Passed? Perfect!
THE 1NT OVERCALL AFTER PASSING
Michelle Brunner
If you passed the opportunity to open the bidding, your hand is obviously very limited in strength and distributional features. It is sensible, therefore, to use this to your advantage. This series will consider some bids which you can make 'constructively' after passing, which otherwise would have a different meaning.
Let's start with a 1NT overcall. This would normally show a strong balanced hand with a stop in the opponent's suit, but after an initial pass it can be used to show the two lowest unbid suits with at least a 5-4 distribution - also guaranteeing a reasonable expectation of suit quality and maximum points for an initial pass.
This method - a variation of the 'Unusual' 2NT convention - has four distinct advantages:
-
You can disclose both of your suits in one bid.
-
It is mildly pre-emptive.
-
It prevents the opponents' use of a 1NT bid!
-
You can compete at a low level on minimal values.
In each of the following examples you are South:
|
South |
West | North | East |
| NB | NB | NB | 1♥/♠ |
| 1NT |
After three passes and an opening bid of 1
♥ or 1♠ on your right, you can overcall with 1NT to compete in the minors. Hands A and B below would be suitable:| Hand A | Hand B |
| ♠ 8 7 6 | ♠ 5 2 |
| ♥ 2 | ♥ 9 8 |
| ♦ A Q 9 8 7 | ♦ A K 8 6 |
| ♣ K J 9 8 | ♣ K 9 7 6 5 |
Similarly:
|
South |
West | North | East |
| NB | NB | NB | 1♣ |
| 1NT |
After three passes and an opening bid of 1
♣ on your right, you can overcall with 1NT to show diamonds and hearts. You could be holding either Hand C or Hand D below:| Hand C | Hand D |
| ♠ 6 | ♠ 8 7 6 |
| ♥ A J 9 8 7 | ♥ K Q 8 7 |
| ♦ A 9 7 6 5 | ♦ K Q 9 8 7 |
| ♣ 4 3 | ♣ 2 |
|
South |
West | North | East |
| NB | NB | NB | 1♦ |
| 1NT |
Similarly, holding a hand such as Hand E, you can overcall with 1NT to show clubs and hearts after an opening bid of 1
.
However, as exciting as it may be to play with your new toy, you must exercise judgment. Not all hands are suitable. Consider Hand F below:
| Hand F | Hand G |
| ♠ A 2 | ♠ 2 |
| ♥ J 4 3 2 | ♥ 3 2 |
| ♦ K J | ♦ Q J 10 9 8 |
| ♣ J 5 4 3 2 | ♣ K Q J 7 6 |
Would anyone dare overcall after a 1
♦ opening bid on this? I hope not. It is totally unsuitable! It has too much defensive strength and not enough playing power.NOTE: A 2NT over-call after passing would also be 'unusual', but decidedly more shapely with less defence, e.g. something like Hand G above.