DEFENCE TO 2-SUITED OVERCALLS (Michaels, Ghestem, CRO, etc.)

When the opposition have shown a 5-5 distributional hand over partner’s opening bid, they have given you a better opportunity to define your hand. I would suggest the following approach:

1. One Suit Pinpointed (e.g. some Michaels bids)

-          double – values 9+ looking for penalty

-          immediate support for partner – weak 5–8 points

-          bid of pinpointed suit – 9+ and support (good raise) for partner’s suit

-          bid of either unspecified suit – 5-8 non-forcing – 5 card suit

-          2NT and 3NT – as without interference (if available)

2. Two Suits Pinpointed (e.g. Ghestem, CRO)

-          double – values 9+ looking for penalty of one of opponent’s suits

-          immediate support for partner – weak 5-8 points - pre-emptive

-          bid of lower ranking specified suit – 4 cards in the un-specified – (~9+ points)

-          bid of higher ranking specified suit – good raise (~9 – 11 points) in partner's suit

-          bid of unbid suit – non-forcing – 5 card suit

-          2NT and 3NT - as without interference (if available)

-          jump bid in either specified suit - stop ask bid

-         (From the above it is apparent that if theopposition are playing Michaels, there is less opportunity to accurately describe the hand in third seat).

AFH