Overcall F It Iped.) , Ii 2 3~Hpe

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Overcall F It Iped.) , Ii 2 3~Hpe -..•-..-.."- -...,~ ...~.--~,...--- Overcall F It iped.) , Ii 2 3~hpe_ In contract bridge, an overcall is a bid made after an opening bid has been made by an opponent; the term refers only to the :first such bid. A direct overcall is a bid made directly over the opening bid by right-hand opponent; an overcall in the 'last seat' (made over a bid by left-hand opponent and two subsequent passes) is referred to as a balancing overcall. , ...~_ ••' '-'~'_.~_-..'._. -"" .'~".- _'-·_'· ...•..•..•.•_....._• I.,._·~·.I., ..'_·.•.~_..~.''''F.~.•._•..•. _ ., .•....~• "'._'._ .' ._., '. -' ..-.- ", ..-...- -,.- ...-.-..-~..•.......•..... -~..-'-.- ..•. Objectives The overcaller has one or more of the following objectives: • To secure the contract • To suggest a good lead from partner • To induce the opponents to a higher-level contract • To find an effective sacrifice • To hinder the opponents in their bidding Snit overcalls In most bidding systems, an overcall in an unbid suit is natural denoting length and strength in the suit \?id. The common requirements include: •• A good 5-card or any longer suit; the definition of 'a good 5-card suit' is subject to partnership agreement. • 8-16+ high-card points (HCP) for an overcall at the l-level. • 10-16+ HCP for an overcall at the 2-level. • A higher level overcall (e.g., after an opponents' preempt) requires at least opening-bid strength. ";'- _,c""i-;;,"" __ -.,..-~ --,- _ --'':,;';'~,.-'';':''~'.'''':~,,;.,.'-'~.'- The rule of thumb is that the weaker a band is in high card points, the better the bid suit should be (i.e., longer or with more honors). - Examples According to modem bridge theory, the following hands: +632 "ir AKJ96 (? 8752 +4 + A32 v AKJ96 <~ 752 + 104 +A3 'i)' AK986 ~ KQ5 +742 all warrant a 119overcall over an opposing 1+11"~opening. Stronger hands such as ~ A3 ~7AK986 ¢' KQ5 +Q42 are considered too strong for an overcall, and should be bid via a takeout double followed by the most economical rebid in hearts. ' Responses to overcalls The system of responses to overcalls typically adheres to: • pass: weak: hand (no fit guaranteed) • support bid: three trumps, 7-10 HCP • cue bid: A) three trumps, invite or better (1 1+ hcp), B) game forcing hand • jump support: four or more trumps, weak: • new suit: at least five card, round forcing • INT: 9-12 hcp, no fit, stopper(s) in opened suit .... --':.;,-.:..;..:.•.....,--_~~••.;··.·r·_--:_-.·""~.,..••._~ _-~ _.,.~_ __ ~ __ ~ ., •••••• .> ._._,~,..<''''' ..~:-o~"_;.. __ ,__ :" ,-",_.~-_ ._ "-''''_ .•.-:•._~.-~-o•.••..;::;·"._. _-_ ~'~.; <: ...?"=.'-"~'-:~.;;>""'<l-,,,,,,;::::;::!~-,!~'.C~i_:,~,,,:·"':':,,·r:-::t"-'.---,-- "!-~ ::, • .:~~\;. :~~--. '--:' •••. ,-, Jump overcalls, Jump overcalls are made by skipping one level of bidding, e.g, 14;? - (2~). Tn n 3 f H. h] 'k EiIiLLlf l fIt "w niB!¥;;; OJ ZiIU (g . LiT; . ) "'lil r I II OHp 5 01 1-1" .. "11 . J .]'0 T ] j 5 t£ is: melt 2c sift laeameilt l&t@use a weak jump overcall (WJO) to show the same hand shape and values as would an opening preempt at the same level [2J Preempt From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Preempt- (also spelled "Pre-empt") is a bid in contract bridge whose primary objectives are (1) to thwart , {opponel!1S ability to bid to their best contract, with some safety, and (2) to fully describe one's hand to ., <one's'partner in a single bid. A preemptive bid is usually made by jumping, i.e. skipping one or more _;~ bidding levels. Since it deprives the opponents of the bidding space, it is expected that they will either ~>-{find a wrong contract (too high or in a wrong denomination) of their own, or fail to find any. A ,.'