How can you do a multi-pitch climb with a total of 3 climbers

There r three ways l know of - I've tried them all & each has its advantage:

1. Leader / 2 seconds / 2 ropes. This is where two seconds climb at the same time next to each other. The advantage is speed, the worst part is the leader belaying both ropes at the same time. The rope management is difficult

2. Leader / middle second / final second. Leader climbs first, the middle second climbs next & the final second climbs last. It takes a lot longer because there r three seperate climbs on each pitch, the big advantage is that the middle climber is very safe (especailly on a traverse) & does not have to know how to belay.

3. Leader / 2 seconds / 1 rope. The two seconds r both tied to the end of the rope - one at the very end & one ten or so feet higher. Advantage - one rope to belay & fast. Disadvantage is safety - the last second can fall & pull both seconds off the route. l would only use this on easy routes.

Good Luck

The lead climber goes to the first belay, the second climber ties on to the middle of the rope & unclips above the knot & reclips below the knot as he goes, the third climber comes up at the end & removes all the gear. it keeps the middle climber safe if he is a bit of a novice, but u must keep the pitches a reasonable length otherwise u will run out the rope for the third climber. The other way, is the lead climber takes a spare rope & goes to the first belay. He can then drop both ropes & bring the 2 other climbers up one at a time. It takes a bit longer but its fairly straight forward.