What to open

[Hanoi5]

All red, team match, After two passes what would you open with:

 

♠Jx

♥AKTx

♦AQ6xx

♣xx

 

1♣ is 16+, 1♦ at least two cards 11-15, 1NT: 13-15.

[jmcw]

Close btw 1♦ and 1NT.

If I call 1♦, I can reverse into 2♥ over the expected 1♠.

With my values concentrated in the reds that would be my preferred start, the ♦6 made me do it :)

[rbforster]

I like my precision reverses to be 5=6 hands rather than just maximum values, but if your agreements permit I prefer 1♦...2♥ to opening 1N or 1♦...2♦.

 

I will point out that if you're more conservative and willing to pass your 11-12 balanced hands so 13-15 NT is your only balanced opener, you can play a nice swap with the "extra" 1N rebid:

 

1♦-1M-1N shows a 2♦ rebid (just diamonds), effectively forcing

1♦-1♠-2♦ shows 4♥ & 5+ ♦, non forcing

[Mbodell]

I'd open 1nt. When in doubt, I like bidding nt. And in third I think it preempts the easy RHO 1♠ call and puts partner into an easy nt auction.

[the hog]

Is it in the range? Yes

Is it a semi bal/balanced hand? Yes

Does this qualify for a 1NT opening? Yes

wtp?

[Free]

The 2 weak doubletons aren't great for opening 1NT. But I'd probably do it anyway. Either I open 1♦ and rebid 2♦ (1NT shows a much weaker hand), or I open 1NT and bid relax.

[olien]

1♥ obvio. But since that isn't an option, I would open 1NT. Vote up with Rob's post; another possibility is that one can also play 1NT as 12-15 if you don't mind having the extra point. This may make constructive bidding after 1NT a little more difficult, but the trade-off is big. It increases the frequency of your 1NT opening which will allow you to put more pressure on the opponents. 1♦ can now deny possession of a balanced hand which will help competitive bidding and the "transfer" re-bids by opener can be used to handle hands like these where one can open 1♦ and re-bid 2♦ to show 5+♦ and 4♥ just as Rob suggested. Just have to pass balanced 11 counts instead of opening them.

[rbforster]

1♥ obvio. But since that isn't an option, I would open 1NT. Vote up with Rob's post; another possibility is that one can also play 1NT as 12-15 if you don't mind having the extra point. This may make constructive bidding after 1NT a little more difficult, but the trade-off is big. It increases the frequency of your 1NT opening which will allow you to put more pressure on the opponents. 1♦ can now deny possession of a balanced hand which will help competitive bidding and the "transfer" re-bids by opener can be used to handle hands like these where one can open 1♦ and re-bid 2♦ to show 5+♦ and 4♥ just as Rob suggested. Just have to pass balanced 11 counts instead of opening them.

This is exactly what we play when Vul - 12(+) to 15 NT and 1♦ 4+. Works great. At white, we still play 2+ 1♦ so we can open a 10-12 NT.

[akhare]

1N -- gets the point range and general shape across and denies them the cheap 1♠...

[chasetb]

My first option, like Owen, is 1♥. I play 1M could only be in 3rd/4th seat, and that suit is awesome. With the opponents likely to be bidding Spades, it's easier to find a fit; partner shouldn't bury us as a passed hand. 2nd option is 1NT, we can run to Diamonds if they try doubling for penalty.

[Free]

Didn't notice it was 3rd seat, in that case I definitely prefer 1♥.

[whereagles]

If it's in 3rd, I think a "preemptive" 1NT is the best bid :)