><,. preemptive bid often has the aim of a sacrifice, where a partnership bids a contract knowing it cannot be made, but assumes that (even when doubled), the penalty will sti1Ibe smaller than the value of opponents' bid and made contract. Preemptive opening bids and preemptive overcalls A preemptive opening bid is an opening bid on level 2 or higher, typically made with a weak hand containing a long, strong suit. Preemptive opening bids on level 3 and higher are common for most bidding systems in the world. For example, the hand of ~ 4 ~'KQJ9854 ¢;J> J62 +95 is a typical 3;:1 opener. The bid is made on presumption that, without any additional tricks from the partner. at least 6 tricks can be taken with hearts as trump. and the potential penalty of 500 points in 3~7doubled is smaller than the value or opponents' likely game or slam (cca, 600 and 1400 points respectively (when they are vulnerable)). A preemptive overcall is a jump overcall (so 2~?is preemptive over 1•• but not over 1~J)that is otherwise identical to a preemptive opening bid. A preemptive opening bid usually shows at least six (6) high card points and a suit with six or more cards headed by honors (typically either K-Q or better or Q-J-lO or better) but less than a normal opening bid. Some textbooks recommend the "rule of2 and 3,,[1]: • At favorable vulnerability (non-vulnerable against vulnerable opponents), open the bidding on the level where the contract would be set 3 tricks (see losing trick count), without help from the partner • At equal vulnerability. bid on the level where the contract would be set 2 tricks.
Recommended publications
  • The Unusual Notrump
    BB What’s Standard? by David Lindop This series is based on Grant Vulnerability is a consideration with Standard, a set of conventions and a borderline hand. The opponents agreements that are in popular use The Unusual will be quicker to double when we today, such as 15-17 1NT openings, Notrump are vulnerable, especially if they are five-card majors, and weak two- not. The longer and stronger the bids. A summary chart of Grant suits, the less riskier it is to bid 2NT. Standard and the corresponding We can afford to give this ‘unusual’ WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH convention card can be found at ♠ meaning to 2NT because we rarely 1 ? www.AudreyGrant.com. The site hold a strong balanced hand of 20 Although there also has Grant Basic, a simpler set ♠ or more points when the opponents are only 8 high- 4 of agreements. ♥ — open the bidding. If we do get such card points, this ♦ Earlier articles in this series would be a good Q J 10 7 6 5 a hand, we can let partner know by ♣ K Q 10 9 8 3 appeared in the Bridge Bulletin and starting with a takeout double and hand to bid 2NT can also be found under ‘Articles’ at then bidding notrump—showing a even at unfavorable vulnerability. www.AudreyGrant.com. hand too strong to overcall 1NT. This hand would ♠ Suppose the auction starts: be a much riskier 4 hen the opponents open ♥ 8 3 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 2NT bid. We might the bidding, and we have a ♦ K Q 8 7 5 1♥ ? only take such an ♣ Wtwo-suited hand, we could action at favorable Q J 7 5 4 This would be an start by overcalling in the higher- ♠ 4 vulnerability, if at all.
