[shyams]

Say that we play a 15-17 1NT (we are quite rigid about not violating this range).

We however include hand shapes outside of the usual in our 1NT. Holding 15-17 ...
a. We routinely open 1NT with 5Major-3-3-2 (in addition to the 5minor-3-3-2 that everyone opens 1NT)
b. We often open 1NT (opener's discretion) with 5Major-4minor-2-2 or 5minor-4-2-2.
c. We prefer not to --- but have occasionally chosen to --- open 1NT with 5Major-4Major-2-2.
d. In rare cases, we have opened 1NT with 6minor-3-2-2. (Not systemic)
e. We NEVER open 1NT with a singleton, even a singleton honour card.
Please assume that we carry properly filled and annotated convention cards.

In the EBU, can I announce partner's 1NT as "15-17, can be off shape"? Or should I alert?
If I alert and they ask, what is the most compact explanation? Also, am I right to assume that (e) in the list need not be disclosed unless specifically queried?

As an aside, how does ACBL expect a person to alert/announce the above?

[blackshoe]

It's late and I'd have to look up the EBU's rules, so I'll pass on those. In the ACBL the announcement is "15-17". Shape details would be disclosed on the system card and in response to a question.

[mw64ahw]

EBU wise I think it's always announced if (semi)balanced with an extended announcement if there could be a singleton.

[TMorris]

Given all the 14s that are announced as 15-17 I think you saying more than that is not needed.

[pescetom]

No idea of the EBU announcement rules, but as an opponent I would be happy with just "15-17", so long as I can read the rest on your card.
I strongly dislike the idea of people announcing this kind of detail, it is usually overkill and is at risk of being more for the benefit of partner than of opponents.

FIGB policy is to just announce the range except in case of "anomalous" distributions which require an alert. The regulations specify which distributions are allowed by agreement, but not which of these are anomalous. This is problematic, particularly as including 5 card major is still viewed with suspicion by the majority of players. My own choice is to alert when we play a truly unusual set of distributions but take no action if only 5 card major: it's on the card and the agreement will become apparent once we Stayman anyway.

[shyams]

pescetom, on 2026-November-12, 05:27, said:

No idea of the EBU announcement rules, but as an opponent I would be happy with just "15-17", so long as I can read the rest on your card.
I strongly dislike the idea of people announcing this kind of detail, it is usually overkill and is at risk of being more for the benefit of partner than of opponents.

FIGB policy is to just announce the range except in case of "anomalous" distributions which require an alert. The regulations specify which distributions are allowed by agreement, but not which of these are anomalous. This is problematic, particularly as including 5 card major is still viewed with suspicion by the majority of players. My own choice is to alert when we play a truly unusual set of distributions but take no action if only 5 card major: it's on the card and the agreement will become apparent once we Stayman anyway.

I am certain that EBU Announcement regulations allow "15-17, may contain a singleton" for people who systemically or habitually open such hands. Such a reg has existed for many years now.

I guess the essence of my query is seeking clarity on whether 5422 shapes need a mention in an announcement.

[helene_t]

I wonder if the term "semibalanced" is sufficiently widely understood to be used for alerting purposes. Maybe "could contain two doubletons" is better.

[jillybean]

ACBL is easy, 15-17 NT players don't announce their NT range.

[mw64ahw]

shyams, on 2026-November-12, 06:46, said:

I am certain that EBU Announcement regulations allow "15-17, may contain a singleton" for people who systemically or habitually open such hands. Such a reg has existed for many years now.

I guess the essence of my query is seeking clarity on whether 5422 shapes need a mention in an announcement.

The EBU in its blue book glossary has two classifications only, for regulatory purposes, balanced and unbalanced. Hence no further announcement required for 5422 hands. There may an exception for 7222 hands as these are omitted from balanced.

[pescetom]

 jillybean, on 2026-November-12, 07:16, said:

ACBL is easy, 15-17 NT players don't announce their NT range.

So silence means 14-16+

[pescetom]

 helene_t, on 2026-November-12, 07:06, said:

I wonder if the term "semibalanced" is sufficiently widely understood to be used for alerting purposes. Maybe "could contain two doubletons" is better.

I was taught to consider 5332 semibalanced, although I realise that shape has been officially promoted to balanced these days (and 5422 seems already half way there, at least for EBU).

[With our beginners I use "Balanced" for the set 4333 4432 5332, "Fully balanced" for 4333 4432 and "Perfectly balanced" for 4333. Not sure if there is a standard alternative]

[steve2005]

Is Just bridge.
It is common for good player to open 15-17 with 6 card minor 1NT, especially if the suit isn't good enough to jump in.
5332 is balanced. There is even a box to check if you commonly open 1NT with a 5-card major. 5422 are by definition semi-balanced so no need to alert. If they ask go ahead. There is even a box to check if you commonly open 1NT with a 5-card major.
The only weird one is 54 in a major. I suppose you could find hands that are 4=5=2=2 where you are not playing Flannery
but 5=4=2=2 would be pretty weird to open 1NT when you have an easy 2♥ rebid.

At least as far as ACBL concerned.

[barmar]

jillybean, on 2026-November-12, 07:16, said:

ACBL is easy, 15-17 NT players don't announce their NT range.

If you mean that many of them fail to announce this, you may be right.

But if you mean they're not required to, this is a common but false rumor. ACBL requires all 1NT ranges to be announced.

Individual clubs can have their own alert/accouncement rules, so some may relax this (e.g. ACBL tourneys on BBO don't require announcing 15-17), but tournaments and most clubs follow the ACBL Alert Procedures.