Bidding Guide 2Z35 Main

Overcalls and Doubles

by Richard Pavlicek

When an opponent opens with one of a suit

Direct Overcalls and Doubles

Opp.
1

You
?

With a 5+ card unbid suit

10-12 points	bid at 1 level only	N
13-18 points	bid cheapest level	N
19+ points	double (then bid suit)

With a balanced hand and a stopper

16-18 HCP	bid 1 NT	N
19+ HCP	double (then bid NT)

With 3+ cards in each unbid suit

13-15 points	double (then pass)
16-18 points	double (then raise)
19+ points	double (then jump raise)

Avoid a 2 level overcall in a poor suit, especially when vulnerable. You may be doubled for penalty.

Responses to a One-Level Suit Overcall

Opp.
1

Partner
1

Opp.
Pass

You
?

With a 5+ card unbid suit (no major fit)

8-11 points	bid cheapest level	N
12-14 points	jump in suit	I
15-18 points	bid game in suit	N

With 3+ card trump support

8-11 points	raise to 2	N
12-14 points	raise to 3	I
15-18 points	raise to game	N

With a stopper in enemy suit

8-11 HCP	bid 1 NT	N
12-14 HCP	bid 2 NT	I
15-18 HCP	bid 3 NT	N

Bidding Guide 2Z35 Main Top Overcalls and Doubles

Responses to a Two-Level Suit Overcall

Opp.
1

Partner
2

Opp.
Pass

You
?

With a 5+ card unbid suit (no major fit)

8-11 points	bid cheapest level	N
12+ points	jump in suit	F

With 3+ card trump support

8-11 points	raise to 3	N
12-13 points	raise to 4	I
14-16 points	raise to game	N

With a stopper in enemy suit

8-11 HCP	bid 2 NT	N
12-16 HCP	bid 3 NT	N

Suit must be 6+ cards if jump is at the 3 level, or 7+ cards (or a strong 6) at the 4 level or higher.

If unsure of the best contract you should cue-bid the enemy suit (forcing) to allow room to explore.

In the case of hearts this is game (nonforcing).

Responses to a One-Notrump Overcall

Opp.
1

Partner
1 NT

Opp.
Pass

You
?

An easy one!

Ignore the enemy bid and respond exactly as you would to a 1 NT opening bid.

Responses to a Takeout Double

Opp.
1

Partner
Dbl

Opp.
Pass

You
?

With a 4+ card unbid suit

0-9 points	bid cheapest level	N
10-12 points	jump in suit	I
13-16 points	bid game in suit	N

With a stopper in enemy suit

6-9 HCP	bid 1 NT	N
10-12 HCP	bid 2 NT	I
13-16 HCP	bid 3 NT	N

Rarely you may bid a 3 card suit. Do not pass the double except with 5+ strong cards in enemy suit.

Bidding Guide 2Z35 Main Top Overcalls and Doubles