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The winning opening bid with the South hand was
1, despite holding a balanced hand and 16 points,
which fit perfectly into the 1NT range. Following
your system is a good idea, but sometimes it pays
to use old-fashioned judgment.

At the table, South opened 1NT, like a robot, and,
after hearing a transfer to hearts and a double, felt
like he was out in left field. He ended in 3NT down
one, after the jack of diamonds lead. If he had
opened 1, with his concentrated values in two
suits, he would have heard partner bid 1 and then
he would rebid 1. Partner would play the notrump
and score 9 tricks after a diamond lead, or 10
tricks (setting up hearts) after any other lead.

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