By Peter Rhead
Examples of responses to a weak-three preempt opening
This week we look at examples of your responses to a Weak-Three level preempt bid by opener. The criteria is similar to that of a Weak-Two opening except responder must be aware that opener is at a level higher. Also opener is promising seven cards in the suit instead of six.
You are the Weak-Three responder with the following hands. Your partner has opened Three Spades with ten points including a seven-card KQxxxxx Spade suit with three length points. How should you respond to opener’s Three Spades when you are holding the following hands?
Spades 962
Hearts AKQx
Diamonds KJ9
Clubs QJ7
You are thinking game with your 16 points. Perhaps, you are thinking 3NT. You know partner does not have four Hearts or he would not have opened Three Spades. But you do know you have a ten-card fit in a major. Bid Four Spades.
Spades 962
Hearts 76xx
Diamonds KJ9
Clubs Q72
You know you do not have game with your six points. You do know you have a ten-card fit in a major. You are thinking of extending the preempt by bidding Four Spades. But you have no ruffing capability in your hand! Just PASS. Your partnership has done as much damage as it can.
Spades J109
Hearts Q109765
Diamonds AK
Clubs AK
You are thinking game with your 19 points – maybe even slam! Perhaps you are thinking 6NT but you need more information about Aces and Kings. You do know you have a ten-card fit in Spades. However, with opener’s Weak-Three, it is highly unlikely that opener has three of the four key cards you do not know about (Ace-King of Spades and Ace-King of Hearts). Just bid Four Spades and be satisfied with a game score. Do not automatically fall in love with your hand!
Spades J74
Hearts AKJ943
Diamonds A7
Clubs 72
You have a ten-card fit in Spades and a good side-suit. Slam is unlikely. Just bid Four Spades and be happy with an almost certain contract.
For more information, read “Responding to Preemptive Weak-Three Bids” in Barbara Seagram’s 25 Bridge More Conventions You Should Know, page 31
Next Week: Inverted Minor Raises
Remember, as we all fight COVID-19 with social isolation, if you want your Bridge fix, online competition is available for all skill levels. From the ACBL Bridge website, you can hook up either to play live people or to play robots. Either way you test or consolidate various Bridge skills. At ACBL.org just click on “Play Bridge” and follow the prompts for various choices.
If you wish to promote an activity in your Bridge group or ask a Bridge question, send the information to vrhead23@gmail.com and I will try to include it in this column.
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
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