Suit overcalls show 7–16+ points nonvulnerable and 9-16+ points vulnerable (double and bid the long suit with a stronger hand). In general an overcall shows 5+ cards but it may show a strong 4 (AKJx) at the one level.
Jump overcalls are preemptive, showing the same value as an opening bid at the same level:
(1♦):
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2♠: a hand that would open a weak two-bid in spades.
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3♣: a hand that would open 3♣.
A balancing bid means much the same as a direct seat bid, but it may be made with about a king less.
When the opponents have bid two suits, there are four ways to enter the auction:
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double: 4-4 in the unbid suits
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2NT: 5-5 in the unbid suits
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lower cue bid: 5-4 in the unbid suits, with the lower suit being stronger
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higher cue bid: 5-4 in the unbid suits, with the higher suit being stronger
The one exception to overcalls is over 1♣ where an overcall of 1♦ does little to obstruct the opponents. (1♣):
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1♦: a less-than-sound overcall (insufficient strength, trump length, or trump strength), weak 2 (Vul only), or a maximum overcall (will bid again if possible)
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2♣: mixed raise or better (generally allows competing to the 3-level but overcaller will raise to game with a maximum)
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2♦: sound overcall (would make the same bid over 1♠)
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3♣: Western Cue Bid (generally shows a LR or better; bid 3NT with a stopper)
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3♦: standard preemptive bid OR weak 2 strength (NV only)
Versus an opening preempt, an overcall is natural.
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Two-level: any opening hand with a five-card suit
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Three-level: extras: 15+ total points
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Four-level: significant extras: 17+ total points
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Jump overcall over a Weak-Two: significant extras, but non-forcing (with a Strong-Two hand, double first then jump to game.)
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Jump overcall to game is to play and is semi-preemptive
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In the balancing seat, an overcall can be a king lighter
Raises are natural and generally preemptive. A new suit is non-forcing but constructive.
A cuebid of opener’s suit by an unpassed hand shows any good hand and is forcing for one round. Advancer will return to Overcaller’s suit to show a limit raise or better. A cuebid of opener’s suit by a passed hand shows good support (limit raise or better).
Examples: (1♦) — 1♠ — (Pass) — 2♦:
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(Pass) — 2♠: minimum overcall.
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(Pass) — other: natural, game-forcing.