Range of one of a Major openings
A system I have developed over the last 10 years requires a hand with 10-14 points and 4 of a major and 5 or more of a minor to open one of the Major. I have been considering lowering this range to 8-12 points but current rules prohibit this. There must be a reason to prohibit this lower value of 8 points but I can't see why - any explanations? Alan.
Comments
Natural 1-of-suit openings on less than average hands are unfamiliar and intrinsically difficult to defend against. At all levels of the game there are restrictions/prohibitions on such opening bids. Internationally HUM systems are only allowed in some events and with sever restrictions on seating rights and advanced disclosure.
A line has to be drawn somewhere and the EBU has chosen 8 HCP as the lower limit in all positions, and additionally rule of 18 in first/second position. 8 HCP corresponds to WBF definitions of HUM. Rule of 18 is to allow some below-average hands with distribution/playing strength.
Thanks Robin although I'm not sure why a 1M opener on 8 points is difficult to defend against.
I think 8 points on something like A to 6 and KJ to 4 in a side suit still "looks" more or less like a one opener. It's where the lower limit is, so presumably isn't considered too difficult.
If we allow weaker hands I think those are the bids considered problematic, it's getting closer to being any 13 cards then. Of course, there's always hands around the boundary that seem like they should be allowed, all boundaries are slightly artificial that way.
6-4 and 8HCP is rule-of-18 is a permitted agreement for 1 suit.
I'm not sure - I was not 'in the room' when these limits were agreed. WIth as little as 8 HCP, the opponents could have slam on high-card strength and little distribution.