Both vul, IMPs at IMPs scoring you hold as south: ♠A ♥K93 ♦AK106 ♣AK1063

What do you open?

NOTE:Just to let you know my new book, The Right Bid at the Right Time is has been released and is available for purchase.

Here is a hand from a recent match between two tops teams in the Canadian Online Teams Championship. Sitting South was a so-called expert. He decided to open 2NT.

Yes, this is close to the right point count. Yes, this simplifies the auction. Yes, this is one of the worse bids I have seen from a high caliber player.

Yes, that is unfortunately true. Time and time again I see players showing notrump shape with singletons. (Haven’t seen it with a void yet!) This is lazy bidding. First your auction is easier, but inaccurate. Natural bidding will be beat notrump auctions 9 times out of 10. Another reason players do this is that they can all but guarantee they will be declarer. What that has to do with Partnership Bridge, I am not sure.

The best bid is 1♣. One bids are up to 21 HCPs. That is what you have. Having said that the only reason I open 1♣ is that your suits are the minors, which are notorious difficult to describe when you have to start at the two level. Better to open 1♣ and make a one round force with 2♦. You can still force to game.

This hand is VERY good. Much better than your high card will indicate. Much better than a 2NT opener. Give partner ♠xxxx ♥Qx ♦Qxxxx ♣xx and 6♣ is an excellent contract.

Back to what happened at the table? South got his just desserts in my view. The full deal:

North transferred into 4♠, down one when declarer’s play matched his bidding.

Questions or comments may be sent to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank you for playing at one of Unit 181's tournaments or special event.  Hope to see you again at our next event.

Losing a loved one is difficult.  Know that your bridge friends' thoughts and prayers are with you.  Click on the Loved Ones title to view all previously published obituaries.