Should beginners start with learning Precision bidding system first?

My answer to this question is, YES!

At the outset, let me state that I respect all popular bidding systems. I admire the thinkers who initiated and developed these bidding systems. I have experienced playing 2/3 of them.

However, I believe that beginners should be taught ‘Precision’ first. Thereafter, they can switch to any other system or have an additional one in their arsenal.

First and foremost, it helps to have a limited range of 11-15 HCPs for one level opening bids of 1D, 1H and 1S. Then you have the 1C opening bid which is for any 16+ hand. These two features make a beginner’s bidding life easy!

When the opening bid range is wider, bigger say up to 17 (like in 18+ 1C system) or up to 21 (like in Standard American system), then beginners have to deal with difficult rebid issues.

Further, in playing Precision, once the 1C bid happens and the responder has a positive response hand of 8/9 plus HCPs, then he instantly knows that the hand belongs to his side and that game must be reached.

The strength calculations and the thought process for beginners thus become relatively easy when playing the Precision system.

Is there any tough part? Yes – the 2C opening bid in Precision. This is a bit of a challenge because bidding starts at 2 level and hence responder has to immediately deal with bidding at 2 or 3 level. However this can be overcome with good learning and practice. (By the way, 1NT opening is not affected much. When playing Precision, one can play 14-16, 14-15 or 15-16 ranges).

For all these reasons, with great respect for other systems, I recommend the Precision system for absolute beginners.