Thus a third seat opening hand could have a point range of 10-19.

A light opening has some advantages. It can be lead directing if the opposition are the declarers, it can deny bidding space to the opposition, and it can have the advantage of bidding first rather than entering the auction as an over bidder.

Such light openings are inadvisable in first and second seats, because they may confuse the normal exchange of information with your partner. Any response by partner (who has already passed) to a third or fourth seat opening bid  can be passed, and that is the key strategy of such light openings.

The following recent hand shows how such opening bids might work (Dealer: South; Vulnerability: Nil).

The bidding went:

South   West   North   East

Pass      Pass    1S           2H

2S           3H      All pass

The expected spade lead should keep the contract to nine tricks, instead of 10 on a diamond or club lead.

Additionally, some Wests may be tempted to bid to four hearts going off one. So there are reasons to be optimistic for a good result for North/South on this hand.

THERE have been some strong performances recently by Bathurst Bridge Club players who have won competitions on both outright and handicap scoring.

They include Denise Thomas, George Gaal, Belinda Mansell, Alan Sims, Jim Driscoll, Bob Walkom, Chis Rosevear, Lola Peterson, Anne Hunter, Terry Bossomaier, Jenny Hector, Lyn and Bob Dillon, Bill Kierath, Liz Scorer, Margaret Humphries, Doreen Kjeldsen, John Cox, Coleen Street, Sheila Thompson, Phil Cummings and Dick Ellis.

Well done all!