PODQ – Lesson 3

Overcalls, Pt 1 - Answers

Exercise 1 – The Simple Overcall

1) Non-Vul: 1♠. East has a good five-card suit and enough strength to make a one-level overcall.

Vul: 1♠. Although East might not open the bidding, it is worth a one-level overcall even vulnerable.

2) Non-Vul: Pass. For a two-level overcall you want to have a six-card suit or a VERY good five-card suit. This suit does not qualify.

Vul: Pass. If it is not good enough non-vul, then it is not good enough vul!

3) Non-Vul: 1♥. This is the minimum for a one-level overcall.

Vul: Pass. The stakes are too high when you are vulnerable. You want at least 10 points to overcall at the one-level vulnerable.

4) Non-Vul: 1♥. This four-card suit feels like a five-card suit (four of the top five honors). This is a lead-direct overcall.

Vul: 1♥. With a good suit, the risk of being doubled decreases. The ♦K is also well placed.

5) Non-Vul: Double. This hand is too strong to make a simple overcall. East must start with a double and rebid hearts.

This action will show 17+ points and at least five hearts.

Vul: Double and originate. Vulnerability is not a factor when showing a 17+ point hand.

6) Non-Vul: 2♣. East starts with his longest suit, planning on rebidding spades at his next opportunity.

Vul: 2♣. Vulnerability is not a factor when showing extreme distribution.

Exercise 2– More Overcalls

a) 1♠

b) 2♦

c) 1♠

d) Pass

e) 2♦

f) Pass

g) 1NT

h) 2♠

i) 3♣

Exercise 3 – Fourth Seat Overcalls

a) 2♥

b) 2♥

c) 3♣

Exercise 4 – Jump Overcalls

1) 2♠. The weak jump overcall is similar to an opening weak two-bid.

2) 1♠. This hand is too strong for a weak jump overcall.

3) 3♠. This is similar to an opening 3♠ bid.

Exercise 5 – Handling an Opponent’s Overcall

1) 2♠.

2) 3♥. A jump to 3♠ would be preemptive. A Cuebid shows support for West’s spades and 11 or more points.

3) 3♠. This shows 4 trumps and 6-10 points.

4) 3♥. East will continue to game even if partner rebids only 3♠.

5) 4♠. This shows 5+ trumps and 6-10 points.

6) Double. This is a negative double. We will visit negative doubles in Lesson 8.