Posted 2013-October-06, 05:45
THIRD SEAT OPENINGS - EXAMPLES
1. Would you open 3rd seat 1♥ with:
a) x KT9xx Qxxx Axx - No. What if partner responds 1♠. You cannot Pass 1♠, and if you bid again, partner now knows for sure you have a full opener and may raise you more.
b) Axx Jxxxx KJ xxx - No. You now can handle any response (If partner bids 1♠, 1N, 2♦, 2♥ you Pass. If 2♣ (Drury) you return to 2♥). But now you don't want to open because partner will lead the hearts, which you don't want. Also, with bad trumps, it is easier for opponents to just defend and get a good score.
c) Axx KT9xx Qxx xx - Yes. You can handle any response (as [b]), and you want the lead (as [a]). Both conditions together mean we can open this 1♥.
2. Would you open 3rd seat NV 1♠ with:
a) AJTx xx xxx AQxx - Yes. Your suit is pretty good, and you are pretty sure it is not your hand, so may as well preempt. Also, you can Pass a 2♦ or 2♥ response.
b) Q9xx KQx x Kxxxx - No. Your suit is not good enough.
c) KJTx AQx xxxx Ax - No. Your suit is good, but your hand is full strength. You might have game (and partner will put you in 4♠ not 3N). Better to open 1D and get to the natural contract.
3. Would you open a weak two in 3rd seat, both NV, with:
a) QJTxx x Kxxx xxx - Yes. Your suit is solid, you have distribution.
b) Kxx xxx KQJxx xx - No. Your suit is nice, but 5332 is too balanced - partner will raise to 3♦ with 3 diamonds, and you will lose more tricks than expected. Try 1♦.
c) x AQJxxx xx xxxx - No. 3♥! This is third seat after all.
Thanks,
Dan