Responding To An Overcall by Matthias Huberschwiller

A: 4♥ - This is the law of total tricks. With a 10-card fit, you can support at the 4-level (support to the level where the number of tricks is your number of trumps, 10-card fit, 10-trick contract, 4-level).

This law does not mean you are going to win the contract. But it says that if you go down, there is a great chance that your opponents have a making contract in another suit.

Your result so far:

A: 2♥ - With a fit and a weak hand, you need to show your support immediately. Don't mention your Spades.

2♥ shows 8 to 10 supporting points. (Where you add your HCP and 1 point for a doubleton, 2 points for a singleton, and 3 points for a void)

Your result so far:

A: 3♥ - A jump to 3♥ does not show a stronger hand than 2♥, but an additional trump, according to the law of total tricks.

Don't worry, your partner will know you are weak, and will only continue with a really good hand.

Your result so far:

A: 2♦ - You cannot show direct support with a good hand. You can't bid a new suit either, since that would deny a fit.

You partner can have only 8 points, so you must no go too high. The right solution is a cue-bid. Bidding your opponent's suit shows a Heart fit and a hand worth at least 11 support points.

If your partner is minimum, he will go back to 2♥ and you will stop there. If he's stronger, he'll make another bid and you will know to bid game.

Your result so far:

A: 2♦ - You will bid game come what may with this hand, but there might be a slam. Start with a cue-bid to show a fit and a good hand, and see where it leads.

Your result so far: