LEAD WITH THE ACES

ANSWER: I’m often asked what to open with 4-4 in the minors and 12 to 14 points. My rule is that I bid the better minor, because if I end up defending and partner is on lead, I want him to lead my better suit. Many people will quote you hands where one minor works better than the other — but they miss the point. It is basically a wash: Sometimes one suit works, sometimes the other, but good suits never go out of style.

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