WHY YOU PRE-EMPT
You do not pre-empt primarily to keep the opponents out of the bidding. In fact, as soon as your left-hand opponent bids (over your pre-empt), you’re happy.
Now, the main upside of pre-empting – namely forcing the opponents too high or into the wrong contract – may occur. While the main downside of pre-empting – namely getting doubled and “going for a number” – won’t happen.
On this deal from a world championship, East’s 5♦ pre-empt jostled North-South into the inferior game. 5 Spades would have made easily. What about 5 Hearts?

| W | N | E | S |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1NT(1) | Pass | 5♦(2) | 5♥ |
(2) Putting on the pressure.
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