Opening 2NT

If EW allow a singleton Ace in their 2NT opening then their’s is an easy choice.

East then has a decision to make.

At pairs I might risk 3NT, but at teams the prospect of partner holding either Ace singleton of clubs, or an opponent holding something like Axx and ducking once or twice is just too real.

My choice at teams is 5♣.

Opening one of a suit

West cannot count the 8 playing tricks usually required for a strong single-suited opening and so 1♦ is the only alternative.

East will choose either 1NT or 2♣ depending on partnership style, and it is then difficult to imagine West doing anything other than rebid 3NT despite the singleton Ace.

East then has the same choice as above.

Post-beginner and above

What happens?

Quite simply East makes eleven tricks in clubs, but West will be held to eight tricks in no trumps.

In the match we started with 2NT and took the club option whereas our opponents at the other table started with 1♦ and came to rest in 3NT making only seven.  A much needed swing of 11 imps.