Three batsmen scored half-centuries as Derbyshire posted 301-4 on the opening day versus Durham at The 3aaa County Ground.
Wayne Madsen led the way with an unbeaten 80, whilst Ben Slater (55) hit his third half-century of the season and Billy Godleman (61) claimed his first.
When bad light forced players off the field after 80 overs, Derbyshire closed the day in a commanding position and with two set batsmen at the crease.
Returning from the Indian Premier League to play for Durham in the Specsavers County Championship, Mark Wood took the new ball after the visitors exercised their right to bowl first.
Surviving a sharp first spell from the England seamer, the Derbyshire openers saw out the first session unscathed with the score 107-0.
The robust opening partnership was eventually broken after the lunch interval by former Derbyshire bowler Nathan Rimmington, who had Slater caught at point by Graham Clark for 55.
Luis Reece (48) and Alex Hughes (0) followed after just 14 runs were added, with the score 126-3 as Durham fought a way back into the game.
Godleman and Madsen set about rebuilding the Derbyshire advantage and soon reached 200 as Madsen surpassed 9,000 first-class runs for the county.
The Captain was the first to reach his half-century, off 81 balls with 10 fours, the landmark brought up with a fluent drive through the covers for four.
He was joined in reaching the feat by his experienced counterpart, before the 114-run fourth-wicket stand was brought to an end by on-loan Matthew Dixon as he had Godleman lbw for 61.
Madsen powered on in partnership with Matt Critchley (35 not out) to take Derbyshire past 300 and onto 301-4 before bad light brought an early end to what was a good day for Derbyshire.
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