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4THSEAT.4CA
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1995-08-28
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FOURTH SEAT OPENINGS
In a duplicate game, you may open light in fourth position, but
there is only one reason: to obtain a plus score rather than settle
for a draw.
What are the requirements? Just this: a 51% chance or better of
getting a plus score. With more than your share of high cards
(10 HCP), or more than your share of major suit length, the chances
of a plus score begin to outweigh those of a minus.
A hand with 11 HCP will often qualify for a fourth seat opening in
a suit, but with a hand this weak you should have either 1) four
or more spades, or 2) at least three cards in each major. With no
spade suit, or few cards in the majors, the hand should be nearer
to an opening bid. A full opening is rarely passed out, although
one might pass a borderline hand with a singleton or void in
spades.
Choice of suit will sometimes be a problem. With S-KQ103 H-J65
D-AJ83 C-64, you should open 1D. In third seat 1S would be right,
for both lead direction and preemptive reasons. In fourth seat
these con-siderations are less important (both opponents having
passed), and the main objective is to avoid getting too high. A 1S
opening with this hand might provoke a dangerous jump raise from
partner. After a 1D opening she is less likely to jump, and you can
perhaps get out of the bidding at a low level by passing a major
suit response.
Fairly strong opening preemptive openings are acceptable in fourth
seat, since partner can't have much. Open 3D with S-4 H-63
D-QJ109765 C-AKQ, which is normally a 1D opening.
Fourth seat weak two bids need not adhere to the usual requirements
for suit quality.
Fourth seat openings should be fairly decent in IMP or rubber
bridge games, but you can open a little light with a good spade
suit.
Also see chapter WEAK NOTRUMP - FOURTH SEAT ONLY in the book
"Notrump Bidding."