Notrump OvercallsDIRECT NT OVERCALLS
1NT ____to ______ HCP
Jump to 2NT: __ to ___ HCP
Unusual for Minors: [ ]
2 Lower Unbid [ ]
Other ________________
When you overcall a suit opening with 1NT, what do you promise?
Generally, an overcall of 1NT is a strong 1NT opener with stoppers in the bid suit. Some play it as only a regular opener with 12 to 14 HCP.
The Unusual Notrump, meaning a direct jump to 2NT over a one level suit or Notrump opening, always shows a distributional hand. It most often shows two five card suits with modest points, perhaps 10 or so. If it always shows both minors, check the appropriate box. If appropriate check the other box, meaning it shows the two lower unbid suits. If neither of these, explain in writing.
For example, [1§ - 2NT] could mean both minor suits or it could mean both red suits. Neither 1NT nor 2NT overcalls are alertable.
Our Card for Direct NT Overcalls
1NT over 1© means a Notrump opener with 1 1/2 Heart stoppers.DIRECT NT OVERCALLS
1NT __15 _ to __18____ HCP
Jump to 2NT: __8__ to _14____ HCP
Unusual for Minors: [ ]
2 Lower Unbid [ X]
Other___SYSTEM ON ____________
2NT over 1NT or over one of a major shows both minor suits and 8 to 14 points concentrated in the two implied suits.
2NT over a minor suit opener shows the two lower unbid suits: Red suits over 1§ and the two majors over 1
¨. However, Michael's is better at showing the two majors over 1¨ , so we use it instead, bidding 2¨ instead of 2NT.2NT over 1NT shows both minors.
These are very commonly used conventions in duplicate bridge.
(c) Robert D. McConnell, 1998 All Rights Reserved