| Overcall * |
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Which South hand fits the bidding best?
Solution An overcall should be based upon playing tricks by way of a long good suit, points are of less importance. Long ago the minimum number of playing tricks the overcaller was expected to have, followed from the Rule of Two and Three (vulnerable two down — at most — was allowed, non vulnerable three; though adjustments for the opponents' vulnerability were used as well). Nowadays players don't take the Rule very seriously anymore, but still an overcall is based upon playing tricks, not points. So a good long suit is absolutely necessary.South 1's club suit is long enough but whether the quality is good enough to overcall is debatable. This club suit will only deliver 3-4 tricks, the hand in total about five playing tricks. The suit lacks top honour strength and, on top of that, body, in the shape of ♣J, ♣10 and ♣9. Because of the bad quality of the suit partner's — almost automatic — lead of it, might turn out embarrassing: imagine he leads the ace from ♣Ax (West has ♣KJx) or the jack from ♣Jx. Especially if he would have found a better lead without South 2's overcall. Still, most players will overcall on this hand, but a sizable minority will pass. Let's just say that South 1's hand does not fit the bidding best. South 2's club suit is opposite to South 1's: enough top strength but not enough length. The hand will score about five tricks, three of them from the club suit. On balanced hands like this one, counting points works better. South 2 does better by overcalling 1NT, therefore. South 3 is the ideal hand to overcall 2♣. A very good six card suit, with three face cards. At least six playing tricks, five of which are from the club suit. |
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