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Detail specifications 115F - Level 2 ★

Pre-empt: weak three and weak four bids

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Pre-empt openings are very difficult for the opponents because they have to overcall at a high level.
To open 3 clubs, diamonds, hearts or spades you need:
  • 6 to 9HCP
  • and 7 cards in that suit including two high honors (ace, king or queen)
Be Careful ! Don't open 3 in a suit if you have 2 aces; 1 ace and a void or if you have 4 in a major. These rules only apply in 1st or 2nd seat. In 3rd or 4th seat you can do all of the above !
SWNE
1
10
4
A
Q
10
2
K
Q
10
9
8
7
4
Problem E1312 : 9HCP is the maximum for a pre-empt opening, therefore 11HCP is too many!
 
SWNE
3
7
9
4
10
6
4
A
K
J
9
8
7
6
Problem E1311: This pre-empt opening is precise:
7 strong diamonds,
6-9HCP (here, it's 8HCP).
 
 
Pre-empt openings at level 4 in a suit need:
  • A strong 8-card suit
  • Between 6 and 9HCP
  • And no defensive trick

SWNE
4
A
Q
10
9
6
5
4
3
4
4
J
10
3
Problem E2475: It's the number of spades that determines the level of your pre-empt bid
-with 6 cards = 2 spades
- with 7 cards = 3 spades
- with 8 cards = 4 spades. Easy, isn't it?
 
SWNE
4
K
Q
10
9
8
5
4
3
5
4
3
6
3
Problem E2476: If you have a strong 8-card heart suit, even with nothing else alongside, don't hesitate even a second to open 4 hearts. It's then up to the opponents to plunge in at 4 spades and take all the risks.
 
 
To open 3NT you need:
  • about 10HCP,
  • an established minor suit of 7 cards (and not 8!)
  • and ...nothing else alongside , meaning no ace or king!

Careful!
Don't open 3NT with an ace or a void in addition to the established minor.
Example
SWNE
4
10
7
9
7
4
A
K
Q
10
9
8
7
3
Problem E5164: Don't open 3NT with an established 8-card suit.
 
 
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