Should You Overcall? by Matthias Huberschwiller

A: 1♥ - Yes, you have only 9 points, but with a good 5-card suit, you can overcall even without the values for an opening bid.

Your result so far:

A: Pass - What would be enough for a 1-level overcall is not enough at the 2-level.

To overcall a minor at the 2-level, you need a 6-card suit (it can be 5 cards when they are really solid, like A K J 10 8) and at least 10 points.

Your result so far:

A: Pass - You might have the strongest hand at the table, but no overcall suits your hand. You don't have enough points to overcall 1NT, and you can't double with only two Hearts and long Spades.

Passing over an opponent's opening does not mean "I don't have points", it means "I don't have anything to say".

Your result so far:

A: Double - You have opening strength, shortness in Hearts, and at least 3-card support for every other suit. You can make a take-out double.

Your result so far:

A: Double - A 1-level overcall shows 8-17 HCP. With more, you need to double first, and show your Spades on the next round of bidding.

This is called the strong hand double. Your partner will answer as if it were a normal take-out double, then you will show your strength.

Your result so far: