[pescetom]

MP

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Fourth seat both vulnerable, playing vanilla 5cM 2/1 1NT 15-17 with a new partner, here I decided to open 1♠ rather than 1♦ which would be systemic in first seat.
Do you consider this choice strange or unreasonable, might you do the same?

[apollo1201]

I see no obvious reason to open 1S in this position and vul with this 14 HCP hand. But I ve seen bids much much much worse.

I d say why not but be prepared to take the blame if things turn bad.

[DavidKok]

I would not do the same, and I think it is likely not a good decision. However, I have also seen plenty much worse actions, and I wouldn't consider it a gross distortion.

[pescetom]

apollo1201, on 2026-April-06, 14:33, said:

I see no obvious reason to open 1S in this position and vul with this 14 HCP hand. But I ve seen bids much much much worse.

I d say why not but be prepared to take the blame if things turn bad.

Certainly prepared to take the blame from partner if things turn bad due to my choice.
My thinking was that Fourth position is tricky, we need to go positive if at all.
My plan was to push my strong spades and pass any response, with concern only about 1NT.
The cons I saw:
- will miss 2♦ in 4-5 if that is the sweet spot (but it looks like landing on a dime)
- may lead to an awkward discussion with at least one of partner/opps/Director.
The pros I saw:
- leads straight to 2♠ if partner has a 3+ card raise
- will preempt 1♥ by LHO
- should be ok in a red suit of partner in misfit
- reduces risk of playing 1NT.

Looking at it from another point of view, I imagine this bid would have been automatic half a century ago.
Systems have changed since then, but maybe not with this situation in mind.

[DavidKok]

When holding spades there is less of a need to preempt hearts. Also the 4-3 misfit might play poorly here as you could well be forced in hearts and then have to ruff on the long side. You also have a balanced hand, I don't see the issue with playing in 1NT if partner suggests this.

[mike777]

I suppose some risk not playing in 4-4 spades, if that's your style, if you open 1D at MP.

[Zelandakh]

With this shape and a little less, I happily open 1♠ planning to pass any response even playing a Weak NT. With a good 14 though, I think it's too important to know if we have a 4-4 or 4-3 fit should partner be at the upper end, and playing 5 card majors would therefore prefer to make the systemic call.

[mw64ahw]

An old school approach suggested opening a good 4-card Major when playing 5-card Majors. Fine if that's your agreement, but I wouldn't suprise a new partner. Also in 4th position I would expect opener to have Spades or a good 2nd bid.