Lonnie C. Yee - Opening bids

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 It depends on whether it is for an opening a conversational bid between you and your partner or a defensive bid to keep your opponents at bay. The object of most good players is to play in an 8+ card Major suit or in NT rather than in a Minor suit if possible.  

 I use the RULE OF 20 to open the bidding. Rule of 20 says if the length of your two longest suits plus your total HCP in your hand equals 20 or more, then open the bidding normally on the 1 Level with a suit bid! Your choices are opening a 5+ card Major suit first, or a 3+ card Diamond suit, else bid a Club. 

Opening on the 1 Level promises 12 to 21 HCP 

Opening 1NT promises 15-17 HCP AND

     a Balanced hand with NO 5+ card Major

Opening 2NT promises 20-21 HCP AND 

     a Balanced hand with NO 5+ card Major

Opening 2 Clubs promises 22 HCP only,  

     but NOT may not have any Clubs at all!

 Try a Preemptive bid. Your team may be defending against the opponent's bid.

PASS is the other option and see what your partner bids

6-10 HCP

No Void Suits (makes the hand too strong, try opening 1 Level in your suit)

No Singleton A (makes the hand too strong,  try opening 1 Level in your suit)

No 4+ card Majors

     (might miss a Major fit if preempting in the 1st or 2nd seat position)

2 of the top 3 Honors OR 3 of the top 5 Honors in your long suit

       AK/AQ/KQ or AJT/KJT/QJT 

Open the bid on the 2 Level with a 6 card suit

Open the bid on the 3 Level with a 7 card suit

Open the bid on the 4 Level with an 8 card suit