[paulg]

Jlall, on Jun 15 2007, 07:06 AM, said:

Fine, you got me, a hand with 5 spades and a 6 card minor that I would open 1S.

I am known as a pretty conservative opener (by modern expert standards) but I think this one is ok.

Like Justin, Frances and many other posters this is the hand that would break the camel's back for me. I cannot remember the last time I opened a hand with the shorter suit although I know it is more popular with many if you have 4♦ and 5♣.

Partner held ♠Ax ♥Kxxx ♦10xx ♣Qxxx. Game is poor but you can make 4♠ easily enough when spades are 3-3 and diamonds 2-2, and even 3NT comes in as the clubs are 4-4 with AK onside!

Things will also work out for the passers. LHO has a balanced 17 count and will open either (i) a strong 1NT passed round to you or (ii) 1♥ and get a single raise.

Paul

[neilkaz]

To me this hand is way too strong for 2♠ and is a very clear opener with 6-5.

K&R hand evaluator has this worth 13.4 pts. I am opening all day long, and I see no need to preempt to 4♠ either !

1♠ all day long here and then I can rebid 2♦. I have a very strong 5 card ♠ suit and a very trashy 6 card ♦ suit. Suit quality does matter to me, and it matters a lot.

.. neilkaz ..