North is the dealer. No one has bid yet. What is North’s opening call?
North
♠
A J 7 4 2
♥
K 7
♦
K Q J 3
♣
7 6
HCP: 14
Shape: 5-2-4-2
Balanced: no
Coaching mode
13-19 HCP and 5 card spade suit, Bid 1 spade
Planning
These are the opening bids. They follow close to the sayc standard.
13 - 19 … 1 club No 5c major, less than 4 diamonds.If 4 clubs and 4 diamonds, then bid 1 diamond.
13 - 19 … 1 diamond No 5c major, 4 or more diamonds
13 - 19 … 1 heart 5 or more hearts. If 16 - 19 points, could also have 5 spades.
13 - 19 … 1 spade 5 or more spades. could also have 5 hearts
15 - 17 … 1 NT Balanced distribition
22 - 24 … 2 clubs point count only, forcing to game
20 – 21 … 2 NT point count only
6 - 11 … 2 diamonds At least 6 cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
6 - 11 … 2 hearts At least 6 cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
6 - 11 … 2 spades At least 6 cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
5 - 9 … 3 clubs At least 7cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
5 - 9 … 3 diamonds At least 7cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
5 - 9 … 3 hearts At least 7cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
5 - 9 … 3 spades At least 7cards, and 2 of the top 3 honours, or 3 of top 5
With enough points for game, but no fit in the majores, 3nt is a good contract.