Responses to overcalls in a suit (without fit)

The replies without a fit in the partner's suit
Your Partner who has just overcalled can have between 8 and 17HCP (with more than 18HCP he would have doubled). The principles:

Changes of suit at the one level are forcing
2 over 1 are non forcing
2 over 2 are forcing

A cue bid is often used to show strength and makes the sequence forcing.
If the player in 3rd seat bids, no bid is forcing unless made with a jump.

S	W	N	E

Problem E4860 A response 2 over 1 is non forcing.

S	W	N	E

Problem E4861 A response at the one level is forcing.

WITHOUT a fit and WITHOUT a stopper in the opener's suit

With less than 7-8HCP: PASS

At the one level with at least 4 strong cards and a minimum of 8HCP: change of suit forcing

With at least 6 cards and between 8 and 12HCP: change suits 2 over 1. This is non forcing.

Without a strong suit to bid and with 10 or so HCP: cue bid the opener which makes the sequence forcing. This bid doesn't promise a fit with your Partner, nor a stopper in the opener's suit (an investigating bid).

S	W	N	E

Problem E4861 2 spades Show your nice spades with at least 8HCP

S	W	N	E

Problem E5413 PASS With 5 ♥ and without a fit, you must pass. Your Partner has a ♥ void and if he doubles in the next round, you can pass with glee!

Without a fit and WITH stoppers in the opening suit:

with 8-12HCP bid 1NT
with 13-14HCP bid 2NT (with jump)
if the overcall was at the 2 level, 2NT shows 10HCP and stoppers in the opening suit.

S	W	N	E

Problem E1096 2 NT When responding to an overcall at the two level, 2NT proposes game and requires a balanced hand of about 11HCP with of course a stopper in the opening suit.

Main

Detail specifications 41BF - Level 1 ★

Responses to overcalls in a suit (without fit)

Footer