    [Show full text]
  • March 2018 ACBL Bridge Bulletin Notes Jeff Kroll Sam Khayatt
    March 2018 ACBL Bridge Bulletin Notes Jeff Kroll Sam Khayatt Reisinger BAM Teams (p. 14 – 16) Page 15, column 1, fifth paragraph: When West doesn’t find the killing spade lead, 7C is made by setting up dummy’s diamonds. Declarer realized that both the CK and C7 are needed entries to the diamond suit. Don’t pull trump at tricks two and three. Pull them as you use the K and 7 as transportation to the diamonds. Page 15, column 2, sixth paragraph: the SQ is played by declarer to finesse against the SK. West chose to cover, the correct play. West is trying to set up his S9. When East plays the S7 then shows out, declarer unblocks the S8 to finesse against West’s S9. Gordon, page 32, topic 1: when you alert and are asked to explain, you must give an explanation of the alerted bid. If you end up declaring, you must give an explanation of any undisclosed agreement, and any misinformation given in the auction, before the opening lead. On defense, you must wait until after the deal to divulge any misinformation – you can’t clear it up for partner. The Bidding Box (p. 37 – 39) Problem 1 Both Easts appropriately pass after North opens 1S: East… Is not strong enough to double and bid, Cannot make a takeout double with only a doubleton heart double, and Cannot overcall that four- card diamond suit– especially at the two-level. East must pass and count on partner to keep the auction open in the balancing position.
    [Show full text]
  • About Overcalling
    All About Overcalling It is annoying when the opponents open the bidding in front of you, but that doesn’t mean to say that you are constrained to pass for ever. In fact there are quite of number of reasons why it would be right and proper for you to enter the bidding and these can be classified as follows: 1) Because you have a good hand! 2) Because you want to take up bidding space to make things more difficult for the opponents. 3) Because you want to indicate a lead to partner should the hand on your left end up as declarer. 4) Because you might want to pave the way for a possible sacrifice. Sometimes it is better to concede a penalty than let the opponents end up declaring. 1. You have a good hand Suppose you hold: S AQ765 H K2 D A87 C 75 and hear the hand on your right open 1H. As you would have opened the bidding if you had been declarer it seems only sensible that you should bid now and a bid of 1S seems a stand out. And so it is, but there is one requirement that is absolutely sacrosanct whatever the reason you have for overcalling and that is that you must hold at least a five card suit. We shall see in a moment that the suit must have some quality about it, but that is less important if you have a good hand. 2. You want to be difficult In the early days of bridge it was almost considered to be bad form to bid when you didn’t have much in the way of high cards, but that has all changed.
    [Show full text]
  • Bridge for Dummies‰
    01_924261 ffirs.qxp 8/17/06 2:49 PM Page i Bridge FOR DUMmIES‰ 2ND EDITION by Eddie Kantar 01_924261 ffirs.qxp 8/17/06 2:49 PM Page iv 01_924261 ffirs.qxp 8/17/06 2:49 PM Page i Bridge FOR DUMmIES‰ 2ND EDITION by Eddie Kantar 01_924261 ffirs.qxp 8/17/06 2:49 PM Page ii Bridge For Dummies®, 2nd Edition Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc. 111 River St. Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774 www.wiley.com Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana Published simultaneously in Canada No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permis- sion of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400, fax 978-646-8600. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Legal Department, Wiley Publishing, Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46256, 317-572-3447, fax 317-572-4355, or online at http://www. wiley.com/go/permissions. Trademarks: Wiley, the Wiley Publishing logo, For Dummies, the Dummies Man logo, A Reference for the Rest of Us!, The Dummies Way, Dummies Daily, The Fun and Easy Way, Dummies.com and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission.
