What could be more iconic than the image of someone with their hand on the Bible, swearing an oath. The question before us is "Must an oath be taken on a religious object?"

The answer, as we might guess, is "no." BUT!! There's more to it. While other objects can be used (Teddy Roosevelt took his Oath of Office on law books), one can swear without any object at all. Nope. You don't need a book, a copy of the Constitution, a City Charter, or anything at all.

In fact, you don't even need to take the Oath of Office to become president. It is not mandated in the Constitution. How about that?

If we don't Oaths, it raises other questions. What DO we need for example, for a Third Hand Opener?

Let's quantify things a little. Things lighten up quite a bit in third seat. We want to find an excuse to open the bidding. Part is point count, part is shape, part is that elusive quality "texture." Here are some guidelines.

Open light, but not so light it floats (as my husband tells me repeatedly). Some will open with as low as 9 HCP if the shape is good. Another thought, many will preempt in third seat with a Darn Good Five-Card Suit, knowing that Pard, as a previously-passed hand, must pass again.

Let's see what happens. Ready to swear to tell the truth? (Sort of...)