Simple Overcalls

(MunRah's suggestions for Ayla's evaluation and decisions)

(Adapted from:

https://www.larryco.com/bridge-articles/simple-overcalls , whose author is Larry Cohen)

Simple means not a jump. This section deals with only this situation:

 OPPONENTS

WE

 Suit Opening

 Suit Overcalls (non-jump)

 

The range for an overcall is approximately 6-16 HCP. With more than 16, you would start with a double and then bid your suit. As usual, vulnerability plays a big role. Furthermore, an overcall on the 2- (or 3-) level (NOT A JUMP) has a higher minimum than a 1-level overcall. Don't overcall on the two level with an 10-count and a so-so five-card suit.

Responding to the overcall is the big issue here. To make it easier to follow, let me introduce you to the term Advancer. This phrase refers to the Partner of the overcaller. It's much easier to say advancer than partner of the overcaller.

Advancer Has Support

A raise by advancer is normal - much like raising an opening bid - so 6-10. With a stronger raise, the advancer should cue-bid the opponents' suit:

 OPENER

 OVERCALLER

RESPONDER

ADVANCER

1 Grape

1 Orange

Pass

2 Grapes

It doesn't matter if the overcall was on the 1- 2- or even a higher level. No matter what our overcall, if the advancer bids the opponent's suit he is promising a limit raise or better (11 points in support and 3 or more trumps). Because a cue-bid shows a limit raise, an actual jump raise should be weak.

Examples:

OPENER

OVERCALLER

RESPONDER

ADVANCER

1D

1H

Pass

2H = 6-10
(3+ trumps)

 

Preemptive Raise:

OPENER

OVERCALLER

RESPONDER

ADVANCER

1D

1H

Pass

3H =0-6
(4+ trumps)

  

Cue-bid Raise:

OPENER

OVERCALLER

RESPONDER

ADVANCER

 1D

1H

Pass

2D =11+
(3+ trumps)

Note: In all of the examples above, their Responder is shown as Passing. Even if their responder acts (a bid or a negative double), the meanings of the calls for the Advancer are still the same.

Advancer does not have Support

What if the advancer does not have support?

With a notrump hand (stopper in the opponents') suit, he can bid 1NT, 2NT or 3NT - depending on how many points he has. A 1NT advance is approximately 8-11 points, 2NT is approximately 12-14. 3NT is more.

What if the advancer bids a new suit? Typically this shows 5-cards or longer. The big issue: Is a new suit forcing? NO! It is constructive.

So, new suits (not a jump) by advancer are never forcing. Then, a jump by advancer is natural and forcing (he needs some way to show a good hand).

Note: Support Doubles are not used after overcalls (only when our side has opened the bidding).