depends on the band, i play open, but with ride on the right or left depending on the music.

I play closed but I am trying to play open.  It gives you a chance to do tom work with right hand while still riding the hats with left hand and vice versa with right on ride.

Thats about the only technicle advantage.

yeah, if you playin a hat with your left, you have the option of hitting anything else on your kit no matter where it is. in a standard set-up anyway. you can ride the hat in a simple groove beat, and throw a quarter note china over top of it. like carter beauford.

it wil also build up being ambidextrious, rudiments become easier to learn cause your not building you left, or right hand up.