5xx5 any debate?

[Free]

Open the highest from two 5 card suits, no exceptions where you don't need any.

[Zelandakh]

Reading this topic always brings back memories for me. I learned bridge from Culbertson's books and he was typically extremely scathing of opening 1♠ with this hand pattern. Sometime in the 80s I managed to get hold of some "modern" books, dating from the late 60s and early 70s. All of these were British and all recommended opening 1♣ with 5-5 in the blacks. One of them did mention that there was a trend amongst American players to open the hands 1♠ and that, while this was illogical "it seems to work for them." Even now, I would suggest that the majority of British players still open 1♣ more often than 1♠ with this hand pattern.

 

For myself, when I play Acol I still open 1♣ sometimes, typically with hands where I am willing to introduce spades even if the bidding comes back at a high level. Playing another system I think I would be less inclined to open 1♣. So I do think that the "this is obvious" answers perhaps stem in some part from not considering alternative systems. I would definitely say that there is a clear difference between British and American thinking here, even when the British players do seem to have made a definite move in the American direction on this issue. That coincides with a move towards 5 card majors and it is quite possible that these two things are directly linked.

[Vampyr]

Even now, I would suggest that the majority of British players still open 1♣ more often than 1♠ with this hand pattern.

 

Where have you seen this? It is not the done thing in London, but as bluejak likes to remind me, London is not all of England.

[jdeegan]

:P No real debate in my world. Usually you open 1♠. The big and fairly frequent exception is a good playing hand w/o enuf HCP to warrent a high reverse. Examples:

 

AKxxx

x

Kx

J109xx

is a 1♠ opener - you are basically giving up on the anemic ♣ suit.

 

AK1087

x

xx

KJ109x

is a 1♣ opener. You don't mind a ♣ lead. Even vul you are safe to rebid ♠ up to the two level even opposite passing partner.

 

AKQxx

x

Ax

KJ10xx

is a 1♠ opener since with 17HCP you can rebid 3♣ as a high reverse.

[MickyB]

Where have you seen this? It is not the done thing in London, but as bluejak likes to remind me, London is not all of England.

 

I'm not sure I agree with "majority", but it's certainly not uncommon. While I wouldn't expect to see it at the YC, there are a lot of clubs with generally low-standard play in London as well, I'd be surprised if you frequented them but I've been surprised before!

[Zelandakh]

Where have you seen this? It is not the done thing in London, but as bluejak likes to remind me, London is not all of England.

I play regularly in the Acol Club on BBO. The standard there is distinctly lower than the major London clubs. Most play a rather traditional form of Acol.