Monday, April 12, 2021

Hand 25 - 1NT vs 1 Major

This is chapter 25 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 twenty-fifth hand I generated:

North
♠AJ654
AJ9
A3
♣K85
West

T754
KQ75
♣QJT93
East
♠KQT87
82
J86
♣A64
South
♠932
KQ63
T942
♣72

Dealer is North and E/W are vulnerable.

Double Dummy:
1♠ can make by N/S
1NT can make by E/W
2♣ can make by E/W
1 can make by W
1 can make by E/W


Analysis

If North opens up 1NT I think that will probably end the auction. West might be able to say something if they can show a two suited hand but their hand is not great and someone is rated to have the ♠ -- probably Partner! Plus if East happens to come in with 2♠ they are in trouble!

What happens if North opens 1♠?

Will South raise to 2♠? They just might. If they do, North will invite a game but the partnership is already too high with the 2♠ bid.

So I think this one the opening bid of 1NT wins. It allows for the fact that East (or West) might come into the bidding and the Opponents will get too high OR it stops the N/S partnership from getting too high in their ♠ fit.

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

Friday, April 2, 2021

Hand 24 - 1NT vs 1 Major

This is chapter 24 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 twenty-fourth hand I generated:

North
♠KT
AK8
653
♣Q9875
West
♠AQJ83
Q4
K92
♣K62
East
♠954
JT52
QJ8
♣T43
South
♠762
9763
AT74
♣AJ

Dealer is West and everyone vulnerable.

Double Dummy:
1NT can make by N/S
2 can make by N/S
2♣ can make by N/S
1 can make by N/S
1♠ can make by E/W


Analysis

If West opens up 1NT I think this is where they will play.

What happens if West opens 1♠?

I also think this is where they will play! No one really has a bid after. North just might risk a 2♣ overcall but it is such a bad suit they really shouldn't.

1NT can make -- but by N/S!!! If East plays in 1NT they will certainly go down on a fourth best ♣ lead.

1♠ does (just barely!) make. So I am giving 1♠ the win.

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