Bridge with Larry Cohen

In this series of 7 Quizzes (this is the sixth) our partner opens on the one level and the opponents overcall or Double.

In this quiz, the opponents overcall with a natural bid on the two level. So, we've opened on the one level and they've overcalled with a natural bid of 2, 2, 2 or 2.

With 0-5, responder will pass. Even with many 6, 7 or 8 point hands (without support or the ability to make a negative double), responder could pass.

Double is negative. This means at least 6 or 7 points and typically the other 2 suits. The focus is on the other major (if there is one). Even if our opening bid was 1NT, the double should be played as negative.

After we've opened 1 of a suit and they overcall naturally on the 2-level:

2NT=Invitational -- 10-12 balanced with their suit stopped (no Jacoby 2NT when they overcall!)
3NT=13-15 balanced with their suit stopped

Responder can raise (as if there were no overcall) to the 2-level. This would show the same thing as if RHO passed. So, 1 (2) 2 is still 6-10 in support and 3+ trumps.

A cue-bid shows a limit raise or better. Example: 1 (2) 3= Limit or better raise of diamonds

A three-level raise is preemptive (since you can cuebid with a limit or better raise).

A bid of a new suit is natural (5+ cards) and forcing one round.

LEARNING CENTER

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5