Better Minor vs Short Club: Which One is Better?

There are mainly 3 different flavours to bid 1 minor opening in Standard system. It is the classic battle between Better Minor vs Short Club. But, all is pivoted around how many cards of Diamond that you have when you bid 1♦. Each variety has a unique characteristic that may be better or preferred than the rest. But before we make such preference, let us see in detail the technical aspect first.

So, here are the three variants of 1-minor opening:

1. “Better minor“: the opening 1♦ bid guarantees a minimum of 3 (three) cards. The 1♣ opening also requiring a minimum of 3 (three) cards. We will call this option the 1st variant.
2. “Short Club“: this 1♦ bid guarantees a minimum of 4 (four) cards. The 1C opening need at least 2 cards — 2nd variant.
3. And also called “Short Club“. The 1♦ bid guarantees a minimum of 5 (five) cards with 1♣ opening also promise at least a singleton. (This 3rd one is probably the most uncommon one) – 3rd variant

So, we will first examine in detail the character of each variety. Then we will sum them out in regard to the defence (especially opening lead) and the accurate depiction of partner hand. Let’s get started

Looking at all possible hand-distribution

First, we checked all the 39-possible hand distributions. And, it turns out, this matter of better minor vs short club is only related to 3 (three) distribution only. They are: (4432), (4333) and (4441) distribution.

The rest of the other distribution elegantly falls into a simple rule of “Longer first, higher first” principle. We bid the 1♦ Diamond is longer or if the length is the same when compared to Club. Otherwise, you need to open with 1♣

And within (4432), (4333) and (4441), there are a total of 20 specific-distribution. The list is in the table below together with the bid required according to the 3 variants that we are examining. Here it is:
(Note: in specific-distribution notation Spade is the first digit followed by Heart, Diamond and Club. E.g: 4234 = 4♠,2♥,3♦ and 4♣)

The difference in perspective: variant 1 vs variant 3

From the table above, we can observe several things:

• We can see that the 3rd variant (1♦ = 5+cards ♦) is distinctly different as all the bids are a 1♣.
• At any HCP range, only 35.08% is affected by the better minor vs short club problem. The rest, 64.92%, is not affected. I.e., any variant used the bid is still the same.
• Considering 1NT bid will be the bid for (4432) and (4333) according to the HCP range, then:
  • For Strong NT system, the affected distribution is only (4441) at 2.99%¹Please read The Spectrum of Level-1 Opening (12-19HCP). Hence 97.01% are not affected.
  • The same number is also true for Weak NT system: the affected distribution is at 2.99% in 12-14 HCP range.
• Put it as a spectrum²Please read The Spectrum of Level-1 Opening (12-19HCP), the summary is as follows:
  • For Strong NT system:
    • 12-14 HCP: 35.08% x 20.6% = 7.2%
    • 15-17 HCP: 2.99% x 10.1% = 3.0%
    • 18-19 HCP: 35.08% x 2.6% = 0.9%
    • Total: 11.1%
  • For Weak NT System:
    • 12-14 HCP: 2.99% x 20.6% = 0.6%
    • 15-17 HCP: 35.08% x 10.1% = 3.5%
    • 18-19 HCP: 35.08% x 2.6% = 0.9%
    • Total: 5%

(Remember that we need to convert any percentage as a spectrum if we want to compare them as absolute relative to the whole possible hand distribution. Only then we can make a relative comparison within any specific spectrum)

Using the perspective of 12-19 HCP for 1-minor opening, the amount of different bidding if you use variant 3 is as follows:

• For Strong NT System: 11.1%/ 18.0% (overall spectrum)= 62%
• For Weak NT System: 5% / 13.9% (overall spectrum) = 36%

The difference in perspective: variant 3 vs variant 2

Now, let us simplify the table above. We remove the 3rd variant and also remove rows that have the same bids. So, the refined table is as follows::

So, from the tables above, we know that, overall, the differences between Better Minor and Short Club (with 1♦ = 4 card or more) is merely 7%. Additionally, on its HCP range, all the difference above have to be bid via 1NT.

