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Overcalling in no trumps


Suppose you have fifteen points, and you place the opening bidder with about seven points (mid-range).

This leaves eighteen points out of which partner will hold nine or more roughly the half the time - that is a combined twenty four - more than enough to compete with 2NT or at the three-level.  Fifteen is therefore the guideline minimum for an overcall in no trumps based on a balanced hand - you might of course choose to overcall on a little less than this with considerable playing strength in a long suit or suits.


It is important to give partner reasonably accurate range information in case he has thoughts of higher things.


A typical allocation, is:-


2NT 15-18 points, with two stops in principle:-

I would suggest that you allow the possibility of five cards in the other major in this bid and then adopt some version of five-card Stayman in the continuations;

3NT 21+ points and two stops in principle;

with a 19/20 point no trump hand, start with a double.

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J 9 8 6 5

A Q 4

A T

A K 5

RHO opens 2♥. (5-9 points and a six-card suit)

Eighteen points and two stops in a balanced hand.

Bid 2NT.

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K 6

A K 4

A J T 5

A K 6 5

RHO opens 2♥. (5-9 points and a six-card suit)

Twenty two points and two stops in a balanced hand.

Bid 3NT.

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♥

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T 6

A K 4

A J T 5

A K 6 5

RHO opens 2♥. (5-9 points and a six-card suit)

Nineteen points and two stops in a balanced hand.

Double.

You will rebid 2NT over a 2♠ response.

Beginner and above

Advancer’s next bid


Just as an aside I find the 15 to 18 point range to be a little wide for my taste - I would like to give my partner more precise information - perhaps a three-point range at most.  By all means agree your own overcall ranges, but the ranges given above are in widespread use and are used by many excellent partnerships.

This page last revised 20th Sept 2017

Context - overcaller - opponents opened with a single-suited weak two - a basic selection.