DUPLICATE BRIDGE: Minor Suits Opening bids.

PLAYING FIVE CARD MAJORS:

When playing 5-card majors, it is understood by both partners that an opening bid of 1 heart contains 13 high card points and 5 hearts. The same is true when opening 
1 spade.



Playing 5-card majors, minor suits, diamonds and clubs are treated as follows:

Absent of a 5-card major suit and having the proper opening high card points (13) you are obligated to open your hand.

                        With 4 diamonds and 4 clubs;   always open a diamond.

                        With 3 diamonds and 3 clubs;  always open a club.

                        With 2 diamonds and 3 clubs;  always open a club.  (short club)

Remember:  When opening a diamond suit, you must always have 4 cards.

EXAMPLE ONE:

A Q 8 5                    Open this hand:     1 Club.
   A 10 9 5
   K 5  
  10 8 6

EXAMPLE TWO:


  A Q 8                       Open this hand:     1 Diamond.
  A 10
  J 10 5 4      
  K 8 6 2

EXAMPLE THREE:

 K 8 6 5                   Open this hand:   1 Club.
  A Q 10 2
     J 10 5         
     K 8
 
EXAMPLE FOUR:

  A Q 10 2                             Open this hand:   1 Club.
 J 10 5         

  K 8  5 

  Q 7 4

Note:   HCP  -  High Card Points.
           Opening Points  -  13