Therefore, if you only compare the better minor and short club (with at least 4+ card Diamond) – ignoring the 3rd variant, the difference in the spectrum is as follows:

• For Strong NT system:
  • 12-14 HCP: 7.06% x 20.6% = 1.45%
  • 15-17 HCP: 0% x 10.1% = 0%
  • 18-19 HCP: 7.06% x 2.6% = 0.2%
  • Total = 1.65%
• For Weak NT System:
  • 12-14 HCP: 0% x 20.6% = 0%
  • 15-17 HCP: 7.06% x 10.1% = 0.7%
  • 18-19 HCP: 7.06% x 2.6% = 0.2%
  • Total = 0.9%

Using the perspective of 12-19 HCP for 1-minor opening, the spectrum percentage above can be translated to relative comparison for variant 2 as follows:

• For Strong NT System: 1.65%/ 18.0% (overall spectrum)= 9.2%
• For Weak NT System: 0.9% / 13.9% (overall spectrum) = 6.5%

Better Minor: 1♣ =3+♣;1♦= 3+♦ (variant 1)

Better minor with at least 3-cards in the suit that you open is the easiest to remember:

• When both the minors are 3 cards (4333, 3433) you could bid the better quality (hence, better minor – recommended) or bid consistently at 1♣ (or 1♦) depends on your agreement with partner.
• With regard to variant 2, these bid differences represent 9.2% chances that 1♦ bid has only 3 cards (approximately 1 in 11 bids) for those using Strong NT system. For Weak NT system, the chances are only 6.5% (approximately 1 in 15 bids).
• In other words, 90.8% all the times, 1♣ opening has 4+cards ♣ or more for Strong NT -or- 93.5% for Weak NT system. This statistic also applies to 1♣ bid..

Variant 2: Short Club: 1♣ = 2+♣,1♦= 4+♦

This variant of Short Club (at least 2 cards ♣ when open 1♣ and a minimum of 4 cards ♦ when open 1♦ ) has the following properties:

• You need to open with 1♣ for 4432, 4333 and 3433 distribution.
• The 1♦ bid guarantees 4 cards in ♦
• The odds for 1♣ bid produce exactly 4 cards ♣ ?
  • There are 6 specific distributions that show at least 4 cards: 4324 (1.8%), 4234(1.8%), 3424(1.8%), 2434 (1.8%) , 3334(2.63%), 4414 (0.75)%. Total = 8.78%. But 1NT bid will presents them (except 4414) for 15-17 HCP (Strong NT) or 12-14 HCP(for Weak NT)
  • So, for Strong NT system:
    • 12-14 HCP: 8.78% x 20.6% = 1.80%
    • 15-17 HCP: 0.75 % x 10.1% = 0.08%
    • 18-19 HCP: 8.78 % x 2.6% = 0.23%
    • Total: 2.11% / 18.0% (overall spectrum)= 11.7% (approximately 1 in 9 bids)
  • Therefore, for Weak NT System:
    • 12-14 HCP: 0.75 % x 20.6% = 0.15%
    • 15-17 HCP: 8.78 % x 10.1% = 0.88%
    • 18-19 HCP: 8.78 % x 2.6% = 0.23%
    • Total: 1.26% / 13.9% (overall spectrum)= 9.1% ( approximately 1 in 11 bids)
• And, the odds for 1♣ bid produce at least 4 cards ♣?
  • For Strong NT system: 11.7% (above) + (100%-62% : portion that are not different among 3 variants) = 49.7%
  • For Weak NT system: 9.1% (above) + (100%-36% : portion that are not different among 3 variants) = 73.1%

Short Club: 1♣=1+♣1,1♦=5+♦ (variant 3)

With this variant, the 1♣ bid denotes that you have at least 1 card ♣. And when open 1♦ you have a minimum of 5 cards ♦. It has the following properties:

• You need to open with 1♣ for all 20 hand distributions presented at the top table.
• With regard to variant 1 and 2, these bid differences represent 62% chances that 1♣ bid has less than 5 cards (more than 1 in 2 bids) for those who play Strong NT. For Weak NT player, the odds are 36% (1 in 3 bids only).
• What is the chance for 1♣ bid only have 1 card♣ (4441 distribution)?
  • For Strong NT system:
    • 12-14 HCP: 0.75% x 20.6% = 0.15%
    • 15-17 HCP: 0.75 % x 10.1% = 0.08%
    • 18-19 HCP: 0.75 % x 2.6% = 0.02%
    • Total: 0.25% / 18.0% (overall spectrum)= 1.4% (approximately 1 in 71 bid)
  • For Weak NT System:
    • 12-14 HCP: 0.75 % x 20.6% = 0.15%
    • 15-17 HCP: 0.75 % x 10.1% = 0.08%
    • 18-19 HCP: 0.75 % x 2.6% = 0.02%
    • Total: 0.25% / 13.9% (overall spectrum)= 1.8% ( approximately 1 in 55 bids)
• The odds for 1♣ bid produce exactly 4 cards ♣ ?
  • The specific distribution that match: 4324 (1.8%), 4234(1.8%), 3424(1.8%), 2434(1.8%) , 3244(1.8%) , 2344(1.8%) , 3334(2.63%) , 4144 (0.75)% , 1444 (0.75)% , 4414 (0.75)%. Total = 15.68%. But 1NT bid will presents them (except 4414, 1444, 4144 – total 2.25%) for 15-17 HCP (Strong NT) or 12-14 HCP(for Weak NT)
  • So, for Strong NT system:
    • 12-14 HCP: 15.68% x 20.6% = 3.24%
    • 15-17 HCP: 2.25% x 10.1% = 0.23%
    • 18-19 HCP: 15.68% x 2.6% = 0.41%
    • Total: 3.88% / 18.0% (overall spectrum)= 21.5% (approximately 1 in 5 bids)
  • Therefore, for Weak NT System:
    • 12-14 HCP: 2.25% x 20.6% = 0.46%
    • 15-17 HCP: 15.68% x 10.1% = 1.58%
    • 18-19 HCP: 15.68% x 2.6% = 0.41%
    • Total: 2.45% / 13.9% (overall spectrum)= 17.6% ( approximately 1 in 6 bids)
• And, the odds for 1♣ bid produce at least 4 cards ♣?
  • For Strong NT system: 21.5% (above) + (100%-62% : portion that are not different among 3 variants) = 59.5%
  • For Weak NT system: 17.6% (above) + (100%-36% : portion that are not different among 3 variants) = 81.6%

