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1NT overcalls by Paul Bowyer

This series is about when to overcall 1NT (and when not to). There are two different situations that arise at the table, one is where you are in the direct seat (when the opening bid has been on your right) and the other is when you are in the balancing seat (when the opening bid has been on your left and there have been two Passes to you. This quiz focuses on direct action - when the bidding has been opened on your right.

It is customary to play a direct overcall of 1NT as a strong bid - say 15-17 points - the same as an opening bid. This is a dangerous position in which to bid - if you catch partner with nothing you may get Doubled and get socked for a large penalty. Experienced players tread cautiously here and therefore require a decent hand to enter dangerous waters. This is why a direct overcall is strong (and also must contain a decent holding in the opponent's suit).

Question 1

South
♠ J 7 4
♥ A 10 8 6
♦ K Q J 9
♣ A Q

Q: 1 -

South	West	North	East
			1♥
?

The dealer on your right opens 1♥. What do you do?

A: 1NT. Clear-cut and straightforward. With 17 points you have to say something and the most descriptive call is 1NT. You have the requisite balanced hand, a double Heart stop and the right point count. This is a textbook example.

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Question 2

South
♠ J 7 4
♥ A 10 8 6
♦ K Q J 9
♣ Q 5

Q: 2 -

South	West	North	East
			1♥
?

The dealer on your right opens 1♥. What do you do?

A: Pass. You have nothing that you can sensibly bid. When the opponents open your longest suit then you should be very wary of bidding as the hand is probably a misfit. Besides, what can you bid? Double would suggest short Hearts and length in the other three suits. It asks (demands) that partner bids his best suit. Partner is unlikely to be amused if his best suit is a tatty four-card Club suit and this is the dummy... A 2♦ overcall on a four-card suit is simply not to be contemplated.

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Question 3

South
♠ A Q
♥ K 6
♦ K J 8 7 6
♣ K 6 5 3

Q: 3 -

South	West	North	East
			1♠
?

. The dealer on your right opens 1♠. What should you bid?

A: 1NT. Although a 5.4.2.2 hand isn't ideal for bidding No-trumps it's hard to think of a better bid. You have the right strength for a 1NT overcall and you have a double Spade stop. 2♦ as an overcall is unlikely to get you very far - what do you expect partner to bid over that?

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Question 4

South
♠ A 6
♥ K 6 5 2
♦ K J 8 7
♣ K Q 5

Q: 4 -

South	West	North	East
			1♠
?

. The dealer on your right opens 1♠. What should you bid?

A: Double. Although you have the right shape for 1NT (4.4.3.2) your flimsy Spade stop argues against it. As you have support for the other three suits you should make partner bid and show his best suit. Make a take-out Double and see what your partner has to say.

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Question 5

South
♠ K J 9 8 7
♥ Q
♦ A Q 3 2
♣ A 10 7

Q: 5 -

South	West	North	East
			1♠
?

The dealer on your right opens 1♠. What should you bid?

A: Pass. Quickly, smoothly and as if you are going to your own funeral. The opponents want to play this hand in Spades - why do you wish to stop them doing so? You have the strength to bid 1NT but that's a bizarre call with a 5.4.3.1 pattern. 2♦ is equally weird and Double is frankly deranged. (If you Double guess which suit partner will bid? Go on, it's not hard!)

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Question 6

South
♠ 5 4 3 2
♥ A K
♦ A Q 4
♣ Q J 3 2

Q: 6 -

South	West	North	East
			1♠
?

The dealer on your right opens 1♠. What should you bid?

A: Pass. A quite revolting problem to have at the table. Double, holding only two Hearts, is out of the question and 1NT without the semblance of a Spade stop is suicidal. Passing might get you a lousy result but it's hard to see how bidding would get you a better one. Remember - the auction isn't over yet.

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Question 7

South
♠ K 9 7 5
♥ A J 9 6 4
♦ K Q
♣ Q 5

Q: 7 -

South	West	North	East
			1♥
?

The dealer on your right opens 1♠. What should you bid?

A: Pass. This is an easy decision. 1♠ on a four-card suit is not recommended for children (or adults nor anyone else). You have the right strength (just about) for 1NT but why would you want to bid it? When the opponents bid your best suit let them play the hand - they won't enjoy the experience and you will.

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Question 8

South
♠ Q 10 8 7 5
♥ 8 3
♦ J 9 7 2
♣ 7 3

Q: 8 -

South	West	North	East
	1♥	1NT	Pass
?

In the last three questions you are the responder when partner overcalls 1NT. What do you respond?

A: 2♠. This is exactly the same situation that would arise had partner opened 1NT. You would make a weakness take-out then so you make a weakness take-out now. Partner is expected (commanded, even) to Pass this bid as it is a sign-off.

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Question 9

South
♠ 7 6 3
♥ 5
♦ 8 5 2
♣ A K Q 7 6 5

Q: 9 -

South	West	North	East
	1♥	1NT	Pass
?

In the last three questions you are the responder when partner overcalls 1NT. What do you respond?

A: 3NT. You have six tricks here (well, are likely to have six tricks here assuming that the Clubs behave) and it's not asking the earth that partner, with his strong hand, should provide three more. You should not be worried about your Heart weakness - partner has announced that he is well at home there.

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Question 10

South
♠ Q 10 8 7
♥ 8
♦ Q 9 7 2
♣ A Q 6 5

Q: 10 -

South	West	North	East
	1♥	1NT	Pass
?

In the last three questions you are the responder when partner overcalls 1NT. What do you respond?

A: 2♣. This is the famous Stayman convention, which applies just as much over a 1NT overcall as it does over a 1NT opening bid. The rationale here is that you will raise to 3NT on the next round if partner denies a four-card Spade holding. If partner bids 2♠ you will, of course, raise to 4♠. Note that partner won't bother to bid 2♥ with four of those - why show four cards in the opponents' suit? He will either bid 2♦ or 2♠ depending on his hand.

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What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
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1NT overcalls by Paul Bowyer

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Overall Results

"Vubridge is, hands down, the best way to learn the game of bridge." Jane M...

"This is a most helpful site. I like it because it focuses on one area and through that it helps with making you focus on the bidding." Merle M......

"Hopefully, I am learning way more than I thought I knew!! Only my first day with the quizzes, I am looking forward to more." Leslie A...

I am very pleased with the quality of your initial quizzes and bridge hands. It seems like a great way to learn bridge." Martin C...

It really helps in having the feedback after we submit an answer. Where else can we get one-on-one tutoring in the comfort of our own home. Ramona G.

I love by Vu Bridge Blue. A great investment and refresher for someone who hasn�t played in decades. Count me in whatever follows my current subscription. Mary H.

The Vu-Bridge system guides players through every step of the bidding process - and nudges you in the right direction when you're about to make a wrong move. It's easy, quick, practical - and user-friendly, which is a massive positive for any bridge playing or learning software. Great Bridge Links

1NT overcalls by Paul Bowyer

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Question 7

Question 8

Question 9

Question 10

Overall Results

I am very pleased with the quality of your initial quizzes and bridge hands.
It seems like a great way to learn bridge." Martin C...