Opening with 1C is a bid of convenience. When partner opens 1C, there are a number of things you can initially deduce from the bid. First of all, partner has at least 13 points, does not have a five-card major, and has at least three clubs. This initial impression will be altered and shaped by any subsequent bids partner may make. But the important thing is partner has started the communication with the opening bid and is waiting to hear from you. As you look at your hand, keep in mind your goal is to communicate the shape and strength (or weakness) of your hand to your partner. The first goal of bidding is find a fit, especially a major fit. Let's look at a few hands and the bids that can best described that hand to your partner.
Partner has opened 1C and you hold
Jxx ~~~ KQx ~~~ Kxx ~~~ xxxx
Your hand contains 9 points, and at first glance, you notice you have no-trump distribution. So, how do you tell partner you have 9 points and no trump distribution? You bid 1NT. A 1NT bid over a minor opening specifically says, "Partner, I have 6 to 9 high card points and no-trump distribution. And by the way, I don't have a four card major." Right away, partner can get a feel for your hand with that one bid. Since you don't have a four-card major, the most you can have in the major suits is six cards. That leaves a remaining 7 cards to be found in your minor suits. Taking this information, partner can reevaluate his hand, and make a determination as to what his next bid will be.
Let's look at the same hand, except for a tiny change. Move one of those insignificant clubs over to the diamonds. The hand still contains 9 points but a little different distribution. Let's see how it affects your bid.
Jxx ~~~ KQx ~~~ Kxxx ~~~ xxx
This hand contains the same 9 points but notice the distributioin. There are 4 diamonds in this hand, and still no four-card major. Your first instinct might be to bid 1NT, showing partner your balanced hand and denying a four-card major, but the diamond suit is worth mentioning to partner (and in Standard American it is required that you bid any four-card suit above partner's opening bid unless you have a partnership agreement to always bypass a four-card suit; in which case, the bypassing of a four-card suit must be alerted <---uh oh!! We will discuss alerts later, unless you just can't stand it and want to look now Alerts HeeHee).
OK. We've looked at responding hands containing no four-card majors. Let's see how we deal with those majors!
Jxx ~~~ KQxx ~~~ Kxx ~~~ xxx
Same 9 points, but take one card away from the diamonds and put it with the hearts, and it changes your bid!! Amazing game, huh? Parner has opened the bidding with 1C. Your right-hand opponent has passed. You have a four-card major. If partner happens to have a four-card major also, you will have a fit!! (No, not a screaming fit, silly!! A fit, as in, your four-card heart suit and your partner's four-card heart suit are complimentary. Any eight cards in the same suit between you and your partner is deemed a fit, in whatever combination. 4/4, 5/3, or 6/2. All are eight-card combinations, and fits!
The Bidding Box
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