"Scotch Tape" -- Overcalls by Marti Ronemus

Life is filled with tiny treats we just couldn't do without. For example, think about Scotch Tape. And we have the 3M company to thank because back in 1930, they brought this little product to market. We grab it so frequently we don't even think about it, just taking it for granted.

Well, not today. Take a few seconds and remember where you keep that extra roll. You'll need it soon.

AND!! Another thing you'll need very soon is an overcall! (Were you wondering how I was going to tie this in to bridge?)

When the opponents open the bidding, we have three choices: We can Pass (ugh), Double or Overcall. An overcall requires that we have a Darn Good five-card suit (do NOT violate that rule without a VERY good reason!), and 7 to 17 points. The lower your point count, the better your suit has to be.

Let's see what we can do.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ K 4
♥ K Q J 3 2
♦ 10 5 4 3
♣ 3 2

Q: 1 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♣
?

A: 1♥: We've got a Darn Good Suit. While we don't have an opening hand, we would welcome a Heart lead from Pard. We are only at the one-level, so we are just fine.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ K 4
♥ Q J 4 3 2
♦ J 5 4 3
♣ Q 2

Q: 2 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♣
?

A: Pass: We have the same number of points as last hand, and the same number of Hearts. BUT! This hand has no stickiness. Our suit isn't that great, our honors are scattered, the ♣Q may be useless. This is nothing but trouble.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ A K 8
♥ J 9 7 6 4 3
♦ 2
♣ A J 4

Q: 3 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♣
?

A: 1♥: We like to have a Darn Good Suit when we overcall, BUT! We have an opening hand and a six-carder. We would open this hand, so we should be willing to overcall it. If the opponents get the contract, Pard may be a little disappointed in our suit, but if he doesn't advance our overcall, he is probably very short in Hearts and may get a ruff.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

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

Q: 4 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♥
?

A: 1 No-trump: When we overcall 1 No-trump, we are promises a solid No-trump opener of our own, PLUS sound stoppers in the opponents suit. We've got that. We want the contract to stick to us.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

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

Q: 5 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♥
?

A: Pass: We've got the points, but we don't have stoppers in Their suit. We can't double because that would promise at least three Spades (most of the time four). Here's something to tape to your memory: A PASS in the overcall seat doesn't say, "I don't have anything." It says, "I don't have a bid." This is a difference with an enormous distinction. Pard will pay attention to the bidding and infer that we've got a passel of points... but didn't have a bid.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

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

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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

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