Response to overcall bids with answers
This concentrates mainly on responses to overcalls and doubles. You will need to know what Easts bid means to work out what you should bid with these hands as West. Say why you are making the bid you choose and what you are expecting from partner if anything. When North bids 1NT South announces it as 12 - 14
Bidding Sequence
Hands
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Spades
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Hearts
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Diamonds
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Clubs
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a
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A, 10,8,7,2
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8
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2
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K, J, 5, 4, 3, 2
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b
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A, 6,
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J, 6, 3
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K, ,8, 6
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10,8,6,4, 2
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c
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A, 6
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K, Q, 8, 6, 3
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10,8, 7 5,4, 3
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d
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6
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Q, 6, 5
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J, 10, 9, 8, 5, 2
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10, 5, 2
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Answers
1, Bidding Sequence1
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North
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East
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South
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West
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1NT
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2S
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P
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?
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a Bid 4 spades. Your partner has shown at least 10 HCP and 5 spades. You have 10 HCP plus 2x3 for your singletons which you can count as you have agreed the suit. Do not bid 3S as the chances are partner will pass.
b Pass you do not have a fit in spades but have nothing to offer as your hand is completely flat.
c You could pass but partner may have 6 spades. Jump overcalls over NT are strong so partner would not have jumped to 3S if they had 6 spades and a weak hand. It is worth a bid of 3S with such a shapely hand. If partner is better than minimum they will bid 4S, if not they will pass.
d Pass. Do not be tempted to bid 3D you will almost certainly make matters worse. With South passing North should not double so you will not score that badly. Should North double, South should take this as a take out double and you will be let off the hook.
2 Bidding sequence 2
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North
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East
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South
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West
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1NT
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X
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P
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?
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a – If the opposition are vulnerable or you are both vulnerable or non-vulnerable you definitely pass. You do not have a NT shaped hand but partner is showing 15-17 HCP and you have 8. Your two long suits will play well and you can expect a hefty score. If the opponents are non-vulnerable but you are vulnerable you will probably score more by making game so make a 3S forcing bid.
b – Pass – you have the balance of points and a balanced hand so sit back and take the penalty score.
c – Pass – you are total unbalanced but you do not want to try for game in a minor. Your long minors will be good in defence to 1NT so again sit back and take the penalty.
d – Bid 2D. You know even if partner has 17HCP you do not have the majority of points. Your partner must have at least 2 diamonds to make their double. Partner will recognise you are making a weak take out and will pass.
3 Bidding sequence 3
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North
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East
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South
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West
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1NT
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3S
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P
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?
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a – Bid 4S. Your partner is showing a strong hand. A slam may be possible but when you know North has at least 12 HCP it is unlikely. If you use Gerber for Aces it is worth asking for Aces as you could still stop in NT if you do not get the positive reply you were hoping for.
b Pass – even with partner having a strong hand your hand is so flat it is not worth a 4S bid.
c Bid 4S – certainly worth a risk with a void.
d Pass – anything you do will simply make matters worse.
4 Bidding Sequence 4
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North
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East
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South
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West
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1NT
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P
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P
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?
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a – You hand is so shapely it is worth a 2C bid even though you do not have 10HCP. Remember partner could have up to 14 HCP with a balanced hand and no bid they can make.
b - Pass – you have a flat hand and nothing to say.
c - As with a) above you do not have the requisite 10 HCP for an overcall nor the 2 honors partner would expect but your very shapely hand makes it worth the bid.
d – Pass – you are very weak and have nothing to say. Your only hope in defending NT is partner has at least 2 of the top diamonds.
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