Pre-emptive opening bids and response

An opening bid at the three-level shows a one-suited hand with little defence. Typically it will be a 7-card suit with less than an opening bid.

For example

S xx
H AJ10xxxx
D xxx
C x

The same principles as opening weak two bids apply to pre-emptive openers. More aggressive at favourable vulnerability, conservative at unfavourable, more care when in second position, and anything goes in third position.

When non-vulnerable, consider pre-empting with 6-4 distribution when values are concentrated in the long suit.

A new suit by responder is forcing for one round. Opener should support or rebid 3NT without support.

RULE: After a 2- or 3-level opening pre-empt, all doubles by responder are PENALTY.