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Detail specifications 41BF - Level 1 ★

Responses to overcalls in a suit (without fit)

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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.
SWNE
1
1
Pass
2
J
3
10
6
A
K
Q
7
6
3
10
9
3
Problem E4860 A response 2 over 1 is non forcing.
 
SWNE
1
1
Pass
1
A
Q
J
5
3
J
10
K
6
5
3
10
3
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).

SWNE
1
1
Pass
1
A
Q
J
5
3
J
10
K
6
5
3
10
3
Problem E4861 2 spades Show your nice spades with at least 8HCP
 
SWNE
1
1
2
Pass
4
Q
J
10
9
5
10
8
7
4
A
K
9
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.

SWNE
1
2
Pass
2NT
Q
10
8
K
10
9
J
9
7
6
K
J
10
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.
 
 
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