[eagles123]

first seat matchpoints w/w

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I did open 1D with this, but really had a lot of reservations, QJ and QT doubletons, the possibility of having to rebid the diamonds if p bids 1♠... it seems to be pretty much the worst possible 13 count u can get?!

so is this an obvious opening hand or should it be passing?

Thanks,

Eagles

[ArtK78]

It is an obvious opening.

I have seen people pass 13 counts (and, yes, this is a wretched 13 count), but only once or twice.

[Cyberyeti]

If you want to put partner off, and can't swallow rebidding 2♦ over a black suit, open a weak notrump if you're playing one.

[PhilKing]

.

[PhilKing]

1. Love all is the "bidder's vulnerability" at matchpoints. For instance, if you go one down in 1NT, opponents can probably make 1NT (-50 versus -90), and most of the time you will not be doubled, so you shouldn't be looking to pass these hands. You could make a case for pass at game all, since that is the wrong vulnerability to win the race to 1NT (-100 versus -90). However, 13 points is just a bit too eccentric, but it's good that you recognised this one is closer to 11.

2. If you play a weak NT (which I assumed you did), then opening one with some 5422 shapes can be best. Specifically, when you have four hearts and a five card minor, or 45m, it saves you the dreaded five-card rebid. If you have four spades, there is no rebid problem, so the minor should generally be preferred.

[mike777]

fwiw I don't see anything wrong with passing with a minimum hand and a 5 card weak minor suit. Of course the partnership needs to agree to this. I think much much more important is to focus on learning play of the hand rather than to pass or open this hand type.

I open but then I would open with less...

[wank]

i downgrade the occasional 12 count, but 13 is going too far (note you also have a decent number of intermediates here).

you're right about the rebid problem if you open 1♦ - so all good players would treat this hand as balanced. you play a weak nt, right? just open 1NT then and all your rebid problems are solved. playing in NTs gives full value to your soft honours too - doubleton queen in NTs isn't such a bad holding at all, especially when you're declarer, because it's protected on the opening lead.

this theory applies in varying degrees to all 5422 5C4H, 5D4M and 5C4D combinations as you get similar rebid problems.

[eagles123]

can see why 1NT opener would be better, thanks guys!

[helene_t]

It's not a very bad 13. You do have good shape, one ten and two nines.

I agree with opening this hand 1NT. With a hand like
xx
QJxx
KQJxx
Ax

yoo can open 1♦ as the hand is suit-oriented, NT probably plays better in partner's hand, and you are not ashamed of rebidding your diamonds. But normally this shape should be opened 1NT.

[gwnn]

I once passed a 13-count but I felt dirty inside for days. Don't let this happen to you!

[ArtK78]

helene_t, on 2013-July-26, 04:41, said:

It's not a very bad 13. You do have good shape, one ten and two nines.

I am sorry, Helene. It really is a very bad 13.

I am sure you can make it worse, but this one is really pretty bad.

[billw55]

For what it's worth, KNR rates this hand 11.35

[eagles123]

whats is KNR please?

[gwnn]

http://www.jeff-gold...cgi-bin/knr.cgi

[Free]

Obvious opener for me.