[blackshoe]

I would classify 12-15- as minimum,
15+-18 as medium,
19-21 as maximum

for a 1 level opener. I would prefer to play a system that limits the 1 level opening though - this range is way to wide, IMO.

The trend to emasculate the formerly game forcing 2♣ opening in Standard systems is a bad idea IMO. That bid is already way too "busy".

Not to mention that most people's opening NT ladder is, well, pretty ricketty.

That's why I like Romex - four forcing opening bids, and 1 of a suit is limited to about 18 HCP.

[mike777]

What do these numbers mean? Points?
What points? I assume you are not talking about 4321 count?

How is 21 hcp an automatic 2club opener for example?

[whereagles]

mike777, on Nov 10 2006, 11:18 PM, said:

What do these numbers mean?  Points?
What points? I assume you are not talking about 4321 count?

How is 21 hcp an  automatic 2club opener for example?

If you're talking to me, I'm referring to hcp, yes. Obviously, my min/med/max ladder isn't rigid but judgement-dependent.

As for an automatic 2♣ on any 21+ hands, that's the idea, yes. Or close to it, at least. 2♣ would show one of the following:

1. One-suited, 18+ (a strong two or better hand, so that you don't need to make clumsy jump-shifts with strong 6-3s)
2. Two or three-suited, 21+
3. Balanced 23+ (20-22 opens 2NT of course)

The idea is to narrow the range for a 1x bid and set a celling, taking into account the fact that 21+ hands are just too rare. However, this is just part of a much broader strategy.

[Wackojack]

Acol has an advantage here over 2/1 or SA whether Benji or standard with 2 strong opening bids. (GF and 8+playing tricks). The 1x-3x can be weaker than SA or 2/1. Rule of thumb 6.5-7.5 playing tricks provided it is over pre-empt strength.

[brianshark]

As far as I know, for a reverse you need the equivalent of 16.5 points or more (not just a mimimum medium hand... if you get me).

I'm sure 3♦ would explicitly deny the ability to reverse, thus denying 4♥s or 4♠s. So, as was said, a distortion as well as an overbid. Plus, your ♦ suit is crap.