Hand 317 — Pre-emptive 3 opening

Play this hand
Dealer
N
User Side
N/S
Contract
3C
Declarer
N
Tricks Makeable
7
Recommended Lead
KH
Vulnerability
North-South
System
SAYC

Planning

Use a three-level pre-empt with a long, robust suit to obstruct the opponents.
E/W have missed an easy 4 spade contract.

The Deal

North
7 4
8 5
9 6
K Q J 10 8 6 3
West
K J 5 2
J 7 3 2
K J 4 3
A
East
A Q 10 6
K Q 9
A 8 5
9 7 4
South
9 8 3
A 10 6 4
Q 10 7 2
5 2
North: 6 HCP, 2-2-2-7
East: 15 HCP, 4-3-3-3 (bal)
South: 6 HCP, 3-4-4-2 (bal)
West: 13 HCP, 4-4-4-1

Bidding Sequence

N E S W
3CPassPassPass

Final Comments

In 3 clubs we can afford to lose 4 tricks.
2 spades
1 heart
2 diamonds
1 club
We lose 6 tricks, and down 2 for a score of -100 if not vulnerable.
E/W can make 5 spades.