[mich-b]

Winstonm, on Aug 22 2009, 10:17 AM, said:

Perhaps the best solution is to analyze the problem for yourself?  What would you bid in this sequence holding this: Kxxxx, AQ, Kxx, KJx

1S-1N
?

Open 1NT.
And if for some reason you didn't, rebid 2♣.

[maggieb]

Winstonm, on Aug 22 2009, 10:17 AM, said:

Perhaps the best solution is to analyze the problem for yourself?  What would you bid in this sequence holding this: Kxxxx, AQ, Kxx, KJx

1S-1N
?

It is simple to realize that if you assign an 18-19 range to the 2N bid you do not have a rebid available for the posted hand.

I had such high hopes for this post after the first sentence.

[Quantumcat]

It should be fairly obvious by now that when you don't open 1NT holding a five card major, you totally screw yourself for the rest of the auction. I don't know why people do it! You can still find the five card major sometimes, even without playing any fancy methods. After 1NT 2C 2S 2NT, if you have a maximum, you can bid 3S. And after 1NT 2D 2H 2NT, with a maximum and 2 hearts and 5 spades, you can bid 3S.

[karlson]

Wow, surprised by all the controversy. Thought 18-19 was pretty standard, at least in the US.

[Quantumcat]

Yes, it is standard. People are only having a problem because they think having a five card major makes them unbalanced, but then later in the auction, they realise they are balanced and have no bid - tisk tisk tisk!