Below are some suggestions from Ron Klinger as to opening light in 3rd seat. (L.D.)
♠ ♥ ♦ ♣
When deciding whether to open light in third seat, consider whether the opening bid suggests a good lead to partner. As a good guide, any hand which would be a sound overcall is suitable for a third-seat opening. If holding 9-11 HCP, a four-card major of KQTx or better is worth opening (even if playing 5-card majors), and a 3-card minor of KQJ or better can be opened.
After north and East have passed, what would you do as South with each of these hands?
W N E S
?
1) ♠ AJ62 ♥ QJ52 ♦ 2 ♣ Q743
2) ♠ A4 ♥ KQJ5 ♦ 9743 ♣ 852
3) ♠ AKJ74 ♥ 62 ♦ J54 ♣ 942
4) ♠ J752 ♥ 86 ♦ AKQ ♣ 8654
5) ♠ AQJ9 ♥ 96 ♦ J842 ♣ T98
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ by Ron Klinger excerpted from The Daily Bridge Calendar
1) ♠ AJ62 ♥ QJ52 ♦ 2 ♣ Q743
Pass: You have 10 high-card points but no suit that you especially want led.
2) ♠ A4 ♥ KQJ5 ♦ 9743 ♣ 852
1♥: You are unlikely to win the auction so a heart lead is probably best if partner is on lead.
3) ♠ AKJ74 ♥ 62 ♦ J54 ♣ 942
1♠ or 2♠: If you play weak twos, 2♠ is best. Otherwise, bid 1♠. One advantage of the weak 2♠ opening is that partner will almost always pass (remember, she doesn't have an opener). But partner may raise a 1♠ opener to a dangerous level. On the other hand, a 1♠ opening may mislead the opponents as to the placement of missing high cards should their side end up declaring.
4) ♠ J752 ♥ 86 ♦ AKQ ♣ 8654
1♦: Open 1♦ or do not open at all. A diamond lead is the only lead that is appealing. If partner raises diamonds, the worst scenario is that you play a 4-3 fit at the two or three level.
5) ♠ AQJ9 ♥ 96 ♦ J842 ♣ T98
1♠: Even if you play five-card majors, a strong four-card suit is acceptable in third seat. A 1♠ opening takes most of the one level away from the opponents and lets partner know the likely best lead. You will pass any natural response by partner.
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