Astro

Astro is an overcall bid of 2♣ or 2 over a 1NT opener. It can also be used in the protective position. Point spread is typically 11-12 plus distribution.

It shows 5-4 in two suits, one of which is called the anchor major:

  • 2♣ promises nine cards between s (the anchor major) and a minor suit
  • 2 promises nine cards between ♠s (the anchor major) and another suit

The s and ♠s in each case are the anchor majors and the hand will be unsuitable for a call of “double” i.e. because it will be below 16 points.

In response partner will raise the respective major if he holds 4-card support, or 3-card support headed by an honour, and about 6 points. As a negative response he should generally bid the cheapest suit (that is the “neutral suit”). Overcaller would pass if his second suit happened to be the neutral suit:

East overcalls Astro
♠ A 10 8 5 2
K Q 9 8
Q 5 2
♣ 9

NorthEastSouthWest
1NT2Pass2
PassPassPass

North opens 1NT to show 12-14 points and a balanced hand. East’s 2 is Astro, promising nine cards between ♠s and another suit (s or ♣s). West plumps for s at the two level, indicating no Game ambitions. East’s pass reveals that s was his other suit. West will play the contract hoping to make eight tricks with s as trumps.

East overcalls Astro
♠ A 10 8 5 2
K Q 9 8
Q 5 2
♣ 9

NorthEastSouthWest
1NT2Pass3♠
PassPassPass

With support for the anchor major (♠s) this time and the hand is strong enough for a Game try, that is, 13+ points. West jumps in the anchor suit. East passes to stop below Game, however, having figured insufficient combined points for Game.

East overcalls Astro
♠ 10 5 2
K Q 9 8 4
A Q 5 2
♣ 9

NorthEastSouthWest
1NT2♣
Pass2NT
PassPassPass

In this third example, East’s Astro shows s are his anchor major and his other suit of interest is a minor. West’s reply is a negative bid, showing a balanced hand. He has no more than three s. They may even be the doubleton. He might have four spades but certainly no fit for a suit contract.

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To continue reading go to: Takeout double
By Nigel Benetton – based on the UK Acol Bridge Bidding System

Last updated: Thursday, 17th June 2021