Doug's Handout with example hands below

Overcalls

A bid by you, or your partner, after the opponents have opened is known as an OVERCALL. There are several reasons for making an overcall: -

• To compete for the contract – we may have a part score or game.
• To take up their bidding space – to get in their way, 1♣  followed by an overcall of 1♠  prevents the response of both 1♦  and 1♥ .
• To suggest a suit for partner to lead – if we become defenders.
• To sacrifice deliberately – going two off in 4♠  non-vulnerable, will score better than letting the opponents have their vulnerable game.

Due to the disruptive nature of overcalls, you may make them with fewer points than you need to open the bidding. However, you should hold a respectable five-card suit – partner will lead your suit if you become the defenders.

If your opponents open the bidding then you can intervene,  if your hand has the correct strength and shape,  by making one of the following OVERCALLS: -

1.    One-level overcall (1♣  : 1♥,      1♦  : 1♠ ).  

- You need a good quality five-card suit with 8-15 points.

- Suit Quaility test of 7+.

2.    Two-level overcall (1♥  : 2♦,  1♠ : 2♥ ). 

- You were unable to show the suit at the one level but you can call at the two-level with a good quality five-card suit with 10-15 points. 

- Suit Quaility test of 8+.

3.    Jump overcall (1♣  : 2♥,   1♦  : 2♠ ). Partnership agreement on which option below is indicated

- Playing Strong 2's This shows a strong hand of 16+ points with seven playing tricks. It usually shows a six-card suit headed by two good honours. 

- Playing Weak 2's Weak Jump Overcall (WJO) This shows a weak hand six-card suit that would have opened a weak 2.

4.    1NT overcall (1♣  : 1NT,   1♥  : 1NT).

- This shows 16-18 Points with at least three cards and one stop in the bid suit (KQx, AJx, Axxx or Kxxx would be fine)

5.    Take-out double.

- This shows shortage in the opponent’s suit, even distribution in the remaining suits with opening or more points.

6.    Cue bid (1♣  : 2♣,  1♠  : 2♠ ).

-  Bidding the opponents suit shows a STRONG hand of 20+ points or

-  Various conventional bids such as CRO and Michaels use this but you must have agreed with partner to use the convention!

The hands below come from Doug's Notes. You are South, the dealer East, opens 1♦.  What would you call with the following hands?  Do not opt to play the hands or view all four hands, these are purely for bidding practice.  If you do not see the cards press the "detail" button.  Press "Show Answer" button under each hand when you have made your decision. This page is a work in progress!