Q: In 4th seat, without the rule of 15, would you open with a long minor? I know you don’t preempt in 4th seat, so what is the range of points when you open 2♦? What would 3♦ mean? The hand is ♠ A, ♥ xx, ♦ KQxxxxx, ♣ Qxx. Should I pass or bid 2♦ or 3♦ with this hand?
A: 4th Chair opening bids are unique to all other seats.
4th Chair Openings bids of 1♣, 1♦, 1♥, 1♠ are based on the Rule of 15. If the hand is less than an opening bid, count High Card Points and the number of spades. If the total equals 15, then open one of a suit.
4th Chair Openings bids of 2♦, 2♥ or 2♠ shows 14-16 total points and at least a 6-card suit.
4th Chair Opening bids of 3♣, 3♦ shows 8 tricks with at least a 7-card suit. Inviting Responder to bid 3NT with at least one trick.
4th Chair Opening Bids of 3♥ or 3♠ shows 9 tricks with at least a 7-card suit. Inviting Responder to bid 4H or 4S with at least one trick.
Now, back to the Question Hand: ♠ A, ♥ xx, ♦ KQxxxxx, ♣ Qxx.
It doesn’t qualify for the Rule of 15. So 1♦ is out. It doesn’t qualify for a 3♦ opening bid because there are only 7 tricks. However, it does qualify for a 2♦ opening bid counting 11 HCP and 3 Long Suit Points. Yes, you are long a diamond, but remember it shows at a 6-card suit. If some of you passed, it is very close between pass and 2♦ and that’s why we play this amazing game!
Let me hear your questions!
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2 responses to “Q&A: 4th Seat Two and Three Level Opening Bids”
I wish I had read this before yesterday’s game. Hand 16 of the 1:15 199er game had me in 4th seat with 10 HCP and a 5 card spade suit, all spot cards. My partner had chosen not to open her 12 count so the hand passed out. I could have opened using the rule of 15. Hopefully I will not forget this in the future.
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Yes! Rule of 15 is a very cool tool for 4th hand. Some common sense is always a good idea. For example, if you hold Void 13 solid hearts Void and Void. The hand counts to only 10 HCP. But you certainly don’t want to pass if you can make 7Hs! I hope you join me for the Monday Blog Seminar Discussion starting on April 18th!
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