Beginners Lessons Overcalls (Lessons by Allan & Claire Whiteford)

When opponents open the bidding and we bid over them, we are making an overcall. Overcalls are different from opening bids.

Why do we overcall?

• We might make game
• We might make a part score
• We might have a good sacrifice
• We might take up opponents bidding space
• We might help partner find the best lead

When we overcall we don't always expect to make our contract. For this reason, we don't need as strong a hand as for an opening bid. However since we may have fewer points, we need to have a good suit.

To Overcall at the 1 Level

8-15 pts at least a 5-card suit, 2 honours in the suit if minimum points.

To Overcall at the 2 Level

10-15 pts at least a 5-card suit, 2 honours in the suit if minimum points.

Responses

• 0-5 pts: Pass
• 6-9 pts: Raise to the 2-level with 3+ card support (you know your partner has at least 5 cards), otherwise Pass - don't bid your own suit or 1NT
• 10-15 pts: Jump Raise in your partners suit with at least 3 cards. Without support bid your own good suit (non-forcing)
• 16+ pts: Raise to Game, jump in own suit or bid 3NT



• 10-12 pts: 1NT with good stopper in opponents suit (2NT over 2-level overcall)
• 13-15 pts: 2NT with good stopper in opponents suit (3NT over 2-level overcall)

1NT Overcalls

An overcall of 1NT shows 15-18 pts and a good stop in the suit opened. Responses are the same as over 1NT, but partner should take into account the different point range (2NT = 7-8 pts, 3NT 9+pts). Stayman and weak take outs still apply.