    [Show full text]
  • Summer NABC Scheduling a Summary of the Board's Action
    October, 2016 Washington Report for District 12 Unit Board Members From: Dennis Carman, District 12 Director The cooler weather that has arrived this fall has not quite blunted my memory of the weather at the Summer NABC in Washington, D.C. It was hot, hot, hot. The hotel, the Marriott Wardman Park, and the availability of a good variety of nearby, affordable restaurants made this a better than average national’s site. Susan and I did make trips to the National Mall, to the World War II Memorial (which did not exist during our last trip to Washington, D.C.), and to a Nationals vs. Dodgers baseball game. There were massive crowds on the Mall the Sunday we were there, there were traffic jams, and there was the heat. Everything done out of doors was very uncomfortable. Board of Director and Committee Actions in Washington, D.C. Expulsions Clearly, the expulsions of Lotan Fisher, Ron Schwartz, Fulio Fantoni, and Claudio Nunes from the ACBL by the Ethical Oversite Committee as the talk of the tournament. They were found guilty of violating three sections of the ACBL’s Code of Disciplinary Regulations, CDR, Sections 3.1, 3.2, and 3.20. They were convicted of violations of the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge (Law 73132), violation of ACBL regulations and cheating and similar ethical violations. Forfeiture of 100% of their masterpoints, titles, ranks, and membership privileges were part of this penalty. Pursuant to CDR 4.18c the partners and teammates of all four are subject to mandatory forfeiture of all masterpoints, titles, and status ranks earned during the four years preceding the findings of guilt.
    [Show full text]
  • What's Standard? the Simple Overcall
    BB What’s Standard? by David Lindop This series is based on Grant Good Suit or Good Hand? Standard, a set of conventions and At one time, the main criteria for agreements that are in popular use The Simple overcalling was a ‘good’ five-card or today, such a 15-17 1NT openings, Overcall longer suit. The longer and stronger five-card majors, and weak two- the suit, the less likely the opponents bids. A summary chart of Grant will double for penalty. The better Standard and the corresponding the suit, the more ‘lead directing’ convention card can be found at with the opponents’ auction may cause them to bid too much or value if the opponents win the auction. www.AudreyGrant.com. The site The modern style, however, is to also has Grant Basic, a simpler set too little or to reach the wrong contract. The more room we take overcall with either a good suit or a of agreements. good hand, or both. For example, Earlier articles in this series away the better. If the opening bid is 1♦, an overcall of 1♥ doesn’t suppose we are South and East appeared in the Bridge Bulletin and opens the bidding 1♦. can also be found under ‘Articles’at take away much room, but an ♣ WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH www.AudreyGrant.com. overcall of 2 takes away responder’s opportunity to bid 1♦ ? 1♥, 1♠, or 1NT. This hand has only hen the opponents have ♠ AQJ 9 5 4) We may help our side defend. If 7 high-card points ♥ 8 3 opened the bidding, we but a good suit.
    [Show full text]
  • INTERMEDIATES TIPS If You Aren't Sure What to Overcall Try Using A
    INTERMEDIATES TIPS If you aren't sure what to overcall try using a Take-Out Double-it covers many more permutations that you would not normally bring to mind. e.g. a) you have more than 18 points and you are balanced - so double first then bid No Trump. Partner should be able to deduce that you have in excess of 18 otherwise you would 1 have made an immediate 1NT overcall, Wouldn't you? b) you have a very powerful suit of your own and again around 18/19 points both too strong for a simple overcall or strong jump overcall so DOUBLE FIRST then bid your suit Be aware of the importance of 8's 9's and T's especially in finesse positions that you thought might not have existed. 2 eg a) when you have 543 opposite AJ92 if you need tricks from this suit lead the 3 and when next player plays low try inserting the 9 leaving your Ace Jack in tact for a further finesse, in other words you are now finessing against 3 cards the KQ and T Keep length with dummy if you are not sure what to keep when discarding keep the same long suit as you 3 can see in dummy. This can also be applied to the closed hand - keep same long suit that declarer might have bid during the auction. Standard Stayman is for finding 44 fits so if you have good hand with 5 card major either bid it weakly at 4 2 level, use a transfer or bid it strongly at 3 level, but don't pussyfoot around using Stayman when you have 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Unusual Notrump
    Unusual notrump From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia In the card game of bridge, the unusual notrump is a conventional bid showing two lower unbid suits. When the right-hand opponent opens 1♥ or 1♠, the immediate overcall of 2NT shows at least 5-5 in the minor suits (that is, at least five clubs plus at least five diamonds) and, presumably, a weakish hand (6 to 11 points). If the next player passes, the partner is expected to select the minor suit that he/she prefers and bid it at the 3-level. The unusual notrump extends the principle that when the natural meaning of a bid is not generally very useful, it is profitable to agree that it means something somewhat opposite. That is, while natural notrump bids show a strong hand with balanced distribution, the unusual notrump shows a weak hand with very unbalanced distribution. The unusual notrump is used only after the opponents open the bidding. In addition to succinctly describing the hand to the partner, it also deprives the opponents of a lot of bidding space (that is, it has a preemptive value). Many players extend the convention to have it show the "two lowest unbid" suits rather than strictly the minors. Thus, over 1♣, 2NT shows diamonds and hearts; and over 1♦, it shows clubs and hearts. If the 2 notrump bidder bids again freely, then it shows a strong two suiter. To distinguish the weak and strong holdings, many partnerships agree not to use the unusual notrump for intermediate hands (about 12 to 14 points); they would simply overcall with one of their suits and show the other later if the bidding offers a chance.
