Main

Detail specifications 31AZ - Level 2 ★

Overcalls after an opening bid at level one in a suit

Back to the summary
PDF
Print
Overcalls with a suit:
  • At the 1 level as from 8HCP and a strong suit of at least 5 cards
  • At the 2 level without a jump as from 10HCP and a strong six-card suit.
  • At the 2 level in a major with jump, with a hand which could have opened a weak 2 (see level 2)
  • At levels 3, 4 or 5 "preempts" with single-suiter hands.
  • Michaels with two 5-5 suits (and not 4-5!)

SWNE
1
Pass
K
5
A
8
4
2
A
K
J
9
7
5
3
Problem E3707 PASS ...IN SPITE OF THOSE 15HCP: you don't have a 5 card suit to call.
 
SWNE
1
1
K
J
9
4
A
Q
J
9
3
4
Q
9
8
Problem E3753 1 ♥ :overcall as if you were opening with this strong 5 card suit.
 
 
The takeout double
This is the most economic overcall and calls for the other 3 suits. It promises:
  • either at least 12-13HCP and at least 3 cards in all the other suits. Don't double with a short-suited major that hasn't been called.
  • or at least 18 HCP with any distribution

Careful! With a strong hand, always start by doubling...even with a very good suit.
SWNE
1
X
K
J
10
8
A
J
10
8
Q
7
3
A
Q
Problem E3795 Double so as not to miss a possible fit in ♥ or ♠.
 
SWNE
1
X
A
K
Q
10
8
7
A
Q
9
4
3
A
10
Problem E1064 Start by doubling. You will bid your ♠ on the next round.
 
 
The overcall of 1NT
You can do this with a similar hand to that of a 1NT opening. It promises:
  • about 15-17HCP.
  • and a stopper in the opponent's suit

Careful! Never forget that your partner might have zero points! A weak overcall will be sanctioned by a penalty double
SWNE
1
1NT
K
7
Q
J
10
A
Q
10
9
4
K
J
9
Problem E1056 Since you would have opened with this 1NT hand...you can overcall 1NT (with a good stopper in hearts)
 
SWNE
1
Pass
K
5
A
8
4
2
A
K
J
9
7
5
3
Problem E3707 Pass with these 15HCP and no ♥ stopper ...
 
 
Pre-empts.
You need to have a strength of 10HCP max.
These are :
  • Intervention at the 2 level and a jump raise in a major.
  • Intervention at the 3,4 and even 5 level in a suit
  • Intervention 3NT showing a good 7 card minor suit.
  • Intervention 4NT showing a distribution with strengths in both minors

SWNE
1
1
A
10
8
7
6
5
A
J
9
5
4
9
6
Problem E4408 1 ♠ Avoid jumping to 2♠ when you have 2 aces.
 
SWNE
1
2
Q
J
9
8
5
2
A
7
7
2
9
6
4
Problem E4405 2 ♠ An intervention in a major by jumping to the 2 level means 6 cards and 6-9HCP. Here your pre-empt is at the lower end of the scale.
 
 
Back to the summary