Overcalling a Suit
Reasons for making an Overcall
- You have a good hand or a good suit so you wish to compete for a partscore or even look for game if partner has the right hand.
- You want to harass opponents, either by using up their bidding space or by pushing them too high.
- You want to suggest a lead.
Notes
- Overcalls at the one-level show at least a good five card suit, but can be weaker than an opening bid.
- An overcall is not necessarily a poor hand. It can be strong where the intention is to bid again.
- Because overcalls tend to show good suits, partner will strain to lead your suit given the opportunity, therefore you may consider overcalling just to direct the lead.
- Overcalls at the two level show opening bid values and at least a good five card suit. A minor suit overcall should be six card.
- Overcalling after both opponents have bid is much more dangerous.
Competitive Bidding
When the bidding is competitive you want to raise partner's suit as high as possible using the extent of fit. (i.e. a 3-card fit then 2-level, 4-card go 3-level & 5-card go 4-level; take into account the ruffing potential of your hand and the possible effect on opponents)
If you have sufficient strength to go with your fit then first use the unassuming cue-bid (i.e. opponents' suit) to show support. When opponents raise to an inconvenient level, you may have to double to avoid going too high.