Overcalls Jim Berglunds Bridge Lesson 21 Counting High
Overcalls Jim Berglund’s Bridge Lesson 21
Counting High Card Points Rule: Shortness points only count if you have a ‘fit’ with partner Rule: don’t double-count shortness points and length points Rule: Count points in the way that gives the highest total Rule: 3 -3 -3 -4 hands – subtract a point – never open a 3 -3 -3 -4 12 HCP hand. Rule: Always open 14. 5 HCP balanced hands 1 NT if you have a 5 th card in one (minor) suit. Rule: Never open a hand with a 5 -card Major 1 NT. Bid the Major ♠ A = 4+ ♠ Kx = 3 ♠ Qxx = 2 ♠ Jxxx =. 75 ♠ J 10 xx = 1. 25 ♠ 10 (with other honors) =. 5 ♠ Doubleton =. 5 ♠ 5 th card in a suit with points =. 5 ♠ 6 th card = 1 point ♠ 7 th, card = 2 points, etc. ♠ Void = 5 ♠ Singleton = 3
You should, when deciding to make a simple overcall or a takeout double, expect your partner to have seven points, or so. This is arbitrary, but works often enough to be useful. NOTE: it would be delusionary to expect that partner will also have a perfect fit with the right high cards and lots of trump. (at least, it doesn’t seem to work that way for me!)
♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Overcalling Opponents’ Opening Bids One-level doubles are TO and show an opener or better, or a distributional hand, or at least 3 -card support for the other three suits. For example, holding ♠ 876 ♥K 543 ♦AQ 98 ♣ 43, a double would make sense over a 1♣ opening. It wouldn’t if the clubs & spades were reversed, (even over a 1♠ opening, as you’d be forcing partner to the 2 -level. ) An overcall at the one level shows 8 -15 HCP and 1 ½ Quick tricks. With ♠ 97432 ♥AQ 3 ♦Q 54 ♣ 32, bid 1♠. (Partner won’t ever bid 1♠ with ♠AKQ and little else. Partner will expect you have shown at least a Queen, overcalls do not have to be lead directing) Direct overcalls at the 2 -level always show a hand you were intending to open Jump overcalls always show a pre-emptive hand. A balancing overcall of 1 NT shows 11 -14 HCP and a flat hand (no singletons) A balancing overcall at the 2 -level may be done with 8+ HCP A balancing double that allows partner to bid at the 1 or 2 -level may be made with 8+HCP After you have passed, an overcall is lead-directing
Suit Overcalls ♠ An overcall at the one level shows 8 -15 HCP. ♥ It should show length and/or strength in the bid suit ♠ An overcall at the 2 -level shows show a hand you were intending to open ♠ If partner has not passed, a preempt usually shows 6+ cards in a suit and 5 -11 HCP ♥ using the rule of 2 or 3 (planning to go down 2, vulnerable, or 3, non-vulnerable) ♠ If partner has passed, a preemptive overcall is typically stronger than 7 HCP ♠ All 3 -level and higher preemptive bids* are intended to disrupt the opponents bidding. They usually show any 7 cards in the bid suit, and very little defense. (Classical treatment was “a 7 -card suit with an outside Ace”) *there are some exceptions possible
Responding to Suit Overcalls Reverse Rosenkranz ♠ Jump Raises are preemptive – including jumps to game Used only after partner's overcall and another bid by opponent Shows 8+/- HCP and typically, 3 -card support ♠ NT bids show points and no more than 2 cards in partner’s suit Note: this is an advanced treatment and should be discussed with partner ♠ Q-bids (bidding opener’s suit) are forcing* and show points with good a. If RHO raises or bids another suit support. (*Q-bids at. Double the 3 -level have a conventional shows may 3 cards without one of the topmeaning 3 honors ) ♥ Anything but Raise a rebid of the overcall suitofisthe invitational shows 3 cards with one top 3 honors ♠ b. If RHO doubles Re-double 3 cards without of the top 3 otherwise honors A new suit is invitational byshows an unpassed hand, one competitive Raise shows 3 cards with one of the top 3 honors Note: This treatment also makes it easier for partner to make an opening lead
