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This hand should be opened 1♠ . No matter your hand evaluation methods HCP+extra length, Losing trick count , rule of 20, this hand qualifies. Hand evaluation techniques vary widely. What is important is first, that you have one that you are committed to, second that your partner understands (understanding is not necessarily agreement), and that can inform you in a timely manner.
I will open one of a major with a 5+ card suit and 11 HCP 90%+ of the time. Only when they contain mostly Quacks (Queens and Jacks) will I choose to pass.
AQxxx Qx Kxx xxx yes , KJxxx Qx QJx Qxx no. I suggest picking a standard evaluation tool, and massage it around the edges to suit yourself
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2♣ Strong artificial
2♦ Waiting
2♥ Natural ( 6 card suit, or good 5 unbalanced hand).
3♣ second negative , but forcing to 3 of major
3♠ natural
3NT to play ( since the “double negative” is forcing responder may use it , intending to clarify that it is natural by inviting slam later. In this case it is unclear.)
3NT when responder bids again after the second negative, it often means that bid (3♣ ) was in fact natural. In this auction, it is unclear. |
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To balance or not to balance! That is the question?
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All my values in short suits, opponents suit, argues to let it go. On the other hand I have 10 points, 4♠ NV at matchpoints, so I double. E passes and S must bid with poor choices.
I prefer 1♠ (yes, with 3) in this situation. If this gets passed out it will not end well for NS. But there’s hope that W will chime in with 2♥ . |
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There is no logical way to get to 6♥ on this hand. E choices are a reasonable 3NT and a speculative 4♣ , which might possibly lead to 6♣. 3NT is an overwhelming choice.
This is a good reminder that bidding strategies should only be expected to deliver better than average results over time. Never should they be expected to optimize every hand. |
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