter which the long suit is. All in all I am satisfied with the results. Recently, however, I noticed that my condition worsens, and I am now tempted to open 1NT even with a hand like xx-AQJ109x-K9-Axx.

 

What do you think about this (assuming partner is unaware, and expects a normal hand)?

[gnasher]

I think it's better if partner has accurate knowledge of what you open 1NT on. Why wouldn't you want him to know?

 

As for opening 1NT with a strong 6-card major, I think that you'll play in the wrong contract far too often. If it were Axx xx AQJ109x K9, I'd happily open 1NT (and then accept an invitation, obviously). With a semi-solid minor, it's more likely that we belong in notrumps.

[ochinko]

Surely I would prefer to know each other's style with partner. It's just that I play frequently with unknown partners, and there's never enough time to enter into such details.

[jjbrr]

I opened 1NT with a 6 card major and bid 2♦ when partner bid stayman. I really wanted a major suit lead, and sure enough they led my 6 card suit.

 

I've done it exactly once in my life, and I doubt I'll do it again any time soon.

 

So I give it the thumbs up as some sort of tactical bid. I give it the thumbs down to something you do routinely. And why would you want to bid 1NT with xx in ♠?

[TimG]

There is an interesting tidbit about violating range agreements at the end of this article.

[ochinko]

And why would you want to bid 1NT with xx in ♠?

You could have ♠xx even with 17 pts and 4432 distribution, so that's nothing out of the ordinary.

 

Bidding 1NT instead of 1♥ has some preemptive effect, and makes it less likely for opps to compete in ♠.

[jjbrr]

And why would you want to bid 1NT with xx in ♠?

You could have ♠xx even with 17 pts and 4432 distribution, so that's nothing out of the ordinary.

 

Bidding 1NT instead of 1♥ has some preemptive effect, and makes it less likely for opps to compete in ♠.

Yes, I understand xx is fine in NT sometimes, but when you have such a clear alternative, there's no reason to be a genius. It's just risky. If the auction goes 1NT P 3NT and lefty gets a spade lead on the table before everyone finishes picking up their bids, you will feel sick.

[Apollo81]

It's silly to do this with xx in the other major. Less silly with a strong 3-card holding.

[ArtK78]

I have seen some players open 1NT with strong 6 card majors and they have some good results. These players tend to have a strong matchpoint bias.

 

Personally, I would not do it, but that could be because I am more of an IMP player.

[jdonn]

It's a very high variance strategy that to me is clearly minus expected value, but does get some fantastic results. I do it against GIB a fair amount (then deny a major in response to stayman) and he defends really badly.

[Jlall]

It's fine to do it sometimes with a 6 card major, but the hand you gave is not the time to do it. You will frequently belong in the major suit when you have that hand.