Structure 7G76 Main

Three Notrump Opening

by Richard Pavlicek

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. Essentially it’s an ace-asking bid (forcing) based on a strong one-suiter able to win at least 9 tricks. Suit is usually a major because 3 NT is eliminated as a contract, but it could be a minor with extreme shape unsuitable for notrump.

The bid has no upper bounds. Many hands that would normally be opened 2 are better candidates for 3 NT, especially with a major, provided opener has no doubt that his suit should be the final strain.

For details refer to Three Notrump Opening in the Pavlicek System notes.

Structure 7G76 Main Top Three Notrump Opening