It always good to get into the bidding and describe your hand to partner at the earliest possible opportunity. So far, we have discussed opening bids from first seat (the dealer) that promise a full opening count (at least 13 points). Sometimes, the bidding will go
Pass ~~~ Pass ~~~ ?
You are looking at
Kx ~~~ AQxxx ~~~ Qxx ~~~ xxx
A nice hand, but lacking the values partner would expect you to have if you opened as dealer. However, in third seat, you should open this hand to protect the 11 point hand partner may have had to pass with in first seat. Obviously, you would open this hand 1H, then, barring any partnership forcing bids that may exist, pass at your first opportunity.
Now, let's look at the very same hand above in fourth seat. The bidding has gone
Pass ~~~ Pass ~~~ Pass ~~~ ?
Should you open the same hand in fourth seat? Some partnerships agree to use The Rule of 15, and with this hand,
Kx ~~~ AQxxx ~~~ Qxx ~~~ xxx
The Rule says, "No". The Rule merely says that in fourth seat opening bids, the hand will contain high card points and number of spades to equal 15 or more before the hand can be opened. That is, if your hand contains 12 points and 2 spades, that equals 14 and does not meet the requirement of the Rule of 15. If your hand contains 11 points and 5 spades, that is 16, and according to the Rule of 15, you must open the hand. Some players swear by The Rule, some reluctantly follow The Rule at partner's request, while still others say it NEVER works for them and they refuse to be bound by it. Whatever you and partner decide, be consistent. You might decide to keep a log for a period of time (maybe six months) and gauge the success/failure of the Rule, then make a final decision.
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A great page!!!