Effective Overcalls

In this lesson:

On 50% of the deals you play, the player who opens the bidding is your opponent. When that opponent is your RHO, the player in the hot seat is YOU.

When your side opens the bidding, HCP play a very significant role in your decision-making. But, things are very different when the enemy bids first. When your RHO opens, HCP are no longer the key. Level, distribution, vulnerability, suit quality and your holding in RHO's suit are now more important.

Marty will discuss the following topics:

• - Why you should be super-aggressive after your RHO opens 1♣
• - When to pass a strong hand
• - Very flexible takeout doubles
• - 1-level overcalls: All you need is a reason
• - 1NT Overcalls: Very descriptive
• - 2-level overcalls: 6-card suits are the norm
• - Two-suited overcalls: Some are better than others
• - Jump Overcalls: How aggressive should you be

Here is an example of what Marty will discuss in the lesson:

Neither side is vulnerable.
You hold: ♠32 ♥K1054 ♦KQ6 ♣AQ97

You right hand opponent opens 1♦. What is your call?
Answer: Bid 1NT.

I know that you have only 14 HCP, and I'm not asking you to lie. But when your side is not vulnerable, I strongly recommend defining a 1NT overcall as 14-17 HCP. This modest change will allow you to take action with many hands that otherwise would have forced you to pass.

When you are the dealer and have a good hand, if you don't have a perfect bid, you can always open a minor. That luxury is not available when an opponent opens. That's all the more reason to make it easier for your side to compete by lowering the traditional requirements for 1NT overcalls.