Overcalls by Paul Bowyer

A: Pass. This hand is nowhere near a two-level overcall.

It is fine to overcall a minor with a major - depending on the level of support opposite you'd have had genuine chances of pushing the opponents about and outbidding them.

However, how can you expect to push the opponents about when you have Clubs? You can't, is the simple answer - you'll be brushed aside by any of the other three suits.

On the plus side, a 2♣ overcall indicates a good lead and takes up bidding space.

On the minus side, you have a repulsive 5·3·3·2 shape. If you end up declarer you will make next to no tricks on this hand. (And you may be Doubled if the hand is a misfit).

There is one other key point - you have three low Diamonds. If 2♣ steals the deal (unlikely!), then West will have an effective lead against your contract. It is unwise to overcall with × × × in the opponents' suit - especially at the two-level.

Your result so far:

A: 2♣. It is rarely right to overcall at the two-level on a five-card suit. This, though, is one of the "hardly evers".

Your Clubs are solid (reducing the chance that West is lying there about to pounce with a penalty Double). Obviously you'd welcome a Club lead from partner against any contract declared by West.

You are 5·4·3·1 and not the hideous 5·3·3·2, a pattern that should come with a government health warning attached.

2♣ may seriously annoy West. It's all Wall Street to a bent dime that West was about to respond 1♠ (somebody has them!) Now he can't do that, and he may lack the strength to bid 2♠.

Your result so far:

A: 1♠. Yes, you should overcall on this hand. 9 points only? True, but your suit is good and - crucially - you have Spades.

These are the two factors that should sway you. One is that you are indicating a good lead should West end up declaring. Secondly, you may be able to use the top suit (Spades) to push the opponents around in the auction.

For all you know this hand belongs to your side. If you don't bid now you never will.

Your result so far:

A: Pass. It might be right to bid, but it could be very wrong.

Here you are in the "sandwich position", sitting under the opening bidder. If he has a strong hand he will be quick to Double you and you will discover that a collection of scattered high cards will not produce many tricks.

With a poor suit (do you really want to attract a Spade lead?) it is not worth getting involved at this point. If West rebids 2♣ and this gets Passed around then you might rethink, but for now it's wise to lay low and say nuffin'

Overcalls should be made on good suits.

Your result so far:

A: Pass. Had you held Spades and East responded 1♥ you'd have been justified in bidding 1♠ (just!)

However, a two-level overcall on a five-card suit when sitting between two bidding opponents (between a rock and a hard place) is not to be contemplated.

Sure, you'd like to compete the auction but the risks are high. If partner has nothing (quite likely, given the auction) 2♥ might get Doubled for zillions.

Is bidding worth that risk? We don't think so.

Your result so far: