Defense to Opening Preempts or Overcalls

Preempts Work Well. At any level of bridge up through world class play, preemptive bids are very effective. They burn up lots of bidding space; they allow partner to make brilliant sacrifices; they require opponents to bid at very high levels, etc.

The simple fact is, they work. You should preempt when holding long suits and weakness.

Don't Be Scared. The defense to them is psychological as well as tactical: don't be preempted away from your bid if it' your hand.

If you have a game, be sure to double the opponents if they sacrifice, especially at the five level. You must not let them get away with going down 3 tricks for -150 when you can make a 620 game or a 500 point penalty. If opponents find you are scared off by preempts and won't double them, they'll preempt you to death.

Trust Opponents' Weakness. Trust reliable opponents to have what they say when they preempt - weakness plus length in the bid suit. Therefore, your partner and you have the other suits and more than average strength. Bid what you see in your hand if you have a suit -- double without a suit but with strength, especially in unbid majors; communicate with your partner.

N        E         S        W    

3ª    DBL       P        4©

West Hand

ª xx
© KJxx
¨ AQJ
§ Qxx

Partner has an opener plus Hearts, so bid your Heart game. Double them if they go on to 4 Spades.

---

N        E    S     W

3§    3©   . . .

East Hand

ª xxx
©AKJ87
¨Kxx
§ xx

A simple overcall that shows Hearts but denies an opening hand with 4 Spades. Partner South can now do whatever's right.