LOTT after Overcalls by Larry Cohen

The Law of Total Tricks should be used when your partner overcalls. For this reason, I am not a fan of 4-card overcalls. I assume a 1-level overcall is a 5-card suit. A 2-level overcall (especially in a minor) is often a 6-card suit. As the "advancer" (that is the term for the partner of the overcaller), your first priority is to look for a game. If game is not in the picture, you should compete to the appropriate law level (2-level with 8 trumps, 3-level with 9 trumps, 4-level with 10 trumps) -- but be careful not to lie. A single raise promises about 6-10 in support. A jump raise should be used as preemptive.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ 5 4 2
♥ Q 5 4
♦ Q 5 4 3
♣ J 3 2

Q: 1 - As South, what would you bid?

South	West	North	East
-	1♦	1♠	Pass
??

A: Pass - Yes, your side has 8 trumps, but you have garbage. A raise to 2♠ would show about 6-10 (and if 6, a decent 6). Do not lie by raising. Your hand is not strong enough for 1NT, so just pass. Even if the opponents reopen the bidding, I'm unlikely to compete to 2♠ on the next round (flat hand, poor trump, honors in the side suits).

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ J 7 6 5
♥ 2
♦ Q 7 6 5 4
♣ 6 5 4

Q: 2 - As South, what would you bid?

South	West	North	East
-	1♥	1♠	Double
??

A: 3♠ - Nine trumps--3 level. And do so at once. This is defined as preemptive/weak. You are not lying. This would be my call even if vulnerable! I just love the singleton heart. Had East passed, I still recommend treating this jump raise as preemptive (you can cue-bid with a limit raise or better).

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ 5 4
♥ 5 4 3
♦ A 5 4 3 2
♣ Q 3 2

Q: 3 - As South, what would you bid?

South	West	North	East
-	1♠	2♣	Double
??

A: 3♣ - Support with support. You are worth it-even vulnerable. This is a wonderful 6-count with a trump honor, an ace and a potential ruffing value. Take away the entire 2-level from the opponents--and you are not lying at all. Furthermore, a 2♣ overcall is usually a 6-card suit and your side is safe to compete to the 3 level with 9 trumps.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ K 8 7 6
♥ 5 4 2
♦ 6
♣ Q 10 7 6 5

Q: 4 - As South, what would you bid?

South	West	North	East
-	1♦	2♠	Double
??

A: 4♠ - Follow the LAW. 10 trumps-4 level. Especially at this vulnerability, go for it! This is an "advanced" sacrifice--much more effective than waiting until they bid game (exchanging information) and sacrificing later. I would make this call even if vulnerable, but am much more comfortable at these prevailing colors.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ 8 7
♥ 6 5 4
♦ K 5 4 2
♣ K 10 6 5

Q: 5 - As South, what is your call?

South	West	North	East
-	1♠	2♣	2♥
??

A: 4♣ - This is about right. Opposite 6 likely clubs, preempt to the 10-trick level. Partner will expect a hand such as this. You are not strong enough to show a limit raise. Meanwhile, passing (or bidding only 3♣) does not challenge your opponents. Bidding 5♣ is a bit much--often will be -500 which is too much at this vulnerability.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
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