Overcalls : Bridge Online

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Each player has a different role during the auction and it's important to know the terminology. The opener is the person who bids first. The responder is the opener's partner. If you bid after the opposition have bid, you are the 'overcaller'.

If our opponents bid first, then there is much less chance that our side will get to game, so there are different reasons for bidding. By overcalling, you can indicate a lead, push your opponents higher or steal the hand. You want to make life difficult for your opponents don't you? Overcall whenever you can.

Overcalls
• 5-card suit at least
• 2 of the top 4 honors
• Points don't matter.

	♠ A2
	♥ KQJ92
	♦ 953
	♣ 632

	East	South	West	North
	1♣	1♥

Points don't matter when you overcall. A good 5-card suit is all that matters. A good rule of thumb is two honors in your suit.

	♠ A2
	♥ KQJ92
	♦ 753
	♣ 982

	East	South	West	North
	1♦	1♥

At the very least you can indicate a good lead to your partner. This is because you promise a good suit.

	♠ 98653
	♥ A2
	♦ A3
	♣ Q632

	East	South	West	North
	1♦	P

This time your suit isn't very good, so it would be better to pass. You will mislead your partner if you bid with such a poor suit.

Responses to Overcalls

If your partner overcalls, you shouldn't get too excited about bidding. Remember, an overcall shows a good suit, not a good hand.

Unless you have a fit with the overcaller, it's normally best to pass. The chances of making game are slim unless you have a fit.

Don't go bidding a suit just because you don't have a fit. Partner might not have a fit with you either and you could get too high.

	♠ Q753
	♥ J82
	♦ KJ3
	♣ Q632

	West	North	East	South
	1♦	1♥	P	2♥

However, if you have a fit then it's important to show it. 3-card support is enough because partner is guaranteeing a 5-card suit.

	♠ A2
	♥ K952
	♦ K73
	♣ 9632

	West	North	East	South
	1♦	1♥	P	3♥

With 4-card support, you can be sure of a 9-card fit. That makes up for your lack of points. Bid 3♥. When everyone is bidding, the number of trumps is more important than points. The more trumps you have, the higher you can bid.

Overcalls
• 5-card suit
• 2 of the top 4 honors
• Points don't matter.

Responses to Overcalls
• Raise partner with a fit.
• Pass without a fit

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