more 1M:2m

Im not bidding hands where the auction starts off 1M:2D correctly. I am sure I am bidding 2M when I should bid 2nt, worried 2nt should be showing extras or my that hand is not balanced.

Paul responded to my previous post on this auction saying that Mike Lawrence recommends 2nt showing 12-14 or 18-19 balanced. That should be simple enough to remember.

So what is ‘balanced’ - any hand without a 6 card suit or a singleton?
5422 with poor clubs I have an easy 2H, is 2nt better with club honors?
4522 I must bid 2nt

Looking at this is makes me realize why I needed to take a lot more care when I’m opening 11counts and I have improved these openings – less influence of a few forum posters!

1m:2N when you have game, unbalanced do you bid 3m or 3nt?
3nt with 2353 and 3m with 2263 perhaps

Ive not been playing having been busy with so much going on this last while including a trip back to New Zealand but I’m often thinking of these auctions, its good to get it down on paper.

I played a tournament with my brother while I was in NZ and the one thing that stood out is that I need to work on my card play, still! I have to shift my focus but there always seems to be one more nuance that keeps me focused on bidding.

I do not know if I have what it takes to play the hands like an expert, it is a demanding game.