1♠ 2♥ 2♥ 2♥ One opponent likely has less than This time, Partner the opponent with points 6 points. is sitting over the With both opponents bidding, Opp 1 is showing 4 Spades, isopener, sitting over your partner. Your and her points should 2 is telling your partner game is unlikely. Your 2 bid and well. may not have fitshe withcan his work You need toa explore for Suppose instead, partner had lead the suit , Feel also the will likely the play the partner. comfortable game, andwin itand could be forces inof three Consider the following sequences: overcalled : hand, opponents theopponents 3 -level, where but. NT, iftothe raising the bidding tobid 2, places, Hearts orlevel spades. the contract may fail. What might Partner’s handget again, they may in like? trouble. but be happy tolook defend if Opp 1 You Opp 2 partner bid again 1. ♠AK 32 ♥A 543 doesn’t ♦ 543 ♣ 43 Partner 2♣ P P 1♣ 1♥ 2. ♠AK 432 ♥AQ 543 ♦ 543 ♣ P 3. ♠ 32 ♥AQ 87654 ♦ 543 ♣ 2 Opp 1 You Opp 2 3♥ Partner 4. ♠K 32 ♥AQ 87 ♦ 543 ♣QJ 1♣ P P 1♥ 5. ♠K 5432 ♥AQ 87 ♦ 43 ♣ 32 1♠ 2♣ Opp 1 You Opp 2 6. ♠ 43 ♥ 876543 ♦AK ♣J 32 Partner 1 NT 7. ♠K 43 ♥AQ 76 ♦A 6 ♣AJ 32 P 1♣ 1♥ 1♠ 8. ♠ 43 ♥QJ 543 ♦Axxx ♣J 3 Opp 1 You Opp 2 Partner DBL 9. ♠J 943 ♥ 8765 ♦AK ♣J 32 1♣ 1♥ DBL 10. ♠ 5432 ♥ 8765 ♦AKJ 8 ♣ 2 P You Hold: ♠Q 1087 ♥K 92 ♦ 1098 ♣K 98 What would you do?
Doubles over opponents’ weak NT openers Direct Seat DBL Penalty-oriented 15+ HCP 1. If Responder passes (forcing RDBL) or RDBL's 2. If Responder bids a suit (showing a 2 -suiter) Pass - waiting (points). Otherwise, ‘Systems on’, so 2 is Stayman; all other 2 -bids are transfers Pass - no points - no interest DBL - Penalty-oriented; Que – bid shows a partial stopper NT – invitational with a stopper (Ace or Kx or QJx) Suit – to play Balancing DBL Shows 10+HCP Pass - shows 12+HCP and a suit to lead; see above for other action by Opp's ‘Systems on’, so 2 is Stayman; all other 2 bids are transfers
Finally – a Weak Two Overcall! Opener Responder Rebidder 2♠ Jump Overcall- Fox-Lambert Weak Two - shows 5 -11 HCP and 5 -7 spades. Values should be in spades (eg 5+ HCP in Spades) 2 NT - Asks for further information 3♣ - 5 Spades; 9 -11 HCP (first step) When Opponents Interfere… 3♦ - 6 card suit with 5 -7 HCP (second step) 1. Overcall 3♥ - 6 card suit with 8 -9 HCP or 7 card suit with 5 -8 HCP (third step) • A Raise continues preempt 3♠ - 6 card suitthe with 10 -11 HCP or 7 -card suit with 9 -11 HCP (fourth • A Double is penalty-oriented. Pass with the 9 -11 HCP 5 -card suit hand. step) Otherwise, going up a by level, ) your normal response 3 NT - 6(without card suit headed the show AKQ or better 3♣/♦/♥ Shows another suit and minimal spade support 2. Double First step shows 5 Spades; 9 -11 HCP ; no support • 2 NTSecond – bid as if there was no double step shows - 6 card suit with 5 -7 HCP • New. Third suit – ‘Mc. Cabe’ shows spade support but is lead directing step shows 6 card suit with 8 -9 HCP or 7 card suit with 5 -8 HCP • Raise – continues the preempt with no support • Redouble (weak) – asks partner to bid the next higher suit, which Fourth step shows 6 card suit with 10 -11 HCP or 7 -card suit with 9 -11 responder will pass or correct HCP with no support A simple raise shows 3 card support A jump raise shows 4 card support Any other bid shows support and a singleton or void in the bid suit
Bidding over Opponents’ Preempts Rule: that Partner should not playing raise with direct seat, youover should have a hand evaluates to 15+ Rule: AIndouble, or 4 NT fewer thanwith 2 ora 3 suit tricks points. This means balance and-or. Aces, 4♠ are the only bids that partner can a void plusfor the 9+ points, or double with 8+ pointsorand support thepossibility other 3 of ask partner for input. winning 2 tricks ( eg AQ). suits Examples: Over a 2♥ or 3♥ opener: You should have ♠AQxxx ♥Kx ♦KQxx ♣xx or better to make a direct Rule: When a major is Rule: Over high level preempts, a overcall of suit 2♠ orfit 3♠ found, any of a minor suit bid shows competing ♠QJ 10 x ♥xbid ♦KQ 10 x ♣KJ 10 x would be minimum for a take-out suit isdouble likely NOT to play; values and is non-forcing. in direct seat treat as forcing♥void ♦Axx ♣xxx you should pass and expect Withit♠KQJxxxx partner to re-open, which he should do. Even with ♠x ♥Qxxx ♦KQxx ♣Kxxx he should double or balance with Rule: Never preempt a partner has not bid) 2 NT (opener’s preempt in direct When partner balances – treat it as a minimum – a Double is the seat! only bid that requests you to do something. It can be for takeout or can be converted for penalty Goren Q-Bid - when you are at favorable or even vulnerability – shows 2 -suits with slam interest – asks you to bid your longest suit first.
