Pre-emptive overcalls are intended to shut out the opposition.
They start at the three level.
3NT overcall
A 3NT overcall is natural and shows the same as a 2NT opener; but in addition a stopper in opponent’s suit. In reply, with stoppers in the other suits, South will pass. Without stoppers South will bid 4♣ as a negative. If the overcaller’s suit happens to be ♣s he will pass, if not he will bid 4♦.
| North | East | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1♠ | 3NT | Pass | No bid |
| Pass | Pass | Pass |
East overcalls 3NT to show 20-22 points and a balanced hand. With a weak hand West no bids. While he probably lacks stoppers in any suit he will be fairly balanced. With a wild distribution, however, he would have signalled East to avoid no trumps. In the event East is happy with his NT contract. See also: The 2NT opening bid
3-suit overcall
The three-suit overcall means the same as when used in the opening position: no more than 9 points and at least a seven-carder. It is made over an opening bid of one of a suit.
| Response to partner’s three-level overcall of opener’s bid | ||
|---|---|---|
| Points | Bid | Note |
| 15 or less | Pass | Or you may bid a very long suit |
| 16+ | Raise | |
4-suit overcall
It is a strong-pre-emptive showing at least 11 points. With a seven-carder the overcaller needs 14 points. This is rarely bid over a 1 suit opener. But here are some examples where it might be warranted:
| North | East | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1♥ | 4♣ | The 4♣ overcall is the same as a 3♣ opener |
| 1♣ | 4♦ | The 4♦ overcall over the ♣ (a minor suit) is the same as a 4♦ opener (that is, natural) |
| 1♥ | 4♦ | But a 4♦ bid over a major is showing a hand of only 7 points and a very long suit; this is because it is only a jump of two, making it the same as a 3♦ opener |
| 1NT | 4♠ | Over 1NT, any 4-suit overcall shows the same opening as 3 of a suit |
5-suit overcall
Again this is similar to the 5-suit opening bid used to show interest in the minor suits. Typically, you want the same points as a 4-suit overcall but more heavily represented with at least a nine-carder. Needless to say it is a rare bid. For further details see the section in Chapter Eighteen. The 5 suit opener
Definitions
Jump bid. A jump bid is a bid of one more than necessary, usually of a no trump call. For example: 1♥ – 2NT.
Overcall. An overcall is a bid by defender over an opening bid.
Sacrifice. A sacrifice bid is a deliberate attempt to deny opponents from bidding a contract. It is made in the belief that penalty points lost will be less than points won below the line for the opponents.
Cardinal rule
Rule No 18 – Never make an overcall in a suit that can lose more than two tricks. For example, a five-carder headed by an ace-queen and three small cards is not going to cut the mustard. Whereas a suit with a good run, Queen, Jack, 10 and an 8 would be a workable combo.
By Nigel Benetton – based on the UK Acol Bridge Bidding System
Last updated: Wednesday, 16th June 2021