"We're Not Going Quietly!" -- Overcalls by Marti Ronemus

Since it's the day after a big holiday, we're going to take it easy on you. You're probably exhausted, and there are still dishes to do. So...
The opponents have opened the bidding, and we are NOT going to go quietly--if we have a choice. And what are our options?
--Pass. This is choice #3 for members of the Clint Eastwood School of Bidding.
--Double. A Take Out Double promises shortness in the opponent's suit, four cards in any unbid major (usually), and an opening-ish hand.
--Overcall. Naming our own suit. We need a Darn Good five plus card suit and 7-17 pts. (10 plus at the 2-level). The lower your point count, the better the suit should be. One reason we overcall is to give Pard a possible lead, which is one of the (many) reasons we want a quality suit.

There are other options, and we'll add them to your arsenal gradually. But today, we deal with Overcalls. Ready?

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ 5 4
♥ Q J 8 4 3
♦ A J 4
♣ 8 4 3

Q: 1 - East opens. As South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♠
?

A: Pass: We'd like to tell Pard about our Hearts, but we don't have the money to buy the two-level. Also, the quality of the suit isn't really top-notch. No-trump is not an option because of lack of point count and lack of Spade stoppers. You may get a chance later in the auction.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ 5 4
♥ A Q J 8 4
♦ A J 4
♣ 8 4 3

Q: 2 - East opens. As South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♠
?

A: 2♥: This is more like it! We've got a DARN GOOD SUIT to overcall with, and we've got 12 HCPs (high card points). Pard knows we're guaranteeing a five-plus card suit, so Pard can respond with just three.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ A Q 8 4 3
♥ Q 10 9
♦ 4
♣ 8 5 4 2

Q: 3 - East opens. South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♥
?

A: 1♠: Perfect. We've got a Darn Good Suit, 8 HCP (which is fine at the 1-level) and some nice shape. If we don't win the auction, Pard will certainly know what to lead.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ Q 8 7 4 3
♥ Q 10 9
♦ 4
♣ A 5 4 2

Q: 4 - East opens. South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♥
?

A: Pass: This is essentially the same hand we just saw, with one huge difference. Our suit is not a Darn Good Suit. We wouldn't be particularly eager for Pard to lead it, and it's just plain miserable playing quality. Pass and live to fight another day.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ 8
♥ K Q 10 9 8
♦ K Q J 10
♣ 9 4 2

Q: 5 - East opens. South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♦
?

A: 1♥: We've got a great suit, plenty of points, and would be proud if Pard led the suit (especially if he's got the ♥A). We don't have the points for a No-trump overcall, which promises the same as a 1 No-trump opener plus stoppers in Their suit.

Have you made a good decision? What will happen next? Ready to play it and find out?

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

Play on ANY Device

Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
More informations on our website: www.VuBridge.com

Rate yourself:

0 - 40%	We applaud your effort. Review the subject and try again. You'll be surprised how much better you'll do. We're here for you!!
41 - 50%	Buy your mentor a cuppa and ask for clarification on the ones you got wrong. No mentor? Make finding one a priority!
51 - 60%	Nice improvement! One more review and you'll have this down solid!
61 - 80%	What a good job! All that's left is some fine tuning
Over 80%	Wow! It's time for you to become a mentor. Find someone who needs help and share your knowledge!