A simple jump overcall, 3♠ over 2♥ or 4♥ over 3♣, is a strong bid. Do not make a preemptive bid over their preemptive bid. If you make a strong jump overcall such as 3♥ over 2♦, you are telling your partner that if he has seven points, he may go on to game. This differs from when you make a simple overcall and he has seven points. When he has seven points after an overcall, he should pretend that he has shown his points and should pass.
Overcalls of Opponents 1 NTover – a strong I advocate using Modified Capelletti (16+HCP) 1♣ Opener, as well. Modified Capelletti Double – shows good clubs and a good hand 1 NT Double – shows 2♣ a -15+ HCP 2♦ hand Pass for penalty forces and shows a hand with 6+diamonds Weak or with a comfortable or a lead 5 -4 M/m hand or better. Strong If partner passes, she has diamonds. If she bids 2♥, 2♣ - forces 2♦ andshe shows ahearts hand with If partner passes, she has and a minor. 2 NT asks ‘Which 6+ diamonds or a 5 -4 M/m hand or diamonds. If she bids 2♥, minor? ’ better. It does NOT imply a hand with she has hearts and a minor. any defensive values. 2 NT asks ‘Which minor? ’ 2♥/♠ - Natural ♠ 76 ♥J 98654 ♦ - ♣ 1087654 Getting to a makeable game over a 1 NT opener is so 2♥/♠ - Natural 2 NT for the Minors highly unlikely, that the objective should be just to get a plus score 2 NT or the negative score. for lowest-possible the Minors Why? The strong 1♣ bid is intimidating to many players. It Another benefit of bidding over a 1 NT opener is that it also has a set of formal responses that these two-level makes it more difficult for the use their bidsopponents make moretodifficult to use effectively normal systems to find their optimal contract. Keep in mind that players are making interfering bids at other tables as well, so if you have a hand where you’re considering taking action or passing, bid.
