[phoenixmj]

If you have a 5 card suit (either a minor or major) and have 5332 distribution, do you "add a point" for the 5 card suit when deciding to open 1 or 2 NT?

Assume we play a strong NT (15-17 points)

I remember being told that a 17 HCP hand with a 5 card suit should not be opened 1NT as it is now too strong. How good does the 5 card suit have to be to justify including the length in the point range for NT open?

If you have 19 HCP and a 5 card spade suit - 5332 distribution - would you open 2NT or 1 spade? What does the quality of the spade suit need to be?

Thanks in advance.

[steve2005]

Usually a 17 hcp 1NT with a 5-card major can stretch to 18.
Then it can open 1M and rebid 2NT over 1♠ or 1NT and describe hand well all other things being equal.

[apollo1201]

Upgrading the HCP requires just a bit more than just a 5-cd suit. The texture of the suits and honor concentration / quality are important elements as well. Finally, vulnerability, positional tenaces and rebids over partner’s call also need to be taken into consideration.

In all cases, if your suit is a minor, you need to make your decision quickly. If it is a major, you can survive not revealing at once your (15-17 balanced) range.

But a good enough suit (eg 2 top honors out of 3 plus the 10 or 9, or 3 out of 5) plus no downgrade factor (eg KQ or QJ doubleton) would often see me upgrade the HCP count.

I’ve also opened some dull 4333 quacky 18-counts with a strong NT.