Normally i play with 5-6 pcs even in tourneys. Most of time there is a standard base in the group.
Rogue is really most strong pc (if best played) in 3ed, even if sometimes is multiclassed with fighter or ranger or sorcerer so i never played without it.
A cleric is a needing, even if is not very funny to play, so we must take a place for it.
One or two fighters are obviusly in the group. Normally there is a fighter and a barbarian. If there is only one, normally it is a barbarian. Rarely there is place for a ranger, in 3ed is ever a bit less strong than other choices. More commonly, the rogue have some levels of ranger, for his strategical role, if in a tournament.
A mage is a must. First choice is Elf wizard with some feats for distance attacks. Second choice is a Sorcerer multiclassed rogue or cleric.
My standard group is:
5pcs
(halfling) Rogue / sorcerer (or rogue/ ranger if not a fighter)
(human) Fighter (or sorcerer/cleric if not a rogue/sorcerer)
(Dwarf or Half Ogre) Barbarian
(human) Cleric
(elf) Wizard
