When an opponent opens either 3
or 3
as a preemptive minor we do find it often
presents a problem for us because of the level of the bidding, but we still have the rest of the 3-level to find our major.
But suppose your RHO opens 3NT, which is alerted by his partner as a preemptive minor? Life just got a little
harder, because now we have to start looking for our major suit fit at the 4-level.
3NT: A Preemptive Minor Suit
The system agreement is that this opening bid promises at least a 7-card minor headed by either the ace or king, or sometimes a long suit headed by the queen-jack-ten. Partner may pass or decide the hand would be better played in the minor. If he bids 4
the opener will either pass or correct to diamonds.
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An opening bid of 3NT shows a preemptive minor with at least a 7-card broken suit
A popular agreement is to open 3NT with a solid minor, but invariably the hand is played from the wrong side of the table. Open 3
or 3 with a solid suit and let your partner bid 3NT if that's a
contract that can make from his side.