Here's an interesting tidbit for us to consider in light of current events. The world is a lot smaller than we think. The Hawaiian Pizza was created by a Greek chef in an Italian Pizzeria, located in Canada.

Today we tackle fourth hand openers and it involves one of those "Rules." This is (ready?) "The Rule of 15."

When you are in fourth seat, with three Passes in front of you, you have control of the forward action. Since three people have passed, it only stands to reason that the points are fairly even around the table (unless you've got a monster...story for another day). So, if you bid, it will be like the Little Dutch Boy in the story who pulled his thumb out of the hole in the dike and the flood began. Once you bid, everyone will be in the action.

So, under what conditions should you pull out the cork? There are two factors that "rule" your choice: #1: Do you have enough points and/or shape for a rebid? #2: Do you have control of the Spades, God's own suit?

With enough points for a rebid, you can still control the auction. With enough Spades, they have to crawl to the two-level to get involved. And remember, they already passed.

So--with that preparation, here's "The Rule of 15"... Add your High Card Points to the number of Spades you hold. If the total is 15-plus, open. Otherwise PASS PASS PASS PASS. Do you see how this rule of thumb supports the concept of "enough points for a rebid, or control of the Spades?" Easy, peasy. Let's practice!