Preempting in First Seat: When to Be Bold

Do you look at what seat you are in? Being dealer is the time to be most aggressive. Third seat is another time where aggressive preempts pay off. In second seat (your right hand opponent has already passed), its a time to be a bit more conservative. This might all sound a bit silly, but it makes a very big difference to some of the worlds best players.

Dealer, not vulnerable

When you are first to act, and aren't vulnerable, the conditions are perfect for ultra aggressive preempts. These are the types of hands that leading experts are opening in first seat.

This was a striking example from recent play, 2♠ was opened! Only a 5 card suit, very few high card points, quite bad suit texture (no 10's and 9's). It was particularly good timing since the player was not vulnerable and the opponents were vulnerable. 

This hand opened 3♥! which is extreme looking. The basic trend is that 5-6 cards opens at the two level, 6-7 cards opens on the three level. Players feel like the distriputive value is worth the risk of getting doubled and going down. Its perhaps not that common for players to leave in penalty doubles, often they move to their own contract.

A key adjustment

If you decide that you want to try bidding like a lunatic when you are dealer, when you aren't vulnerable and the opponents are vulnerable, be sure to do two things. 

1. Discuss it with your partner, let them know to expect say 0-7 points. With a good hand, you will have to either pass or open on the 1 level. Its crucially important in bridge that your partner is able to predict what type of hand you have for any particular bid, if they expect a good preempt and you have 0 points, it will only hurt your side. 

2. Let your opponents know. Alert the bid and explain how severely weak the bid can be.

Where to next

• -> Next: Third Seat Openings: Practical Aggression
• -> Related: KISS 1: Do Not Double Automatically
• -> Back to Bidding Articles Hub