Simple
means not a jump
. We will cover JUMP OVERCALLS in a different article. We discussed notrump overcalls previously, so this section deals with only this situation:
Opponents |
We |
Suit Opening |
Suit Overcalls (non-jump) |
The range for an overcall is approximately 8-17 HCP. With more than 17, you would start with a double and then bid your suit. With less than 8, you'd pass, but I suppose I would overcall on the 1-level with a suit such as AK1098, especially if not vulnerable (yes, on only 7 HCP!). The way my partners lead, I can't resist sticking in such lead-directing bids. Accordingly, it might be better to mark the card 7-17 HCP. As usual, vulnerability plays a big role. Furthermore, an overcall on the 2- (or 3-) level has a higher minimum than a 1-level overcall. Don't overcall on the two level with an 11-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 (10 points in support and 3 or more trump). Because a cue-bid shows a limit raise, an actual jump raise should be weak.
Examples:
Opener |
Overcaller |
Responder |
Advancer |
1
|
1
|
Pass |
2 = 6-10 (3 trumps) |
Preemptive Raise:
Opener |
Overcaller |
Responder |
Advancer |
1
|
1
|
Pass |
3=0-6 (4 trumps) |
Cue-bid Raise:
Opener |
Overcaller |
Responder |
Advancer |
1
|
1
|
Pass |
2=11 (3 trumps) |
Note: Not everyone plays the cue-bid this way (as guaranteeing support), but I highly recommend it. This method makes things simple. The overcaller can jump to game without worrying that advancer might not have support. 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. The exact range depends on overcall style and vulnerability.
What if the advancer bids a new suit? Typically this shows 5-cards or longer. The big issue: Is a new suit forcing? It is best to adopt a simple rule for new suits. Here are two possible ways to play it - choose one:
1) New suits by advancer are never forcing. In this case, I suggest that a jump by advancer is natural and forcing (he needs some way to show a good hand).
OR
2) New suits by advancer are forcing (unless advancer is already a Passed Hand).
There are other (more complex) possible schemes, but I advise, as usual to KISS.
Note: Support Doubles are not used after overcalls (only when our side has opened the bidding).
For Experienced Players
One popular method is to employ a jump-cue by responder as a Mixed Raise. A Mixed Raise
means 4-card support, but a little too strong to make a preemptive raise. Here is an example auction and hand for a Mixed Raise:
Opener |
Overcaller |
Responder |
Advancer |
1
|
1
|
Double |
3
|
Advancer holds:
A 4
Q J 6 5
6 5
8 7 6 3 2
This hand is too good to make a preemptive jump to 3, but not strong enough for a 2 cue-bid.
The Mixed Raise is on no matter what their responder does. As long as Advancer can make a jump-cue to the 3-level, it shows a Mixed Raise. (A jump-cue on the 4-level would be a Splinter Bid).
Next article we discuss methods against the opponent's 1NT opening bid.
Larry's Audio Tour of the Convention Card
Updated: April, 2020