In 4th seat would you open 1NT or 1 of a suit?

[veredk]

What would you open in 4th holding this hand  !SA86,  !HA653,  !DA6,  !CQJ98 ?
Thanks, Vered

[hoki]

For me I don't think the seat matters. Even in first seat I have nothing
against opening 1C and then rebidding 1H over 1D, raising 1H to 3H,
raising 1S to 2S (a slight underbid), and raising 1NT to 2NT (a slight
overbid). Also, I have nothing against opening 1NT and that would
apply in any seat.

Sorry but somehow I doubt that the above will be of any used to you, lol

Oliver

[veredk]

Thank you Oliver, my thinking was that maybe with 15 HCP, three aces in three suits 3 cards each and the 4th suit is QJ98 maybe it should be downgraded and opened 1C.

[blubayou]

OOOPS Vered;  the example doesn't show  3=3=3=4 but 3-4-2-4.   Oliver  migh say defferently than he did given a FLAT flat hand.....

[wackojack]

Open 1No trump
This is a decent 15.  Aces are worth more than 4 and the  !CQJ98 is well worth 3 points.  This more than makes up for the poor spots in the other suits. 

[kenberg]

I agree with Holi's comment above that 4th seat is not a big deal.
Now what to open?
I can see it either way.
One thing: Goren always stressed the importance of thinking about your rebid if there is a choice of opening buds. If I open 1C, what will I do over a 1NT response? Some play that specifically over the 1C opening a 1NT response cannot be on a 6 or 7 count and with that agreement then you will feel comfortable raising 1NT to 2NT. If pard could have a 6 count then 2NT might go down while at other tables 1NT gets passed out making. Otoh, if I pass the 1NT pard might have a flat 10 count and 9 tricks come rolling in.

Thus: Assuming 1C-1NT could be on a 6 count or a flat 10 count I think I open 1NT since I am just in too tough a spot if I open 1C and pard says 1NT.

Myself, I would not second guess any partner who made the wrong choice here, I think it is close.