    [Show full text]
  • The Overcall Structure Revised And
    THE OVERCALL STRUCTURE REVISED AND UPDATED** BY: JOHN E. FOUT TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Simple Overcall at the One Level 2 One No Trump for Takeout 4 The Power Double 6 The Two Level Overcall 6 The Roman Jump Overcall 7 The Two Suited Cue Bid 8 The 2 No Trump Overcall 9 Intermediate Jump Overcall 10 Miscellany 11 Conclusion 12 Glossary 13 **Permission received from John Twineham. All rights reserved to John Fout. THE OVERCALL STRUCTURE Version 1.1 Why the Structure? When the opponents open the bidding, they have already garnered an advantage. Standard defensive bidding methods generally allow you to compete, but this requires holding a good hand. We never have good hands1; we want to compete anyway. The only problem presented to us is that our partner can never take a joke if we're bidding on a distributional hand. The Structure, thus, has been created so that partner will not hang you. The questions arise: why do we want to compete on these "bad" hands, and isn't that dangerous? We believe that competing at the one and the two level is superior to balancing at the three level which can be very dangerous as both opponents have already communicated their values. One note about our style before we go on: all of our bids are made according to relative vulnerability as it relates to sanity. We aren't insane; we just like to compete. This is what advancer (partner of overcaller) must keep in mind because 90% of the time it will be advancer's job to make the decision about how high to compete on the combined offensive values of the partnership.
    [Show full text]
  • Lebensohl in a Nutshell
    LEBENSOHL IN A NUTSHELL Mary Alice Seville High Desert Regional May 2014 Lebensohl is a complex convention used after an opponent overcalls your partner’s 1NT. This is a very simplified version to get you started. Remember this phrase slow shows: direct denies. When your partner’s 1NT opening is overcalled at the two-level, 1. Double is for penalty . 2. 2NT is a relay, demands that opener bid 3C 1NT 2H 2NT Pass 3C 3. You can still get to 3NT if you have 10+ points, a. 3NT directly after the overcall denies a stopper 1NT 2H 3NT b. 2NT then 3NT after partner bids 3C (slow) shows a stopper 1NT 2H 2NT pass 3C p 3NT 4. A cuebid of the opponents suit is stayman a. Directly after the overcall denies a stopper 1NT 2S 3S pass b. Using the 2NT relay, (slow) then cuebidding shows a stopper 1NT 2S 2NT pass 3C p 3S c. If the overcall suit was 2 clubs or double, Lebensohl is off. Double 2C for Stayman, otherwise bid as you would have without the interference. 5. With a 5+ card major suit and a game-forcing hand, bid your suit at the three level immediately. 1NT 2S 3H P 6. With a 6+ card minor suit and a game forcing hand, bid your suit at the three level immediately. 7. Bidding your suit at the 2 level is competitive. 1NT 2D 2H a. If you have no room to bid your suit at the 2 level, bid 2NT i. And pass if your suit is clubs ii.
