Astro is the overcall of a 1NT opener to show interest in two suits with a 5-4 distribution. Point count is 11-12. In this example, West opens with 1NT, and North bids the 2♣ Astro Convention. This 2♣ overcall means North has nine cards with ♥s as the anchor suit and a minor as the other suit:

North bids Astro
West	North	East	South
1NT	2♣	2NT	?

Conventionally North is asking partner for his ♥s. But in this case the 2NT intervention by East relieves South of the need to respond. In fact South will not bid with 6 points or less, even if holding three cards in ♥s. But with a 4-card ♥ suit in support he might bid 3♥s. Note that 2NT is showing a stop in ♣s. The Astro overcall is fully described in Chapter Thirteen.

Overcall of a suit opener – summary

Overcall of a suit opener
Opening bid	Overcall	Points	Notes
Opening one of any suit	Unbalanced hand
	1♠	8-15	Simple overcall at the one level; with a 5-carder and 2 honours
	2♦	11-15	Simple overcall at the two level; with a 5-carder and 2 honours
	2♠/3♦	16+	A jump overcall, with a good five-carder
	2♠/3♦	12+	Jump overcall, with a good six-carder
	Double	13-19	A takeout double asks partner to suggest one of the unbid suits
	Balanced hand
	1NT	15-17	Double stop in opener’s suit
	Minor	18-19	A waiting bid, planning to show NT next time round
	Unbalanced hand – use these jump bid conventions (see Chapter Thirteen):
	2NT	8-15	Unusual No Trump. Looks for minors
	2NT	8-15	Michael’s Cue Bid. Looks for majors

Overcall of a No Trump opener

Overcall of a No Trump opener
Opening bid	Overcall	Points	Notes
1NT	2♥/2♠/2♦/2♣	15-17	With a five-card suit
	2♦ /2♣	11-12	Astro
	2♣	12-14	The 2♣ Acol weak double overcall
	3♥/3♠	16-18	Jump overcall
	Double	16+	A takeout double
	2NT	15-18	Acol 2NT convention. Game force with a powerful two 6-carders

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To continue reading go to: Pre-emptive overcalls

By Nigel Benetton – based on the UK Acol Bridge Bidding System
Last updated: Friday, 9th April 2021