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Ask the Expert
You are in 4th seat after 3 passes, non-vul, matchpoints.
You hold: A 9876 AK1032 Q84.
Your call and please explain your rationale.
Bill Bauer. There is the popular Rule of 15 that clouds the picture for some. The Rule of 15 states that to open in 4th seat add your hcp + spade length and if the total is 15 or more open the bidding. With 14 or fewer pass. So some might say you have 13 hcp + 1 spade for 14, so you should pass. BUT...there is a part of the rule that some forget. If you would have opened the hand in 1st or 2nd seat, then you still should open the hand. Thus, one opens the hand 1D as you would have if you were in 1st or 2nd seat.
John Dickenson. For once I agree with Bill. The Rule of 15 only applies if you are thinking about opening "light" in 4th chair. Another rule people forget is the "rule of look left and look right." If those chairs are occupied by the strongest pair in the club, pass.
Mitch Snyder. This is an opening hand in any seat. You may not like your rebid choices if partner bids 1S, but it's an opener.
John Dickenson. Furthering Mitch's comment, it is an opening hand without the club queen. Any hand with AK and A is an opening hand to me - 3 quicks with the added bonus of the AK heading a 5 card suit.
Elaine Clair. I agree with John and Bill on this one. I would open this hand 1D. It’s a full opener in any seat. The Rule of 15 only applies to marginal hands.
Dennis O’Brien. I'm not a slave to "rules" like the Rule of 15. You have a good suit and three quick tricks. Open 1D.
Email your questions, or a pesky hand, or something you’d like to know about bidding or playing to Toysie Walker. She will forward them to the panel, one will be chosen, and the question and answers will be printed in the following week’s newsletter.
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