Which suit to open?

First of all, open your longest suit. No exceptions. With two equally long suits, the emphasis is on the majors (they score better). So open the higher ranking of two equal length suits. The one exception to that rule is when you have precisely four hearts and four spades: it pays to open 1♥ to keep the bidding cheaper.

Exercise: Which suit would you open with these hands?  

Hand a)	Hand b)	Hand c)	Hand d)
♠ A K Q 4 ♥ K 4 3 ♦ 6 ♣ 10 9 7 3 2	♠ J 2 ♥ A 9 7 4 ♦ A K J 3 ♣ Q 9 8	♠ Q 5 2 ♥ J 9 7 4 ♦ A K 5 ♣ A K Q	♠ KJ 9 3 2 ♥ A K J 7 2 ♦ 6 3 ♣ 5

• (a) Open 1♣ - quantity before quality. You can bid spades next and show 5♣-4♠.
• (b) Open 1♥ - major before minor. Plan to rebid Notrumps next.
• (c) Open 1♥, planning to rebid 3NT over any response. You’ll only end up in Hearts when partner has four of them.
• (d) Open 1♠. The exception to the “open higher ranking of two equal length suits” I mentioned is 4♥-4♠, not 5♥-5♠ . With 5♥-5♠ you open the higher-ranking 1♠. Indeed in any situation, whether opening, responding, or overcalling, you should bid the higher of two five-card suits. Think “High Fives”.

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