Better minor vs. short club analysis

For defence: opening lead

Imagine a situation where the opponent is playing an NT contract and you have some length in the suit that partner open (Partner open 1♣ and you have some ♣, or, partner open 1♦ and you have some ♦)

• Partner opens 1♣: lead Club?
  • Better minor: Yes, more than 90% chance partner has at least 4 cards in Club.
  • Short Club – variant 2: About 50% (or 70% if using Weak NT) that partner has at least 4 cards in Club.
  • Short Club – variant 3: About 60% (or 80% if using Weak NT) that partner has at least 4 cards in Club.
• Partner opens 1♦: lead Diamond?
  • Better minor: Yes, more than 90% chance partner has at least 4 cards in Diamond.
  • Short Club – variant 2: Yes, partner guaranteed to have at least 4 cards in Diamond.
  • Short Club – variant 3: Yes, partner guaranteed to have at least cards in Diamond.

Averaging both minor openings above, we can have overall ranking in term of providing guidance in defence as follows:

1. Better minor: Accuracy=90% – regardless you use Weak NT or Strong NT
2. Short Club – variant 2: Accuracy=80% (100% in D but 60% in Club) – For Weak NT, accuracy = 90%.
3. Short Club – variant 3: Accuracy=75% (100% in D but 50% in Club) – For Weak NT, accuracy = 85%.

For choosing the best contract

In this matter, let us focus our attention to the last 2 lines of the top tables. There are 20 kinds of hand distribution there. For variant 3, all 20 variations go into 1 bid only. For better minor, it is 13-7 split. And for Short Club variant 2, it is split evenly at 10-10.

Which one is the easiest to understand? 1 bid that contains 20 meaning or 1 bid that contains 10 meanings only? – Of course the smaller number possibility of meaning, the better it is.

However, the only differences between the better minor vs short club are only in these 3 distribution: 4333, 4432 and 3433. The short Club choose 1C as the bid. But looking at it, they all have more or the same Diamond. So, actually, it is more logical to bid them as 1D. Besides, all three can be defined as a balanced hand, especially the (4333) one. So, better minor is preferable but only in a tad.

Therefore, in regard to choosing the best contract, i.e.: know the exact distribution of your partner’s hand, the result is as follows:

1. Better minor: Almost balance (13-7) – but more consistent – My score: 95%.
2. Short Club – variant 2: Minimum meaning (10) for each both 1D and 1C. My score: 90%
3. Short Club – variant 3: The most unbalance (20-0) – My score: 70%.

The winner of better minor vs short club dilemma

Among the three variants, based on 2 criteria above, we can see that variant 3 is the least favourable.

But in both aspect better minor is clearly a winner, even though it was not by much. A consistent 90%-90% accuracy between a Diamond lead and a Club lead is better than 100%-60% accuracy. And bidding a suit shows assets in that suit is clearly more demonstrated in the better minor system, Therefore, the best system based on statistic are:

#1. Better minor (either Strong NT or Weak NT)
#2. Short Club (variant 2) with Weak NT
#3. Short Club (variant 2) with Strong NT
#4. Short Club (variant 3) with Weak NT
#5. Short Club (variant 3) with Strong NT

Better minor vs Short Club – 7NTbyme.com

So, having the awareness of all the varieties, next time your opponent bid that 1♦, make sure you ask which flavours they use! But more importantly, rethink and choose the best system that may produce a better result in the long run.