still catching on to following threads etc. I first heard reference to one's being third on a match during military training prior to a tour in Vietnam. The reference indicates the imminent demise of that third party thusly: light a match to ignite your own smoke, the enemy (V C snipers) is alerted to your collective presence; pass the match to a second party, the enemy can sight in; pass the match to the third smoker, the shooter pulls the trigger with deadly aim.