3NT in 4th position

[benlessard]

[hv=d=e&v=n&n=sqxhtxdakqxxxxxck&s=stxxxxhakjxdct9xx]133|200|Scoring: MP[/hv]

 

(P)-----P------(P)-------3NT all pass with the A of club lead for -400.

 

South said that 3NT should show a pretty good hand since 3D show a pretty good preempt anyway. North said that having a void is too terrible to pass 3Nt.

 

Would you open 3Nt with Kx in clubs and the stiff heart ?

Do you allow responder to bid 3Nt over a 3m 4th preemtpt ?

[JLOL]

I think 3N is terrible with no stoppers, that is an LOL.

 

I opened 3N today with Kx xx AKQJxxx AJ which is what a 3N opener should look like. Gambling on one suit is ok, but 3 is ridiculous.

 

Of course south has a pass. 3N doesn't show no side entry lol.

[Finch]

Do you allow responder to bid 3Nt over a 3m 4th preemtpt ?

Yes, of course.

I've even had that auction more than once.

[gnasher]

With the South hand I'd be a bit worried about missing slam. Could North have Ax Qx AKQJxxx Kx? If so, maybe South should bid 4♥ as a sort of trial bid.

[whereagles]

I see people play a 4th seat 3NT as showing the world.

 

If you play that, then North gets the blame. If you play the, IMO more sensible requirement, "at most 1 side stop for a 4th seat 3NT", then SOUTH gets it.

[OleBerg]

Do you allow responder to bid 3Nt over a 3m 4th preemtpt ?

Only with an exceptional fitting hand. Probably non-standard, but if I have a hand where 3NT is a reasonable possibilety facing a passed hand, I start with one of a suit.

 

I like to reserve the 3m bid for somethiing like:

 

♠ Ax

♥ x

♦ KQ10

♣ QJ108xxx

 

On the OP hand.

 

Pass is 100% obvious on the South Hand. I wouldn't open 3NT on the North hand, but I dont feel strongly about it.

[benlessard]

Despite all the post partner isnt convinced that 3Nt in 4th seat is showing a very good hand (we play Gambling 3Nt on the CC).

 

My argument is that even 3m show a pretty good hand allowing responder to bid 3Nt. So 3Nt is a tactical i hope to make bid.

 

Do you know any books where this is explained.

[jdonn]

In 4th seat 3m shows a good hand like responder needs good controls and stoppers to make 3nt. 3nt is a good hand like responder needs very little to make. This is obvious and well known to even fair players.

[gnasher]

Despite all the post partner isnt convinced that 3Nt in 4th seat is showing a very good hand (we play Gambling 3Nt on the CC).

 

My argument is that even 3m show a pretty good hand allowing responder to bid 3Nt. So 3Nt is a tactical i hope to make bid.

 

Do you know any books where this is explained.

What nationality is your partner? It seems likely from the comments in this thread that we don't all play this the same way.

 

The Encyclopedia of Bridge says that the bid should have "little or no outside strength" "except in fourth position".

 

Rather to my surprise, Better Bidding With Bergen, vol 1, p90 supports your partner's view: "Although some would say that in third or fourth position it shows a better hand and commands responder to pass, there is no necessity for this." Bergen gives J62 10 96 AKQT1064 as an example of a fourth-seat 3NT opener.