Hand 10 - 1NT vs 1 of a Major (Hearts)

This is chapter 10 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 tenth hand I generated:

Hand 10

	North ♠54 ♥T764 ♦KJ73 ♣632
West ♠Q9763 ♥2 ♦QT42 ♣J87		East ♠AT2 ♥KJ953 ♦A9 ♣KQT
	South ♠KJ8 ♥AQ8 ♦865 ♣A954

Dealer is East and everyone is vulnerable.

Double Dummy:
3♠ can make by E/W
1NT can make by E/W
1♥ can make by E/W
1♦ can make by E/W

Analysis

If East opens up 1♥ I think West will either "Pass" or bid 1♠. South has values but no bid!

If West passes that is where they will play.

If West bids 1♠ I forced East to bid 2NT to show their full 17 count. This does not work well. There is probably no way for West to bail out below game and game does not make.

What happens if East opens 1NT?

West will transfer to ♠ and "Pass". The partnership is safe and happy.

So I am going to give 1NT the win here. You have a better chance of getting to the right spot (♠) and staying LOW in the bidding.

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