[gwnn]

Axxx
JT9
x
AJ8xx

all vulnerable, normal openers, 4th seat, imps.

[rogerclee]

I would open, but this is pretty close to a pass for me.

I think that if I open, this will likely be a part score battle, and we will usually get the better of it. I think there are also more hands where we will make 4♠ than hands where they will make 4♥.

[fromageGB]

The classic rule of 14 (points plus spade length) says you should open. I'd be delighted to open on this, you have a perfect hand and can take any bid from partner.

[han]

fromageGB, on Jun 24 2008, 04:48 AM, said:

The classic rule of 14 (points plus spade length) says you should open.

Classic rule of 14?

If Csaba was reading this thread he would point out that such a question depends on partner's opening style and also on the opponents. I like the hand and would likely open.

[bill1157]

A weak 2 clubs would be ideal here!

Bill

[655321]

Open.

[han]

bill1157, on Jun 24 2008, 04:58 AM, said:

A weak 2 clubs would be ideal here!

Bill

Yeah.

Wait, no it wouldn't, we've got 4 spades!

[gwnn]

han, on Jun 24 2008, 11:55 AM, said:

fromageGB, on Jun 24 2008, 04:48 AM, said:

The classic rule of 14 (points plus spade length) says you should open.

Classic rule of 14?

If Csaba was reading this thread he would point out that such a question depends on partner's opening style and also on the opponents. I like the hand and would likely open.

except csaba has already pointed out that openers are normal?

[hotShot]

This is 10 HCP and partners share of 30HCP/3 is about the same.
Assuming that partner or opps would have preempted with a long suit or opened a reasonable 2-suiter with 10-11 HCP everybody else seems to be balanced or semibalanced.
I can win or lose up to 3 IMPs by bidding, missing game is unlikely.

I would pass unless I need to generate a swing (one way or the other).

[kenrexford]

han, on Jun 24 2008, 05:01 AM, said:

bill1157, on Jun 24 2008, 04:58 AM, said:

A weak 2 clubs would be ideal here!

Bill

Yeah.

Wait, no it wouldn't, we've got 4 spades!

This is a classic hand for an intermediate 2♣ opening, showing 4315 pattern and 14 FromageGB points, though.

[jtfanclub]

Meh. Throw it in.

I'm not real impressed by Axxx as a trump suit. My partner knows how to evaluate hands. I'm betting we get this mighty hand in 2♠ with Axxx across Qxx, and we end up going down 1.

[fromageGB]

jtfanclub, on Jun 24 2008, 08:20 AM, said:

2♠ with Axxx across Qxx, and we end up going down 1.

Impossible with any normal bidding. 1♠ maybe.
Sure, partner knows how to evaluate hands, but how is he going to evaluate your 8 card major fit when you pass?

kenrexford said:

2♣ = 4315 and 14 fromage points.

Brilliant system you have Ken !
Fromage points notwithstanding, I wouldn't argue with pass at IMPS. But a definite 1♣ at matchpoints.

[jtfanclub]

fromageGB, on Jun 24 2008, 08:47 AM, said:

Impossible with any normal bidding. 1♠ maybe.
Sure, partner knows how to evaluate hands, but how is he going to evaluate your 8 card major fit when you pass?

Oh, something like....

1♣-P-1♦-P
1♠-P-P-X
-P--2♥

Where your partner has several unpalatable choices.

If you have an 8 card spade fit, they'll probably bid 3 of a red and then you'll have to decide whether to go on or not. This hand looks 50-50 to me, and the spade suit isn't good enough for suit dominance.

I suppose it doesn't matter in a long team match, but in a pairs game or Swiss or suchlike, I can use the break to refocus and improve on later hands.

[han]

gwnn, on Jun 24 2008, 05:35 AM, said:

han, on Jun 24 2008, 11:55 AM, said:

fromageGB, on Jun 24 2008, 04:48 AM, said:

The classic rule of 14 (points plus spade length) says you should open.

Classic rule of 14?

If Csaba was reading this thread he would point out that such a question depends on partner's opening style and also on the opponents. I like the hand and would likely open.

except csaba has already pointed out that openers are normal?

Stop making me look like a fool please.

[Sambolino]

i'd open with delight

[neilkaz]

10 HCP, 2 aces, 4♠, maybe useful JT9 in ♥ and decent distribution makes me suspect that we are at least slight favorites on this hand so I will open 1♣

[matmat]

han, on Jun 24 2008, 09:36 AM, said:

Stop making me look like a fool please.

you don't need any help with that, H.

[NickRW]

10hcp, 4 controls, 5431 shape and no problem with your rebid in any normal system over the likely 1 red response = I'd open this any seat, never mind fourth.

Nick

[kenrexford]

han, on Jun 24 2008, 09:36 AM, said:

gwnn, on Jun 24 2008, 05:35 AM, said:

han, on Jun 24 2008, 11:55 AM, said:

fromageGB, on Jun 24 2008, 04:48 AM, said:

The classic rule of 14 (points plus spade length) says you should open.

Classic rule of 14?

If Csaba was reading this thread he would point out that such a question depends on partner's opening style and also on the opponents. I like the hand and would likely open.

except csaba has already pointed out that openers are normal?

Stop making me look like a fool please.

Yeah, han does that well enough on his own, dammit! LOLOLOL