"Third Seat Openers" by Marti Ronemus

It's gone "Pass," "Pass" and it's up to you. Do the rules change in third seat? You betcha! You can open with 10 pts (some say even 9!), BUT you should only do it with a Darn Good Suit. Why? Once Pard has passed, game is remote. If the Enemy win the contract, your bid places points for them, so you better have a nice hand to provide a lead!!

What about opening four-card majors in third seat? Sure. Again, Pard's "Pass" protects you. The worst that can happen is he gives you a limit raise when holding 10-11 pts. You'll survive.

Let's practice and see how this works. And talk all this over with your favorite partners.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ A K Q 8
♥ 7 3
♦ 9 7 5
♣ J 8 4 2

Q: 1 - Your Pard and RHO (Right Hand Opponent) have passed. How about you?

South	West	North	East
-	-	pass	pass
?

A: 1♠: This is when you violate "Only open five-card majors." If you are going to open 1♣, don't even bother. Opening 1♠ gives Pard a good lead and forces Them to the two-level. And if Pard responds? Listen, he's already a passed hand. How much trouble can he get you into, anyway.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ A J 10 9
♥ 7
♦ J 9 8 7 5
♣ K J 3

Q: 2 - Again, two passes to you, and please note the vulnerability.

South	West	North	East
-	-	pass	pass
?

A: Pass: What a mess. Your Diamonds are a disaster and your Spades are nothing to brag about. Live to fight another day.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ J 3 2
♥ Q J 8
♦ 10 8 7
♣ A K 10 9

Q: 3 - Again, as South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	pass	pass
?

A: Pass: Do not even THINK of opening this hand! The only suit worth bidding is Clubs, and you'll just open the dam. Notice though what a nice defensive hand you have.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ 4
♥ A K J 9 8
♦ 8 6 5
♣ Q 9 6 4

Q: 4 - Two passes to you.

South	West	North	East
-	-	pass	pass
?

A: 1♥: This hand has an absolutely lovely suit, which you'd be proud to have Pard lead.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ J 8 4
♥ K Q J 8 4
♦ K 10
♣ K 9 6

Q: 5 - One more time.

South	West	North	East
-	-	pass	pass
?

A: 1♥: This is a hand you would actually open in any seat.

Now you're going to play this hand. Do you wonder what Pard will do? What will happen? Stick around, and play the hand.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

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Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
More informations on our website: www.VuBridge.com

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