[manudude03]

I would open 2C. I hope partner isn't the kind to compete with random hands with a doubleton club. I really want a club lead if they land in game, it is a suit partner can compete in "effectively" (especially if you don't play a roman/precision 2D) and if we do have game on, 2C will likely make it easier to judge than 1NT. I generally hate opening 1D when there are other options, I find it's completely exposed if you get competition.

[straube]

the knr is 12.75 and DK is 12+. Scattered honors are the culprit. I think 1N is a big overbid.

I don't like 2C though it has chances of winning. It might get the right lead and might preempt them into the wrong spot. I don't like it because you have a very balanced hand and only mild preference for clubs; you are probably hoping that the opponents buy the contract and that you don't have to play clubs. I think you're better off if your partner knows whether 2C is a constructive bid (game interest or wanting to play a club part score) or destructive bid (weak two).

Have you considered raising your NT range by a point in 3rd and 4th seat? That might make you feel like you are accomplishing more when you open 1D and rebid 1N with this hand...showing a full opening hand.

Anyway, my vote is for 1D.

[dake50]

If you don't like opening a nebulous diamond
when you have clubs then stop playing precision.

** Exactly, every precision player knows his systemic
** weakness (bid that loses MP/IMP) is the nebulous 1D.
** Let's choose that nebulous 1D when a stops balanced hand presents.
** Eagerly enter into the bid that loses!

[sassan]

2♣ is not an option for me. If partner has some points, you have misguided and pre-empted your side. If partner is weak with no clubs, you will settle for -500. If partner has long clubs with weak hand, you still have a chance to find the fit even if you open 1♦.

1NT has some merits, but with dubious values of ♠Kx ♥Jxx ♦Qxx, it is not going to work more often than it does. This hand looks like 13 HCP, but hardly has 10 working points. If opposing side has a game somewhere, it means our 1NTX will go down 3 for -500. If they don't have a game, why bother; let them bid it

1♦ seems to be the only choice for me, the system bid and does not pre-empt our side. If they have a game they will bid it and make it, whatever we chose to open. Not to pre-empt opponents with a balanced defensive hand is the correct tactical bid here.

[chasetb]

You're missing a Q♣ or J♣ to even considering opening that hand 2♣ imo. If you are opening this hand, systemically it has to be 1♦; playing Precision I expect my partner to be able to hit my Club suit more often than the average player over the nebulous 1♦. An interesting bid (and the one I chose in the poll but might not at the table) is PASS!

[whereagles]

I would open a 14-16 1NT and I think it's so normal I find it strange Justin dislikes the bid. Balanced 3 hcp + good 5-card suit = upgrade to 14. Textbook stuff, wtp?

I'm ok with 1♦ or 2♣ as well, but 1NT seems to be the most descriptive bid. And it's preemptive as well.

[the hog]

"An interesting bid (and the one I chose in the poll but might not at the table) is PASS!"

I am curious as why you think this is "interesting". You lie to partner, do nothing to pre empt the opps and basically roll over and die.

[chasetb]

the hog, on 2011-June-26, 15:14, said:

"An interesting bid (and the one I chose in the poll but might not at the table) is PASS!"

I am curious as why you think this is "interesting". You lie to partner, do nothing to pre empt the opps and basically roll over and die.

It's interesting because I am the only one who said it (possibly for good reason). I prefer my 1NT to be constructive, especially because my two serious partnerships are pretty aggressive over 1NT openings. I also don't feel that 1NT is all that preemptive here, and I think you are just more likely to push good opponents into a game they won't bid otherwise. My partners suck at leading, so while 1♦ is systemic I don't want them to lead that suit. THAT seems like a lie to me, and with partner being a passed hand, we have no chance at game; we also probably will lose the part-score battle as well. Finally, if the opponents do bid a game, they won't expect an opening hand here, so have a chance of misplaying it. It's not like opening is going to Bidding here is just not a winning option imo.

[the hog]

Firstly a systemic bid is NOT a lie.

Secondly, would you have opened
Axx
AT9xx
x
xxxx
If not, then how can you say you have no chance for game?

Thirdly, bridge does not just consist of bidding games. Don't you want to get a part score?