Structure 7G74 by Richard Pavlicek

Three Notrump Opening

In a Nutshell

I never liked the “gambling 3 NT” and I don’t like waiting for 25+ HCP, so I invented my own 3 NT opening. Basically, it shows a “strong preempt in any suit” and it’s forcing. Typically, it shows a hand you would normally open one but would like to bid game immediately. The suit is usually a major, but it could be a minor if you have no desire to play 3 NT.

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Details

An opening bid of 3 NT shows a strong preempt in any suit. This typically shows 11-15 HCP and 8 1/2+ tricks. It is forcing.

West
3 NT North
P East
? South

• Call
4
4
4 , 4
4 NT Meaning
normal takeout; F
exactly 2 aces; F
7+ (strong 6) cards; NF
exactly 3 aces; F

Rebids by opener:

West
3 NT
?

North
P

East
4 X

South
P

Call
Suit*
4 NT over 4
4 NT otherwise Meaning
real suit; NF (forcing over 4 NT)
Asks for kings (how many)
Blackwood (regular)
*Over 4 implies that 2 aces are not enough for slam

Rebids by responder:

West
3 NT
Suit

North
P
P

East
4 m
?

South
P

Call
Any Meaning
same as response to “Suit” opening

Competitive agreements:

West
3 NT

North
Dbl

East
?

South

•
•
Call
Pass
Redouble
4
Other Meaning
nondescript; may be worthless
good hand without 2 aces
1 ace
as without double

West
3 NT North
Bid East
? South

•

• Call
Pass

Double
Cheapest suit
Other suit
4 NT Meaning
nondescript; opener must bid suit at
4 level and may bid 5 if prudent
penalty; trump stack
competitive in opener’s suit
7+ (strong 6) cards; NF
slam try; 2+ aces (not BW)

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