How does your answer compare to the experts?

Shawn Quinn

Top-ranked female player

2♣️ – Don’t ask me about the rebid! I am hoping partner has a positive response with a long suit. If partner bids 2♦️, I will either rebid 2♥️ or 2NT. I said, “Don’t ask me.” I am still deciding…

Andrew Robson

European and North American Champion

1♣️– Definitely want to open at the one level as there is so much to say. I prefer 1♣️ to 1♦️on the grounds of economy and suit quality.

Sylvia Shi

Gold medal winner and many time National Champion

1♦️– With three-suited hands, typically avoid opening 2♣️ as you will not have a suitable rebid. I plan to open 1♦️ and see how the auction develops. Depending on what partner responds, I can show the strength by reversing, or jump shifting, or making a splinter raise if partner bids hearts. Even with 23 or more high-card points, I wouldn’t necessarily open 2♣️.

Robert Todd

Professional bridge player and teacher

1♦️– Ugh. Another difficult hand. I’m going to open 1♦️and then jump shift if partner responds 1♠️. Though I have 22 high-card points, I don’t feel there is much risk of 1♦️being passed out when we can make game.

Better Bridge Summary

Despite holding 22 high-card points, the majority don’t want to open 2♣️ since there will be no descriptive rebid after partner’s 2♦️ waiting response. Even the one panelist who opened 2♣️ agrees there is going to be a rebid problem. The majority are willing to risk being passed out at the one level in order to better describe the hand after hearing partner’s response.