 | Opening Light In Third Seat |
Take the guesswork out of light openings.
Warning
The ideas presented in this article, while used by many expert players, aren’t for the faint of heart. You will occasionally get very bad results; however, you should find (especially at matchpoints) that the good results more than make up for it.
This article only covers opening light in third seat. If you have a normal opening bid, and you happen to be in third seat, then bid your hand normally. Nothing in this article will change your methods.
Rules For Opening Light
Opening light in third seat does have its dangers. However, the opportunities for stealing a contract or pushing the opponents too high are worth the risk. That doesn’t mean that you open light in third seat on every hand (in spite of what Steve seems to do). There are some guidelines to help you decide.
- Never open light with a minor suit. It’s a lot easier for the player in fourth seat, with a borderline hand, to overcall in a major suit than it would be for that same player to open with a borderline hand. Always have a full opening bid in third seat if you open in a minor.
- Never open 1NT with a light opening. This applies to all positions; don’t fool around with notrump openings under any circumstances.
- Don’t be afraid to open 1♥ or 1♠ with a four card suit. However, the suit quality should be good (partner will raise with three small).
- Open light with a reason in mind. Generally, you open light to tell your partner what to lead, to obstruct the opponent’s auction, or to steal the hand. Know the reason before you open.
- When you open light in third seat, do not bid again. Ever!! This is the most important rule of all. It means that when you do open light, you have to be prepared to pass any response your partner makes. Let’s look at some examples:
Example 1
| ♠ A K 9 4 ♥ J 8 3 2 ♦ 9 7 6 2 ♣ 3 | A light opening of 1♠ might work (it would be a good lead from your partner on defence, it helps obstruct the opponents, and you might steal the hand if partner can raise spades). However, the singleton club is a major drawback. If partner responds 2♣ you have to pass (light opening hands do not bid again). Your partner will not enjoy playing a 5-1 trump fit. Don’t risk an unhappy partner; pass this hand. |
Example 2
| ♠ A K 9 4 ♥ J 8 3 ♦ 9 7 2 ♣ 10 7 3 | A light opening of 1♠ on this hand is much better. You can pass anything partner bids without feeling guilty (partner will likely go down, but your score will probably be good unless you’re doubled). If your side defends, a spade lead from partner will probably be a good idea. On this hand, go for it. |
Example 3
| ♠ A K 4 ♥ 10 9 4 3 ♦ Q 8 7 3 ♣ 9 6 4 | A light opening bid of 1♥ has very little going for it, other than possibly obstructing the opponents. While you can pass any of partner’s responses without a lot of guilt, your partner will be expecting some high cards in hearts. And if partner raises to 2♥ with three small, you won’t be too happy. Also, you don’t really want to suggest a heart lead on defence. Pass this hand. |
Example 4
| ♠ A K 10 9 4 ♥ 10 ♦ J 8 7 3 ♣ 9 6 4 | That spade suit is mighty tempting. Plus, if the opponents have hearts, they will likely buy the contract. But if your partner responds in hearts, you will be embarrassed. What to do? Open 2♠ instead of 1♠. Yes, you only have five spades, but so what. Live a little. Also, your partner will not respond to a weak 2 bid since he is already a passed hand (unless he happens to have spade support). Sure, you might get a bad result, but if you can steal the hand undoubled you will likely get a good score. |
Responding To Third Seat Openings
If your partner has read this article and opens in third seat, don’t panic. He might have a real opening bid.
Make your normal response without apprehension if your partner opens 1♣, 1♦, or 1NT. These should always be legitimate opening bids.
Make your normal response to a 1♥ or 1♠ opening, but if partner passes you know he’s opened light. Don’t despair when dummy comes down and you’re wondering where your tricks will come from; play as best you can without pessimism, and you might well get a good score. But if you score –200 or worse, you may end up with a bad result.
Do not respond to partner’s third seat weak 2 bids unless the opponents compete, and your trump support is one better than usual (refer to the article on responding to partner’s preempts for more details).
There is a convention called Drury that can help you when your partner opens 1♥ or 1♠ in third seat. It’s beyond the scope of this article, but it’s covered in any bridge book that discusses bidding conventions.