    [Show full text]
  • Spingold 2019 - Final Second Stanza
    Spingold 2019 - Final Second stanza Board 16 ♠ 10 8 7 6 West Deals ♥ Q J 8 2 E-W Vul ♦ Q 5 3 ♣ J 8 ♠ 4 2 ♠ J 3 N ♥ K 5 ♥ 10 9 7 3 W E ♦ 10 8 6 ♦ A K 9 7 S ♣ A K Q 10 9 5 ♣ 7 3 2 ♠ A K Q 9 5 ♥ A 6 4 ♦ J 4 2 ♣ 6 4 West North East South Kalita Zimmermann Pepsi Multon 1 ♣ Pass 1 ♥ 1 ♠ 2 ♣ 3 ♠ All pass 3 ♠ by South Lead: ♣ A West North East South Martens BasDrijver Helness Brink 1 ♣ Pass 1 ♥ 1 ♠ 2 ♣ 2 ♠ 3 ♣ 3 ♠ All pass 3 ♠ by South Lead: ♣ A The first stanza did not lack interest, but the second started with a dull hand. Both NS pairs took the obvious enough push to 3♠ over the opponents' lay-down 3♣, and went one down in top tricks. But the spectators didn't have to wait long to see blood spill. Board 17 ♠ Q 8 North Deals ♥ K 10 7 4 None Vul ♦ A 8 2 ♣ A 10 6 3 ♠ 9 7 6 4 3 ♠ K 5 2 N ♥ A J 9 5 3 ♥ Q 6 W E ♦ 7 ♦ Q 6 3 S ♣ Q 5 ♣ K 9 7 4 2 ♠ A J 10 ♥ 8 2 ♦ K J 10 9 5 4 ♣ J 8 West North East South Kalita Zimmermann Pepsi Multon 1 ♣ Pass 1 ♠!1 2 ♣!2 Pass 2 ♠ 3 ♦ All pass 1. no major 2. majors 3 ♦ by South Lead: ♠ 7 West North East South Martens BasDrijver Helness Brink 1 NT Pass 2 ♣ Pass 2 ♥ Pass 3 NT All pass 3 NT by North Lead: ♣ 2 As we have already seen, playing a 12-14 NT, the Dutch had a pretty easy route to the lay-down 3NT, cold even if you misguess the ♦Q as Drijver did, while Multon and Zimmermann missed it.
    [Show full text]
  • Commentary for the World Wide Bridge Contest Organized by The
    Commentary for the World Wide Bridge Contest Organized by the WBF in cooperation with CCBA & OurGame Set 8 – Saturday 3rd June 2017 Thank you for joining us for the World Wide Bridge Contest, we do hope you enjoyed the hands. There will be other heats held – a total of 8 in all – giving you the chance to play again and maybe win that great prize of a trip to China for the final ! Full details can be found by clicking here or on the WBF Website at www.worldbridge.org Board 2. N/S Vul. Dealer East. Board 1. Love All. Dealer North. [ A K 5 [ Q 5 2 ] K J 4 ] 5 3 2 { 7 6 2 { A 3 } A 7 5 3 } A 10 9 8 5 [ Q J 9 [ 10 8 7 [ A J 7 6 3 [ K 10 9 8 ] A ] 8 7 6 3 2 ] A K 8 6 ] 9 7 { K 9 8 { Q J 5 4 { 10 9 6 { 8 5 4 } K Q 9 8 4 2 } 10 } 2 } K Q 7 6 [ 6 4 3 2 [ 4 ] Q 10 9 5 ] Q J 10 4 { A 10 3 { K Q J 7 2 } J 6 } J 4 3 If West opens 1} North can overcall 1NT If South decides to open 1{ West overcalls 1[ which might end the auction unless South looks and North bids 2} when one possibility for for a major suit fit via 2}. West will double East is to jump to 3[ - a law abiding bid if ever that and South will then bid 2].
    [Show full text]