Hand 19 - 1NT vs 1 Major

This is chapter 19 in the story of my attempt to determine if it is better to open 1♠ or 1NT with 15 to 17 HCP and a five card ♠ suit.

The journey started with this post:
Later On

Here is the ninteenth hand I generated:

	North ♠JT8 ♥6 ♦Q87652 ♣Q84
West ♠74 ♥A954 ♦K4 ♣AJ732		East ♠A93 ♥J8732 ♦T9 ♣K65
	South ♠KQ652 ♥KQT ♦AJ3 ♣T9

Dealer is South and E/W are vulnerable.

Double Dummy:
2♠ can make by N/S
2♥ can make by E/W
2♦ can make by N/S
2♣ can make by E/W

Analysis

If South opens up 1NT I think West will "Pass" and North will find a way to show their ♦ suit. Probably a relay bid if they play those.

So N/S will end up in 3♦.

What happens if South opens 1♠?

North will raise to 2♠ and that will end the auction. South is too weak to make a game try with only 15 HCP.

How does ♠ do realistically?

Declarer should find 8 tricks pretty easily. They have five losers.

Playing in 3♦ you have the same five losers.

So I'm going to give 1♠ the win. It allows you to find your fit and play at a lower level.

To see the table where all the hands are listed click HERE!