[Double !]

Walddk, on Aug 27 2007, 03:41 PM, said:

I only open in 3rd (1♦). Sub-minimum 1444's = pass for me. I open 10 and 11 counts frequently, but not balanced and hardly ever three-suiters with short spades.

Roland

Roland:
I wonder whether or not the fact that the stiff is in spades, causing rebid problems, is a major determining factor for you on the hand.

DHL

[han]

I think the right answers are:

No, if your system requires you to pass with all 11-point 1444 hands.
Yes, if your system allows you to open some 11-counts 1444 hands when they look particularly good.

This hand with A-AK and excellent spots is close to the best possible 1-4-4-4 11-count. So I would open it. I don't open all A-AK hands like Phil does.

Oh, and I really like to open 1D with this and I really prefer to rebid 1NT.

[mike777]

Well I think neither side has presented much if any detailed convincing argument why this should be an opening bid or not in first or second seat.
If opening or not opening puts you at some advantage fair enough but I would like see some facts or least a more laid out argument.
If opening or not opening this hand makes it better if we are trying to beat the hand, fair enough, why?
If opening or not opening this hand may limit overtricks at MP when we are on defense, fair enough, why?

If opening or not opening this hand type takes pressure off of partner or makes it easier for partner, fair enough, why?
Does opening or not opening this hand type put your partner at an advantage or disavantage in the bidding?, why>


If opening or not opening this hand type means we are more likely to win the partscore battle
or be able to stop short of game
or bid a game otherwise, fair enough, but why?

[Walddk]

Double !, on Aug 27 2007, 11:43 PM, said:

Walddk, on Aug 27 2007, 03:41 PM, said:

I only open in 3rd (1♦). Sub-minimum 1444's = pass for me. I open 10 and 11 counts frequently, but not balanced and hardly ever three-suiters with short spades.

Roland

Roland:
I wonder whether or not the fact that the stiff is in spades, causing rebid problems, is a major determining factor for you on the hand.

DHL

That's my point. I would likely open the hand with 4441, 4144 and 4414. I don't like my options with 1444 if, as expected, the auction starts 1♦ - 1♠.

- 1NT rebid in my book shows 12-14 and a balanced hand. I have neither.
- 2♣ rebid shows 5-4 in the minors.

I know that some play the latter as only at least 4-4. I don't unless I have full value for my opening.

Roland

[han]

For me the 1NT rebid shows 11-13 balanced. I have both.