Table of Contents
3rd/4th Seat Basic System
Strong NT, Short C with Tfrs, Mostly Unbalanced D, (4)5 card Majors, 2C Strong w Kokish, 3 weak 2s, 2NT 20-21
1C: 2+ with Tfrs
1D: Usually Unbal
1M: Nat
1NT: (14) 15-17
2C: GF or 22-23 Bal (w Kokish)
2D/H/S: Nat Weak Twos. In third can be 5+, 4-14. In fourth, 6+, 10-14.
2NT: 20-21
3any: Nat. In third can be 6+, 4-14.
3NT: 'To Play'.
3rd Seat
In 3rd seat Preempts are natural, can be VERY wide ranging, but are still vulnerability sensitive. Partner to raise with a fit.
At favourable vulnerability, stretch to open something if possible.
Opening in 3rd seat can be defensively oriented / lead directional.
Majors can be strong 4 card suits.
Points are not really relevant.
Occasional psyches.
1C = 2+C, 10+ HCP
Responding to 1C (Transfers)
..Try not to Pass 1C very often
..1D: Hearts (any range)
..1H: Spades
..1S: No Major
..1NT: Hand hog, No Major
..2C = 5+C
..2D/2H/2S = Weak 6-suit
Transfer Continuations:
PPP 1C P 1D* Hearts
..Accept the Tfr with a WEAK NT (then pass, or 1NT to play)
..Accept the Tfr with unbal hands with 3 Hearts, nothing urgent to say.
..1S, unbal, C+S
..1NT = 18-19 with NOT 4 Hearts
..2C: Long C, usually not 3H (could bid 1H)
..2D: NAT, REVERSE, F1 (2H is GEORGEOUT - no game interest)
..2H, shows 4, min
..2S: NAT, C&S GF
..2NT: Strong 6C 3H
..3D: SPL agreeing H
..3H: H highly INV
..3S: SPL agreeing H
..3NT: C unbal, to play
Tfr to S as above.
..as above
..2D/2H NAT Reverse, F1 (STEP is GEORGEOUT)
Transfers are ON through a X, but OFF through an overcall
Normal Negative Doubles apply.
P P 1C (P or X)
1D* (BID)
……….1NT by Opener is still 18-19, pass is weak NT, XX is 3card support
3rd/4th seat 1D Opening
(4)5+D, 10+ HCP
Usually unbalanced, usually good suit in 3rd.
Responses to 3rd/4th 1D
..1H/1S = Natural, 4+ HCP
..1NT = 6-10 HCP
..2C = (4)5+C, 8-10 HCP
..2D = Natural, 5-8 HCP, 4+D
..2H/2S = Weak, 3-5 HCP, 6+ Suit.
..2NT = 5+D, Maximum passed hand.
..3D = Preemptive diamond raise
1 Major Openings
In 3rd seat 1H/1S can be strong 4c suits for lead-directing purposes
3rd/4th Seat 1H/1S = 4+M, 10+ HCP, can be weaker when not vul
Responses to 3rd seat 1M
Note: 2C Nat, 2D Drury
..1NT = Natural, 4-10 HCP, NF
..2C = Natural, 8-10 HCP
..2D = Drury – Constructive raise 8-10 HCP.
..2M = Weaker Raise 4-7 HCP
1S: 2H = 5+H, 7-9 HCP
1H: 2S = 6+S, 3-5 HCP
Major Raise Continuations
..2NT = shortness ask.
..New Suit = Game try.
..Jumps = Splinters
..3NT = Offer to play.
Strong Jump Shifts 3rd/4th Seat Openers
Jump shifts by opener after a 1 level response show 19+ HCP and are forcing to game.
2C Strong (2NT opening 20-21)
..a non-2D response to 2C is based on a trick source good suit.
..2D = Waiting then KOKISH RELAY
……2NT: around 22-23 NON F, System ON
……2H* (Hearts or BAL GF) - Forces 2S, then 2NT is 24+GF (system on)
……..Other bids are H & whatever
……3M: Shows 5+D and 4M *NEW*
Special Sequence
2C* - 2D* - 3C - 3D* is Waiting, and 3M shows 5+
Opening 3NT in 3rd/4th is 'To Play'
Generally some long suited minor in a balancedish strong hand.
No Slam interest.
4th Seat: as above except:
2D/2H/2S: show 6 cards around 12-15. a Hand that expects to go positive, but not great prospects for game.
Responder can raise with good fit and some action.
