Bidding Guide 2Z23 Main

Opening Bids

by Richard Pavlicek

How to open the bidding
(also see Weak Two-Bids and Preemptive Bids)

Choosing Your Opening Bid

With a balanced hand

13-15 HCP	open 1 of a suit	N
16-18 HCP	open 1 NT	N
19-20 HCP	open 1 of a suit	N
21-22 HCP	open 2 NT	N
23-24 HCP	open 2	F
25-26 HCP	open 3 NT	N
27+ HCP	open 2	F

With any hand

13-22 points	open 1 of a suit	N
23+ points	open 2	F

Experienced players often lower these ranges to 12-14, 15-17, 18-19 and 20-22, respectively. The point-count requirement for responses, however, does not change — the bottom line is that you sometimes get to a more aggressive contract; hence you need to play the cards well.

With less than 14 total points you should have at least 2 quick tricks (AK = 2, AQ = 1.5, A = 1, KQ = 1, K = 0.5).

In third or fourth seat you may open with 11 or more points (no quick-trick requirement). When opening light in third seat it is desirable to have a good suit; in fourth seat it is desirable to have length in the major suits, especially spades.

Which Suit To Bid

When opening with one of a suit, if you have

a 5+ card suit	bid your longest suit
5-5 or 6-6 shape	bid higher suit
no 5+ card suit	bid longer minor
4-4 in the minors	bid 1
3-3 in the minors	bid stronger minor

Bidding Guide 2Z23 Main Top Opening Bids