When to Overcall NT, (and what it means) Opponent You 1♣♦♥♠ 1 NT Direct – eg P-1♥-1 NT shows a normal 1 NT opener. All systems are ON Balancing – eg 1♣ - P – 1 NT shows 11 -14 HCP and no 5 -card suit. All systems are ON After both opponents have bid – eg 1♦ - P 1♠ - 1 NT is called Sandwich NT. It guarantees a landing place in either of the other 2 suits if partner feels compelled to bid. It should show a bad 8 to a bad 10 HCP and at least 4 cards in the unbid suits. It is NOT invitational. (It may also be bid by a passed hand) 2 NT Unusual 2 NT – shows at least 5 -4 in the minors or in the 2 lower unbid suits 3 NT (and any higher bid) is a transfer to the next higher suit
Unusual over Unusual - also used for other occasions where two suits are shown by opponents (like Sandwich NT, Michaels Q-bid, etc) A bid of their lower ranking suit indicates limit+ support for the lower of the other two suits A bid of their higher ranking suit indicates limit+ support for the higher of the other two suits Partner 1♣♦♥♠ Opp You 2 NT Dbl is penalty-oriented 3♣ shows limit raise or better for Hearts 3♦ shows limit raise or better for Spades 3♥/♠ shows values for the suit bid - competitive but not forcing Raise should be considered weak
Michael's Q-bid 1 m-2 m shows the Majors 1 M-2 M shows the other Major and one of the minors A bid of 2 NT asks for the minor suit; any other, nongame bid is forcing 1 x-2 NT or 1 x-P-1/2 y-2 NT shows the two lower unbid suits Michaels Q-bid over a takeout double by partner– only at unfavorable vulnerability - shows 2 suits asks you to bid your longest suit first Partner Opp 1♦ 2♦ (Majors) You Dbl is penalty-oriented 2♥ shows limit raise or better for Clubs 2♠ shows limit raise or better for Diamonds 3 /♦ shows values for the suit bid competitive but not forcing Raise should be considered weak
Defense over Mini-Roman 2♦ Dbl=Diamonds and points 2♥/♠ Biddable suit - invitational 2 NT 16 -19 Balanced Note that the 2♥ variation is more difficult 3♣ - clubs to defend over. Few opponents will have a 3♦ - majors formal defense and are more likely to create problems for themselves 2♦ 2♥=3 -suit TO Dbl=NT oriented 2♠/3♣/♦ to play 2 NT=Minors 2♥ DBL=3 -suit TO 2♠/3♣/♦ to play 2 NT=Minors
Defense Over 2 -level 2 -way Transfers These are 2 -level bids over 1♣ openers, requiring partner to transfer to the next higher suit (2♦ to 2♥, 2♥ to 2♠, and 2♠ to 3♦. If passed, the hand is weak; any advance is RKC for the suit. Since few pairs will have a prepared defense over these bids, it is only fair to provide this, in written form, for them Direct DBL of bid Q-bid of real suit Any other suit bid 2 NT Pass, then double Pass, then bid Stolen bid, with points 3 -suit takeout To play Same as 1 NT overcall, with stopper. Penalty-oriented Two-suited TO, showing the lowest TO suit
Bidding After Opponents Takeout Doubles 1 A Pass may show no points, or be waiting to see what happens before making a bid 2 A simple raise is non-forcing 6 7 9 3 A new suit 1♦ 1♦is ---DBL DBL (by an un-passed hand) for one round. It 1♠ 8 1♥a -rebiddable DBL shows suit and/or support for partner You hold: ♠KJxx ♠KJx ♥QJx ♦xxxx ♣ ♣Qxxx QJxx ♣Qxx hold: ♠KJxx ♥QJxx ♦x You hold: ♠xxx ♥Qxxxx ♦xxx ♣ xx 4 A♠Axx new suit♥AJxx is ♦x non-forcing or ♠xxxx ♦KJxx ♣J (by a passed hand) and typically oror♠Axxx ♥QJxx ♦Qxxx ♣Jx or ♠A♥ Jxxx ♣with xxx Bid with the♦xxxxx first, 3♣ denies the ability to the make a raise Redouble Bid 3 2 NT with either hand second 5 Bid 1 NT 3♥ (orwith 2 NT) shows 7 -9 HCP and little support for partner 6 Redouble shows 10+ HCP and tends to show no fit for partner; A subsequent bid of a suit by redoubler is forcing oneround. 7 2 NT shows a limit raise or better 14 1♦ - -DBL P – P 1♠ - DBL 8 Jump raises are preemptive You hold: 1♣ ♠Kxxx ♦xxx ♣xxx 2 -1♦ DBL 5 3 You -♥Qxx 1♦ -DBL hold: ♠xx ♥Qxx ♦KJ 109 x ♣xxx or ♠xx♠Kxxx ♥Qxx ♦xx ♣QJxxxx You hold: ♠xxx ♥Qxx ♦Kxx 9 hold: Jump shifts show a singleton You ♥Qxx ♦xx ♣Jxxx You hold: ♠KQxx ♦xxx ♣ xxx or void and a limit raise or better or ♠xx ♥xx ♦xx ♣QJxxxxx Pass with both. ♣xxxx. If you have another ♠xx ♥♥QJx Qx ♦Jxx ♣KQxxxx oror♠Axx ♦xx ♣Qxxxx Bid 2♦ with the first, 2♣ with the or ♠xx♥Qxx ♦Kxx KQxxx chance to bid, just♣raise with either Bid with thebid first, 2♣with the Bid 1♠ 1 NT with either hand second Don’t again unless Bid 2♣ hand second forced
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