Opening in Fourth position

Playing matchpoints. Both you and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠T9432
♥AK65
♦T2
♣K8

Three "Pass"es to you. You are in fourth position. Do you open the bidding? What is your call?

Show Answer

In fourth position you are supposed to use the "Rule of 15" to decide whether or not you will open the bidding.

When you are in fourth position you must make sure that IF you open the bidding you get a positive score. If you get a negative score you were just better off "Pass"ing and not getting any score!

The "Rule of 15" says: Count the number of HCP (High Card Points) you have. Add that to the number of ♠ (SPADES) you have. If that number equals 15 then open the bidding. If the number is not quite 15 then just "Pass".

(The "Rule of 15" uses ♠ because ♠ is the highest ranked suit. Maybe you can make 2♥ but if the Opponents make 2♠ they'll just push you around. So if you don't have ♠ you need more high card values.)

On this hand you have 10 HCP and five ♠. The "Rule of 15" says to open the bidding.

If you are going to open the bidding you must open 1♠. Yes, it is a terrible suit.

But you could also ignore the "Rule of 15" and simply "Pass". Hmmm. What to do?

If you open 1♠ you find a ♠ fit. You can take 10 tricks but it is difficult to play and most only took 9 tricks. You won't bid game so you get a positive score.

If you "Pass"ed because your suit is so lousy or because you only have 10 HCP remember the "Rule of 15" for the next time -- it works!