Preemptive Opening Bids

3   3   3   3

3-level

Hand Description: all seats

  • 7(8) card suit
  • no A outside trumps
  • 1 K outside trumps (at most)
  • no specific point requirement (nominally 5-9 HCPs)
  • no 4 card Major (1st/2nd seat)

Estimated Tricks in Hand:

vulnerableneed 6 probable tricks
non-vulnerableneed 7 probable tricks

Responses:

  • Responder: 
    • new suit:  forcing 1 round
    • other bids:  to play
  • Opener:
    • only bid if partner makes forcing bid
    • raise partner's suit with 3+ cards
    • bid new suit to show a Ace or King in that side suit
    • rebid opening suit otherwise

4   4   4   4

4-level

Hand Description:

  • 8+ card suit
  • only 1 A or K outside trumps
  • no specific point requirement (nominally 5-9 HCPs)
  • no 4 card Major (1st/2nd seat)

Estimated Tricks in Hand:

vulnerableneed 7 probable tricks
non-vulnerableneed 8 probable tricks

Responses:

  • Responder: 
    • new suit:  forcing 1 round
    • other bids:  to play
  • Opener:
    • only bid if partner makes forcing bid
    • raise partner's suit with 3+ cards
    • bid new suit to show a King in that side suit
    • rebid opening suit otherwise