Introduction

In Standard American System, we open 5 card major in order to find a 5-3 or better fit as early as possible and for stronger hand to become declarer. 38% of 1 level suit openings are major opening while the other 62% are minor opening. So minor suits happens a lot more than major opening while objective is still the same; to find a major fit as preference and if possible stronger hand to be declarer.

 

Those of us who open with 13 points, open 20% of the time while if we open with 11 points, we open 30% of the time which is 50% more!

 

In modern bridge it is crucial to get into bidding as quickly as possible. Time to open with 13+ points is long past.

 

In this convention we open all minor openings as 1C (some prefer to open with at least 2 Clubs) with 11+ points (note hand may have 4 or more Diamonds) with transfer responses as core of this system.

 

Strong 1NT openings happens around 5% of the time. We also incorporate strong 1NT opening in the 1C opening.  This will allow 1NT opening to be used for a pre-emptive Mini NT of 8-10 points (in first or second seats only) with Any Vulnerability and yes it is not for faint hearted.

 

So altogether we open around 75% of the time!!

 

You can start with 1C opening which can be used with any system and later when you mastered it, consider the Mini NT.