Is K106, 863, AK86, 763 worth an opening bid? Generally the answer would be "no" but in third position after two passes it might be, as we see from West's bid in the hand below.
In this hand (Douglas Bridge Club 27/1/21, board 14) East dealt at love all, and passed, South passed too. West opened 1 Diamond and the competitive bidding proceeded as shown in the diagram below. The final result was that West played in 3♦ – 1, NS+50
The board was played at 8 tables. At six tables West passed; three of those North-Souths made 1NTwith overtrick(s) and the other three played in 2♣ (=, +1 and+2). One other West opened (choosing 1NT) and played there for -50.
I would draw attention to four reasons why a light opening bid in third position on this hand was worthwhile:
- It indicates a good lead for partner. This is important because the best hand at the table is probably on your left, and you will often finish up defending;
- East-West are not vulnerable. Even if the contract had gone two down, minus 100 would still have been above average (five NS pairs made 110 or more), but -200 for two off vulnerable would be a zero.
- West can cope with partner's reply. If East bids a new suit, West can pass.
- NS were a strong pair who could be expected to get a good score if left to their own devices.
The full hand, including the play can be found here:
https://www.bridgebase.com/tools/handviewer.html?lin=nt|Douglas43 has sent you a hand. |st%7C%7Cpn%7Cmanxjohn%2CDouglas43%2CTadhg64%2Cfatbunny1%7Cmd%7C4SA43HJ94DJ943CQ82%2CSKT6H863DAK86C763%2CSJ852HAK7DQCKJT54%2CSQ97HQT52DT752CA9%7Csv%7Co%7Crh%7C%7Cah%7CBoard 14%7Cmb%7CP%7Cmb%7CP%7Cmb%7C1D%7Cmb%7C2C%7Cmb%7CD%7Cmb%7C3C%7Cmb%7CP%7Cmb%7CP%7Cmb%7C3D%7Cmb%7CP%7Cmb%7CP%7Cmb%7CP%7Cpc%7CC4%7Cpc%7CCA%7Cpc%7CC8%7Cpc%7CC3%7Cpc%7CC9%7Cpc%7CCQ%7Cpc%7CC6%7Cpc%7CC5%7Cpc%7CD3%7Cpc%7CDA%7Cpc%7CDQ%7Cpc%7CD2%7Cpc%7CH3%7Cpc%7CHK%7Cpc%7CH2%7Cpc%7CH4%7Cpc%7CHA%7Cpc%7CH5%7Cpc%7CH9%7Cpc%7CH6%7Cpc%7CH7%7Cpc%7CHQ%7Cpc%7CHJ%7Cpc%7CH8%7Cpc%7CHT%7Cpc%7CS3%7Cpc%7CC7%7Cpc%7CS2%7Cpc%7CS7%7Cpc%7CSA%7Cpc%7CS6%7Cpc%7CS5%7Cpc%7CS4%7Cpc%7CST%7Cpc%7CSJ%7Cpc%7CSQ%7Cpc%7CD5%7Cpc%7CD4%7Cpc%7CD6%7Cpc%7CCT%7Cpc%7CDK%7Cpc%7CS8%7Cpc%7CD7%7Cpc%7CD9%7Cpc%7CSK%7Cpc%7CCJ%7Cpc%7CS9%7Cpc%7CC2%7Cpc%7CD8%7Cpc%7CCK%7Cpc%7CDT%7Cpc%7CDJ%7C&v3b=web&v3v=5.6.22
Douglas43's deal.
+++++++++++++++++
If local regulations permit, and your bidding structure can cope, then Douglas43's arguments persuade me that West should open 1♦, in 3rd seat
Culbertson would also approve
2.5 quick tricks